We observed that malignant external otitis (MEO), a severe infection of the outer ear often found in elderly patients with uncontrolled diabetes, can significantly impair the body's defense mechanisms. In a notable case, a 58-year-old man struggling with MEO had faced months of ineffective treatments.
To delve deeper, we tested the function of his immune cells, specifically his polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs), which play a crucial role in fighting infections. Our findings revealed that his PMNs had difficulty migrating to the site of infection, a critical step for addressing such health issues.
We discovered that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, could improve this migration defect in laboratory tests. In practical terms, after just one month of vitamin C treatment, the patient's chemotaxis results normalized, and remarkably, his ear lesions began to heal.
Even though the exact reasons for the PMN dysfunction remain unclear, possibly due to factors like age and diabetes, this case highlights the importance of assessing PMN function in MEO patients and suggests that immunomodulators like vitamin C might offer a valuable treatment pathway.
Effective for prevention
Most Useful Review
Most often, I use it for any manifestation of a viral infection, including ear infections. It never fails, and there was no allergic reaction.