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Adverse drug reactions due to prolonged antibiotic therapy for malignant external otitis

Renata Shichmanter1, Edward B Miller, Zvi Landau

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine “D”, Kaplan Medical Center, P.O.B. 1, Rehovot 76001, Israel.

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Malignant external otitis (MEO) treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics frequently causes adverse drug reactions (ADR). Ciprofloxacin showed no ADR, suggesting it may be a safer alternative for MEO patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a severe infection necessitating extended antibiotic treatment.
  • Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are common with long-term antibiotic use, potentially hindering MEO treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and categorize the frequency and types of ADR in MEO patients.
  • To inform strategies for improving MEO treatment outcomes by understanding ADR patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 21 MEO patients treated over a decade.
  • Analysis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data to assess ADR occurrence.

Main Results:

  • Overall ADR rate was 26.8% (6 out of 21 patients).
  • No ADRs were observed in 15 patients treated with ciprofloxacin.
  • Six of nine patients on beta-lactam antibiotics experienced ADRs, including urticaria, elevated transaminases, and neutropenia.

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged MEO treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics is associated with a higher incidence of ADR.
  • Careful monitoring is crucial for MEO patients receiving beta-lactam therapy.
  • Ciprofloxacin appears to be a potentially safer alternative with fewer ADRs in MEO treatment.

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