Chronic suppurative otitis media.

OBJECTIVE

To review various aspects of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search and extensive review of articles provided the information for this review.

DATA EXTRACTION: Studies describing the epidemiology, microbiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and recurrence of CSOM were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and anaerobes are the most predominant bacteria found in CSOM. Treatment with otic, oral, or parenteral drugs (e.g., neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone otic, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, or aminoglycosides) should be guided by ear fluid culture results. Prompt treatment with effective and safe antibiotics may prevent complications of CSOM.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of CSOM has improved as a result of availability of effective otic and oral antibiotics. Treatment of the anaerobic infection with antibiotics should be studied further.