What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively studied 52 patients with necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) -- a severe ear infection typically caused by Pseudomonas -- who were all referred for HBOT, investigating the importance of tissue biopsy for fungal infection.
What They Found
51.9% of patients underwent surgical debridement. Patients who required surgery had a significantly higher rate of fungal infection (p = 0.049). After 7 weeks of HBOT, the fungal-infected group showed significantly lower white blood cell counts (p = 0.03) and a trend toward lower CRP levels.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a retrospective study from a single center; the small fungal subgroup limits statistical power, and the 7-week HBOT protocol complicates direct attribution of outcomes.