Ototoxicity in Nigeria: why it persists.

No therapy is currently available to reverse the serious damage that can be caused by ototoxic drugs, such as permanent hearing loss and balance disorders. Otolaryngologists in various regions of the world have developed strategies aimed at curtailing drug-induced ototoxicity, but similar efforts in most developing nations have yet to be well established. We conducted a study to document our experience in Nigeria. Our study population was made up of 156 patients-66 males and 90 females, aged 5 to 85 years (mean: 32.1 ± 30.7)-who were diagnosed with drug-induced ototoxicity over a 3-year period. Tinnitus was the first and the predominant symptom in 140 patients (89.7%). The most common cause of drug-induced ototoxicity among the 156 patients was injection of an unknown agent (n = 55 [35.3%]); among the known agents, the most common were chloramphenicol (n = 25 [16.0%]), chloroquine (n = 22 [14.1%]), and gentamicin (n = 20 [12.8%]). One pregnant woman experienced a miscarriage at 4 months after receiving intramuscular chloroquine, and another woman fell into a coma after receiving intramuscular streptomycin. Two agents that have not been linked to ototoxicity-oxytocin and thiopentone sodium-were found to be ototoxic in our study (1 case each). Of the 312 ears, 31 (9.9%) showed normal audiometric patterns; on the other end of the spectrum, 155 ears (49.7%) had profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Mixed hearing loss was seen in 90 ears (28.8%). Hearing loss was bilaterally symmetrical in 127 patients (81.4%), bilaterally asymmetrical in 15 patients (9.6%), and unilateral in 14 patients (9.0%). Treatment was primarily medical; hearing aids were fitted for 7 patients (4.5%). Only 41 patients (26.3%) kept as many as 3 scheduled follow-up appointments. Ototoxicity remains prevalent in the developing countries of Africa. Numerous drugs and other agents are responsible, and management outcomes are difficult to ascertain. Thus, our emphasis must be placed on prevention if we are to minimize the potentially devastating effects of ototoxicity.

The burden of hearing loss in Kaduna, Nigeria: a 4-year study at the National Ear Care Centre.

Hearing loss among people in developing countries has been recognized as a major source of disability. Many of its causes are preventable, and others are curable. We reviewed the records of 5,485 patients who had presented during a 4-year period to the National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria. Of these, we identified 1,435 patients-812 males and 623 females, aged 9 months to 90 years (mean: 29.2 yr)-who had been diagnosed with hearing loss (26.2%). In addition to demographic data, we compiled information on each patient's type and degree of hearing loss, the affected side, and the predisposing factors. Sex and age cross-tabulations revealed that the greatest proportion of hearing loss according to sex occurred between the ages of 11 and 20 years for males and 21 and 30 years for females. The most common type of hearing loss was sensorineural, which was seen in 78.9% of patients; conductive hearing loss was seen in 17.7% and mixed in 3.4%. More than three-quarters of hearing losses were either moderate, moderately severe, or severe. Bilateral losses were far more common than unilateral losses; among the latter, the left side was affected slightly more often than the right. Predisposing factors were not documented in the vast majority of cases (87.6%), but when they were, the most common were chronic suppurative otitis media, meningitis, febrile convulsion, measles, and trauma. We present these findings to highlight the burden of hearing loss in our part of the world.

Clinico-pathological profile of sinonasal masses: an experience in national ear care center Kaduna, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The presence of a mass in the nose and paranasal sinuses may seem to be a simple problem; however it raises many questions about the differential diagnosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinico-pathological profile of sinonasal masses in our environmentThis is a retrospective analytical review of all the patients with sinonasal masses that presented to the national ear care center, Kaduna over a six year (2003-2008) period. Their biodata, clinical profile and histological diagnoses were analyzed. FINDINGS: A total of 76 patients were analyzed, age range 5 to 64 yrs with a mean age of 33.3 yr median and modal age of 35.00 (SD = 13.1 +/- 1.5). Majority of the patients were in the age groups 21-50 yrs. There were 34 male and 42 female with M: F ratio of 1:1.2. The main presenting symptoms are nasal blockage 97.4% and rhinorrhea 94.7%. It was bilateral in 34 (44.7%), left side in 24(31.6%) and right side in 18(23.7%) patients. The commonest clinical diagnoses were simple nasal polyp 47(61.8%) and antrochoanal polyp 10(13.2%). About 59 (77.6%) were benign, 2 (2.6%) were malignant and 15 (19.7%) were lost to follow up. The commonest histological diagnosis is simple inflammatory nasal polyp in 28 (36.8%) patients and the least was nasal capillary hemangioma 2 (2.6%). About 55(72.4%) patients had surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea are the commonest symptoms of presentation, simple inflammatory nasal polyp is still the commonest histological pattern seen in our environment, and surgery is still the best modality of treatment for benign tumor thus the need for advocacy for early recognition and referral to the ENT surgeon.

Attitude of self ear cleaning in black Africans: any benefit?

UNLABELLED: Wax removal compromises the integrity of the ear's defenses. It is a leading cause of otitis externa, Otomycosis and impaired hearing. Aims of the study are to assess the knowledge and implication of self ear cleaning among black Africans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study carried out at the Tundun-wada community and National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna with administration of structured questionnaire after an informed consent and ethical clearance. Information retrieved includes biodata, believe, reason and object for cleaning of the ear, associated problems or benefit and examination. RESULTS: A total of 372 form the basis for the study, age range 1-76 yr with a mean age of 30.37 yr, median age 29.00 (S.D. = 13.79) and M:F ratio of 1:1. Mother responded for their children except for grown up. About 47.3% of the subjects were unemployed who were either children or complete house wife. About 90% of the subjects interviewed do self ear cleaning and over 90% believe ear should be cleaned to remove wax, because of itching in over 50% while a few is due to cosmetic reason. Cotton bud was the commonest material used for cleaning. About one-third of the subject has formed the habit unconsciously over 10 years. The entire subjects interviewed had their ear examined; about 27% had ear discharge then wax impaction in 22% then foreign body 12%. CONCLUSION: The habit of self ear cleaning should be discouraged as it is slow otologic poison with an attendant long term effect.