Dizziness in adults with chronic otitis media at two otology referral centres in Colombia: a cross-sectional study in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dizziness and its associated factors in patients with COM at two otologic referral centres in a middle-income country. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Adults with and without COM diagnosis from two otology-referral centres in Bogotá (Colombia) were included. Dizziness and quality of life were assessed using the "Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Questionnaire-12" (COMQ-12), and sociodemographic questionnaires were applied. Otoscopic evaluation and audiometric data were collected. STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 231 adults. RESULTS: Of the 231 participants, up to 64.5% (n = 149) reported at least mild inconvenience due to dizziness. Factors associated with dizziness included female sex (aPR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.46), chronic suppurative otitis media (aPR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.21-7.52), and severe tinnitus (aPR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.24-2.48). An interaction was found between socioeconomic status and educational level, with more frequent reports of dizziness in the middle/high economic status and secondary education (aPR: 3.09; 95% CI: 0.52-18.55; p < 0.001). Differences of 14 points in symptom severity and 18.5 points in the total score of the COMQ-12 were found between the groups with dizziness and without dizziness. CONCLUSIONS: Dizziness was frequent in patients with COM and was associated with severe tinnitus and quality of life deterioration.

Audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in a developing country between 2017 and 2020: a pre-post-study.

BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common auditory deficit in older adults and may lead to quality-of-life deterioration. However, few studies have been performed in low/middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America. This study aimed to assess the audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL, two otology referral centers in Colombia. DESIGN: Pre-post study that included hearing aid users at the otology consult of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL between June 2017 and December 2020. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires were applied. Audiometric (0,5 kHz to 4 kHz) and speech audiometry results were collected. RESULTS: A total of 75 participants (132 ears) were included. The mean age was 70.73 years (SD: 12.66). The median hearing aid use in years was 0.71 (IQR: 0.64-0.90). Mean change in speech audiometry was - 26.53dB (95%CI: -28.09, -24.97; p < 0.001), in functional gain was - 21.75dB (-23.81, -19.68; p < 0.001). The mean changes in the APHAB domains were Ease of Communication: -37.85 (95%CI: -43.01; -32.7), Background Noise: -3.51 (-6.06; -0.95), and Aversiveness of Sounds: -6.9 (-2.04; 11.77). The GBI assessment of quality of life showed improvement in 100% of the population after the use of hearing aids. The number of years of hearing aids use was associated with functional gain. CONCLUSION: The number of years of hearing aids use may impact on the functional gain in these populations. A significant clinical benefit was found in terms of quality of life, communication, and reverberation related to the use of hearing aids. Access to hearing aids should be granted, and public health strategies are needed to grant the access to hearing rehabilitation in these populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (Protocol Number: CCEI-12666-2020).

Factors associated with allergic rhinitis and combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) in adults undergoing immunotherapy in a tropical country: Is ISAAC-III questionnaire useful in adult populations?

BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases affect about 10-30% of the population in low- or middle-income tropical countries. Few studies describe the factors associated with allergic diseases in adult patients undergoing immunotherapy in Latin American countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) and AR in comorbidity with asthma (CARAS) in adults treated with immunotherapy in two allergy referral centers in Bogotá (Colombia). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. ISAAC-III and sociodemographic questionnaires were applied to determine the factors associated with AR and CARAS in adults treated with immunotherapy who attended the allergy consult at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and Unimeq-Orl. RESULTS: Among 416 adults aged 18-68 years, 71.4% (n = 297) were women. Regarding the sensitization results obtained by skin prick test, the most frequent allergens were house dust mites (64.18%): 49.03% were positive for both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, while 28.61% were positive for Blomia tropicalis. Excluding house dust mites, the most frequent allergens were dog hair (31.01%), cat hair (15.1%), grasses (15.9%), and food (15.9%). The main factor associated with exclusive AR was regular acetaminophen use more than four times a year: Prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.77 (95% CI: 1.12-2.25). The main factor associated with CARAS was cesarean delivery PR: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.09-1.78). CONCLUSION: The main factor associated with AR was regular acetaminophen use, while that associated with CARAS was cesarean delivery. The ISAAC-III questionnaire can be a useful low-cost tool to assess the factors associated with allergic diseases in adults in tropical countries.

Factors associated with allergic rhinitis and combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) in children aged 5-18 years undergoing immunotherapy in a tropical low- or middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Tropics have some particularities that can impact the natural history and factors associated with allergic diseases. However, few studies described the characteristics of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and combined AR and asthma syndrome (CARAS) in Latin American tropical countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the medical, social, and environmental factors associated with AR and CARAS in children aged 5-18 years treated with immunotherapy in two allergy referral centers in Bogotá (Colombia). MATERIAL: and methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. International Study Asthma Allergies Childhood-III and sociodemographic questionnaires were applied to adolescents and parents of children undergoing immunotherapy at the allergy consult in the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL. RESULTS: Among 830 children aged 5-18 years, 38.1% (n = 316) were women. Up to 63.25% of the population had a positive skin prick test for house dust mites: 63.25% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 61.81% for Dermatophagoides farinae, and 31.57% for Blomia tropicalis. The factors associated with AR were male sex (PR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.57), antibiotic consumption during the first year of life (PR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63-0.99), and exposure to dogs (PR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06-2.66). The factors associated with CARAS were older age (PR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99), acetaminophen consumption over four times a year (PR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03-1.55), and antibiotic consumption during the first year of life (PR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06-1.34). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of B. tropicalis was found in this study. The factors associated with AR and CARAS are like those described in high-income tropical countries. Further studies are needed in low- or middle-income tropical countries to identify modifiable factors associated with allergic diseases.

Analysis of tinnitus severity and associated factors in patients with chronic otitis media in a low- to middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the tinnitus severity in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and describe the sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with tinnitus severity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Two otology-referral centers in Bogotá (Colombia) were included. Sociodemographic, clinical associated factors and quality of life questionnaires were applied. Otoscopic evaluation and audiometric data were collected. STUDY SAMPLE: About 231 adults with COM. RESULTS: Up to 51.5% of the patients reported severe tinnitus discomfort, 21.7% moderate discomfort, and 26.8% minor discomfort. Factor associated with increased tinnitus severity in patients with COM were older age (aOR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), higher education (aOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.03-4.87), ear discharge during childhood (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.02-3.45), cholesteatoma in one ear (aOR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.05-4.88), and pure-tone air average over 15 dB (aOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.28-3.36). Differences of 10-points in symptoms severity and 15-points in the total score of the "Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Questionnaire-12" were found between the tinnitus severity groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the need for further research on the associated factors of tinnitus severity on COM patients. COM patients with higher tinnitus severity presented worse audiometric results and worse quality of life outcomes.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health, daily and occupational activities among health professionals in Colombia: a national study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented physical and mental burden on healthcare workers who are frequently at high risk of infection, particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as changes in daily and occupational activities among healthcare professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021. The survey incorporated validated mental health tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with severe mental health outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1345 healthcare workers the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress were 75.61, 59.18, and 53.09%, respectively. Anxiety (OR:1.44; 95%CI:1.16-1.8), depression (OR:1.74; 95%CI:1.27-2.37), and stress (OR:1.51; 95%CI:1.18-1.94) were more frequent in women, and individuals who expressed fear of a negative outcome (death, sequelae) (OR:2.25; 95%CI:1.60-3.25), (OR:1.49; 95%CI:1.03-2.16) and (OR:2.36; 95%CI:1.69-3.29) respectively. Age was negatively associated with anxiety (OR:0.98; 95%CI:0.98-0.99), stress (OR:0.98; 95%CI:0.97-0.99), and depression (OR:0.97; 95% CI:0.96-0.98). Reduction in consultations and surgeries (OR:1.01; 95%CI:1.0-1.01) was positively associated with anxiety. Due to the pandemic, most specialists expected to incorporate drastic long-term (> 1 year) changes in their clinical setting and daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress is higher among Colombian healthcare workers compared to previous reports. Further research regarding these psychological outcomes is needed to achieve early mental health intervention strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe, Ethical Committee Registration ID: CCEI-12992-2021.

Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Stapedotomy Patients: Audiological Outcomes and Associated Factors in a Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term (postoperative), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 and 15 years) audiometric results of patients who underwent stapedotomy and to determine specific factors associated with better postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 486 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation who underwent microscopic small fenestra stapedotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and medium- and long-term air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Postoperative factors associated with better postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At 10- and 15-year follow-ups, ABG, AC, and BC were significantly deteriorated but clinically preserved in comparison with postoperative results. According to a multiple quantile regression, younger age was associated with better postoperative results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.003) and 4 kHz (p = 0.028) and a smaller preoperative ABG was associated with better audiometric results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.048), 0.5 kHz (p = 0.001), and 4 kHz (p = 0.001). In addition, younger age (p = 0.001 for AC and p < 0.001 for BC) and preoperative AC PTA (p < 0.001 for AC) were significantly associated with better postoperative AC and BC PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy surgery provides short-, medium-, and long-term hearing benefits in our studied cohort. ABG, AC, and BC thresholds obtained after the surgery are clinically preserved in 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-ups, with an age-expected BC deterioration. Smaller preoperative ABG and younger age were positive predictors for better postoperative ABG. Future research should address long-term subjective and quality of life outcomes.

Frequency of self-reported allergies at a high-complexity referral hospital in Colombia, a tropical Latin American country.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of allergic diseases in tropical Latin American populations is poorly understood, and certain particularities can impact their natural history and risk factors. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the frequency of self-reported allergies (allergic diseases, drug, and food allergies) in patients who attended the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the frequency of self- reported allergies reported by all the patients who attended an allergy referral center between June and December 2019. RESULTS: A total of 60978 patients were included. Allergic rhinitis was reported by 1.51% (n = 921), asthma by 1.28% (n = 782), and atopic dermatitis by 0.41% (n = 250) of the study population. A higher frequency of self-reported allergic diseases (rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis) was found in the younger populations, while drug allergies were more frequently reported in adults. The most frequently self-reported drug allergies were penicillin allergy (4.07%, n = 2479), and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) allergy (1.85%, n = 1116). The most commonly reported food allergens included shellfish (0.58%), fruits (0.54%), cow's milk protein (0.37%), and eggs (0.21%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of food allergens showed a higher frequency of shrimp and fruit allergies compared to previous studies on African, Asian, and Arabic tropical populations that describe a higher predominance of egg and milk allergies. Patients reporting allergic diseases should always be referred to the allergology department for confirmatory testing.

Prevalence and associated factors of allergic diseases in school children and adolescents aged 6-7 and 13-14 years from two rural areas in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide, affecting about 30% of the population in low to middle-income countries. Research trends on allergic diseases within rural pediatric populations of Latin American countries is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis) and their associated factors using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-III (ISAAC-III) questionnaire in school-aged children from two rural municipalities in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The ISAAC-III questionnaire was applied to school-aged children attending elementary schools in the municipalities of Soracá and Palmas del Socorro during 2018. The questionnaires were applied to adolescents aged 13-14 years and the parents of 6-7 years old children. Associations were estimated via bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 261 school-aged children (58.2% adolescents), the prevalence of allergic diseases was: allergic rhinitis 11.49% (95% CI: 8.05-15.78), asthma 8.81% (95% CI: 5.82-12.7), and atopic dermatitis 6.13% (95% CI: 3.69-9.53). Associated factors for allergic rhinitis included: female sex (PR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.17-5.26), asthma (PR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.96-8.31), atopic dermatitis (PR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.09-7.83), and higher maternal education (PR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.45-8.25). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of allergic diseases in this rural pediatric population was lower compared with that of the previous reports from urban populations. Associated factors found in this study support previous studies. Research addressing modifiable environmental associations is so far scarce in Latin America; further studies are needed to reduce the burden of these diseases in rural populations.

Prevalence of extended high-frequency hearing loss among adolescents from two rural areas in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Worldwide research trends on the prevalence of hearing loss within young rural populations are scarce. Current evidence suggests extended high-frequency audiometry could be a sensitive predictor to detect subclinical hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss through conventional pure tone (0.25-8 kHz) and extended high-frequency (9-20 kHz) audiometry tests in a group of adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old from two rural areas of Colombia. A sociodemographic and associated factor for hearing loss questionnaire was applied. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: Three hundred sixty-six adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old from two rural municipalities in Colombia: Soracá, and Palmas del Socorro. RESULTS: Hearing loss prevalence assessed through pure tone audiometry was 3.28% in right ears and 3.83% in left ears while through extended high-frequency audiometry was 14.21% and 13.11%, respectively. Associated factors found by the logistic regression were age (OR: 1.36; CI 95% 1.13-1.64) and obesity (OR: 3.74; CI 95% 1.07-13.11). CONCLUSIONS: Using 15 dB as the normal hearing threshold parameter for audiometric frequencies, our results suggest that extended high-frequency hearing loss is already widespread among rural adolescents. This highlights the need for research on extended high-frequency audiometry in rural school-aged children.

Validation of a Spanish version of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure for Chronic Otitis Media (COMQ-12).

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered an important aspect of clinical assessment and health research. Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is related to the quality of life deterioration subsequent to COM symptoms, social communication impairments, and lower work performance. However, there is no reliable information regarding the impact of this disease on health and quality of life in many resource-poor countries. Therefore, we translated into Spanish the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) for the evaluation of HRQoL of Chronic Otitis Media (COM) in adult patients. Also, we assessed the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the questionnaire. METHODS: Two otology referral centers in Bogotá, Colombia were included. The Spanish version of COMQ-12 was applied twice to 200 adult patients with confirmed COM diagnosis and 31 healthy controls to perform the validation process and assess the internal consistency of this questionnaire. Psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity) of the COMQ-12 were assessed. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted via structural equation modeling to test the questionnaire's structure. RESULTS: The Spanish version of the COMQ-12 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.86, McDonald's Omega: 0.89). Coefficients corresponding to Lin's Concordance test and test-retest reliability were 0.95 and 0.83 respectively. Correlation between the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the COMQ-12 was 0.68 (95% CI 0.59-0.75, p value < 0.001). Factor analysis of the Spanish version of the COMQ-12 indicated a questionnaire structure with three domains: smelly discharge related symptoms; hearing loss related symptoms; and impact on work, lifestyle, and health services. CONCLUSION: This Spanish version of the COMQ-12 showed high reliability and high internal consistency. This questionnaire can be used as an objective clinical tool to assess the HRQoL of patients who have a COM diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe, Ethical Committee Registration ID: CCEI-8807-2018. Hospital de San José, Ethical Committee: Record number 500, DI-I-0632-18.

Recurrent Primary Inverted Papilloma of the Mastoid with Intracranial Invasion: A 7-Year Follow-Up.

A 55-year-old man presented to the otolaryngology department complaining of aural fullness in his left ear after an episode of probable otitis 3 months before. magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass within the mastoid cavity that had destroyed the posterior wall of the middle ear with no apparent middle ear or sinonasal origin. The patient underwent a left canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy, and the pathology report confirmed an inverted papilloma. Inverted papillomas are uncommon benign epithelial tumors related to a high recurrence rate and high risk of secondary malignant transformation after multiple surgeries. The patient has undergone 2 additional surgical interventions involving the neurosurgery team due to recurrent inverted papilloma that exerted a mass effect over the left cerebellar hemisphere. Despite no signs of recurrence on magnetic resonance imaging 5 years after the last surgery, at least 1 radiologic study per year is granted. Clinical multidisciplinary follow-up including nasal endoscopy and head and neck examination as a part of a stringent follow-up is essential to rule out synchronous nasosinusal inverted papillomas.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health, daily and occupational activities of pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America.

Background: Otolaryngologists have a higher risk of physical/psychological problems due to their frequent exposure to SARS-CoV-2. There is no information about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of these specialists in low/middle-income countries from Latin America. This study aimed to assess the frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as the changes in occupational and daily activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted between October and December 2020. Mental health tools such as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 were applied. Fear to COVID-19 scale and questionnaires about occupational and daily activities were also applied. Results: Among 55 pediatric otolaryngologists, the frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress were 67.3%, 45.5, and 40%, respectively. Up to 27.3% of the specialists reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, while 7.3 and 40% presented moderate depression and stress symptoms. The specialists reported a reduction of 58.3% of their consultations, as well as a 51.7% reduction in their monthly income compared to the same period before the pandemic. Up to 14.6% of the specialists expect to incorporate long-term (>1 year) drastic changes in their daily activities due to the pandemic. Conclusions: The frequency of anxiety, depression, and stress was high among pediatric otolaryngologists in Latin America compared to previous studies performed in high-income countries. Further research on these psychological outcomes is needed to achieve early mental health strategies.

Impact of the COVID-19 national lockdown in the allergic rhinitis symptoms in patients treated with immunotherapy at two allergy referral centers in Bogotá, Colombia.

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) "lockdowns" caused an abruptly restricted access to health care services such as immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis (AR) and led to higher exposure to indoor allergens. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on AR symptoms reported by the patients treated with immunotherapy who attended the Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and Unidad Médico Quirúrgica de Otorrinolaringología, Colombia. Methods: Pre-post study that included patients with AR confirmed diagnosis (prick test), treated with immunotherapy before and after COVID-19 lockdowns on March-June 2020. Visual analog scales (VAS) and sociodemographic questionnaires were applied to assess AR symptoms (nasal obstruction, pruritus, rhinorrhea, and ocular symptoms) and their associated factors. Results: A total of 318 participants were included, and their mean age was 18.9 years (SD: 12.8). The median number of immunotherapy doses applied before isolation was 11 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-19), and the median number of immunotherapy doses missed during isolation was three doses (IQR: 2-3). Up to 38.4% of the AR patients reported that their symptoms got worse during lockdowns. A pre-post mean difference in the VAS score of 0.5 was found for nasal obstruction (p = .01), 0.7 for pruritus (p < .001), 0.7 points for rhinorrhea (p < .001), and 0.8 for ocular symptoms (p < .001). Factors associated with worsening of AR symptom scores were pet ownership, atopic dermatitis, lower educational level, and a low number of immunotherapy doses applied before lockdowns. Conclusion: A large proportion of patients reported worsening of their AR symptoms, probably due to higher exposure to indoor AR allergens and interruption of immunotherapy during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Isolated facial palsy after Chikungunya infection: A novel differential diagnosis / Parálisis facial aislada posterior a infección por virus de chikunguña: un nuevo diagnóstico diferencial.

A significant raise in the reports of neurological manifestations due to Chikungunya virus has been described worldwide. Here, we describe a case report of a previously healthy young adult who developed isolated left facial palsy after a confirmed Chikungunya virus infection in the Colombian tropics. We suggest considering this virus as a differential diagnosis for facial palsy in patients with confirmed Chikungunya virus infection who live in endemic regions or report a history of recent travel to these regions.

En las últimas décadas, se ha incrementado el reporte de manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas con la infección por el virus de chikunguña. Se informa el caso de un adulto joven previamente sano que presentó parálisis facial izquierda aislada después de una infección reciente por el virus de chikunguña en el trópico colombiano. Se describen aspectos importantes de la fisiopatología del virus y su tropismo por el sistema nervioso central y periférico, y se sugiere considerar este virus en el diagnóstico diferencial de la parálisis facial en pacientes con infección confirmada por el virus de chikunguña en regiones tropicales endémicas o en aquellos con antecedente de viajes recientes a dichas regiones.

Associated factors, health-related quality of life, and reported costs of chronic otitis media in adults at two otologic referral centers in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of chronic otitis media (COM) in low to middle-income countries, there are few studies regarding its associated factors, health-related quality of life, and treatment costs. This study aimed to identify associated factors of COM, assess its impact on the quality of life as well as estimate the patients' reported costs of COM treatment in Colombia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Two otology-referral centers in Bogotá (Colombia) were included. Questionnaires focusing on sociodemographic and clinical associated factors, quality of life, and patients' reported costs were administered to 200 adults with COM diagnosis and 144 control adults. Otoscopic evaluation and audiometric data were collected. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.2 years (SD: 14.44). The median length of COM was 26.13 years (SD: 17.06), and 79.5% of the COM patients reported otorrhea during childhood (P-value: 0.01). The most frequently reported allergic disease among our study population was allergic rhinitis (26.5%). COM was less frequent in patients with a medium-high socioeconomic status (PR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.72), and more frequent in patients who reported increased ear discharge due to upper respiratory tract infections (PR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.68-1.70). The global score of the "Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Questionnaire-12" showed a difference of 9 points between patients with active and inactive COM (P < 0.001). Patients spent between 12.07% to 60.37% of their household income on expenses related to COM. CONCLUSIONS: Associated factors found in this study are consistent with previous reports. COM has a significant financial impact and affects patients' quality of life. Worldwide research addressing these issues in poor-resource countries is scarce, further studies are needed.

Retrospective analysis of skin complications related to bone-anchored hearing aid implant: association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit.

INTRODUCTION: The bone-anchored hearing aid is an effective form of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the implant, the most common complications are skin related. A number of alternative surgical implantation techniques have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of skin complications, including the U-shaped graft and the linear incision. OBJECTIVE: To assess skin complications and their association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit in patients with bone-anchored hearing aids. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral center in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients who had been fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid implant (unilaterally or bilaterally) for at least 6 months were included in the study. The Holgers classification was used to classify skin complications (Grade 0=none; Grade 1=erythema; Grade 2=erythema and discharge; Grade 3=granulation tissue; and Grade 4=inflammation/infection resulting in the removal of the abutment). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was used to determine quality of life, and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire was used to determine the subjective audiological benefit. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were included in the study (30 with unilateral implants and 7 with bilateral implant). Of the 44 implants evaluated, 31 (70.3%) were associated with skin complications (7 [15.9%] Grade 1; 4 [9.1%] Grade 2; 15 [34.1%] Grade 3, 5 [11.4%] Grade 4). The U-shaped graft was statistically associated with major complications (Grades 3 and 4) compared with the linear incision technique (p=0.045). No statistically significant differences were found between Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit scores and severity of complications. Similarly, no differences were found between Glasgow Benefit Inventory physical health questions and skin complications. CONCLUSION: Despite the high frequency, skin complications did not seem to affect quality of life or subjective audiological benefits of patients with bone-anchored hearing aids.

Biomechanical features of six design of the delta external fixator for treating Pilon fracture: a finite element study.

Pilon fractures can be caused by high-energy vertical forces which may result in long-term patient immobilization. Many experts in orthopedic surgery recommend the use of a Delta external fixator for type III Pilon fracture treatment. This device can promote immediate healing of fractured bone, minimizing the rate of complications as well as allowing early mobilization. The characteristics of different types of the Delta frame have not been demonstrated yet. By using the finite element method, this study was conducted to determine the biomechanical characteristics of six different configurations (Model 1 until Model 6). CT images from the lower limb of a healthy human were used to reconstruct three-dimensional models of foot and ankle bones. All bones were assigned with isotropic material properties and the cartilages were assigned to exhibit hyperelasticity. A linear link was used to simulate 37 ligaments at the ankle joint. Axial loads of 70 and 350 N were applied at the proximal tibia to simulate the stance and swing phase. The metatarsals and calcaneus were fixed distally in order to prevent rigid body motion. A synthetic ankle bone was used to validate the finite element model. The simulated results showed that Delta3 produced the highest relative micromovement (0.09 mm, 7 µm) during the stance and swing phase, respectively. The highest equivalent von Mises stress was found at the calcaneus pin of the Delta4 (423.2 MPa) as compared to others. In conclusion, Delta1 external fixator was the most favorable option for type III Pilon fracture treatment. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Parálisis facial aislada posterior a infección por virus de chikunguña: un nuevo diagnóstico diferencial / Isolated facial palsy after Chikungunya infection: A novel differential diagnosis

En las últimas décadas, se ha incrementado el reporte de manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas con la infección por el virus de chikunguña. Se informa el caso de un adulto joven previamente sano que presentó parálisis facial izquierda aislada después de una infección reciente por el virus de chikunguña en el trópico colombiano. Se describen aspectos importantes de la fisiopatología del virus y su tropismo por el sistema nervioso central y periférico, y se sugiere considerar este virus en el diagnóstico diferencial de la parálisis facial en pacientes con infección confirmada por el virus de chikunguña en regiones tropicales endémicas o en aquellos con antecedente de viajes recientes a dichas regiones.

A significant raise in the reports of neurological manifestations due to Chikungunya virus has been described worldwide. Here, we describe a case report of a previously healthy young adult who developed isolated left facial palsy after a confirmed Chikungunya virus infection in the Colombian tropics. We suggest considering this virus as a differential diagnosis for facial palsy in patients with confirmed Chikungunya virus infection who live in endemic regions or report a history of recent travel to these regions.

Cochlear Implants Versus Hearing Aids in a Middle-Income Country: Costs, Productivity, and Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: In Colombia there are three main treatment approaches for bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, also known as profound deafness (PD): cochlear implants (CI), hearing aids (HA), and no treatment (NT). The objective of this study is to determine the optimal treatment approach for PD in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: Hearing levels and SES data were obtained from audiometric tests conducted on 100 patients with CI. For each treatment approach, productivity and cost-effectiveness assessments were estimated using influence diagrams and Monte Carlo simulations. Productivity was calculated as the net present value of a patient's lifetime income divided by total health-related and educational costs. For the CI and HA, the cost-effectiveness indicator was calculated as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained in comparison with the NT approach divided by the total cost of the treatment option. RESULTS: The results for the CI, the HA, and NT in terms of productivity ratio were 1.53, 0.94, and 1.47, respectively. Patients using CI had a gain of 5.7 QALYs, whereas patients using HA had a gain of 4.6 QALYs. The results for the CI and the HA in terms of cost-effectiveness were $15,169 and $15,430 per QALY, respectively. CONCLUSION: The CI was found to be the optimal treatment for PD, as it was the most efficient and cost-effective in terms of improving patients' productivity and quality of life. We observed that children who had received CI developed hearing and speech abilities that contributed to their productivity and quality of life to a greater extent than those with HA.