[Effect of mustard gas exposure on lid margin flora in chronic blepharitis: a case control study]

To evaluate the microbiological characteristics of lid margin flora in chronic blepharitis in individuals exposed to mustard gas in comparison to nonexposed patients. In this case-control study, among 289 patients with documented ocular manifestations of mustard gas, 150 patients with clinical sings of blepharitis served as the case group. Microbiologic evaluation was conducted in these patients and compared to that of 100 unexposed patients with chronic blepharitis. In 150 patients with mustard gas exposure and chronic blepharitis, staphylococcus epidermidis [78%] and staphylococcus aureus [57%] were significantly higher than control group [P< 0.01]. Moreover, staphylococcus aureus had more resistance to common antibiotics in the case group. Fungi were isolated more frequently in cases compared with controls [30% vs. 4%, P<0.01]. Cladosporium and Candida were the most common species. Microbiological evaluation in patients with chronic blepharitis associated with mustard gas is significantly different from other patients. Staphylococcus spp, including strains resistant to Methicillin, and fungi were more frequently isolated in exposed patients. The relationship between microbial culture and the severity of ocular manifestations in mustard gas exposed cases warrants further investigation

Dehiscence of facial nerve at surgery of cholesteatoma

Facial nerve dehiscence [FND] is a common problem at surgery of cholesteatoma: The aim of this study was survey of the common site of FND and the common complication of cholesteatoma that coexists with FND. This-cross sectional study was performed from 2001 to 2006. 185 patients with cholesteatoma were studied. Middle ear Findings at surgery of cholesteatoma were surveyed. Data was analyzed using the k[2] and Fisher exact test. of 185 cases, 95 [51.4%] were male and 90 [48.6%] were female and the mean age was 30.5 years. The rate of FND was 29. 73% [55 cases]. The common site of FND was tympanic segment [85.4%]. The positive statistically association between FND incidence and the presence of lateral semicircular fistula was demonstrated. The most common area of facial nerve injury at surgery of cholesteatoma is tympanic segment. Surgeons should always consider that fallopian canal will be eroded and the facial nerve is in direct contact with cholesteatoma whenever a lateral semicircular canal fistula is suspected or vice versa