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Objective: To compare industry payments from facial plating companies to plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), and otolaryngology (OHNS). Methods: The Open Payments Database was queried from 2016 to 2021 to identify all industry disbursements related to facial plating products from Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, Depuy Synthes Products, Acumed, and KLS Martin. Total dollars, number of payments, and specialists paid were compared between plastic surgery, OMFS, and OHNS. Funding was correlated to estimated case volume and number of licensed surgeons determined by literature review. Results: From 2016 through 2021, OMFS received an average of $786,497 annually, followed by plastic surgery ($765,482), and OHNS ($184,484). On average, facial plating companies distributed 2256, 963, and 917 yearly payments to 699 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 378 plastic surgeons, and 354 otolaryngologists, respectively. Total dollars, number of payments, and specialists paid were significantly different between specialties (p < .05). Facial trauma coverage is 39.6% by plastic surgery, 36.6% by OMFS, and 23.3% by OHNS. There are 7560 licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 4948 plastic surgeons, and 11,778 otolaryngologists in the United States. Decreased payment to OHNS was more than could be accounted for by case volume alone. Conclusions: The facial plating industry allocates more funding dollars to OMFS and plastic surgery compared to OHNS. OMFS receives the greatest number of payments to the most specialists compared to plastic surgery and OHNS. Engagement between OHNS and the facial plating industry is a potential area of growth in the future.Level of evidence: Level 4.
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Both nonsurgical and surgical modalities for the treatment of hair loss are being used by providers at an increasing rate worldwide. Men and woman are affected by hair loss, but the pathophysiology of the hair loss is thought to be different between sexes; therefore, gender must play a role in treatment decisions. Currently, there are 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved nonsurgical androgenetic alopecia treatments: minoxidil, finasteride, and low-light laser therapy. Platelet-rich plasma injections are showing promise as a single modality and as an adjunct to other nonsurgical and surgical treatments of androgenetic alopecia.
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Cabelo , Rejuvenescimento , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Alopecia/tratamento farmacológico , Minoxidil/uso terapêutico , Finasterida/uso terapêutico , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Both nonsurgical and surgical modalities for the treatment of hair loss are being used by providers at an increasing rate worldwide. Men and woman are affected by hair loss, but the pathophysiology of the hair loss is thought to be different between sexes; therefore, gender must play a role in treatment decisions. Currently, there are 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved nonsurgical androgenetic alopecia treatments: minoxidil, finasteride, and low-light laser therapy. Platelet-rich plasma injections are showing promise as a single modality and as an adjunct to other nonsurgical and surgical treatments of androgenetic alopecia.
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Minoxidil , Rejuvenescimento , Alopecia/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Finasterida/uso terapêutico , Cabelo , Humanos , Masculino , Minoxidil/uso terapêutico , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been studied extensively in the literature and have gained popularity for various reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. ADMs are composed of a basement membrane and acellular dermal layer of collagen and provide a platform for mucosal epithelization and neovascularization. Combining dermal collagen and essential growth factors allows ADMs to support adequate wound healing and bolster soft-tissue repairs. These dermal matrices can be derived from human cadaveric donor skin (allogenic) or mammalian donor sources (xenogeneic). These dermal substitutes provide the benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for autologous tissue grafts and subsequently minimize donor site morbidity. Many ADMs are currently available in the market, each with variations in processing, manufacturing, storage, preparation, and use. The literature validating ADMs in the head and neck for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes is evolving rapidly. This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the principles of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), the different types of ADMs, and evaluate common indications, techniques, and outcomes pertaining to select anatomic sites in the head and neck reconstruction.
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Derme Acelular , Produtos Biológicos/uso terapêutico , Cabeça/cirurgia , Pescoço/cirurgia , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Transplante de Pele/métodos , Técnicas Cosméticas , Humanos , CicatrizaçãoRESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to review the current literature on severe rhinophyma requiring operative management for significant cosmetic deformity or nasal obstruction. We aim to provide a treatment algorithm for the various surgical techniques employed in the treatment of severe rhinophyma. METHODS: Independent searches of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases were performed. Articles from the period of 2010 to 2020 were collected. All studies which described surgical treatment of severe rhinophyma using the Boolean method and relevant search term combinations, including "rhinophyma," "severe," "operative" and "surgery" were collected. RESULTS: A total of 111 relevant unique articles met criteria for eligibility analysis. Of these, 85 articles were deemed inappropriate for the literature review due to exclusion criteria. The remaining 26 articles were included in the literature review. Due to variability in study design and outcome measures, formal synthesis of data in the form of a meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Severe rhinophyma may present a reconstructive challenge to reestablish normal contour and patent nasal airway. Significant deformity necessitates surgical correction. The present article reviews the current literature and provides a summary and stepwise explanation of established surgical techniques for addressing the cosmetic and functional deficits these patients encounter.
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IMPORTANCE: Melanoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide, typically diagnosed in older adults. There is an increasing incidence in the younger population (age ≤40 years) in America. In addition, approximately 1 in 5 cases of melanoma affect the head and neck. However, there are limited data on the incidence of head and neck melanoma in the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult population in North America (United States and Canada). OBJECTIVE: To assess 20-year demographic and incidence changes associated with head and neck melanoma in the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult population in North America. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A descriptive analysis of retrospective data on head and neck melanoma from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' Cancer in North America public use data set from 1995 to 2014 was conducted. The data set currently includes 93% of the United States and 64% of the Canadian populations. Eligible data were from 12â¯462 pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients (aged 0-39 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma (International Classification of Diseases-Oncology 3 histologic types 8720-8790) in primary head and neck sites: skin of lip, not otherwise specified (C44.0); eyelid (C44.1); external ear (C44.2); skin of other/unspecified parts of face (C44.3); and skin of scalp and neck (C44.4). The study was conducted from January 26 to July 21, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Log-linear regression was used to estimate annual percentage change in age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) of head and neck melanoma. RESULTS: Of the 12â¯462 patients with head and neck melanoma included in the study, 6810 were male (54.6%). The AAIR was 0.51 per 100â¯000 persons (95% CI, 0.50-0.52 per 100â¯000 persons). In North America, the incidence of head and neck melanoma increased by 51.1% from 1995 to 2014. The rate was higher in the United States (AAIR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.51-0.53 per 100â¯000 person-years) than Canada (AAIR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.40-0.45 per 100â¯000 persons). In the United States, the incidence increased 4.68% yearly from 1995 to 2000 and 1.15% yearly from 2000 to 2014. In Canada, the incidence increased 2.18% yearly from 1995 to 2014. Male sex (AAIR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.54-0.57 per 100â¯000 persons), older age (AAIR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.79-0.80 per 100â¯000 persons), and non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity (AAIR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.77-0.80 per 100â¯000 persons) were associated with an increased incidence of head and neck melanoma. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The incidence of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult head and neck melanoma in North America appears to have increased by 51.1% in the past 2 decades, with males aged 15 to 39 years the main cohort associated with the increase.
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OBJECTIVE: To perform the first systematic review evaluating all established treatment modalities of head and neck lymphedema resulting from head and neck cancer therapy. Since craniofacial lymphedema treatment represents unique challenges not addressed by extremity lymphedema therapies, a systematic review and evaluation of treatment modalities specific to this area is needed to guide clinical management and further research. DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases were searches from inception to September 2018. These included Scopus (Embase), PubMed (Medline), Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Databases. REVIEW METHODS: A search string was developed, and all databases queried for keywords on three subjects: head and neck cancer, lymphedema, and therapy. Results were uploaded to an EndNote database where relevant items were identified by hand-searching all titles and abstracts. Subsequently results were combined, duplicates removed, and full papers screened according to eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Of a total 492 search results, twenty-six items met eligibility criteria for this review. These included fourteen cohort studies, seven case reports, two randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews, and one narrative review totaling 1018 study subjects. The manual lymph drainage group had the largest number of studies and participants, with fewer studies investigating selenium, liposuction, and lymphaticovenular anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the efficacy of all types of lymphedema therapy is limited by paucity of large randomized controlled trials. While manual lymph drainage is best studied, liposuction and surgical treatments have also been effective in a small number of patients.
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Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Linfedema/etiologia , Linfedema/terapia , Esvaziamento Cervical/efeitos adversos , Estudos de Coortes , Drenagem/métodos , Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Feminino , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/complicações , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/radioterapia , Humanos , Lipectomia/métodos , Linfedema/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Esvaziamento Cervical/métodos , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/terapia , Gravidez , Prognóstico , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Medição de Risco , Sobreviventes/estatística & dados numéricos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Differences in approach to repair a specified defect after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) between specialties have not been previously examined. OBJECTIVE: To assess the difference in frequency of which reconstruction repairs are selected after MMS, among Mohs surgeons and facial plastic surgeons (FPS), and evaluate whether the level of satisfaction with the final repair outcome differed between specialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the Saint Louis University Institutional Review Board. A link to the survey was distributed to members of American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), between January and May 2016. RESULTS: The reconstructive procedure selected most often ("top choice") was not significantly different between Mohs surgeons and FPS for the majority of the images. There was no material difference in how dermatologists and FPS rate the aesthetic outcome of the 3 presented closure types, with the exception of one closure type-nose with graft. CONCLUSION: Mohs surgeons were found to more likely cluster around a single preference for their reconstruction technique compared with FPS, in which a higher percentage of surgeons also selected other options.
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Dermatologistas , Neoplasias Faciais/cirurgia , Cirurgia de Mohs , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/estatística & dados numéricos , Padrões de Prática Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Cirurgia Plástica , Estética , Humanos , Projetos PilotoRESUMO
Skin grafts offer a dynamic repair option for nasal defects of appropriate size, depth, and location. Granulation and grafting can successfully be used as stand-alone reconstructive options or in conjunction with flap repair. This article reviews suitable indications for graft and granulation use in nasal repair to achieve optimum functional and esthetic outcomes.
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Deformidades Adquiridas Nasais/cirurgia , Rinoplastia/métodos , Transplante de Pele/métodos , Cicatrização , Tecido de Granulação , Humanos , Retalhos Cirúrgicos , Técnicas de Fechamento de FerimentosRESUMO
Nasal reconstruction has been articulated in the literature since 700 B.C. when the earliest iteration of the forehead flap was described in the Indian medical treatise, the Sushruta Samhita. Since then it has evolved into the interpolated flap which has served as a powerful tool for facial reconstruction. The interpolated flap is constructed from nonadjacent donor tissue that has an inherent blood supply. It requires a multistaged approach and is best suited for reconstruction of large or deep defects of the nose. There are three types of interpolated flaps used for nasal reconstruction: the forehead, melolabial, and nasofacial interpolation flaps. The nose is the central feature of the human face and its placement is both aesthetic and functional. Any defects owing to accidental or iatrogenic trauma can cause physiologic and psychological injury to patients. This article aims to review the aforementioned flaps and give indications, contraindications, procedure details, and future directions of these flaps.
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Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Dermatológicos/métodos , Deformidades Adquiridas Nasais/cirurgia , Seleção de Pacientes , Rinoplastia/métodos , Retalhos Cirúrgicos , Contraindicações , Humanos , Planejamento de Assistência ao Paciente , Período Pré-OperatórioRESUMO
The management of cochlear implant extrusion (CIE) can be challenging, particularly in the pediatric population in whom reconstructive options are limited. We describe the use of the temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) for this purpose due to its ease of use and limited morbidity. We present a case series of two pediatric patients who underwent explantation of their devices, followed by reimplantation with TPFF coverage. Our experience provides evidence that the TPFF can be used to prevent further CIE through a postauricular incision following cochlear reimplantation with successful long-term results.
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Implante Coclear/métodos , Surdez/reabilitação , Fáscia/transplante , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Falha de Prótese , Retalhos Cirúrgicos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cóclea , Implantes Cocleares , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , ReoperaçãoRESUMO
Although bean bag guns are considered a "less-lethal" form of law enforcement, these blunt projectiles have risk. The purpose of this study was to perform a literature review of morbidity and mortality associated with less-lethal munitions and present a case report of a bean bag injury leading to a traumatic globe evisceration and skull base fracture. Patients presenting with bean bag gun associated injuries warrant a high clinical suspicion for injury to deeper structures.
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Armas de Fogo/classificação , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/diagnóstico , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/cirurgia , Ferimentos Penetrantes/cirurgia , Cegueira/diagnóstico , Cegueira/etiologia , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Enucleação Ocular/métodos , Corpos Estranhos no Olho/complicações , Corpos Estranhos no Olho/diagnóstico , Corpos Estranhos no Olho/epidemiologia , Ferimentos Oculares Penetrantes/complicações , Ferimentos Oculares Penetrantes/diagnóstico , Ferimentos Oculares Penetrantes/patologia , Armas de Fogo/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Escala de Gravidade do Ferimento , Masculino , Base do Crânio/lesões , Base do Crânio/patologia , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/epidemiologia , Ferimentos Penetrantes/complicações , Ferimentos Penetrantes/patologiaRESUMO
Eyelid surgery consists of challenging reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Because of the complex anatomy and corresponding vital functions of the upper and lower eyelids, the avoidance of eyelid complications is of vital importance. Complications after eyelid surgery include basic complications (infection, granuloma) and vision-threatening complications. Preoperative history, physical examination, surgical planning, and meticulous surgical technique must be undertaken to prevent complications after eyelid surgery. In addition, patient knowledge, expectations, and motivations must be determined before surgery is performed.
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Blefaroplastia/efeitos adversos , Pálpebras/cirurgia , Blefaroplastia/métodos , Cegueira/etiologia , Pálpebras/anatomia & histologia , Humanos , Procedimentos de Cirurgia PlásticaRESUMO
Importance Scalp reconstructions may be required after tumor resection or trauma. The inherent anatomy of the scalp presents challenges and may limit reconstructive options. Objective To describe and investigate the scalp rotation flap as a reconstructive technique for complex soft tissue defects. Design Retrospective case series with a mean follow-up of 13 months. Setting Tertiary academic center. Participants A total of 22 patients with large scalp soft tissue defects undergoing scalp rotation flap reconstruction. Interventions The flap is designed adjacent to the defect and elevated in the subgaleal plane. The flap is rotated into the defect, and a split-thickness skin graft is placed over the donor site periosteum. Main Outcomes and Measure Data points collected included defect size, operative time, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome. Results Mean patient age was 71 years. Mean American Society of Anesthesiologist classification was 2.8. Mean defect size was 41 cm(2) (range: 7.8-120 cm(2)), and 19 of 22 defects resulted from a neoplasm resection. Mean operative time was 181 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. There were no intraoperative complications. Three patients with previous radiation therapy had distal flap necrosis. Twenty-one patients (95%) reported an acceptable cosmetic result. Conclusions and Relevance The scalp rotation flap is an efficient and reliable option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects. This can be particularly important in patients with significant medical comorbidities who cannot tolerate a lengthy operative procedure.
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Divided nevus, which is also known as "kissing nevus," "split ocular nevus" and "panda nevus" is a rare congenital dermatological abnormality that occurs on opposing margins of upper and lower eyelids. There is a paucity of literature on this rare anomaly, with most knowledge from this disease process derived from isolated case reports and series. The purpose of this study is to report a new case of divided nevus of the eyelid and to discuss the unique embryology, pathology, and potential treatment options for this rare entity. A systematic review of literature was performed of the English literature on PubMed and Medline with just under 150 cases reported in the literature. The vast majority of the divided nevi seen in this review were medium sized and of the melanocytic intradermal type. There were no described cases of malignant transformation in any of the documented cases. Numerous methods for reconstruction were described including the entire reconstructive ladder with both one and two staged approaches. In this review, we present basic guidelines to the reconstruction of these complicated defects, although ultimate treatment should be individualized and dependent on surgeon comfort.
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Neoplasias Palpebrais/cirurgia , Nevo Pigmentado/cirurgia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Palpebrais/congênito , Neoplasias Palpebrais/embriologia , Neoplasias Palpebrais/patologia , Humanos , Nevo Pigmentado/congênito , Nevo Pigmentado/embriologia , Nevo Pigmentado/patologia , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Neoplasias Cutâneas/congênito , Neoplasias Cutâneas/embriologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Transplante de PeleRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of the harmonic scalpel on intraoperative blood loss and operative time in selective neck dissection (SND) (levels I-IV) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A single, tertiary care institution (Foothills Medical Centre) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. SUBJECTS: A total of 31 patients (36 neck dissections) were prospectively enrolled between January 2009 and March 2010. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive a neck dissection with either the harmonic scalpel or the traditional technique of using electrocautery and sharp dissection. The study included adult patients older than age 18 years diagnosed with HNSCC and who required an SND (levels I-IV). Study exclusion criteria included previous treatment for head and neck cancer and all patients unwilling or unable to provide informed consent. Primary clinical outcomes were intraoperative blood loss and operative time. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative complications and surgical drain output. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the harmonic scalpel group compared to the traditional group (158 vs 61 mL, P = .02). There was no difference in operative time (81 minutes harmonic vs 85 minutes traditional) or total drain output (at both 48 hours and 1 week) between the groups. There were no intraoperative complications reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest that the harmonic scalpel can reduce blood loss during SND for HNSCC. The harmonic scalpel had no impact on operative time, postoperative drain output, or complication rate.
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Perda Sanguínea Cirúrgica/prevenção & controle , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/cirurgia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/cirurgia , Esvaziamento Cervical/métodos , Terapia por Ultrassom/instrumentação , Alberta/epidemiologia , Perda Sanguínea Cirúrgica/estatística & dados numéricos , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Eletrocoagulação/métodos , Desenho de Equipamento , Feminino , Seguimentos , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/patologia , Humanos , Incidência , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Rhinology, which encompasses clinical and surgical treatment of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, is a growing subspecialty with advances in the surgical, clinical, and research realms. The advancement of this subspecialty and its impact on the practice of otolaryngology, in both academic and nonacademic institutions, is not yet understood. METHODS: A novel survey created by our research team was mailed out to 150 randomly selected otolaryngology staff and 8 fellowship-trained rhinologists throughout Canada asking questions related to demographics, training, referral patterns, technique, and adequacy of training. RESULTS: One hundred respondents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 63%. The average age of rhinologists who responded (38 years) was younger than those who were nonrhinologists (50 years). Compared with fellowship-trained rhinologists, nonrhinologists felt less comfortable with cerebrospinal leak repairs, skull base surgery, frontal sinus surgery, paranasal sinus neoplasm removal, and sphenopalatine artery ligation. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinology is a distinct subspecialty with new fellowship opportunities combined with advances in surgical technique, clinical treatments, and research opportunities. There are procedures that can be performed by both rhinologists and nonrhinologists; however, there is a subset of procedures that nonrhinologists do not feel comfortable performing. These procedures should be referred to fellowship-trained rhinologists who practice out of academic centres.
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Educação , Otolaringologia/educação , Padrões de Prática Médica , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Rinoplastia/educação , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Here we present a case of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) in a non-verbal 17-year-old male patient with trisomy 21 that presented with behavioral problems, instead of the more typical symptoms of episodic noise-induced vertigo. SSCD syndrome is characterized by sound-, or pressure-induced vertigo. Patients often complain of vertigo or oscillopsia evoked by loud noises, which may be either external sounds or those elicited by the patients themselves when they are speaking. In cases of SSCD, auditory testing will typically reveal a conductive hearing loss on the affected side while high-resolution temporal bone computed-tomography will demonstrate bony dehiscence overlying the ipsilateral superior semicircular canal. Here we present a report of SSCD in a patient with Down Syndrome who was without speech and reacted to noise stimulation with behavioral outbursts. In this case, simple modifications, such as noise avoidance and hearing protection were able to effect positive changes in behavior and improve social interactions. This case underscores the importance of a broad differential diagnosis, and the need to consider alternate presentations, in children with Down Syndrome or any child who is otherwise unable to express himself.
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Transtornos do Comportamento Infantil/etiologia , Síndrome de Down/complicações , Doenças do Labirinto/diagnóstico , Ruído/efeitos adversos , Canais Semicirculares/patologia , Vertigem/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Síndrome de Down/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Down/patologia , Perda Auditiva Condutiva/diagnóstico , Perda Auditiva Condutiva/etiologia , Perda Auditiva Condutiva/patologia , Humanos , Doenças do Labirinto/complicações , Doenças do Labirinto/patologia , Masculino , Canais Semicirculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndrome , Osso Temporal/diagnóstico por imagem , Osso Temporal/patologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Vertigem/etiologia , Vertigem/patologia , Testes de Função Vestibular , Vestíbulo do Labirinto/patologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of meta-analyses written on otolaryngological topics and define areas that can be improved upon in future studies. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases were searched. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews was excluded, because these meta-analyses have already been critically evaluated and found to be of high quality. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of otolaryngological meta-analyses published between 1997 and 2006 (10 years) was performed in duplicate and independently by two authors. The search included 16 common otolaryngological terms. Inclusion criteria were meta-analytic methodology, otolaryngological topic, and at least one author from a department of otolaryngology. Fifty-one articles fulfilled eligibility criteria. In duplicate and independently, two reviewers assessed the quality of eligible meta-analyses using a validated 10-item index called the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire. Using the methods of Spearman, correlation coefficients are reported for associations examined between covariates and the Overall Score Quality. RESULTS: The majority of studies had methodologic flaws (mean score 3.9, scale of 1-7). Variables predicting higher-quality meta-analyses were publication in journals with higher impact factors (P = 0.0007) and authors who previously published meta-analyses (P = 0.0001). Using and reporting about a validity assessment tool needs to be improved upon in future studies. CONCLUSION: The quality of meta-analyses on otolaryngological topics is moderate. Future meta-analyses can be improved upon by following evidence-based guidelines for the reporting of meta-analyses, which include the use of a validity assessment tool, and consulting with an author familiar with meta-analysis methodology.