[Hyperlipidemia in patients with inner ear disturbances]. / Hiperlipoproteinemie w zaburzeniach funkcji ucha wewnetrznego.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of hyperlipidemia in patients suffering from vertigo, and/or tinnitus and/or hearing loss of unknown origin. 48 patients (25 women and 23 men) were included into this study. All patients had a negative previous medical history of any metabolic, cardiovascular or neurological disorders. Our results were compared to the control group of 31 healthy persons (16 women and 15 men). All subjects had a complete neurootologic examination, appropriate audiometric and vestibular studies. In biochemical evaluation lipid phenotype studies were performed. Hyperlipidemia were classified according to Friedricson criteria. There were some differences in lipid phenotype and severity of hyperlipidemia between this two group.

Metabolic disorders in vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss are common complaints among populations of industrial countries, especially in persons older than 40 years. Numerous agents are known to incite vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, among them hyperinsulinemia, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we proposed to assess the occurrence of hyperinsulinemia, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia in patients suffering from vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss of unknown origin. Results of various tests in 48 patients were compared to those in 31 control subjects. Assessments of body mass index, blood pressure, and laryngological, audiometric, and electronystagmographic parameters were performed in all study participants. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to evaluate insulin levels, and lipoprotein phenotyping served to determine cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoprotein levels. Patients were found to be significantly more overweight (on the basis of body mass index) than were the control subjects. Hypertension was more common among patients than controls, but the difference was significant only between the men in the two groups. Disturbances of glucose metabolism were found in 27.1% of patients but in only 9.7% of controls. Diabetes mellitus was not present in any controls but was identified in four patients. Hyperinsulinemia was almost twice as common in patients as in controls. Only the occurrence of hyperlipoproteinemia seemed not to differ between patients and control subjects. We conclude that such disturbances of glucose metabolism as diabetes mellitus and hyperinsulinemia may be responsible for inner ear diseases, whereas the role of disturbances of lipid metabolism remains vague.

[Risk factors for inner ear diseases]. / Czynniki ryzyka w chorobach ucha wewnetrznego.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of obesity and arterial hypertension in patients suffering from vertigo, and/or tinnitus and/or hearing loss of unknown origin. 48 patients (25 women and 23 men) were included into this study. All patients had a negative previous medical history of any metabolic, cardiovascular or neurological disorders. Our results were compared to the control group of 31 healthy persons (16 women and 15 men). All subjects had a complete neurootologic examination, appropriate audiometric and vestibular studies. In most cases inner ear pathology was recognised. BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured in all cases. Patients were overweight significantly more often comparing to the control group. Systolic and diastolic hypertension was found significantly more often in men from the patients than control group.

Pseudoallergic skin reactions to opiate sequences of bovine casein in healthy children.

Skin tests with opioid peptides naturally occurring in cow's milk: beta-casomorphin-7 and alpha-casein (90-95), were performed in 25 healthy children. Wheal and flare reactions, similiar to histamine and codeine were observed in all children. The area of these reactions was concentration dependent. Pretreatment with H1 antagonist--cetirizine significantly inhibited the skin response to both peptides. Beta-casomorphin-7 and alpha-casein (90-95) are noncytotoxic histamine releasers in humans.

[High esophageal perforation in a 2.5 year old child]. / Wysoka perforacja przelyku u 2,5-letniego dziecka.

A case is presented of a 2,5-year-old child in whom high oesophageal perforation developed after gastric lavage due to ingestion of lethal dose of salicylates. Strong, locally irritating action of salicylates on the oesophageal mucosa was demonstrated which, most probably, was the cause of the perforation.

[Hypersensitivity to weed pollen allergens in the region of Bygdoszcz]. / Uczulenia na alergeny pylków chwastów w regionie Bydgoskim.

Case records of 8576 patients suffering from hypersensitivity symptoms within upper airways, who were treated at the Otolaryngological Section of the Allergological Outpatient Department of Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz in the years 1975-1989, were analysed. Pollinosis was diagnosed through anamnesis, physical examination and skin tests in 2561 (29.9%) individuals, i.e. 1153 women and 1408 men. Hypersensitivity to weed pollen allergens was found in 1069 (12.5% of all people examined) patients with pollinosis, i.e. 487 women and 582 men. There were 941 (88%) inhabitants of urban and 128 (12%) of rural areas among them. Positive family history of allergic diseases was proved in 616 (57.6%) persons. Mean age at the first visit to the doctor was 28 years for women and 23 years for men, while mean age of weed pollinosis onset was 22 years for women and 17 years for men. The disturbances observed in patients sensitive to weeds were provoked mainly by wormwood (86.2%), mugwort (82.9%), white goosefoot (44.3%), narrow-leaved plantain (28.8%), and sheep sorrel (19.0%). Hypersensitivity to grass, tree and/or shrub pollens coexisted in 85.5% of patients with weed pollen allergy and 64.5% of them were also hypersensitive to several non-seasonal allergens in various combinations. Bronchial asthma was recognized in 101 (9.4%) patients with weed pollinosis, while allergic skin reactions were seen in 315 (29.5%) individuals.