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Biomedical subjects

H Iro

Publications and source records attributed to H Iro.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Eicosanoid metabolism in peripheral blood cells in patients with cystic fibrosis].

BACKGROUND: The autosomal recessive inherited cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder in white patients. Disturbances in the eicosanoid metabolism seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The present study shows examinations on the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and peptide leukotrienes (pLT) in peripheral blood cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this respect heparinised blood samples of 10 cc were obtained from 25 patients with cystic fibrosis. The peripheral blood cells were separated from the remaining blood components. PGE2 and pLT were measured by a particularly developed sensitive enzyme immunoassay with specific monoclonal antibodies. Both the basal release of the metabolites and the concentrations after stimulation with arachidonic acid (AA) were explored. The control group consisted of 25 healthy individuals. RESULTS: A distinct elevation in the basal release of pLT compared to the control group was noticed. Further stimulation with AA could only be achieved to a remarkably smaller extent. In contrast to these findings no elevation of the basal release of PGE2 and no stimulative effect of AA could be detected. In general we observed a distinct shift in the eicosanoid metabolism in favour of pLT and their proinflammatory effects. CONCLUSIONS: The increased synthesis of pLT in patients with cystic fibrosis seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Future studies will have to proof, if we can achieve any improvement in the clinical courses in patients with cystic fibrosis using leukotriene receptor antagonists or 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Adolescent↗

[Acinic cell carcinomas of the parotid gland. A retrospective analysis].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare malignant tumor, which is generally regarded as low grade. However, rapidly fatal courses do occur. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acinic cell carcinoma were studied retrospectively who had undergone treatment between 1968 and 1997 at the University Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital in Homburg (Saar), Germany and between 1994 and 1997 at the Marienhospital ENT Hospital in Stuttgart, Germany. RESULTS: The distribution of the T category (UICC 1997) was as follows: T1 n = 8, T2 n = 7, T3 n = 1, and T4 n = 2). Treatment was exclusively surgical in 14 cases and a combination of surgery and postoperative radiotherapy in 4 cases. The recurrence rate according to Kaplan-Meier was 6% after 3 years and 19% after 5, 10, and 15 years. The survival rate was 87% after 3 years and 73% after 5, 10, and 15 years. None of the 12 patients with low-grade tumors according to Batsakis et al. (1979) died from the tumor, whereas survival at 5 years was only 33% for 6 high-grade tumors (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend complete surgical removal of the tumor, in general by total parotidectomy. Postoperative radiotherapy may be useful in advanced high-grade tumors.

Adolescent↗

[Rare audiometry findings in progressive, monosymptomatic low frequency deafness].

BACKGROUND: Objective audiometric methods such as the measurement of otoacoustic emissions and auditory evoked potentials (click evoked and notched-noise auditory evoked brainstem potentials, auditory evoked cortical potentials) can provide helpful information. However, information derived from the individual test is limited and each method contains specific restrictions. To illustrate the possible audiometric pitfalls this work presents a case history. CASE REPORT: The puretone audiometry showed a severe hearing loss at low frequencies up to 2 kHz, a slight hearing loss for higher frequencies up to 6 kHz and almost normal hearing thresholds above 6 kHz. Transitory evoked otoacoustic emissions could not be detected. While the auditory evoked brainstem responses (ABR) using click-stimuli showed a normal pattern no reproducible responses could be derived using the notched-noise technique. Auditory evoked cortical potentials exhibited a normal N1/P2-complex and were detectable down to stimulus levels 0-20 dB above the individual hearing threshold. DISCUSSION: Click-evoked auditory evoked brainstem potentials are widely regarded as the "gold-standard" of objective audiometry. The example presented in this work shows that in special cases it may provide false negative results. In these special cases auditory tone-evoked cortical potentials may provide better objective information. When objectively assessing the determination of the hearing threshold it may be necessary not only to use all electrophysiological measurements but also to know their methodical restrictions and pitfalls.

Adult↗

A new device for frontal sinus endoscopy: first clinical report.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopically or microscopically controlled paranasal sinus surgery currently represents the state of the art. For anatomic reasons the ostium of the frontal sinus and the frontal sinus itself are difficult to observe. Flexible endoscopes are often difficult to implement and do not provide enough light intensity to visualize all parts of the frontal sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A specially curved rigid endoscope with a working channel of 1.5 mm that allows passage into the frontal sinus has been developed to manage this problem. The system was used on 15 patients during paranasal sinus surgery to evaluate possible indications and its clinical usefulness. RESULTS: The endoscope could be introduced into the frontal sinus after an ethmoidectomy had been performed in all of the patients. The anatomy of the sinus could be visualized with sufficient light intensity in 14 patients. The shadowing of the frontal sinus seen in CT was not due to polyps of the mucosa of the frontal sinus in all cases, but rather due to secretion with otherwise normal mucosa. In the cases with polyps, it was necessary to irrigate with saline solution to prevent the buoyant polyps from collapsing over the endoscope. The following specific indications for this endoscopic version were established during this first test: intraoperative and postoperative control of the frontal sinus, clinical evaluation of tumor growth into the frontal sinus, biopsies within the frontal sinus, and evaluation of fractures. CONCLUSION: The new device provides further insight within the field.

Adult↗

Morphological changes of denervated and reinnervated rat facial muscle.

In 25 rats the facial nerve was resected on the right side and in another group of 30 rats the right facial nerve was transected and immediately repaired with an end-to-end anastomosis. Both groups were subdivided into groups of five rats. Size and histochemical profile of single muscle fibres were analysed by computer-assisted quantification on the basis of their myofibrillar ATPase (pH 4.3) and succinate dehydrogenase activities in serial cross-sections of the levator labii muscle at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 90 days after nerve resection and 7, 14, 21, 28 and 180 days after immediate anastomosis. Seven muscles of four normal rats were used as a control group. Four muscle fibre types could thus be functionally identified: (a) slow oxidative (SO); (b) fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG); (c) fast glycolytic (FG); and (d) succinate dehydrogenase intermediate (SDH-Int). The cross-section of the FOG fibres showed no changes following permanent denervation. while in comparison there was a significant reduction in the cross-section of FG and SDH-Int fibres. After immediate anastomosis no reduction in the cross-section of the FOG fibres was observed. In contrast the cross-section of FG and SDH-Int fibres showed a significant decrease following direct anastomosis and returned to normal levels at 90 days. Neither resection nor end-to-end anastomosis led to significant alterations in the incidence of FOG and FG muscle fibres over the period of evaluation. Changes in fibre size were transient and completely reversible 180 days after nerve repair, whereas fibre type composition was not. These findings may reflect a long-lasting impairment of the precise function of the levator labii muscle after immediate anastomosis.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Loudness perception and late auditory evoked potentials in adult cochlear implant users.

In clinical routine the adjustment of speech processors in cochlear implant users is based on the patients' subjective statements about the loudness of specific electrical stimuli. From hearing patients it is known that the latencies and amplitudes of late auditory evoked potentials (LAEP) which are generated within the auditory cortex correlate with the loudness perception of acoustical stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between LAEP and loudness perception in adult cochlear implant users. We investigated 8 adult subjects who had been provided with a 22 electrode Cochlear Implant (nucleus CI24M) at least 6 months prior to the investigation. All subjects showed open speech understanding. Electrical pulse trains of 300 ms duration presented at a single electrode served as stimuli. Electrically LAEP morphologies were similar to normal hearing subjects. In all subjects and each intracochlear electrode position LAEP were well identifiable down to low loudness sensations. Both amplitudes and latencies depended on the loudness perception. The best correlation was observed for the N1 deflection. The results show that LAEP can be used for estimation of both hearing thresholds and most comfortable levels.

Adult↗

DNA amplification on chromosome 7q in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck exhibit a highly variable picture of chromosomal aberrations. In the present study the clearly defined anatomical region of the tongue was analyzed for potentially specific patterns of chromosomal alterations. Fresh tumor samples from 18 patients afflicted by squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue constituted the clinical basis of the present investigation. The tumor samples were analyzed on the basis of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), a molecular cytogenetic FISH-approach. Gains in DNA copy numbers were detected as the predominant imbalance on chromosomes 7q (9/18), 3q (48/18), 16p (7/18) and 20q (7/18). The regions of minimal overlap on these chromosomes were mapped to 7q11.2q11.3 and 3q26. A conspicuous finding was the frequent detection of amplifications in the 7q11 region. Gains in the 7q region have been rarely reported in CGH studies of tumors derived from different regions of the head and neck. Amplifications on 7q could thus be specifically linked with the tongue region and could correlate with specific clinical factors of this tumor entity.

Adult↗

Therapy of invasive mucoceles of the frontal sinus.

Mucoceles of the frontal sinus that extend into the orbits and the anterior cranial fossa can, in certain cases, be difficult to manage therapeutically and may lead to lethal complications. The surgeon will have to make a decision between an endonasal and an extranasal, transfacial procedure to provide an adequate access. Between 1995 and 1998 we treated 12 patients suffering from invasive mucoceles of the frontal sinus. The mucocele was localized medially in 7 cases and in the lateral part of the frontal sinus in 5 cases. Five of the patients exhibited destruction of the orbital roof and in 7 cases combined destruction of the orbital roof and the floor of the frontal sinus were noted. The posterior wall of the frontal sinus was destructed in 6 patients, with one patient additionally showing partial destruction of the anterior frontal sinus wall. The causes of mucocele formation were previous frontal sinus operations (n = 8) and frontal sinus fractures (n = 3). In one case the cause remained unknown. In 7 cases with a medially localized mucocele the mucocele was marsupialized using an endonasal access. The mucoceles with a lateral localization were osteoplastically operated via an external access. Here we performed median drainage in 3 cases and, in one case each, obliteration and cranialization of the frontal sinus. The follow-up period was 2.8 years on average. All patients were free of complaints immediately after the operation. Mucocele recurrence or other complications did not arise. The cosmetic results were satisfactory in all cases.

Adult↗

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: Ki-67 and p53 can identify patients at high risk for local recurrence after surgery and postoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic value of biologic (p53, Ki-67) and clinical factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx after radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1985 and 1995, a total of 102 patients with 104 tumor sites were entered onto the study. Fifty-five primary tumors (53%) involved the tonsils, 26 (25%) the soft palate, and 23 (22%) the base of the tongue. Median age was 53 years (range 36-80 years). The clinical T- and N-categories (UICC 1997) were: T1 (30), T2 (47), T3 (22), T4 (5), N0 (33), N1 (28), N2 (42), and N3 (1). Histologically-clear margins were achieved in all patients by initial surgery. Postoperative RT to the primary and regional lymphatics was given, to a total of 60 Gy in 6 weeks, and single daily fractions of 2 Gy. The expression of the nuclear p53- and Ki-67-labeling index (LI) was investigated by immunostaining using the monoclonal antibodies DO-7 and MIB 1. The nuclear p53-intensity (p53-I) was graded into 4 categories (0/+/++/) by densitometry. Median follow-up was 43 months (range 14-132 months). RESULTS: Cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional tumor control rates were 74%, 69%, and 75%, respectively, at 5 years. Significant prognostic factors for disease-free survival were: T-category (T1/2: 77% vs. T3/4: 53%, p = 0.02), tumor site (tonsils: 79% vs. soft palate: 70% vs. base of tongue: 45%, p = 0.05), duration of RT (< or = 46 days: 80% vs. > 46 days: 60%, p = 0.04), Ki-67 LI (< or = 20%: 84% vs. > 20%: 49%, p = 0.006) and p53-I (0/+: 56% vs. ++/ : 79%, p = 0.008). A significant prognostic impact on locoregional control was noted for the duration of RT (< or = 46 days: 86% vs. > 46 days: 68%, p = 0.01), tumor site (tonsils: 88% vs. soft palate: 67% vs. base of tongue: 51%, p = 0.02), Ki-67 LI (< or = 20% LI: 87% vs. > 20% LI: 56%, p = 0.018), and the p53-I (0/+: 58% vs. ++/ : 88%, p = 0.0006). On multivariate analysis, the p53 nuclear intensity (p = 0.002) and the Ki-67 index (p = 0.01) remained the only significant factors for locoregional control. CONCLUSION: Ki-67 labeling index above 20% and a weak p53 nuclear intensity (0/+) are both able to identify patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx being at high risk for local recurrence after surgery and postoperative RT. Consequently, in this subgroup an intensification of treatment may be contemplated in prospective trials.

Adult↗

[Identification of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma using Epstein-Barr virus diagnosis].

We report the case of a 36-year-old women who was found to have a malignant tumor extending from the side of her right nasal cavity to the nasopharynx. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were not able to define the primary site of the tumor. Histologic evaluation demonstrated an undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the different treatment concepts for carcinomas of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, we tried to identify the primary site by diagnosing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which is associated with carcinoma of the nasopharynx. By using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction EBV could be identified in the cells of the carcinoma. This showed that the primary site of the tumor was located in the nasopharynx and resulted in the patient being treated with simultaneous radiochemotherapy.

Adult↗

[Functional and esthetically oriented reconstruction of lip defects].

Reconstruction of lip defects presents a challenge to the surgeon. Apart from attaining a good aesthetic result, preserving the function of the oral sphincter is an essential objective. A variety of techniques and modifications of procedures for reconstructing lip defects have been reported in the literature. It is up to the surgeon to select the reconstruction procedure ensuring optimum functional and cosmetic results, depending on the location, size, and depth of the defect. The division of the lips into aesthetic subunits can prove very beneficial in designing lip reconstruction procedures. The upper lip is divided into three aesthetic subunits: two lateral subunits and a median subunit, the philtrum. The lower lip constitutes a single subunit. In this study, established reconstruction techniques are discussed and a concept serving to facilitate the appropriate choice of technique is introduced. This concept differentiates between vermilion defects on the one hand, and partial-thickness and full-thickness lip defects on the other hand. For the lower lip, the full-thickness defects are classified as defects involving one-third, one-third to two-thirds of the lower lip width, and between two-thirds and complete loss of lip tissue. For the upper lip, a distinction is made between isolated defects of the central and lateral subunits and combined defects of the central and lateral subunits. Important principles of surgery and the advantages or disadvantages of different reconstruction techniques are discussed.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗

[Fechtner syndrome. A rare differential Alport syndrome diagnosis].

In this article, we report on a family in which five examined members showed clinical signs of Fechtner syndrome, a condition which consists of hearing loss (49%), macro-thrombocytopenia (100%), leukocyte inclusion bodies (100%), eye anomalies (54.3%), and nephritis (38.7%). Hearing loss in Fechtner syndrome appears to be sensorineural with the higher frequencies primarily affected. One aim of the present report was to work out the clinical appearance of hearing loss compared to hearing loss in Alport's syndrome. The most striking difference between hearing loss in Fechtner syndrome and that in Alport's syndrome was that the vast majority of hearing disorders in the latter occur in male patients, which is not the case in Fechtner syndrome. Hearing loss in Fechtner syndrome develops from the second decade of life and progresses slowly with several episodes of sudden deafness.

Adolescent↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of pseudotumors of the orbits].

Orbital pseudotumor is a nonspecific inflammatory process of unknown etiology that can be divided histopathologically into three basic types: granulomatous, lymphoid, and sclerosing. Between 1995 and 1998, 12 patients with pseudotumor orbitae were treated in the ENT Department of the University of Saarland. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous type of pseudotumor in six, lymphoid in three, and sclerosing in three patients. In seven cases the pseudotumor orbitae were medially located and in four cases laterally. In one patient nearly all orbital structures were infiltrated. Diagnostic biopsy was taken endonasally in six cases, via medical orbitotomy in two cases, and via lateral orbitotomy in four cases. Due to their good delimitation lymphoid and sclerosing tumors were extracted completely during diagnostic biopsy and patients were free of complaints after a few weeks. The six patients with granulomatous pseudotumor were treated primarily with steroids after the diagnosis had been definitely confirmed by histology. In three of those six cases a second course of steroid therapy had to be given, with positive results in two cases. Follow-up was between 6 and 28 months (mean 16 months). There were no postoperative complications. The clinical and radiographic presentation of the pseudotumors can vary greatly. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of specific infections or neoplasms can only be established through diagnostic biopsy. Different rhinosurgical approaches provide clear biopsy results and in some cases the pseudotumor is even completely removed.

Adult↗

[Morphological and functional changes in nasal mucosa after nCPAP therapy].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment success of nCPAP therapy (nasal continuous positive airway pressure) depends partly on the relief of symptoms and partly on long-term patient acceptance and the related avoidance of complications. Nasal complaints constitute the most frequently reported side effects and, together with problems of mask application, are among the primary factors causing an nCPAP-therapy to be prematurely discontinued. PATIENTS/METHODS: To assess the morphological changes of the nasal mucosa during nCPAP-therapy, we excised specimens of nasal mucosa tissue in twelve patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) both before and 3-10 months after establishing nCPAP-mask acceptance. The specimens were examined by electron microscopy. RESULTS: In all these patients, acceptance of the CPAP mask marked the initial part of therapy. In addition, mucociliary clearance was assessed by the saccharin test before and after therapy. In all patients, the nasal epithelium underwent fundamental changes upon CPAP therapy, which became manifest as modifications in the shape of epithelial cells, conglutination and clumping of the microvilli, and the appearance of immunocompetent cells. Once patients were nCPAP mask compliant, mucociliary clearance was distinctly prolonged in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: A successful therapeutic concept should provide normalization of room temperature and air humidity once nCPAP mask compliance has been achieved, and include regular assessment of the condition of the mucosa in the upper respiratory tract. Only by these measures can nasal complications be countered or therapy be applied at an early stage.

Aged↗

[Pharyngolaryngoscopic findings in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and primary snoring].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The localization of an upper airway collapse in snorers and patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea was a subject frequently discussed in the last few years. Pharyngolaryngoscopy during sleep or drug-induced sleep allows evaluation of upper airway conditions. PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 324 patients suffering from snoring or obstructive sleep apnea underwent flexible pharyngolaryngoscopy while awake and under propofol-induced sedation in the course of routine diagnostic procedures in the sleeping lab. In this study, the results of pharyngolaryngoscopy are compared to results of the Müller maneuver and polysomnographic recordings. The therapeutic consequences of this additional investigation are discussed. RESULTS: In 95% of cases snoring was observed during drug-induced sleep. A significant discrepancy was seen between results of the endoscopy while being awake (Müller maneuver) and during drug-induced sleep. The degree of collapse differed significantly in the area of the base of the tongue. Severe collapse was seen much more often with pharyngoscopy during drug-induced sleep compared to the results during the Müller maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: The collapsibility in the area of the base of the tongue correlated with higher results in the RDI (respiratory disturbance index) registered with standard polysomnography. Snoring and upper airway collapse were easily surveyed, and the pharyngolaryngoscopy during propofol-induced sleep proved to be a simple, safe, readily controllable and effective supplementary diagnostic device for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

Adolescent↗