Frequency of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Stage I and II Sarcoidosis Subjects Who Had No Corticosteroid Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The number of studies on the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in subjects with sarcoidosis is low. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency and predictors of OSA in subjects with clinically stable stage I and II sarcoidosis who were not taking corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive drugs. We also evaluated restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects with clinically stable stage I and II sarcoidosis and not receiving corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive therapy were included in the study. Upper airway examination, lung function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO]), and polysomnography were performed on all subjects. In addition, subjects' Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were recorded. RESULTS: Of the total number of 46 sarcoidosis subjects (35 women, 11 men; age: 44.4±10.7 years; body mass index (BMI): 29.3±5 kg/m2), 28 (60.9%) were detected with OSA (67.8% mild OSA). The recorded ESS score of the subjects was low (2.6±3.2), whereas the sleep quality was poor in 36.9% of these subjects. Rapid eye movements (REM) related OSA was diagnosed in 14.2% of the OSA subjects. Age was the only factor related to OSA diagnosis in a logistic regression analysis (p=0.048). None of the subjects were diagnosed with RLS and PLMS. CONCLUSION: OSA is common in stage I and II sarcoidosis subjects who did not receive corticosteroid therapy. The frequency of OSA diagnosis increases as the age of the subjects increases. Therefore, sarcoidosis subjects should be evaluated for OSA throughout the follow-up.

Does the use of recombinant TSH in preparation for I-131 scintigraphy scan affect hearing function?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of hypothyroidism on hearing function in patients surgically treated for differentiated thyroid cancer and subsequently experienced hypothyroidism during preparation for follow up I-131 scintigraphy scan by either recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) treatment or thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW). METHODS: A total of 55 patients undergoing I-131 scintigraphy scan following surgeries for differentiated thyroid cancer were included in the study, including 25 patients prepared by administration of recombinant TSH (rhTSH Group) and 30 patients by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW Group). RESULTS: Air conduction thresholds at 1, 2 and 4 kHz for both ears were higher during hypothyroid period than during euthyroid period for patients in the THW group (p < 0.05) but not for patients in the rhTSH group. CONCLUSION: Sensorineural hearing loss was detected, especially at low frequencies, in patients with DTC after surgical treatment whose hormone replacement therapy was withdrawn but not in those receiving rhTSH. It is therefore preferred to use rhTSH when preparing for I-131 scintigraphy scan in patients at risk for hearing loss.

Histopathological evaluation of the effect of locally administered strontium on healing time in mandibular fractures: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures are the most common facial fractures. They can be treated by conservative techniques or by surgery. The authors hypothesized that the application of a single local dose of strontium chloride would accelerate the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures, shorten the recovery time and prevent complications. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a single local dose of strontium chloride on the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized experimental study was carried out on 24 male Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: experimental group 1, receiving 3% strontium chloride; experimental group 2, receiving 5% strontium chloride; and the control group. A full thickness surgical osteotomy was created in the subcondylar area. A single dose of strontium solution (0.3 cc/site) was administered locally by injection on the bone surfaces of the fracture line created. Nothing was administered to the control group. The mandibles were dissected on postoperative day 21. The fractured hemimandibles were submitted to histopathological examination. RESULTS: The median bone fracture healing score was 9 (range: 7-9) in experimental group 1; 8 (range: 7-10) in experimental group 2; and 7.50 (range: 7-8) in the control group. When the groups were compared in terms of bone healing scores, there was a statistically significant difference between experimental group 1 and the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that local strontium may have positive effects on the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures. In the authors' opinion, 3% strontium was beneficial for accelerating facial skeleton consolidation and bone regeneration in rat subcondylar mandibular fractures. This treatment procedure may be combined with closed fracture treatment or a conservative approach.

Oxaliplatin and ototoxicity: is it really safe for hearing?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Oxaliplatin is an effective and widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of many solid tumors. The most common side effects are peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal toxicity, and neutropenia. There have been some case reports about ototoxicity with oxaliplatin, but no clinical trials. In this trial, we explored whether or not oxaliplatin has ototoxic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 patients, 14 with colorectal cancer and 4 with pancreatic cancer, were included in this study. Four patients (22%) were treated with a capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) regimen, and 14 patients (78%) were treated with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-6). Patients' pretreatment and posttreatment hearing levels were assessed with high-frequency audiometry and otoacoustic emission tests. RESULTS: The median time between the first and the last oxaliplatin doses was 3.2 months (range: 2-7 months). There was no hearing loss in tests conducted for both ears of patients at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, 12,000, and 16,000 Hz. There was no difference between the pretreatment and posttreatment otoacoustic emission tests. CONCLUSION: Oxaliplatin is a reliable agent in terms of ototoxicity.