Analysis of Effect of Eggshell Membrane Patching for Moderate-to-Large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of eggshell membrane (ESM) patching for tympanic membrane (TM) perforation, and to investigate correlations between healing time and age, gender, patching time, perforation size, and perforation location. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five patients diagnosed with traumatic TM perforation at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, between January 2008 and October 2013. Patients were divided into two groups, according to perforation edge approximation or ESM patching treatment. Healing time was compared between the group that received perforation edge approximation and the group that received ESM patching. Perforation grade, age, onset, and location were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: ESM patching significantly improved healing time compared to spontaneous healing, especially in patients with moderate or large traumatic TM perforations (≥grade II). However, patient age, gender, perforation location, and especially timing of procedure, did not significantly affect healing time. CONCLUSIONS: ESM patching can be a good treatment choice to promote tympanic membrane healing in large traumatic TM perforations.

The Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Metabolic Syndrome in Adult

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing and those have been recognized as potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 127 adults who were evaluated as having OSA. Each subject underwent overnight polysomnography to identify OSA based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); OSA was diagnosed when AHI≥5, and subjects with AHI<5 were classified as the control group. MS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria. RESULTS: Among 127 participants, 105 subjects were diagnosed with OSA. The mean age and smoker percentage showed differences between the OSA and control group. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in the OSA group compared to the control group. As the severity of OSA increases, the prevalence of MS also increase. CONCLUSIONS: The MS is significantly related to the OSA in adults. Therefore, we suggest that patient with OSA should be screened to identify the presence of MS.