Association between Insomnia and Depression in Tinnitus Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: About one third of all people experience tinnitus in their life. And insomnia is the second most common symptom in tinnitus patients, following hearing disturbance. The aim of this study was to define the influence of insomnia on the clinical features of tinnitus patients and to assess the relation of tinnitus to insomnia and depression. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The consecutive 197 patients with tinnitus were enrolled from May 2012 to May 2013 for this study. All patients with tinnitus filled out the following questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for evaluating clinical features of tinnitus patients. Also we examined pure tone audiometry and tinnitogram for evaluating audiologic characteristics. RESULTS: When the insomnia was defined as more than five scores in PSQI, 46 of 197 patients had insomnia. Loudness of tinnitus was significantly higher in the tinnitus patients with insomnia group when compared to those of the tinnitus without insomnia group (p=0.018). The score of THI and BDI were significantly higher in the tinnitus with insomnia group, too (p=0.003, <0.001, respectively). A strong correlation (r=0.616, p<0.001) was shown between THI score and BDI score in both groups. CONCLUSION: It appears, due to the high possibility that depression and insomnia are related in tinnitus patients with insomnia, that proper evaluations about sleep disturbance and depression of tinnitus patients are necessary to produce better therapeutic results.

Comparison of Sudden Deafness in Adults and Children

OBJECTIVES: Although many studies have assessed sudden deafness in adults, sudden deafness has not been evaluated in children. We therefore evaluated the differences in sudden deafness between children and adults. METHODS: We compared clinical manifestations, including gender, audiogram pattern of initial hearing loss, and recovery rate after treatment in 87 children and 707 adults diagnosed with sudden deafness from September 2003 and August 2012. RESULTS: There were no differences in sex, side, or audiogram between children and adults (P>0.05 each). Hearing recovery rates in children and adults were 72.4% and 70.6%, respectively (P>0.05). Both children and adults with mild hearing loss showed significantly greater hearing recovery rates than individuals with profound hearing loss (P<0.05 each). The percentage with initially mild and moderate hearing loss was higher in children than in adults, as were the recovery rates of children compared to adults with initially mild, moderate-severe, and profound hearing loss (P<0.05 each). In regard to final hearing outcome after treatment, a low percentage of children showed no improvement whereas a high percentage showed complete recovery; a higher percentage of children than of adults showed complete recovery (P<0.05). Recovery rate from profound hearing loss was significantly higher in children than in adults (60.0% vs. 45.4%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Degree of hearing loss, gender, side, and recovery rate were similar in children and adults, but the rate of complete recovery was higher in children.

Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential in Vestibular Neuritis Patients: Comparative Study with Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential and Subjective Visual Vertical / 대한평형의학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Subjective visual vertical (SVV) reflects utricle and superior vestibular neural functions, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) reflect saccule and inferior vestibular neural functions. But, origin and characteristics of ocular VEMP (oVEMP) remain controversial, especially in case of evoked by air conducted sound (ACS). Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the origin and characteristics of oVEMP by comparing with various otolith function tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty vestibular neuritis patients were enrolled from September 2012 to January 2013 in this study. We examined cVEMP, oVEMP using 500 Hz air-counducted sounds. And, we measured static and dynamic SVV. RESULTS: Abnormal cVEMP responses were observed in 6 (15%) patients, and abnormal oVEMP responses were observed in 28 (70%) patients. Abnormal static and dynamic SVV were observed in 18 (45%), 35 (87.5%) patients, respectively. There was strong correlation between oVEMP and dynamic SVV (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: ACS oVEMP responses showed different tendency from cVEMP responses in vestibular neuritis patients, but similar tendency with results of dynamic SVV. The results suggest that origin of oVEMP is different from that of cVEMP and maybe utricle and superior vestibular neuron.

Agreement between the Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0 and the House-Brackmann Grading System in Patients with Bell Palsy

OBJECTIVES: We have analyzed the correlation between the House-Brackmann (HB) scale and Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0 (FNGS 2.0) in patients with Bell palsy, and evaluated the usefulness of the new grading system. METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with Bell palsy from May 2009 to December 2010 were evaluated using the HB scale and FNGS 2.0 scale during their initial visit, and after 3 and 6 weeks and 3 months. RESULTS: The overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.908 (P=0.000) and the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) was 0.912 (P<0.05). ICC and SCC displayed differences over time, being 0.604 and 0.626, respectively, at first visit; 0.834 and 0.843, respectively, after 3 weeks; 0.844 and 0.848, respectively, after 6 weeks; and 0.808 and 0.793, respectively, after 3 months. There was a significant difference in full recovery, depending on the scale used (HB, P=0.000; FNGS 2.0, P<0.05). The exact agreements between regional assessment and FNGS 2.0 for the mouth, eyes, and brow were 72%, 63%, and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSION: FNGS 2.0 shows moderate agreement with HB grading. Regional assessment, rather than HB grading, yields stricter evaluation, resulting in better prognosis and determination of grade.

Two Cases of Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma in Nasal Cavity

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is an uncommon non-neoplastic proliferation of the sinonasal tract that presents as a mass-like lesion. It can be confused with a variety of benign and malignant entities including inflammatory polyp, inverted papilloma and low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Misinterpretation may result in unnecessary radical surgery. Recently we have experienced two patients of REAH in the nasal cavity. One was originated from the lateral nasal wall and the other was from the both olfactory clefts. Therefore, we report these cases with a brief literature review.

Two Cases of Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma in Nasal Cavity

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is an uncommon non-neoplastic proliferation of the sinonasal tract that presents as a mass-like lesion. It can be confused with a variety of benign and malignant entities including inflammatory polyp, inverted papilloma and low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Misinterpretation may result in unnecessary radical surgery. Recently we have experienced two patients of REAH in the nasal cavity. One was originated from the lateral nasal wall and the other was from the both olfactory clefts. Therefore, we report these cases with a brief literature review.

Anesthetic management of a parturient for combined cesarean section and surgical removal of pituitary tumor: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 40-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of bitemporal hemianopsia at 23 weeks of gestation. A brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a pituitary tumor having suprasellar extension. At 30 weeks of gestation, she complained of rapidly deteriorating vision and bitemporal hemianopsia in both eyes and the ensuing radiological examination revealed increased tumor size, displaced tumor location and compressed optic chiasm. The cesarean section was performed at 31 weeks and 3 days of gestation and simultaneous surgical removal of pituitary tumor was carried out due to the risk of irreversible blindness. Anesthetic management for combined cesarean section and brain surgery can be more complex and challenging for anesthesiologists, and the aim was to achieve both the control of intracranial pressure and fetal well being at the same time. In this case, maternal outcome was somewhat improved after the procedure, and neonatal complications were not detected.

The Usefulness of Latex-covered Merocel(R) Packing in Septal Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal packing after nasal surgery is commonly practiced. Merocel(R) is one of the most popular packing material, however it can be associated with significant pain and bleeding on its removal. A prospective study was performed to compare the efficacy and patient tolerance of Merocel(R) and newly designed Latex-covered Merocel(R) (LCM). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty patients underwent septoplasty for septal deviation. Following septoplasty, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each who underwent insertion of either Merocel(R) or LCM. Patients were asked to record pain levels using a visual analogue scale(VAS) before and after packing removal, and number of analgesic injection were recorded. Resistance and amount of bleeding on packing removal were also recorded. RESULTS: Both nasal packs effectively prevented post-operative bleeding. However the VAS score for nasal pain and numbers of analgesic use before and after packing removal were significantly lower in the LCM group. LCM was removed more smoothly causing significantly less amount of bleeding on removal. CONCLUSION: LCM provides good post-operative hemostasis and its removal is less traumatic and painful for the patients, therefore improving patient's comfort.

Late onset of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics in brachial plexus block: A case report

Early onset of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics is a common complication in regional anesthesia. However late onset of systemic toxicity is an unfamiliar phenomenon for an anesthesiologist. We present a case of a late onset of systemic toxicity of local anesthestics in a patient who received brachial plexus block for hand surgery. An hour later after the block, he complained of light-headedness and anxiety. Then he was found to be unconsciousness with involuntary movement of his four extremities. Later his speech became slurred and patient became unresponsive. Following which, general anesthesia was induced and the patient recovered his consciousness after surgery with no sequela related to systemic toxicity with local anesthetics. We observe from this report that considering the time for local anesthetics to reach peak plasma concentration, anesthesiologists should monitor and observe their patient for at least an hour from the completion of brachial plexus block.

Anesthetic experience in patient for single lung transplantation with previous contralateral pneumonectomy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 48-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis and a previous left pneumonectomy had surgery planned for single lung transplantation under general anesthesia. Due to progressive dyspnea and recurrent respiratory infection, she could not maintain her normal daily life without lung transplantation. The anesthetic management and surgical procedure was expected to be difficult because of the left mediastinal shift and an asymmetric thorax after the left pneumonectomy, but the single lung transplantation was successfully done under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Delayed hypoxemia due to endobronchial intubation as a result of positioning the patient under general anesthesia: A case report

Undetected endobronchial intubation during general anesthesia can cause serious complications. However, it is very difficult to determine the exact location of the endotracheal tube when it is positioned in the middle of the trachea. We experienced a patient who showed hypoxia caused by the positioning of the endobronchial tube. We think that the tube might have been advanced from the upper part of the carina into the right main bronchus while the neck was being flexed by the neurosurgeon for achieving better surgical exposure.

Highly increased blood pressure following stellate ganglion block: A case report

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a procedure that is widely used for many diseases associated with sympathetically-maintained pain in the head, neck, and upper extremities. Various hemodynamic changes may occur after SGB. Among them, we experienced two patients who developed highly increased blood pressure after SGB. We suspect that the spread of local anesthetics produced parasympathetic blockade of the vagus nerve, an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities and deafferentiation of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve, which both innervated the carotid sinus, as the mechanism of this increased blood pressure.

Epidural hematoma occurred by massive bleeding intraoperatively in cesarean section after combined spinal epidural anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We describe a case of acute lumbar epidural hematoma at the L2-3 level complicated by paraplegia, which occurred after coagulation disorder because of massive bleeding intraoperatively in cesarean section. The preoperative coagulation laboratory finding was in normal range and so we tried combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Uterine atony occurred in the operation, and there was persistant bleeding during and after the operation. After the operation, she complained of paresthesia on her both legs and was diagnosed with epidural hematoma (EDH) by radiologic examination. Emergency laminectomy on lumbar spine was carried out for hematoma evacuation and decompression of the epidural space at once. In our experience, massive bleeding during surgery may potentially increase the risk of EDH postoperatively.

Maintenance of nitric oxide inhalation to a patient with hemoperitonium and acute respiratory distress syndrome during anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is occasionally used to treat hypoxemia for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, it is controversial whether or not to maintain inhalation of NO during general anesthesia because of complications, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) production, methemoglobinemia, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In this case, a 67-year-old male fell from a roof and was brought to an emergency care center. During management, he vomited gastric contents and aspirated. In spite of tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation with high oxygen therapy, the hypoxia did not improve. NO inhalation with mechanical ventilation was performed to treat hypoxemia due to ARDS in the ICU. We maintained the NO inhalation during the surgery for a hemoperitonium. The surgery was completed without intra-operative hemodynamic instability or any complications.

Vomiting after a pediatric adenotonsillectomy: comparison between propofol induced sevoflurane-nitrous oxide maintained anesthesia and TIVA with propofol-remifentanil / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia methods and drugs affect postoperative nausea and vomiting. Propofol is known to have antiemetic effects. We compared the incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV) in children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy; anesthesia in one group was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide, and the other group received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol-remifentanil. METHODS: Ninety children, ASA physical status I, were assigned randomly to one of two groups. In the PSN group, anesthesia was maintained with 2-3 vol% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide. In the PR group, anesthesia was maintained with 10 mg/kg/h propofol and 0.25 microgram/kg/min remifentanil. In both groups, anesthesia was induced with 0.5 microgram/kg remifentanil and 2 mg/kg propofol. The incidence of POV and the need for rescue antiemetics were assessed in the postanesthesia care unit at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The total incidence of POV was not significantly different between the groups; POV occurred in eight (17.7%) and three (6.7%) children in the PSN and PR groups, respectively. Postoperative frequency of retching in the recovery room was significantly higher in the PSN group, with four children (8.9%) in the PSN group compared to none (0%) in the PR group (P = 0.041). The frequency of POV 24 hrs after exiting the recovery room tended to be higher in the PSN group than the PR group, but no statistically significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: If the development of POV in the early anesthetic recovery phase of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy is adequately prevented, propofol-induced anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane-nitrous oxide is as safe as TIVA with propofol-remifentanil.

Spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain following idiopathic transverse myelitis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We present a patient with intractable neuropathic pain because of idiopathic transverse myelitis unresponsive to medical treatment. After a successful trial of spinal cord stimulation, a permanent stimulator was implanted. Improvement was noted in visual analogue scale, medication usage and daily function. Spinal cord stimulation may offer a therapeutic option for patients with neuropathic pain resulting from transverse myelitis and should be considered when other treatments are failed.

Anesthetic Experience of Acquired Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) was detected in a woman who received chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The fistula biopsy confirmed the aspergillus infection. A large fistula was located at the lateral wall of the carina involving the proximal left main bronchus, and the orifice of left main bronchus was almost completely obstructed by white mass-like plaque. Primary repair was planned using the right thoracotomy approach. We originally planned to selectively intubate the left lung with the aid of fiberoptic bronchoscope without success. Therefore, we selectively intubated the right lung. Hypoxemia developed during surgery and the level of oxygenation was improved by selectively intubating the left bronchus from the surgical field once the defect had been exposed. We review the ventilation technique and anesthetic problems encountered in patients with a large distal TEF.

The Effect of Injection Speed of Local Anesthetic on Success Rate of Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the injection speed of a local anesthetic and the success rate of unilateral spinal anesthesia has been a controversial issue. The aim of this thesis was to identify any significant effects of the drug injection speed on the success rate of unilateral spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups, group R and S. The injection speed was 4 ml/min in group R (n = 20) and 1 ml/min in group S (n = 20). Hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg was injected via a syringe pump. The drug was administered at the L3-4 intervertebral space with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, which was maintained for 20 minutes after the injection. A spinal sensory block was assessed by examining the temperature sensation using an alcohol-sponge. The motor block was evaluated using the modified Bromage scale and the dependent and non-dependent sides were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the success rate of unilateral motor paralysis (45% in group R vs 90% in group S). There were no significant blood pressure differences between the two groups 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injecting the hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: The injection speed of local anesthetics is one of the crucial factors for achieving a unilateral spinal anesthesia. Therefore, it is important to maintain a slow injection speed of a local anesthetic in unilateral spinal anesthesia.

Clinical Spectrum and Lung Pathology in Children with Interstitial Lung Disease

PURPOSE: Interstitial lung disease(ILD) is a rare and poorly characterized disorder in children with poor prognosis. To understand the ILD in children, we reviewed our experience with 21 patients who were diagnosed interstitial lung disease during 9-year period at Asan Medical Center retrospectively. METHODS: Severity-of-illness score was measured by the Denver protocol. We evaluated underlying diseases, clinical manifestations, high resolution computed tomography findings, lung pathology and clinical responses after steroid therapy and prognosis. Fifteen patients were performed open lung biopsy, but six patients were diagnosed bronchiolitis obliterans by HRCT. RESULTS: The median ages at onset of ILD was 1 year 5 month old. Common clinical findings were tachypnea(90.0%), hypoxemia(90.0%). 14 patients among 15 patients were diagnosed specifically after open lung biopsy. Interstitial pneumonitis was 6 cases, including 3 nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis, 2 cases of desquamative interstitial pneumonitis and one usual interstitial pneumonitis. Other diagnosis included idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis, pulmonary lymphangiomatosis, BOOP(bronchiolotis obliterans organizing pneumonia) and pulmonary histiocytosis. Six patients showed clinical and HRCT findings consistent with bronchilitis obliterans. Common radiologic findings were mosaic perfusion(12/21), bronchial wall thickening(9/21). 13 patients among 15 patients with methylprednisolone pulse therapy showed improvement of clinical symptoms. The severity-of-illness score was improved significantly after methylprednisolone pulse therapy. CONCLUSION: Pediatric ILD includes heterogeneous disorders. Open lung biopsy was helpful to make early diagnosis. Severity-of-illness score is a noninvasive and useful measure of disease progression or response to therapy. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy may be effective to treat ILD.