Immunosuppression, infection, and epidermal compromise: an aetiological triad for necrotising otitis externa that highlights potential modifiable risk factors.
J Laryngol Otol
; 137(7): 804-809, 2023 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36546362
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
A key clinical feature of necrotising otitis externa is granulation tissue arising from the ear canal, representing epidermal compromise. The aim of this work was to explore the role of epidermal compromise in the aetiology of necrotising otitis externa.METHOD:
A structured risk factor history was taken from 54 patients diagnosed with necrotising otitis externa between 2017 and 2022. Primary care records were also reviewed.RESULTS:
A total of 94 per cent of patients reported incidents of potential epidermal compromise preceding severe pain onset, including a 35 per cent incidence of ear syringing. A total of 94 per cent of patients were immunosuppressed, including 78 per cent with diabetes. All patients had medical co-morbidities.CONCLUSION:
This study proposed an aetiological triad for necrotising otitis externa immunosuppression, infection and epidermal compromise. Epidermal compromise is a potentially modifiable risk factor for necrotising otitis externa. Meticulous primary ear care for older adult, diabetic and immunosuppressed patients is recommended. These populations should never undergo ear syringing and should avoid ear canal trauma and prolonged exposure to moisture.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otitis Externa
/
Ear Diseases
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Aged
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Laryngol Otol
Journal subject:
OTORRINOLARINGOLOGIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: