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Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant treatment for malignant otitis externa
John S Phillips1, Stephen E M Jones
1Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Norwich, UK. 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 Methods:
We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 4 April 2013.
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 we could present no results.
Authors' Conclusions:
No clear evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy when compared to treatment with antibiotics and/or surgery. We found no data to compare rates of complication between the different treatment modalities. Further research is required.
Insights
Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows no clear effectiveness for malignant otitis externa. More research is needed to compare HBOT with antibiotics and surgery for this serious infection.
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.
- This uncommon condition primarily affects the elderly and individuals with diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an adjunctive treatment for malignant otitis externa.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases including Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science.
- The search included randomized controlled trials involving adults with malignant otitis externa receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- The search was last updated on April 4, 2013.
Main Results:
- No randomized controlled trials were identified that investigated hyperbaric oxygen therapy for malignant otitis externa.
- Due to the absence of relevant studies, no results could be presented regarding treatment efficacy or complication rates.
Conclusions:
- There is currently no clear evidence to support the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to standard treatments like antibiotics and surgery.
- Data comparing complication rates between different treatment modalities is lacking.
- Further research is required to determine the role of HBOT in managing malignant otitis externa.
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