scholarly journals Acute Stress Induces Cerumen Secretion: Case series of Four Medical Students during Exams

Author(s):  
Rahma Sameh Mohamed ◽  
Mohamed Afify ◽  
Manar Ahmed Kamal

Abstract Background and Objectives: Cerumen is a common physiological condition; it only becomes a problem if it causes a hearing impairment or other ear-related symptoms. There is increasing evidence for a relationship between stress and hearing problems. The study aims to understand the association between acute stress and increasing cerumen secretion among medical students during exams. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective, single-center, and consecutive case series conducted in Benha University Hospitals in Egypt We defined four cases of medical students who complained of earwax accumulation during their final exams from the 15th to the 13th of July 2021. Results: Four medical students participated in the study. Younger Females and males’ percentages were equal, and the mean age was 19.625 years old. Headache, ear discomfort, and ear pruritus are most common, followed by tinnitus, ear debris, and otitis media with effusion, while hearing loss, fever, and ear pain are slightly rare. The bilateral accumulation of earwax is typical than unilateral accumulation. Remowax was used in almost of cases and then ear wash. Males had high perceived stress, while females had moderate stress. Conclusions: This retrospective case series showed an association between acute stress and excessive cerumen secretion among small medical students during their final exams.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahma Mohamed Sameh ◽  
Mohamed Afify ◽  
Manar Ahmed Kamal

Abstract Background and Objectives: Cerumen is a common physiological condition; it only becomes a problem if it causes a hearing impairment or other ear-related symptoms. There is increasing evidence for a relationship between stress and hearing problems. The study aims to understand the association between acute stress and increasing cerumen secretion among medical students during exams. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective, single-center, and consecutive case series conducted in Benha University Hospitals in Egypt We defined four cases of medical students who complained of earwax accumulation during their final exams from the 15th to the 13th of July 2021. Results: Four medical students participated in the study. Younger Females and males’ percentages were equal, and the mean age was 19.625 years old. Headache, ear discomfort, and ear pruritus are most common, followed by tinnitus, ear debris, and otitis media with effusion, while hearing loss, fever, and ear pain are slightly rare. The bilateral accumulation of earwax is typical than unilateral accumulation. Remowax was used in almost of cases and then ear wash. Males had high perceived stress, while females had moderate stress. Conclusions: This retrospective case series showed an association between acute stress and excessive cerumen secretion among small medical students during their final exams.


2010 ◽  
Vol 124 (9) ◽  
pp. 945-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Daudia ◽  
S Yelavich ◽  
P J D Dawes

AbstractObjective:Long-term tympanostomy tubes are associated with a significant rate of complications, particularly persistent perforation. We describe the outcomes of 57 subannular ventilation tube insertions in 45 consecutive patients.Design:Retrospective case series.Subjects:We studied 45 consecutive patients with chronic otitis media with effusion and hearing loss (n = 54 cases), associated with adhesive otitis media (n = 7), tympanic membrane retraction (n = 17) and tympanic membrane perforation (n = 3). The mean follow up was 48 months (range, nine to 95 months).Results:The mean duration of ventilation for tubes still in situ was 22 months (range, one to 76 months; n = 29), and for tubes which extruded or were removed 23 months (range, one to 85 months; n = 28). The mean improvement in air–bone gap was 14 dB (range, −14 to 35 dB). Complications included blockage (16 per cent), perforation after extrusion (9 per cent), granulation (5 per cent) and infection (4 per cent).Conclusion:Subannular ventilation tubes provide an effective option for management of intractable middle-ear effusion and eustachian tube dysfunction.


Joints ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 021-026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cosimo Tudisco ◽  
Salvatore Bisicchia ◽  
Sandro Tormenta ◽  
Amedeo Taglieri ◽  
Ezio Fanucci

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of abnormal radiographic parameters on postoperative pain in a group of patients treated arthroscopically for femoracetabular impingement (FAI). Methods A retrospective study was performed on 23 patients affected by mixed-type FAI and treated arthroscopically. There were 11 males and 12 females with a mean age of 46.5 (range: 28–67) years. Center-edge (CE) and α angles were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and were correlated with persistent pain at follow-up. Results The mean preoperative CE and α angles were 38.6 ± 5.2 and 67.3 ± 7.2 degrees, respectively. At follow-up, in the 17 pain-free patients, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angle were 38.1 ± 5.6 and 32.6 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles at MRI were 66.3 ± 7.9 and 47.9 ± 8.9 degrees, respectively. In six patients with persistent hip pain, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angles were 39.8 ± 3.6 and 35.8 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles were 70.0 ± 3.9 and 58.8 ± 2.6 degrees, respectively. Mean values of all the analyzed radiological parameters, except CE angle in patients with pain, improved significantly after surgery. On comparing patient groups, significantly lower postoperative α angles and lower CE angle were observed in patients without pain. Conclusion In case of persistent pain after arthroscopic treatment of FAI, a new set of imaging studies must be performed because pain may be related to an insufficient correction of preoperative radiographic abnormalities. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.


2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Dignan Mark ◽  
Dignan Mark ◽  
Kitzman Patrick ◽  
S Gutti Subhash ◽  
N Gutti Swathi ◽  
...  

This project used a retrospective case series design to investigate factors associated with stroke in a rural area in Appalachian Kentucky. The south-eastern region of the U.S. is often referred to as the ‘stroke belt,’ and includes the Appalachian region of the state of Kentucky. Data were collected from medical records of patients from a neurology practice and regional hospital with a diagnosis of stroke from March 2012 through November 2015. Data were collected without personal identifiers and included demographic characteristics, stroke type, treatments received, and referrals for additional care including rehabilitation. Data from a total of 84 stroke cases diagnosed between March 2012 and November 2015 were included. Of the 84 cases, 46 (54.8%) were female and all but one was Caucasian. The distribution by race is consistent with the population of the region. The stroke cases ranged in age from 41 to 92 (M=66.3) and the age at stroke diagnosis ranged from 40 to 90 (M=65.7). Fourteen (16.7%) had evidence of a previous stroke at diagnosis. For smokers, the mean age at diagnosis was 62.7 for smokers while for non-smokers it was 67.5. The study reported smoking rates that were nearly three-times the national average, and the smokers in this study were found to have stroke onset approximately five-years earlier than non-smokers. The results from this case series support the need for further investigation on stroke prevalence and factors contributing to continued risk for stroke in Appalachia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-119
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Guimarães Huyer ◽  
Mário Sérgio Paulillo Cillo ◽  
Carlos Daniel Cândido Castro Filho ◽  
Hallan Douglas Bertelli ◽  
Marcelo Morelli Girondo ◽  
...  

Objective: This study used the AOFAS score to assess the clinical functional results of patients who underwent tarsal coalition resection. Methods: This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent tarsal coalition resection to correct rigid flat foot. Clinical and functional assessment was performed with the AOFAS score before and 6 months after surgical treatment. Descriptive analysis was performed for 7 patients (11 operated feet) using measurements of position and dispersion (mean, standard deviation, minimum, median and maximum value) for continuous variables and frequency tables (absolute and relative) for categorical variables. Results: The mean patient age was 10 years, 7 months, and the majority (71.43%) were male. The most affected joint was the calcaneonavicular. The right side was affected in 54.55% of the cases. The most frequent type of coalition was osseous (81.82% of the cases). The mean pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores were 32.7 and 70.2 points, respectively, which was a significant increase. Conclusion: The increased scores after coalition resection was considered the main change between the two assessments. Thus, it can be concluded that in rigid flat feet without severe hind- or forefoot deformities for which conservative treatment failed, bar resection should be the surgical procedure of choice. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun-Yu Chen ◽  
Zhan-Hao Xiao ◽  
Jian-Kun Wang

Abstract Background The partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesion repair remains a topic of debate. We have performed in situ repair of PASTA lesions using a potentially viable threading lasso fixation technique. This retrospective case series aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PASTA lesion repair using threading lasso fixation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to review this technique and its outcomes in terms of pain and upper extremity function. Methods Twenty-five patients with PASTA lesions who were treated with threading lasso fixation were reviewed. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Preoperative and follow-up data were retrospectively collected and reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the surgery. Results There were no postoperative complications. The average follow-up period was 25.7 (22–27) months. At the last follow-up, all patients underwent follow-up magnetic resonance imaging; only two cases showed a partially healed tendon and no case converted to full-thickness tear. Furthermore, shoulder pain decreased and mobility was recovered, with statistically significant differences in all scoring measures. Specifically, the mean visual analog scale score decreased from 5.4 ± 1.2 before surgery to 1.1 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up (t = 14.908, P < 0.01), and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment Form score improved significantly from 51.6 ± 6.4 to 89.3 ± 5.2 (t = 22.859, P < 0.01). Additionally, the mean University of California Los Angeles score improved from 17.8 ± 3.5 preoperatively to 32.3 ± 1.4 (t = 19.233, P < 0.01). Conclusions Arthroscopic repair using threading lasso fixation is a novel transtendinous technique for patients with partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion. Tendon integrity is preserved with this method, which may result in improved function. Overall, threading lasso fixation technique is an effective treatment.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Adly Mohamed ◽  
Marwa Mohamed EL-Begermy ◽  
Ahmed Abdelmoneim Teaima ◽  
Mohamed Ali Abdelghafar

Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between otitis media with effusion (OME) and serum vitamin D level in children. Methods This prospective case control study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals between February 2018 and May 2019. The study population included 50 children with OME confirmed by tympanometry type (B) who will undergo adenotonsillectomy and grommet tube insertion compared to 50 children without OME confirmed by tympanometry type (A) who will undergo adenotonsillectomy. Measurement of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D using electrochemiluminescence technique from a blood sample (3cm) taken from them on the day of surgery. Results In this study, the mean age of the cases was 4.24 ± 0.80 and 5.34 ± 1.19 years for the controls besides 23 (46%) of the OME group were boys and 27 (54%) were girls, compared with 29 (58%) boys and 21 (42%) were girls in the control group. The mean levels of vitamin D in children with OME was 16.24 ± 7.14 ng/mL and in children in the control group was 15.89 ± 5.84 ng/mL (P = 0.815) and it was statistically non significant. Conclusion There was no significant relation between vitamin D serum level and the incidence of OME in children.


2021 ◽  
pp. 239698732110594
Author(s):  
Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro ◽  
Subadra Wanninayake ◽  
Charlotte Dawson ◽  
Adam Gerrard ◽  
Mary Anne Preece ◽  
...  

Background Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an important cause of stroke particularly in younger patients and potentially fatal if diagnosis is delayed. The presentation of symptoms is highly variable and consequently the diagnosis and underlying cause is often delayed or overlooked. Homocystinuria, a rare autosomal recessive disorder is an identified risk factor for CVT. Purpose A timely diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of CVT could result in improved outcome and prevent further events. This case series describes the clinical course of six adults presented with unprovoked CVT, in whom the diagnosis of underlying homocystinuria was delayed with adverse consequences. We aim to highlight the importance of recognising homocystinuria as an underlying cause of CVT and offer a practical approach to the diagnosis and management. Methods This is a retrospective case series of a cohort of 30 consecutive patients seen in a UK tertiary referral centre. Result Six out of 30 patients presented with CVT prior to homocystinuria diagnosis. The mean and range of age at the time of the first CVT episode was 22.6 (range 11–31) years. The mean ±SD age at diagnosis of homocystinuria as the underlying cause was 26 ± 4.2 years. The time between first CVT and diagnosis of homocystinuria ranged from 1.6 to 11 years resulting in a delay to introduction of effective treatment and, in some cases, a further large vessels thrombotic event. Conclusion Physician awareness of homocystinuria as an underlying cause for an unprovoked CVT will facilitate timely introduction of effective treatment to prevent a further event.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072097128
Author(s):  
Kyung Rae Ko ◽  
Jong Sup Shim ◽  
Jiwon Kang ◽  
Jaesung Park

Background: We aimed to report surgical outcomes and analyze prognostic factors of medial toe excision for polysyndactyly of the fifth toe. Methods: We reviewed the details of 139 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for postaxial polydactyly of the foot from 2009 to 2018. Among these, 83 patients (90 feet) with polysyndactyly of the fifth toe, treated by medial toe excision (between the duplicated toes) and reconstruction of the fourth web space using a dorsal rectangular flap, were included. The toe alignment and stability were restored by chondroplasty and soft tissue balancing without an osteotomy. A full-thickness skin graft was performed in 52 feet. The mean age at surgery was 27.1 ± 17.5 months and the mean duration of follow-up was 42.8 ± 24.9 months. Results: At the last follow-up, a relatively small size of the reconstructed toe was observed in 19 feet (19/90, 21.1%). Proximal duplication level (metatarsal or proximal phalanx type) and preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe were related to the small postoperative size. Valgus deformity of the remaining toe was observed in 2 feet (2/90, 2.2%). We observed 17 cases with delayed healing or early postoperative wound infection. Among these, 7 cases (7/90, 7.8%) showed postoperative thickening or advancement of the web, which was not observed in cases without wound problems. No cases had functional disturbance or pain. Conclusion: The overall surgical outcomes were satisfactory without an osteotomy. Patients with a proximal duplication level or preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe should be informed of its possible small size postoperatively. Levels of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1519-1528
Author(s):  
Jonathan Day ◽  
Jaeyoung Kim ◽  
Martin J. O’Malley ◽  
Constantine A. Demetracopoulos ◽  
Jonathan Garfinkel ◽  
...  

Background: The Salto Talaris is a fixed-bearing implant first approved in the US in 2006. While early surgical outcomes have been promising, mid- to long-term survivorship data are limited. The aim of this study was to present the survivorship and causes of failure of the Salto Talaris implant, with functional and radiographic outcomes. Methods: Eighty-seven prospectively followed patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Salto Talaris between 2007 and 2015 at our institution were retrospectively identified. Of these, 82 patients (85 ankles) had a minimum follow-up of 5 (mean, 7.1; range, 5-12) years. The mean age was 63.5 (range, 42-82) years and the mean body mass index was 28.1 (range, 17.9-41.2) kg/m2. Survivorship was determined by incidence of revision, defined as removal/exchange of a metal component. Preoperative, immediate, and minimum 5-year postoperative AP and lateral weightbearing radiographs were reviewed; tibiotalar alignment (TTA) and the medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) were measured to assess coronal talar and tibial alignment, respectively. The sagittal tibial angle (STA) was measured; the talar inclination angle (TIA) was measured to evaluate for radiographic subsidence of the implant, defined as a change in TIA of 5 degrees or more from the immediately to the latest postoperative lateral radiograph. The locations of periprosthetic cysts were documented. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales were compared. Results: Survivorship was 97.6% with 2 revisions. One patient underwent tibial and talar component revision for varus malalignment of the ankle; another underwent talar component revision for aseptic loosening and subsidence. The rate of other reoperations was 21.2% ( n = 18), with the main reoperation being exostectomy with debridement for ankle impingement ( n = 12). At final follow-up, the average TTA improved 4.4 (± 3.8) degrees, the average MDTA improved 3.4 (± 2.6) degrees, and the average STA improved 5.3 (± 4.5) degrees. Periprosthetic cysts were observed in 18 patients, and there was no radiographic subsidence. All FAOS subscales demonstrated significant improvement at final follow-up. Conclusions: We found the Salto Talaris implant to be durable, consistent with previous studies of shorter follow-up lengths. We observed significant improvement in radiographic alignment as well as patient-reported clinical outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


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