Osmotic nephrosis with mannitol: review article

Mannitol is commonly used to lower intracranial and intraocular pressures. Large doses/massive infusions of mannitol have been found to be associated with acute renal failure (MI-ARF), that is, osmotic nephrosis. While many researchers have reported individual experiences with this pathology, we felt that there is need of an updated comprehensive review of all reported cases with elaboration of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management plan for MI-ARF. The purpose of the present communication is to share our own experience with MI-ARF, to review the effect of mannitol on kidney function and to highlight the dynamics of MI-ARF with considerations for the cautious use of mannitol in patients with risk factors for kidney diseases.     

Evaluation of an internet-based speech-in-noise screening test for school-age children

Objective: To evaluate a Dutch online speech-in-noise screening test (in Dutch: “Kinderhoortest”) in normal-hearing school-age children. Sub-aims were to study test–retest reliability, and the effects of presentation type and age on test results. Design: An observational cross-sectional study at school. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were obtained through the online test in a training condition, and two test conditions: on a desktop computer and smartphone. The order of the test conditions was counterbalanced. Study sample: Ninety-four children participated (5–12 years), of which 75 children were normal-hearing (≤25?dB HL at 0.5?kHz,?≤20?dB HL at 1–4?kHz). Results: There was a significant effect for test order for the two test conditions (first or second test), but not for presentation type (desktop computer or smartphone) (repeated measures analyses, F(1,75)?=?12.48, p?F(1,75)?=?0.01, p?=?0.982). SRT significantly improved by age year (first test: 0.25?dB SNR, 95% CI: –0.43 to –0.08, p?=?0.004. Second test: 0.29?dB SNR, 95% CI: –0.46 to –0.11; p?=?0.002). Conclusions: The online test shows potential for routine-hearing screening of school-age children, and can be presented on either a desktop computer or smartphone. The test should be evaluated further in order to establish sensitivity and specificity for hearing loss in children.