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Malignant external otitis in children

H Z Joachims

    Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
    |April 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Malignant external otitis, a severe ear infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, primarily affects elderly diabetics but can occur in children. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement is crucial for survival.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Otolaryngology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a severe invasive infection of the external ear canal.
    • It is predominantly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium.
    • MEO typically affects elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, often leading to high mortality rates.

    Observation:

    • While common in the elderly, MEO can also manifest in children.
    • In pediatric cases, malnutrition and anemia create conditions conducive to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
    • The disease presentation in children differs, with potential invasion of the middle ear and intratemporal facial nerve.

    Findings:

    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the causative agent in both adult and pediatric MEO.
    • Children with MEO may experience complications involving the middle ear and facial nerve.
    • Treatment requires aggressive management.

    Implications:

    • Early recognition and intervention are critical for improving outcomes in MEO.
    • Aggressive antibiotic therapy, including carbenicillin sodium and gentamicin sulfate, is indicated.
    • Thorough surgical debridement of infected tissues is essential for controlling the infection and preventing complications.

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