What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated the value of hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunct treatment for malignant external otitis in eight patients.
What They Found
Of eight patients treated for malignant external otitis, seven achieved complete recovery. Six patients had infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one by Staphylococcus sp., and one by Aspergillus sp., with the patient having an Aspergillus infection dying due to intracranial complications.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with bacterial malignant external otitis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a valuable supportive treatment option alongside conventional methods. However, its effectiveness for fungal infections remains uncertain and potentially less favorable.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The small number of patients, especially those with non-bacterial infections, and the unpredictable clinical course made the study's findings difficult to objectify.