Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Otitis Externa”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

[Treatment of malignant otitis externa].

Though rare the malignant otitis externa must be borne in mind because in its precocious diagnosis is based the success of the management. Elderly people, diabetics and immunodepressed are especially exposed. The CAT is basic in order to detect the spreading of the process. The patient being admitted at a Medical center, the antibiotherapy started at once with Ceftazidine, 2 g every 12 hours via i.v. The exeresis of the e.e.ca proves sometimes necessary after control of the infection. This procedure assures the healing and prevent the recurrences some times seen. But when infection disappears owing to the success of the antibiotherapy in 2-3 weeks; the culture for Pseudomonas is negative 3 weeks later; and the previous CAT showed no spreading to the tympanal bone, the surgery must be discarded. The process is considered over when the culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is negative, but review of the patients is compulsory at least during half a year.

Aged↗

Otitis externa: Review and clinical update.

Otitis externa can take an acute or a chronic form, with the acute form affecting four in 1,000 persons annually and the chronic form affecting 3 to 5 percent of the population. Acute disease commonly results from bacterial (90 percent of cases) or fungal (10 percent of cases) overgrowth in an ear canal subjected to excess moisture or to local trauma. Chronic disease often is part of a more generalized dermatologic or allergic problem. Symptoms of early acute and most chronic disease include pruritus and local discomfort. If left untreated, acute disease can be followed by canal edema, discharge, and pain, and eventually by extra-canal manifestations. Topical application of an acidifying solution is usually adequate in treating early disease. An antimicrobial-containing ototopical is the preferred treatment for later-stage acute disease, and oral antibiotic therapy is reserved for advanced disease or those who are immunocompromised. Preventive measures reduce recurrences and typically involve minimizing ear canal moisture, trauma, or exposure to materials that incite local irritation or contact dermatitis.

Acetic Acid↗

Fungal causes of otitis externa and tympanostomy tube otorrhea.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of fungal organisms in the setting of otitis externa and tympanostomy tube otorrhea, review the treatment course, timing of diagnosis, organism identified and time to resolution with fungal infections. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Pediatric otolaryngology clinic within a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and sixty-six patients (ages 16 days to 18 years) with fungal organisms on ear culture. OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of prior therapies, number of office visits, time to resolution and anti-fungal therapy. RESULTS: Ear cultures positive for fungal organisms were found in 166 patients seen between 1 January 1996 and 30 September 2003 from a total of 1242 patients undergoing ear culture. Comparing the 3-year period (1996-1998) prior to the availability of fluoroquinolone ototopical drops to the 3-year period after (1999-2001), there is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of positive fungal culture (p<0.001). Otitis media was diagnosed in 72% of these children, with otitis externa comprising 25%. Approximately 3% carried a diagnosis of both otitis externa and otitis media. Candida albicans was identified in 43% of fungal organism-positive cultures. Candida parapsilosis was found in 24% of and Aspergillus fumigatus in 13%. The remainder of the cultures yielded three other Candida and three other Aspergillus species, each at less than 5%. Time to resolution ranged from 1 week to 9 months, with a median of 3.8 weeks for symptom resolution. Patients were treated with an average of 1.7 oral antibiotics and 1.1 ototopical agent before a culture was taken. CONCLUSIONS: Otorrhea due to fungal organisms occurs in the setting of refractory infection and is often discovered after multiple oral and ototopical antibacterial medications. Due to the extended treatment period required to clear fungal organism, timely diagnosis with culture for bacteria and fungus is required in patients with persistent otorrhea. An increase in incidence of fungal infections of the ear was found in the period after widespread use of ofloxacin began.

Adolescent↗

Breed variations in histopathologic features of chronic severe otitis externa in dogs: 80 cases (1995-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To compare pathologic changes of the horizontal ear canal associated with chronic severe otitis externa between Cocker Spaniels and dogs of other breeds. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 80 dogs with severe otitis externa that required total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for breed, sex, and age at time of surgery. Histologic specimens from the horizontal ear canal were evaluated by a single examiner for overall tissue response pattern and scored for sebaceous gland hyperplasia, ceruminous gland hyperplasia, ceruminous gland ectasia, fibrosis, pigment-laden macrophages, and osseous metaplasia. RESULTS: 48 of 80 (60%) dogs were Cocker Spaniels. Thirty-five of 48 (72.9%) Cocker Spaniels had a predominately ceruminous tissue response pattern; only 9 of 32 (28.1 %) dogs of other breeds had the same pattern. Other breeds most commonly had a pattern dominated by fibrosis (n = 13 [40.6%]); fibrosis was the predominant pattern in only 4 of 48 (8.3%) Cocker Spaniels. Discriminant analysis and K-means clustering of 4 histopathologic criteria correctly classified 75% of the dogs as Cocker Spaniels or all other breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cocker Spaniels are at increased risk for chronic severe otitis externa requiring total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy, indicating that earlier and more aggressive management of the primary otitis externa and secondary inflammation is warranted in this breed. Cocker Spaniels with chronic severe otitis externa have distinct differences in pathologic characteristics of the horizontal ear canal, compared with other breeds.

Animals↗

Ofloxacin otic solution as treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media and diffuse bacterial otitis externa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Diphtheroid bacilli, Staphylococcus aureus were the major causes of diffuse bacteria otitis externa and chronic suppurative otitis media. This study showed that 0.3 per cent ofloxacin used for 2 weeks gave good clinical and bacteriological control of chronic suppurative otitis media and diffuse bacterial otitis externa without significant side effects.

Adolescent↗

The efficacy of oral cotrimoxazole in the treatment of otitis externa in general practice.

AIM: A double-blind, randomised clinical trial was conducted in Queensland general practices to evaluate the efficacy of oral doses of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (cotrimoxazole) as an adjunct to Kenacomb ointment in the treatment of acute diffuse otitis externa. METHOD: One hundred and five patients with otitis externa agreed to enter the trial; 13 of these had bilateral otitis externa. Six symptoms and signs of otitis externa were rated on a scale of 1 (none) to 5 (severe) and then the scores were averaged to give an index of severity. Swabs from all infected ears were cultured and then the patients were treated with Kenacomb ointment. Patients were randomly assigned to take a five-day course of either oral cotrimoxazole or an oral placebo and were reassessed on Days 2-4 and Days 5-6 after presentation. RESULTS: The mean duration (+/- standard deviation) of ear pain from the first visit for the cotrimoxazole and placebo groups was 3.1 (+/- 1.5) days and 3.1 (+/- 1.7) days respectively. The mean severity indices (+/- standard deviation) for these groups on presentation were 2.33 (+/- 0.59) and 2.37 (+/- 0.57). The respective reductions in these scores by the second visit were 0.72 and 0.69 and by the third visit 1.10 and 1.05. The principle pathogen isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: This suggests that oral cotrimoxazole is unlikely to be useful as an adjunct to Kenacomb ointment in the treatment of mild to moderate otitis externa.

Administration, Oral↗

[Incidence of otitis externa following swimming pool attendance--a case study in 6 indoor pools].

A bacteriological study of the microflora in the auditory meatus of patients with otitis externa after swimming in correlation to the water flora was done during winter 80/81. Six indoor-pools (monthly controls ahead had proven unobjectionable water quality) were analyzed daily, while all swimmers were asked to come for otologic examination whenever symptoms of otitis externa appeared. In a control group without otitis externa the auditory canal was inspected and swabs were taken immediately after swimming. The results indicate, that a short term contamination of the ear canal is possible by swimming in water of unobjectionable quality; this however does not necessarily lead to clinical appearances. Since the incidence of otitis externa in our study (0.01%) was not higher than the morbidity rate in nonswimmers, the data support the concept of the multiplex etiology for otitis externa.

Bacteria↗

Efficacy of ofloxacin and other otic preparations for otitis externa.

Ofloxacin otic is as effective in curing otitis externa in children (<12 years of age) as is the preparation combining polymyxin/neomycin plus hydrocortisone and as ciprofloxacin otic. Furthermore ofloxacin otic, as it requires less frequent dosing, is likely to encourage greater patient adherence and consequently to achieve a better cure rate than both of these treatment options. Because a number of cases of otitis externa are complicated by an undiagnosed tympanic membrane perforation, the lack of ototoxicity associated with ofloxacin otic makes it a particularly safe option for use in these patients.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Otitis externa: a practical guide to treatment and prevention.

Otitis externa is most commonly caused by infection (usually bacterial, although occasionally fungal), but it may also be associated with a variety of noninfectious systemic or local dermatologic processes. The most characteristic symptom is discomfort that is limited to the external auditory canal, while the most characteristic signs are erythema and swelling of the canal with variable discharge. Excessive moisture and trauma, both of which impair the canal's natural defenses, are the two most common precipitants of otitis externa, and avoidance of these precipitants is the cornerstone of prevention. Thorough cleansing of the canal is essential for diagnosis and treatment, but flushing should be avoided. Acidification with a topical solution of 2 percent acetic acid combined with hydrocortisone for inflammation is effective treatment in most cases and, when used after exposure to moisture, is an excellent prophylactic. Other prophylactic measures such as drying the ears with a hair dryer and avoiding manipulation of the external auditory canal may help prevent recurrence.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Otitis externa in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis--the successful use of topical nitrogen mustard.

Otitis externa is a common symptom of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, and occurs in half of all children with the disease. Previous treatment regima have been either unsuccessful, or associated with undesirable side-effects. This study describes the successful use of topical 20% nitrogen mustard ear drops in the management of five children who had Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with otitis externa. All of them had previously been resistant to other forms of treatment. The children were aged between 6 months and 6 years. The otitis externa fee period to date is up to 5 years. Topical nitrogen mustard ear drops are rapidly effective, can be administered at home, have not caused any adverse effects, and are of long-term benefit.

Administration, Topical↗

Randomized trial on the treatment of oedematous acute otitis externa using ear wicks or ribbon gauze: clinical outcome and cost.

Acute otitis externa is a common condition that can be extremely painful. When there is considerable canal oedema, packing is necessary to facilitate the passage of medication. The experience at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is that ear wicks generally require removal in two to three days by medical staff and can be labour intensive as they often involve serial removals following re-insertions. Alternatively, medicated ribbon gauze is cheap and can be removed by the patient at home. Ear wick and mediated ribbon gauze were investigated by a prospective randomized trial involving 94 patients. Fewer out-patient visits were required for the ribbon gauze group (two vs. three, p<0.0001) with considerably less material and labour costs than the wick group. Similar resolution rates were achieved (70 per cent vs. 64 per cent, p = 0.58). Following development of guidelines, the proportion of otitis externa patient reviews in the accident and emergency department declined from 49 per cent to 36 per cent. Compared with the ear wick, medicated ribbon gauze is a cost-effective method of treating oedematous acute otitis externa.

Acute Disease↗

Risk of otitis externa after swimming in recreational fresh water lakes containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an outbreak of otitis externa was due to bathing in recreational fresh water lakes and to establish whether the outbreak was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the water. DESIGN: Matched case-control study. SETTING: The Achterhoek area, the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: 98 cases with otitis externa and 149 controls matched for age, sex, and place of residence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios for type of swimming water and frequency of swimming; presence of P aeruginosa in ear swabs and fresh water lakes. RESULTS: Otitis externa was strongly associated with swimming in recreational fresh water lakes in the previous two weeks (odds ratio 15.5 (95% confidence interval) 4.9 to 49.2) compared with non-swimming). The risk increased with the number of days of swimming, and subjects with recurrent ear disease had a greatly increased risk. The lakes met the Dutch bathing water standards and those set by the European Commission for faecal pollution in the summer of 1994, but P aeruginosa was isolated from all of them, as well as from the ear swabs of 78 (83%) of the cases and 3 (4%) of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Even when current bathing water standards are met, swimming can be associated with a substantial risk of otitis externa because of exposure to P aeruginosa. People with recurrent ear disease should take special care when swimming in waters containing P aeruginosa.

Adult↗

[Antibacterial activities of cefmenoxime against recent clinical isolates from patients of otitis media and otitis externa].

Bacteria clinically isolated from patients of otitis media and otitis externa were collected from various medical facilities across Japan during years 1988, 1990 and 1992, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cefmenoxime and of reference drugs were determined against these strains. A comparative analyses of the obtained results revealed some trends described below. 1. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multiple drug resistant Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and multiple drug resistant Proteus spp. showed a year to year trend toward a steady increasing. Relative frequencies of occurrence of MRSA in these years, however, remained comparable to that of early 1980's. 2. A year to year trend toward increasing was also found for resistant or insensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillins and cephems. 3. Multiple drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were also detected but they showed no trend toward increasing.

Bacteria↗

[Malignant or necrotizing otitis externa: experience in 22 cases].

Malignant or progressive necrotizing otitis extrema is an uncommon but severe infectious condition of the external auditory canal. Over a period of four years, we treated 22 patients: 60% had diabetes (1/4 insulin dependent) and 13% were immunodepressed. The causal germ was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 87% of cases. The pretherapeutic work-up included a computed tomography scan and a technetium scintigraphy to confirm diagnosis and assess extension. Repeated scintigraphies with gallium were used to follow the course under treatment. Medical treatment was used in most cases (16/22) with parenteral antibiotic therapy using a third-generation cephalosporin (ceftazidime or ceftriaxone) and a fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin) and, if there was no contraindication, hyperbaric oxygen. Surgery is not indicated in malignant otitis externa. We had a 95% cure rate with only 10% recurrence. We reviewed the data in the literature on malignant otitis externa and present the important diagnostic, imaging and therapeutic aspects.

Adult↗

Treatment of otitis externa in children.

Inflammation of the external auditory canal can be localised or diffuse, and acute or chronic. Predisposing conditions include external trauma, loss of the canal's protective coating, maceration of the skin from water or humidity, and glandular obstruction. Acute otitis externa is generally caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. Management of patients with otitis externa includes debridement, topical therapy with acidifying and antimicrobial agents, and systemic antimicrobial therapy when indicated. The management of patients with chronic otitis externa includes cleansing and debridement accompanied by topical acidifying and drying agents. This is followed by topical antibiotics and corticosteroid preparations. Surgery is mainly used to allow cleansing and aeration and/or removal of the scarred tissue. Patients with acute localised otitis externa (furunculosis) are treated with local heat and systemic antibiotics in the inflammatory stage, and drainage in the abscess state. Mycotic external otitis is managed with topical acidifying and antifungal agents, while viral (herpes) infection is treated with topical and systemic aciclovir (acyclovir). Patients with necrotising (malignant) external otitis, which is mainly caused by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, are treated with systemic antibiotics and, rarely, by surgical debridement. Therapy for eczematous otitis externa is first directed at the secondary infection, and thereafter at the primary dermatological condition. Prevention of recurrent external otitis is aimed at minimising ear canal trauma and the avoidance of exposure to water. Preventative use of topical acidifying agents or 70% alcohol is also advocated.

Child↗

Otitis externa induced with Malassezia pachydermatis in dogs and the efficacy of pimaricin.

Eight beagles were experimentally inoculated intraotally with Malassezia pachydermatis to induce acute otitis externa. Three or 4 days after the inoculation, the animals showed the symptoms of otitis externa. All ear canals were erythematous and the dogs were shaking their heads. A large number of M. pachydermatis was noticed in exudate taken from every ear canal. Clinical signs of otitis externa were reduced after treatment with 0.1 ml (per canal) of 1% pimaricin suspension twice a day for 3 days. The amount of exudate decreased gradually and 12 of the 16 ear swabs examined, thereafter, were found to be negative for M. pachydermatis within 10 days. No side effects were observed in all the treated cases. These results suggested that M. pachydermatis could induce the canine otitis externa, and that pimaricin is effective agent for M. pachydermatis infection in ear canals.

Animals↗

Antimicrobial activity of glycerine-ichthammol in otitis externa.

The clinical efficacy of glycerine-ichthammol in otitis externa may be due to an anti-inflammatory action of ichthammol or a dehydrating effect of glycerine on the oedematous ear canal. Its antimicrobial activity, if any, against the common organisms in otitis externa is not well known. A study of the antibacterial property of glycerine-ichthammol as measured by a growth inhibition test and a modified cidal assay, showed inhibition of selected gram positive organisms (Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) by ichthammol and glycerine-ichthammol combination, but only negligible antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Candida albicans was also weakly inhibited. As the activity against gram negative organisms is minimal, incorporation of an anti-gram negative antibiotic such as gentamicin in the glycerine-ichthammol compound to enhance its antibacterial spectrum is suggested.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗