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Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant treatment for malignant otitis externa
1Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, NR4 7UY. john.phillips@mac.com
Background:
Malignant, or necrotising, otitis externa is a potentially fatal infection of the external ear canal and surrounding soft tissue and bone. It may be complicated by involvement of cranial nerves, principally the facial nerves and the contents of the jugular foramen. It is an uncommon condition mainly found in the elderly or in diabetics.
Objectives:
To assess the effectiveness of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen treatment for malignant otitis externa.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2003), MEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2004) and EMBASE (January 1985 to April 2004) with pre-specified terms. The date of the last search was 5th April 2004.
Selection Criteria:
Randomised controlled trials, involving adults, undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy in malignant otitis externa.
Data Collection And Analysis:
No identified articles described randomised controlled trials of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of malignant otitis externa.
Main Results:
Due to the lack of data no results could be presented.
Authors' Conclusions:
No clear evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy when compared to treatment with antibiotics and/or surgery. No data were found to compare rates of complication between the different treatment modalities. Further research is required.
Insights
This review found no evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating malignant otitis externa. Further research is needed to compare this treatment with standard therapies like antibiotics and surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Malignant otitis externa is a severe, potentially fatal infection affecting the ear canal, soft tissue, and bone.
- Complications can include cranial nerve involvement, particularly the facial nerve and jugular foramen contents.
- This condition is rare, primarily affecting the elderly and individuals with diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct treatment for malignant otitis externa.
Main Methods:
- Searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases up to April 2004.
- Included randomized controlled trials involving adults receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for malignant otitis externa.
Main Results:
- No randomized controlled trials were identified that investigated hyperbaric oxygen therapy for malignant otitis externa.
- Due to the lack of data, no results could be presented.
Conclusions:
- There is no clear evidence supporting the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to antibiotics and/or surgery for malignant otitis externa.
- Data comparing complication rates between treatment modalities were unavailable.
- Further research is necessary to establish the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
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