Absence of Measles Virus Detection from Stapes of Patients with Otosclerosis.

Objective To determine molecularly the presence of measles virus genetic material in the stapes of patients with otosclerosis. Study Design A cross-sectional study. Setting A tertiary referral hospital. Subjects and Methods Genetic material was extracted from the stapes of patients with otosclerosis (n = 93) during the period from March 2011 to April 2012. The presence of viral measles sequences was evaluated by the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of the CD46 gene was determined. Results Ninety-three patients were included in the study. No sample was positive for any of 3 measles virus genes (H, N, and F). Measles virus RNA was not detected in any sample by real-time RT-PCR. CD46 levels were positive in 3.3% (n = 3) and negative in 96.7% (n = 90). Conclusion This study does not support the theory of measles virus as the cause of otosclerosis. It is necessary to do more research about other causal theories to clarify its etiology and prevention.

Comparative study between the caloric vestibular and the video-head impulse tests in unilateral Menière's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the caloric vestibular test (CVT) and the video head impulse test (vHIT) in the evaluation of Meniere's disease (MD) and to analyze their diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of CVT and vHIT performed in MD patients at a tertiary care referral center in Spain. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients were reviewed. The CVT was abnormal in 67% (n = 59) of patients, while the vHIT was abnormal in 66% (n = 58) of them. Agreement between both tests was poor, regardless of whether the horizontal semicircular canal (SCC) or all SCC were analyzed (kappa = .21). Anterior SCC pathology was found in 30% (n = 27) of the subjects while 51% (n = 45) had altered gains in the posterior SCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that patients with MD can have functional deficit involving the vertical semicircular canals, which cannot be detected by the CVT alone. Therefore, both tests should be used in a complementary fashion.

[Submandibular gland resection for the management of sialorrhea in paediatric patients with cerebral palsy and unresponsive to type A botullinum toxin. Pilot study]. / Resección de glándulas submandibulares para manejo de sialorrea en pacientes pediátricos con parálisis cerebral y poca respuesta a la toxina botulínica tipo A. Estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Sialorrhoea has a prevalence of between 10% and 58% in patients with cerebral palsy. Amongst the invasive treatments, botulinum toxin-A injections in submandibular and parotid glands and various surgical techniques are worth mentioning. There are no studies in Mexico on the usefulness of surgery to manage sialorrhoea. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of submandibular gland resection in improving sialorrhoea in patients with cerebral palsy and with a poor response to botulinum toxin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental, clinical, self-controlled, prospective trial was conducted to evaluate the grade of sialorrhoea before surgery, and 8, 16 and 24 weeks after. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric repetitive measure assessment, considering a p < 0.05 as significant. Complications and changes in salivary composition were evaluated. RESULTS: Surgery was performed on 3 patients with severe sialorrhoea, and 2 with profuse sialorrhoea, with mean age of 10.8 years. The frequency and severity of sialorrhoea improved in the 5 patients, with mean of 76.7 and 87.5% improvement, respectively. The best results were seen after 6 months of surgery, with a statistically significant difference between the preoperative stage and 6 months after the procedure (p = 0.0039, 95% CI). No significant differences were observed in complications, increase in periodontal disease or cavities, or salivary composition. CONCLUSIONS: Submandibular gland resection is an effective technique for sialorrhoea control in paediatric patients with cerebral palsy, with a reduction in salivary flow greater than 80%. It has a low chance of producing complications compared to other techniques. It led to an obvious decrease in sialorrhoea without the need to involve other salivary glands in the procedure.