Eelam Adil

Blocking c-Jun-N-terminal kinase signaling can prevent hearing loss induced by both electrode insertion trauma and neomycin ototoxicity.

Neomycin ototoxicity and electrode insertion trauma both involve activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) cell death signal cascade. This article discusses mechanisms of cell death on a cell biology level (e.g. necrosis and apoptosis) and proposes the blocking of JNK signaling as a therapeutic approach for preventing the development of a permanent hearing loss that can be initiated by either neomycin ototoxicity or electrode insertion trauma. Blocking of JNK molecules incorporates the use of a peptide inhibitor (i.e. D-JNKI-1), which is specific for all three isoforms of JNK and has been demonstrated to prevent loss of hearing following either electrode insertion trauma or loss of both hearing and hair cells following exposure to an ototoxic level of neomycin. We present previously unpublished results that control for the effect of perfusate washout of aminoglycoside antibiotic by perfusion of the scala tympani with an inactive form of D-JNKI-1 peptide, i.e. JNKI-1(mut) peptide, which was not presented in the original J. Neurosci. article that tested locally delivered D-JNKI-1 peptide against both noise- and neomycin-induced hearing loss (i.e. Wang, J., Van De Water, T.R., Bonny, C., de Ribaupierre, F., Puel, J.L., Zine, A. 2003a. A peptide inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase protects against both aminoglycoside and acoustic trauma-induced auditory hair cell death and hearing loss. J. Neurosci. 23, 8596-8607). D-JNKI-1 is a cell permeable peptide that blocks JNK signaling at the level of the three JNK molecular isoforms, which when blocked prevents the increases in hearing thresholds and the loss of auditory hair cells. This unique therapeutic approach may have clinical application for preventing: (1) hearing loss caused by neomycin ototoxicity; and (2) the progressive component of electrode insertion trauma-induced hearing loss.

Cochlear implant surgery in patients more than seventy-nine years old†

To evaluate the surgical complications, auditory performance, and hearing handicap following cochlear implantation in patients greater than 79 years of age.

What is the full range of medical and surgical treatments available for patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction

Purpose of reviewTo present the current medical and surgical treatment options for Eustachian tube dysfunction. Recent findingsBalloon dilation or microdebrider Eustachian tuboplasty are feasible treatment options for patients with refractory dilatory dysfunction as an alternative to tympanostomy tube placement. There is increasing evidence that repair of patulous Eustachian tubes by the insertion of a shim or fat graft reconstruction within the lumen of the Eustachian tube orifice may be effective. SummaryIn patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction that is refractory to medical management, newer surgical techniques may provide symptomatic relief with a reasonable duration. Continued basic science research into the cause of dysfunction, the mechanisms of benefit from intervention and long-term clinical outcomes are necessary.

The association between laryngeal cleft and tracheoesophageal fistula: Myth or reality?

Laryngeal cleft (LC) associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with or without esophageal atresia (EA) has rarely been described. The purpose of this study is to review our experience, clinical features, management, delay in diagnosis, and complications in children with these anomalies.

Emerging Trends in Tonsillectomy

Objective. To describe the tonsillectomy techniques and management used by practicing otolaryngologists in the United States. Study Design. Anonymous 18-question postal survey of pediatric and general otolaryngologists on their current tonsillectomy practices. Setting. Tertiary academic medical center. Subjects and Methods. Current preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative practices in tonsillectomy were queried with multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Pediatric otolaryngologists and general otolaryngologists were compared. Results. Eighty percent of respondents perform subcapsular (total tonsillectomy) dissection. Most otolaryngologists trained with either monopolar cautery (52%) or cold steel (42%). The Coblator (ArthroCare ENT, Austin, Texas) is the most common single instrument used for tonsillectomy (27.5%), followed by monopolar cautery (26%), but in combination with other instruments, monopolar cautery was still more common (33.5%) than coblation (28.9%). Coblation was more common among private practice and general otolaryngologists. The majority of those surveyed do not use intraoperative local anesthesia, but most do use intraoperative steroids (67%). Compared with generalists, pediatric otolaryngologists were less likely to use coblation, were less likely to use local anesthetic, managed postoperative pain slightly differently, and were more likely to recommend diet ad libitum after surgery. Otolaryngologists were more likely to admit medically compromised patients postoperatively. Conclusions. Coblation is becoming a more commonly used instrument for tonsillectomy. Pediatric otolaryngologists perform more tonsillectomies than do general otolaryngologists and manage their patients differently.

Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy performed for primary hyperparathyroidism

Objective: Parathyroid surgery is often challenging due to considerable variability in anatomy. Minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) is a directed surgical approach that has been made possible by the advent of new imaging techniques, specifically sestamibi scanning. In this study, we review our experience and outcomes with MIRP in one of the largest case series reported in the literature. Study Design: Case series with chart review. Setting: Tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: Subjects were 305 patients who underwent MIRP in our institution between 1997 and 2007. Data including symptoms, preoperative and postoperative calcium levels, and PTH levels were collected. Analyses were performed using Excel AnalysisPak. Results: MIRP in this series had a 100 percent rate of success in removing a hyperfunctional parathyroid gland. The mean preoperative calcium was 10.9 whereas the mean postoperative level was 9.8. There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative calcium levels (both ionized and total) (P < 0.01). Mean preoperative and postoperative serum PTH levels were 138 and 50, respectively. PTH levels were therefore significantly lower postoperatively (P < 0.01). Rapid PTH testing showed a similar pattern. There were no cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Conclusion: MIRP is an effective method for removal of image-localized hyperfunctional parathyroid glands.

Impact of the pediatric tonsillectomy and polysomnography clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the recently published guidelines on Tonsillectomy in Children and Polysomnography for Sleep-Disordered Breathing Prior to Tonsillectomy in Children on physician practice patterns. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHOD Survey of members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. SETTING Academic tertiary referral center. RESULTS A total of 280 physicians completed the survey, with a response rate of 41.7%. 93% of respondents had read the clinical practice guidelines. Many respondents had completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship (46%). A large group of physicians (46%) continue to prescribe antibiotics within 24h after surgery. One-third of respondents stopped prescribing antibiotics because of the guidelines. Discord between severity of symptoms and tonsil size was the most common reason cited for ordering a polysomnogram prior to tonsillectomy (76%). The most common reason cited for admission post-tonsillectomy was age less than 3 (40%). Less than half of physicians prescribe NSAIDs for pain control (43.8%) despite its safety profile, and only 23% reported that the guidelines influenced their use of NSAIDs postoperatively. Most respondents use intra-operative steroids (90%) as recommended. CONCLUSION The guidelines are intended to provide evidence based direction in tonsillectomy practices and improve referral patterns for polysomnography prior to tonsillectomy. The majority of the surveyed otolaryngologists reviewed these guidelines and some have changed their practice secondary to the guidelines. However, many physicians continue to prescribe post-operative antibiotics and do not use NSAIDs.

Congenital nasal obstruction: clinical and radiologic review.

Congenital nasal obstruction can result in neonatal respiratory distress because neonates are obligate nasal breathers. Therefore, all physicians who deal with infants should be familiar with the structural abnormalities, masses, and syndromes that cause nasal obstruction, so that appropriate work-up and treatment can be promptly initiated. This paper reviews the embryology of the nasal passage and then continues with the different causes of nasal obstruction. Special attention is paid to the presentation, physical exam findings, and imaging modality of choice.

Dedifferentiated Epithelial–Myoepithelial Carcinoma Analysis of a Rare Entity Based on a Case Report and Literature Review

Dedifferentiated epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma (DEMC) is very rare salivary gland neoplasm with only anecdotal reports. We present an analysis of DEMC, based on a case and review of literature. Our patient, an 85-year-old woman, presented with a submandibular mass of 5 years duration that was increasing in size over a 5-week period. Histologically, there were areas of typical epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma, with dedifferentiation of both components, manifesting morphologically as salivary duct carcinoma and areas of myoepithelial carcinoma. A review of literature revealed 21 previously reported cases of DEMC. DEMC occurs at an average age of 72 years, most often in the parotid gland (72%) followed by submandibular gland (17%). Dedifferentiation more often involves the epithelial component (13/15 cases) than the myoepithelial component (5/15 cases). Although typical epithelial–myoepithelial carcinomas are fairly indolent (average disease-free survival of 11.34 years), dedifferentiation confers a poor prognosis (survival reported from 1 to 72 months).

To Stent or Not to Stent? A Meta-analysis of Endonasal Congenital Bilateral Choanal Atresia Repair

The use of nasal stents as a postoperative adjunct following repair of choanal atresia remains controversial. The study objective was to systematically review the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of stenting following transnasal endoscopic repair of bilateral choanal atresia.