Malignant otitis externa

ABSTRACT

Malignant external otitis is a serious pseudomonas infection of the external ear which when untreated may extend towards the base of the skull. To find out the results of conservative treatment and compare it with previous studies. To diagnose this condition at its earlier stage to improve the prognosis. Design: Case study. Setting: ENT Department Punjab Medical College Hospital Faisalabad. Period Mar 86 to March 1996. Subjects: Fifteen patients, 9 females, 6 males between the ages of 20-26 years, all diabetics presented during the period Mar 86 to Mar 1996. Diagnosis was based upon clinical findings and positive pseudomonas aeruginosa in culture of ear swab. Local debridement, cleansing local drops and systemic use of aminoglycoside with third generation cephalosporin in resistent case used for treatment. 9 Females and 6 Males all between 20-26 years of age presented with pain, discharge, edema, granulations and fever. All were confirmed diabetics and ear swab revealed pseudomonas aeruginosa. Local cleansing with local and systemic aminoglycoside was sufficient in 10 cases but in 5 cases Ceftazidime was also added. Antibiotics were continued 4 weeks after control of symptoms. 13 patients [86.6%] cured without any long term complications, 2 patients [13.3%] died due to MEO. Malignant otitis externa through a dangerous infection can be cured on conservative treatment if diagnosed early