ABSTRACT
Cystic Hygroma (CH) also referred to as lymphangioma, is a cystic malformation of the lymphatic vessels that can occur anywhere in the body. Its incidence in adulthood is considered rare and its occurrence in the neck is even rarer and only a few case reports are available till date. We present a case of adult CH of the neck and the literature review of the same. A 30-year-old male presented with painless swelling in the left side of the neck of 2 years duration. Investigations showed a cystic mass on the left lower anterior part of the neck which was surgically removed in-toto with the intact capsule. The biopsy report confirmed the diagnosis. A differential diagnosis of CH should be considered when a cystic lesion is encountered in the neck of an adult, cytological and radiological evaluation is necessary for defining its location and diagnosis. Although various conservative modalities of management are available, they are employed only in certain situations, and surgical excision of CH is considered the gold standard. The chances of recurrence range from 15 to 20%.
ABSTRACT
Otitis media is a common childhood disease in developing countries and is the most important cause of preventable hearing loss among Indian children. To study the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding risk factors for otitis media among caretakers of children in Puducherry. This was a questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. All the caregivers of children aged 2-12 years presented or diagnosed with otitis media under our inclusion criteria were interviewed. Overall, most caretakers displayed good knowledge (67%), positive attitude (62%) and good care-seeking practices (49%). There was a positive correlation with sociodemographic parameters. The odd's ratio for overcrowding was high (OR = 4, p = 0.042 for knowledge and attitude, OR = 3.929, p = 0.041 for practices). Higher score was seen among middle class with odd's ratio 1.417 for knowledge and attitude and 4.875 for practices (p = 0.041). Graduate parents had higher score with the odd's ratio that was statistically significant. Most of the caregivers had a good knowledge regarding symptoms of otitis media and an acceptable level of caregivers' attitude and care seeking practices. Higher scores were associated with overcrowding, socioeconomic status, parental education. Improvement in risk factors and providing health education will reduce prevalence of OM in children and thereby reduce preventable hearing loss in children. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04551-9.
ABSTRACT
Electrophysiological studies can objectively predict the functional recovery in Bell's palsy but, the clinical prognostic indicators seem to be more practical where the nerve conduction studies are not available. To determine the clinical prognostic indicators in Bell's palsy patients and to determine the indicators with poor outcome for recovery. We designed a prospective, descriptive, and observational analysis of Bell's palsy patients, who presented to our ENT outpatients department. 34 patients with Bell's palsy were recruited for this study. We studied the demographic characteristics, sidedness, associated symptoms, time of presentation, grade, and therapeutic options. All the patients were followed up for 8 weeks and the final grade of functional recovery of the nerve was recorded. The patient information was entered in Epicollect 5software and the output was analysed as descriptive statistics. Hypothesis testing was accomplished by means of χ2 test or Fischer exact test, to compare the proportions of categorical data and continuous data using the Mann-Whitney U test. 91.17% (31/34) of Bell's palsy patients had complete facial nerve function recovery at the end of 8 weeks. Higher Age > 40 years (p = 0.022) and BP patients with coronary artery disease (p = 0.005) were the only two significant indicators for incomplete recovery. We suggest that all Bell's palsy patients seek medical advice early at the onset,especially the BP patients of older age and with coronary artery disease for faster recovery.
