Do Different Types of Microphones Affect Listening Effort in Cochlear Implant Recipients? A Pupillometry Study.

BACKGROUND: It is known that subjects with a cochlear implant (CI) need to exert more listening effort to achieve adequate speech recognition compared to normal hearing subjects. One tool for assessing listening effort is pupillometry. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive directional microphones in reducing listening effort for CI recipients. METHODS: We evaluated listening in noise and listening effort degree (by pupillometry) in eight bimodal subjects with three types of CI microphones and in three sound configurations. RESULTS: We found a correlation only between sound configurations and listening in noise score (p-value 0.0095). The evaluation of the microphone types shows worse scores in listening in noise with Opti Omni (+3.15 dB SNR) microphone than with Split Dir (+1.89 dB SNR) and Speech Omni (+1.43 dB SNR). No correlation was found between microphones and sound configurations and within the pupillometric data. CONCLUSIONS: Different types of microphones have different effects on the listening of CI patients. The difference in the orientation of the sound source is a factor that has an impact on the listening effort results. However, the pupillometry measurements do not significantly correlate with the different microphone types.

Noonan syndrome: cochlear implantation in the setting of cochlear nerve deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Noonan syndrome (NS) is a congenital disorder characterized by a wide heterogeneity in clinical and genetic features. Hearing loss can frequently occur in NS, although not always mentioned in its diagnostic criteria. We are reporting on a child with an established NS who underwent bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in the setting of cochlear nerve deficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a child-girl affected by NS. Newborn hearing screening and audiological evaluations reveled an asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), profound at left ear and severe at right ear. Hearing aids were fitted at the age of six months. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hypoplastic cochlear nerves. Due to progressive worsening of the hearing thresholds and inappropriate speech development, at the age of 2 years she underwent a left-sided cochlear implantation. Four years later, right ear was also implanted. Six years after the first surgery, a partial extrusion of the electrode array was noticed. Explantation and reimplantation of a new device was performed, adopting a subtotal petrosectomy approach. The patient reached a score of 95% in open-set speech perception tests. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss is a frequent finding in patients with NS; however, its nature and severity are very heterogenous. In consideration of the possible progression of SNHL, audiological follow-up in NS patients must be carefully and periodically performed so as to early detect worsening of hearing threshold. If indicated, cochlear implantation should be considered, taking account of audiological and systemic features of this syndrome.

Bulging of the Oval Window in Common Cavity Deformity: A Possible Predictor of Meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence-rate of oval window bulging in the common cavity and its association with bacterial meningitis. PATIENTS: CT and clinical files of 29 children with preliminary diagnosis of common cavity deformity were collected from 13 Italian centers. INTERVENTION: A retrospective case review study was conducted with a centralized evaluation of the temporal bone CT imaging was performed at Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova, Padova, Italy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Diagnosis of common cavity was reviewed; in addition, a fluid protrusion into the middle-ear cavity through the oval window at CT imaging was considered as oval window bulging. Its association with the history of bacterial meningitis was investigated. RESULTS: Common cavity deformity was confirmed in 14/29 children (mean-age 11.4 ±â€Š3.8; age-range 5-20; nine females) referred with this diagnosis. In 7/14 patients, the common cavity deformity was bilateral (i.e., 21 common cavities). Oval window bulging was found in 3/19 common cavities (concomitant middle-ear effusive otitis hampered the evaluation in two cases), while the internal acoustic meatus fundus was defective in 10/21 cases. History of bacterial meningitis was found in three children (21%) and two of them had oval window bulging at CT. In the case unrelated to oval window bulging, meningitis occurred late at the age of 12 during acute otitis contralateral to common cavity deformity (ipsilaterally to incomplete partition type 1). CONCLUSION: Patients harboring common cavity deformity have a high risk of meningitis in their first years of life. Oval window bulging seems to be associated with a higher risk of meningitis. This information might be important for appropriate surgical planning.

Cochlear implantation under local anesthesia and conscious sedation: an Italian experience.

PURPOSE: To report our experience in performing cochlear implantation under local anesthesia in a group of patients who were deemed unfit for general anesthesia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to analyze undesirable events and any other discomfort complained by patients during cochlear implantation. Analysis of patient's satisfaction was performed by means of a survey instrument. We have also compared the duration of surgery and hospitalization time with a control group that was implanted under general anesthesia. RESULT: Twenty-one cochlear implantation in 20 patients were performed under local anesthesia. Age of patients ranged from 38 to 85 years. All interventions were successfully completed without any conversions to general anesthesia. Discomfort during surgery was reported in five cases: vertigo triggered by electrode insertion in two patients, pain during the round window approach in two patients and distress during the use of drill in one case; no patient experienced agitation. During the postoperative period, no complications or unpleasant experiences were reported. Only two patients stated that they would not perform cochlear implantation again under local anesthesia. Lower duration surgery and hospitalization time were found in the local anesthesia group. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia with conscious sedation is a safe and effective alternative for cochlear implant candidates considered unfit for general anesthesia. Fundamental for a successful procedure are preoperative counselling, accurate selection of the patients and constant intraoperative assistance. Unfeasibility of facial nerve monitoring and minor detrimental effect on training are the principal disadvantages in performing cochlear implantation under local anesthesia.

Bonebridge implantation for mixed hearing loss in a patient with Kabuki syndrome.

The high prevalence of middle ear disease with related hearing loss in Kabuki syndrome requires the diagnostic and treatment expertise of otologists. This case report describes outcomes and changes in the quality of life of a patient affected by Kabuki syndrome with a history of recalcitrant chronic otitis media and mixed hearing loss who had undergone several unsuccessful surgical procedures before solving his problems by means of subtotal petrosectomy and active middle ear implant.

Osteonecrosis of the External Auditory Canal Associated With Oral Sorafenib Therapy: Sorafenib and Temporal Bone Osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To present the first case of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal associated with sorafenib treatment. PATIENT: 58-year-old patient with right-sided otorrhea and otalgia was treated for otitis externa for 1 month without improvement. Otoscopic examination revealed a large defect in the inferior wall of the tympanic bone filled with skin debris and bony fragments. Previous medical history included treatment with sorafenib for metastatic renal cell cancer; he had never been exposed to radiotherapy. Computed tomography of the temporal bone showed a large right external auditory canal bony erosion with involvement of the tympanic bone and bony sequestra extending to the mastoid cells and temporomandibular joint. Histologic examination revealed necrotic bone and inflammatory changes with no signs of malignancy. A diagnosis of osteonecrosis of external auditory canal was made. INTERVENTION: Right subtotal petrosectomy with obliteration of surgical cavity with abdominal fat was performed. RESULTS: Final histological report revealed avascular necrosis of the bone with perivascular lymphocitic infiltration of the soft tissues. Diagnosis of medication-related external auditory canal osteonecrosis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the temporal bone is not a well-known entity among otolaryngologists and could therefore be misclassified as another diagnosis. In patients with othorrea and earache following sorafenib treatment, temporal bone osteonecrosis should be suspected.

Cochlear implantation after solid organ transplantation: long term results and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze rate and type of complications in cochlear implant (CI) recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy following solid organ transplant (SOT). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. English language literature review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. INTERVENTION: Cochlear implantation surgery following solid organ transplantation (SOT) and immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: Data of patients who received CI after SOT and with at least one year of follow up were reviewed. Main outcome measures were the rate and type of complications, classified as major (requiring a second surgical procedure) and minor (requiring medical therapy). A search was performed in PubMed database on January 2019 using the keywords: organ transplant; cochlear implant, complications, deafness, solid organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy. Only studies reporting on patients who have been implanted after the transplant procedure and with a follow up period of at least 1 year were considered. Final analysis was performed on pooled data. RESULTS: Four patients received CI surgery following SOT. Age at treatment ranged from 40 to 47 years (mean 44.25 years). Follow-up after implantation averaged 5.25 years (range 1-10 years), without complications. Review of the available literature on the subject yielded seven papers; a total of 26 procedures in 22 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. Pooled data from the present series and from the literature were analyzed; the global rate of complications was 16.6%, with 10% major (3 of 30 procedures) and 6.6% minor (2 of 30 procedures). The three reported cases of major complications appear unrelated to SOT. Major complications were found in one case over 16 procedures in pediatric patients (6.2%), while in adults the percentage raised to 14.3% (2/14 procedures). CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation is a safe and effective intervention, even during immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.

Surgical management of middle ear cholesteatoma in children with Turner syndrome: a multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: As in other syndromes characterized by craniofacial anomalies, middle ear cholesteatoma is known to have a high prevalence in Turner syndrome. The aim of this study was to review a multicenter experience with the surgical management of middle ear cholesteatoma in children with Turner syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed sixteen girls with Turner syndrome who underwent otologic surgery for middle ear cholesteatoma between January 2000 and December 2012. Surgery was performed in 3 tertiary care otologic centers. Four patients had bilateral disease, resulting in a total of 20 ears treated. The following data were recorded: age, history of ventilation tube insertion, status of the controlateral ear, cholesteatoma location and extension, and surgical technique involved. Cholesteatoma recidivism, stable mastoid cavity and hearing levels were the main outcomes measured. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 3 to 15 years (mean 7 years). Fourteen ears underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy: no cases of recurrent cholesteatoma were observed in these cases; revision mastoidectomy with cavity obliteration was needed in 2 ears (14.3%) for recurrent otorrhea. In the remaining 6 ears a staged canal wall up mastoidectomy was performed: 1 child showed a recurrent cholesteatoma and required conversion to canal wall down mastoidectomy. A postoperative air-bone gap result of 0 to 20 dB was achieved in 6 ears (30%); in 9 ears (45%) postoperative air-bone gap was between 21 and 30 dB, while in 5 (25%) was >30 dB. Bone conduction thresholds remained unaffected in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cholesteatoma in children with Turner syndrome is a challenging entity for the otologic surgeon. Although not mandatory, canal wall down mastoidectomy should be regarded as the technique of choice to achieve a safe and dry ear in TS children with middle ear cholesteatoma. Intact canal wall mastoidectomy should be adopted only in appropriately selected patients such as those with limited attic cholesteatoma that can be regularly followed-up.

Cochlear implantation in children with CHARGE syndrome: a report of eight cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report neuroradiologic findings, surgical strategies and clinical and audiological results in a series of children with CHARGE syndrome (CS) who had been evaluated for cochlear implantation (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral university hospital. PATIENTS: Eight profoundly deafened children with CS were included. Routine audiometric measurements, speech perception categories and speech intelligibility ratings were performed pre- and post-operatively. Neuroradiological and intraoperative findings, surgical planning, and post-operative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Six children were profoundly deaf from birth and 2 had progressive hearing loss to profound levels. Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) was noted in 5 out of the 6 patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Seven children underwent CI. Surgery was performed using standard transmastoid facial recess approach in 3 ears, subtotal petrosectomy in 3, and transmastoid single-slit labyrinthotomy in one. Temporary facial palsy occurred in one patient. In the group of patients with congenital SNHL, 2 children benefitted from CI and developed spoken language; the remaining 3 children obtained improved access to environmental sounds and used signs and gestures as their main mode of communication. The two patients with progressive SNHL had preoperative verbal language and continued to use verbal language after CI. CONCLUSIONS: The constant presence of temporal bone anomalies in children with CS requires surgical expertise in performing non-standard approaches for safe and effective CI. Patients with progressive SNHL and normal cochlear nerves had satisfactory results with CI. Limited benefits have been observed in presence of CND.

Audiologic Manifestations of Marshall Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Marshall syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the COL11A1 gene. This syndrome is characterized by skeletal, ophthalmologic, craniofacial, and auditory abnormalities. Hearing loss is among the main manifestations reported in this disorder being observed in approximately 80% of affected individuals.The present study aims to describe the audiologic characteristics of three members of a family with Marshall syndrome and also serves as a review of the literature. STUDY DESIGN: Family study. SETTING: Tertiary care otology and skull base center. PATIENTS: We report the audiologic findings in a family with Marshall syndrome consisting of a mother and her son and daughter. INTERVENTION(S): The audiologic evaluation included tympanometry, acoustic reflexes testing, auditory brainstem response, transient otoacoustic emissions, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry in quiet, and conditioned play audiometry. These methods were applied according to the age of the patients. In addition, we provide a review of the English-language literature in an attempt to clarify the auditory phenotype of this syndrome. RESULTS: All 3 affected individuals had heterozygous c.3816+1G>A mutation in the splicing donor site of intron 50 of the COL11A1 gene. All three patients in our study had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing impairment ranged from mild to moderate in the daughter, moderate in the son, and from mild to moderate in their mother. CONCLUSION: The majority of individuals with Marshall syndrome present early-onset bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing impairment is usually detected in early childhood, progresses gradually, and becomes stable in late adulthood, with a severity ranging from mild to severe.

A Multicenter Clinical Evaluation of Data Logging in Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Automated Scene Classification Technologies.

Currently, there are no studies assessing everyday use of cochlear implant (CI) processors by recipients by means of objective tools. The Nucleus 6 sound processor features a data logging system capable of real-time recording of CI use in different acoustic environments and under various categories of loudness levels. In this study, we report data logged for the different scenes and different loudness levels of 1,366 CI patients, as recorded by SCAN. Monitoring device use in cochlear implant recipients of all ages provides important information about the listening conditions encountered in recipients' daily lives that may support counseling and assist in the further management of their device settings. The findings for this large cohort of active CI users confirm differences between age groups concerning device use and exposure to various noise environments, especially between the youngest and oldest age groups, while similar levels of loudness were observed.

Prevention and management of vascular complications in middle ear and cochlear implant surgery.

The objective of this study is to illustrate prevention strategies and management of vascular complications from the jugular bulb (JB) and internal carotid artery (ICA) during middle ear surgery or cochlear implantation. The study design is retrospective case series. The setting is tertiary referral university hospital. Patients were included if presented pre- or intraoperative evidence of high-risk anatomical anomalies of ICA or JB during middle ear or cochlear implant surgery, intraoperative vascular injury, or revision surgery after the previous iatrogenic vascular lesions. The main outcome measures are surgical outcomes and complications rate. Ten subjects were identified: three underwent cochlear implant surgery and seven underwent middle ear surgery. Among the cochlear implant patients, two presented with anomalies of the JB impeding access to the cochlear lumen and one underwent revision surgery for incorrect positioning of the array in the carotid canal. Subtotal petrosectomy was performed in all cases. Anomalies of the JB were preoperatively identified in two patients with attic and external auditory canal cholesteatoma, respectively. In a patient, a high and dehiscent JB was found during myringoplasty, while another underwent revision surgery after iatrogenic injury of the JB. A dehiscent ICA complicated middle ear effusion in one case, while in another case, a carotid aneurysm determined a cholesterol granuloma. Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the ICA occurred in a child during second-stage surgery and required permanent balloon occlusion without neurological complications. Knowledge of normal anatomy and its variants and preoperative imaging are the basis for prevention of vascular complications during middle ear or cochlear implant surgery.

Massive Tension Pneumocephalus Following Cochlear Implant Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical presentation, management and outcomes of a rare complication of cochlear implant surgery. PATIENT: A 68-year-old man, affected by profound bilateral deafness because of superficial cerebral hemosiderosis, presented to Authors' Department 8 days after cochlear implant surgery with vomiting, fever, and mental confusion. Brain computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a massive collection of intracranial air from an osteodural defect in the right tegmen mastoideum because of repeated nose blowing in the postoperative period. INTERVENTION: A multilayer reconstruction of the tegmen with obliteration of the mastoid cavity using abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed, preserving the cochlear implant in place. MAIN OUTCOME AND RESULTS: Following surgery the patient showed rapid neurological improvement and CT scan performed 2 days later showed complete resolution of the intracranial air collection. He is currently using the cochlear implant with open set performances. CONCLUSION: Pneumocephalus is a rare complication of cochlear implant surgery. In patients with severe neurological signs following cochlear implantation (CI), pneumocephalus should be suspected. Drilling of mastoid air cells may expose dura mater and positive high pressure events may break meningeal layers and force air into the cranial cavity.

Clinical findings and surgical results of middle ear cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane in adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cholesteatoma usually arises in the middle ear by the formation of a retraction pocket or a tympanic membrane perforation. In some cases, cholesteatoma presents behind an intact tympanic membrane (ITMC) and the underlying mechanism of its development is controversial. The aim of this study was to describe clinical features, pathogenesis and surgical results in a series of adult patients affected by ITMC. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 27 adult patients (age > 18 years) diagnosed with ITMC who underwent surgery between 1994 and 2013. We investigated the demographic data, presenting symptoms, otoscopic findings, disease location, surgical technique, postoperative complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Diagnosis was made on the basis of a white mass seen through the tympanic membrane in 24 cases and on explorative surgery in the remaining 3 patients. In 16 cases cholesteatoma was related to an acquired cause, while in 11 ears a congenital origin was supposed. Hearing loss was the chief complaint and it was present in 19 (70.3%) subjects. Cholesteatoma was managed by purely endaural or retroauricular transcanal tympanoplasty in 12 cases, by planned staged canal wall up mastoidectomy in 10 cases (37%), by canal wall down mastoidectomy in 3 cases, and by modified Bondy technique in 2 cases. A recurrent cholesteatoma was observed in one ear; one patient experienced a postoperative profound sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: ITMC in adults may have both congenital and acquired origin. It may grow silently over many years and develops into a massive size before being detected. Each patient's management should be tailored to clinical findings.

Prognostic factors in stage IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: the "punto" experience.

PURPOSE: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of Oropharynx is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Treatment options have improved during recent years, however the choice of most appropriate treatment is still controversial. Prognostic factors can help to optimize the care. This study investigate the role of 9 potential prognostic factors, including HPV status, in Oropharyngeal SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine prognostic factors were investigated in a retrospective chart of 98 patients treated for stage IV SCC of Oropharynx from january 2006 to january 2012, including  age (<60 or >60), gender, tumor subsite , histological grading, T stage, N stage, AJCC stage, BMI pre-treatment and HPV status. Moreover treatment modalities were compared  and the data regarding the treatment factors, like radiotherapy technique and kind of chemotherapy  were collected and compared.Primary endpoint was the impact of the prognostic factors on OS, DFS and DSS.Seconrdary endopoint were the impact of these factors on QOL and Toxicity. RESULTS: On univariate analisys significant improved OS was associated with age < 60 (p= 0,004), grading G3 (p=0.003), BMI > 25 (p= 0.03), radiotherapy with IMRT/SIB IMRT  technique (p=0,01) and AJCC stage IVa (p=0,01).No prognostic factor was associated to DFS improvement.Instead a significant improved DSS was associated with age <60 (p=0,01) , Grading G3 (p=0,04), T stage (p=0,02), AJCC stage IVa (p=0,03) and tonsil subsite (p=0.04). in the analysis of hazards ratios for OS age (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.00-4.93; p=0.019), grading (HR 0.17; 95% CI 0.047-0.64 ; p= 0.008), AJCC stage (HR 4.81; 95% CI 1.34-17.2; p=0.016) and radiotherapy technique (HR 0.2; 95% CI 0.08-0.87; p=0.02) maintained significance, whereas BMI (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.09- 2.2; p=0.3) did not. In the analysis for DSS only age (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.22-7.81; p= 0.017) and grading (HR 0.11; 95% CI  0.02- 0.59; p=0.009) maintained significance. CONCLUSION: improved outcomes were significantly associated with lower age and tumor stage, grading G3, tonsil subsite, radiotherapy performed with IMRT technique, and BMI > 25.

Long-term clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with symptomatic epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe long-term clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation in deaf children with symptomatic epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis review of patients implanted at the Cochlear Implant Center of the University of Parma, Italy, was performed, searching for implanted children with a confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic epilepsy. Clinical data, imaging findings, pre- and post-operative epilepsy pattern and EEG traces were analyzed; communicative skills were assessed using the Profile of Actual Linguistic Skills. RESULTS: Search retrieved two patients affected by profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and symptomatic epilepsy (associated respectively with methylmalonic acidemia and cerebral palsy). After careful parental counselling both patients were offered and underwent cochlear implantation. Activation and use of cochlear implant did not determine substantial changes of pre-existing seizure pattern and EEG traces. Both patients showed substantial development of their communicative abilities. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implantation in children with symptomatic epilepsy did not determine variations in seizure pattern or EEG traces. Both patients experienced substantial benefit from cochlear implantation.

Universal newborn hearing screening: the experience of the University Hospital of Parma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Early diagnosis of congenital deafness is fundamental to minimize the negative consequences on a child's educational and psychosocial development. To lower the age of hearing-impaired children at the time of diagnosis, universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) is considered essential. The aim of this study was to review tha data of the first 4 years of implementation of UNHS in the University Hospital of Parma. METHODS: 11624 infants born between February 2010 and December 2013 were included into the study. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions were used as screening test. When the newborn had failed at the initial test, he was re-tested within 3 weeks from birth. If the same result was obtained at the second step, the newborns were referred for clinical auditory brainstem response. We calculated quality indicators and compared them with international guidelines. RESULTS: 11592 infants (99.7%) were screened during the birth admission. 10359 (88.5%) were well-babies, while 1233 (11.5%) had audiological risk factors. Among 11592 newborns screened, 42 (3.59‰) had a final diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss. The incidence of deafness was 1.64‰ in well-babies, and 2.02% in neonates with audiological risk factors. Only 71 infants (0.6%) did not complete the screening program. False-positive rate was 1.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of benchmarks and outcomes of UNHS demonstrated the good quality of our hearing screening program. Introduction of automated auditory brainstem response as well as enhanced enrollment of patients who do not complete the screening could further improve the quality program.

FDG-PET/CT appearance of injected silicone particles (VOX Implants®) in head and neck tissues.

OBJETIVES: In head and neck surgery, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging (FDG-PET/CT) is often used to identify primary tumor site in patients with unknown primary carcinoma, to predict response after chemoradiotherapy and in some cases, to detect recurrence. To rehabilitate swallowing after surgery in patients with persistent dysphagia, an injectable suspension of silicone (VOX® Implants) can be used to reduce the gaps in the neoglottis. The purpose of this report is to document the PET appearance of PDMS in a series of 3 patients who underwent partial laryngectomy with subsequent VOX® Implants injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective chart and imaging review was performed at our institution. Three patients were identified and included in the study. Appearance of PDMS at PET was described and discussed. RESULTS: An increased uptake of 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) was noticed at PET in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: the increased uptake was possibly due to active inflammatory reactions that are necessary for tissue integration of textured silicone particles.

Influence of air temperature variations on incidence of epistaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Epistaxis is the most common ear, nose, and throat emergency observed in the emergency department (ED). An increased frequency of this condition has been observed during cooler months, but the results of available studies are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonality and association of epistaxis presentations to a large urban ED with variations of air temperature and humidity. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series. Information on all the patients who presented for epistaxis in the ED of the Academic Hospital of Parma during the years 2003-2012 and ages ≥ 14 years were retrieved from the hospital data base, excluding those attributable to trauma. The chronologic data of all visits were associated with climate data (air temperature and humidity) by univariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 819,596 ED patients seen throughout the observational period, 5404 were admitted for epistaxis. Of these, 5220 were discharged from the ED, whereas 184 (3.4%) needed hospital admission. A strong seasonality of epistaxis was observed, with a peak during winter. A strong negative correlation was also found between the daily number of epistaxes and the mean daily temperature in the whole population as well as in patient subgroups (those undergoing anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, or those with hypertension, inherited bleeding disorders, liver cirrhosis, or advanced malignancy). A weaker correlation was also found between air humidity and epistaxis but only in certain subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provided a contribution to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of epistaxis and for specific health policies that should also be planned by considering the seasonality of nosebleed.

Improving laboratory test ordering can reduce costs in surgical wards.

Background and Aim Laboratory blood tests for hospitalized patients are often overused. Excessive costs and no proof of benefit suggest re-evaluating the current approach to laboratory test ordering. The aim of the study is to improve the decision-making process of test ordering and to investigate what effect a rational, evidence-based use of laboratory test ordering in surgical wards would have on costs and healthcare resources. Methods Three-phase experimental prospective study carried out at the tertiary referral teaching hospital of Parma. Phase 1 (baseline status). The baseline status of laboratory test ordering was evaluated by recording the number of biochemical tests requested for patients undergoing elective surgery. Laboratory tests were grouped in "recommended" (RT) and "non recommended" (nRT) tests on the basis of pertinent literature. Phase 2 (improvement action): new guidelines were introduced into clinical practice. Phase 3 (feedback): Prospective data collection for first and second feedback was performed with no advance notice. Results A highly significant reduction in test ordering was found on occasion of the phases 2 and 3 of the study. The overall number of tests decreased, largely due to a decrease in the use of nRT. Conclusions Analysis was justified by the fact that most test requests proved not to be supported by clinical evidence. Inappropriate ordering of laboratory tests results in an unnecessarily high number of requests, which do not in turn improve patient management. Moreover, more appropriate, evidence-based laboratory test ordering for patients undergoing elective surgery may produce a significant reduction in costs, particularly in high-cost settings. (www.actabiomedica.it).