Tuberculous otomastoiditis.

A review of the 20th century English-language literature has produced a total of 320 cases of tuberculous otitis media or otomastoiditis, of which a surprising 93 cases have been reported in the 5-year period 1986-1990. Eighty-three percent of these have come from indigenous African populations. The international health and sociological implications of this development are disturbing. three personal cases seen during the past 8 years are presented, all of whom came from the indigenous Norwegian population. The epidemiology of these cases is therefore different, which can result in a diagnostic delay due to a low index of suspicion. The historically classical signs of this disease are frequently absent.

Respiratory tract viruses in otosclerotic lesions. An immunohistochemical study.

A series of viral antigens, including adenovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza types 1 and 3, measles, mumps, respiratory syncytial (RSV) and Epstein Barr (EBV) viruses was studied in a prospective series of stapes specimens from 24 consecutive patients operated on for otosclerosis. The stapes specimens were processed for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. With the exception of one case of positive specific reactivity for anti-RSV antibody in one multinuclear osteoclastic cell, no specific reactivity was seen in the specimens. This was the case both in active (n = 8) and inactive (n = 16) otosclerotic lesions. The possibility of unspecific staining reactions is discussed.

Effect of human fibrin adhesive on the ear. An electrophysiological study of auditory function in the guinea pig correlated to light and electron microscopy of middle ear mucosa and inner ear structures.

The effect of human fibrin adhesive applied to the middle ear has been studied in guinea pig. Auditory function was measured using acoustically evoked brainstem responses. Middle and inner ear structures were studied with light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A transitory conductive hearing loss was observed, but after 8 weeks the auditory function appeared normal. Microscopy of the middle and inner ear failed to show any tissue damage.

Usher syndrome in four Norwegian counties.

Among 89 probands selected for tapeto-retinal degeneration, 18 (20%) were given the diagnosis of Usher syndrome. Among the relatives of the probands another 10 cases of Usher syndrome were found. The distribution on type diagnoses was: Usher syndrome type I: 14 cases, type II: 10 cases and type III: four cases. The pattern of inheritance was autosomal recessive for 12 families, and the remaining six probands were solitary cases without consanguinity between the parents. There was a high intrafamiliar correlation with respect to hearing function, indicating genetic heterogeneity in Usher syndrome. Obligate heterozygotes did not demonstrate heterozygote manifestation. One man with Usher syndrome type I was psychotic, the remaining 27 did not demonstrate serious psychic disturbances. Atactic gait was not observed, though vestibular response was abolished in three patients with Usher syndrome type I. Three patients with type II and one person with type III had normal vestibular response. The prognosis for visual function was not highly correlated to the type diagnosis or to the age when hemeralopia was first noticed. Visual function was good before 30 years of age and bad in most patients after the age of 50.

Auditory evoked brainstem responses (ABR) in coma due to severe head trauma.

Auditory evoked brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded in 11 comatose patients suffering from severe head trauma. The recordings were performed while the patients were being cared for in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. The ABR results, together with the clinical laboratory data, were correlated to the outcome for the patients. In 6 patients who died of their brain injuries, complete autopsies together with transverse cutting of the brainstem were performed in order to chart the extent of the brainstem lesions. Our findings suggest that the ABR test is a reliable diagnostic tool for predicting the outcome of patients comatose as a result of head trauma. The interpretation of the ABR results in cases suspected of brain death is discussed in the light of an illustrative case report.

Auditory brainstem response in neonates during the first 48 hours after birth.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) has been recorded in 20 neonates at three different time intervals during the first 48 hours after birth. The first recording was performed about 15 min after delivery, when the babies were in their first period of postnatal reactivity. During this period, we were unable to obtain reliable ABR data. During the second and third ABR test performed 2 and 48 hours after birth the babies revealed gradually better responses. Data from these recordings suggest no significant change in middle ear function during the time interval between 2 and 48 hours after birth. Observations of amplitude ratio wave V/wave I are presented. Finally, reservations regarding the interpretation of the results are discussed.

Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in high-risk neonates.

In the present study, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded in 60 high-risk neonates in the intensive care unit selected by the following criteria: Birth-weight less than 2000 g, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusion, idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome, artificial ventilation, asphyxia, sepsis or meningitis, intracranial haemorrhage, neurological symptoms and potential ototoxic medication (aminoglycoides, furosemide). The infants tested ranged in gestational age from 27-44 weeks. The ABR testing was performed in a sound-proof room using the Madsen (ERA-74) equipment. Four infants did not reveal responses to 70 dB HL ("nonresponders"), and the total of 10 neonates (16.6%) had abnormal ABR-tests, when the physiological changes related to gestational age and conceptional age (gestational age plus the age after birth) were taken into account. The 10 neonates with abnormal tests were reexamined after discharge, and in six there were no improvement of threshold sensitivity. three of the "nonresponders" were retested several times within the two years after birth (one died at age 18 months of pertussis), and none of them revealed ABR at stimulus intensity of 70 dB HL. They all attend an audiological training program started at age of six months as a consequence of the early diagnosis of impaired auditory function. It is our opinion that a routine ABR-evaluation should be performed on high risk neonates (criteria mentioned above) in the newborn intensive care unit. Retesting of infants with abnormal responses within three months, and several times within the next two years if abnormal responses persist, is important. Transient impairment of auditory functions is not uncommon in these infants. However, the children with persisting hearing impairment should be discovered early to attend an early audiological training program.