Evaluation of Neurological and Auditory Development in Children with Congenital Heart Disease using Essence Q Questionnaire and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test.

Objectives: The progress of cardiac surgery in children and the increase in the survival of children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) has led to consider another issue called a neurodevelopmental disorder. In this study, 53 children with CHD were evaluated in terms of development with the Essence Q questionnaire, Otoacoustic Emission (OAE), and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) regarding these patients' hearing and risk factors. The Essence Q scores were also examined. Materials & Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, the researchers included 53 children diagnosed with CHD. Initially, each child underwent ABR and OAE tests. Subsequently, data on potential risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental delay were collected. A trained project associate administered the Essence Q questionnaire, using parents' information as a guide. Following data collection, this study proceeded with an in-depth analysis of the information. Results: Thirty-six boys (67.92%) and 17 girls (32.08%) with CHD were included in the study. The mean age of children was 26.98±10.64 months. The mean Essence Q score for boys was 7.48±2.57. Moreover, the average score for girls was 2.23 ± 8.11. According to this questionnaire, 39 patients (73.58%) had hyperactivity disorder, 46 patients (86.79%) had behavioral disorders, and ten patients (16.98%) had a motor delay. Unlike previous studies, all patients had normal OAE and ABR hearing. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that factors such as developmental delay in the first year, a known genetic disease, and a history of seizures significantly impacted the Essence Q score. However, elements like prematurity, the use of ventilation, abnormalities on the dorsum, and the number of days post-surgery did not significantly affect the Essence Q score. Essence Q can be a reliable tool in screening for neurodevelopment in children with CHD.

Studying of Distortion Product of Otoacoustic Emissions in Menopausal Women.

Introduction: The sex hormones; estrogen and progesterone have a direct effect on the mechanisms of the inner cochlea and they control the functions of the ascending auditory pathway from the auditory nerve to the cerebral cortex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the amplitude of distortion product of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study included 60 women who were naturally menopausal and were in the age range of 55 - 45 years (case group). The other 60 included women of the same age and non-menopause (control group). Both groups were selected from individuals who had normal auditory function based on pure tone audiometry, immitance audiometry (tympanometry + ipsilateral and contralateral reflex), speech tests and auditory brainstem responses. Then both groups were evaluated by DPOAE and its findings were analyzed in two groups based on independent t-test and the significance level of the test was determined to be less than 0.05. Results: The difference between the mean DPOAE domains in the two groups was not significant (P-value = 0.484). Conclusion: Menopause is not an etiological factor to be created of abnormalities in the cochlea of ​​the inner ear. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03210-1.

Examining the Health-Related Needs of Females during Menopause: A Systematic Review Study.

Menopause is one the most crucial stages in a female's life. Identifying the education gaps regarding menopause is important, thus this study aims to explain the health-related needs of females during menopause. Scopus, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, and Web of Science databases were searched for the available observational (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional), systematic review, meta-analysis, and clinical trial studies (2007-2021) using keywords, such as 'Educational Needs Assessment,' 'Assessment of Healthcare Needs,' 'menopause,' 'climacteric,' 'premenopause,' and 'postmenopause.' A total of 180 out of 5,705 papers were evaluated after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The educational needs of females during menopause in the reviewed studies include osteoporosis, oral and dental problems, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, lung diseases, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal problems, urinary problems, breast cancer, defecation problems, genital disorders, special diseases such as eye diseases and hypothyroidism and hormone therapy, mental disorders, cognitive function, sleep disorders, sexual disorders, physical activity, supplement consumption, public health issues, health education, fall, and nutrition. The study results reveal that females during postmenopause require training, counseling, and support in all aspects to get through this challenging time, and providing these services, infrastructure, appropriate policy, and the use and support of the medical team's capacity are all required.

Ewing's Sarcoma of Mandible: Practical Approach to a Challenging Case.

As a rare entity, sarcomas of the head and neck are challenging cases. In this paper, we represent a unique case of Ewing sarcoma of mandible, serving as an example of multidisciplinary team importance in a developing country.

Diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Laboratory, PCR, and chest CT imaging findings.

Since December 2019, more than 3 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and about 200,000 deaths have been reported worldwide. The outbreak of this novel disease has become a global health emergency and continues to rapidly spread around the world. Based on the clinical data, approved cases are divided into four classes including mild, moderate, severe, and critical. About 5% of cases were considered critically ill and 14% were considered to have the severe classification of the disease. In China, the fatality rate of this infection was about 4%. This review focuses on currently available information on the etiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and mechanism of action of COVID-19. Furthermore, we present an overview of diagnostic approaches and treatment of this disease according to available findings. This review paper will help the physician to diagnose and successfully treat COVID-19.

A National Iranian Cochlear Implant Registry (ICIR): cochlear implanted recipient observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients who receive cochlear implants (CIs) constitutes a significant population in Iran. This population needs regular monitor on long-term outcomes, educational placement and quality of life. Currently, there is no national or regional registry on the long term outcomes of CI users in Iran. The present study aims to introduce the design and implementation of a national patient-outcomes registry on CI recipients for Iran. This Iranian CI registry (ICIR) provides an integrated framework for data collection and sharing, scientific communication and collaboration inCI research. METHODS: The national ICIR is a prospective patient-outcomes registry for patients who are implanted in one of Iranian centers. The registry is based on an integrated database that utilizes a secure web-based platform to collect response data from clinicians and patient's proxy via electronic case report forms (e-CRFs) at predefined intervals. The CI candidates are evaluated with a set of standardized and non-standardized questionnaires prior to initial device activation(as baseline variables) and at three-monthly interval follow-up intervals up to 24 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: The software application of the ICIR registry is designed in a user-friendly graphical interface with different entry fields. The collected data are categorized into four subsets including personal information, clinical data, surgery data and commission results. The main parameters include audiometric performance of patient, device use, patient comorbidities, device use, quality of life and health-related utilities, across different types of CI devices from different manufacturers. CONCLUSION: The ICIR database could be used by the increasingly growing network of CI centers in Iran. Clinicians, academic and industrial researchers as well as healthcare policy makers could use this database to develop more effective CI devices and better management of the recipients as well as to develop national guidelines.

Comparison of the Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) and Distortion Products Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) in Normal Hearing Subjects With and Without Tinnitus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of cochlear outer hair cell function with TEOAE and DPOAE tests in patients with normal hearing and tinnitus. 25 tinnitus patients with normal hearing sensitivity selected as study group. Control group consist of 50 normal hearing subjects without tinnitus. All subjects had thresholds below 25 dBHL at frequencies 250-8,000 Hz, tympanogram type A and normal acoustic reflex thresholds. TEOAE were recorded with click stimulus at 80 dB SPL at 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4000 Hz. DPOAE were measured at frequencies 1,000-8,000 Hz and intensity of L1 55 dB SPL and L2 65 dB SPL. Amplitude of DPOAE and TEOAE were decreased in all frequencies in study group. There was significant difference regarding prevalence abnormal TEOAE and DPOAE between study group and control group. There was relationship between dysfunction of outer hair cells and tinnitus in subjects with normal hearing.

The Effect of Mode of Delivery and Hospital Type on Newborn Hearing Screening Results Using Otoacoustic Emissions: Based on Screening Age.

It is well known that false positive on newborn hearing screening increases cost and maternal anxiety and worry. We aimed to evaluate the influence of mode of delivery (cesarean, vaginal) and hospital type (private, public) on false positives first screening test based on screening age. Identification and control of these factors can reduce the rate of false positives. Overall, 2784 infants were evaluated by otoacoustic emissions test. Hearing screening test was performed before hospital discharge. Finally, rate of the false-positive between both delivery group and hospital types were compared on the basis of screening age. False-positive results are obtained when a condition is not present, but the test results indicate that it is present. False positive rate in the first screening test in vaginal delivery was significantly higher than cesarean delivery and rate of significantly decreased with screening age. This reduction was observed only in cesarean delivery. Also the rate of false positives in public hospital is 2.2 fold higher than private hospital (P = 0.000) and with increase in screening age, the rate of False positive is significantly reduced in private hospitals while this decrease is not observed in public hospital. Screening test be retarded as much as possible in cesarean group and private hospital and be conducted just prior to hospital discharge also in public hospital, screening test are done in a separate room. In this way, false positive can be reduced by about six times and the cost and concerns imposed by the rate of false positives minimized.

Total Endoscopic Approach in Glomus Tympanicum Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Glomus tympanicum (GT) is a benign primary tumor of the middle ear. The evolution of endoscopic ear surgery has allowed for an alternative approach to managing this vascular tumor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an endoscopic approach in GT surgery, and also to investigate its applicability and feasibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively, 13 class I and II patients, according to the Glasscock-Jackson glomus classification, were candidates for management via a transcanal endoscopic approach. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the location of the tumor in the middle ear. Group A consisted of patients with tumors located anteriorly while occupying the Eustachian tube. Group B were patients with tumors located on the promontory with entirely visible tumor borders. Patients in Group C had tumors that occupied the entire middle ear. Under specially designed flap elevation and hemostasis, the tumors were completely removed using an endoscopic technique. RESULTS: Based on the classification criteria, three patients fell into Group A (30%), six into Group B (46%), and three into Group C (23%). The principal chief complaint was pulsatile tinnitus that disappeared after surgery in most cases. Hearing status was mostly mixed hearing loss. No change was detected in bone conduction after surgery, but air conduction was improved in nine cases. No major complication or recurrence was observed over 30 months of follow up. CONCLUSION: Improved exposure and access in the endoscopic transcanal approach to GT leads to safe, rapid, and reliable tumor removal, as well as allowing comfortable surgery for both the surgeon and most patients.

Diagnostic Performance of Endoscopic and Microscopic Procedures for Identifying Different Middle Ear Structures and Remaining Disease in Patients with Chronic Otitis Media: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic performance of endoscopic and microscopic procedures for detecting diseases of the middle ear in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) has rarely been investigated. This study was conducted to compare the performance of these procedures for identifying middle ear structures and their associated diseases in COM patients. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 58 patients with chronic COM, who were candidates for tympanoplasty with or without a mastoidectomy, were enrolled. Before the surgical intervention, the middle ear was examined via an operating microscope and then through an endoscope to identify the middle ear structures as well as diseases associated with the middle ear. RESULTS: The patients were 15 years of age or older. The anatomical parts of the middle ear - the epitympanic, posterior mesotympanic, and hypotympanic structures - were more visible through an endoscope than through a microscope. In addition, the various segments of the mesotympanum, oval window, round window, and Eustachian tube were more visible via endoscopy. The post-operative endoscopic reevaluation of the middle ear revealed that a cholesteatoma had remained in four of 13 patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, in cases in which there is poor visibility with the operating microscope or the surgeon suspects remaining disease within the middle ear, endoscopy could be utilized to improve the evaluation of more hidden middle ear pits and structures, particularly if there is a potentially recrudescent pathology.

Effect of topical tranexamic acid on bleeding and quality of surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a triple blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on bleeding and improvement of surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is not clear yet. This study was conducted to answer this question. METHODS: This trial was conducted on 60 patients with chronic sinusitis at Beasat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, from April to November 2013. Thirty patients in the intervention group received three pledgets soaked with TXA 5% and phenylephrine 0.5% for 10 minutes in each nasal cavity before surgery. Thirty patients in the control group received phenylephrine 0.5% with the same way. The amount of bleeding and the quality of surgical field were evaluated at 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the start of surgery using Boezaart grading. RESULTS: The quality of the surgical field in the intervention group compared to the control group was significantly better in the first quarter (P = 0.002) and the second quarter (P = 0.003) but not in the third quarter (P = 0.163). Furthermore, the amount of bleeding was much less during all periods in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Topical TXA can efficiently reduce bleeding and improve the surgical field in FESS in patients with rhinosinusitis. Based on these findings, topical TXA may be a useful method for providing a suitable surgical field during the first 30 minutes after use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT201212139014N15.

Effect of topical sucralfate vs clindamycin on posttonsillectomy pain in children aged 6 to 12 years: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Postoperative sore throat is one of the most common problems after tonsillectomy. Antibiotics remove the local flora and reduce inflammation and thus may reduce postoperative pain after tonsillectomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of topical sucralfate and clindamycin on local pain reduction after tonsillectomy in children aged 6 to 12 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Triple-blind randomized clinical trial of children aged 6 to 12 years with sleep apnea or snoring due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and chronic airway obstruction or with chronic infections who were candidates for tonsillectomy at Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, from May to October 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive sucralfate mouthwash, clindamycin mouthwash, or placebo (cellulose). The oral cavity was washed before and immediately after surgery with 10 mL of the prepared solution for 1 minute and then suctioned. Then, 8 hours after surgery, the patients were asked to keep 10 mL of the prepared mouthwash solution in their mouths for 1 minute 3 times a day for 3 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Postoperative sore throat evaluated daily for 5 days using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. RESULTS: Of 110 patients enrolled, 101 patients remained for analysis. Patients in the placebo group had significantly higher mean (SD) throat pain scores than did patients in both drug groups on postsurgery days 1 through 4. Day 1 scores were 8.00 (1.84) for placebo and 6.00 (1.84) for sucralfate and 6.79 (1.87) for clindamycin (P = .001). Pain scores were not significantly different on day 5. Acetaminophen use was more common in the placebo group on days 3 and 4 (2.97 and 2.44) vs the sucralfate group (2.24 and 2.15) and the clindamycin group (2.36 and 2.12) (P = .001 and .02, respectively). Bleeding on day 1 was more common in the placebo group (3 of 34) vs none in the drug groups. Food intolerance on day 1 was less common in patients receiving sucralfate (2 of 34) than placebo (9 of 34) or clindamycin (11 of 33) (P = .02). There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in numbers of episodes of nocturnal waking, halitosis, earache, nausea, and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This trial indicated that topical sucralfate and clindamycin are safe drugs with no important adverse effects that can significantly reduce posttonsillectomy pain in children and help them return to normal life sooner. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials registration number: IRCT201303209014N16.

Vowel Production in Persian Deaf Children with Cochlear Implant: is the Age of Implantation an Important Factor?

Proper production of vowels has great significance in speech intelligibility. Evidence shows that cochlear implantation has a significant impact on language and reading abilities in some children immediately after the surgery. The aim of the present study is comparing the quality of 6 simple Persian vowels between two groups of cochlear-implanted children under and over 2 years old. This was a cross-sectional analytic study conducted on 70 children who were implanted under the age of 2, 70 children who were implanted over the age of 2 and 238 normal children as control group. For data analysis, the SFS win acoustic analysis was used. Result of this study showed that F2/i/, f1/e/, f2/e/, f2/∞/, f1/a/, F2/a/, f1/o/, F2/o/and F2/u/means had significant difference between three groups (P < 0.05). Children implanted under the age of 2 showed similar performance as normal children in vowel production. Early cochlear implantation (under the age of 2) affects the quality of simple Persian vowel production significantly as well as the increase of speech intelligibility.

Changes in growth pattern after adenotonsillectomy in children under 12 years old.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of adenotonsillectomy on height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in children under 12 years old, with or without airway obstruction and evaluation of the risk of overweight in them. In this case-control study, 120 children with the age of 2-12 years old were studied; 60 children as case group who underwent adenotonsillectomy and 60 healthy children as control group. After collecting the data related to appetite status and sleep breathing disorder of the case group, height, weight and BMI have been measured for all children in two stages; preoperatively and 6 months later. Also in the case group, BMI percentiles, pre and postoperatively have been calculated. Patients with Low appetite in the initiation and at the end of the study in the case group were 80% and 8.3% respectively (P=0.01). Mean of height, weight and BMI variation after 6 months were significantly different between case and control groups (P<0.05). BMI percentiles in the case group preoperatively were: 20% underweight, 67% healthy weight, 10% at risk of over weight, 3% over weight. Postoperatively, after 6 months BMI percentiles in order of above frequency were: 10%, 57%, 22% and 11% (P=0.02). Analysis of the results showed that adenotonsillectomy can lead to increase of height, weight, BMI and appetite not only in the children with low weight due to airway obstruction but also in the normal weight and over weight children. Therefore risk of overweight should be mentioned as a probable undesirable outcome of adenotonsillectomy.