Homeopathy treatment of Malassezia Pachydermatis in vitro

A common clinical occurrence in dogs is otitis externa caused by excessive growth of yeasts Malassezia pachydermatis, which can become chronic after wrong treatments, in which microbial resistance can occur. Homeopathic remedies can be considered a successful alternative, selecting the medicine through the similitude principle. Herein, 50 µL of a 1:1000 dilution of Malassezia pachydermatis suspension at 0.5 McFarland scale was used to seed the yeast into Sabouraud dextrose agar plates using a Drigalski spreader to proceed with colony unit counting. Before being seeded, the yeast suspensions were treated with 1% of different homeopathic treatments previously selected from a pilot study, which means Sulphur 6cH, Dolichos pruriens 6cH, and Kali carbonicum 6cH, being water, and succussed water used as controls. For comparison, a set of Sabouraud dextrose agar plates containing 1% Tween 80 was seeded in parallel. The treatments were made blind and evaluated in triplicate. Contaminated cultures were withdrawn. The number of colonies per plate was assessed, and smears were made from the cultures to classify yeast growth according to cytomorphology on ImageJ®software. The preliminary results show no significant effect of all tested medicines compared to the controls. High data variability was also observed, mainly in those cultures whose medium was prepared with Twin 80. In conclusion, at this point of the study, no evidence of the effects of the studied medicines on Malassezia pachydermatis growth in vitro could be identified. The analysis of cytomorphology is still in course.

Management of otitis externa with an led-illuminated gel: a randomized controlled clinical trial in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Canine otitis externa is a painful condition which can be challenging to treat due to difficulties in the administration of otic medication. This can be due to lack of owner compliance in the application of ear drops or due to the resentment that some dogs demonstrate when attempts are made to administer topical medication into a sensitive ear canal. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a topical LED-illuminated gel (LIG) in canine otitis externa in comparison to standard of care therapy. Dogs with spontaneous otitis externa were randomly allocated in three groups: groups QW received LIG once weekly; BW received LIG twice weekly; group C received enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine twice daily. LIG consists of a topical application of a gel containing chromophores that, when illuminated by a LED lamp, re-emit fluorescent light which can stimulate physiological responses, promoting healing and controlling bacteria. The evaluation protocol (T0 to T5) considered clinical assessment (OTIS-3-index-scoring-system; pruritus-severity-scale; pain-severity-score; aural temperature), cytological scoring system, quali-quantitative bacteriologic assessment. RESULTS: All groups (QW, n = 21; BW, n = 23; C, n = 20) showed improvement during the study (QW: P < 0.02 for cytological and pain scores, P < 0.003 for bacteriologic assessment, P < 10- 4 for pruritus, total OTIS-3 and temperature assessments; BW: P < 10- 4 for all clinical, cytological and bacteriologic assessments; C: P < 0.02 for all clinical and cytological assessments, P < 10- 4 for bacteriologic assessment). The highest clinical score reduction occurred in Group BW (P < 0.014 in T3; P < 0.001 in T4 and P < 10- 4 in T5). BW reached the clinically relevant effect level at T3 (- 3.26 ± 1.21 levels), QW reached it at T4 (- 3.24 ± 0.99), C did not reach it. No differences between groups were seen in the reduction of CFU/mL (T0-T5). CONCLUSIONS: All treatment groups showed a positive clinical effect. LIG administered twice-a-week was the most favourable protocol of the study. LIG may be considered beneficial in the management of canine otitis externa; it seems to be effective in controlling the clinical condition, including the signs of inflammation and local pain, the bacterial growth, and it may help increasing treatment compliance.

Meta-analysis does not support routine traditional nuclear medicine studies for malignant otitis.

OBJECTIVES: The role of traditional nuclear medicine studies in the management of malignant otitis externa (MOE) is unclear and there are ongoing debates regarding their diagnostic value. The authors perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the sensitivity and specificity of traditional nuclear medicine studies in the diagnosis of MOE. METHODS: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a query of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was undertaken. The primary outcomes of interest were the sensitivity and specificity of traditional nuclear medicine studies to detect MOE. RESULTS: Of the initial 1317 hits from the four databases, 20 articles with a combined 608 patients were ultimately included in the review. The pooled sensitivities for Technetium-99 and Gallium-67 were 85.1% (95% CI, 72.0-98.1%) and 71.2% (95% CI, 55.1-87.3%) respectively. The available evidence suggested poor specificity of these modalities, but was insufficient for meta-analysis. Neither modality was shown to be effective in the assessment of disease resolution. CONCLUSION: The sensitivities of Technetium-99 and Gallium-67 to detect MOE are less favorable than was initially thought. Given this finding and their poor specificity, lack of anatomic resolution, unproven ability to detect disease resolution and variable availability, this review does not support the routine use of these studies in the management of MOE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 130:1812-1816, 2020.

Malignant (necrotizing) externa otitis: the experience of a single hyperbaric centre.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a potentially life-threatening infection of the soft tissues of the external ear, quickly spreading to involve the periosteum and bone of the skull base. Treatment includes antibiotics and eventually surgery. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy. However, in the tenth consensus conference, this disease was considered as a non-indication for HBOT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HBOT in MOE treatment. METHODS: Retrospective and observational study was conducted of patients with MOE treated in our centre. Staging of the disease was made according to the clinicopathological classification system. RESULTS: From March 1998 to November 2016, 16 patients were referred. 6% patients were on stage 1 of the disease at the time they were referred, 20% in stage 2, 7% in stage 3a, 13% in stage 3b and 53% in stage 4. Seven (43.75%) patients had VII nerve palsy and three (18.75%) patients had multiple nerve palsy. Average length of symptoms of disease was 5 months (maximum 11 months). Average number of sessions was 33 and the length of hospitalization prior to HBOT (median 90 days) was significantly longer than the time between beginning HBOT and cure (p = 0.028, Wilcoxon signed rank test). There were no fatalities due to MOE and all patients were considered free of disease after HBOT. CONCLUSION: HBOT was well tolerated and revealed to be a helpful adjuvant treatment in MOE. According to our data, HBOT should be considered for patients who failed conventional treatments and in severe cases.

The significance of tissue biopsy for fungi in necrotizing otitis externa.

INTRODUCTION: The conventional treatment for necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is prolonged anti-pseudomonas therapy, with surgical treatment in non-responsive patients. The aim of the present study is to describe the course of management of patients with non-responsive NOE undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and to investigate the importance of tissue biopsy for fungi in this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted between January 2010 and December 2013 at an Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department. Included were all 52 patients with NOE referred to our Medical Centre for further treatment including HBOT. RESULTS: Fifty-two consecutive patients, 29 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 70.6 years, were included in our study. Twenty seven (51.9%) underwent surgical debridement. No significant difference was found between the group having surgical intervention, and those who did not, with regard to sex, age, comorbidities, cranial nerve involvement or laboratory results. However, those who had surgical intervention had a statistically significant higher rate of fungal infection (P = 0.049). After completing 7 weeks of HBOT, a significantly lower WBC count was observed in the fungus-infected group (7000 vs 7.800, P = 0.03), and a tendency towards lower CRP levels in the fungus-infected group (16 vs 58, P = 0.087). CONCLUSION: Patients with NOE should have a comprehensive surgical intervention when delayed healing is observed, because proper fungal culturing might change the course of treatment and improve prognosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Effect observation of cleaning up the external auditory canal by otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment in the treatment of pregnancy with otitis externa mycotica].

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment in the treatment of pregnancy with otitis externa mycotica.Method:From May 2015 to May 2017,16 cases of pregnant patients(19 ears)with otitis externa mycotica were divided into two groups:pure cleaning up group and cleaning up combined with medication group.In the pure cleaning up group,external auditory canal were only cleaned up under otoendoscope conventionally in 9 patients(11 ears),while in the cleaning up combined with medication group,Clotrimazole Ointment was topically applied after cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope in 7 patients(8 ears).After treatment of 2 weeks,the clinical curative effect,adverse reaction and average time interval to take effect were compared at the end of treatment.Result:The total effective rate(100%)in cleaning up combined with medication group's was significantly better than that in pure cleaning up group's(81.81%)(P<0.05);The average time interval to take effect in cleaning up combined with medication groupwas significantly shorter than that in pure cleaning up group's[(2.71±0.70)d vs(5.40±1.96)d,P<0.05].After the two-week treatment,there was a four-week follow-up.Only one patient in pure cleaning up group relapsed.After two-week treatment by Clotrimazole Ointment,this patient was cured.Conclusion:Cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment is effective and safe for the treatment of otitis externa mycotica in pregnant women.The addition of topical application of Clotrimazole Ointment further improve the therapeutic efficacy,as compared to the conventional method of cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope.We suggest clinical application of this method.

Treatment of Recurrent Eczematous External Otitis with Honey Eardrops: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Eczematous external otitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and often difficult to treat. Our objective was to investigate the clinical effect and in vitro antibacterial potential of medical honey eardrops as treatment of eczematous external otitis. In a prospective study, 15 patients diagnosed with recurrent eczematous external otitis were treated with medical honey eardrops for 2 weeks. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: visual analog scale of ear complaints, score of eczema, and eradication of bacterial infection. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect of honey eardrops against different bacterial strains was tested in vitro. Treatment resulted in less discomfort and itching and decreased signs of eczema, with high patient satisfaction and without adverse reactions. Honey eardrops showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity against all tested strains but did not eradicate Staphylococcus aureus infection in vivo. The results of this preliminary study indicate a possible role of honey eardrops in eczematous ear disease.

Current management of necrotising otitis externa in the UK: survey of 221 UK otolaryngologists.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotising otitis externa (NOE) is a rare infection causing skull base osteomyelitis. The evidence regarding NOE consists mostly of case series. Hence, there is a limited evidence base to guide decision-making. This survey aims to report the experience of 221 otolaryngologists in this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internet survey administered to the membership of the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ENT UK). RESULTS: Respondents' detailed replies on diagnosis, treatment and follow up are presented. One third of respondents reported increasing incidence of NOE. Over 80% diagnosed NOE based on pre-existing risk factors, severe pain, non-resolution of infection and CT scan. Most respondents managed NOE with intravenous antibiotics (90%) and blood sugar control (82%). There was less agreement in certain aspects of management including the role of surgery and the nature and duration of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey provides a picture of NOE management in the UK. While there is consensus in some aspects of NOE management, other aspects attract widely differing answers. This may reflect the lack of strong evidence in the literature. Future work should aim to address this.

Caracterización clínica, epidemiológica y terapéutica de los pacientes con otitis externa maligna / Clinical, epidemiological and therapeutical characterization of patients with malignant external

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos, de 42 pacientes con otitis externa maligna, atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba desde enero de 2002 hasta diciembre de 2014 y tratados básicamente con ciprofloxacina, a fin de caracterizarles clínica, epidemiológica y terapéuticamente, así como determinar su evolución clínica con el tratamiento indicado. También se incluyó un segundo grupo de 29 integrantes con la misma afección, quienes durante esos 12 años recibieron otros antibióticos y no la citada quinolona, tratados igualmente en dicho Servicio durante el período señalado. Entre los principales resultados sobresalió el predominio del grupo etario de 55-64 años (30,6 por ciento) en los que se utilizó ciprofloxacino y de 75 y más (74,8 por ciento) en los que se indicaron otros antimicrobianos; del tiempo de evolución de la diabetes mellitus de 0-10 años en 24 (57,1 por ciento) de quienes recibieron ciprofloxacino y en 14 (48,2 por ciento) de aquellos que no la consumieron y de la Pseudomonas aeruginosa como el germen más frecuentemente aislado. La evolución de los pacientes fue favorable, independientemente del tratamiento antimicrobiano prescrito, pero todos los tratados con ciprofloxacina egresaron en menos de 30 días mejorados o curados. Se concluyó que la edad avanzada favorece la aparición de la otitis externa maligna, sin importar el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes mellitus(AU)

A descriptive, serial cases study, of 42 patients with malignant external otitis was carried out. They were assisted in the Otolaryngology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from January, 2002 to December, 2014 and treated basically with ciprofloxacin, in order to characterize them clinical, epidemiological and therapeutically, as well as to determine their clinical course with the suitable treatment. A second group of 29 members with the same disorder was also included who received other antibiotics during those 12 years, treated in this Service during that period. Among the main results there was a prevalence of the 55-64 years age group (30.6 percent) in which ciprofloxacin was used and over 75 years (74.8 percent) in which other antimicrobians were indicated; of the time in the diabetes mellitus course 0-10 years in 24 (57.1 percent) of those who received ciprofloxacin and in 14 (48.2 percent) of those that didn't consume it and of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most frequently isolated germ. The patients had a favorable clinical course, no matter the antimicrobian prescribed treatment, but all the patients treated with ciprofloxacin got better or were cured and were discharged in less than 30 days. It was concluded that the advanced age favors the emergence of the malignant external otitis, no matter the time of the diabetes mellitus course(AU)

Caracterización clínica, epidemiológica y terapéutica de los pacientes con otitis externa maligna / Clinical, epidemiological and therapeutical characterization of patients with malignant external

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos, de 42 pacientes con otitis externa maligna, atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba desde enero de 2002 hasta diciembre de 2014 y tratados básicamente con ciprofloxacina, a fin de caracterizarles clínica, epidemiológica y terapéuticamente, así como determinar su evolución clínica con el tratamiento indicado. También se incluyó un segundo grupo de 29 integrantes con la misma afección, quienes durante esos 12 años recibieron otros antibióticos y no la citada quinolona, tratados igualmente en dicho Servicio durante el período señalado. Entre los principales resultados sobresalió el predominio del grupo etario de 55-64 años (30,6 por ciento) en los que se utilizó ciprofloxacino y de 75 y más (74,8 por ciento) en los que se indicaron otros antimicrobianos; del tiempo de evolución de la diabetes mellitus de 0-10 años en 24 (57,1 por ciento) de quienes recibieron ciprofloxacino y en 14 (48,2 por ciento) de aquellos que no la consumieron y de la Pseudomonas aeruginosa como el germen más frecuentemente aislado. La evolución de los pacientes fue favorable, independientemente del tratamiento antimicrobiano prescrito, pero todos los tratados con ciprofloxacina egresaron en menos de 30 días mejorados o curados. Se concluyó que la edad avanzada favorece la aparición de la otitis externa maligna, sin importar el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes mellitus

A descriptive, serial cases study, of 42 patients with malignant external otitis was carried out. They were assisted in the Otolaryngology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from January, 2002 to December, 2014 and treated basically with ciprofloxacin, in order to characterize them clinical, epidemiological and therapeutically, as well as to determine their clinical course with the suitable treatment. A second group of 29 members with the same disorder was also included who received other antibiotics during those 12 years, treated in this Service during that period. Among the main results there was a prevalence of the 55-64 years age group (30.6 percent) in which ciprofloxacin was used and over 75 years (74.8 percent) in which other antimicrobians were indicated; of the time in the diabetes mellitus course 0-10 years in 24 (57.1 percent) of those who received ciprofloxacin and in 14 (48.2 percent) of those that didn't consume it and of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most frequently isolated germ. The patients had a favorable clinical course, no matter the antimicrobian prescribed treatment, but all the patients treated with ciprofloxacin got better or were cured and were discharged in less than 30 days. It was concluded that the advanced age favors the emergence of the malignant external otitis, no matter the time of the diabetes mellitus course

Necrotizing otitis externa: diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in a case series.

We reviewed 25 cases of patients diagnosed with necrotizing otitis externa in our tertiary university-affiliated medical center between 2009 and 2015. Mean overall hospitalization duration was 14.52days, 95% of the patients showed specific seasonal incidence. Mean duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization was 6weeks and the duration correlated with outcome. Only 8% of the patients presented with cranial neuropathies; however, this presentation correlated with adverse outcome. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the main causative organism (50%), with a 30% multidrug-resistance rate. A high rate (35%) of fungal pathogens was noted. Seventeen patients (68%) were eventually operated; however, only 5 patients needed extensive surgery under general anesthesia. Computed tomography (CT) evidence of adjacent structures' involvement correlated with adverse outcome. Eighty percent of our patients improved clinically. The overall death rate was 12% and the disease-related mortality rate was 8%. Our findings state the importance of limited surgical intervention and microbiologic cultures in disease treatment. This is particularly important in patients with cranial neuropathies and CT finding of adjacent structural involvement that correlate with adverse prognosis. A rising pseudomonal antibiotic resistance and fungal infections may challenge antibiotic treatment in the future.

Efficacy of medical grade honey in the management of canine otitis externa - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance within otic pathogens has created a need for alternative therapies of otitis externa (OE). Evidence suggests that medical grade honey (MGH) may be effective against drug-resistant pathogens. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of a commercial MGH compound was assessed in an open clinical trial. We hypothesized that it would be an effective alternative to conventional treatments. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 15) with a confirmed diagnosis of infectious OE were enrolled in this pilot study. METHODS: Dogs were prescribed MGH (1 mL daily per ear) until cure was achieved or for a maximum of 21 d. Evaluation was based on weekly clinical scores, cytological progression and owner assessments of pruritus. Swab samples were submitted for culture and susceptibility testing. MGH was tested for biocidal activity against the bacterial isolates. RESULTS: Medical grade honey promoted rapid clinical progress, with 70% of dogs achieving clinical cure between days 7 and 14 and over 90% having resolved by Day 21. There was a decrease in clinical scores throughout the duration of the trial (P < 0.001) and owner-assessed pruritus also decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In vitro assays of the biocidal activity of MGH showed activity against all bacterial isolates, including meticillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and other species of drug-resistant bacteria. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Medical grade honey was successful in both clinical and laboratory settings, thus demonstrating its potential of becoming an alternative treatment for canine OE.

Temporomandibular joint involvement as a positive clinical prognostic factor in necrotising external otitis.

OBJECTIVE: Necrotising otitis externa is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigated whether temporomandibular joint involvement had any prognostic effect on the course of necrotising otitis externa in patients who had undergone hyperbaric oxygen therapy after failed medical and sometimes surgical therapy. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted of patients in whom antibiotic treatment and surgery had failed, who had been hospitalised for further treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with necrotising otitis externa were identified. The temporomandibular joint was involved in four patients (17 per cent); these patients showed a constant gradual improvement in C-reactive protein and were eventually discharged free of disease, except one patient who was lost to follow up. Four patients (16 per cent) without temporomandibular joint involvement died within 90 days of discharge, while all patients with temporomandibular joint involvement were alive. Three patients (13 per cent) without temporomandibular joint involvement needed recurrent hospitalisation including further hyperbaric oxygen therapy; no patients with temporomandibular joint involvement required such treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients with temporomandibular joint involvement had lower rates of recurrent disease and no mortality. Therefore, we suggest considering temporomandibular joint involvement as a positive prognostic factor in necrotising otitis externa management.

ENT indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

ENT indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is a treatment where patients breathe 100% oxygen while exposed to high environmental pressure in a hyperbaric chamber. This hyperoxygenation has several beneficial effects as an adjunctive treatment in a number of ENT-related conditions and diseases. These can be summarized as anti-ischaemic effects (delivery of oxygen to otherwise ischaemic tissues, reduction of ischaemia-reperfusion damage), anti-infectious effects (bacteriostasis, improved leucocyte phagocytosis bactericidal activity and optimization of antibiotic therapy) and wound-healing effects (stimulation of granulation tissue formation and stabilization). Since HBO therapy has a clear physiologic rationale, a demonstrated effect (although difficult to "prove" with placebo controlled randomized trials) in certain indications and certain side-effects, it is proposed that it should be considered an integral part of the (combined surgical and pharmacological) treatment of patients, and not simply as a supplementation of oxygen. Furthermore, the importance of a well-trained medical and technical staff to ensure proper selection and the correct follow-up of patients should not be underestimated.

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

INTRODUCTION: 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? METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant treatment for malignant otitis externa.

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.

[Local antibacterial therapy for the inflammatory diseases of the external and middle ear].

The objective of the present study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of candibioic designed for the treatment of the patients presenting with diffuse otitis externa and chronic otitis media. The open randomized trial included 40 patients with diffuse otitis externa and 40 ones with chronic otitis media who had undergone a surgical sanitation procedure. Their standard clinical and otorhinolaryngological examination was supplemented by the characteristic of clinical symptoms and personal complaints using the 10-score scale. The composite preparation candibiotic was found to be equally effective for the treatment of both diffuse otitis externa and chronic otitis media. The results of the study give reason to recommend the use of candibiotic as an efficacious and safe drug for the treatment of these conditions.

Optimised diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing external otitis is warranted.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing external otitis (NEO) is a devastating and life-threatening infection in the external auditory canal and the temporal bone. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the diagnostics and treatment of NEO and to recommend new guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients were retrospectively enrolled under the code DH609 otitis externa without specification from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009. Records were reviewed to register: age, symptoms, clinical findings, comorbidity, imaging, microbiology and treatment. RESULTS: The median age was 75 years and the median time of therapy at the hospital was 6.3 months. All patients belonged to a risk group. A diagnostic delay was found resulting in further progression of the disease. In contrast to current international recommendations, the treatment consisted mostly of local antibiotics in combination with surgery. All patients survived, but most patients were left with hearing loss and psychiatric problems. CONCLUSION: A greater awareness of diagnostic criteria and a shift from local antibiotics to prolonged systemic monotherapy with ciprofloxacin in accordance with international concepts is recommended. Surgery should be left for extensive and refractory cases only. A list of diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines is presented. FUNDING: Not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.

Fungal malignant external otitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of fungal malignant external otitis (MEO). METHODS: The files of 60 patients treated for MEO in 1990-2008 at a tertiary medical center were reviewed for clinical characteristics and outcome, and findings were compared between patients with fungal and nonfungal infection. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 4 years. Nine patients (15%) had fungal disease; the main pathogen was Candida spp. Compared with the nonfungal MEO group, patients with a fungal infection were younger at diagnosis (average 68 vs. 74 years, p = 0.01) and had more facial nerve palsies (55% vs. 14%, p = 0.01), fewer positive bacterial cultures at presentation (33% vs. 75%, p = 0.02), and higher rates of surgery (78% vs. 18%, p = 0.0008) and hyperbaric treatment (78% vs. 4%, p = 0.0001). Eighty-nine percent had persistent infection (>2 courses of systemic antibiotics before antifungal treatment) compared with 12% in the nonfungal group (p = 0.0001). Fungal disease was associated with more persistently positive imaging findings (87.5% vs. 25%, p = 0.0001). There was no significant between-group difference in survival. CONCLUSION: Fungal MEO probably occurs secondary to prolonged antibiotic treatment for bacterial MEO. The fungal disease is more invasive than the bacterial disease, although survival is the same. Treatment should be aggressive and hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered.

A rare case of bilateral malignant otitis externa and osteomyelitis with lower cranial nerve sequelae.

The authors present the case of a 76-year-old male who presented with right-sided recurrent malignant otitis externa (MOE) and skull-base osteomyelitis. His management involved aggressive antimicrobial therapy and multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments. After resolution of his right-sided infection, the patient returned a short time later with symptoms and findings consistent with new, left-sided MOE with involvement of the left skull-base. With repeat treatment, the patient is now cured of his infection but poses a challenge to the treating team about future management.