CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS-MEDIA

OBJECTIVE: TO review various aspects of chronic suppurative otitis med ia (CSOM). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search and extensive review of arti cles provided the information for this review. DATA EXTRACTION: Studie s describing the epidemiology, microbiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and recurrence of CSOM were inclu ded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and anaerobes are the most predominant bacteria found in CSOM. Treatment with otic, oral, or par enteral drugs (e.g., neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone otic, ciprofl oxacin, 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 antib iotics, Treatment of the anaerobic infection with antibiotics should b e studied further.