Relationship Between Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine Use and Hearing Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Chloroquine and its analog hydroxychloroquine are derivatives of 4-aminoquinoline and are regularly used in the treatment of malaria and autoimmune diseases. Among the side effects of these drugs, alterations associated with the auditory system are frequently mentioned. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to systematically review publications on hearing disorders and chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine use. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were observational or interventional studies on audiological assessment in participants who were using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. The methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Meta-Analysis of Statistics: assessment and review Instrument. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. Results: A total of 1,372 non-duplicate papers were screened, out of which 17 were included in the final qualitative synthesis, and 5 studies in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio for the two subgroups evaluated did not show significance with no heterogeneity between the effects observed between the different diseases (I2=0%) and obtaining the global estimate of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.41-1.39; p>0.05). Despite the inclusion of papers with different disease samples, the heterogeneity observed in the analysis was low (I2= 0%) and prediction interval (95% PI=0.32-1.80; p>0.05) remained close to that estimated by the CI (95% CI=0.41-1.39; p>0.05). The certainty of the evidence assessed by the GRADE tool was considered very low due to the risk of bias, indirect evidence, and imprecision. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine is not associated with hearing disorders.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma ‒ evaluation and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Otosclerosis: evaluation and treatment

Abstract Objectives: To review and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of otosclerosis. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on otosclerosis were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: 1) Diagnosis - audiologic and radiologic; 2) Treatment - hearing AIDS, pharmacological therapy, stapes surgery, and implantable devices - bone-anchored devices, active middle ear implants, and Cochlear Implants (CI). Conclusions: The pathophysiology of otosclerosis has not yet been fully elucidated, but environmental factors and unidentified genes are likely to play a significant role in it. Women with otosclerosis are not at increased risk of worsening clinical condition due to the use of contraceptives or during pregnancy. Drug treatment has shown little benefit. If the patient does not want to undergo stapedotomy, the use of hearing aids is well indicated. Implantable systems should be indicated only in rare cases, and the CI should be indicated in cases of profound deafness.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Otosclerosis: evaluation and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To review and provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of otosclerosis. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on otosclerosis were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 parts: 1) Diagnosis - audiologic and radiologic; 2) Treatment - hearing AIDS, pharmacological therapy, stapes surgery, and implantable devices - bone-anchored devices, active middle ear implants, and Cochlear Implants (CI). CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiology of otosclerosis has not yet been fully elucidated, but environmental factors and unidentified genes are likely to play a significant role in it. Women with otosclerosis are not at increased risk of worsening clinical condition due to the use of contraceptives or during pregnancy. Drug treatment has shown little benefit. If the patient does not want to undergo stapedotomy, the use of hearing aids is well indicated. Implantable systems should be indicated only in rare cases, and the CI should be indicated in cases of profound deafness.

Brazilian Society of Otology task force - Vestibular Schwannoma - evaluation and treatment

Abstract Objective: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis - audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment - wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Conclusions: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology - evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. METHODS: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Prevalence of epstein-barr virus infection in palatine tonsils hyperplasia through the immunoexpression of the LMP-1 marker / Avaliação da prevalência de infecção por epstein-barr vírus na hiperplasia de tonsilas palatinas através da imunoexpressão do marcador LMP-1

Introduction: LMP-1 (latent membrane protein 1) is a membrane protein found in EBV and can be identified through immunohistochemistry. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of EBV virus in tonsillar tissue samples correlating with tonsil size, age and gender. Methods: An LMP-1 immunohistochemical study was performed in slides from patients with tonsil hyperplasia. Results: The sample consisted of 120 slides, 66 were from male. The average tonsillar size was 6.0 cm2 (1.5-14.0) and the average age was 6.5 years (2-18). Overall, 72 patients were positive for the virus, the majority being male (51%) and preschoolers (51.4%). For comparative analysis, the sample was divided: group 1 (positive immunohistochemistry) and group 2 (negative immunohistochemistry). The average age was 6.74 years (± 4.14) and 6.19 years (± 3.82) for group 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1 had 37 preschoolers, 23 school-age children and 12 adolescents. Group 2 had 28 preschoolers, 14 school-age children and 6 adolescents (p=0.71). To evaluate the presence of virus, the slides were divided according to area: G (≥6cm²) and P (<6cm²). In G group, 54 slides were positive, while in P group, 18 were positive. Group 1 presented 54 of G group slides and 18 of P group slides, with no statistical difference, but with a tendency to positivity (p=0.09). Conclusion: Most of the sample was positive for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus. There was no difference in the virus presence or absence when correlated with the tonsillar size, age or sex

Introdução: LMP-1 (proteína latente de membrana-1) é uma proteína de membrana encontrada no Epstein-Barr vírus (EBV) e que pode ser identificadaatravés da imunoistoquímica. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência do EBV em amostras de tecido tonsilar correlacionando com o tamanho da tonsila, idade e sexo. Método: Realizou-se um estudo imunoistoquímico de LMP-1 para EBV em lâminas de pacientes com hiperplasia de tonsilas. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 120 lâminas, sendo 66 (55%) de pacientes do sexo masculino. O tamanho médio tonsilar foi 6,0 cm2 (1,5-14,0) e a idade média 6,5 anos (2-18). Ao todo, 72 pacientes (60%) tiveram positividade para o vírus, a maioria meninos (51%) e pré-escolares (51,4%). A amostra foi dividida em: grupo 1 (imunoistoquímica positiva) e grupo 2 (imunoistoquímica negativa). A idade média foi de 6,74 anos (±4,14) e 6,19 anos (±3,82), para o grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente. O grupo 1 apresentou 37 pré-escolares, 23 escolares e 12 adolescentes. O grupo 2 foi composto por 28 pré-escolares, 14 escolares e 6 adolescentes, sem diferença estatística (p=0,71). Para avaliar a presença do EBV, as lâminas foram divididas de acordo com a área: G (≥6 cm²) e P (<6 cm²). No grupo G, 54 lâminas foram positivas, enquanto no grupo P, 18, sem diferença estatística, mas com tendência a positividade (p=0,09). Conclusão: A maior parte da amostra foi positiva para o Epstein-Barr vírus. Não houve diferença significante na positividade ou não do vírus quando correlacionada com o tamanho tonsilar, a idade e o sexo dos pacientes.

Perfil clínico e audiológico de pacientes submetidos a timpanostomia e inserção de tubo de ventilação / Clinical and audiological features in patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement

Introdução: A presença de líquido na orelha médiapode causar perdas auditivas de condução e atrasos no desenvolvimento da criança. A timpanotomia e colocação do tubo de ventilação é o tratamento para casos em que o acúmulo de secreção é persistente. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e audiológico dos pacientes submetidos a timpanotomia e colocação do tubo de ventilação. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e transversal baseado em revisão de prontuários. Resultados: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes que realizaram o procedimento. O sexo masculino correspondeu a 64% e a média de idade foi de 8 anos. Otite média secretora foi o diagnóstico predominante. Pelo menos uma comorbidade foi encontrada em 63 pacientes, com predomínio de rinite alérgica. A maioria realizou apenas 1 operação. A bilateralidade da colocação do tubo ocorreu em 57%. Amigdalectomia e/ou adenoidectomia foram frequentemente adicionadas. Hipoacusia, roncopatia, prurido nasal, obstrução nasal e respiração oral noturna foram as queixas predominantes. Em relação à audiometria, 68% evoluíram para limiares normais; já na timpanometria 62% mostraram melhora no timpanograma. Conclusão: No tratamento com colocação de tubo de ventilação bilateral houve melhora pós-operatória na audiometria e timpanometria na maioria dos casos.

Introduction: The presence of fluid in the middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss and developmental delays in children. Tympanotomy and ventilation tube placement is the treatment for cases where secretion accumulation is persistent. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and audiological profile of patients submitted to tympanotomy and ventilation tube placement. Methods: Observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study based on medical records. Results: 69 patients who underwent the procedure were included. Males accounted for 64% and the mean age was 8 years. Secretory otitis media was the predominant diagnosis. At least one comorbidity was found in 63 patients, with a predominance of allergic rhinitis. Most performed only 1 operation. Bilateral tube placement occurred in 57%. Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were frequently added. Hypoacusis, snoring, nasal itching, nasal obstruction and nocturnal oral breathing were the predominant complaints. Regarding audiometry, 68% evolved to normal thresholds; in the tympanometry 62% showed improvement in the tympanogram. Conclusion: In the treatment with placement of a bilateral ventilation tube, there was postoperative improvement in audiometry and tympanometry in most cases.

Assessment of noise level and risk of hearing loss among taiko musicians.

INTRODUCTION: taiko music is performed with specific drums, which produce loud and low-tone sounds that can potentially lead to hearing risk. OBJECTIVES: To assess sound pressure levels and hearing safety of musicians who play in taiko groups. METHODS: Using a decibel meter, noise exposure was measured in two different groups (group 1 and group 2), which are divided into categories: (group 1 = five categories - junior, free, general a, general b, and master, and group 2 = two categories - adult and child). The calculation of the daily noise dose was based on the Brazilian Occupational Hygiene Standard 01, which establishes the following classification: acceptable dose (between 0 and 50%), above the action level (50 to 80%), uncertain dose level (80 to 100%), and above the acceptable level (more than 100%). RESULTS: In group 1 categories, the daily noise doses obtained were: junior = 88%; general B = 423%; master = 218%; general A = 370%, and free = 150%. In the adult and children categories of group 2, the results were 127 and 17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: taiko musicians are exposed to daily noise doses above the safe level, except for the junior categories in group 1, and the children, in group 2 - which showed daily noise doses at an uncertain dose level, and at an acceptable level, respectively.

Hearing and speech performance after cochlear implantation in children with Waardenburg syndrome. / Desempenho de audição e linguagem pós implante coclear em crianças com síndrome de Waardenburg.

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal-dominant syndrome that can be presented with sensorineural hearing loss. In this report, we describe the outcomes of three children with WS at zero, three, nine, twelve and sixty months after cochlear implant (CI) fitting. The outcomes were assessed using IT-MAIS (Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale - younger than 5 year), MAIS (Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale - older than 5 year), MUSS (Meaningful Use of Speech Scale), and categories of auditory performance and speech intelligibility. The results showed an improvement in auditory and language performance over time, two patients who used CI for 5 years achieved 100% in IT-MAIS and MUSS tests. In addition, both were able to understand sentences in open set and achieve fluent speech. Moreover, both reached fluency on auditory and language performance scale. The third patient with 50 months of follow-up and in the 48 months evaluation, is in category 5 of auditory performance and 3 of speech intelligibility. We concluded that all children who had low levels of hearing and language before cochlear implant have improved hearing and language skills after implantation and rehabilitation.

A Síndrome de Waardenburg (SW) é uma condição genética rara de padrão autossômico dominante e que pode cursar com perda auditiva neurossensorial. Nesse relato, apresentamos o desempenho da audição e linguagem de três crianças com SW, com zero, três, nove, doze e sessenta meses de seguimento após implante coclear (IC). As crianças foram avaliadas através dos questionários Escala de Integração Auditiva IT-MAIS (até 5 anos), MAIS (maiores de 5 anos), Escala de Utilização da Fala (MUSS) e categorizados quanto à audição e linguagem. Os resultados demonstraram uma melhora no desempenho da audição e linguagem ao longo do tempo, sendo que os dois pacientes que usaram o IC por 5 anos alcançaram 100% no IT-MAIS, MAIS e MUSS. Além disso, ambos foram capazes de compreender sentenças em conjunto aberto e possuem fala fluente, considerando-se as categorias de audição e linguagem. O terceiro paciente, com 50 meses de seguimento, encontra-se, na avaliação aos 48 meses, na categoria 5 de audição e 3 de linguagem. Conclui-se assim que as crianças da pesquisa, que apresentavam níveis baixos de audição e linguagem antes do implante coclear, passaram a apresentar melhores respostas auditivas e linguísticas após a implantação e reabilitação.

Estudo da prevalência das variedades morfológicas de fissuras labiopalatinas em um centro médico terciário / Study of the prevalence of morphological varieties of cleft lip and palate in a tertiary medical center

Introdução: Verificar a prevalência, num centro médico especializado, das diferentes variedades morfológicas de fissuras orofaciais e classificá-las com detalhes das estruturas anatômicas acometidas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, baseado em revisão de prontuários de crianças nascidas entre os anos de 1989 e 2014, que apresentassem algum tipo de fissura de lábio e/ou palato. Foi analisado o tipo de fissura, tendo por referência o forame incisivo. Além disso, detalhes sobre o acometimento do lábio, arcada dentária, filtro nasal, palato mole e/ou palato duro e úvula também foram coletados. Resultados: Foram analisados 1078 prontuários de pacientes com fissura lábio palatina. Comparando entre os sexos, no feminino houve predomínio da fissura pós-forame (16,7%), enquanto que no masculino a transforame foi mais prevalente (25,2%). Separando as fendas como uni ou bilaterais, as unilaterais apareceram em mais de 75% dos pacientes. Em relação a posição pré, pós e transforame, as duas primeiras apareceram de forma semelhante, cerca de 30% cada, enquanto a transforame apareceu em cerca de 40%. Quanto ao lado, as fendas unilaterais à esquerda tiveram predomínio em ambos os sexos (62% das unilaterais). Sobre o detalhamento anatômico das estruturas envolvidas, as lesões mais comuns foram aquelas que envolveram desde o lábio até o palato mole. Conclusão: O tipo de fissura mais prevalente foi a transforame unilateral. No sexo feminino a fissura pós-forame e no masculino a transforame foram as de maior ocorrência. As fissuras unilaterais foram mais comuns do que as bilaterais e quando unilaterais houve um predomínio de lesões à esquerda.

Introduction: To verify the prevalence, in a specialized medical center, of the different morphological varieties of orofacial clefts and classify them with details of the affected anatomical structures. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study, based on a review of medical records of children born between 1989 and 2014 who had some kind of cleft lip and/or palate. The type of cleft was analyzed regarding the incisive foramen. Besides, details on the involvement of the lip, dental arch, nasal filter, soft palate, and/or hard palate and uvula were also collected. Results: 1078 medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate were analyzed. When comparing genders, in females, there was a predominance of post-foramen cleft (16.7%), while in males, trans-foramen was more prevalent (25.2%). Separating the cleft as unilateral or bilateral, unilateral ones appeared in more than 75% of patients. Regarding the pre, post, and trans-foramen position, the first two appeared similarly, about 30% each, while the trans-foramen appeared in about 40%. As for the side, the unilateral slits on the left were predominant in both sexes (62% of the unilateral ones). Regarding the anatomical details of the structures involved, the most common injuries were those that involved from the lip to the soft palate. Conclusion: The most prevalent type of cleft was unilateral trans-foramen. In the female gender, the post-foramen cleft, and in the male, the transformation was the most frequent. Unilateral fissures were more common than bilateral fissures, and when unilateral, there was a predominance of lesions on the left.

PREVALENCE OF HEARING SYMPTOMS RELATED TO PATULOUS EUSTACHIAN TUBE AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and severe weight loss can result in the reduction of the ear tube lining fat tissue and it becomes patent, leading to symptoms such as autophony, aural fullness and tinnitus. Patients after bariatric surgery have, in theory, a predisposition to the development of such alteration. AIM: To evaluate the presence of patent tuba-related complaints in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, correlating with weight and body mass index (BMI) values, as well as demographic data. METHODS: Cross-sectional study composed of the evaluation of patients undergoing bariatric surgery through a standardized questionnaire about the presence of symptoms compatible with ear tube patency. RESULTS: Eighty patients were evaluated, 77 female and three males. The main comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension (37.5%). Fifteen (18.75%) presented symptoms compatible with patent auditory/Eustachian tube - aural fullness and autophony - postoperatively. In symptomatic individuals the initial weight was 112 kg on average and the preoperative BMI was 45 kg/m², while in asymptomatic individuals the weight was 117 kg and BMI 47 kg/m². There was statistical significance in the comparison between individuals with and without symptoms in the variables of initial weight (p=0.00000), current weight (p=0.00029), preoperative BMI (p=0.00219) and postoperative BMI (p=0.00148). CONCLUSION: The presence of symptoms compatible with patent auditory/Eustachian tube was 18.75% of the patients submitted to bariatric surgery in the evaluated sample. Both preoperative weight and BMI were lower in symptomatic patients when compared with the asymptomatic group.

Prevalence of hearing symptoms related to patulous eustachian tube after bariatric surgery / Prevalência de sintomas auditivos relacionados à tuba auditiva patente em pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica

ABSTRACT Background: Rapid and severe weight loss can result in the reduction of the ear tube lining fat tissue and it becomes patent, leading to symptoms such as autophony, aural fullness and tinnitus. Patients after bariatric surgery have, in theory, a predisposition to the development of such alteration. Aim: To evaluate the presence of patent tuba-related complaints in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, correlating with weight and body mass index (BMI) values, as well as demographic data. Methods: Cross-sectional study composed of the evaluation of patients undergoing bariatric surgery through a standardized questionnaire about the presence of symptoms compatible with ear tube patency. Results: Eighty patients were evaluated, 77 female and three males. The main comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension (37.5%). Fifteen (18.75%) presented symptoms compatible with patent auditory/Eustachian tube - aural fullness and autophony - postoperatively. In symptomatic individuals the initial weight was 112 kg on average and the preoperative BMI was 45 kg/m², while in asymptomatic individuals the weight was 117 kg and BMI 47 kg/m². There was statistical significance in the comparison between individuals with and without symptoms in the variables of initial weight (p=0.00000), current weight (p=0.00029), preoperative BMI (p=0.00219) and postoperative BMI (p=0.00148). Conclusion: The presence of symptoms compatible with patent auditory/Eustachian tube was 18.75% of the patients submitted to bariatric surgery in the evaluated sample. Both preoperative weight and BMI were lower in symptomatic patients when compared with the asymptomatic group.

RESUMO Racional: A perda ponderal rápida e intensa pode resultar na redução do tecido gorduroso de revestimento da tuba auditiva e ela se tornar patente, gerando sintomas como autofonia, plenitude aural e zumbido. Pacientes após operação bariátrica possuem, em teoria, predisposição para o desenvolvimento de tal alteração. Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de queixas relacionadas à tuba patente em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, correlacionando com os valores de peso, índice de massa corpórea e de dados demográficos. Método: Estudo transversal composto pela avaliação de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica através de questionário padronizado, sobre a presença de sintomas compatíveis com patência de tuba auditiva. Resultados: Foram avaliados 80 pacientes, 77 mulheres e três homens. A principal comorbidade foi hipertensão arterial sistêmica (37,5%). Quinze (18,75%) apresentaram sintomas compatíveis com tuba auditiva patente - plenitude aural e autofonia - no pós-operatório. Nos sintomáticos o peso inicial era em média 112 kg e o IMC pré-operatório de 45 kg/m²; já nos assintomáticos o peso era de 117 kg e o IMC de 47 kg/m². Houve significância estatística na comparação entre indivíduos com e sem sintomas nas variáveis de peso inicial (p=0,00000), peso atual (p=0,00029), IMC pré-operatório (p=0,00219) e IMC pós-operatório (p=0,00148). Conclusão: A presença de sintomas compatíveis com tuba auditiva patente foi de 18,75% dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica na amostra avaliada. Tanto o peso pré-operatório, quanto o IMC foram menores nos pacientes sintomáticos, quando comparados com o grupo assintomático.

Correlation between Type of Clefting and the Incidence of Otitis Media among Children with Lip and/or Palate Clefts.

INTRODUCTION: Otitis media is a frequent condition among children with high morbidity. Orofacial clefts are undoubtedly one of the most well-established risk factors for otitis media during childhood. The clinical spectrum of disease in orofacial clefting is broad according to the subtype of malformation. This study aims to correlate the occurrence of otitis media among lip and/or palate cleft children with clinical and epidemiological parameters, in particular with the subtypes of malformation diagnosed. METHODS: This is a clinical, retrospective, case-control type of study. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained from medical records of children born between 2005 and 2008 and attending a multidisciplinary center for cleft patients. RESULTS: 53% of the patients had registers of middle ear disorder during follow-up, and secretory otitis media was the most frequently diagnosed condition. Five children (1.39%) had chronic otitis media during the study period. Those patients with malformations including involvement of structures located posteriorly to the incisive foramen were more frequently diagnosed with otitis media than those with isolated pre-foramen cleft (p value < 0.001, odds ratio: 5.33). Gender and bilateral malformations did not correlate with increased occurrence of middle ear disease (p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Otitis media is frequent among lip and/or palate cleft children, although the grade of middle ear involvement seems to vary widely within this population. Post-foraminal malformations are clearly associated with increased incidence of otitis media, as well as with more severe diseases.

Audiologic profile in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A controlled study of 30 patients.

Recent studies have identified sensorineural hearing loss as a possible manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis. We conducted a study of 30 patients with ankylosing spondylitis to characterize their audiologic profile and to correlate their disease activity and functional indices with their hearing thresholds. The study group was made up of 18 men and 12 women, aged 25 to 58 years (mean: 46.5), who were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. We compared their findings with a socially and demographically matched group of 30 healthy controls. All 60 participants underwent an audiologic assessment, consisting of pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. We used validated indices to assess disease activity and functional status, and we compiled information on the time of diagnosis and the types of medications used to treat the ankylosing spondylitis. We found that the average of the mean air-conduction thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the ankylosing spondylitis group was significantly worse than that of the controls (p = 0.004). A statistically significant difference was observed at frequencies greater than 3 kHz (p < 0.05). A subgroup of case patients who used only a tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor exhibited better hearing thresholds than patients who used other drugs (p = 0.01). Differences in functional and disease activity scores between case patients with and without hearing loss were not statistically significant. We found that patients with ankylosing spondylitis did indeed have a greater prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss but that it was not correlated with either disease activity or functional status.

Eight Items to Check on a Temporal Bone CT-Scan.

Imaging data provided by computed tomography scans of the temporal bone are fundamental for both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting this complex structure. Despite its importance, the expertise required to analyze this exam is seldom properly acquired as it is time-consuming and often neglected among young doctors and even otolaryngologists. Physicians may not even have a look at the scans but rely only on radiology reports. Radiologists, on the other hand, may not describe the individual scans the same way as clinicians. Lack of a standardized and didactic protocol for scrolling through the images obtained might also contribute to the difficulties reported by residents and physicians in daily practice. We present here a sequential checklist which could be employed in a systematic and organized manner, aiming to both develop and practice the know-how of this indispensable and challenging method of evaluation of the temporal bone.