Tinnitus features according to caffeine consumption.

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of high amounts of caffeine has been historically associated with tinnitus worsening. However, recent studies demonstrated that this seems not to be true, and caffeine may even improve tinnitus distress. AIM: To analyze tinnitus features according to caffeine consumption levels. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHOD: Tinnitus patients were compared with patients without tinnitus concerning caffeine consumption. Tinnitus characteristics were correlated to the amount of caffeine consumption among the tinnitus patients. RESULTS: One hundred and forty two patients with and 140 patients without tinnitus were enrolled. Patients without tinnitus consumed more caffeine than patients with tinnitus (300mL/day versus 100mL/day, P=0.0001). Among the patients with tinnitus, no differences concerning age, gender, tinnitus laterality, periodicity, quality, type of onset, tinnitus matching, hearing loss, THI scores and VAS (volume) according to the amount of caffeine consumed have been found. Concerning VAS (distress), the subgroup that consumed less than 150mL of caffeine daily had greater scores (6 versus 5, P=0.048). DISCUSSION: Data from this study are on line with more recent studies that were not able to demonstrate any kind of association between high consume of caffeine and tinnitus distress. Moreover, this study was not able to point any possible tinnitus subtype affected by high amounts of caffeine consumption. The higher VAS distress score in the low caffeine consumption subgroup may represent a protective effect of caffeine, which is also on line with other studies. CONCLUSION: High amounts of caffeine consumption is not associated with tinnitus and with no tinnitus subgroup, according to tinnitus characteristics. An eventual protective effect of caffeine should be evaluated in further prospective studies.

Tinnitus and event related potentials: a systematic review / Zumbido e potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is sound perception in the absence of a sound source. Changes in parameters of latency and amplitude on the auditory event related potentials or long latency potentials waves have been cited in tinnitus patients when compared to a control group. Objective To perform an assessment of scientific evidence that verifies the possibility of alterations in latency or amplitude of the waves of event related potentials in individuals with tinnitus. Methods By using SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web and PubMed, scientific databases, a review was performed. Articles published in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish that correlated tinnitus with changes in event related potentials were included in this review. Results Twelve articles were located, however only eight fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Conclusion The sample of selected studies demonstrate that the long latency auditory evoked potentials related to events between the control and tinnitus patients showed some changes in latency and or amplitude in tinnitus patients. There are changes in event-related potentials when comparing patients with tinnitus and the control group. These changes take place considering the severity of tinnitus, tinnitus site of lesion, and capacity for changes after interventions. The event related potentials can help to determine the neurotransmitter involved in tinnitus generation and evaluate tinnitus treatments.

Resumo Introdução O zumbido é a percepção de um som na ausência de uma fonte sonora. Mudanças nos parâmetros de latência e amplitude nas ondas dos potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos ou potenciais de longa latência foram citadas em pacientes com zumbido quando comparados a um grupo controle. Objetivo Realizar uma avaliação de evidências científicas que verifiquem a possibilidade de alterações na latência ou amplitude das ondas de potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos em indivíduos com zumbido. Método Foi feita uma revisão a partir dos bancos de dados científicos SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web e PubMed. Artigos publicados em inglês, português, francês e espanhol que correlacionavam zumbido com alterações nos potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos foram incluídos. Resultados Foram localizados 12 artigos, porém apenas oito preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Conclusão A amostra de estudos selecionados demonstra que os potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência relacionados a eventos entre os pacientes-controle e com zumbido apresentaram algumas alterações na latência e/ou amplitude nos pacientes com zumbido. Há mudanças nos potenciais relacionados a eventos ao comparar pacientes com zumbido e o grupo controle. Essas alterações consideram a gravidade do zumbido, o local da lesão do zumbido e a capacidade de alterações após as intervenções. Os potenciais evocados auditivos relacionados a eventos podem ajudar a determinar o neurotransmissor envolvido na geração do zumbido e avaliar os tratamentos para o zumbido.

Tinnitus and event related potentials: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is sound perception in the absence of a sound source. Changes in parameters of latency and amplitude on the auditory event related potentials or long latency potentials waves have been cited in tinnitus patients when compared to a control group. OBJECTIVE: To perform an assessment of scientific evidence that verifies the possibility of alterations in latency or amplitude of the waves of event related potentials in individuals with tinnitus. METHODS: By using SciELO, Lilacs, ISI Web and PubMed, scientific databases, a review was performed. Articles published in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish that correlated tinnitus with changes in event related potentials were included in this review. RESULTS: Twelve articles were located, however only eight fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSION: The sample of selected studies demonstrate that the long latency auditory evoked potentials related to events between the control and tinnitus patients showed some changes in latency and or amplitude in tinnitus patients. There are changes in event-related potentials when comparing patients with tinnitus and the control group. These changes take place considering the severity of tinnitus, tinnitus site of lesion, and capacity for changes after interventions. The event related potentials can help to determine the neurotransmitter involved in tinnitus generation and evaluate tinnitus treatments.

[Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception]. / Efeitos da redução no consumo de cafeína sobre a percepção do zumbido.

INTRODUCTION: For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150 mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analog scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10. RESULTS: THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p<0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision.

Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception / Efeitos da redução no consumo de cafeína sobre a percepção do zumbido

INTRODUCTION: For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy. Study design: prospective. METHODS: Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150 mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analogue scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10. RESULTS: THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O consumo abusivo de cafeína vem sendo descrito como fator de piora e causa do zumbido há muitos anos. A fisiopatologia deste efeito está provavelmente relacionada ao bloqueio dos receptores inibitórios adenosínicos pela cafeína no sistema nervoso central. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da redução do consumo de cafeína na percepção do zumbido e identificar subgrupos de pacientes mais propensos a benefícios com esta proposta. Tipo de estudo: prospectivo. MÉTODO: Selecionados 26 pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial e consumo diário superior a 150 mL de café. Os efeitos da redução do consumo foram avaliados através do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e da escala visual-análoga (EVA). RESULTADOS: Houve redução estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05) nos escores do THI e EVA. Nos subgrupos com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300 mL apresentaram maior redução dos escores THI e EVA. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com idade inferior a 60 anos, zumbido bilateral e consumo diário de café entre 150 e 300 mL apresentaram benefícios com a redução no consumo diário de cafeína. Períodos observacionais de 30 dias podem ser úteis para a decisão terapêutica. .

Incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users.

UNLABELLED: Exposure to loud noise is one of the main causes of tinnitus. AIM: To analyze the incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users and non-users. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred subjects aged from 15 to 30 years were enrolled, 54 of them were regular mp3 player users and 46 were not. Patients with continuous tinnitus for at least 6 months completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and were tested with high frequency audiometry and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TAOE). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort study. RESULTS: The incidence of tinnitus in non-users was about 8 %; in mp3 player users it was about 28 %, a statistically significant difference. Hearing thresholds at 8 kHz were significantly higher in tinnitus patients that used mp3 portable players.TAOE were reduced at 2 kHz in the users group. No statistically significant difference was found in the THI scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus was more frequent in teenagers and young adults who regularly listen to mp3 music in players. Moreover, the incidence of tinnitus among mp3 player users was associated with higher hearing thresholds at 8 kHz and lower TOAE at 2 kHz.

Incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users / Incidência de zumbido em usuários de estéreos pessoais

Exposure to loud noise is one of the main causes of tinnitus. AIM: To analyze the incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users and non-users. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred subjects aged from 15 to 30 years were enrolled, 54 of them were regular mp3 player users and 46 were not. Patients with continuous tinnitus for at least 6 months completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and were tested with high frequency audiometry and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TAOE). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional cohort study. RESULTS: The incidence of tinnitus in non-users was about 8 percent; in mp3 player users it was about 28 percent, a statistically significant difference. Hearing thresholds at 8kHz were significantly higher in tinnitus patients that used mp3 portable players.TAOE were reduced at 2 kHz in the users group. No statistically significant difference was found in the THI scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus was more frequent in teenagers and young adults who regularly listen to mp3 music in players. Moreover, the incidence of tinnitus among mp3 player users was associated with higher hearing thresholds at 8 kHz and lower TOAE at 2 kHz.

Uma das principais causas de zumbido é a exposição a ruído. OBJETIVO: Comparar a incidência de zumbido entre usuários e não usuários de estéreos pessoais. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Cem indivíduos entre 15 e 30 anos foram recrutados, 54 deles usuários regulares de estéreos pessoais e 46 não-usuários. Pacientes com zumbido preencheram a versão validada para o português brasileiro do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Todos foram submetidos à audiometria de altas frequências (AAF) e otoemissões acústicas transientes (OEAT). DESENHO CIENTÍFICO: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. RESULTADOS: A incidência de zumbido entre os usuários de estéreos pessoais foi significativamente maior (aproximadamente 28 por cento x 8 por cento). Os limiares auditivos em 8 kHz foram maiores nos portadores de zumbido usuários dos referidos aparelhos. As OEAT apresentaram-se reduzidas na frequência de 2 kHz no grupo de usuários. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os escores do THI dos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O zumbido é mais prevalente em adolescentes e adultos jovens que usam estéreos pessoais de forma regular. A incidência de zumbido entre os usuários foi acompanhada por limiares auditivos maiores em 8 kHz e por redução nas OEAT em 2 kHz.

Correlation analysis of hearing thresholds, validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic measurements in tinnitus patients.

UNLABELLED: One of the most criticized points in tinnitus clinical studies arise from the lack of consensus about measurement methods. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between audiometric thresholds, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in tinnitus patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were submitted to tonal audiometry, PM and MML for tinnitus. They also filled out the THI and BDI. Data was statistically compared for correlation purposes between audiometric thresholds, psycho-acoustic measures and questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between THI and MML, both in patients with BDI scores under and over 14 points. There was no statistically significant correlation between the worst hearing frequency and PM, as well as between the cut-off frequency and the PM in patients with descending hearing curves in their audiograms. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant correlation between psycho-acoustic measures (PM and MML), audiometric thresholds, THI and BDI. Tinnitus is a very complex symptom and isolated measures by psycho-acoustic methods; tinnitus and depression questionnaires are not satisfactory.

Análise da correlação entre limiares auditivos, questionários validados e medidas psicoacústicas em pacientes com zumbido / Correlation analysis of hearing thresholds, validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic measurements in tinnitus patients

Uma das principais dificuldades nos estudos clínicos sobre zumbido reside na falta de consenso sobre os métodos de mensuração. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre os limiares audiométricos, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) em pacientes com zumbido. MODELO DE ESTUDO: Prospectivo, coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 48 pacientes com zumbido como queixa principal foram submetidos aos testes audiométricos e questionários acima descritos. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente para as correlações entre os métodos. RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o THI e MML, tanto em pacientes com BDI acima e abaixo de 14 pontos, bem como entre a frequência de pior limiar auditivo e o Pitch matching e entre a frequência de "cut-off" e o PM nos pacientes com curvas descendentes em rampa. CONCLUSÕES: Não existe correlação estatisticamente significativa entre as medidas psicoacústicas do zumbido, os limiares audiométricos e os questionários de avaliação. O zumbido é um sintoma muito complexo e avaliações isoladas pelos métodos acima não são satisfatórias.

One of the most criticized points in tinnitus clinical studies arise from the lack of consensus about measurement methods. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between audiometric thresholds, pitch matching (PM), minimum masking level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in tinnitus patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were submitted to tonal audiometry, PM and MML for tinnitus. They also filled out the THI and BDI. Data was statistically compared for correlation purposes between audiometric thresholds, psycho-acoustic measures and questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between THI and MML, both in patients with BDI scores under and over 14 points. There was no statistically significant correlation between the worst hearing frequency and PM, as well as between the cut-off frequency and the PM in patients with descending hearing curves in their audiograms. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant correlation between psycho-acoustic measures (PM and MML), audiometric thresholds, THI and BDI. Tinnitus is a very complex symptom and isolated measures by psycho-acoustic methods; tinnitus and depression questionnaires are not satisfactory.

Amiloidose laríngea nodular isolada: relato de caso / Isolated laryngeal amyloidosis nodular: a case report

Introdução: A amiloidose isolada da laringe é rara, sendo a localização isolada mais comum em cabeça e pescoço. Pode ser dividida em difusa e nodular, sendo o tratamento prioritariamente cirúrgico. Objetivo: Descrever um caso de amiloidose nodular isolada de laringe, com revisão da literatura. Relato do Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 23 anos, apresentou-se com queixas de bolo cervical e disfonia há cerca de 3 meses. A videolaringoscopia revelou lesão de aspecto polipoide de grande volume em prega vocal esquerda. Submetida à remoção por microcirurgia de laringe, o laudo histopatológico foi compatível com amiloidose, sendo submetida à investigação clínica adicional simplificada para localizações extralaríngeas de amiloidose, a qual foi negativa. Permanece em acompanhamento clínico e laringoscópico semestral. Comentários Finais: A amiloidose isolada da laringe, apesar de rara, deve ser sempre cogitada pelo otorrinolaringologista, uma vez que se trata da apresentação clínica mais frequente da doença em cabeça e pescoço, com aspecto muitas vezes indistinguível ao de outras lesões benignas. É indispensável a investigação para manifestações extralaríngeas.

Introduction: Isolated amyloidosis of the larynx is rare, being the single most common location in head and neck. Can be divided into diffuse and nodular, and the surgical treatment priority. Objective: To describe a case of isolated nodular amyloidosis of the larynx, with review of literature. Case report: A female patient, 23 years, presented with complaints of dysphonia and cervical cake for about three months. A laryngoscopy revealed a polypoid lesion of large volume in the left vocal cord. Underwent microsurgery for the removal of the larynx, the histopathological report was consistent with amyloidosis, and underwent further simplified for clinical research locations extralaryngeal of amyloidosis, which was negative. It remains in clinical and laryngoscopic semester. Final Comments: The isolated amyloidosis of the larynx, although rare, should always be entertained by the otolaryngologist, since it is the most frequent clinical presentation of disease in head and neck, often indistinguishable in appearance to that of other benign lesions. It is indispensable for research extralaryngeal demonstrations.

Correlation analysis of the visual-analogue scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in tinnitus patients.

UNLABELLED: One of the most challenging topics in tinnitus clinical studies is the measuring method used. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) are frequently used in tinnitus. AIM: To verify the relationship between VAS and THI scores in tinnitus patients in a prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients classified their tinnitus according to VAS and THI, and both scores were compared through the Spearman's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the VAS and THI scores. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between VAS and THI scores in patients with sensorineural tinnitus.

Carótida interna retrofaríngea: relato de caso / Retropharyngeal internal carotid artery: case report

Introdução: Anomalias no trajeto das artérias carótidas podem gerar protrusões faríngeas, para as quais o otorrinolaringologista deve estar sempre atento. Objetivo: Descrever um caso de abaulamento orofaríngeo causado por anomalia vascular no trajeto da carótida interna, com revisão da literatura. Relato do Caso: Paciente de 73 anos, sexo feminino, apresentou-se com queixas de bolo cervical e disfonia intermitente. Ao exame, foi evidenciado abaulamento pulsátil em orofaringe à direita, associado aos sinais laringoscópicos de refluxo faringo-laríngeo. Solicitada tomografia computadorizada de faringe, que mostrou carótida interna tortuosa em espaço retrofaríngeo. A paciente foi encaminhada ao cirurgião vascular que, após Doppler de carótidas, que não revelou obstrução significativa, optou por conduta expectante. Os sintomas faríngeos cederam com o tratamento anti-refluxo. Comentários Finais: Anomalias vasculares da carótida interna devem ser sempre lembradas no diagnóstico diferencial de abaulamentos da parede faríngea.

Introduction: Variations to the course of carotid arteries may lead to abnormal pharyngeal protrusions, to which the otorhinolaryngologist should always attentive. Objective: To report a case of abnormal pharyngeal protrusion due to vascular anomaly in the course of the internal carotid artery, with literature review. Case Report: A 73- year-old woman complained of globus pharyngeus and intermittent dysphonia. A pulsating convexity was observed at the right part of the oropharynx, associated to laryngoscopic signals of pharyngo-laryngeal reflux. The pharyngeal computed tomography scan showed an abnormal tortuous internal carotid in the retropharyngeal space. The patient was sent to the vascular surgeon, who, after a normal blood flow finding at the Doppler, opted for an expectation conduct. The pharyngeal symptoms improved with the antireflux treatment. Final Comments: Internal carotid vascular anomalies must always be recalled in the pharyngeal wall convexity differential diagnosis.

Análise da correlação entre a escala visual-análoga e o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory na avaliação de pacientes com zumbido / Correlation analysis of the visual-analogue scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in tinnitus patients

Um dos tópicos mais questionado nos estudos clínicos sobre zumbido é o método de mensuração do mesmo. As Escalas Visual-Análogas (EVAs) e o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) são freqüentemente utilizados para este fim. OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI em pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial através de um estudo prospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 43 pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial quantificaram o zumbido pelos dois métodos, sendo os escores comparados através do Coeficiente de Relação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Foi observada correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com zumbido neurossensorial existe correlação entre os escores da EVA e do THI.

One of the most challenging topics in tinnitus clinical studies is the measuring method used. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) are frequently used in tinnitus. AIM: To verify the relationship between VAS and THI scores in tinnitus patients in a prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients classified their tinnitus according to VAS and THI, and both scores were compared through the Spearman's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the VAS and THI scores. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between VAS and THI scores in patients with sensorineural tinnitus.

Complications of ent foreign bodies: a retrospective study.

UNLABELLED: Foreign bodies are one of the most common ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) urgencies. Serious complications may occur, like tympanic perforations and bronchoaspiration, but they are uncommon. AIM: To analyze a 1356 foreign body series and establish causes for the complications, looking at prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1356 patients with ear, nose and throat foreign bodies from the ENT Department of Souza Aguiar Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed in a retrospective study for parameters like age, gender, type and localization of the foreign body, time span between introduction and removal of the foreign body and complications. RESULTS: The most common foreign bodies were beans and the most frequent age was between 1 and 4 years old. Ear foreign bodies were the most common, followed by nasal foreign bodies. Complications were statistically related to time, childs age and practical experience of the physician. CONCLUSION: Most of the situations related to ENT foreign bodies are avoidable. Improvements in Public Health Assistance and otolaryngologists training are essential to avoid serious complications.

Complicações de corpos estranhos em otorrinolaringologia: um estudo retrospectivo / Complications of ent foreign bodies: a retrospective study

Corpos estranhos constituem uma das mais freqüentes urgências em Otorrinolaringologia. Embora raras, complicações graves podem ocorrer, como perfuração timpânica e broncoaspiração. OBJETIVOS: Analisar, através de um estudo retrospectivo, 1356 casos de corpos estranhos e estabelecer causas para as complicações, objetivando medidas preventivas. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 1356 pacientes com corpos estranhos de orelha, nariz, faringe e laringe atendidos no Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Souza Aguiar, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, no período de 1992 a 2000, foram analisados de forma retrospectiva quanto aos parâmetros sexo, idade, tipo de corpo estranho, localização do corpo estranho, tempo entre colocação e retirada do corpo estranho e complicações. RESULTADOS: O corpo estranho mais freqüente foi o grão de feijão e a faixa etária mais freqüente a de 1 a 4 anos. Corpos estranhos de orelha foram os mais freqüentes, seguidos pelos de nariz. Complicações foram estatisticamente relacionadas ao tempo, faixa etária infantil e experiência do médico. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das situações que levam a acidentes com corpos estranhos são evitáveis. Melhorias na estruturação da rede pública de atendimento e na formação dos otorrinolaringologistas são fundamentais para evitarmos as complicações mais sérias.

Foreign bodies are one of the most common ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) urgencies. Serious complications may occur, like tympanic perforations and bronchoaspiration, but they are uncommon. AIM: To analyze a 1356 foreign body series and establish causes for the complications, looking at prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1356 patients with ear, nose and throat foreign bodies from the ENT Department of Souza Aguiar Hospital, in Rio de Janeiro, between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed in a retrospective study for parameters like age, gender, type and localization of the foreign body, time span between introduction and removal of the foreign body and complications. RESULTS: The most common foreign bodies were beans and the most frequent age was between 1 and 4 years old. Ear foreign bodies were the most common, followed by nasal foreign bodies. Complications were statistically related to time, child’s age and practical experience of the physician. CONCLUSION: Most of the situations related to ENT foreign bodies are avoidable. Improvements in Public Health Assistance and otolaryngologists’ training are essential to avoid serious complications.

Treatment of tinnitus with acamprosate.

Acamprosate, a drug used to treat alcohol dependence, was first reported as a potential treatment for tinnitus in 2005. The drug may improve tinnitus by a dual mechanism of action, acting both as a glutamate antagonist and as a GABA agonist. It is suggested that its action may be both on the ear and the nervous system.

Análise crítica dos métodos de mensuração do zumbido / A critical analysis of tinnitus measuring methods

Um dos fatores mais determinantes da dificuldade no manejo do zumbido é a subjetividade da mensuração e, por conseqüência, da monitorização do tratamento. REVISÃO: Nosso objetivo, neste artigo, é fazer uma revisão bibliográfica e análise crítica dos principais métodos existentes para a mensuração do zumbido. CONCLUSÃO: Não existe consenso quanto aos métodos de mensuração do zumbido, o que leva a críticas na metodologia de vários artigos. Na realidade brasileira, os métodos mais simples são os mais indicados.

One of the main factors that make tinnitus treatment so difficult is the subjectivity of measuring methods and therapeutic monitoring. DATABASE: Our aim, in this study, is to make a critical analysis of tinnitus measuring methods. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus about tinnitus measuring methods, causing criticism in the methodology used in many papers. In Brazil, the simplest methods are the most used.