Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant treatment for malignant otitis externa

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.