What Researchers Did
Portuguese researchers reviewed 15 years of records from a single hospital, tracking outcomes in 15 patients with malignant otitis externa (a severe bone-eroding ear infection) who received HBOT alongside antibiotics.
What They Found
All 15 patients recovered successfully. Three required surgery before starting HBOT. Most patients were immunocompromised (e.g., diabetic), and all were treated with antibiotics and/or antifungals in addition to HBOT. No significant adverse effects from HBOT were reported.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadians with diabetes or compromised immune systems are at highest risk for malignant otitis externa, which can be life-threatening. For patients whose infection does not respond to antibiotics alone, HBOT appears to be a safe and potentially effective add-on treatment. Canadian ear, nose, and throat specialists should be aware of this option for refractory cases.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
With only 15 patients and no control group, this retrospective study cannot determine how many of these patients would have recovered with antibiotics alone.