Malignant Otitis Externa In South West Of Iran:An Epidemiological Investigation
Mozafar sarafraz1,Somaye Araghi2 and Negarin Nazari3

1Associated professor of otolaryngology, Head and neck surgery, Hearing and Speech Research Centre , Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 2Resident of otolaryngology, Head and neck surgery, Hearing and Speech Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 3General physician , Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract: Introduction: Malignant otitis externa is an invasive infection which destroys the external ear canal and can develop and result in skull base osteomyelitis, meningitis and paralysis of the cranial nerves. This disease generally occurs in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiency. In this regard, this research was planned in line with a complete and comprehensive investigation in relation to the epidemiological situation of this disease in Ahvaz Imam Khomeini hospital, as the main center of ear, nose and throat surgery in the South West of Iran. method: This research was carried out by studying the medical records of the patients with malignant otitis externa, referring to the ear, nose and throat wardof Ahvaz Imam Khomeini hospital between 2006 and 2012, and it was prepared and arranged in a checklist. This information included the patients' epidemiological information. Results: 48.4% of the patients were men and 51.6% of the patients were women. The mean age was 55.14 years. The patients' most common etiology was diabetes, and the most common possible complication was facial nerve paralysis. The mean days of hospitalization for the patients was 19.51 days. Discussion: This disease has a significant relationship with the patients' age and sex, and these two factors are predisposing to the disease. Also the etiology factor is the accelerating factor of the disease. This disease has a significant relationship with the occurring complication as well.

Keywords: malignant otitis externa; epidemiology; diabetes

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