Cochlear duct length in Pakistani cochlear implant recipients gender, age and side association: A Radiological Measure.

Objectives: To analyze the gender, age and side association of cochlear duct length in Pakistani-Asian cochlear implant recipient population based on computed tomography imaging study. Methods: Current study retrospectively studied charts of cases who underwent cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology & Auditory Implant Centre, Capital Hospital Islamabad, over a period of two years from 1st May 2017 to 30th April 2019. These included 200 cases of both genders and of any age. In addition to basic demographic data, computed tomography findings of the temporal bone were utilized to measure the cochlear duct length. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Results: Study revealed a mean Cochlear duct length of 29.935±2.173mm (range: 25.12 to 37.60) with significant (p<0.001) association with gender with longer cochlear duct in males compared to females on right (30.50±2.384 vs. 29.36±1.887) and on left side (30.50±2.236 vs.29.32±1.935). However, no significant difference was noted for side with slightly longer cochlear duct on the right side compared to left (29.95±2.224 vs.29.92±2.171). Also, no significant association with age was noted with p=0.578 & p=0.824 for right and left side respectively. Conclusion: Pakistani population is characterized by a short mean CDL of 29.935±2.173 mm with significant association (p<0.001) with gender with longer cochlear duct length in males; and side with larger CDL on right side. However, no significant association with age was noted.

Complications of Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Public Implant Centre Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of complications of cochlear implant surgery in children with congenital profound sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: This study retrospectively & consecutively reviewed charts of children who underwent cochlear implantation from July 2015 to July 2019 at Cochlear Implant Centre of Otolaryngology Department of Capital Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan. These included cases of both genders aged one to 12 years operated at least one year before the time of data collection. Basic demographic data, complications including major and minor complications and treatment received was noted and statistically analyzed using SPSS-23. Results were presented using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Current study included a sample of N=251 having a mean age of 4.05±2.15 years including 154(61.4%) males and 97(38.6%) females revealed a prevalence of complications of 16(6.4%) with 4(1.6%) major and 12(4.8%) minor complications. Wound infection and acute otitis media with frequency of 3(1.2%) each were the commonest complications, followed by , facial nerve twitching, tinnitus and vertigo, infection and extrusion; and device failure in 2(0.8%) each. However, there was no significant association of complications with age group and gender with P=0.344 and P=0.519 respectively. CONCLUSION: Present public sector implant program is characterized with a very low prevalence of complications of 16(6.4%) with 4(1.6%) major and 12(4.8%) minor complications. Wound infection and acute otitis media were the commonest complications.

A pilot application of recycled discarded RO membranes for low strength gray water reclamation.

Reuse of recycled RO membranes after oxidative treatment as ultrafiltration membranes promise to bring membrane filtration at par with conventional treatment processes in terms of cost-effectiveness. Although the treatment process in which discarded RO membranes are converted into ultrafiltration membranes is well documented, limited pilot data are available for their application in different filtration applications. This research gap is felt because most commercially available RO membranes are spiral, wound while the ultrafiltration membranes commonly used for water filtration applications are hollow fiber. Pilot-scale data will help to develop performance guidelines and predict fouling characteristics of different types of feed waters. In the current paper, converted RO membranes are subjected to filtration with domestic gray water as the feed source. The results show that the converted membranes performed at par with conventional filtration while also providing a consistent filtrate turbidity of < 1 NTU. The reduction in cost and physical footprints and recycling of membranes that would otherwise have ended up in landfills are added advantages that makes this an attractive proposition for gray water filtration applications.

Prevalence & features of inner ear malformations among children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss: A Public Cochlear Implant Centre Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and features of inner ear anomalies in children with congenital profound hearing loss who presented at our cochlear implant center based on imaging studies. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed charts of children with congenital SNHL, who presented to Department of Otolaryngology & Auditory Implant Centre, Capital Hospital Islamabad over a period of 2 years from 1st May 2017 to 30th April 2019. These included 481 cases of both genders aged between 1 to 12 years. After gathering demographic data, audiological data, computed tomography findings of the temporal bone were analyzed. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: The Inner Ear Malformations were identified in 48(10%) children including 28 (58.33%) males and 20 (41.67%) female. Most 20(41.67%) presented at >3-5 years of age followed by 19(39.58%) at 2-3 years. However, no significant association of gender (p=0.57, p=0.076) and age of presentation (p=0.344, p=0.697) for right and left ears was noted with inner ear malformations. The most common anomaly noted were CLA, CH-III and CH-II in decreasing order of frequency in both ears. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IEM's was found to be 48(10%). Commonest anomalies noted were CLA, CH-III and CH-II. No significant association of gender and age of presentation was noted with type of anomaly in both ears.

Occult metastasis in carcinoma of oral cavity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of occult neck node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity, in particular relation to the subsite and histopathological grading, and of involvement of the level of lymph nodes in the neck in oral cavity carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Wah Medical College, POF Hospital, Wah Cantt. from June 2000 to August 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were untreated carcinoma of oral cavity, not crossing midline, having N0 neck. The tumors size more than T4 were excluded. All patients had ipsilateral type III modified radical (functional) neck dissection and lymph node groups were subjected to histopathology. RESULTS: Occult metastasis were found in 12 out of 37 cases (32.4%). Metastasis in tongue carcinoma was 5/14, lower alveolar ridge carcinoma metastasized in 5/18, floor of mouth carcinoma was 2/4 and buccal mucosa carcinoma was 0/1.The percentage of occult metastasis in well-differentiated carcinoma (WDSCC), moderately differentiated carcinoma (MDSCC), and poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDSCC) were 22.2, 25% and 54.6% respectively. The levels of lymph nodes involved were level I (16.7%), level II (83.3%), level III (75.5%) and level IV (16.7%). CONCLUSION: Oral cavity is a favourable site for metastasis to lymphatics even with small tumors. Occult metastasis is so frequent even with early carcinomas that neck should be treated with primary site. It is also important to remove level IV lymph nodes along with level I, II and III.