Alcohol Sniff Test (AST): An Important Tool for Screening Post-Viral Olfactory Loss in Acute Flu-Like Dysfunction.

Olfactory disorders have a significant impact on patients' quality of life but are often underestimated in clinical practice. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a common cause of olfactory loss. While most cases of olfactory loss due to URTIs are conductive and reversible, post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) persists despite symptom improvement. PVOD is attributed to damage to the olfactory epithelium and nerves or central olfactory pathway lesions. The Alcohol Sniff Test (AST) has been proposed as a tool to assess olfactory function in the acute phase and aid in differentiating PVOD from conductive disorders. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the AST as a predictor of post-viral olfactory loss in patients with flu-like syndrome. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among employees with flu-like syndrome at a tertiary hospital. Three groups were formed: flu-like syndrome with conductive disorder without COVID-19 (PVOD-), flu-like syndrome with neurosensory and/or central disorder due to COVID-19 (PVOD +), and an asymptomatic control group. The Alcohol Sniff Test was performed to assess olfactory function. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the AST's performance. For a cut off of 10 cm, 88.57% of PVOD + patients and 60.53% of PVOD - patients showed AST alteration, respectively (p = 0.013, OR = 5.05, 95% CI [1.48-17.25]). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean distance between the PVOD + group (4.35 ± 4.1 cm) and the control group (20 ± 4.33 cm) (p < 0.05). This relationship was also observed between the PVOD + and PVOD- groups (9 cm ± 7.5) (p < 0.05) and between the PVOD- and control groups (p < 0.05). For a cut off of 10 cm, the AST showed a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 41%, resulting in an Odds Ratio of 9.7 (95% CI 3.3-28.1) (p < 0.001) and a Positive Predictive Value of 69.4% for PVOD. PVOD, including cases associated with COVID-19, is a prevalent cause of olfactory loss. The Alcohol Sniff Test demonstrated promising results in identifying PVOD in patients with flu-like syndrome. The test's simplicity and accessibility make it a valuable tool for early screening and identifying individuals who may benefit from prompt treatment. The Alcohol Sniff Test (AST) shows potential as an effective tool for screening post-viral olfactory loss in patients with flu-like syndrome. It can aid in early identification of PVOD cases and facilitate timely interventions to reduce the likelihood of persistent hyposmia.

Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: a marker of good prognosis? / Disfunção de olfato na Covid-19: marcador de bom prognóstico?

Abstract Introduction In May 2020, the World Health Organization recognized olfactory dysfunction as a COVID-19 symptom. The presence of hyposmia/anosmia may be a marker of good prognosis in COVID-19. Objective To associate the presence of olfaction disorder to the clinical condition severity in patients with COVID-19. Methods Individuals with the flu syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, diagnosed from March to June 2020, were recruited. They were divided into three groups: mild flu syndrome, severe flu syndrome (admitted to hospital wards) and critical illness (admitted to the ICU). Inpatients were interviewed by telephone contact after hospital discharge and their medical records were also evaluated regarding complementary test results. Outpatients answered an electronic questionnaire containing only clinical information. Results A total of 261 patients participated in the study: 23.75% with mild flu syndrome, 57.85% with severe flu syndrome and 18.40% with critical illness. A total of 66.28% patients with COVID-19 had olfaction disorders. In approximately 56.58% of the individuals the smell alterations lasted between 9 days and 2 months. There was a significantly higher proportion of individuals with olfactory dysfunction in the group with mild flu syndrome than in the severe flu syndrome group (mild × severe - p< 0.001; Odds Ratio = 4.63; 95% CI [1.87-10.86]). This relationship was also maintained between patients with mild flu syndrome and critically-ill patients (mild × critical - p< 0.001; Odds Ratio = 9.28; 95% CI [3.52-25.53]). Conclusion Olfaction dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in patients with mild flu syndrome in COVID-19. It may be a predictor of a good prognosis for this infection. New population-based studies must be carried out to corroborate these findings.

Resumo Introdução Em maio de 2020, a Organização Mundial da Saúde reconheceu a disfunção do olfato como um sintoma da C-19. A presença de hiposmia/anosmia pode ser um marcador de bom prognóstico na Covid-19. Objetivos Relacionar a presença do transtorno do olfato à gravidade do quadro clínico nos pacientes com Covid-19. Método Foram recrutados indivíduos com síndrome gripal causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, diagnosticados de março a junho de 2020. Eles foram divididos em três grupos: síndrome gripal leve; síndrome gripal grave (internados em enfermarias) e doença crítica (internados em UTI). Os doentes internados foram entrevistados por ligação telefônica após alta hospitalar e também tiveram seus prontuários avaliados para registro de exames complementares; os ambulatoriais responderam a um questionário eletrônico com somente informações clínicas. Resultados Participaram do estudo 261 pacientes: 23,75% com síndrome gripal leve, 57,85% com síndrome gripal grave e 18,40% com doença crítica. Ocorreu alteração do olfato em 66,28% doentes com Covid-19. Dos indivíduos, 56,58% apresentaram duração da alteração do olfato entre 9 dias e 2 meses. Houve significativamente maior proporção de indivíduos com disfunção olfatória no grupo com síndrome gripal leve do que nos graves (leves × graves - p < 0,001; odds ratio = 4,63; 95% IC [1,87-10,86]). Essa relação também se manteve entre os doentes leves e críticos (leves × críticos - p < 0,001; odds ratio = 9,28; 95% IC [3,52-25,53]). Conclusão A disfunção do olfato foi significantemente mais prevalente nos doentes com síndrome gripal leve na Covid-19. Pode ser um preditor de bom prognóstico dessa infecção. Novos estudos populacionais devem ser feitos para corroborar esses achados.

Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: a marker of good prognosis?

INTRODUCTION: In May 2020, the World Health Organization recognized olfactory dysfunction as a COVID-19 symptom. The presence of hyposmia/anosmia may be a marker of good prognosis in COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To associate the presence of olfaction disorder to the clinical condition severity in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Individuals with the flu syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, diagnosed from March to June 2020, were recruited. They were divided into three groups: mild flu syndrome, severe flu syndrome (admitted to hospital wards) and critical illness (admitted to the ICU). Inpatients were interviewed by telephone contact after hospital discharge and their medical records were also evaluated regarding complementary test results. Outpatients answered an electronic questionnaire containing only clinical information. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients participated in the study: 23.75% with mild flu syndrome, 57.85% with severe flu syndrome and 18.40% with critical illness. A total of 66.28% patients with COVID-19 had olfaction disorders. In approximately 56.58% of the individuals the smell alterations lasted between 9 days and 2 months. There was a significantly higher proportion of individuals with olfactory dysfunction in the group with mild flu syndrome than in the severe flu syndrome group (mild × severe - p < 0.001; Odds Ratio = 4.63; 95% CI [1.87-10.86]). This relationship was also maintained between patients with mild flu syndrome and critically-ill patients (mild × critical - p <  0.001; Odds Ratio = 9.28; 95% CI [3.52-25.53]). CONCLUSION: Olfaction dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in patients with mild flu syndrome in COVID-19. It may be a predictor of a good prognosis for this infection. New population-based studies must be carried out to corroborate these findings.

Sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in a patient immunocompromised by the human immunodeficiency virus.

It is known that in less than a third of patients presenting sudden hearing loss, the disorder can be attributed to viral infection, trauma, neoplasms, and vascular and autoimmune diseases. However, the role of the HIV in the onset of this disease has not yet been well described. A 46-year-old female, in an immunosuppression state induced by HIV infection, presented with sudden bilateral hearing loss, with no improvement despite treatment. Several mechanisms were reported by which the virus could induce damage to the auditory pathway. However, little is known regarding the prevention and treatment of this morbidity.

Psychoacoustic classification of persistent tinnitus / Classificação psicoacústica do zumbido persistente

Abstract Introduction: Tinnitus is a difficult to treat symptom, with different responses in patients. It is classified in different ways, according to its origin and associated diseases. Objective: to propose a single and measurable classification of persistent tinnitus, through its perception as sounds of nature or of daily life and its comparison with pure tone or noise, of high or low pitch, presented to the patient by audiometer sound. Methods: A total of 110 adult patients, of both genders, treated at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic, were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Otorhinolaryngologic and Audiological, Pitch Matching and Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level assessments were performed. Results: In these 110 patients, 181 tinnitus complaints were identified accordingly to type and ear, with 93 (51%) Pure Tone, and 88 (49%) Noise type; 19 at low and 162 at high frequency; with a mean in the Pure Tone of 5.4.07 in the Visual Analog Scale and 12.31 decibel in the Loudness and a mean in the Noise of 6.66 and 10.51 decibel. For Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level, the 110 patients were separated into three groups with tinnitus, Pure Tone, Noise and multiple. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory higher in the group with multiple tinnitus, of 61.38. Masking noises such as White Noise and Narrow Band were used for the Minimum Masking Level at the frequencies of 500 and 6000 Hz. There was a similarity between the Pure Tone and Multiple groups. In the Noise group, different responses were found when Narrow Band was used at low frequency. Conclusion: Classifying persistent tinnitus as pure tone or noise, present in high or low frequency and establishing its different characteristics allow us to know its peculiarities and the effects of this symptom in patients' lives.

Resumo Introdução: O zumbido é um sintoma de difícil tratamento, com respostas diferentes nos pacientes. É classificado de formas diversas, de acordo com a origem ou doenças associadas. Objetivo: Propor uma classificação única e mensurável do zumbido persistente, por meio da sua percepção como sons da natureza ou da vida cotidiana e da sua comparação com o tom puro ou o ruído, de pitch alto ou baixo, apresentado ao paciente pelos sons do audiômetro. Método: Participaram 110 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Ambulatório de Zumbido, tendo sido observados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Realizada avaliação otorrinolaringológica, audiológica, Pitch Matching e Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e Minimum Masking Level. Resultados: Nesses 110 pacientes foram identificadas 181 queixas de zumbido separadas por tipo e orelha, 93 (51%) tipo tom puro e 88 (49%) tipo ruído 19 de baixa frequência e 162 de alta frequência; com média do Visual Analog Scale no tom puro de 5,47 e ruído de 6,66; média do Loudness do tom puro de 12,31 dBNS e ruído de 10,51 dBNS. Para o Tinnitus Handicap Inventory e o Minimum Masking Level os 110 pacientes foram separados em três grupos com zumbido, tom puro, ruído e múltiplo, com a média do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory maior no grupo com zumbido múltiplo com 61,38. Para o Minimum Masking Level foram usados os ruídos mascaradores tipo White Noise e Narrow Band nas frequências de 500 Hz e 6000 Hz. Houve semelhança entre os grupos com tom puro e múltiplo. No grupo de ruído foram encontradas respostas diferentes quando usado o Narrow Band em frequência baixa. Conclusão: Classificar o zumbido persistente em tom puro ou ruído, presentes em frequência alta ou baixa e estabelecer suas diferentes características nos permitem conhecer suas particularidades e a repercussão desse sintoma na vida dos pacientes.

Sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in a patient immunocompromised by the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract It is known that in less than a third of patients presenting sudden hearing loss, the disorder can be attributed to viral infection, trauma, neoplasms, and vascular and autoimmune diseases. However, the role of the HIV in the onset of this disease has not yet been well described. A 46-year-old female, in an immunosuppression state induced by HIV infection, presented with sudden bilateral hearing loss, with no improvement despite treatment. Several mechanisms were reported by which the virus could induce damage to the auditory pathway. However, little is known regarding the prevention and treatment of this morbidity.

Psychoacoustic classification of persistent tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a difficult to treat symptom, with different responses in patients. It is classified in different ways, according to its origin and associated diseases. OBJECTIVE: to propose a single and measurable classification of persistent tinnitus, through its perception as sounds of nature or of daily life and its comparison with pure tone or noise, of high or low pitch, presented to the patient by audiometer sound. METHODS: A total of 110 adult patients, of both genders, treated at the Tinnitus Outpatient Clinic, were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Otorhinolaryngologic and Audiological, Pitch Matching and Loudness, Visual Analog Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level assessments were performed. RESULTS: In these 110 patients, 181 tinnitus complaints were identified accordingly to type and ear, with 93 (51%) Pure Tone, and 88 (49%) Noise type; 19 at low and 162 at high frequency; with a mean in the Pure Tone of 5.47 in the Visual Analog Scale and 12.31 decibel in the Loudness and a mean in the Noise of 6.66 and 10.51 decibel. For Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Minimum Masking Level, the 110 patients were separated into three groups with tinnitus, Pure Tone, Noise and multiple. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory higher in the group with multiple tinnitus, of 61.38. Masking noises such as White Noise and Narrow Band were used for the Minimum Masking Level at the frequencies of 500 and 6000Hz. There was a similarity between the Pure Tone and Multiple groups. In the Noise group, different responses were found when Narrow Band was used at low frequency. CONCLUSION: Classifying persistent tinnitus as pure tone or noise, present in high or low frequency and establishing its different characteristics allow us to know its peculiarities and the effects of this symptom in patients' lives.

Cuidado Paliativo e Diretrizes Curriculares: Inclusão Necessária / Palliative Care and Curriculum Guidelines: Necessary Inclusion

RESUMO Cuidado Paliativo (CP) é uma abordagem multiprofissional que visa à qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenças ameaçadoras de vida e de seus familiares. Com o avanço das doenças crônico-degenerativas, estima-se que mais de 20 milhões de pacientes no mundo têm necessidade deste perfil de cuidado. No que tange à formação médica direcionada a essa demanda crescente, há escassa menção nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Medicina. Contudo, ao se avaliar o texto oficial, observam-se diversas congruências das orientações gerais com os princípios do CP, como: formação humanística, priorização de pacientes em vulnerabilidade, valorização da dignidade humana, bioética, respeito à autonomia do paciente, abordagem centrada na pessoa, trabalho em equipe, abordagem familiar, comunicação, condutas baseadas em evidência. O estudo destes pontos em comum evidencia o CP como potencial espaço formador para aquisição de habilidades e competências requeridas pelas orientações oficiais. Neste sentido, a inserção na graduação ampliará a formação profissional de futuros médicos, podendo contribuir ainda com a garantia de uma assistência de qualidade a pacientes com doenças graves, em especial na fase final de vida.

ABSTRACT Palliative Care (PC) is a multidisciplinary team approach that deals with patients and their families under conditions of life-threatening illness aimed at improving their quality of life. With the increase of chronic-degenerative diseases, it is estimated that 20 million patients in the world require this type of care. With regard to medical training geared toward this demand there is scarce mention of PC in the National Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Medical Courses. However, when the official text is reviewed, several parallels can be drawn between the general guidelines and the principles of PC, such as humanistic training, prioritization of vulnerable patients, valuing human dignity, bioethics, respect for the patient’s autonomy, person-centered approach, team work, family approach, communication and evidence-based practices. The study of these common points shows PC to be a potential educational strategy for the acquisition of required skills and competencies according to the official guidelines. In this regard, the inclusion of PC in undergraduate medical courses will broaden the professional training of future physicians, as well as helping guarantee quality care for seriously ill patients, especially those in the final stages of their lives.

Effectiveness of sound therapy in patients with tinnitus resistant to previous treatments: importance of adjustments / Eficácia da terapia sonora em pacientes com zumbido resistente a tratamentos anteriores: importância dos ajustes

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The difficulty in choosing the appropriate therapy for chronic tinnitus relates to the variable impact on the quality of life of affected patients and, thus, requires individualization of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using sound generators with individual adjustments to relieve tinnitus in patients unresponsive to previous treatments. METHODS: A prospective study of 10 patients with chronic tinnitus who were unresponsive to previous drug treatments, five males and five females, with ages ranging from 41 to 78 years. Bilateral sound generators (Reach 62 or Mind 9 models) were used daily for at least 6 h during 18 months. The patients were evaluated at the beginning, after 1 month and at each 3 months until 18 months through acuphenometry, minimum masking level, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The sound generators were adjusted at each visit. RESULTS: There was a reduction of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in nine patients using a protocol with a customized approach, independent of psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus. The best response to treatment occurred in those with whistle-type tinnitus. A correlation among the adjustments and tinnitus loudness and minimum masking level was found. Only one patient, who had indication of depression by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, did not respond to sound therapy. CONCLUSION: There was improvement in quality of life (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), with good response to sound therapy using customized settings in patients who did not respond to previous treatments for tinnitus.

Resumo Introdução: A dificuldade em escolher a terapia apropriada para zumbido crônico encontra-se nas suas diversas formas de impacto sobre a qualidade de vida dos pacientes e requer a sua individualização. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do uso do gerador de som com ajustes individuais para aliviar o zumbido em pacientes sem resposta aos tratamentos anteriores. Método: Um estudo prospectivo em 10 pacientes, 5 homens e 5 mulheres, na faixa etária de 41 a 78 anos com zumbido crônico e resistente a tratamentos medicamentosos. Foram utilizados geradores de som bilaterais nos modelos Reach 62 ou Mind 9 por no mínimo 6 horas diárias durante 18 meses. Os pacientes foram avaliados no início, depois de 1 mês e a cada 3 meses até 18 meses através da acufenometria, Minimum Masking Level (MML), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Os geradores de som foram ajustados em cada visita. Resultado: Houve uma redução do THI em 9 pacientes usando-se um protocolo com uma abordagem personalizada, independente das características psicoacústicas do zumbido. A melhor resposta ao tratamento ocorreu naqueles pacientes com zumbido do tipo apito. Encontramos uma correlação entre os ajustes e a intensidade do zumbido e o MML. Apenas um paciente com indicação de depressão HADS não respondeu à terapia sonora. Conclusão: Houve uma melhora na qualidade de vida (THI) com boa resposta a terapia sonora com ajustes personalizados em pacientes resistentes a tratamentos anteriores para o zumbido.

Effectiveness of sound therapy in patients with tinnitus resistant to previous treatments: importance of adjustments.

INTRODUCTION: The difficulty in choosing the appropriate therapy for chronic tinnitus relates to the variable impact on the quality of life of affected patients and, thus, requires individualization of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using sound generators with individual adjustments to relieve tinnitus in patients unresponsive to previous treatments. METHODS: A prospective study of 10 patients with chronic tinnitus who were unresponsive to previous drug treatments, five males and five females, with ages ranging from 41 to 78 years. Bilateral sound generators (Reach 62 or Mind 9 models) were used daily for at least 6h during 18 months. The patients were evaluated at the beginning, after 1 month and at each 3 months until 18 months through acuphenometry, minimum masking level, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The sound generators were adjusted at each visit. RESULTS: There was a reduction of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory in nine patients using a protocol with a customized approach, independent of psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus. The best response to treatment occurred in those with whistle-type tinnitus. A correlation among the adjustments and tinnitus loudness and minimum masking level was found. Only one patient, who had indication of depression by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, did not respond to sound therapy. CONCLUSION: There was improvement in quality of life (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), with good response to sound therapy using customized settings in patients who did not respond to previous treatments for tinnitus.

Is it important to repeat the positioning maneuver after the treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo? / É importante realizar o reteste da manobra de posicionamento após o tratamento da vertigem postural paroxística benigna?

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the performance of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver after the Epley positioning maneuver has prognostic value in the evolution of unilateral ductolithiasis of posterior semicircular canal. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in monitored patients at otoneurology ambulatory with a diagnosis of BPPV; they were submitted to the therapeutic maneuver and then to a retest in order to evaluate the treatment effectiveness; all cases were reassessed one week later and the retest prognostic value was evaluated. RESULTS: A sample of 64 patients which 47 belonging to negative retest group and 17 belonging to positive retest. Performed the maneuver in all patients, the retest presented 51.85% sensitivity, 91.89% specificity, 82.35% positive predictive value and 72.34% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: The study shows that doing the retest after repositioning maneuver of particles in BPPV is effectual, since it has high specificity. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A vertigem posicional paroxística benigna (VPPB) é a causa mais comum de disfunção vestibular periférica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a realização do reteste de Dix-Hallpike após a manobra de posicionamento de Epley tem valor prognóstico na evolução da vertigem posicional da ductolitíase paroxística benigna de canal semicircular posterior unilateral. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo do tipo coorte de pacientes em acompanhamento no ambulatório de otoneurologia com diagnóstico de VPPB; foram submetidos a manobra terapêutica e posteriormente ao reteste para avaliar a eficácia do tratamento; todos os casos foram reavaliados em uma semana e analisado o valor prognostico do reteste. RESULTADOS: Amostra de 64 pacientes, 47 do grupo reteste negativo e 17 do reteste positivo; realizada manobra de Epley em todos os pacientes. O reteste apresentou sensibilidade de 51,85%; especificidade de 91,89%; valor preditivo positivo de 82,35% e valor preditivo negativo de 72,34%. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostra que é válido realizar o reteste após a manobra de reposicionamento de partículas na VPPB, visto que possui alta especificidade. .

Is it important to repeat the positioning maneuver after the treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the performance of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver after the Epley positioning maneuver has prognostic value in the evolution of unilateral ductolithiasis of posterior semicircular canal. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in monitored patients at otoneurology ambulatory with a diagnosis of BPPV; they were submitted to the therapeutic maneuver and then to a retest in order to evaluate the treatment effectiveness; all cases were reassessed one week later and the retest prognostic value was evaluated. RESULTS: A sample of 64 patients which 47 belonging to negative retest group and 17 belonging to positive retest. Performed the maneuver in all patients, the retest presented 51.85% sensitivity, 91.89% specificity, 82.35% positive predictive value and 72.34% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: The study shows that doing the retest after repositioning maneuver of particles in BPPV is effectual, since it has high specificity.

Effect of caffeine on cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential in healthy individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Caffeine is the most common psychoactive drug in use around the world and is found at different concentrations in a variety of common food items. Clinically, a strong association between caffeine consumption and diseases of the vestibular system has been established. Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is an electrophysiological test that is used to assess the sacculocollic pathway by measuring changes in the vestialibulocollic reflex. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an acute dose of caffeine on the vestibulocollic reflex by using cVEMP. METHOD: A prospective experimental study was performed in which healthy volunteers were submitted to the test before and after the intake of 420 mg of caffeine. The following parameters were compared: p13 and n23 latencies and p13-n23 amplitude. RESULT: No statistically significant difference was found in the test results before and after caffeine use. CONCLUSION: The vestibulocollic reflex is not altered by caffeine intake.

Effect of caffeine on cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential in healthy individuals / O efeito da cafeína no potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical em indivíduos saudáveis

INTRODUCTION: Caffeine is the most common psychoactive drug in use around the world and is found at different concentrations in a variety of common food items. Clinically, a strong association between caffeine consumption and diseases of the vestibular system has been established. Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is an electrophysiological test that is used to assess the sacculocollic pathway by measuring changes in the vestialibulocollic reflex. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an acute dose of caffeine on the vestibulocollic reflex by using cVEMP. METHOD: A prospective experimental study was performed in which healthy volunteers were submitted to the test before and after the intake of 420 mg of caffeine. The following parameters were compared: p13 and n23 latencies and p13-n23 amplitude. RESULT: No statistically significant difference was found in the test results before and after caffeine use. CONCLUSION: The vestibulocollic reflex is not altered by caffeine intake. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A cafeína é a droga psicoativa mais consumida no mundo e está contida, em diferentes concentrações, em diversos alimentos consumidos no dia a dia. Clinicamente, nota-se um envolvimento importante do seu consumo com as doenças do sistema vestibular. O VEMP cervical é um exame eletrofisiológico que avalia a via sáculo-cólica, determinando alterações no reflexo vestíbulo-cólico. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a interferência do uso agudo de cafeína no reflexo vestíbulo-cólico através do cVEMP. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo experimental prospectivo, no qual voluntários saudáveis se submeteram ao exame antes e depois do uso de 420 mg de cafeína, sendo comparados os seguintes parâmetros: latência de p13 e de n23 e interamplitude p13-n23. RESULTADO: Após a comparação dos dados não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os exames antes e após o uso da droga. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada influência da cafeína no reflexo vestíbulo-cólico. .

O uso de simuladores no aprendizado para cirurgia otológica / The use of simulators in the learning for otologic surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: A doutrina do "aprender fazendo" foi criada por Halsted e col. no início do século 20 criando o primeiro modelo de residência médica do mundo. Esse aprendizado se desenvolve em 3 fases: cognitiva, associativa e autônoma, por meio de uma curva ascendente. Os simuladores surgiram nos últimos anos como complementação à fase cognitiva, somando esforços para o treinamento, antes realizado apenas em modelos animais e em cadáveres, cada vez mais dificultado por dilemas médico-legais. OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar os diversos tipos de simuladores disponíveis para o aprendizado de cirurgia otológica. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os modelos de simuladores se dividem principalmente em modelos reais e virtuais, cada um contendo suas particularidades com pontos positivos e negativos. O ponto principal de cada um deles é o feedback sensitivo conferido por cada um deles, o que chamamos de realidade háptica: coloração da estrutura dissecada; audição de sons correspondentes, como o da broca ou do aspirador; presença de pedal para acionamento da broca; possibilidade de aspiração do conteúdo dissecado; presença de joystick que simule a caneta do motor; utilização de óculos ou mesmo microscópio para visualização tridimensional; utilização de instrumental cirúrgico otológico real. O custo dos diferentes tipos de simuladores é também um ponto crucial para a implementação dos mesmos na realidade diária dos centros de treinamento. É importante citar que alguns desses simuladores permitem que os alunos em treinamento possam ser avaliados objetivamente pelo próprio simulador. CONCLUSÃO: Simuladores são vistos como ferramenta complementar para treinamento e aprimoramento de cirurgiões otológicos.

INTRODUCTION: The teaching method of "learn by doing it'' was created by Halsted e col. In the beginning of 20th century creating the first model of medical residence in the world. This learning develops in three phases: cognitive, associative and autonomous, through an ascending curve. The simulators appeared in the last years as a complement to the cognitive phase, adding efforts to the training, performed before only in animals and cadavers, ever more hampered by medical and legal dilemmas. OBJECTIVE: Describe and compare the various types of simulators available for the learning of otological surgery. DATA SYNTHESIS: The model of simulators are divided mainly in real and virtual models, each having its peculiarities with positive and negative points. The main point of each one of them is the sensory feedback granted by each one of them, what we call it haptic reality: coloring of the structure dissected; listening to the corresponding sounds; as the drill or vacuum; presence of a joystick that simulates the pen motor; use of glasses or even a microscope for three dimensional view; use of a real otologic surgical instrument. The cost of the differents types of simulators is also a key point for the implementation of them in the daily reality of the training centers. Is important to mention that some of these simulators allow the training students and can be objectively evaluated by the simulator itself. CONCLUSION: Simulators are seen as a complementary tool for training and improvement of the otological surgeons.

Surgical simulator for temporal bone dissection training.

UNLABELLED: Temporal bone dissection plays an important role in the training of surgeons; however, they are difficult to obtain. AIM: To develop a synthetic replica of the temporal bone for dissection training. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An acrylic synthetic resin replica was obtained from a human temporal bone. For the evaluation of the method, we selected five ear surgeons to dissect the model in a laboratory of experimental surgery. A questionnaire was filled, assessing external appearance, the simulation of procedures (placement of ventilation tube, mastoidectomy, decompression of the facial nerve and translabyrinthine access to the internal auditory canal) and their final conclusion. RESULTS: The evaluation indicated satisfaction in using the model (80%), being more evident concerning the dissection of the mastoid segment of the facial nerve and translabyrinthine access to the internal auditory canal. The placement of a ventilation tube was reasonable for 60% and satisfactory for 40% of them. Mastoidectomy was satisfactory for 60% and fully satisfactory for 40%. CONCLUSION: Dissection in this simulator does not replace otologic training in cadaveric temporal bones. However, given the increasing difficulty in obtaining the latter, the development of new teaching tools should be encouraged to continuously improve surgeons.

Simulador cirúrgico para treinamento de dissecção do osso temporal / Surgical simulator for temporal bone dissection training

A dissecção em ossos temporais tem papel fundamental na formação de cirurgiões e sua obtenção esbarra em diversas dificuldades. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma réplica sintética do osso temporal para treinamento de dissecção. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Experimental. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvida uma réplica de resina acrílica termopolimerizante através de técnicas de moldagem com silicone. Para a avaliação do método, foram selecionados cinco cirurgiões otológicos para dissecção do modelo em laboratório de cirurgia experimental. Foi preenchido questionário, levando em consideração a aparência externa, a simulação de procedimentos (colocação de tubo de ventilação, mastoidectomia, descompressão do nervo facial e acesso translabiríntico ao meato acústico interno) e a impressão final. RESULTADOS: A avaliação apontou satisfação na utilização do modelo (80 por cento), sendo mais evidente no que se referiu à dissecção do segmento mastoide do nervo facial e ao acesso translabiríntico ao meato acústico interno. A colocação de tubo de ventilação foi razoável para 60 por cento e satisfatória para 40 por cento deles. A mastoidectomia foi totalmente satisfatória para 40 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A dissecção neste simulador otológico não substitui o treinamento em ossos temporais de cadáveres, porém, dada a crescente dificuldade na obtenção destes, o desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas de ensino deve ser encorajado para o contínuo aprimoramento de cirurgiões.

Temporal bone dissection plays an important role in the training of surgeons; however, they are difficult to obtain. AIM: To develop a synthetic replica of the temporal bone for dissection training. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An acrylic synthetic resin replica was obtained from a human temporal bone. For the evaluation of the method, we selected five ear surgeons to dissect the model in a laboratory of experimental surgery. A questionnaire was filled, assessing external appearance, the simulation of procedures (placement of ventilation tube, mastoidectomy, decompression of the facial nerve and translabyrinthine access to the internal auditory canal) and their final conclusion. RESULTS: The evaluation indicated satisfaction in using the model (80 percent), being more evident concerning the dissection of the mastoid segment of the facial nerve and translabyrinthine access to the internal auditory canal. The placement of a ventilation tube was reasonable for 60 percent and satisfactory for 40 percent of them. Mastoidectomy was satisfactory for 60 percent and fully satisfactory for 40 percent. CONCLUSION: Dissection in this simulator does not replace otologic training in cadaveric temporal bones. However, given the increasing difficulty in obtaining the latter, the development of new teaching tools should be encouraged to continuously improve surgeons.

Pure tone audiometry with and without specific ear protectors.

UNLABELLED: The authors evaluated pure tone audiometry with and without specific ear protectors. AIM: The purpose of this case control study was to measure the level of sound attenuation by earplugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation included sixty ears of 30 subjects of both sexes, aged between 20 and 58 years, of various professional activities, with normal hearing thresholds, and following ten hours of auditory rest. The statistical results of pure tone audiometry at 500 to 4000 Hertz with and without specific ear protectors were analyzed. RESULTS: These results were compared with those provided by the ear protector manufacturer. CONCLUSION: The results show that the rate of sound reduction was similar to the manufacturer's specifications.

Avaliação dos limiares auditivos com e sem equipamento de proteção individual / Pure tone audiometry with and without specific ear protectors

Os autores realizaram estudo caso-controle audiométrico em indivíduos com e sem protetor auricular auditivo. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a real atenuação individual dado pelos protetores. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 30 indivíduos (ou 60 orelhas) de diferentes atividades profissionais, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 20 e 58 anos, apresentando audição normal e tendo realizado repouso auditivo de 10 horas, submetidos a exame audiométrico com e sem protetor auricular auditivo, no período de fevereiro a julho de 2003, utilizando protetor tipo plugue. Avaliou-se as audiometrias nas vias aérea e óssea em freqüências de 500 a 4000Hz. RESULTADOS: Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente e comparados aos dados fornecidos pelo fabricante. Assim se observou em ouvido real os níveis de atenuação auditiva obtidos com o uso destes produtos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitiram chegar à conclusão de que os índices fornecidos pelos fabricantes foram compatíveis com os que obtive nos testes.

The authors evaluated pure tone audiometry with and without specific ear protectors. AIM: The purpose of this case control study was to measure the level of sound attenuation by earplugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation included sixty ears of 30 subjects of both sexes, aged between 20 and 58 years, of various professional activities, with normal hearing thresholds, and following ten hours of auditory rest. The statistical results of pure tone audiometry at 500 to 4000 Hertz with and without specific ear protectors were analyzed. RESULTS: These results were compared with those provided by the ear protector manufacturer. CONCLUSION: The results show that the rate of sound reduction was similar to the manufacturer's specifications.