Is there a real benefit of hyperbaric oxygenotherapy in the treatment of necrotizing otitis externa?

Necrotizing otitis externa remains a severe and sometimes life-threatening disease in diabetic patient. Many therapeutic approaches have been described but what about the real benefit of hyperbaric oxygenotherapy in the management of this disease?

The authors reported a retrospective study about 42 patients treated for necrotizing external otitis over a period of 9 years (2006 to 2014). The patients were treated either by only antibiotherapy (23 cases) or with both antibiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygenotherapy (19 cases). The evolution under treatment was appreciated in the two groups through clinical, biological and radiological parameters.

The study included 42 diabetic patients with a mean age of 67 years (50 to 84 years). The sex-ratio M/F was 0.82. The diagnosis of necrotizing otitis externa was assessed through clinical and bacteriologic criteria in diabetic patients. A temporal bone CT-scan and a technetium scintigraphy were performed in order to precise the topography of the disease and the level of bone lysis. Antibiotherapy was prescribed intravenously and then orally for a mean period of 8 weeks (5 to 15 weeks). Hyperbaric oxygenotherapy was given for 19 patients (average: 20 sessions). The recovery was affirmed on clinical, biological and radiological features. Otalgia disappeared at the 11th day of treatment without HOT and at the 5th day with HOT. Otorrhea disappeared at the 6th day of treatment by HOT and at the 13th day without HOT. The recovery or the regression of facial palsy occurred in 75% of the cases when HOT was given. The total recovery from the disease was diagnosed in 36 patients (86%). The rate of recovery was 100% in the group treated by HOT and 74% in the group treated by only antibiotics. The recurrence of the disease was noted in 6 patients that haven't benefited from HOT. The end of the oral therapy was guided by the results of the Gallium bone scintigraphy.

Hyperbaric oxygenotherapy must be associated in the treatment of necrotizing otitis externa. The results of our study suggest a real benefit of this therapy regarding clinical, biological and radiological parameters of this severe affection.