Comparison of Different Treatment Methods for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of different therapies for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and prognostic factors, and determine the most successful treatment according to the audiogram type and time from onset to treatment. METHODS: A total of 90 cases from February 2009 to January 2015 were classified under Group I oral treatment (methylprednisolone, acyclovir, betahistine-dihydrochloride, and vitamin B12); Group II oral treatment + intratympanic steroids (ITS); Group III oral treatment + hyperbaric oxygen; and Group IV only ITS. A pure tone average (PTA) improvement of less than 10 dB was assessed as "no improvement," a PTA of 10 dB or more or a 10% or more increase in the speech discrimination score (SDS) as "partial improvement," and a hearing threshold within 10 dB and SDS within 5%-10% of the unaffected ear as "full improvement." RESULTS: Overall, 32.2% patients showed full and 28.9% showed partial improvement, whereas 38.9% showed no improvement. There was no significant difference in terms of mean hearing gain between the different treatment methods. As the degree of hearing loss and time from onset to treatment increased, improvement worsened (p<0.05). Descending audiogram had lower mean hearing gains compared to other groups (p=0.014). There was no significant effect of age, sex, tinnitus and/or vertigo, and systemic disease on treatment success (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The most important factors affecting prognosis were the time from onset to treatment, hearing loss severity, and audiogram type. Only ITS avoided side effects and reduced hospitalization. ITS in the first two weeks, followed by hyperbaric oxygen were considered as the treatment priority.

The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and red cell distribution width predict prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential prognostic roles of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). 81 patients who underwent surgery for the larynx carcinoma were enrolled in the study. NLR, PLR and RDW were used as outcome measures. Local recurrence was detected in 30 (37.0 %) patients and neck lymph node metastasis was detected 6 (7.4 %) patients during follow-up period. Mortality was seen in 7 (8.6 %) patients. The mean PLR in the T1 and T2 stage tumors were significantly lower than the T4 stage. The mean RDW and PLR were significantly higher in the exitus group than the survivor group. The mean NLR in the patients with local recurrence was significantly higher than the non-recurrent patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was lower in patients with high NLR. When analyzed by the Cox regression analysis of factors affecting the local recurrence, NLR was found to significantly affect the recurrence. According to ROC analysis for mortality, NLR was not found to be a prognostic factor, although the PLR and RDW were significant prognostic factors. According to Cox regression analysis, a high PLR increases mortality 4.2 times and a high RDW 4.6 times. Although in univariate analysis MCV, RDW and tumor grade were predictors of mortality, RDW and tumor grade independent predictors were found. Further studies involving large patient groups are required.

Sclerotic effect of oxytetracycline on the submandibular gland: An experimental model.

Oxytetracycline has been suggested as an alternate therapy for chronic recurrent sialadenitis and sialorrhea. We conducted an experimental study to investigate the sclerotic effect of this drug on the submandibular gland by histopathologic methods. Our subjects were 20 New Zealand white rabbits, which were divided into two groups of 10. The right submandibular gland of the rabbits in the active-treatment group was injected with 0.3 ml of oxytetracycline (100 mg/ml), and that of the controls was injected with saline. Four weeks after the injections, all the glands were removed. Histopathologic studies, including hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining, were carried out. The glands were evaluated for tissue inflammation, congestion, fibrosis, edema, lipomatosis, and atrophy. To investigate apoptosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemical staining was used. In the study group, inflammation (n = 9), congestion (n = 9), fibrosis (n = 6), edema (n = 6), and lipomatosis (n = 4) were observed; in the sham group, only lipomatosis was seen (n = 5). The TUNEL assay results for acinar cells were 4.51 ± 1.41% in the oxytetracycline group and 2.08 ± 1.76% in the control group (p = 0.006); the corresponding figures for the duct cells were 7.05 ± 0.87% and 3.10 ± 2.26% (p = 0.001). Based on our findings, we conclude that oxytetracycline might be a viable alternative for the treatment of chronic recurrent sialadenitis and sialorrhea. However, more research in this area is needed.

Evaluation of Sleep Quality in Patients With Nasal Septal Deviation via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of nasal septum deviation, without obstructive sleep apnea, on sleep quality. METHODS: The present case-controlled study enrolled patients older than 16 years with nasal septum deviation who attended the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic between December 2013 and July 2014. The control group was selected from patients attending the clinic for another complaint. Sleep quality was evaluated via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and differences between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: During the study period, 55 patients with nasal septum deviation were included in the study group, and the control group consisted of 51 patients with no complaints of nasal obstruction. Compared with the control group, patients with nasal septum deviation were found to be significantly higher (P <0.05) in all parameters of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. CONCLUSION: The presence of nasal septum deviation with nasal obstruction should be investigated in patients with sleep disorders. If any pathology is present, opening the nasal passages should be ensured and sleep disorders reevaluated.

Evaluation of the protective effects of hesperetin against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in a rat animal model.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of hesperetin as a flavanon both histopathologically and immunohistochemically on cochlear apoptosis in a rat model of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO). The evaluation of the effects of hesperetin on cisplatin-induced hearing loss was performed using distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). METHODS: Twenty-eight wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups with seven rats in each group. Group C was exposed to a single dose of cisplatin (12mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Group CH received intraperitoneally cisplatin (12mg/kg) and hesperetin (20mg/kg). Group H was exposed to hesperetin (20mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The sham group (group S) received normal saline (6cc) intraperitoneally. The measurements of DPOAE and signal-noise ratios (SNR) were performed before the treatment and again on the first and 6 days after administration of the drugs. Rats were sacrificed and cochleae were dissected 10 days after drug administration. The cochlear tissue was assessed in all groups by histopathologic, immunohistochemical and TUNEL assay. In addition, serum oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the basal value and the sixth day at frequencies 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96 for group C. We also found a significant difference between the first and sixth day at frequencies 7.2, 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96. On the 6th day, there were significant differences between C and S groups at all frequencies except 2.4. We showed a significant difference between C and H groups at frequencies 4.8, 6.0, 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96. There was also a significant difference between C and CH groups at frequencies 2.4, and 3.6. We found lower levels of oxidants and higher levels of antioxidants in CH group as compared to C group. C group had a significantly greater number of TUNEL-positive cells than did S, H and CH groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in CH group was higher than in S and H groups. There was a significant difference between the positive PCNA cells of CH group compared to S and H groups in spiral ganglion and stria vascularis. In addition, there were no positive PCNA cells in C group. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperetin may prevent ototoxicity by increased antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidant parameters and protected against apoptosis resulting from a proliferation of cochlear cells in CIO.

Prognostic Value of Acoustic Rhinometry and Rhinomanometry in Tympanoplasty Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic otitis media (COM) is a disorder characterized by perforation of the eardrum and hearing loss following chronic inflammation of the middle ear cavity, ossicules, and mastoid cells. Eustachian dysfunction plays an important role in COM etiopathogenesis and postoperative prognosis. The determinants of postoperative prognosis are still being researched. This study aimed to research the prognostic value of acoustic rhinometry (ARM) and rhinomanometry (RMM) in COM surgery in terms of eradication of the infection after operation, graft success, and hearing gain in operated cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 58 patients who underwent surgery with a diagnosis of COM. Patients were assessed in terms of age, gender, COM type, treatment methods used, eradication of infection, graft success, and hearing gain. ARM and RMM measurements were performed in the preoperative period. ARM and RMM values were statistically compared in terms of the existence of postoperative infection, graft success, and hearing gain. RESULTS: In terms of ARM and RMM measurements, there was no statistically significant difference between cases where postoperative infection control was assured and cases with ongoing infection; successful and failed cases in terms of grafting; or successful and failed cases in terms of postoperative hearing. When preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap averages were compared, statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION: In the presence of a nasal obstruction in cases with chronic otitis, elimination of this situation is the first line of treatment. Infection control, graft success, and improvement of hearing will be possible to a greater extent in the postoperative period for patients with the nasal pathology remedied.

[Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: two case reports in the light of the literature]. / Rino-orbito-serebral mukormikozis: Literatür esliginde iki olgu sunumu.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is an acute onset and often fatal disease. Risk factors include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hematological malignancies, and long-term corticosteroid use. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. The underlying causes should be treated, surgical debridement should be performed and appropriate antifungal drugs should be given. In this article, we report two diabetic ketoacidosis patients who developed rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis and were treated with surgical debridement and amphotericin B therapy.

[Foreign body in the submandibular gland: a tooth extraction complication]. / Submandibüler bezde yabanci cisim: Bir dis çekimi komplikasyonu.

The head and neck region includes many vital anatomic structures. So, diseases of this region may have a more morbid and mortal course compared to other anatomic regions. In this article, we report a patient showing various symptoms due to a suture needle which was left in the surgical region during the extraction of the left inferior molar tooth three years ago.

Agenesis of submandibular glands: a report of two cases with review of literature.

Background. Congenital absence of the submandibular gland (SMG) is a rare condition. Although complaints such as dry mouth, dental problems, or difficulty in swallowing may be seen, the subjects may also be asymptomatic. The absence of the SMG may be associated with hypertrophy of the contralateral SMG. Case Report. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with incidentally detected left SMG aplasia, with contralateral SMG hypertrophy mimicking a mass, and the case of a 46-year-old woman with incidentally detected bilateral SMG aplasia, demonstrated by computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conclusion. It is important for the clinician to know that this very rare abnormality may exist. When such a case is encountered, symptoms and findings should be reevaluated and, if necessary, conservative therapy should be initiated. The possibility of observing additional deformities should be kept in mind and an evaluation should be done for other cases in the family.

Tegmen height: preoperative value of CT on preventing dural complications in chronic otitis media surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine tegmen height in patients with iatrogenic dural exposure in chronic otitis media (COM) surgery. METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 50 patients who underwent COM surgery were retrospectively examined. Twelve patients with dural exposure were admitted to the dura group. The control group of 38 patients had no dural exposure. Tegmen heights in both groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between opposite ears (P>.05). Significant difference was found in tegmen height between healthy and operated ears in unilateral COM patients (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT assessment of tegmen height is an important parameter in assessing risk of exposing dura during surgery.

Sclerotic effect of bleomycin on the submandibular gland: an experimental model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sclerotic effect of bleomycin on the submandibular gland histopathologically and assess it as a possible alternative therapy for sialorrhea. METHODS: An experimental model was designed and 18 New Zealand white rabbits were used. The rabbits were divided into two groups: a bleomycin group (n=9) and a sham group (n=9). The submandibular glands of the bleomycin group were injected with 0.3 ml bleomycin (3mg/ml) while the sham group received 0.3 ml saline. Four weeks after the procedure, the glands were removed. Histopathological studies including hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome stain were carried out. The glands were evaluated for tissue inflammation, fibrosis, edema, lipomatosis, atrophy and congestion. To investigate apoptosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated digoxigenin-11-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemical staining was used. RESULTS: In the group injected with bleomycin, inflammation (n=8), edema (n=4), fibrosis (n=3), congestion (n=4) and lipomatosis (n=7) were observed. In the sham group, only lipomatosis was observed. The TUNEL assay results were 5.06 ± 1.18 (p<0.05) for acinar cells and 8.46 ± 0.82 (p<0.05) for ductal cells in the bleomycin group. This was significantly different from the results in the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, edema, lipomatosis and congestion were observed in the ductal and acinar cells of the bleomycin group. Bleomycin may be an alternative treatment for sialorrhea cases. However, more research is needed.

Evaluation of nasal airways by objective methods in chronic otitis media.

Otitis media (OM) is a common health problem. Nasal airways play an important role in etiopathogenesis of OM. The aim of this study is to evaluate nasal airways by objective methods in chronic otitis media (COM) cases. The relationship between the course of the disease and nasal parameters is also investigated. Fifty-six patients who had chosen an operation for chronic otitis media were included in the study. The control group was composed of 30 healthy patients. Patients were subjected to acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. Nasal airway resistance and cross-sectional area measurements were taken. The results of the COM group and the control group were compared. Cases were classified by the course of the disease such as suppurative/progressive/active and non-suppurative/inactive and the nasal parameters of these sub-groups were compared. In cases with unilateral COM, nasal cavity results from both sides were compared. The nasal airway resistance of the COM group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in cross-sectional area measurements. There was no significant difference between the suppurative/progressive/active and non-suppurative/inactive groups. However, the suppurative group had higher nasal resistance (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the measurements of each side in unilateral COM cases. This study found that COM cases have greater nasal airway resistance. No significant difference was found in cross-sectional area measurements so the increase in resistance may be linked to mucosal rather than structural changes. There was no evidence for a relationship between the course of the OM and nasal airway parameters.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Adenotonsillar Colonization and Frequency of Adenotonsillitis in Children.

BACKGROUND: There are insufficient data in the literature on the presence of Helicobacter pylori in tonsil and adenoid tissue of patients with only airway obstruction. This study examined the presence of H. pylori in surgical cases with airway obstruction or recurrent infection. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between H. pylori adenotonsillar colonisation and the frequency of adenotonsillitis and to compare paediatric and adult patients according to H. pylori tonsillar colonisation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. METHODS: PATIENTS SCHEDULED FOR ADENOIDECTOMY OR TONSILLECTOMY WERE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE GROUPS BASED ON INDICATIONS: paediatric infection (n=29), paediatric obstruction (n=29) and adult infection (n=12). Tissue samples obtained from patients were examined for the presence of H. pylori by culture, rapid urease test and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Forty-nine tonsil tissues were examined. Positive results were found in two specimens with the rapid urease test (4.1%) and three with polymerase chain reaction examination (6.1%). Only three positive polymerase chain reaction results (5.8%) were identified in 52 adenoid tissue samples. There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of H. pylori between paediatric infection and obstruction groups or between paediatric infection and adult infection groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, there was a low incidence of H. pylori colonisation in tonsil and adenoid tissues. Regarding H. pylori colonisation, there was no significant difference between paediatric infection and obstruction groups. Also, no significant difference was found between adult and paediatric cases.

Sudden hearing loss after rabies vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Sudden hearing loss developing after immunisation is a very rare situation. Rabies is a viral disease characterised by encephalitis and death. Treatment involves active and passive immunisation. Neurologic complications including Guillain-Barre syndrome or facial paralysis are reported in the literature as a side effect after rabies immunisation. CASE REPORT: Sudden hearing loss was detected in an 11 year-old male patient who had taken the medication for rabies immunisation. CONCLUSION: This study presents a case report of sudden hearing loss developing after rabies immunisation - no other aetiological factors were detected and clinical management is discussed in light of the literature.

Does the maxillary sinus have a triggering role in nasal nitric oxide synthesis?

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the maxillary sinus plays a stimulatory role in nasal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Research on sinusitis and nasal polyps has found low NO levels in exhaled air and linked this to obstruction of the ostium. However, the major source of NO in exhaled air is thought to be the nasal mucosa. In this study, Streptococcus pneumoniae was applied to the maxillary sinus to investigate changes in NO synthesis of the nasal mucosa. METHODS: An experimental study was performed with New Zealand white rabbits. Three groups, pneumococcus, control and sham, were created. The maxillary sinus of the pneumococcal group was exposed to Streptococcus pneumoniae suspension. Before and after the exposure, bilateral biopsy specimens were taken from the inferior turbinate. Specimens were examined by RT-PCR for expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS). Physiological saline solution was administered to the maxillary sinus in the control group and biopsies were obtained. The sham group underwent only biopsy. RESULTS: A significant increase in i-NOS expression of tissue samples from the pneumococcal group on the same and opposite sides were detected. There was no increase in e-NOS expression in this group. The control and sham groups had no significant change in i-NOS or e-NOS expression. CONCLUSION: In the acute period after the maxillary sinus is exposed to a pathogen, i-NOS expression increases in the nasal mucosa, but endothelial NOS expression is not affected. Consequently, a combined response in the maxillary sinus and the nasal mucosa for nitric oxide synthesis is shown in the present study.

Syncronized Warthin's tumor in bilateral parotid gland and nasopharynx.

Warthin's tumor is a benign salivary gland tumor of the parotid gland. Although bilateral or multicentric involvement of the parotid gland is common, extraparotid involvement is seen rarely. The nasopharynx is an unusual region for extraparotid involvement. In this article, we present a 52-year-old male case with a synchronized Warthin's tumor in the bilateral parotid gland and nasopharynx, and we discuss the clinical management of the disease.

Mitral valve prolapse as a new finding in branchio-oto-renal syndrome.

We report a patient and his family, who have branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome and coexisting mitral valve prolapse. A literature review of BOR syndrome failed to identify any similar families and we report this as a new observation. During the preoperative assessment of a patient with BOR syndrome, tachycardia was noted and a cardiologic examination including echocardiography revealed mitral valve prolapse. Members of his extended family were investigated, including carrying out cardiology and otolaryngology examinations to determine whether they had signs of either BOR syndrome or cardiac problems. Mitral valve prolapse was identified in five (71.4%) of the seven BOR syndrome patients in the family. Deafness was present in all patients. Distribution of the other clinical findings of the BOR syndrome patients were as follows: branchial fistula in five (71.4%), preauricular pits in four (57.1%), ear deformity in two (28.5%), renal anomalies in three (42.8%), lacrimal duct anomaly in two (28.5%) and orbital anterior compartment anomaly in one (14.2%). We conclude that mitral valve prolapse can be associated with BOR syndrome. Further large studies are needed to clarify this association.

The role of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in nasal polyp formation.

OBJECTIVE: The complex structure of polyp formation is still unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependant endopeptidases with proteolytic activities towards several components of extracellular matrix, play an important role in connective tissue remodeling. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural inhibitors of MMPs. The balance between MMP/TIMP is very critical in matrix remodeling and various physiological processes. Imbalances between these enzymes and inhibitors may cause pathological processes such as chronic inflammation, degenerative disease and tumour invasion. In our study we aimed at demonstrating MMP/TIMP imbalance in nasal polyposis, similar to other pathological processes. STZUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Nasal polyp specimens were obtained from twenty patients with nasal polyposis during endoscopic sinus surgery. Bullous middle turbinates with normal appearing mucosa of fifteen non-smoker patients free of any allergic or infectious diseases of nose or sinuses were used as controls. We measured the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in tissue specimens using an ELISA method. RESULTS: MMP-9 levels were significantly increased and TIMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in polyp tissues in comparison to controls with no correlation observed between MMP-9 levels and inflammatory cell populations. CONCLUSION: MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play an active pathogenic role in nasal polyp formation. MMP-9 levels are regulated independently from inflammatory cell populations.

Tonsillar lipoma causing difficult intubation: a case report.

A 63-year-old woman with confusion and disorientation was referred to the Pulmonary Medicine Department of Afyon Kocatepe University. She was uncooperative and her peripheral oxygen saturation was 75%. She was on diuretic therapy for heart failure. An emergency intubation was planned due to the development of respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia, but the patient could not be intubated. After several attempts, intubation was successful only by digital manipulation of a lateral pharyngeal mass noticed incidentally. She was inadvertently extubated on the third day of intubation and an emergency tracheotomy was performed. Otolaryngological examination revealed a mass originating from the right palatine tonsil, and a computed tomography scan showed a hypodense mass extending from the uvula to the epiglottis. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent a right tonsillectomy and a lipomatous mass (3.6x3.2x2.2 cm) and the palatine tonsil (3.5x1.1x0.8 cm) were resected. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of mature adipocytes with thin fibrous septae. It should be borne in mind that patients may be unaware of a tonsillar mass that may lead to serious dyspnea and difficult intubation.