survey of otomycosis in eastern azarbaidjan [Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences]

Otomycosis [Otitis externa] is a fungal infection of the external ear canal with only a few studies about its real frequency in Iran. To evaluate Otomycosis frequency and characteristics in patients with clinical suspicion of external otitis the present study was carried out in eastern Azarbaidjan [North - West of Iran] during 2006-2008. A total of 53 patients were assigned to mycological diagnosis [direct microscopic examination and culture]. Clinical samples of suspected patients were studied for laboratory identification in direct microscopy and cultured in specific mediums for the determination of their causative fungi. Over all 43 fungal isolates [14 male [33%] and 29 female [67%]] were taken from 53 patients suspected of Otomycosis. The mycose was more prevalent in 20-40 years age group in both sexes. The most common pathogen was Aspergillus niger [40 cases], followed by Afumigatus [3 cases] and Candida albicans [2 cases]. In clinical samples of some cases two different fungi were isolated at the same time. Saprophytic molds were the main etiologic agents of Otomycosis, and A. niger was the prime causal agent. Infection in 20-40 age groups had the most prevalence and Otomycosis among females was determined more than males. This study provided useful information on the prevalence, causative agents and health implications of Otomycosis, as an infection grossly eglected in studied environment

Subclinical pulmonary hypertension in children with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy [ATH] is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep symptoms in children. The aim of this study is to compare pre-adentonsillectomy echocardiographic findings with postoperative findings. Fifty five children with adnotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive-sleep apnea symptoms [aged 4 to14 years, 35 males, 20 females] were randomly selected from Aug 2007 to November 2008. Preoperatively echocardiography was performed for all patients by the same pediatric cardiologist. Patients with positive findings were followed and again echocardiography was performed separately one month and six months after operation. All the patients' parents complained about severe open mouth snoring, agitated sleep and hyperpnoea. No complaints of apnea were reported. Tonsillar grades of all cases were of Ill or N. The preoperative mean pulmonary arterial pressure levels of the 4[7.3%] children were higher than normal range [25mmhg] and it significantly decreased after operation [P<0.0001 Npar test] [Preoperative MPAP = 32 +/- 3 mmHg, and six months postoperative follow up, MPAP=11 +/- 5 mmHg]. The preoperative tricuspid regurgitation pressure level of 7 children was higher than normal range and it decreased significantly after operation [p 0.0001 preoperative TR=34 +/- 8 mmHg postoperative TR=19 +/- 6mmhg] Acceleration time /Ejection time [AC/ET] in these 7patient were lower than 0.4. This study showed that chronic symptomatic obstructive hypertrophy of adenotonsillar tissue results in higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, which could be relieved by adenotonsillectomy