RGB measurements as a novel objective diagnostic test for otitis media with effusion

Conclusions: This study revealed a significant correlation between red-green-blue (RGB) values of tympanic membrane (TM) images and the presence of effusion in the middle ear. These results confirm that endoscopic RGB evaluation is a rapid and non-invasive procedure yielding objective results. Objective: To investigate, in cases of otitis media with effusion (OME), the correlation of the TM color changes with the presence and viscosity of the effusion in the middle ear. Methods: Endoscopic images of the TMs of 52 patients (group 1) and 52 healthy controls (group 2) were taken during their otologic examinations. RGB values of particular points were measured on the TM images of both groups. Additionally, in group 1 the viscosity of each effusion taken by paracentesis during surgery was also measured intraoperatively with a viscometer. Patients with viscosity values lower and higher than 450 cP (centipoise) were subdivided into groups 1a and 1b, respectively. Results: Study and control groups were comparable regarding the number of patients and their mean ages (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in RGB values of the TM between groups 1 and 2, but not between groups 1a and 1b.     

Alternative impression technique for a speech-aid prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Prosthetic treatment for speech disorders attributable to surgically acquired soft palate defects are introduced. CASE: A patient who underwent soft palate resection for cancer is presented. The resected portion of the soft palate was confined to the posterior segments. A prosthesis with a speech bulb was adapted to the patient. CONCLUSION: Excellent restoration of speech and improvement of velopharyngeal function was achieved following placement of the special prosthesis.     

Lung re-expansion and urinary lipid peroxidation in neonatal pneumothorax.

AIM: Experiential studies suggest that re-expansion of a collapsed lung may result in pulmonary ischaemia-reperfusion injury. We aimed to evaluate the effect of lung re-expansion on urinary lipid peroxidation products in neonates with pneumothorax. METHODS: This study included 20 mechanically ventilated neonates with pneumothorax, and 18 healthy neonates (controls). A chest tube was inserted immediately following the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Urine samples were obtained just before tube thoracostomy (first period), after one hour (second period), every 12 hours by complete reexpansion (third period). Vital signs and ventilatory parameters were recorded. Urinary lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measurement of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between urinary TBARS concentrations in the first, second and third periods (4.08 +/- 2.4 nmol/L, 2.8 +/- 2.3 nmol/L and 3.3 +/- 2.1 nmol/L, respectively). Control TBARS levels (4.1 +/- 2.1 nmol/L) did not significantly differ from those of the neonates with pneumothorax (p > 0.05). The neonates with pneumothorax had higher heart rates compared to the controls (p < 0.01). When compared with controls, the systolic pressure was lower in all periods (p < 0.01), and diastolic blood pressure was lower only in the first and second period (p < 0.05). Oxygen saturation significantly decreased in the first period compared to saturation of the second period and of controls (p < 0.01). Ventilatory parameters did not show any significant difference between the periods. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study showed that re-expansion of the lung did not significantly affect urinary TBARS concentration in neonatal pneumothorax. Indirectly, short-term lung collapse followed by re-expansion might not cause a clinically significant reperfusion injury in newborns.     

Osseous destruction and rupture of the extensor tendon caused by sarcoidosis of the finger.

We describe a woman with osseous destruction and rupture of the extensor tendon as a result of sarcoidosis in the left third finger with no evidence of systemic involvement. The tendon was repaired and she was successfully treated with prednisone.