What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) as an adjunctive therapy for malignant otitis externa (MOE).
What They Found
Among 16 patients treated between March 1998 and November 2016, 53% presented with stage 4 disease, and 43.75% (seven patients) had VII nerve palsy. All patients were considered free of disease after an average of 33 HBOT sessions, with no fatalities, and hospitalization prior to HBOT was significantly longer than the time to cure after starting HBOT (p=0.028).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from malignant otitis externa might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment, especially in severe cases. This approach could potentially improve outcomes and reduce fatalities, offering a valuable addition to standard antibiotic and surgical treatments.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's small sample size of 16 patients and its retrospective, single-center design limit the generalizability of its findings.