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Emerging themes in necrotising otitis externa: a scoping review of the literature from 2011 to 2020 and recommendations for future research

Part of: JLO Editors' Choice Papers 2022

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 October 2021

E Stapleton  and
G Watson
E Stapleton*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK
G Watson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Emma Stapleton, Department of Otolaryngology, Peter Mount Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9WL, UK E-mail: emmastapleton@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective

Necrotising otitis externa is an invasive, infective condition, with minimal evidence underpinning its diagnosis and management. This work aimed to analyse literature from the past decade, to identify emerging themes and important topics for future research.

Methods

A robust literature search and review were conducted by two researchers. Sixty studies were filtered into the final review. A grounded theory approach was used to identify core themes. Data within these themes formed the basis of the review.

Results

There is no consensus regarding a clinical definition or outcome measures of necrotising otitis externa, and there exists no level 1, 2 or 3 evidence to diagnose, investigate, monitor or treat necrotising otitis externa. Emerging themes in the literature direct researchers to important topics for future clinical trials, including risk factors, microbiological culture, management strategies and radiology.

Conclusion

In order to optimise understanding and management of necrotising otitis externa, future research requires robust clinical trials and consistently reported outcome measures.

Keywords

OtitisOsteomyelitisDiabetes MellitusOtologyOtalgia
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 7 , July 2022 , pp. 575 - 581
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Dr E Stapleton takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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