Diseño y evaluación de las propiedades antibacterianas de un prototipo de molde de audífono que incorpora cobre en su manufactura / Design and evaluation of antibacterial properties of a prototype of earmold with copper incorporated in the manufacture

Introducción: La otitis externa infecciosa es una consulta otorrinolaringológica frecuente en usuarios de audífonos. Las propiedades antibacterianas descritas del cobre, han motivado el desarrollo de aplicaciones clínicas de este metal. Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad antibacteriana de moldes de audífonos manufacturados con polímeros sensible a luz UV, silicona y acrílico que incorporan cobre metálico, en un sistema experimental in vitro. Material y método: Se diseñaron moldes de audífonos con y sin cobre, que fueron inoculados con distintas concentraciones de microorganismos (S aureus y P aeruginosa), para luego determinar el porcentaje de adherencia bacteriana a distintos tiempos de contacto (4, 8 y12 horas). Resultados: Existió reducción significativa en la adhesión bacteriana a los moldes con cobre respecto a aquellos sin cobre, independiente del material, del tipo de microorganismo y del inóculo bacteriano. Discusión: La disminución en la adherencia bacteriana en los prototipos con cobre, puede atribuirse a su actividad inhibitoria sobre los microorganismos en función de su concentración y el tiempo de contacto, ejerciendo su efecto por difusión a través de los distintos materiales. Conclusión: Con estos resultados, se hace necesario el desarrollo de estudios clínicos enfocados en comprobar si el uso de audífonos con cobre disminuyen las otitis externas de origen infeccioso.

Introduction: External otitis of infectious etiology among hearing aid users is a common motive of otolaryngology consultation. Antibacterial properties described copper, they have motivated the development of clinical applications of this metal. Aim: Evaluate the antibacterial capacity of copper-based ear molds manufactured with different materials such UV sensitive polymers, silicone and acrylic incorporating metallic copper, in an experimental system in vitro. Material and method: Ear molds with and without copper, were inoculated with different concentrations of microorganisms (S aureus and P aeruginosa) and determine the percentage of bacterial adherence to different contact times (4-8 and 12 hours). Results: There was significant reduction in bacterial adhesion to copper molds than those without copper, independent of the material, the type of microorganism and the bacterial inoculum. Discussion: The decrease in bacterial adherence on prototypes with copper, can be attributed to inhibitory activity on microorganisms depending on their concentration and contact time, exerting its effect by diffusion through the various materials. Conclusion: With these results, is necessary the development of clinical studies focused on checking whether the use of hearing aids with copper decreases external otitis of infectious origin.

Piercings en cabeza y cuello / Head and neck piercings

Los piercings corporales son una práctica habitual en la sociedad actual, y consisten en la perforación de un tejido para insertar un aro u otro elemento ornamental. Este procedimiento implica la creación de una puerta de entrada cutánea o mucosa que puede permitir el ingreso de microorganismos, además de la posible formación de cicatrices anómalas. Asimismo, el aro puede predisponer a otras complicaciones como reacciones de hipersensibilidad, desplazamientos o aspiración. Debido a esta amplia gama de posibles complicaciones, los piercings debieran realizarse en establecimientos autorizados, por personal entrenado y bajo técnica aséptica. El personal médico debe conocer el diagnóstico y manejo de estas complicaciones, y dado que la mayoría de las perforaciones se realizan en el área de cabeza y cuello, el otorrinolaringólogo debiera estar especialmente familiarizado con los aspectos médicos de ésta práctica.

Body piercing is considered a normal practice in today's society. It consists in the perforation of corporal tissue to insert a ring or other ornamental object with an esthetic purpose. This procedure implicates the creation of a cutaneous or mucosal entry point that could allow pathogenic microorganisms into the body, and could also promote the formation of anomalous scar tissue. Other complications, such as hypersensitivity reactions, displacement and aspiration, have been reported. Due to this wide range of possible complications, body piercings should be performed only in authorized establishments, by trained staff and under supervised aseptic technique. Health care providers should be aware about the diagnosis and treatment of these complications. Given that most piercings are placed in the head and neck area, otolaryngologists should be especially familiarized with the medical aspects of this practice.

Cirugía del colesteatoma y audición / Cholesteatoma surgery and audition

Introducción: El colesteatoma es una entidad clínica que se presenta principalmente en edades medias de la vida. El tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico, el cual apunta a erradicar la enfermedad, mientras que mantener o mejorar la audición es un objetivo secundario. Existen diversas técnicas quirúrgicas siendo la aticoantromastoidectomía con o sin preservación de la pared posterosuperior del conducto auditivo externo la más utilizada. Objetivos: Caracterizar a la población sometida a tratamiento quirúrgico del colesteatoma en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y determinar los cambios auditivos posoperatorios. Material y método: Se realiza un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en donde se analizan los procedimientos quirúrgicos entre los años 2007y 2012. Se registran y analizan datos individuales, valores audiométricos pre y posoperatorios y tipo de cirugía realizada. Resultados: Se incluyen 143 pacientes con promedio de edad de 41 años, siendo el 56% de sexo masculino. El 54,5% fueron aticoantromastoidectomía; 21,6% aticoantrostomía; 16,7% aticoantromastoidectomía más timpanoplastía IIIA y 6,7% aticoantromastoidectomía más timpanoplastía IIIB. Los umbrales auditivos se mantuvieron en la aticoantrostomía, en la aticoantromastoidectomía y en la aticoantromastoidectomía con timpanoplastía tipo IIIB, mientras que la audición mejoró significativamente en las aticoantromastoidectomía con timpanoplastía tipo IIIA. Conclusión: La técnica mayormente utilizada en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile para el manejo del colesteatoma es la aticoantromastoidectomía con o sin preservación de la pared posterosuperior del conducto auditivo. Aquellos pacientes a los que se les asocia una timpanoplastía tipo IIIA presentan una mejoría auditiva significativa.

Introduction: The cholesteatoma is a clinical entity that presents mostly in middle ages. The definitive treatment is surgery; which aims to eradicate the disease, while maintaining or improving hearing thresholds is a secondary goal. Several surgical techniques have been described, being the tympanomastoidectomy with or without preservation of the postero-superior wall of the external auditory canal the most commonly used. Aim: To characterize the population that underwent surgical treatment forcholesteatoma in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile and to determine the post-surgical hearing thresholds changes. Methods: Retrospective and descriptive study of the surgical procedures carried out between the years 2007 and 2012. Individual data, pre and post-surgical treatment audiometric values and types of surgery are registered and analyzed. Results: 143 patients were included with a 41 year age average, 56% were males. 54,4% of surgeries were tympanomastoidectomy; 21,6% atticotomy; 16,7% tympanomastoidectomy with type IIIA tympanoplasty and 6,7% tympanomastoidectomy with type IIIB tympanoplasty. Hearing thresholds were maintained in atticotomy, tympanomastoidectomy and tympanomastoidectomy with type IIIB tympanoplasty, while hearing thresholds improved in the tympanomastoidectomy with type IIIA tympanoplasty reconstruction. Conclusion: The most used technique for cholesteatoma treatment in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile was tympanomastoidectomy with or without preservation of the posterosuperior wall of the external ear canal. Patients who had a type IIIA tympanoplastyimproved their hearing thresholds.

Otitis externa difusa infecciosa: revisión de la literatura / Infectious diffuse external otitis: literature review

External otitis (EO) is a skin infection of the external auditory canal (EAC). It's a frequent complaint to the otolaryngologist affecting 10% of the population at least once in their life time. EO is associated with an increased humidity of the EAC, local trauma and allergic skin conditions. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and signs such as earache and positive tragus sign. Infections EO are mostly bacterial infections caused by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, and in a lower percentage fungal infection by A. niger and C. albicans. Treatment of acute infectious EO is essentially local and should be active against most common agents. The aim of this review is to update the current reality of this common clinical entity in our environment. (AU)

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica de pacientes operados con diagnóstico de quiste branquial / Epidemiological and clinical characterization of operated patients diagnosed with branchial cyst

Branchial Cysts are uncommon anomalies in regular clinical practice. However, among congenital cervical cysts, they represent about 30% from total. Objective: Characterize patients diagnosed with operated branquial cyst in our clinical center, and correlate clinic, imaging and final diagnose. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of discharged patients diagnosed as cervical cysts, between January 2005 and July 2011, at Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile. Selection of Clinical records with final diagnose of branchial cyst were selected. Age, sex, clinical story, imaging exams, pre-operative and post-operative diagnoses, and biopsy report were registered. Results: from a total of 149 cervical cysts, 31 (20,8%) were branchial cysts. Man 45% and women 55%. By age, 9 (29%) were < 15 years old (average: 6,69 years) and 22 (70,9%) > 15 years (average: 33,7 years). Lateral cervical mass was the most common clinical manifestation. Regarding Imaging study, 15 cervical ultrasounds (sensibility 0,86 and specificity 0,98) and 13 cervical CTA scans (sensibility 0,92 and specificity 0,94) were conducted. In 9 patients, imaging studies weren't conducted for the clinical diagnose (sensibility 0,77 and specificity 0,98). Correlation of pre-operative and post-operative diagnose was 87%. Discussion: According to literature, presentation age is generally during childhood; however, in our statistics it presented during adult age, which could be explained due to the main focus our medical center has for adult population. Most common clinical presentation was lateral neck mass, which had a good clinical correlation, however improves with imaging studies. (AU)

Tumor híbrido parotídeo / Parotid hybrid tumor

Los tumores de glándulas salivales representan el 3%-10% de las neoplasias de cabeza y cuello. La localización más común es en la glándula parótida, representando el 50%-85% de los casos, siendo 20%-30% de ellos malignos. Los siguientes son indicadores de malignidad: Crecimiento acelerado, masa dolorosa, parálisis facial asociada y linfoadenopatía. La mayoría de las neoplasias de parótida derivan de un único tipo histológico, pero eventualmente puede ocurrir el desarrollo de más de un tipo en la misma glándula. Este trabajo presenta un caso de una neoplasia en parótida con dos tipos histológicos diferentes, con una presentación clínica atípica. El paciente se presentó inicialmente con otalgia y otorrea, al examen destacaba un tumor en el canal auditorio externo. El estudio complementario evidenció una neoplasia de parótida y se realizó resección total de la glándula. La biopsia informó un carcinoma adenoideo-quístico con áreas basaloideas diferenciadas. Se administró radioquimioterapia adyuvante, y el control imagenológico con PET-TC mostró la ausencia de recurrencias o diseminación del tumor.

Tumors of the salivary glands represent 33%-10% of head and neck neoplasms. The most common location is the parotid gland, accounting for 50%-85% of the cases, with 20%-30% of them being malignant. The following are known to be indicative of a malignant tumor: fast growing, painless mass, associated facial paralysis and lymphadenopathy. Most parotid neoplasm derive from a single histological type but eventually the development of more than one type on the same gland can occur. This paper presents a case of a parotid neoplasm with two different histological tumors, with uncharacteristic clinical presentation. The patient presented initially with ear pain and otorrhoea, in the clinical examination highlighted an external auditory canal tumor. The complementary study revealed a parotid neoplasm and a total resection of the gland was performed. The biopsy revealed an adenoid-cystic carcinoma with differentiated basaloid areas. Adjuvant radio-chemotherapy was administered, and the imaging control with PET-CT showed no evidence of recurrence or dissemination of the tumor.

Xilitol y prevención de otitis media aguda / Xylitol and acute otitis media prevention

La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una patología extraordinariamente frecuente en escolares y lactantes, siendo la primera causa de uso de antibióticos en este último grupo. Elprincipal agente involucrado es el S. pneumoniae. Se ha postulado la hipótesis de que el xilitol, un poliol presente en la corteza de abedules, podría tener efectos inhibitorios sobre ésta y otras bacterias otopatógenas en el momento en que se encuentran en la rinofaringe, lo que podría resultar efectivo a la hora de prevenir la invasión de la cavidad timpánica y por ende el desarrollo de OMA. En esta revisión se analizan los estudios realizados que respaldan el uso del xilitol como profilaxis de OMA.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is an extremely common disease in school children and infants, which is the first cause of antibiotic use in this latter group. The main agent involved is S pneumoniae. It has proposed the hypothesis thatxylitol, a polyol which is present in the bark of birch, may have inhibitory effects on this bacteria and another otopathogen at the time found in the nasopharynx, which may be effective in preventing the invasion of the tympanic cavity and thus the development of AOM. In this review, is it discussed the studies supporting the use of xylitol prophylaxisof AOM.

Aplicaciones de la toxina botulínica en glándulas salivales / Application of botulinum toxin in salivary glands

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator produced by Clostridium botulinum, a gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium responsible for botulism. The clinical utility of botulinum toxin initially became evident in the treatment of strabismus. Subsequently, botulinum toxin has been used for a variety of other medical conditions such as muscular hyperactivity, including blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, and cervical dystonia. In addition to its well-known applications, within the properties of botulinum toxin are those that make possible the treatment of various diseases affecting salivary glands and oral cavity. Recently there has been an important development in research and finding new applications in otolaryngology. Recent studies have demonstrated the advantages of botulinum toxin injected into the salivary glands of patients who present drooling, reducing the salivary flow and improving their quality of life. In the same way it has proven to be effective as a treatment of sialocele in patients with parotid gland surgery. In parotid and pharyngocutaneous fistula it has proven effective in reducing the salivary flow, facilitating the closure of the defect. Moreover, in patients with Frey’s syndrome it has been effective reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. It has also been histologically demonstrated its protective effect on the glandular damage in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Absceso de espacios profundos de cuello: a propósito de un caso en un niño / Infections of the deep neck spaces: a report of a case in a child

Infections of the deep neck spaces are low-frequency entities. They can be classified according to the anatomical space committed to peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal, etc. They are clinically similar to other upper respiratory infection with symptoms like: fever, sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia, cervical lymphadenitis. The diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination findings and imaging studies. The treatment consists in securing the airway, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage. We report the case of a ten months years old child who consulted at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile by an upper respiratory infection associated with right cervical enlargement. The neck CT scan showed extensive soft tissue inflammatory changes of right lateral cervical region, supra and infrahyoid. The diagnosis of right deep neck space abscess was made. We began treatment with Cefotaxime / Clindamycin, and surgical drainage, showing favorable results.

Epidemiología y resultado estético funcional de la reducción de la fractura nasal / Epidemiology and aesthetic and functional outcome in nasal bone fracture reduction

Introducción: Las lesiones faciales traumáticas más frecuentes son las fracturas nasales debido a la prominencia de la pirámide nasal. Existe cierto consenso en que cuanto antes se intente su reducción más posibilidades existen de obtener un resultado exitoso. Objetivo: Describir epidemiológicamente y evaluar los resultados funcionales y estéticos de las fracturas. Material y método: Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de los pacientes para describir los datos epidemiológicos, se realizó la encuesta SNOT-22 para evaluar los resultados funcionales y una encuesta cualitativa para la percepción estética de las reducciones. Resultados: De un total de 42 pacientes, predominó el sexo masculino 6:1, la edad promedio fue de 34,4 años. El 83,3 por ciento de la reducciones se realizó en policlínico con anestesia local y el procedimiento se realizó en promedio 8,6 días posfractura. Sobre el resultado funcional destaca la obstrucción nasal posreducción en 43,6 por ciento con un puntaje SNOT-22 promedio de 46,9 puntos y el 47,62 por ciento> consideró su resultado estético como peor. Discusión: Consideramos el resultado estético funcional como no satisfactorio, por lo que no sería inadecuado realizar cirugía de rinoseptoplastía inmediata o diferida para mejorar el resultado.

Introduction: Nasal fractures are the most common facial injuries because ol the prominence of the nose. There is some consensus that the sooner you try their reduction more likely is a successful outcome. Aim: Epidemiologically describe and evaluate functional and aesthetic results of nasal fractures. Material and method: We reviewed the medical records of patients to describe the epidemiológical data, perform the SNOT-22 survey to evaluate the functional results and a qualitative survey for aesthetic perception of the reductions. Results: Of a total of 42 patients, males predominated 6:1, average age was 34.4 years. 83.3 percent of the reductions took place in clinic with local anesthesia and the procedure was performed on average 8.6 days post-fracture. With regard to functional outcome highlights only nasal obstruction after reduction of 43.6 percent with a SNOT-22 scoring average of 46.9 points and 47.62 percent of patients considered a worse cosmetic outcome. Discussion: We believe that the functional and aesthetic result is not satisfactory, so we would recommend a septorhinoplasty immediate or detened for better results.

Plasmocitoma extramedular nasal: presentacíon de un caso y revisión de literatura / Extramedullary plasmocytoma: case report and literature review

Extramedullary plasmocytoma is a rare plasmatic cell neoplasia which mostly compromises the head and neck (80-90%). On initial presentation they must be differentiated from multiple myeloma This may prove to be difficult because a varying percentage may be associated at a later date with the development of multiple myeloma. We describe a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma in the nose and we discussed and review the literature.

Displasia fibrosa de temporal: caso clínico y revisión del tema / Fibrous displasia of temporal bone: clinical case

La displasia fibrosa es una enfermedad caracterizada por el reemplazo progresivo de hueso normal por tejido fibroso. Es un desorden benigno, poco común, de etiología desconocida. Según su forma de presentación se puede clasificaren: monostótica, que afecta a un hueso; poliostótica, que afecta varios huesos y poliostótica, asociada a endocrinopatfas. Aunque el esqueleto craneofacial es involucrado frecuentemente, el hueso temporal raramente llega a estar afectado; el síntoma más común es la sordera y el diagnóstico es basado en imágenes radiológicas e histopatología; cuando la displasia presenta complicaciones la cirugía es recomendada, el seguimiento de estos pacientes es necesario para un diagnóstico temprano de recurrencias. En este artículo reportamos un caso clínico de displasia fibrosa del temporal y realizamos una revisión de sus implicaciones clínicas y manejo.

Fibrous dysplasia is a disease characterized by progressive replacement of normal bone by fibrous tissue. It is a benign disorder, rare, of unknown etiology. By its way of presentation can be classified into: monostotic, affecting a bone polyostotic, affecting several bones and polyostotic associated with endocrinopathies. Although the craniofacial skeleton is frequently involved, the temporal bone rarely becomes affected. The most common symptom is hearing loss and the diagnosis is based on radiological images and histopathology When dysplasia presents complications, surgery is recommended. Monitoring of these patients is necessary for early diagnosis of recurrence. In this article we report a case of fibrous temporal bone dysplasia and review the clinical implications and management.

Puesta al día en manejo de la obstrucción nasal por colapso valvular / Update in nasal obstrucción management caused by valvular collapse

La estenosis de la válvula nasal aparece como una complicación frecuente de rinoplastfa o traumatismo nasal. Existen diferentes técnicas para corregir el colapso de la válvula nasal; generalmente se utilizan injertos de tejido, que en algunas ocasiones son insuficientes para resolverla alteración y mejorar la función respiratoria. La válvula nasal funciona en base a la resistencia de la ley Starling, que consiste en un tubo semirrígido con un segmento flexible; cuando la presión inspirada excede un nivel crítico, éste se colapsa y provoca la alteración en su fisiología; por tanto, es necesario cierto grado de rigidez en el componente lateral nasal para evitar el colapso durante la inspiración. Cuando se ve afectado su funcionamiento causa frecuentemente obstrucción nasal.

Nasal valve stenosis commonly presents as a postoperative complication of rhinoplasty or facial trauma. Various techniques have been reported to correct nasal valve stenosis through the use of methods that support the nasal valve with cartilage, rib graft, although these tissues are not useful in some cases to improve the nasal breathing. The nasal valve functions as the law Starling resistor, which is a semirigid tube with a flexible segment, when the inspired partial pressure exceeds a critical level, it collapses and causes nasal obstruction, and therefore need some degree of rigidity in nasal lateral component to avoid collapse during inspiration. When the nasal valve is affected frequently causes nasal obstruction.