Audiometric screening of first grade primary school students in Tehran, 2007-8

The incidence of hearing loss in pediatric population is estimated to be 2-5%. Most of the causes for conductive hearing loss can be easily diagnosed and treated. Hence, majority of hearing loss cases can be prevented by taking appropriate measures. This study was performed to examine the incidence and common causes of hearing loss among school children in Tehran. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 1000 primary school boys and girls [grade 1] in Tehran. Simple random sampling from those schools that were selected as population clusters was used. Hearing loss was defined as lack of voice perception with different frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz and intensity of 25 dB in pure tone audiometry. In this study, 433 cases had hearing disorder and were referred to the audiometric and tympanometric centers for further examinations. Eventually, 37 [3.7%] students were proven to suffer from hearing loss. There was a statistically significant association between hearing loss and previous history of neonatal jaundice, in-family marriage of parents, and congenital anomalies [P < 0.05]. in the light of the rather high prevalence [3.7%] of hearing loss and the easily treatable nature of the most common causes, more extensive and interventional studies seem necessary to include hearing assessment among the routine screening programs in the nation

[Dexamethasone plus metoclopramide for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patient undergoing adenotonsilectomy -a comparison]

Adenstonsilectomy is the most prevalent procedure in Earand nose and throat specialty, and unfortunately the main reason for delaying discharging such patients is nausea and vomiting. Meanwhile, the most prevalent side effect of this surgery is recovery from anesthesia. Using medicines with minimum complication and price which can be effective in controlling this problem and reducing side effects of patient's discharge and relevant problems, is a good option. In this study, 60 persons were candidates for Adenstonsilectomy, which have been introduced to operation room of Loghman Hospital. They have studied for a period of 6 months. These patients were divided in 2 groups each with 3 cases. In one group Dexamethasone and Metoclopramide was used and in second one Ondansetrone with sterile water at the same dosage. Immediately they received Induction, and stomach wre evacuated by NG tube. For preserving the anesthesia they received propofol 150-200 micro g/kg with 50% [O2 + N2O], then they have been supervised between 0-3, 3-12, 12-24 hours after surgery for nausea and vomiting in recovery room and at E.N.T. Ward. No statistically significant difference in nausea and vomiting had been found in these two studied goups between 0-3, 3-12, and 12-24 hours after surgery. Our study indicated that the compound Dexamethasoen and metoclopramide can be effective, the same as ondanstron, in controlling nausea and vomiting after surgery of Adenstonsilectomy during different hours, and there was no meaningful difference between these two drugs with Ondansetrone, in controlling nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in our study; Ondansetrone has no preference in using Dexamethasone and Metoclopramide simultaneously