[Comparison between dexamethasone and tranexamic acid on postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty operation]

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery in the world. Edema and ecchymosis are two expected consequences after any planned injuries such as surgery that extend time and cause to distress for the patients and their families. Several drugs [e.g. corticosteroid and eranexamic acid] and herbal extracts [e.g. arnica] are suggested for resolving this problem but there is no comparison between them yet. This study was undertaken to compare the potential benefits of dexamethasone with tranexamic acid on postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. Determination of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid efficacy on edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. This was a clinical trial cross sectional double blind study. Seventy rhinoplasty candidates were randomized in two groups. In addition to routine management and cold compress after operation, one group received dexamethasone and another group received tranexamic acid injection for both groups 1 dose of drug before and 3 doses per 8 hours after rhinoplasty. For measurement of edema and ecchymosis, we took digital photos from patients' face third day of postoperation. Then three colleagues who were blinded to assigned groups, scored edema and ecchymosis level with using 0-4 point standard scale. The alpha<0.05 is considered significant statistically. Nineteen men and fifty one women were enrolled. On postoperative day 3, there was no significant difference in the rating of preorbital ecchymosis among two intervention groups [p<0.15]. Also there was no significant difference for the edema rating among two intervention groups [p<0.12]. According to our results, no significant difference in postoperative edema and ecchymosis was detected among two groups. In regard to similar efficacy of both drugs to decrease edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty, we must select one of them according to the other effects of drugs

[Normal olfaction range of Rasht residents with a new test designed for the region]

An important part of one's information from surrounding environment comes through olfactory system. So its disorders regardless of the reason can lead to a lot of problems. An appropriate diagnostic smell test is needed for determination to the normal range of olfactory sense, and evaluation of patient's complain of hyposmia or anosmia and determination the severity of the problem. It is helpful for follow up and choosing the most effective surgical or medical treatment too. Unfortunately Current used tested for diagnose of factory system disorders are not modified for Iranian population and are difficult to run and interpret. Development of a standard smell test for Iranians and determination of the normal range of olfactory sense in this region. In order to find popular odorous items in the region, 56 well known materials were presented to two hundred, 15-60 years old, normal relatives of patients who came to university based Amir-Al- Momenin hospital. Then 16 materials with the highest scores were selected [based on this consensus] as the test materials. These were: petrol, alcohol, tea, rice, soap, cinnamon, origan, and garlic, onion, washing powder, mint, rose water, lemon juice, olive oil, Vinegar and Vix. Then, these 16 selected materials were presented to 150 people of study group [77 women, 73 men]. All materials were presented in identical containers. Participants were requested to smell material at 2 centimeter distance for 3 seconds, without being able to see the material. Then they would choose an answer in a multiple choice questionnaire. Each nostril was tested separately, therefore the total score for two nostril and 16 materials was 32 for each person. Considering 97 percentile, the normal range of olfactory score for 15-60 years old residents of Rasht was 28-32. This study is helpful to evaluate the patients who complain of hyposmia or anosmia and could be use for future studies