The association between sonographic enthesitis with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis in psoriatic arthritis patients

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between sonographic enthesitis with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis in PsA patients, and the association between sonographic enthesitis and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Consecutive PsA patients that fulfilled the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) were prospectively recruited. Each patient was evaluated by comprehensive clinical and sonographic assessment (greyscale and Doppler), the latter including 52 joints, 40 tendons and 14 entheses [according to MAdrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI) plus lateral epicondyles] performed by an experienced sonographer blinded to the clinical data. The US enthesitis score was further categorized to inflammatory (hypoechogenicity, thickening, bursitis and Doppler) and structural (enthesophytes/calcifications and erosions) subcategories. Multivariate linear regression models assessed the association between enthesitis and the selected variables.

RESULTS

A total of 158 PsA patients [mean (s.d.) age 52.3 (13) years, 88 (55.7%) females] were analysed. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed a significant association between sonographic enthesitis and sonographic synovitis (β = 0.18, P = 0.008) and between sonographic enthesitis and sonographic tenosynovitis (β = 0.06, P = 0.02). These associations were derived from the enthesitis inflammatory subcategory of the MASEI (P < 0.05). Associations between enthesitis and synovitis were also demonstrated on the level of the elbow, knee and ankle joints (P < 0.05). In addition, sonographic enthesitis was significantly associated with older age, male sex, swollen joint count, CRP level and physical occupation.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographic enthesitis is associated with sonographic synovitis and tenosynovitis. The severity of sonographic enthesitis may represent a marker for inflammatory activity in other musculoskeletal domains.

Sex-Based Differences in Sonographic and Clinical Findings Among Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate sex-based sonographic differences in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

The study population included consecutive prospectively recruited patients with PsA, as determined by the CASPAR (Classification for Psoriatic Arthritis) criteria, who underwent clinical and physical examinations, followed by a detailed ultrasound (US) evaluation (greyscale and Doppler). US evaluation included 52 joints, 40 tendons, and 14 points of entheses (Modified Madrid Sonographic Enthesis Index [MASEI] plus lateral epicondyles) performed by an experienced sonographer blinded to the clinical data. The US score was based on the summation of a semiquantitative score for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and enthesitis. The US enthesitis score was categorized into inflammatory lesions (ie, hypoechogenicity, thickening, bursitis, and Doppler) and structural lesions (ie, enthesophytes/calcifications and erosions).

RESULTS

The study population of 158 patients included 70 males and 88 females. The males had higher rates of employment (P = 0.01), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores (P = 0.04), and mean swollen joint counts (P = 0.04). The total US score and its subcategory scores-the synovitis and tenosynovitis scores-were similar for both sexes, whereas the total enthesitis score and its subcategory score-the inflammatory enthesitis score-were significantly higher for the males compared to the females (P = 0.01 and P = 0.005, respectively). Hypoechogenicity, thickening, and enthesophytes were more prevalent in males compared to females (P < 0.05). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression models showed that male sex was associated with a higher US inflammatory enthesitis score compared to female sex (odds ratio 1.96, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Sonographic enthesitis was more prevalent in males compared to females with PsA. These differences were not reflected by enthesitis disease activity scores derived from clinical assessment.

BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (Comirnaty) Vaccine Effectiveness in Elderly Patients Who Live in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Nationwide Cohort

INTRODUCTION

In early 2020, the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus began to spread around the world and claim victims. Initially, in the Western world, COVID-19-related mortality was due to illness in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). To manage the COVID-19 crisis in LTCFs in Israel, the Ministry of Health established a task force named "Senior Shield." The task force executed a screening program of weekly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) SARS-CoV-2 tests for LTCF residents and caregivers, and at a later stage, the task force led the Ministry of Health vaccination program at LTCFs. This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (Comirnaty) vaccine in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in LTCF residents.

METHODS

We designed a nationwide cohort study utilizing data from the Senior Shield task force. Residents had received the vaccines starting December 2020. The study follow-up period was 5 months (ending May 2021). We defined four outcomes: (a) documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined by a positive PCR test, (b) COVID-19 death, defined by a positive PCR test followed by death, (c) all-cause mortality, defined as death regardless of the result of a PCR test, and (d) a composite endpoint which included documented SARS-CoV-2 infection or death, the earliest of both. We used Kaplan-Meier curves with a log-rank comparison and Cox regression with a time-dependent covariate model to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for vaccine effectiveness (VE). The index date was the date of the first vaccine dose. In unvaccinated residents, the index date was the first date of vaccination in their LTCF.

RESULTS

A total of 43,596 residents with a mean age of 83 years living in 454 LTCFs were found eligible for this study. Ninety-one percent of the study population received the first vaccine dose (39,482) and 86% received the second vaccine dose (37,656). Estimated VE 28 days after the first vaccine dose (approximately 7 days after the second vaccine dose) was 81.2% for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 85.3% for COVID-related death, 63.7% for all-cause mortality, and 71.1% for the composite endpoint (SARS-CoV-2 infection or death).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectively prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-related death, and all-cause mortality in LTCF residents. Further research is warranted on the effect of the third vaccine (booster) in this population.

Sex differences in zonulin in affective disorders and associations with current mood symptoms

INTRODUCTION

The bidirectional connection between the brain and the gut within psychiatric entities has gained increasing scientific attention over the last years. As a regulator of intestinal permeability, zonulin acts as a key player on the interface of this interplay. Like several psychiatric disorders, intestinal permeability was associated with inflammation in previous findings.

METHODS

In this study we explored differences in zonulin serum levels in currently depressed (n = 55) versus currently euthymic (n = 37) individuals with an affective disorder. Further, we explored sex differences and possible influences on zonulin and affective symptoms like medication, age, body mass index, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Serum zonulin was significantly higher in females than in men independent from affective status (z = -2.412, p = .016). More specifically, females in the euthymic subgroup had higher zonulin levels than euthymic men (z = -2.114, p = .035). There was no difference in zonulin serum levels in individuals taking or not taking a specific psychopharmacotherapy. We found no correlation between zonulin serum levels and depression severity.

DISCUSSION

Increased serum zonulin levels as a proxy for increased intestinal permeability in women may indicate a state of elevated susceptibility for depression-inducing stimuli.

Role of ultrasound for assessment of psoriatic arthritis patients with fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether ultrasonography (US), as an objective imaging modality, can optimise the evaluation of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with concomitant fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

METHODS

The study population included 156 consecutive PsA patients who were recruited prospectively and fulfilled the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis criteria. The patients underwent complete clinical evaluation including assessment of fulfilment of the 2016 fibromyalgia classification criteria. All of the patients underwent US evaluation including 52 joints, 40 tendons and 14 entheses. The US score was based on the summation of a semiquantitative score (including synovitis, tenosynovitis and enthesitis). Scoring was performed by a sonographer blinded to the clinical data. Spearman's correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association of FMS with clinical and the US scores.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (26.9%) with coexisting PsA and FMS were compared with 114 (73.1%) PsA patients without FMS. Patients with PsA and FMS had significantly increased scores for clinical composite indices, including non-Minimal Disease Activity, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), Disease Activity for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) (p<0.001). In contrast, the total US score and its subcategories were similar for those with and without FMS. The total US score significantly correlated with CPDAI, DAPSA and PASDAS (p<0.001) in the PsA without FMS but not in the PsA with FMS group. FMS was significantly associated with higher clinical scores (p<0.001) but not with the US score (multivariable linear regression models).

CONCLUSIONS

US has significantly greater value than composite clinical scores in the assessment of disease activity in PsA patients with FMS.

Intravenous Thyroxine Administration in Hospitalized Patients, a Common but Unreported Practice: a Single Institution Recent Experience

Background: Intravenous levothyroxine (IVT4) is FDA-approved for the treatment of myxedema coma (ME). ATA guidelines also acknowledge other rare situations, mostly such where oral/enteral access is compromised for prolonged periods, in which IVT4 may be appropriate. We noticed that at our hospital, IVT4 is administered more frequently than expected. Aim of study: To assess the extent of IVT4 administration, the indications for such a treatment, and its outcome at a tertiary facility. Study design and Methods: A retrospective study of IVT4 administered to adult inpatients at Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center between January 2017 and July 2020. A list of dispensed T4 vials during the period of interest was generated from the hospital pharmacy computerized database. Patients’ charts were searched for relevant clinical and laboratory data. Results: 107 patients (62 W/45 M), age 62.5±17.3 y (range 20-97) received IV T4, in the course of 113 hospitalizations. 94 subjects had primary hypothyroidism (PH), 10 had central hypothyroidism, while 3 subjects had no documented evidence of hypothyroidism. ME was likely in only 4 cases (3.5%). The leading stated indication for IVT4 was profound hypothyroidism in 57 instances (50.4%), jeopardized enteral route in 11 (9.7%), while no clear or justifiable indication was found in 39 cases (34.5%). An official endocrine consult backed treatment 74 times (65.5%). In subjects with PH, median serum TSH prior to treatment was 36.4 mIU/L (IQR 8-42), while free T4 was 0.4 ng/dl (IRQ 0.22-0.61, normal 0.8-1.7). In subjects with no ME, altered consciousness was present in 19%, bradycardia in 6.3% and 4.5% were hypothermic. The median initial dose of IV-T4 was 150 μg (range 20-500). Repeated administrations ranged from 1 to 29 times, with a median cumulative dose of 250 μg (IQR 150-400, range 20-3300). We could not identify adverse events directly attributable to IV-T4. Of the 113 admissions, 61 ended in patient’s recovery and discharge (54%), 22 (19.5%) in transfer to a rehab or nursing facility, while there were 30 cases of death (26.5%). Only one of the 4 patients with presumed ME died. In a logistic regression model, that also included age, gender, and ICU admission, the only variable that significantly predicted death was a need for artificial ventilation (OR:27.8, CI 3.5-189). In contrast, free T4, TSH, hospitalization length, altered consciousness, and other potential variables, were excluded from the equation. Conclusions: IVT4 administration is a common practice at our hospital. In a small minority of cases (13.2%), it is given for approved clinical conditions, while in all the others it appears to be unjustified. Reports on this practice are all but absent from the literature. Studies from other institutions are needed to determine its global extent, safety, and efficacy. Until it is proven safe and cost-effective, greater caution should be exercised before allowing it.

Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and radiography of the finger joints in psoriatic arthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

To report the discrepancies and agreements between ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography of the hand in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of US and radiography to MRI as the gold standard imaging study in PsA.

METHODS

All of the 100 prospectively recruited consecutive PsA patients underwent clinical assessment and concomitant radiographic, US and MRI studies of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of one hand. Synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, extensor paratenonitis, erosions and bone proliferations were identified and scored. All readers were blinded to clinical data, and agreement was calculated based on prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK).

RESULTS

The prevalence of synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, extensor paratenonitis and erosions was similar for US and MRI, while that of bone proliferation was significantly increased in US and radiography compared to MRI (P < 0.001). The absolute agreement between US and MRI was good-to-very good for synovitis (85%-96%, PABAK=0.70-0.92), flexor tenosynovitis (93%-98%, PABAK=0.87-0.96), and extensor paratenonitis (95%-98%, PABAK=0.90-0.97). Agreement between US, MRI and radiography was 96%-98% (PABAK=0.92-0.97) for erosions and 71%-93% (PABAK=0.47-0.87) for bone proliferations. Sensitivity of US with MRI as gold standard was higher for synovitis (0.5-0.86) and extensor paratenonitis (0.63-0.85) than for flexor tenosynovitis (0.1-0.75), while the specificity was high for each pathology (0.89-0.98).

CONCLUSION

There is very good agreement between US and MRI for the detection of inflammatory changes in finger joints in PsA. US, radiography and MRI have a good-to-very good agreement for destructive changes.

Inflammation and cardiovascular disease in familial Mediterranean fever. An analysis of hospital admissions for acute cardiovascular event

OBJECTIVES

Patients, suffering from inflammatory disorders, are at an increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we examine whether in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a model of inflammatory diseases, inflammation also increases the risk to develop cardiovascular (CV) disease.

METHODS

To explore the role of inflammation in the occurrence of CVD in FMF, we identified all FMF patients ≤55 years old with CVD, admitted to our center over a 15-year period. Correlates of inflammation, such as severity of FMF and dose of colchicine, as well as the presence of traditional CV risk factors were compared between the FMF patients with CVD (FMF- CVD) and control FMF patients with- out CVD.

RESULTS

Twenty-three FMF-CVD and 40 control patients were compared. The severity of FMF, and the dose of colchicine, were similar in the 2 study groups; therefore, not associated with CVD. Compared with FMF patients without CVD, the FMF-CVD group comprised a higher proportion of men (78 vs. 40% p=0.005), and of patients with diabetes (31 vs. 7%, p=0.016) and inflammatory comorbidities such as Behçet's disease (30 vs. 7%, p=0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed that only diabetes mellitus and inflammatory comorbidities were independent factors associated with FMF-CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

In FMF patients treated with colchicine, CVD is not associated with FMF-related inflammation.

Normal arterial stiffness in familial Mediterranean fever. Evidence for a possible cardiovascular protective role of colchicine

OBJECTIVES

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder with episodic and persistent inflammation, which is only partially suppressed by continuous colchicine treatment. While chronic inflammation is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor in many inflammatory disorders, its impact in FMF is still disputed. We measured arterial stiffness, a marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, in a group of FMF patients, in order to evaluate the cardiovascular consequences of inflammation in FMF and the role of colchicine in their development.

METHODS

Eighty colchicine treated FMF patients, without known traditional cardiovascular risk factors, were randomly enrolled in the study. Demographic, genetic, clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from patient files and examinations. Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave velocity (PWV). The recorded values of PWV were compared with those of an age and blood pressure adjusted normal population, using internationally endorsed values.

RESULTS

FMF patients displayed normal PWV values, with an even smaller than expected proportion of patients deviating from the 90th percentile of the reference population (5% vs. 10%, p=0.02). The lowest PWV values were recorded in patients receiving the highest dose of colchicine (≥2 mg vs. 0-1 mg, p=0.038), and in patients of North African Jewish origin, whose disease was typically more severe than that of patients of other ethnicities; both observations supporting an ameliorating colchicine effect (p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Though subjected to chronic inflammation, colchicine treated FMF patients have normal PWV. Our findings provide direct evidence for a cardiovascular protective role of colchicine in FMF.

Otorrhagia from the “Aberrant Internal Carotid” Artery in the Middle Ear

Agenesis of the cervical portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may result in blood supply to the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere being provided by an enlarged inferior tympanic branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery. This enlarged vessel, passing through Jacobson's canal and anastomosing with the likewise enlarged caroticotympanic branch of the ICA in front of the promontorium, may simulate a middle ear mass.

We present five patients with this unusual anatomical variant, three of which underwent biopsy of what was believed to be a middle ear tumour.

One patient experienced rupture of an arterial aneurysm in the middle ear successfully treated with endovascular application of detachable platinum coils.

It is mandatory for ENT-surgeons and radiologists who perform head-and-neck examinations to recognize this anatomical variant, not mistaking it for a tumour, since biopsy of a large artery supplying the brain may have disastrous consequences.

In patients with otorrhagia, an arterial aneurysm must be considered as a possible source of bleeding, in some cases amenable for treatment with an endovascular technique.

The diagnosis of “aberrant internal carotid artery” is usually made with CT of the temporal bone or MR of the skull base. Cerebral angiography is in most cases not necessary, unless an endovascular procedure is planned.

Incidence, aetiology and mortality secondary to hypertensive emergencies in a large-scale referral centre in Israel (1991-2010)

Hypertensive emergency (HE) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate blood pressure (BP) reduction. Although it has been on the decline, the incidence of HE has recently increased in a few countries. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence, aetiology and 1-year mortality of HE in a large medical centre over a 20-year period (1991-2010). The electronic medical records of all patient files who were hospitalized in the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel from 1991 to 2010 with a primary diagnosis (at admission or discharge) of Malignant Hypertension, Hypertensive Emergency or Accelerated Hypertension were retrieved and analysed. The study interval was divided into four periods of 5 years each. Among 306 files reviewed, only 142 patients had a true HE. Average age at presentation was 63.3±16.5 years. Men were younger than women (59±16 vs 68±16 years; P<0.001). At presentation, most patients (80.3%) had been diagnosed with essential hypertension previously and were undertreated. Average maximum mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher in men (169±22 mm Hg) than in women (161±17 mm Hg; P=0.026). The rate of HE decreased over the course of the study, from 12.7/100 000 admissions during 1991-1995 to 6.2/100 000 admissions (2006-2010). Similarly, 1-year mortality decreased from 16.7 to 3.6%. The rate of HE has decreased and the prognosis has improved over the last two decades. Appropriate BP control of patients with essential hypertension may further decrease the risk of HE.

Heat intolerance: does gene transcription contribute?

During exertion in the heat, heat-intolerant (HI) subjects have a physiological disability in metabolic heat dissipation. The HI state is either permanent or temporary, depending on whether it stems from transient predisposing factors or inherent thermoregulatory dysfunction. In this investigation, we studied protein levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP72, HSP90, bcl-2xL, glutathione S-transferase-p, heat shock factor-1, TATA-binding protein-associated factor, and NF-κB transcripts using Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively, in lymphocytes of HI and tolerant (T) male volunteers of similar anthropometric features. Measurements were made from blood drawn before, during the heat tolerance test (3.5 mph, 40°C, 40% relative humidity, 2 h), and 1 h after recovery at 24°C. Rectal and skin temperatures, as well as heart rate, were continuously recorded. Of 58 subjects, 7 were identified as HI, with a significantly higher physiological strain index than in the T group (6.3 ± 0.9 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6, P < 0.001). The responsiveness of the vasculature to thermal stimuli was decreased in the HI group, as indicated by rectal temperature minus skin temperature. The HSP72 level in the HI group dropped during the recovery session ( P < 0.01), whereas that of the T group continued to rise. A significantly increased expression of the transcription factors in the T subjects and significantly decreased expression in the HI group ( P < 0.009, 0.013, and 0.005 for heat shock factor-1, NF-κB, and TATA-binding protein-associated factor, respectively) points to impaired transcriptional processes in the HI group. Our data suggest that transcriptional malfunction and sluggishness of the vasculature to thermal stimuli are predisposing factors in the HI group.

Human ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with individual differences in exercise heat tolerance

We hypothesized that there is an association between the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism with the variability in exercise heat tolerance in humans. Fifty-eight Caucasian men were exposed to a 2-h exercise heat-tolerance test. We analyzed the association between their heat-tolerance levels with the ACE DD (n = 25) and I+ (n = 33) genotypes and with various anthropometrical parameters and aerobic fitness. It was found that the relative changes in body core temperature, heat storage, and heart rate during the 120-min exposure to exercise heat stress was consistently lower in the I+ genotype group compared with the DD genotype group (0.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 1 +/- 0.1 degrees C, P < 0.05; 17.7 +/- 1.8 vs. 19.8 +/- 1.3 W/M(2), P < 0.05; and 33 +/- 7 vs. 44 +/- 5 beats/min, respectively, P = 0.06). No significant association was found between heat strain response and the anthropometrical measurements or aerobic fitness in the various genotype groups. We suggest that the ACE I+ polymorphism may be considered as a possible candidate marker for increased heat tolerance.

[Methods for core temperature measurements]

The measurement of core temperature is important for many clinical situations including heat illnesses, hypothermia, infections, sepsis, shock, hemorrhage, and exposure to chemical and biological agents. Currently, oral and rectal temperatures are clinically utilized for such measurements. However, oral measurements are not always possible and accurate whereas rectal measurements are not convenient in the field, are labor intensive, use fragile glassware containing mercury--an environmental contaminant, require sterilization and are not suited for mass casualties. A simple, non-invasive, non-breakable, inexpensive device to measure core temperature, which is not labor intensive, would have great use in the field and in hospitals, as well as provide an important advance in instrumentation for experimental physiology. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the different methods for core temperature measurement. Since the middle of the 18th century, the mercury thermometer has been almost the only instrument for measuring core temperature. Today, more sophisticated methods and instruments are gaining popularity. In addition, new promising converted techniques, which are about to enter the market and increase the available variety of instruments, might improve the situation as far as reliability and convenience of use are concerned. Despite the importance and usage of this variable, the progress in this field has been slower than would have been expected.

Symptoms, findings and treatment in patients with dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal

Recently Minor and co-workers described patients with sound- and pressure-induced vertigo due to dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal. Identifying patients with this 'new' vestibular entity is important, not only because the symptoms are sometimes very incapacitating, but also because they can be treated. We present symptoms and findings in eight such patients, all of whom reported pressure-induced vertigo that increased during periods of upper respiratory infections. Pulse-synchronous tinnitus and gaze instability during head movements were also common complaints. All patients lateralized Weber's test to the symptomatic ear. In some of the patients the audiogram also revealed a small conductive hearing loss. However, the stapedius reflexes were always normal. A vertical/torsional eye movement related to the superior semicircular canal was seen in most of the patients in response to pressure changes and/or sound stimulation. One patient also had superior canal-related positioning nystagmus. Testing vestibular evoked myogenic potentials revealed in all patients a vestibular hypersensitivity to sounds. In the coronal high-resolution 1-mm section CT scans the dehiscence was visible on 1 to 4 sections. Moreover, the skull base was rather thin in this area and cortical bone separating the middle ear and the antrum from the middle cranial fossa was absent in many of the patients. Two of the patients have undergone plugging of the superior semicircular canal using a transmastoid approach and both patients were relieved of the pressure-induced symptoms.

Hearing in patients operated unilaterally for otosclerosis. Self-assessment of hearing and audiometric results

The objective of this study was to examine the outcome of unilateral stapes surgery in one patient group with bilateral hearing loss and one group with unilateral hearing loss. The patients' own estimations of improvement in hearing ability and the occurrence of other ear-related symptoms were examined retrospectively and in a follow-up study. Ninety-five of 123 patients operated for otosclerosis in only one ear between 1987 and 1992 responded to a follow-up examination. Observed audiometric findings and changes thereof, along with the patients' own estimations of their hearing handicap pre- and postoperatively, and the occurrence of other ear-related symptoms were studied. Despite good surgical results (closure of air-bone gap within 20 dB in 94%), 33% of the patients had severe hearing disabilities postoperatively, and many of these patients needed further amplification with a hearing aid. Mild dizziness occurred in 33% of the patients postoperatively and did not decrease over time. Discomfort in the operated ear due to strong sounds was reported in 20%. Change in sound quality occurred in 80% of the operated ears, but tended to disappear over time. From the results of this study it may be concluded that surgery in one ear only, leaving the other ear with poor hearing, is not an optimal hearing rehabilitation of patients with otosclerosis. It is important endevour to achieve bilateral hearing in order to give the patient good social hearing. Postoperative dizziness and unpleasant hearing quality do occur frequently, and the patients need to be informed about these problems preoperatively.

Congenital malformation of the inner ear and recurrent meningitis. A case report

Congenital deformities of the inner ear can be associated with meningitis and varying degrees of hearing loss or deafness. Recurrent periods of meningitis, sometimes lethal, are due to communication between the middle ear cavity and the subarachnoid space. Different types of congenital dysplasia have been classified earlier and we report a 3-year-old girl with unilateral deafness, episodes of meningitis and a malformation of the inner ear and the footplate of the stapes.

Direct puncture of large arteriovenous malformations in head and neck for embolisation and subsequent reconstructive surgery

Five patients with large arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the head and neck, which were too large or inconveniently placed for operation alone, were treated by embolisation after direct puncture; two of them were subsequently operated upon. They all recovered without complications. Embolisation of the nidus and subsequent operation is a good alternative for the treatment of large AVM. Ligating the supplying arteries is not a treatment. If the arterial routes to the nidus have previously been closed by ligatures selective catheterisation is impossible, though direct puncture of the nidus is a possibility. The nidus of the AVM can then be obliterated by embolisation either as a treatment, or as a preoperative procedure.

Hyaluronic acid in middle ear surgery

The efficacy of hyaluronic acid when utilized in tympanoplasty was investigated in a multicenter, randomized, prospective patient blinded study. Of the 117 patients who completed the study, a majority (76) were treated with myringoplasty, 26 with myringoplasty combined with ossiculoplasty, and 15 with ossiculoplasty alone. The patients were evaluated by the operating surgeon up to 3 months following surgery, when the final assessment was made. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 was treated with hyaluronic acid, 1 percent; group 2 with hyaluronic acid, 1.9 percent; and group 3 constituted the control where no hyaluronic acid was used at all. In the two test groups, utilizing hyaluronic acid, no gelatinous sponge was allowed to be left in the middle ear after surgery, whereas the control group was operated according to standard principles. The three groups were compared after the termination of the study as regards quality of healing and their hearing results. It could be concluded that the healing process within the middle ear and the tympanic membrane, as well as the hearing ability, was similar in all three groups. Thus no statistically significant differences could be obtained between the patient groups in which hyaluronic acid had been utilized in any concentration and the control group operated according to standard routine. This finding does not exclude, however, that hyaluronic acid might have a place in tympanoplastic surgery of today, since the long-term results were not evaluated here.

Paragangliomas: neuroendocrine features and cytometric DNA distribution patterns. A clinico-pathological study of 22 cases

Paragangliomas from 22 patients with extraadrenal tumours of this type were studied. Neuroendocrine features were examined using immunohistochemical techniques. Twenty-two antisera raised against neuroendocrine "markers", regulatory peptides, serotonin and intermediate filament proteins were studied in this group and cytometric DNA assessments were made by means of image cytometry. One normal and 5 hyperplastic carotid bodies were used as controls in the DNA cytometric investigations. Clinical and/or histopathological evidence of "malignancy" was present in 5 cases. The tumour cells showed heterogeneity with regard to their expression of different peptides, and the immunohistochemical analyses did not permit differentiation between benign and malignant paragangliomas. An euploid nuclear DNA distribution pattern was found in all controls and in 17 of the tumours; all except 1 were clinico-pathologically benign. An aneuploid DNA pattern was observed in 5 of the cases and some malignant features were present in 4 of these cases. DNA data may give further information apart from that obtained from the histopathological findings which may be of value in predicting the biological behaviour of this tumour type.

The role of prophylactic antibiotics in middle ear surgery. A study on phenoxymethylpenicillin prophylaxis

A randomized prospective double-blind study was performed testing the value of phenoxymethylpenicillin in conjunction with middle ear surgery. The patients were evaluated for clinical signs of infection and with bacteriologic cultures both pre- and postoperatively. No difference in clinical signs of infection was noted between the pre- and postoperative evaluations. A significantly larger number of patients, however, presented with postoperative positive bacteriologic cultures as compared with the preoperative cultures. This increase was particularly evident in the placebo group. The two microorganisms that were found in increased numbers postoperatively were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas strains. The value of prophylactic antibiotic treatment and phenoxymethylpenicillin treatment in particular is discussed.

Ketamine infusion. Its use as a sedative, inotrope and bronchodilator in a critically ill patient

A patient with acute lymphatic leukaemia developed a bilateral fulminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia and required controlled ventilation of the lungs. Marked agitation, hypotension and bronchospasm unresponsive to conventional bronchodilators presented a therapeutic challenge. A continuous intravenous infusion of midazolam failed to provide adequate sedation. A continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine resulted in better sedation, an increase in arterial pressure and a diminution of bronchospasm. The clinical improvement was maintained for the 5 days during which ketamine was infused. Plasma concentrations of ketamine and its metabolites are reported.

Failure of critically ill patients to metabolise midazolam

The pharmacokinetics of midazolam and its metabolite, 1-OH midazolam, were studied in six critically ill patients during and after a continuous intravenous infusion of midazolam. Four patients had an increased elimination half-life of midazolam; two were associated with a reduction in plasma clearance with low plasma concentrations of the metabolite, and two with normal metabolite levels and increased volume of distribution. The two patients with reduced clearance suffered from septic shock and were studied over a longer period. Their altered clearance was due to a reduced capability to form the 1-OH metabolite. As their condition improved, plasma concentrations of 1-OH midazolam increased and midazolam clearance returned towards normal. The impaired ability of critically ill patients with septic shock to metabolise midazolam, may be due to reduced organ perfusion and may lead to cumulation of midazolam in these patients.

The mineral content of the middle ear ossicles. A radiologic and chemical study on normal and diseased ossicles

The underlying mechanism responsible for bone resorption in chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma is not sufficiently well documented. Certain areas in the middle ear are affected more often than others. The most frequent site of bony erosion in the ossicular chain is the long process of the incus. The mineral content of the ossicular chain was investigated with a clinical radiologic technique (polytomography). The findings were correlated with chemical measurements of the mineral content in normal and diseased ossicles. A poor correlation between the radiologic findings and the chemical assessment was found. The mineral content of ossicles obtained from ears with chronic otitis was similar to that of specimens obtained from healthy middle ears. The findings indicate that the demineralization process seems to be localized to a narrow zone of the ossicle and that this zone cannot be adequately visualized by standard radiologic techniques.

A clinical comparison of the results of two different methods of closing tympanic membrane perforations

A series of myringoplasties is presented and those cases that did not heal perfect are discussed. In order to evaluate whether some changes in the technique could further improve the results, another series incorporating these changes was operated after and the results are presented. Differences in healing and post-operative hearing between the two groups of patients are evaluated.

Cholesteatoma. A clinical and morphological analysis

A total of 33 consecutively operated aural cholesteatomas were analysed with regard to preoperative findings and correlated with the morphology of the cholesteatoma tissue. Patients were found in all age groups, 9/33 of the patients were operated at an age below 15 years. A persistent ear discharge had occurred in all patients but in 9 cases the patient history was of less than one year. Impaired hearing was found in 29/33. A demineralization of ossicles was observed at X-ray also in cases in which the ossicular chain appeared normal at operation. In only 5/33 cases was there a retraction of the tympanic membrane without a perforation. The morphological features were the same in both very rapidly and very slowly growing cholesteatomas.

Healing and hearing in uncomplicated myringoplasty

In closing an uncomplicated central drum defect the technique known as an 'underlay' is widely used. This method has certain advantages and yields good results as far as both healing and hearing are concerned. In an attempt further to improve results the authors give an account of a series of myringoplasties and specifically discuss the unsuccessful cases. By a slight alteration in the operative technique used in the series presented, the authors believe that some failures can be avoided.