Prevention of ototoxicity of some commonly used drugs. Histopathological study in guinea pigs

This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of the iron-chelator deferoxamine [DFO] to attenuate the ototoxicity induced by aminoglycosides and cisplatin, respectively. It was carried out on 50 healthy pigmented guinea pigs divided into two groups. The results have revealed that there was a prominent damage in the outer hair cells, stria vascularis, myelinated nerve fiber and ganglion cells and that DFO ameliorates these degeneration processes which resulted from GM and cisplatin administration, respectively

Effects of elevated serum lipids on the hearing threshold [a conventional extended high frequency audiometry study]

This study was designed to find out if hyperlipidemia can cause hearing affection and to evaluate the sensitivity of extended high frequency audiometry in early detection of hearing impairment. Audiological evaluation in the form of conventional pure tone air and bone conduction hearing threshold at octave frequencies was done. Extended high frequency hearing threshold audiometry measurement in dB-SPL at 9-18 KHz frequencies was also performed. Triglycerides had less damaging effect on hearing than cholesterol, however combined elevation had more drastic insult. LDL/HDL ratio is an important risk factor in hearing affection. LDL/HDL ratio <3 is a low risky affecting hearing at extended high frequencies at and above 11 KHz. LDL/HDL ratio between [3-6] is a moderate risky affecting hearing at and above 8 KHz. LDL/HDL ratio >6 is high risky, affecting hearing at all conventional and extended high frequencies. It was recommended to use extended high frequencies as a sensitive tool to detect early hearing affection in cases of hyperlipidemia. Treatment of hyperlipidemia should begin long before the evidence of diminished hearing in the high frequencies. Diet control should begin early in life as possible

Mycotic infections of nose and paranasal sinuses in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients

This study was done to compare normal flora of the nose and paranasal sinuses in immuno-competent individuals with that of the immuno-compromised patients, in addition to evaluation of the role of opportunistic fungi in producing mycotic infection of the nose and paranasal sinuses in immunocompromised patients. It was carried out on 150 immunocompromised patients mostly diabetic compared to 150 apparently immunocompetent patients -For each number of the samples, full history and complete E. N.T. examination was done. Also diagnostic nasal endoscopy was done and samples of nasal discharge were collected for culture on Sabouraud'sdextrose agar for myocological culture and be used for follow up. C.T. scan was done for all cases with +ve myocologicol culture. The importance of biopsy taken from suspected lesions for histopathological examination to differntiate invasive from non invasive fungus prior to selecting the appropriate treatment options