Does Separate Administration of Montelukast and Levocetirizine Provide Better Results in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Hospital Based Study.

To determine whether separate administration of Montelukast and Levocetirizine provide a better response in perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) than their fixed dose combination. Total 151 patients underwent a hospital based clinical study, being divided in 3 discrete groups. One group was given non-bilayered combination of Montelukast and Levocetrizine, 2nd group was given their bilayered counterpart whereas 3rd group was given the drugs at 12 h interval. Medications were continued for 3 months before stoppage. All patients were followed up for 1 month more to note recurrence of symptoms of PAR on weekly basis. While the combination formulation gave 9.8 and 12.6 % symptom-free patients; separate administration of the molecules gave 43.3 % positive (symptom-free 1 month) result. Fixed-dose combination is found to cause 1.4 times more chance of recurrence. Though per se, Montelukast and Levocetrizine does not give excellent response in PAR, their separate administration provides better outcome. So a morning dose of Montelukast and Levocetirizine at bed time is recommended while treating PAR.

Oncocytoma of oral cavity mimicking as jaw tumor.

Oncocytoma of major salivary gland is a fairly common benign tumour encountered, but its occurrence in oral minor salivary gland is a rare entity. Here we report a case of a giant minor salivary gland oncocytoma mimicking a jaw tumour which was successfully excised along with a review of literature.

Computer battery cell in the cricopharynx of a toddler.

A computer lithium battery cell was impacted in the cricopharynx of a 1 year and 9 month-old child. The battery cell was safely removed with the pediatric flexible oesophagoscope under anesthesia without trauma to the surrounding structures. The lithium battery cell is potentially dangerous due to its ability to cause chemical damage to the mucosa and cause early inflammation and edema leading to dysphagia and respiratory obstruction. Hence, it should be promptly extracted without delay to prevent catastrophe. The toddler recovered uneventfully in the immediate post-operative period and was followed-up for the last 1 year without any complication. To the horizon of our knowledge, no previous case was reported with computer battery cell in the cricopharynx of a toddler in Eastern India. In conclusion, parent education is important in the early detection of foreign bodies and their interventions.