Dose-Area Product-to-Effective Dose Conversion Coefficients for Pelvic Radiography Using a Monte Carlo Program.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine dose-area product-to-effective dose (DAP/E) conversion coefficients for a five-view pelvic radiograph series. DAP/E conversion coefficients may be used for radiation dose optimization when designing institutional protocols for pelvic trauma evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We conducted a retrospective record review of 25 patients at a level 1 trauma center who had sustained pelvic fractures and required a five-view pelvic radiograph series during workup. E values given in International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 103 were simulated with a PC-based Monte Carlo program in conjunction with anthropomorphic phantoms adjusted on the basis of patient height and weight. Inputs included tube voltage (in kV), tube filtration (in millimeters of aluminum), anode angle, x-ray beam collimation, geometric distances, and angle of projection for each radiograph in the series. An incident polychromatic x-ray spectrum was generated and matched to the corresponding DAP values of each radiograph, and regression analysis was performed for the DAP/E conversion coefficients. RESULTS.E was strongly correlated with DAP independent from body mass index, with a mean global DAP/E conversion coefficient of 0.0125 mSv/dGy · cm2 for all radiographs (R2 = 0.95). Mean DAP/E conversion coefficients were 0.0133, 0.0110, 0.0143, 0.0113, and 0.0101 mSv/dGy · cm2 for anteroposterior, inlet, outlet, Judet left, and Judet right views, respectively (all R2 ≥ 0.94). CONCLUSION. DAP/E conversion coefficients are provided for a five-view pelvic radiograph series to allow reliable estimation of E. Measurement of cumulative E may affirm protocol design changes for the management of pelvic trauma.

Management of Dorsal Graft and Implant Infections.

Deficiency of the nasal dorsum can result from several etiologies, most commonly congenital, traumatic, or iatrogenic. The use of dorsal grafts or implants for augmentation of the dorsum is a mainstay of both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Due to the cosmetically sensitive nature of the dorsum, and the relatively large amount of graft or implant material that is typically used, infections in this area can be particularly difficulty to manage. Here, we review the current literature on dorsal graft and implant infections, along with options for management.

Microbial keratitis in los angeles: the doheny eye institute and the los angeles county hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility panel of infectious keratitis at a major tertiary care referral eye center and a major county hospital in Southern California. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: All cultured infectious keratitis cases from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2012, from the Doheny Eye Institute (DEI) and the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center (LAC+USC) were evaluated. METHODS: Microbiology records were reviewed retrospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Microbial isolates as well as antibiotic susceptibility patterns were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four (63%) of 290 cases showed positive culture results at DEI and 152 (82%) of 186 cases showed positive culture results at LAC+USC. Gram-positive pathogens were found to be the most common at both DEI (70%) and LAC+USC (68%), with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus being the most common gram-positive organism (58% at DEI and 44% at LAC+USC). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common gram-negative organism (57% at DEI and 43% at LAC+USC). Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin susceptibility for all tested pathogens was 73% at DEI and 81% at LAC+USC (P = 0.16). Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA) was found in 42% of cases at DEI and in 45% of cases at LAC+USC (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the spectrum of pathogens or antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens at DEI versus LAC+USC, and ORSA was found in approximately half of all S. aureus samples.

Assessing physical functioning in otolaryngology: feasibility of the Short Physical Performance Battery.

PURPOSE: Objective measures of physical functioning and mobility are considered to be the strongest indicators of overall health and mortality risk in older adults. These measures are not routinely used in otolaryngology research. We investigated the feasibility of using a validated physical performance battery to assess the functioning of older adults seen in a tertiary care otolaryngology clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Short Physical Performance Battery was performed on 22 individuals aged 50 years or older enrolled in the Studying Multiple Outcomes after Aural Rehabilitative Treatment (SMART) study at Johns Hopkins. RESULTS: We successfully administered the SPPB to 22 participants, and this testing resulted in minimal participant and provider burden with respect to time, training, and space requirements. The mean time to complete 5 chair stands was 13.0 ± 3.8 seconds. The mean times for the side-by-side, semi-tandem, and tandem stands were 10.0 ± 0.0, 9.5 ± 2.1, and 8.8 ± 3.2 seconds, respectively. Mean walking speed was 1.1 ± 0.3 meters per second, and composite SPPB scores ranged from 6 to 12 (mean = 10.45, S.D. = 1.6). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a standardized physical performance battery to assess physical functioning in a cohort of older adults seen in a tertiary otolaryngology clinic. We provide detailed instructions, references, and analytic methods for implementing the SPPB in future otolaryngology studies involving older adults.

Office-based facial plastics procedures: Neuromodulators.

Botulinum toxin is a potent neuromodulator commonly used for cosmetic applications in the clinic. In this article, we reviewed the various formulations of botulinum toxin type A commercially available in the United States, as well as clinical pearls for preprocedural planning, common in-office injections, and management of complications.

Stener-like lesion of the medial collateral ligament of the knee.

This report describes the identification and management of a Stener-like lesion of the medial collateral ligament of the knee in a 55-year-old woman. Patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following a skiing injury and was found to have a tear of the distal fibers of the superficial medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex, with displacement of the ligament superficial to the tendons inserting at the pes anserinus. Identification of a Stener-like lesion in the setting of MCL injury aids in selecting appropriate management. Prompt surgical intervention is warranted to achieve anatomic healing and prevent long-term valgus instability, chronic pain, and osteoarthritis.

A Comparison of Self-Report and Audiometric Measures of Hearing and Their Associations With Functional Outcomes in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate whether associations of hearing impairment (HI) with functional outcomes in older adults differ when using self-report versus pure-tone audiometry. METHOD: We examined 1,669 participants ≥70 years in National Health and Examination Survey from 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 whose hearing was assessed by self-report and pure-tone audiometry. We explored functional outcomes associated with audiometric HI (low physical activity, poor physical functioning, and hospitalization). RESULTS: In adjusted models, we found significant associations of audiometric HI with both subjective and objective outcomes (e.g., dichotomous HI with self-reported difficulty in activities of daily living [ADLs], odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.05, 2.06], and low accelerometer-measured physical activity, OR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.11, 4.34]). In contrast, self-reported HI was only associated with subjective outcomes and not with objective outcomes (e.g., dichotomous HI with difficulty in ADLs, OR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.12, 2.38], and low accelerometer-measured physical activity, OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.66, 1.35]). DISCUSSION: Results using self-reported hearing should not be considered representative of results using audiometry and may provide distinct aspects of HI in older adults.

Assessing Systemic Stress in Otolaryngology: Methodology and Feasibility of Hair and Salivary Cortisol Testing.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated systemic stress is a predictor of adverse health outcomes, and stress can be objectively quantified by cortisol concentration. Despite its utility, such testing is rarely performed in otolaryngology. This manuscript provides details on the principles, methodology, and feasibility of performing laboratory assessments of hair and salivary cortisol to inform researchers wishing to incorporate these novel tests in future otolaryngologic studies. METHODS: Participants were older adults with hearing impairment. One hair sample and eight saliva samples were collected. Feasibility of study design was assessed through rates of participation in hair and saliva sampling and protocol adherence for saliva collection. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate overall secretion, and cortisol awakening response (CAR) was used to evaluate the dynamic secretion response. RESULTS: From 9/1/2013 to 12/31/2013, 26/30 (86.7%) eligible participants agreed to hair sampling. All 30 subjects agreed to collect saliva, with 29 (96.7%) adhering to the collection protocol. Mean AUC was 401.2 nmol/L per hour, and CAR was 4.5 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating systemic stress in an otolaryngologic population using hair and saliva is feasible with acceptable participation and adherence. Repeat measurements over time will allow for evaluation of changes in systemic stress in relation to treatment.

Association of hearing impairment with declines in physical functioning and the risk of disability in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Identifying factors associated with functional declines in older adults is important given the aging of the population. We investigated if hearing impairment is independently associated with objectively measured declines in physical functioning in a community-based sample of older adults. METHODS: Prospective observational study of 2,190 individuals from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. Participants were followed annually for up to 11 visits. Hearing was measured with pure-tone audiometry. Physical functioning and gait speed were measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Incident disability and requirement for nursing care were assessed semiannually through self-report. RESULTS: In a mixed-effects model, greater hearing impairment was associated with poorer physical functioning. At both Visit 1 and Visit 11, SPPB scores were lower in individuals with mild (10.14 [95% CI 10.04-10.25], p < .01; 7.35 [95% CI 7.12-7.58], p < .05) and moderate or greater hearing impairment (10.04 [95% CI 9.90-10.19], p < .01; 7.00 [95% CI 6.69-7.32], p < .01) than scores in normal hearing individuals (10.36 [95% CI 10.26-10.46]; 7.71 [95% CI 7.49-7.92]). We observed that women with moderate or greater hearing impairment had a 31% increased risk of incident disability (Hazard ratio [HR] =1.31 [95% CI 1.08-1.60], p < .01) and a 31% increased risk of incident nursing care requirement (HR = 1.31 [95% CI 1.05-1.62], p = .02) compared to women with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing impairment is independently associated with poorer objective physical functioning in older adults, and a 31% increased risk for incident disability and need for nursing care in women.

Association between hearing impairment and self-reported difficulty in physical functioning.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether hearing impairment, defined by using objective audiometry, is associated with multiple categories of self-reported physical functioning in a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of older adults. DESIGN: Multivariate secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. SETTING: The 2005-06 and 2009-10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 70 and older who completed audiometric testing (N = 1,669). MEASUREMENTS: Hearing was measured using pure-tone audiometry. Physical functioning was assessed using a structured interview. RESULTS: In a model adjusted for age and demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, greater hearing impairment (per 25 dB hearing level (HL)) was associated with greater odds of physical disability in activities of daily living (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-1.9), instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.2), leisure and social activities (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.0), lower extremity mobility (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1-1.7), general physical activities (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1-1.6), work limitation (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.9), walking limitation (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3-2.0), and limitation due to memory or confusion (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1-1.8). Hearing impairment was not associated with limitations in amount or type of work done (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.6). CONCLUSION: Hearing impairment in older adults is independently associated with greater disability and limitations in multiple self-reported categories of physical functioning.

Association between hearing impairment and lower levels of physical activity in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether hearing impairment, highly prevalent in older adults, is associated with activity levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2005-06). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 70 and older who completed audiometric testing and whose physical activity was assessed subjectively using questionnaires and objectively using body-worn accelerometers (N=706). MEASUREMENTS: Hearing impairment was defined according to the speech-frequency (0.5-4 kHz) pure-tone average in the better-hearing ear (normal <25.0 dB, mild 25.0-39.9 dB, moderate or greater ≥40 dB). Main outcome measures were self-reported leisure time physical activity and accelerometer-measured physical activity. Both were quantified using minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and categorized as inactive, insufficiently active, or sufficiently active. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted and adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Individuals with moderate or greater hearing impairment had greater odds than those with normal hearing of being in a lower category of physical activity as measured according to self-report (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.11-2.28) and accelerometry (OR=1.70, 95% CI=0.99-2.91). Mild hearing impairment was not associated with level of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Moderate or greater hearing impairment in older adults is associated with lower levels of physical activity independent of demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Future research is needed to investigate the basis of this association and whether hearing rehabilitative interventions could affect physical activity in older adults.

Cochlear implantation in older adults: long-term analysis of complications and device survival in a consecutive series.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the postoperative complications associated with cochlear implant (CI) surgery in a large consecutive case series of older adults (≥ 60 yr). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Approximately 445 individuals aged 60 years and older who received a first CI between 1999 and 2011. INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Postoperative complications classified as major (meningitis, immediate postoperative facial weakness, device failure, flap dehiscence, and surgical removal) and minor (surgical site infection, balance problems, delayed postoperative facial weakness, and facial nerve stimulation). RESULTS: The mean age at implantation was 72.7 years (60-94.9 yr), and the median duration of follow-up was 4.8 years (0.1-12.5 yr). There were 42 minor complications in 41 patients (9.2%) and 36 major complications in 21 patients (4.7%). Seventeen patients (3.8%) required surgical device removal, 15 of whom underwent reimplantation. A Kaplan-Meier analysis of rates of device explantation demonstrated that at 5 and 10 years after CI, respectively, 95.4% and 93.1% of patients retained their original CI. When comparing complications between patients aged 60 to 74 years and those aged 75 years and older, there was a higher prevalence of balance problems lasting more than 1 month in the older group (9.5% versus 4.9%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the safety profile of cochlear implantation in an older population is comparable to that of younger adults and children. We suggest that concerns for increased postoperative complications in patients of advanced age do not need to be a primary consideration when determining CI candidacy.