Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Comparative Study of Different Treatment Modalities

Abstract Introduction Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is hearing loss of at least 30 dB in at least 3 contiguous frequencies within at least 72 hours. There are many different theories to explain it, and many differentmodalities are used for its management, such as: systemic steroids (SSs), intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT), antiviral drugs, and vasodilators or vasoactive substances. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of the most common treatmentmodalities of ISSNHL and to compare the results if HOTwas not one of the treatment modalities administered. Methods The study was conducted with 22 ISSNHL patients with ages ranging from 34 to 58 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups; group A included 11 patients managed by SSs, ITSI, antiviral therapy, and HOT simultaneously, and group B included 11 patients exposed to the aforementioned modalities, with the exception of HOT. Results After one month, all of the patients in group A showed total improvement in hearing in all frequencies, with pure tone average (PTA) of 18.1 ± 2.2, while in group B, 5/11 (45.5%) patients showed total improvement, and 6 /11 (54.5%) patients showed partial improvement, with a total mean PTA of 28.1 ± 8.7. Conclusion The early administration of HOT in combination with other clinically approved modalities (SSs, ITSI, antiviral therapy) provides better results than the administration of the same modalities, with the exception of HOT, in the treatment of ISSNHL.

Tracheostomy in the Intensive Care Unit: a University Hospital in a Developing Country Study

Abstract Introduction Tracheostomy is the commonest surgical procedure in intensive care units (ICUs). It not only provides stable airway and facilitates pulmonary toilet and ventilator weaning, but also decreases the direct laryngeal injury of endotracheal intubation, and improves patient comfort and daily living activity. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the incidence, indications, timing, complications (early and late), and the outcome of tracheostomy on patients in the intensive care units (ICU) at a university hospital in a developing country. Methods This study is an observational prospective study. It was performed at the otolaryngology department and ICU new surgery hospital on 124 ICU admitted patients. We collected patients' demographic records, cause of admission, indications of tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, and duration of ICU stay. We also gathered patientś tracheostomy records including the incidence, timing, technique, type, early and late complications, and outcome. All tracheostomized patients received follow-up for 12 months. Results The indication for tracheostomy in ICU patients was mostly prolonged intubation (80.5%), followed by diaphragmatic paralysis (19.5%). All tracheostomies were done by the open approach technique. Tracheostomy for prolonged intubation was done within 17 to 26 days after intubation with a mean of 19.4 ± 2.07 days. Complications after tracheostomy were 13.9% tracheal stenosis and 25% subglottic stenosis. Conclusion Prolonged endotracheal intubation is theman indication of tracheostomy, performed after two weeks of intubation. Although there were no major early complications, laryngotracheal stenosis is still a challenging sequel for tracheostomy that needs to be investigated to be prevented.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap after Parotidectomy

Introduction Most patients after either superficial or total parotidectomy develop facial deformity and Frey syndrome, which leads to a significant degree of patient dissatisfaction. Objective Assess the functional outcome and esthetic results of the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap after superficial or total parotidectomy. Methods A prospective cohort study for 11 patients subjected to parotidectomy using a partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap. The functional outcome (Frey syndrome, facial nerve involvement, and ear lobule sensation) and the esthetic results were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Results Facial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases (45%), and all of them recovered completely within 6 months. The Minor starch iodine test was positive in 3 patients (27%), although only 1 (9%) subjectively complained of gustatory sweating. The designed visual analog score completed by the patients themselves ranged from 0 to 3 with amean of 1.55 _ 0.93; the scores fromthe blinded evaluators ranged from1 to 3 with a mean 1.64 _ 0.67. Conclusion The partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap offers a reasonable cosmetic option for reconstruction following either superficial or total parotidectomy by improving the facial deformity. The flap also lowers the incidence of Frey syndrome objectively and subjectively with no reported hazard of the spinal accessory nerve.(AU)

The Efficacy of Nasal Steroids in Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion: A Comparative Study

Introduction Otitis media with effusion (OME) continues to be an important pediatric clinical problem, and more studies are needed to decide the proper treatment for it. Objective To assess the efficacy of nasal steroids in the management of OME by comparing its results with that of oral steroid and that of nasal saline spray as placebo. Methods This study was carried on 60 patients with OME who were divided into three groups: in group 1, 20 patients received mometasone furoate spray, one puff in each nostril daily, for 3 months; in group 2, 20 patients received oral prednisolone, 5 mg three times per day for the first 3 weeks; in group 3, 20 patients received nasal saline spray, one puff in each nostril daily for 3 months. Results A highly significant difference between systemic or topical (nasal spray) steroid therapy and saline nasal spray was detected (p < 0.001), and the difference between systemic and topical steroid was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Nasal steroid spray can be used as an effective treatment for OME, giving a significant result similar to systemic steroid. Further studies are needed to investigate its use for longer duration and in recurrent cases.(AU)

Surfactant Protein A Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Atrophic Rhinitis

Introduction Surfactant protein A (SP-A) exhibits antimicrobial properties and interacts with a variety of respiratory tract pathogens. Objective The objective of this study was to detect the presence of SP-A and measure its alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and primary atrophic rhinitis (PAR) versus healthy controls. Methods Inferior turbinate and sinus mucosal biopsies were taken from 30 patients with CRS, 30 patients with PAR, and 20 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining for SP-A and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of SP-A messenger RNA were performed on nasal tissue samples. Results Immunostaining localized SP-A to the mucosa and submucosal glands in CRS specimens but failed to localize it in PAR specimens. Quantitative PCR showed a high, statistically significant increase in the SP-A levels of patients with CRS when compared with controls (p < 0.0001) and also demonstrated a significant reduction of SP-A in patients with PAR compared with controls (p < 0.005). Conclusion SP-A is significantly increased in CRS and decreased significantly in PAR and appears to be expressed by respiratory epithelial cells and submucosal glandular elements of the sinonasal mucosa. The potential therapeutic applications of surfactant in the enhancement of mucociliary clearance need to be studied. .