Novel rat model of tympanostomy tube otorrhea

Objective

Tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO), caused by the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the middle ear, is the most common complication of TT insertion. No studies have described a reproducible animal model of TTO. We aimed to develop a rat model of TTO which, in turn, could be used to assay the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β through the course of the infection.

Methods

The left Eustachian tubes of 55 male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were occluded with gutta-percha (ETO = Eustachian Tube Occlusion). Middle ear (ME) effusion was ascertained by weekly otomicroscopy. At 3 weeks tympanostomy tubes were placed bilaterally and the MEs were inoculated bilaterally with Streptococcus pneumoniae through the tubes. The rats were randomly assigned to one of two daily ototopical treatments: ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone (CDX) or placebo. The animals in each of the two treatment groups were further divided to receive 1, 2, 5 or 7 days of treatment. The rats were sacrificed after treatment was finished. The rates of otorrhea, positive middle ear (ME) cultures, and levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the ME fluid were measured.

Results

Left ETO followed by ME inoculation with S. pneumoniae and treatment with placebo resulted in persistent infection (100% culture-positive ME fluid at 10 days) and otorrhea (85.7%). Persistent infection of the left ear was accompanied by significantly elevated the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Ears treated with CDX had lower rates of otorrhea at all time points and lower levels of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe a reproducible animal model of acute TTO. Surgical obstruction of the ET, followed by TT placement and ME inoculation with S. pneumoniae induced persistent otorrhea and infection. Both IL-1β and TNF-α appear to be potential markers of persistent middle ear infection. This novel model may be used in future studies of the pathogenesis and therapy of TTO.     

Effect of lipooligosaccharide mutations of Haemophilus influenzae on the middle and inner ears

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae 2019 (NTHi 2019) and its two lipooligosaccharide (LOS) mutant strains, B29 (gene htrB) and DK1 (gene rfaD), and compare their effect on the middle ear, round window membrane, and inner ear.

Results

Fifteen chinchillas were divided into three equal groups and their bullas inoculated bilaterally with 0.5 ml of 10² CFU/ml of parent NTHi 2019, B29 or DK1 mutant strains. Two days after inoculation all animals had otitis media and inflamed middle ear mucosa. There was a trend of greater thickness and infiltration of the round window membrane in animals inoculated with the wild-type NTHi strain compared to the mutant strains and a significant increase in both inflammatory cell infiltration and bacteria presence in the scala tympani area of the inner ear. Strial edema was only observed in the wild-type-inoculated group.

Conclusions

LOS mutants of NTHi appear to have a reduced ability to pass through the round window membrane resulting in less inner ear inflammation and pathological changes.     

Nasopharyngeal Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in Japanese children attending day-care centers

Objectives

We conducted a prospective bacteriological survey to investigate antibiotic resistance-related genetic characteristics and the turnover of nasopharyngeal Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in healthy children in day-care centers (DCCs).

Methods

A total of 363 nasopharyngeal mucus samples were collected from children aged 0 to 6 years attending two DCCs in the summer of 2004 (n = 181) and the following winter (n = 182). We obtained 157 S. pneumoniae isolates and analyzed them by antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR assay for the penicillin-binding protein (PBP) genes and macrolide-resistance gene, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results

The overall carriage rate was 43.3% (157/363). The percentages of penicillin-intermediately resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP) strains, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) strains, erythromycin-intermediately resistant S. pneumoniae strains and erythromycin-resistant S. pneumoniae strains were 35.7% (56/157), 0.6% (1/157), 1.9% (3/157), and 69.4% (109/157), respectively. The percentages of S. pneumoniae strains with the pbp mutation(s) and mefA and/or ermB gene(s) were 92.4% (145/157) and 71.3% (112/157), respectively. Fifty strains with different PFGE patterns were obtained from among the 157 isolates. Thirteen strains were observed in both seasons, but only one of these strains was isolated from the same carrier. Twenty-one strains (42.0%) were isolated from two or more children, and 17 of these were each isolated from children attending the same DCC.

Conclusions

These results indicate the spread of S. pneumoniae, particularly those with antibiotic-resistance genes, and the vigorous genetic turnover and substantial horizontal transmission of this pathogen in healthy children attending DCCs in Japan.     

Microbiology of the middle ear fluid in Costa Rican children between 2002 and 2007

Background

Because the microbiology and susceptibility patterns of middle ear fluid pathogens in children with otitis media change over time, an active surveillance is recommended to establish appropriate therapeutic guidelines.

Objective

To analyze the microbiology and susceptibility pattern of middle ear pathogens obtained from Costa Rican children with acute otitis media (AOM), recurrent otitis media (ROM) and therapeutic failure otitis media (OMTF) between 2002 and 2007.

Patients and methods

1108 children aged 2-92 months who participated in various otitis media clinical trials between the years 2002 and 2007.

Results

Among the study population, 880 were children with AOM (61% <24 months of age), 138 were children with ROM (54% <24 months of age) and 90 were children with OMTF (67% <24 months of age). Bilateral otitis media was more frequent in children with OMTF (44%) than in children with AOM (37%) (P = 0.19) and ROM (27%) (P = 0.009). Presence of siblings <8 years of age was more frequently observed in children with OMTF (73%) than in children with ROM (65%) (P = 0.0001) and AOM (47%) (P = 0.000002). Overall Streptococcus pneumoniae (44%) was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Haemophilus influenzae (37%), Moraxella catarrhalis (11%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (4%). S. pneumoniae was the most common pathogen in AOM (44%) and ROM (47%), however, H. influenzae was the most common pathogen in OMTF (40%). Among all H. influenzae, an increase in the number of β-lactamase producing strains was observed from 5.2% in 2001 to 14% (P = 0.04) in 2007 and this was associated with an increase in the use of amoxicillin. An increase in the number of M. catarrhalis was also observed, from 3% (9/350) in 2001 to 11% (71/628) (P = 0.000003) in 2007. During the study period the incidence of penicillin non-susceptible S. pneumoniae was 42/211 (20%) in children with AOM; 5/35 (17%) in children with ROM and 5/17 (42%) in children with OMTF. M. catarrhalis cases increased from 8% in 2004 to 17% in 2007 (P = 0.0005) and S. pyogenes decreased from 7% in 2002-2004 to 1% in 2005-2007 (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In Costa Rica, S. pneumoniae remains the most common pathogen in children with AOM and ROM whereas non-typable H. influenzae remains the most common pathogen in children with OMTF. A significant increase in the number of β-lactamase positive H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis has been observed in recent years.     

Identification of novel variants in the TMIE gene of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss

Objective

To determine whether variants of the TMIE gene are causes of nonsyndromic deafness in Taiwan.

Methods

A genetic survey was made from 370 individuals, with 250 nonsyndromic hearing loss and 120 normal hearing individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and then subjected to PCR to amplify selected exons and flanking introns of the TMIE gene; the amplified products were screened for base variants by autosequence. Data from the two groups were then compared using Fisher's two-tailed exact test and Armitage's trend test.

Results

The analysis revealed 7 novel variants in the TMIE gene. Of the 7 variants, 5 variants were found in both nonsyndromic hearing loss and normal hearing group. Both allelic and genotype frequencies of these sequence changes did not differ significantly between patients and controls (P > 0.05). However, a missense variant (c.257G > A) and one promoter variant (g.1-219A > T) were found in two patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss. Family study and microsatellite analysis found that c.257G > A variant is not inherited from his parents. The c.257G > A variant encodes a protein with glutamine at position 86 instead of arginine (p.R86Q), a residue that is conserved in mammals but different in fish, and predicted to be extracellular.

Conclusions

Despite the fact that the frequency of TMIE variants in our study subjects was low, we suggested that c.257G > A (p.R86Q) variant is a de novo and may be as a risk factor for the development of hearing loss in Taiwanese.     

Eustachian tube function in patients with Meniere's disease

Objective

The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between Eustachian tube function and inner ear function, especially with respect to the hearing ability of patients with Meniere's disease.

Methods

Patients with Meniere's disease underwent nystagmic examinations and audiometric measurements, including hearing tests, tympanometry, and Eustachian tube function tests (sonotubometry). We compared the audiometric examination results of normal subjects to those of patients with Meniere's disease.

Results

Twenty-five percent of patients with Meniere's disease exhibited Eustachian tube dysfunction, but 92% displayed normal tympanometry findings. Their sonotubometry durations and amplitudes were not significantly different from those of normal subjects. However, the patients’ hearing level was significantly correlated to sonotubometry duration and amplitude. Our patients were classified according to the four stages of Meniere's disease: stage 1 (n = 9); stage 2 (n = 5); stage 3 (n = 8); and stage 4 (n = 2). The incidence of Eustachian tube dysfunction in these four groups of patients were 0% (0/9); 40% (2/5); 38% (3/8); and 50% (1/2), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence demonstrating that treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction may be useful in preventing the hearing of Meniere's patients from becoming worse.     

Common agents used to unblock blood clots within tympanostomy tubes: An ex vivo study and review of literature

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of common solutions used to dissolve blood clots blocking tympanostomy tubes (TTs) of differing lengths and diameters.

Study Design

An ex vivo experimental study.

Methods

Ear models were built by the study investigator. Tympanostomy tubes were inserted into the models and blocked with blood clots. Test solutions were applied to the blood clots, and time for clearance was recorded via microscopic visual confirmation.

Results

Richards T-tube had higher odds of unclogging than collar button tubes (odds ratio: 2.37, 95% confidence intervals 1.02-5.54, p = 0.042). Vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide were most effective for Richards T-tubes and collar button tubes, respectively.

Conclusion

Common solutions (vinegar and hydrogen peroxide) were more effective than antibiotic drops in clearing blood clot blocking TTs.     

Quantification of vocal tract configuration of older children with Down syndrome: A pilot study

Objective

To quantify the vocal tract (VT) lumen of older children with Down syndrome using acoustic reflection (AR) technology.

Design

Comparative study.

Setting

Vocal tract lab with sound-proof booth.

Participants

Ten children (4 males and 6 females), aged 9-17 years old diagnosed with Down syndrome. Ten typically developing children (4 males and 6 females) matched for age, gender, and race.

Intervention

Each participant's vocal tract measurements were obtained by using an Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer.

Main outcome measures

Six vocal tract dimensional parameters (oral length, oral volume, pharyngeal length, pharyngeal volume, total vocal tract length, and total vocal tract volume) from children with Down syndrome and the typically developing children were measured and compared.

Results

Children with Down syndrome exhibited small oral cavities when compared to control group (F(1, 18) = 6.55, p = 0.02). They also demonstrated a smaller vocal tract volumes (F(1, 18) = 2.58, p = 0.13), although the results were not statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Pharyngeal length, pharyngeal volume, and vocal tract length were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Children with Down syndrome had smaller oral cavities, and smaller vocal tract volumes. No significant differences were found for pharyngeal length, pharyngeal volume, and vocal tract length between these two groups.     

Identification of novel variants in the Myosin VIIA gene of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss from Taiwan

Objective

To determine whether variants of exons 7, 11, 22 and 28 of the MYO7A gene are causes of nonsyndromic deafness in Taiwanese.

Methods

We screened a total of 331 unrelated Taiwanese individuals (age range, 4-22 years), including 231 patients with severe to profound nonsyndromic hearing loss and 100 individuals with normal hearing. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and then subjected to PCR to amplify selected exons and flanking introns of the MYO7A gene; the amplified products were screened for base mutations by autosequence. Data from the two groups were then compared using the chi-square (χ²) test.

Results

The analysis revealed six variants in 3 out of 4 screened exons and flanking intronic sequences of the MYO7A gene (exons 7, 11, and 22). Three missense variants were found only in patients with hearing loss and were heterozygous, including Arg206Cys, Arg206His and Thr381Met. A variant, c.IVS22+58G>A, was found in intron 22 of the MYO7A gene from both patients and control group. Allele frequencies of c.IVS22+58G>A were shown to be significant between the two groups using χ² test (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Arg206 and Thr381 residues in the motor head region of MYO7A protein are critical sites and the mutations of these residues may lead to the development of nonsyndromic deafness.     

Tissue remodeling in the acute otitis media mouse model

Objectives

Otitis media is an infectious, inflammatory process involving the middle ear space. Chronic inflammation is associated with fibrosis, scarring and osteogenesis within the middle ear, which may contribute to subsequent hearing loss and increase the difficulty of treatment.

Methods

Heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae was injected into the middle ears of 8-12 week old Balb/c mice. Control mice were treated with PBS middle ear injections. Middle ears were harvested at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days following injection (n = 8 for each time point). The middle ears were processed using standard RT-PCR techniques. Up- and down-regulation of mRNA expression of various members of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) families was quantified and compared to PBS treated controls (n = 8 for each time point).

Results

Significant upregulation of MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 was observed at varying time points (p < 0.05). Significant downregulation of BMP3, BMP4, BMP5 BMP6 and BMP8a was seen at varying time points (p < 0.05). Significant downregulation of FGF3, FGF6, FGF10 and FGFr1 was observed at varying time points (p < 0.05). No significant expression of BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, FGF5, FGF8, MMP1a, MMP7 and MMP14 was detected within the middle ear.

Conclusions

Inflammation within the middle ear following injection of bacterial products results in changes in the regulation of several tissue remodeling cytokines and proteinases in the mouse model. Further understanding of these molecular processes may allow for the development of treatment modalities aimed at preventing middle ear tissue remodeling.     

Acute mastoiditis in children: a retrospective study of 188 patients

Objective

The aim of this study is to define the clinical and bacteriological characteristics of acute mastoiditis (AM) in children in order to optimize diagnostic work-up and treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 188 children between 3 months and 15 years of age (15 ± 24 months; median ± SD) were referred to our pediatric ENT emergency center for AM during a 7-year period (December 2001-January 2008).

Results

Fifty seven percent were male and 43% were female. Clinical follow-up duration was 3.9 ± 0.7 months (mean ± SEM). The incidence of AM remained stable during the whole study period. Microbiological samples (n = 236) were negative in 33% of cases. The most frequently isolated germs were Streptococcus pneumoniae (51%), Streptococcus pyogenes (11.5%), Anaerobes (6.5%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (6.5%). Paracentesis, puncture of retro auricular abscess under local anesthesia, and peroperative samples all contributed to isolate the involved germ(s). All the patients were hospitalized and received intravenous antibiotics, and 36.2% (n = 68) underwent surgery. Several surgical procedures were necessary in 4 cases (2.1%). AM recurrences requiring a second hospitalization were observed in 8 patients (4.3%). The only observed complication was lateral sinus thrombosis (n = 6; 3.2%). Surgical failures, requiring more than one surgical procedure, were more frequent in case of: (i) presence of Anaerobes (p ≤ 0.001) or Gram-negative bacteria (p ≤ 0.05) in microbiological samples; (ii) surgical drainage without mastoidectomy (p ≤ 0.001). Recurrences were more frequent in AM due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conclusions

Based on our findings and on literature data, a protocol was established in order to standardize the management of pediatric AM in our center. The mains points are: no systematic surgery; if surgery is indicated, it must encompass a mastoidectomy; broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment covering the most commonly involved germs (3rd generation cephalosporin) and secondarily adapted to the results of microbiological samples. If the infection is not controlled after 48 h of intravenous antibiotherapy, a mastoidectomy had to be performed.     

The role of the actinomyces in obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis in pediatric population

Objective

To determine the prevalence of tonsillar Actinomyces in subjects with recurrent tonsillitis and those with obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy, and to determine the association between the presence of Actinomyces and tonsillar volume, and crypt abscess.

Subjects and methods

A prospective designed cross-sectional study consisted of 90 children subjects who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy. The subjects of recurrent tonsillitis (Group A) and obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy (Group B) were compared to the presence of Actinomyces. The relationship between the presence of Actinomyces and the presence of crypt abscess, and tonsillar volume were also compared.

Results

Actinomyces was found to be significantly more prominent in obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy group (61.5%) compared to recurrent tonsillitis group (26.6%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean tonsillar volume was significantly higher in tonsils with Actinomyces than those without (p < 0.001). The histopathological study revealed that there was no significant inflammatory response to the existence of Actinomyces.

Conclusion

According to the presented study, Actinomyces was seen more prominent in subjects with obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy compared those with recurrent tonsillitis. Furthermore Actinomyces had a pathological influence on tonsil size. This study showed there was a significant relation between Actinomyces and enlargement of tonsillar tissue. However, how causes tonsillar hypertrophy is not understood yet in tonsillar disease.     

Is there any developmental relationship between mastoid pneumatization and adenoid tissue volume?

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental relationship between adenoid tissue volume and mastoid air cell volume, using a 3D reconstruction technique.

Study design

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

Subjects and methods

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images were obtained using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and volume-rendering techniques (VRT). The subjects were 63 boys and 37 girls, 3-16 years of age. The volumes of bilateral mastoid air cells and adenoids marked in axial-coronal-sagittal planes were calculated. The patients were grouped into three categories according to adenoid tissue volume, total mastoid volume (TMV), and age.

Results

No significant difference was noted between the right mastoid volume (RMV) and the left mastoid volume (LMV) or between age and sex (p = 0.368; p = 0.549; p = 0.454). The incremental increase in adenoid tissue volume did not correlate with TMV (r = −0.161, r = −0.279, r = 0.015). The incremental increase in TMV did not correlate with the volume of adenoid tissue (r = 0.024, r = 0.148, r = 0.017).

Conclusions

No significant correlation was obtained between the incremental increase in adenoid tissue volume and TMV or the incremental increase in TMV and adenoid tissue volume. There does not seem to be a developmental relationship between adenoid tissue volume and TMV.     

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in pediatric otitis media with effusion

Objectives

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent and critical inducer of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and has been shown to play an important role in inflammatory events, together with hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines. VEGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is expressed in the middle ear in an experimental animal model of otitis media with effusion (OME) and in patients with OME. However, the protein levels of VEGF in middle ear effusions (MEEs) are unknown and the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of OME is unclear. The goals of this study were to determine the VEGF levels in MEEs and to investigate the role of VEGF in production of MEEs by comparing these levels with those of interleukin-8 (IL-8), endotoxin, and albumin.

Methods

Forty-six MEEs obtained from 33 children (24 boys, 9 girls) were used in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 6.3 years old (range, 1-12 years old). The patients underwent myringotomy and/or insertion of a ventilation tube for treatment of OME. After myringotomy, MEEs were collected with a Juhn Tym-Tap. The samples were divided into serous and mucoid types based on observation by the naked eye. After measuring the weight of the MEE, the sample was diluted with phosphate-buffered saline and frozen until use. The concentrations of VEGF and IL-8 in the MEEs were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, endotoxin concentrations were measured by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test, and albumin levels were determined using an immunoturbidimetric assay.

Results

VEGF, endotoxin, IL-8, and albumin were detected in 100%, 89%, 98%, and 100% of the 46 MEEs, respectively. The concentrations of VEGF, endotoxin, and IL-8 were significantly higher in mucoid MEEs than in serous MEEs (p < 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference in the albumin concentration between mucoid and serous MEEs. The VEGF levels were positively correlated with those of endotoxin (R² = 0.17, p < 0.05) and albumin (R² = 0.65, p < 0.01) in mucoid MEEs, but not in serous MEEs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that VEGF is produced in response to bacterial components such as endotoxin in the middle ear cavity and is associated with production of mucoid MEEs by increasing serum exudation and mucosal secretion.     

Identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in culture-negative middle ear fluids from children with acute otitis media by combination of multiplex PCR and multi-locus sequencing typing

Objective

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) and Haemophilus influenzae (Hflu) are major etiologic pathogens for acute otitis media (AOM). However, when Spn and Hflu strains are not identified by traditional culture methods, use of alternative PCR-based diagnosis becomes critical. This study aimed to develop a combined molecular method to accurately detect these otopathogens.

Methods

Middle ear fluid (MEF) samples were collected by tympanocentesis from children with AOM to isolate Spn and Hflu by standard culture procedures. Multiplex PCR (mPCR) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) techniques were used to detect Spn and Hflu in culture-negative MEF samples.

Results

We found 20 Spn or Hflu culture-positive MEF samples that were mPCR-positive and typeable by MLST. The sequences of the housekeeping genes and the MLST allelic profiles obtained from Spn or Hflu culture isolates matched exactly MEF samples that were tested directly without culture isolation. Of 63 MEF samples that were culture-negative for Spn, 38% (24/63) were mPCR-positive for Spn. Of 50 MEF samples that were culture-negative for Hflu, 24% (12/50) were mPCR-positive for Hflu. Among these culture-negative but mPCR-positive MEF samples, 25% (6/24) and 25% (3/12) were typeable by MLST for Spn and Hflu, respectively.

Conclusions

MEF samples may be analyzed with mPCR and MLST directly without culture isolation and the addition of mPCR and MLST may accurately identify Spn and Hflu in MEF of children with AOM when bacterial culture is negative.     

Factors associated with acute otitis media in children due to penicillin intermediately resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

Objectives

This study was conducted to analyze the association between recent antimicrobial use and acute otitis media (AOM) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae intermediately resistant to penicillin (PISP). The influence of drug resistance on the clinical course of AOM was also assessed.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in infants at Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo. Children included in the study were under 24 months of age and diagnosed with AOM due to infection with S. pneumoniae between April 2002 and March 2007. Crude risk ratios (cRR) of PISP infection in cases with recent antibiotic use and other factors were obtained. The Mantel-Haenszel estimate was applied for the adjustment of cRR.

Results

Of 35 children, 13 had AOM due to penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) and 22 had AOM due to PISP. The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of penicillin antibiotic use within 1 month was 1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-2.92), and the aRR of penicillin antibiotic use within 1 week was 1.93 (95% CI: 1.33-2.67). Recent use of penicillin antibiotics was an associated factor for AOM due to PISP. The clinical course was not clearly different between cases infected with PSSP and those with PISP.

Conclusion

Recent use of penicillin antibiotics might be a selective pressure for PISP.     

Hearing results of stapedotomy and malleo-vestibulopexy in congenital hearing loss

Aims

To analyze hearing results of surgical treatment of hearing loss associated with the congenital stapes ankylosis with or without malformations of ossicular chain.

Study design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The charts of 1369 stapedotomies performed by senior author (JH) from 1991 to 2006 were reviewed. In 40 cases operative findings were consistent with isolated congenital stapes fixation or associated with middle ear malformations. The modified stapedotomy technique was employed in 33 cases and malleo-vestibulopexy was used in 7 cases. Operative findings were standardized according to Cremers’ classification. The outcomes of 40 surgeries were analyzed according to the 1995 AAO-HNS Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines. High frequency hearing results on 4, 8 and 12 kHz were reported in addition to standard frequencies. Results of stapedotomies and malleo-vestibulopexies were calculated separately. Surgical complications were described.

Results

The mean post-operative air conduction (AC) was 33 dB, bone conduction (BC) 22 dB and speech reception thresholds (SRT) 31 dB. Closure of the air-bone gap (ABG) to within 10 dB was achieved in 24/40 (60%) of cases. Lack of improvement was observed in 3/40 (8%) patients. In 26/32 (81%) of cases with potential for bilaterally serviceable hearing it was achieved. In 24/40 (60%) of cases symmetrical hearing with interaural difference of less than 10 dB was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Significant hearing gain in patients with congenital stapes ankylosis makes surgical treatment a valuable adjunct or an alternative to hearing aids in selected cases.     

Assessment of adenoid size: A comparison of lateral radiographic measurements, radiologist assessment, and nasal endoscopy

Objectives

Correlate adenoid size as determined by lateral neck radiographs and intra-operative mirror exam. Determine if a radiologist's assessment of the lateral neck X-ray correlates with adenoid size. Assess the correlation of endoscopic findings to the degree of adenoid hypertrophy seen on intra-operative mirror exam. To perform a cost analysis of radiographic and endoscopic evaluations of the adenoids.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Patients who underwent adenoidectomy were reviewed. The adenoid size as determined by the adenoid-to-nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio, radiology report, and flexible nasal endoscopy were compared to the adenoid size as determined by intra-operative mirror nasopharyngeal exam. Compensation rates for each modality were compared.

Results

Sixty-one children had pre-operative airway radiography. Ninety-nine patients underwent flexible nasopharyngoscopy. When the A/N ratio was compared to the intra-operative mirror exam, the Pearson Correlation coefficient was 0.64 (p < 0.0001). The radiology reading was compared to intra-operative mirror exam and the Spearman Correlation coefficient was 0.29 (p = 0.0258). When endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy was compared to intra-operative mirror exam, the Pearson Correlation coefficient was 0.62 (p < 0.0001). The cost of nasal endoscopy was $654. Lateral airway radiography plus radiology interpretation cost $605.

Conclusion

Children who undergo lateral radiographs to assess adenoid size are younger than those who undergo awake flexible endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy. Both the A/N ratio and endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy correlate well with the findings of the intra-operative mirror exam. The radiologist interpretations that do not utilize the A/N ratio measurement do not correlate well with intra-operative mirror exam findings. Both modalities are comparable in cost.