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Prognostic scoring in necrotising otitis externa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

M O Eveleigh*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
C E J Hall
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Hospitals NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
D L Baldwin
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Hospitals NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Mark Eveleigh, c/o Mr David Baldwin, ENT Department, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. Fax: (+44) 1179 595850 E-mail: moeveleigh@doctors.org.uk

Abstract

Objective:

To collect and analyse data from the published literature concerning the rare condition necrotising otitis externa, in order to formulate a prognostic scoring model based on signs and symptoms.

Design:

Retrospective data collection from published literature, and binary logistic regression analysis of the effect on outcome of identified signs and symptoms.

Results:

Six factors were identified as prognostic of a poorer outcome, including facial nerve involvement, additional cranial nerve involvement, non-cranial nerve neurological involvement, extensive granulations (or oedema) in the external auditory canal, bilateral symptoms and aspergillus species as the causative organism. A four-point scoring model based on these findings is presented.

Conclusions:

A novel, systematic method of data analysis was utilised to construct a prognostic scoring model for necrotising otitis externa. This will better equip clinicians to treat this potentially fatal condition.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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