Treatment of invasive external otitis with cefsulodin

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Invasive infections of the external ear, such as malignant external otitis, pose significant treatment challenges, particularly in elderly diabetic patients.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in severe external ear infections, often leading to extensive disease and complications like cranial nerve palsies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and clinical response of cefsulodin sodium in treating patients with invasive infections of the external ear.
• To assess the correlation between treatment duration, disease extent, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of thirteen patients with invasive external ear infections received cefsulodin sodium treatment.
• In vitro susceptibility testing determined the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of cefsulodin against isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.
• Clinical response, disease recurrence, and complications were monitored throughout the treatment period, ranging from one to twelve weeks.

Main Results:

• Nine out of thirteen patients showed a positive clinical response to cefsulodin sodium therapy.
• A longer duration of therapy and less extensive disease were associated with a higher likelihood of a positive clinical response.
• Three patients experienced recurrent disease after initial improvement, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Complications were generally minor.

Conclusions:

• Cefsulodin sodium demonstrates effectiveness as a treatment option for selected patients suffering from invasive external otitis, especially when administered for a sufficient duration.
• The study highlights the importance of considering disease extent and treatment length in managing these challenging infections.