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Necrotising otitis externa: a serious condition becoming more frequently encountered

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2021

A Z Eweiss ,
M Al-Aaraj ,
P Sethukumar  and
G Jama
A Z Eweiss*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals, London, UK ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
M Al-Aaraj
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals, London, UK
P Sethukumar
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals, London, UK
G Jama
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals, London, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Ahmed Z Eweiss, ENT Department, Queens Hospital, Rom Valley Way, RomfordRM7 0AG, UK E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 1708 435 096
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Abstract

Background

Necrotising otitis externa is an aggressive infection of the external ear, which extends to the surrounding bone and soft tissue. In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in the number of patients admitted to our hospital with this condition.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients admitted to our hospital with necrotising otitis externa between July 2012 and June 2020.

Results

Among 39 patients included, only 9 were diagnosed in the first four years, and 30 were diagnosed in the last four years. There were 27 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 78.7 years. There were six non-diabetic immunocompetent patients. Cranial nerve palsies developed in 50 per cent of the patients. Disease-related mortality was 7.7 per cent. A favourable outcome was recorded in 66.7 per cent of the patients.

Conclusion

Necrotising otitis externa is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of the disease is rising in our local geographical area.

Keywords

Otitis ExternaMalignant Otitis ExternaCranial NervesFacial NerveIncidence
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 5 , May 2022 , pp. 386 - 390
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Mr A Z Eweiss takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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