Pheochromocytoma in children and adolescents

Eleven subjects aged <20 yr with histologically proven pheochromocytoma between 1987 and 2006 were analyzed. Family history was present in 18%. In 2 patients, pheochromocytoma was part of VHL and in one it was associated with MEN 2. Twenty four hour urine VMA level was elevated in 100% and metanephrine level in 73%. CT/ MRI were showing the tumor in all. Prazosin extended release tablets (maximum 30 mg/day) were used in 73% and doxazosin (maximum 12 mg/ day) in 27%. Intraoperative BP fluctuations were seen in 27%. All were biochemically cured after surgery. Preoperative á blockade with extended release prazosin and doxazosin were effective in controlling perioperative BP fluctuations. Hence these drugs can be used in children and adolescents without fear of postoperative hypotension.     

Efficacy of Single Dose Azithromycin as Prophylactic Antibiotic in Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars: A Clinical Study

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of single dose Azithromycin as prophylactic antibiotic in surgical removal of mandibular third molar.

Materials and Methods

The study was carried out as an open clinical trial on fifty (23 males & 27 females) patients chosen from the ones referred to our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department for surgical removal of mandibular third molar (SRMTM). Pre-surgical evaluation of pain, swelling, lymphadenopathy, fever and purulent discharge from the surgical site were made. All patients were administered oral Azithromycin 500mg, 1 hour prior to the procedure. The patients were followed up clinically for a minimum period of 10 days post operatively. Evaluation for pyrexia, purulent discharge from surgical site, persistent pain &/or swelling & lymphadenopathy was done on 1st, 3rd, 7th and 10th postoperative day to determine SSI (surgical site infection). All patients received same set of post-operative medications (Tab. Diclofenac sodium (50mg) TID, Tab. Ranitidine 150 mg BID for 5 days) and set of instructions.

Results

Surgical site infection was seen in only one patient (2%) out of the total fifty patients included in the study when oral Azithromycin was administered one hour prior to surgical removal of mandibular third molar.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that, giving antibiotics pre-operatively 1 hour before the SRMTM is beneficial to reduce/avoid SSI. The surgeon must consider all potential factors that may contribute to the post-operative complication and decide whether the benefits of antibiotic therapy outweigh its risks.     

Endoscopic Myringoplasty Versus Microscopic Myringoplasty in Tubotympanic CSOM: A Comparative Study of 120 Cases

Myringoplasty is one of the commonest operations performed on the middle ear. Our aim was to compare the results of endoscopic permeatal myringoplasty with that of conventional myringoplasty by post aural approach using operating microscope. A total of 120 patients having central perforation of tympanic membrane were randomly divided into two equal groups of 60 patients each. In the first group, endoscope was used and in the second group microscope was used to do myringoplasty. Temporalis fascia was used as a graft material. The patients were kept in follow-up for 1 year. The pre-operative and post-operative audiograms, post-operative pain, graft uptake and time taken for surgery were compared in both the groups. The graft uptake rate was 91.67% in the endoscopic group, whereas it was 93.3% in the microscopic group. Post-operative pain was significantly less in the endoscopic group as compared with microscopic group and not much difference was found in the gain in A-B gap in either group. The mean ABG gain was 16.16 dB (SD = 4.68) in endoscopic group and 19.54 dB (SD = 3.45) in microscopic group. On applying the Mann–Whitney U test, this finding was statistically significant (p value = 0.0001). In our study success rate was equal between endoscopic and microscopic technique. In terms of morbidity and postoperative recovery endoscope produced better results. Endoscopic tympanoplasty can be a good alternative of microscopic tympanoplasty.     

Phase II trial of hippocampal-sparing whole brain irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost for metastatic cancer

BackgroundAdvanced radiotherapeutic treatment techniques limit the cognitive morbidity associated with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastasis through avoidance of hippocampal structures. However, achieving durable intracranial control remains challenging.MethodsWe conducted a single-institution single-arm phase II trial of hippocampal-sparing whole brain irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost (HSIB-WBRT) to metastatic deposits in adult patients with brain metastasis. Radiation therapy consisted of intensity-modulated radiation therapy delivering 20 Gy in 10 fractions over 2–2.5 weeks to the whole brain with a simultaneous integrated boost of 40 Gy in 10 fractions to metastatic lesions. Hippocampal regions were limited to 16 Gy. Cognitive performance and cancer outcomes were evaluated.ResultsA total of 50 patients, median age 60 years (interquartile range, 54–65), were enrolled. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months (95% CI: 1.5–4.0) and overall survival was 9 months. As expected, poor survival and end-of-life considerations resulted in a high exclusion rate from cognitive testing. Nevertheless, mean decline in Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised delayed recall (HVLT-R DR) at 3 months after HSIB-WBRT was only 10.6% (95% CI: −36.5‒15.3%). Cumulative incidence of local and intracranial failure with death as a competing risk was 8.8% (95% CI: 2.7‒19.6%) and 21.3% (95% CI: 10.7‒34.2%) at 1 year, respectively. Three grade 3 toxicities consisting of nausea, vomiting, and necrosis or headache were observed in 3 patients. Scores on the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 remained stable for evaluable patients at 3 months.ConclusionsHVLT-R DR after HSIB-WBRT was significantly improved compared with historical outcomes in patients treated with traditional WBRT, while achieving intracranial control similar to patients treated with WBRT plus stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This technique can be considered in select patients with multiple brain metastases who cannot otherwise receive SRS.     

Prepubertal gynecomastia a rare complication of growth hormone therapy

We report a case of prepubertal gynecomastia diagnosed during growth hormone (GH) treatment. In our patient gynecomastia appeared 6 months after GH was started. This condition appears to be self-limited and benign. In our patient gynaecomastia resolved on its own.