RESUMEN
Streptococcus constellatus pharyngis is a gram-positive commensal bacterium commonly found in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. It might be an aggressive opportunistic pathogen causing invasive pyogenic infections in sterile areas, mostly as peritonsillar and orofacial abscesses. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl, who presented multiple head and neck abscesses and bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to Streptococcus constellatus pharyngis. Cavernous sinus thrombosis, consequent to this microorganism, has not been reported to date in the literature. Due to the invasive features of this pathogen, a long-term antibiotherapy (up to 9 months) is required. Additionally, a surgical drainage is indicated in case of head and neck, or brain abscesses, larger than 20 or 25 mm respectively. Anticoagulation should be considered in case of venous thrombosis. The interest of this case is not only based on the rarity and severity of the disease, but also on the success of medical and surgical therapy (including long- term antibiotics, anticoagulation and two surgical procedures). This experience may serve as a guide to treat future cases. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04511-3.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: SARS COV-2 infection is an emerging disease that has become a global pandemic since the beginning of 2020. To reduce transmission, measures have been imposed by governments such as home confinement, the use of masks, social distancing or promotion of hand hygiene. The aim of this study is to determine if the measures adopted to reduce the COVID-19 pandemic have produced a decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases and their complications in the ENT area in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out in a tertiary hospital of patients aged between 0 and 15 years who required admission due to deep cervical infections, complications derived from acute otitis media (mastoiditis or facial paralysis) or complicated acute sinusitis. RESULTS: There is a notable decrease in the number of global admissions in the COVID period (9) compared to the average of the previous 5 years (20.1). Likewise, there are statistically significant differences in the number of admissions for cervical infections (p value=0.027) and complications derived from acute otitis media (p value=0.029). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A decrease in the number of admissions caused by complications of infections in the ENT area in paediatric patients has been observed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in our environment, this fact could be explained by a global decrease in the number of infections of the upper respiratory tract due to the hygienic measures taken by the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to reflect hearing impairment of 23children diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) typeI, II, III and IV. METHODS: Retrospective study of the clinical, audiological and treatment (medical vs surgical) findings of 23children diagnosed with MPS typeI, II, III or IV followed at a Tertiary Referral Hospital between 1997 and 2015. RESULTS: Six cases of MPSI, 8 of MPSII, 4 of MPSIII and 5 of MPSIV were reviewed. 71.2% of patients had secretory otitis media (SOM) and 54% of patients had some type of hearing loss (HL). The behaviour of hearing loss was variable in each of the subgroups of MPS, finding greater involvement and variability in typesI and II. CONCLUSIONS: Children with MPS have a high risk of hearing loss. A significant percentage of transmissive HL progressing to mixed or sensorineural HL was observed. This was more common in typesI and II. Periodic follow up of these patients is mandatory because of hearing impairment and consequences for their development and quality of life.
