ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate hearing threshold of industrial workers and correlate between noise exposed and unexposed groups
Study design: An observational cross sectional study
Place and duration of study: Study was conducted at medical testing and research organization located at Islamabad from January 2010 to May 2010
Methodology: 50 industrial workers [Gp A] exposed to constant high level noise were integrated in study and compared with matched control group [Gp B]. Pure tone audiometry [subjective test] was carried out to measure the hearing threshold at various frequencies
Results: Hearing loss was more prevalent in group A. A characteristic dip of hearing threshold was noted at 4000 Hz in Gp A
Conclusion: Industrial workers are at higher risk of developing Sensor-neural hearing loss [SNHL] as compared to general population. These individuals can easily be picked in early stages by audiometry and appropriate protective measures advised to prevent or interrupt the silent progress of disease
ABSTRACT
Radionecrosis of larynx is a rare complication of radiotherapy in this era of mega voltage radiotherapy. We report two cases of post radiotherapy delayed radionecrosis of larynx. The data was collected from medical record, surgical record, imaging and histopathological results of two patients discussed. The radionecrosis developed between 9 to 18 months after completion of radiotherapy. Both patients ultimately required total laryngectomy
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, frequency and degree of hearing loss in patients treated with streptomycin for multidrug resistant tuberculosis
STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study
PLACE AND DURATION: This study was carried out at Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi over two years time from 01 Jan 2008 to 31 December 2009
METHODOLOGY: 38 patients who were treated with streptomycin as part of antituberculous therapy meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Pure tone Audiometry [PTA] was done before starting the treatment, on complaint of hearing loss and after one month and two months of streptomycin therapy to determine the hearing loss
RESULTS: At the end of 2 months therapy with streptomycin 22 patients [57.9%] develop sensorineural hearing loss, amongst them 15[68.2%] were identified within 1 month of therapy. Out of 22 patients 12[54.5%] have mild, 7[31.9%] have moderate and 3[13.6%] have moderately severe hearing loss in speech frequencies
CONCLUSION: Streptomycin still has got important role in treatment of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis. It is potentially ototoxic specially in children and old age. Careful monitoring in the form of serial audiograms is advised to pick up individuals susceptible to hearing loss with its use
ABSTRACT
Tietze syndrome is a rare condition. It is sometimes classified as a seronegative arthropathy
Its importance lies in the fact that it is often confused with costochondritis and ischaemic heart disease [much more common conditions] even though it is a distinct clinical entity
This article reviews the current concepts regarding this disease
ABSTRACT
Objective: to compare the outcome of Extracorporeal Shock Wave lithotripsy and litholopaxy in treating vesicle calculi
Patients and methods: the study included total of 100 patients divided into two equal groups of Extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] and litholopaxy [LL]. Study was conducted between December 2007 and November 2008.ESWL was done under analgesia only while Litholopaxy was done under general anesthesia after a single dose of pre-operative antibiotic. Chinese Lithotripter of spark gap technology was used to impact shock waves. 3500 shock wave were given in one session. Lithotripter [storz] was used for ESWL in all cases. Post ESWL and postoperatively patients underwent radiography and ultrasonography as required at 4th day of follow up to asses stone clearance
Results: the mean patient age in ESWL and LL group was 38 ±10 and 40± 10 years respectively. The male to female ratio and stone size were similar between the groups. In ESWL group 2% patients got fever, 4% had LUTS, and 4% patients visited the emergency room [ER] within 24 hours of session. In this group 36 patients visited ER, required Auxiliary procedures. While in LL group 6% patients developed fever, 8% had LUTS, and 6 % patients visited the ER. 34 patients were cleared in single procedure, 4 required repeat procedure and 10 presented with small retained particles, which ultimately required ESWL. Stone free rate after a single procedure was 76% in ESWL and 72% in LL group. Complication rate was 10% in ESWL group whereas it was 20% in LL group. ESWL is 25% cheaper than LL
Conclusions: ESWL is a better modality as compared to Litholopaxy for treating vesicle stones of 2cm or less in terms of efficacy, complications, stones clearance and cost effectiveness