Journal Article

Otogenic intracranial complications: a 10-year retrospective review in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Enicker, B, Khuzwayo, Z B

2020

Overview

To analyse the data for patients with otogenic intracranial complications during the study period and draw a comparison with internationally published literature. A retrospective, observational study was conducted, covering a 10-year period between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012. The study comprised 108 patients (66 males (61.1 per cent) and 42 females (38.9 per cent)), of which 75 per cent were aged less than 20 years. Post-auricular swelling, otorrhoea and a decreased level of consciousness were the most frequently reported symptoms in patients with otogenic intracranial complications. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus did not show any different patterns in terms of presentation and outcome. A triad of post-auricular swelling, otorrhoea and a decreased level of consciousness should make the clinician more heedful of otogenic intracranial complications. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus negative patients were equally affected and had similar presentations. Early surgical management of patients was associated with shorter hospital stays and better outcomes.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Adolescent / Adult / Age / Aged / Antibiotics / Cerebrovascular Disorders - epidemiology / Cerebrovascular Disorders - etiology / Child / Child, Preschool / Consciousness / Ear / Ear diseases / Ear Diseases - epidemiology / Ears & hearing / Female / HIV / HIV Infections - epidemiology / Hospitals / Human immunodeficiency virus / Humans / Industrialized nations / Luthuli, Albert / Male / Meningitis / Middle Aged / Mortality / Neurological disorders / Otolaryngology / Patients / Retrospective Studies / Sinuses / South Africa / Streptococcus infections / Surgery / Thrombosis / Young Adult