Clinical Spectrum and Treatment Response of Malignant Otitis Externa Patients: A Rural Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is an invasive external ear infection that has a tendency to spread through the temporal bone and can further progress to involve intracranial structures. Though the prevalence of MOE is rare, high morbidity and mortality are often associated. Complications of advanced MOE include cranial nerve involvement, most commonly facial nerve, and intracranial infections such as abscesses and meningitis. Materials and methods: In this retrospective case series of nine patients diagnosed with MOE, demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory data, and radiological findings were reviewed. All patients were followed up for a minimum period of three months after discharge. Outcomes were measured in terms of reduction in obnoxious ear pain (Visual Analogue Scale), ear discharge, tinnitus, need for re-hospitalization, recurrence of disease, and overall survival. Results: In our case series of nine patients (seven males and two females), six underwent surgery, and three patients were managed with a medical line of treatment. All patients had a significant reduction in otorrhea, otalgia, random venous blood sugars, and improvement of facial palsy implicating good response to treatment. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis of MOE warrants clinical expertise and aids in preventing complications. A prolonged course of intravenous anti-microbial agents is the mainstay of treatment, but timely surgical interventions in treatment-resistant cases can prevent complications.

Role of surgery along with antimicrobials in refractory skull base osteomyelitis—A prospective observational study

“…Timely surgery may prevent complications in refractory cases. 22 Refractory SBO is included as one of the indications for surgery in a recent update. 23 Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been advocated for refractory cases though not supported by definite evidence.…”

Otorrinolaringología General Vol. 6

“…En los casos de otitis externa necrosante, una forma grave que afecta a los pacientes de edad avanzada, una vía multidisciplinaria estandarizada con un ciclo de antibióticos de 6 semanas, como la ceftazidima intravenosa y el ciprofloxacino oral, ha mostrado resultados favorables, lo que enfatiza la importancia de un enfoque de tratamiento estructurado [24]. Además, se están explorando nuevas opciones terapéuticas, como las preparaciones liposomales a base de ozono, para combatir la resistencia a los antibióticos y restaurar el microbioma auditivo correcto en pacientes con otitis externa.…”