Oral Corticosteroid Therapy For Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss And Factors Affecting Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is considered an otologic emergency globally. Aetiology is unknown in most cases but still the disease is believed to be caused by inflammation of the cochlea; therefore, steroids are considered beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory effect. METHODS: This study was conducted on 62 patients of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad. The patients were given prednisolone and their response to the therapy was monitored. Factors like age of the patient, gender, degree of hearing loss and duration of symptoms at initial presentation were recorded and their effect of response of the patient was also noted. RESULTS: The research subjects were 62 patients. Majority of the patients suffered from moderate to moderately severe hearing loss. Age and gender did not influence the response to the treatment. While the patients who presented earlier after the onset of disease and the patients who had milder degree of hearing loss at presentation had a better response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Oral corticosteroid therapy is a good therapeutic option for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHNL). The response to therapy is better in patients with milder hearing loss and those who present early to the otologist for treatment.

Comparison Of Positivity Of Tuberculin Skin Test With Diagnostic Bcg In Children Suffering From Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is major public health problem in Pakistan and it is often unrecognized cause of morbidity and mortality in children living in endemic areas. Children with age less than 5 years, and especially those who are immune compromised, are at higher risk of developing tuberculosis following exposure. Tuberculosis in children is usually difficult to diagnose compare to adult patients due to its atypical presentation. Tuberculin skin test and Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) are widely used as diagnostic tests for tuberculosis. It was a Cross sectional study carried out from May 2017 to Nov 2018 in the department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.. METHODS: Both BCG and tuberculin skin test were performed at the same time by the same doctor. Personal data like age, gender and address, type of tuberculosis, positivity of tuberculin skin test and positivity of diagnostic BCG were recorded. The induration was read 48- 72 hours after administration. RESULTS: As per frequencies and percentages for positivity of tuberculin skin, 51 (67.10%) patients showed positivity for tuberculin skin while 71 (93.42%) patients showed positive results via BCG Test. CONCLUSIONS: In paediatric age group, diagnostic BCG test has got better diagnostic value over Tuberculin Skin Test in diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Seasonal Variation Of Acute Otitis Externa Presenting To Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: Otitis Externa is a common inflammatory condition of external ear. It is more common in patients having predisposing conditions like trauma, swimming, patients using hearing aids, certain skin pathologies and immunocompromised patients. Increased humidity in rainy season increases the predisposition to otitis externa. METHODS: This descriptive study was carried over the duration of one year in ENT department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Patients of all ages and both genders suffering from acute otitis externa were included in the study after taking informed consent. All the information's were recorded in predesigned proforma and then finally evaluated by using SPSS program. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients presenting to us was 39.84±14.48 years (Range 1-78 Years) more commonly in male patients (54.14%). The disease was most commonly seen in rainy season, presenting unilaterally and affecting young adults of age ranging from 31-40 years. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of otitis externa is more common in humid climate. Precautionary measures should be taken in rainy and humid condition such as avoidance of self cleaning the ear.