Vesiculobullous eruption of the right arm after intravenous clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. In clinical trials, adverse drug reactions of clarithromycin are usually mild and transient. Only 1% of the adverse reactions are severe. Herein, we present a case with vesiculobullous skin reaction and vein thrombosis caused by administration of intravenous clarithromycin.     

An early diagnostic tool for diabetic neuropathy: conduction velocity distribution

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects much of the human population. As a secondary complication, diabetic neuropathy causes time-dependent damage to peripheral nerves. In this study, experimental diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) in rats. Diabetic animals were grouped into those with 2 or 4 weeks of diabetes, whereas a control group received only the STZ vehicle (0.1 M citrate). Sciatic nerves were dissected, and compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded. Results deduced by conventional calculation carried less information when compared with conduction velocity distribution (CVD) obtained by a computer-based mathematical model. Using the conventional approach, statistically significant changes were first seen in the fourth week of diabetes, whereas results deduced by CVD measurement could be seen in the second week. Consequently, the CVD calculation provides more information for the early diagnosis of neuropathies compared with classical conduction velocity measurements.     

An assessment of olfactory function in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

Conclusions: The results reported here indicate that there was a statistically significant difference in the olfactory functions of laryngopharyngeal reflux patients vs the healthy group. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the olfactory function of patients diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux using an objective method, 24-h pH monitoring.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to investigate olfactory functions in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients and compare the results with healthy controls.

Methods: A total of 60 participants; 30 men and women with a diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux and 30 healthy controls, were included in the study. Patients in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group were evaluated by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Scores (RFS), and finally 24-h pH monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. The Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test results of the laryngopharyngeal reflux and control groups were compared, and the relationship between the study findings and the olfactory parameters were evaluated.

Results: The odor threshold, odor discrimination, odor identification, and TDI scores of the laryngopharyngeal reflux group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Also there was a statistically significant negative correlation detected between the olfactory test and some symptom and finding scores.     

Mapping Regional Laryngopharyngeal Mechanoreceptor Response

Objectives

To map mechanoreceptor response in various regions of the laryngopharynx.

Methods

Five patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and six healthy control subjects underwent stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the hypopharynx, interarytenoid area, arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, and pyriform sinuses. The threshold stimuli evoking sensation and eliciting laryngeal adductor reflex were recorded.

Results

In controls, an air pulse with 2 mmHg pressure evoked mechanoreceptor response in all regions, except bilateral aryepiglottic folds of one control. In patients, stimulus intensity to elicit mechanoreceptor response ranged between 2 mmHg and 10 mmHg and varied among the regions. Air pulse intensity differed between right and left sides of laryngopharyngeal regions in the majority of patients.

Conclusion

Laryngopharyngeal mechanoreceptor response was uniform among regions and subjects in the healthy group. Patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux showed inter- and intra-regional variations in mechanoreceptor response. Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficit in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux is not limited to aryepiglottic folds.     

Monitoring of gastric acid suppression in patients with extraesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: Response to acid suppressive therapy varies in patients with extraesophageal esophageal reflux disease (EERD). Inadequate suppression of gastric acid may contribute to the observed differences in the response to the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate suppression of gastric acid in EERD patients being treated with acid suppressive therapy. METHODS: Charts of patients with EERD who underwent dual channel 24h esophageal pH monitoring while receiving acid suppressive therapy between January 2002 and June 2004 were reviewed. Suppression of gastric acid was determined based on the number of acid reflux episodes, esophageal acid exposure, and acid clearance time. RESULTS: Twenty patients (12 male, 8 female, age range: 2-19 years) were identified. Esophageal pH monitoring was within normal limits, documenting complete acid suppression in nine patients (45%). Increased numbers of acid reflux episodes were observed in seven patients. In four patients, the number of acid reflux episodes was normal in spite of incomplete acid suppression. However, other abnormal pH monitoring parameters included delayed acid clearance in three patients and increased acid exposure time in three. The majority of patients also showed alkaline reflux. CONCLUSION: Esophageal pH monitoring documented incomplete acid suppression in this group of infants, children, adolescents and teens with EERD. Monitoring of gastric acid suppression can be useful in guiding the follow-up of EERD patients who receive acid suppressive therapy.     

Eosinophilic ulcer of the tongue

A 76-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of a rapidly expanding painful ulcerated nodule on her tongue following tooth extraction. Triamcinolone acetonide ointment was applied twice daily for 1 month without any benefit. The histopathology of the excision specimen was consistent with an eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa. There has been no recurrence 12 months later.     

Elevated day 3 FSH/LH ratio: a marker to predict IVF outcome in young and older women

Purpose  

To evaluate the value of elevated day 3 FSH/LH ratio in predicting IVF results in young and older women.