[Intratympanic versus systemic steroid treatment for idiopathic sudden hearing loss: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of intratympanic versus systemic steroid therapy in the initial treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss. METHODS: An extensive search of the literature was performed in Pubmed and other available database from January, 1980 to November, 2011. After filtering by the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Nine studies met the criteria for meta-analysis, for idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes received intratympanic steroid therapy, the improvement rate (RR = 1.11,95% CI = 0.96-1.28, P = 0.15) did not show any significance when compared with the patients received systemic therapy. While a significant difference of improvement rate occurred between intratympanic and systemic steroid therapy in the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: For the initial therapy of idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes, systemic steroid treatment still remains the first choice, but for the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes, intratympanic steroid treatment should be used for the initial treatment.

[Quality of life survey on patients with peripheral facial paralysis by using Chinese version of the FaCE scale].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the health related quality of life (QOL) status of patients with peripheral facial paralysis. METHODS: By introducing, translating and adjusting of the FaCE (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation) scale, a Chinese version came into being. The scale was further strictly tested in eighty-one patients with peripheral facial paralysis and thirty healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The feasibility, reliability, validity and responsibility of Chinese version of FaCE scale all passed the test. The split-half reliability, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.79, 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. The criteria validity calculated between FaCE and SF-36 was 0.41 (P < 0.05). Factor analysis of the construct validity showed that the 15 items were classified into six domains, which were in accordance with the original version. Every domain was sensitive and effective to discriminate between patient population and healthy population (P < 0.05). Chinese version of FaCE scale showed significant correlation with HBGS and SBGS scores (r = -0.40 and 0.42, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chinese version of the FaCE scale can effectively assess QOL status of patients with facial paralysis in China.

[Cochlear implantation in patients with secretory otitis media].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications and surgery time of cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). METHODS: Cochlear implantation was performed in 26 patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and OME. Non-Surgical Treatment was conducted for OME before the following implantation. According to the standards of the indications and surgery time, surgery was carried out. During the process of surgery operation, related lesions of OME were completely removed and proper drainage was then constructed. After the surgery, the patients were regularly followed up, and the effective of cochlear implantation was evaluated. RESULTS: Unilateral ear of 26 patients was successfully operated. Among them, 5 cases were left ears and the remaining was right ears. All implant devices worked normally after 1 month. Had been followed up from 13 months to 4.3 years, 19 patients with OME were healed and the remaining was turning better. No evidence showed phenomenon of the eardrum perforation and acute attack of OME. CONCLUSIONS: Once the indications of cochlear implantation in patients with OME are guaranteed, the surgery should be conducted as early as possible. The complications of cochlear implantation in patients with OME can be effectively avoided through proper treatment in different stages.

[Efficacy of HSV-tk/GCV system on human laryngeal squamous cell cancer in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: Efficacy of HSV-tk/GCV system antitumor effects was assessed on human laryngeal cancer cell line Hep-2 in vitro. To assess the HSV-tk/CGV system whether has an antitumour effect on human laryngeal squamous cell cancer Hep-2 in vitro. The mechanisms of cytotoxity were also assessed. METHODS: Hep-2 cells were transfected with HSV-tk gene by lipofection. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the HSV-tk gene expression. MTT was utilized to test for the cytotoxicity of this system. The cell-circle arrest and apoptosis were analyzed by flowcytometry assay. RESULTS: HSV-tk gene transfected cells demonstrated obvious cytoreductivity followed by ganciclovir (GCV) administration and this cytoreductivity showed partial GCV dose-independent. HSV-tk gene transfected cells demonstrated obvious s-phase arrest, no apoptosis and necrosis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The HSV-tk/GCV system can inhabit the growth of Hep-2 cells effectively. S-phase arrest perhaps is the main reason that leads to the cell inhibition in our study. HSV-tk/GCV system has potential antitumor effects for the future clinical practice.