Predicting Mortality in Necrotising Otitis Externa: The Charlson Comorbidity Index

ABSTRACT Introduction Necrotising Otitis Externa (NOE) is a severe infection of the ear canal and skull base with a significant morbidity and mortality. There is a limited evidence base to help prognosticate in NOE, focused mainly on disease volume and associated damage. In this retrospective case series, we examined the potential use of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in patients with confirmed NOE to determine its potential use as an additional prognostic indicator. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of 87 patients diagnosed with NOE over a 6‐year period at a tertiary centre. We calculated the CCI for these patients and collected mortality data at 1 year. A logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Results The mean CCI was 5.9. A higher score was a reliable indicator of 1‐year mortality for patients with NOE with an odds ratio of 1.34 ( p = 0.028). Conclusion The CCI can be considered as a potential adjunct in patients presenting with NOE to guide prognostication and inform decision‐making with patients.