Is it necessary to perform occupational audiometric testing at 6-months of employment? / É necessário fazer teste audiométrico ocupacional 6 meses após a admissão?

Abstract Introduction: Current Brazilian legislation requires that all workers exposed to noise are to be given an audiogram upon hiring, after 6 months of employment (first periodic test), and annually after the first periodic test. In other countries, the regulations of hearing conservation programs do not include the requirement for audiometric testing at 6 months of employment, but only annually. There is no evidence that the periodicity adopted by Brazilian legislation is the most appropriate. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the first 3 occupational audiometric tests of workers exposed to noise. Methods: Historical cohort study with cross-sectional analysis. Participants were all male metallurgy workers aged up to 40 years. The first 3 audiograms of each worker were analyzed: pre-employment audiometric test, periodic audiometric test 1, and periodic audiometric test 2. For each worker, mean frequency thresholds were calculated at 3, 4, and 6 kHz in the left and right ears for each test. Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. Results: A total of 988 workers were included. There was a significant difference in auditory thresholds between the pre-employment test and the 2 subsequent periodic tests for the right and left ears. There was no significant difference between Test1 and Test2 in either ear. Conclusion: Given the lack of difference between the first 2 periodic tests, we believe that they could be merged into a single test, i.e., first periodic audiometric testing could be performed at 12 months of employment without compromising workers' health.

Resumo Introdução: A legislação brasileira atual exige que todos os trabalhadores expostos a ruído recebam um audiograma na admissão, 6 meses após a admissão (primeiro teste periódico), e anualmente após o primeiro teste periódico, mas em outros países as regulamentações dos programas de conservação auditiva não incluem a exigência de teste audiométrico após 6 meses de admissão, mas apenas anualmente. Não há evidências de que a periodicidade adotada pela legislação brasileira seja a mais adequada. Objetivo: Avaliar os três primeiros exames audiométricos ocupacionais de trabalhadores expostos ao ruído. Método: Estudo de coorte histórica com análise transversal. Os participantes eram todos trabalhadores metalúrgicos do sexo masculino com até 40 anos. Os três primeiros audiogramas de cada trabalhador foram analisados: teste audiométrico pré-admissão, teste audiométrico periódico 1 e teste audiométrico periódico 2. Para cada trabalhador, os limiares de frequência médios foram calculados em 3, 4 e 6 kHz nas orelhas esquerda e direita para cada teste. A análise estatística foi feita através do teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Foram incluídos 988 trabalhadores. Houve uma diferença significante nos limiares auditivos entre o teste pré-admissão e os 2 testes periódicos subsequentes para as orelhas direita e esquerda. Não houve diferença significante entre o teste 1 e o teste 2 em nenhuma das orelhas. Conclusão: Dada a falta de diferença entre os 2 primeiros testes periódicos, acreditamos que eles poderiam ser combinados em um único teste, ou seja, o primeiro teste audiométrico periódico poderia ser feito após 12 meses de admissão sem comprometer a saúde dos trabalhadores.

Cochlear implants: Insertion assessment by computed tomography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Imaging exams play a key role in cochlear implants with regard to both planning implantation before surgery and quality control after surgery. The ability to visualize the three-dimensional location of implanted electrodes is useful in clinical routines for assessing patient outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate linear and angular insertion depth measurements of cochlear implants based on conventional computed tomography. METHODS: Tools for linear and angular measurements of cochlear implants were used in computed tomography exams. The tools realized the insertion measurements in an image reconstruction of the CIs, based on image processing techniques. We comprehensively characterized two cochlear implant models while obviating possible changes that can be caused by different cochlea sizes by using the same human temporal bones to evaluate the implant models. RESULTS: The tools used herein were able to differentiate the insertion measurements between two cochlear implant models widely used in clinical practice. We observed significant differences between both insertion measurements because of their different design and construction characteristics (p = 0.004 and 0.003 for linear and angular measurements, respectively; t-test). The presented methodology showed to be a good tool to calculate insertion depth measurements, since it is easy to perform, produces high-resolution images, and is able to depict all the landmarks, thus enabling measurement of the angular and linear insertion depth of the most apical electrode contacts. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates practical and useful tools for evaluating cochlear implant electrodes in clinical practice. Further studies should measure preoperative and postoperative benefits in terms of speech recognition and evaluate the preservation of residual hearing in the implanted ear. Such studies can also determine correlations between surgical factors, electrode positions, and performance. In addition to refined surgical techniques, the precise evaluation of cochlear length and correct choice of cochlear implant characteristics can play an important role in postoperative outcomes.

Tonsillar Lymphoma in Children According to Age Group: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoma is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck occurring during childhood. Early diagnosis is very important in terms of prognosis in patients with tonsillar lymphoma.Our objective was to evaluate the clinical manifestations of pediatric tonsillar lymphoma according to different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of available English, Spanish, or Portuguese literature from January 1996 to June 2012 was performedin the BIREME, Cochrane, IBECS, Lilacs, PubMed/Medline, SCIELO, and Scopus databases, using "tonsillar lymphoma" and "children" as keywords. Inclusion criteria were pediatric case reports, patients aged up to 18 years, and information on clinical features at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: Out of 87 identified publications, 13 articles were selected describing 53 patients. Tonsillar asymmetry was the most common sign. Snoring is a common sign in patients aged under 5 years; clinical lymphadenopathy is frequent among patients aged between 6 and 10 years; and dysphagia is a common sign in patients between 11 and 18 years of age. Burkitt's lymphoma is the most common form among all ages studied, followed by B-cell lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations differ according to age group. However, tonsillar asymmetry is the most frequent sign regardless of age group.

Histologic correlation of VEGF and COX-2 expression with tumor size in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx.

The prognosis and survival of patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are related to the clinical staging. Tumor growth and metastasis are closely related to angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) are intimately related to the angiogenic process in which the blood supply required for neoplastic evolution is ensured. Considering the contributions of VEGF and COX-2 to the formation, growth, and progression of primary tumors, as well as their metastasis, it has been thought that the expression of these two factors might be related to the size and/or aggressiveness of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. To test that theory, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the expression of VEGF and COX-2 markers in archived specimens of SCC of the larynx and hypopharynx to correlate their expression with tumor size. These specimens had been obtained from 35 patients-31 men and 4 women, aged 37 to 75 years (mean: 57)-who had been treated for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal SCC at our tertiary care university hospital over a period of 15 years. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed with avidin-biotin-peroxidase staining for VEGF and COX-2 antibodies. The degree of VEGF and COX-2 expression was based on the German scale of immunoreactivity. Specimens were separated into groups based on the intensity of expression (none/low and moderate/strong) and tumor size (TNM categories T1/T2 and T3/T4). A total of 7 patients exhibited moderate or strong VEGF expression (3 from the T1/T2 group and 4 from the T3/T4 group), and 17 patients demonstrated moderate or strong COX-2 expression (8 from the T1/T2 group and 9 from the T3/T4 group). We found no statistically significant relationship between tumor size and either VEGF or COX-2 expression. Our study demonstrated that despite the intrinsic connection between and VEGF and COX-2, neither appears to be related to the size of the SCCs of the larynx or hypopharynx. Other factors must be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of this disease, and further studies are needed to identify them.

High levels of sound pressure: acoustic reflex thresholds and auditory complaints of workers with noise exposure / Níveis elevados de pressão sonora: limiares dos reflexos estapedianos e queixas auditivas de trabalhadores expostos

INTRODUCTION: The clinical evaluation of subjects with occupational noise exposure has been difficult due to the discrepancy between auditory complaints and auditory test results. This study aimed to evaluate the contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds of workers exposed to high levels of noise, and to compare these results to the subjects' auditory complaints.METHODS: This clinical retrospective study evaluated 364 workers between 1998 and 2005; their contralateral acoustic reflexes were compared to auditory complaints, age, and noise exposure time by chi-squared, Fisher's, and Spearman's tests.RESULTS: The workers' age ranged from 18 to 50 years (mean = 39.6), and noise exposure time from one to 38 years (mean = 17.3). We found that 15.1% (55) of the workers had bilateral hearing loss, 38.5% (140) had bilateral tinnitus, 52.8% (192) had abnormal sensitivity to loud sounds, and 47.2% (172) had speech recognition impairment. The variables hearing loss, speech recognition impairment, tinnitus, age group, and noise exposure time did not show relationship with acoustic reflex thresholds; however, all complaints demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with Metz recruitment at 3000 and 4000 Hz bilaterally.CONCLUSION: There was no significance relationship between auditory complaints and acoustic reflexes.

INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação clínico-ocupacional de trabalhadores expostos a ruído é dificultada pela discrepância entre queixas auditivas e resultados dos exames audiológicos. Este estudo pretende avaliar limiares dos reflexos estapedianos contralaterais em sujeitos expostos a níveis elevados de pressão sonora, relacionando-os com queixas auditivas.MÉTODO: Estudo clínico retrospectivo que analisou 364 trabalhadores e seus limiares de reflexos estapedianos contralaterais, relacionado-os com queixas auditivas, idades e tempos de exposição ao ruído.RESULTADOS: Dos trabalhadores avaliados, com idades de 18 a 50 anos (média 39,6) e tempos de exposição entre um e 38 anos (média 17,3); 15,1% (55) tinham queixa de perda auditiva bilateral, 38,5% (140) zumbidos bilaterais, 52,8% (192) irritação ao ouvir sons intensos e 47,2% (172) dificuldades para reconhecer a fala. As variáveis: perda auditiva, dificuldade para reconhecimento da fala, zumbidos, faixa etária e tempo de exposição ao ruído não se relacionaram significativamente com limiares dos reflexos estapedianos, mas todas as queixas apresentaram relação estatisticamente significante com o recrutamento de Metz nas frequências de 3000 e 4000 Hz, bilateralmente.CONCLUSÃO: Não houve relações significativas entre limiares dos reflexos estapedianos e queixas auditivas.

HiFocus Helix™ electrode insertion: surgical approach.

BACKGROUND: Cochlear implants have been used for almost 30 years as a device for the rehabilitation of individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss. One of the important aspects of cochlear implantation is the type of electrode selected and proper insertion of the electrode array in scala tympani to minimize cochlear damage. The HiFocus Helix™ electrode is a precurved design aimed at placing the electrode contacts close to the spiral ganglion cells in the modiolus. The prescribed insertion techniques are intended to minimize the likelihood of damage to the basilar membrane or lateral wall of the cochlea. CASE PRESENTATION: To describe the first insertion of a HiFocus Helix™ electrode in Brazil exposing surgical particularities and device details in a patient with profound hearing loss, due to Mondini's dysplasia. CONCLUSION: No problems were encountered during the surgical procedure. The patient experienced improvement in hearing thresholds and speech perception. The HiFocus Helix™ electrode proved easy to insert and provided expected hearing benefits for the patient. This manuscript indicates that the HiResolution™ Bionic Ear System with HiFocus Helix™ electrode comprise a cochlear implant system that is practical and beneficial for the treatment of severe-to-profound hearing loss.

Comparison of two otologic suspensions of ciprofloxacin 2 mg/mL and hydrocortisone 10 mg/mL in the treatment of otitis externa: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study / Comparação de duas suspensões otológicas de ciprofloxacino 2 mg/mL e hidrocortisona 10 mg/mL no tratamento da otite externa: um estudo multicêntrico, duplo-cego e randomizado

This was Phase III multicenter, double-blind, randomized, comparative safety and efficacy study in parallel groups of subjects, assessing non-inferiority between two commercially available otologic suspensions containing ciprofloxacin 2mg/mL and hydrocortisone 10mg/mL (Otociriax and Cipro HC®) in the treatment of acute diffuse otitis externa. Following screening and informed consent, subjects were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Group A (treated with Otociriax) and Group B (treated with Cipro HC®). Treatment regimen in both groups was three drops, twice daily for seven days. The primary study endpoint was otitis cure, defined as elimination of pain, edema, and otorrhea. The secondary study endpoint was presence of side effects. Efficacy assessments included presence and intensity of otitis externa manifestations. Safety assessments included vital signs and physical examination, as well as adverse event monitoring. Study data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0...

Hearing preservation and cochlear implants according to inner ear approach: multicentric evaluation / Preservação auditiva e implante coclear de acordo com a abordagem da orelha interna: avaliação multicêntrica

INTRODUCTION: Electroacoustic stimulation is an excellent option for people with residual hearing in the low frequencies, who obtain insufficient benefit with hearing aids. To be effective, the subject's residual hearing should be preserved during cochlear implant surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hearing preservation in patients that underwent implant placement and to compare the results in accordance with the approach to the inner ear. METHODS: 19 subjects underwent a soft surgical technique, and the electrode MED-EL FLEX(tm) EAS, designed to be atraumatic, was used. We evaluated pre- and postoperative tonal audiometric tests with an average of 18.4 months after implantation, to measure the rate of hearing preservation. RESULTS: 17 patients had total or partial preservation of residual hearing; 5 had total hearing preservation and two individuals had no preservation of hearing. The insertion of the electrode occurred through a cochleostomy in 3 patients, and in 2 of these there was no hearing preservation; the other 16 patients experienced electrode insertion through a round window approach. All patients benefited from the cochlear implant, even those who are only using electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: The hearing preservation occurred in 89.4% of cases. There was no significant difference between the forms of inner ear approach. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A estimulação eletroacústica é uma excelente opção para pessoas com audição residual nas baixas frequências, que obtêm benefício insuficiente com aparelhos auditivos. Para ser eficaz, a audição residual deve ser preservada durante a cirurgia de implante coclear. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a preservação auditiva de pacientes implantados e comparar os resultados de acordo com a abordagem da orelha interna. MÉTODO: 19 indivíduos foram implantados com uma técnica cirúrgica para preservação auditiva, tendo sido utilizado o eletrodo MED-EL FLEXTM EAS, concebido para ser atraumático. Foram avaliados os exames audiométricos tonais no pré e pós-operatório, com uma média de 18,4 meses após o implante para medir a taxa de preservação da audição residual. RESULTADOS: 17 pacientes tiveram preservação total ou parcial da audição residual; cinco obtiveram preservação da audição total e dois indivíduos não tiveram preservação da audição. A inserção do eletrodo ocorreu por cocleostomia em 3 pacientes; em 2 destes pacientes não houve preservação da audição. Os outros 16 pacientes foram submetidos à abordagem pela janela redonda. Todos os pacientes foram beneficiados com o implante coclear, mesmo aqueles pacientes que utilizando apenas estimulação elétrica. CONCLUSÃO: A preservação auditiva ocorreu em 89,4% dos casos. Não houve diferença significativa entre as formas de abordagem da orelha interna. .

Hearing preservation and cochlear implants according to inner ear approach: multicentric evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Electroacoustic stimulation is an excellent option for people with residual hearing in the low frequencies, who obtain insufficient benefit with hearing aids. To be effective, the subject's residual hearing should be preserved during cochlear implant surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hearing preservation in patients that underwent implant placement and to compare the results in accordance with the approach to the inner ear. METHODS: 19 subjects underwent a soft surgical technique, and the electrode MED-EL FLEX™ EAS, designed to be atraumatic, was used. We evaluated pre- and postoperative tonal audiometric tests with an average of 18.4 months after implantation, to measure the rate of hearing preservation. RESULTS: 17 patients had total or partial preservation of residual hearing; 5 had total hearing preservation and two individuals had no preservation of hearing. The insertion of the electrode occurred through a cochleostomy in 3 patients, and in 2 of these there was no hearing preservation; the other 16 patients experienced electrode insertion through a round window approach. All patients benefited from the cochlear implant, even those who are only using electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: The hearing preservation occurred in 89.4% of cases. There was no significant difference between the forms of inner ear approach.

Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and presence of lymph node metastasis in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx / Correlação entre expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial e presença de metástase linfática nos carcinomas epidermoides avançados de laringe

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the larynx, and its evolution depends on tumor staging. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a marker of angiogenesis, and its expression may be related to increased tumor aggressiveness, as evidenced by the presence of cervical lymphatic metastases. Objectives: To evaluate the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor marker in non-glottic advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (T3/T4) and correlate it with the presence of cervical lymph node metastases. Methods: Retrospective clinical study and immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor through the German scale of immunoreactivity in products of non-glottic squamous cell carcinomas. Results: This study analyzed 15 cases of advanced non-glottic laryngeal tumors (T3/T4), four of which exhibited cervical lymphatic metastases. There was no correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and the presence of cervical metastases. Conclusion: Although vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in a few cases, there was no correlation with the spread of cervical lymph metastases. .

Introdução: O carcinoma de células escamosas é a neoplasia mais frequente da laringe e seu prognóstico depende do estadiamento. A progressão da doença está relacionada a fatores intrínsecos celulares do câncer, não conhecidos. O VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) é um marcador de angiogênese e sua expressão pode estar relacionada a uma maior agressividade tumoral, evidenciada pela presença de metástases linfáticas cervicais. Objetivos: Avaliar a expressão do marcador VEGF em carcinoma de células escamosas da laringe avançados (T3/T4), não glóticos e correlacionar quanto à presença de metástases linfáticas cervicais. Método: Estudo clínico retrospectivo de análise imunohistoquimica do VEGF através da escala Germânica de imunorreatividade em produtos de carcinomas epidermóides não glóticos. Resultados: Analisados 15 casos de tumores avançados de laringe (T3/T4) não glóticos, sendo sete com presença de metástases linfáticas cervicais. Não houve correlação entre a expressão do VEGF e a presença de metástases cervicais. Conclusão: O VEGF foi pouco expressado nos casos estudados e não foi observada sua correlação com a disseminação de metástase linfática cervical. .

Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and presence of lymph node metastasis in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the larynx, and its evolution depends on tumor staging. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a marker of angiogenesis, and its expression may be related to increased tumor aggressiveness, as evidenced by the presence of cervical lymphatic metastases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor marker in non-glottic advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (T3/T4) and correlate it with the presence of cervical lymph node metastases. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study and immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor through the German scale of immunoreactivity in products of non-glottic squamous cell carcinomas. RESULTS: This study analyzed 15 cases of advanced non-glottic laryngeal tumors (T3/T4), four of which exhibited cervical lymphatic metastases. There was no correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and the presence of cervical metastases. CONCLUSION: Although vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in a few cases, there was no correlation with the spread of cervical lymph metastases.

Sensorineural hearing loss in hemorrhagic dengue?

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is an acute febrile infectious disease, with high fever followed by symptoms flu-like. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a vascular leak syndrome and could present spontaneous bleeding and worsening of symptoms after some days. Dengue could have some ENT manifestations, however hearing loss is not one of them. Sudden hearing loss is considered as sensorineural or perceptual hearing loss with a sudden onset in a person without other prior otological history. The relation between infectious diseases and sudden hearing are been investigated, some viruses were already linked, but the relation between dengue virus and sudden hearing still remains unknown. This article has the goal of presenting a case of DHF that evolved with SSHL in his hospitalization process. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 60 years-male patient of with DHF who developed bilateral secretory otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss after the fifth day of onset of symptoms. His hearing loss remained even after 7 months and the patient was referred for hearing aid fitting. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first case report that brings together DHF and sudden hearing loss. In the development of this case no other cause to sudden hearing loss was found and the correlation between dengue and hearing loss was questioned. In the literature review was found that some viruses, as mumps virus, varicella-zoster virus and HSV-1 and HSV-2 are related to sudden hearing loss, all of them fit in the viral theory. Besides the viral theory of sudden hearing loss, there is the vascular theory that is the occlusion of the end artery that supplies the cochlea. DHF has a vascular commitment, and the hypothesis of a vascular cause could be elicited in this case. Many studies in this area are needed and this article has the objective of elicit the discussion about the subject. Could dengue be associated with sensorineural hearing loss?

Association between unilateral tonsillar enlargement and lymphoma in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lymphoma is the most common head and neck malignancy in children, and palatine tonsils asymmetry is the most frequent clinical manifestation of tonsillar lymphoma. However, several studies with children with tonsillar asymmetry found no case of lymphoma, showing that the relationship of tonsillar asymmetry with lymphoma is unclear. In this review, we aimed to identify the association between tonsillar asymmetry and tonsillar lymphoma in children by conducting systematic reviews of the literature on children with palatine tonsil lymphoma and tonsillar asymmetry. Articles comprising the paediatric age group (up to 18 years) with information concerning clinical manifestations of tonsillar lymphoma or the diagnosis of the tonsillar asymmetry were included. The main cause of asymmetry of palatine tonsils was lymphoid hyperplasia, followed by lymphoma and nonspecific benign changes. The asymmetry of tonsils was present in 73.2% of cases of lymphoma. There was an association between asymmetric palatine tonsils and lymphoma, with a likelihood ratio of 43.5 for children with asymmetry of palatine tonsils and 8938.4 for children with asymmetry of tonsils and other signs of suspicion for malignancy. We also provide recommendations on the management of suspicious cases of palatine tonsil lymphoma.

Histologic correlation of expression of Ki-67 in squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis according to the degree of cell differentiation.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the larynx and glottis, and its prognosis depends on the size of the lesion, level of local invasion, cervical lymphatic spread, and presence of distant metastases. Ki-67 (MKI67) is a protein present in the core, whose function is related to cell proliferation. AIM: To evaluate the expression of marker Ki-67 in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and glottis and its correlation to pathological findings. METHODS: Experimental study with immunohistochemistry analysis of Ki-67, calculating the percentage of the cell proliferation index in glottic squamous cell carcinomas. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were analyzed, with six well-differentiated and 10 poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. There was a correlation between cell proliferation index and degree of cell differentiation, with higher proliferation in poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. CONCLUSION: The cell proliferation index, as measured by Ki-67, may be useful in the characterization of histological degree in glottic squamous cell tumors.

Otorhinolaryngological findings in a group of patients with rheumatic diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases represent a great challenge not only to the generalistphysician but also to the ENT doctor andrheumatologist. They often represent early manifestations of an autoimmune disorder which requires prompt and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Auditory, nasal, laryngeal and eye symptoms can be the first manifestation of rheumatic diseases and their proper assessment helps the doctor to identify signs of disease activity. The objective of this study is to identify the ENT manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases in a high complexity hospital, regarding facilitating an early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We performed clinical and complete otorhinolaryngological evaluations in patients selected from the outpatient rheumatology in a standardized manner by the use of a standardized form filling during the secondhalf of 2010. RESULTS: In the study group, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients had predominantly laryngeal manifestations, while patients with Sjögren's syndrome showed a higher prevalence of otologic manifestations. Changes in audiometric tests were found in 53% of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients, 80% of relapsing polychondritis (RP), 33% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50% of Churg-Strauss syndrome (SCS). Regarding nasal alterations, these were found so prevalent in all conditions, especially Churg-Strauss syndrome. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that most patients treated in our hospital has the ENT signs and symptoms commonly associated in previous studies on rheumatic diseases, but further studies with a larger number of patients must be made to establish such relations.

Histologic correlation of expression of Ki-67 in squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis according to the degree of cell differentiation / Correlação histológica da expressão do Ki-67 no Carcinoma Epidermoide Glótico de acordo com grau de diferenciação celular

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the larynx and glottis, and its prognosis depends on the size of the lesion, level of local invasion, cervical lymphatic spread, and presence of distant metastases. Ki-67 (MKI67) is a protein present in the core, whose function is related to cell proliferation. AIM: To evaluate the expression of marker Ki-67 in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and glottis and its correlation to pathological findings. METHODS: Experimental study with immunohistochemistry analysis of Ki-67, calculating the percentage of the cell proliferation index in glottic squamous cell carcinomas. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were analyzed, with six well-differentiated and 10 poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. There was a correlation between cell proliferation index and degree of cell differentiation, with higher proliferation in poorly/moderately differentiated tumors. CONCLUSION: The cell proliferation index, as measured by Ki-67, may be useful in the characterization of histological degree in glottic squamous cell tumors. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O carcinoma de células escamosas é a neoplasia mais frequente da laringe e da região glótica, seu prognóstico depende do tamanho da lesão, do nível de invasão local, disseminação cervical linfática e da existência de metástases à distância. Ki-67 (MKI67) é uma proteína presente no núcleo, cuja função está relacionada com a proliferação celular. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a expressão do marcador Ki-67 em carcinoma de células escamosas da laringe glóticos e correlacionar sua expressão com os achados anatomopatológicos. MÉTODO: Trabalho experimental de análise imunohistoquímica do Ki 67 através do cálculo percentual do índice de proliferação celular em produtos de carcinomas epidermóides glóticos. RESULTADOS: Dezesseis casos foram analisados, sendo seis bem diferenciados e dez pouco/moderadamente diferenciados. Houve correlação entre o índice de proliferação celular e o grau de diferenciação celular, sendo a proliferação maior nos pouco/moderadamente diferenciados. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de proliferação celular, medido pelo Ki-67 pode ser útil na caracterização do grau histológico em tumores glóticos de células escamosas. .

Achados otorrinolaringológicos em um grupo de pacientes com doenças reumatológicas / Otorhinolaryngological findings in a group of patients with rheumatic diseases

Introdução: As manifestações otorrinolaringológicas de doenças reumáticas representam um grande desafio não só ao médico generalista, mas também ao otorrinolaringologista e ao reumatologista. Frequentemente representam manifestações iniciais de uma desordem autoimune que exige um tratamento imunossupressor imediato e agressivo. Sintomas auditivos, nasais, laríngeos e oculares podem ser a primeira manifestação de doenças reumáticas, e sua correta avaliação auxilia o médico a identificar sinais de atividade da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as manifestações otorrinolaringológicas em pacientes com doenças reumáticas em um hospital de alta complexidade, no que se refere a facilitar diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. Métodos: Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas e otorrinolaringológicas completas em pacientes selecionados no ambulatório de reumatologia, no segundo semestre do ano de 2010, de forma padronizada e com utilização de um formulário de preenchimento normatizado. Resultados: No grupo estudado, pacientes com LES apresentaram predominantemente manifestações laríngeas, enquanto pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren apresentaram predomínio das manifestações otológicas (100% dos casos). As alterações de exames audiométricos são encontradas em 53% dos casos portadores de GW, 80% de PR, 33% de LES e 50% de SCS. Quanto às alterações nasais, estas foram encontradas de forma prevalente em todas as patologias, principalmente a síndrome de Churg-Strauss. Discussão e conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que a maioria dos pacientes em seguimento em nosso serviço apresenta os sinais e sintomas otorrinolaringológicos comumente relacionados em ...

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases represent a great challenge not only to the generalistphysician but also to the ENT doctor andrheumatologist. They often represent early manifestations of an autoimmune disorder which requires prompt and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Auditory, nasal, laryngeal and eye symptoms can be the first manifestation of rheumatic diseases and their proper assessment helps the doctor to identify signs of disease activity. The objective of this study is to identify the ENT manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases in a high complexity hospital, regarding facilitating an early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We performed clinical and complete otorhinolaryngological evaluations in patients selected from the outpatient rheumatology in a standardized manner by the use of a standardized form filling during the secondhalf of 2010. Results: In the study group, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients had predominantly laryngeal manifestations, while patients with Sjögren's syndrome showed a higher prevalence of otologic manifestations. Changes in audiometric tests were found in 53% of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients, 80% of relapsing polychondritis (RP), 33% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50% of Churg-Strauss syndrome (SCS). Regarding nasal alterations, these were found so prevalent in all conditions, especially Churg-Strauss syndrome. Discussion and conclusion: This study demonstrated that most patients treated in our hospital has the ENT signs and symptoms commonly associated in previous studies on rheumatic diseases, but further studies with a larger number of patients must be made to establish such relations. .