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J Marco Algarra

Publications and source records attributed to J Marco Algarra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Cormobidity of sensorineural hearing loss and other autoimmune diseases. Usefulness of laboratory tests].

OBJECTIVES: To value if the sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) in several autoimmune diseases (AD) is also secondary to immunomediation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 342 cases with SHL and any AD and 301 normoacoustic controls with AD a non-specific immunologic battery of tests and a Western-blot (WB) for anticochlear autoantibodies were developed, and cases with SHL were treated with deflazacort. RESULTS: Alterations in non-specific battery were similar between cases and controls. But a 12,5% of cases with SHL and a 1,6% of normoacoustic showed a positive WB (p<0,001). Steroid therapy improved hearing in 14,3% of cases. In them, sensitivity and specificity of non-specific battery were 78,4% and 75,5%, respectively, to predict response to therapy. These were 98,9% and 81,6% for WB. CONCLUSIONS: The SHL in cases with AD can be considered immunomediated in a discrete average, but the diagnostic efficiency of WB to predict an improvement after steroid therapy is high.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Blood viscosity profile in rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss with positive Western-blot].

OBJECTIVE: To value a possible association between disorders in blood viscosity of patients with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss (RPSHL) of autoimmune origin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the viscoelastic properties of blood in 43 subjects bearing of RPSHL and a positive Western-blot for anticochlear antibodies: whole blood viscosity (WBV) at different shear rates and erythrocyte filterability (EF). These results were related to hearing loss initially detected and recovery average one year later from steroid therapy. RESULTS: Just WBV at 230 sec(-1) shear rate was significatively higher in cases than in controls (p < 0.01). Hearing recovery degree correlated in an statistically way to increased values of EF (p < 0.01). There was no relation between initial hearing loss level and any rheology parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune RPSHL does not show a pathophysiology mechanism associated to blood hyperviscosity. So, rheoactive therapies as plasmapheresis warrant no clinical improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Changes on blood filterability in patients with fluctuant hearing loss].

We developed a two year follow-up in thirteen subjects bearing of fluctuant sensorineural hearing loss measuring their blood filterability (BF) and making a correlation to appearance of deafness episodes. We could observe a decrease on BF in all patients when they felt a hearing loss. When they recovered the hearing level, BF increased too. The use of reoactive techniques to avoid these decreases on BF in fluctuant deafness could potentially prevent or improve them.

Audiometry, Pure-Tone↗
PubMed2006

[Correlation between the contralateral supressor effect and the auditory fatigue using transitory acoustic otoemissions].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is the identification of susceptible individuals to develop noise induced hearing loss. For it we use the capacity of the transitory otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) for the identification of functional alterations at different levels from the auditory system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 67 normal hearing subjects have been studied, we have recorded TEOAE in one ear in three different conditions: in normal conditions (SIN register), simultaneously to the stimulation of the contralateral cochlea (EAC register), and after stimulation we can observe (EAI register). We compare the amplitude of the TEOAE with the SIN and EAC registers to quantity the contralateral suppresor effect, and the SIN and EAI, register to study the auditory fatigue. RESULTS: We can observe a reduction in the amplitude of the TEOAE obtained by acoustic stimulation of the ipsilateral ear (0.954 dB SPL), or after the ipsilateral acoustic stimulation (0.75 dB SPL), being able to see an inverse correlation between both values. CONCLUSIONS: The study of the TEOAE obtained in different conditions of acoustic stimulation, ipsilateral or contralateral, and the inverse correlation obtained between the magnitude of the auditory fatigue and the contralateral suppresor effect, provides arguments for the identification of individuals susceptible of developing noise induced hearing loss.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Immunomediation or hyperviscosity in rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. A therapeutic approach].

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the therapeutic response and the rheologic and immunological characteristics in subjects bearing of rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss (RPSHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comparative prospective study on three groups of damaged ears treated with piracetam (n=29), corticosteroids (n=32) and plabcebo (n=25). Hearing loss and recovery level, whole blood filterability (WBF) and a Western-blot (WB) to anticochlear antibodies were evaluated. RESULTS: Recovery average was 20,8 +/- 55,9% in the first group, with progressive of deafness in the rest (p<0,01). WB did not show differences among groups. The higher WBF at the end of therapy was detected on group 1 (20,36 +/- 2,54 Vs 18,42 +/- 3,42 microl/seg on group 3; p<0,05). Moreover, it impaired only on those treated with piracetam, with statistically significative differences over the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We detected alterations on WBF in patients with RPSHL that justify the use of rheoactive measures as a pathophysiological therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2006

[Petrous bone fracture. Our experience: 1999-2004].

OBJECTIVE: To review the petrous bone fractures during the last five years (1999-2004) in our hospital, its manage, control, and analysis onf the associated factors. To analyse the managing protocoles and current bibliography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We review 266 temporal bone fractures, 74 with petrous bone association. We analyse these fractures by sex distribution, injurie severity, otorhinolaryngological clinical findings, production mechanism and radiological findings. The cases are discussed and compared with current bibliography. CONCLUSIONS: Petrous bone fractures must be always suspected in patients with head trauma, specially if it associates severity and otorrhagia. It is necessary a deep colaboration between neurosurgeons, radiologists and otorhinolaryngologists to obtain a good management, control and follow up of the patients.

Female↗
PubMed2006

[Management of peritonsillar infections].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics in children with peritonsillar infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective study was performed through a review of the clinical histories of patients attending the emergency unit in the previous 6 years. The variables gathered were age, sex, recurrent tonsillitis, previous upper airway infection, antibiotic administration, and therapeutic approach. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children were admitted, with a mean age of 7.4 +/- 1.6 years (boys 1.6:1). Twenty-seven percent had recurrent tonsillitis. At the visit, 57.8 % had an upper respiratory infection and 65 % were taking antibiotic treatment, especially macrolides. The treatment selected at our center consisted of the association of penicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate acid with clindamycin, including corticosteroids. Ten children underwent computed tomography and nine underwent fine-needle aspiration. Drainage was performed in 20.6 % of confirmed abscesses. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.6 +/- 1.6 days. Delayed tonsillectomy was performed in 31 %, except in one patient who developed a parapharyngeal abscess. Currently, 18.9 % of all peritonsillar infections occur in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in these infections is probably related to inappropriate use of antibiotics in respiratory diseases. Diagnosis is clinical, and infections are often resolved by intravenous administration of beta-lactams with clindamycin and an expectant attitude. When an abscess is suspected or there is no clinical improvement, fine-needle aspiration or computed tomography is warranted and drainage should be performed if an abscess is confirmed. Tonsillectomy, usually delayed, is only indicated in patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

[Hearing loss associated to ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To value the eventual immunomediation in sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) on patients bearing of ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a group of forty-nine cases with a mean age of 41.6+/-9.3 years old we studied the hearing loss level, the disease activity index, the peripheral blood inflammation markers and the anticochlear antibodies by mean of Western-blot technique (WB). RESULTS: The 26.5% knew about their deafness, although SHL was detected in 59.1% of cases. The mean age of onset was 40.3+/-9.8 years. 48.9% showed a positive WB, always in 68-70 kDa molecular weight blots. Moreover, patients with positive WB showed more severe deafness, higher disease activity and more altered parameters, especially erythrosedimentation rate. CONCLUSIONS: Audiologic and peripheral blood findings observed allow us to establish a reasonable suspicion of an autoimmune or immunomediated pathway of hearing loss on UC.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Hearing level and intensive use of mobile phones].

INTRODUCTION: Wide studies and substantial controversies build on utilization of actual mobile phones and appearance of systemic disorders or even tumours, but there is no knowledge about an eventual involvement on early hearing loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a group of three hundred and twenty-three healthy and normoacoustic volunteers who were usual costumers of mobile phones an audiometric evaluation was made at the beginnig of its use and three years later, inquiring about the periods of time per day and year employed on direct contacts with phone. A healthy and normoacoustic control group of non users was studied too. RESULTS: Cases carried out 24.3 +/- 8.2 active contacts, reaching 50.4 +/- 27.8 days of mobile phone employment in three years. Audiometric curve was similar in cases and controls at the beginning of the study. After this follow-up, cases showed an increase on hearing threshold between 1 and 5 dB HL more than controls in speech tones (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a trend to correlate time of phone use to hearing impairment, but this finding did not result statistically significative. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent management of mobile phones in a middle period of time allows to detect a mild hearing loss, but the cause of this disorder keeps unclear.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Near-total laryngectomy. Experience, complications and acoustic analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oncological efficiency, voice and complications of Pearson's near-total laryngectomy for advanced laryngeal cancers (T3, T4). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 23 cases of near-total laryngectomy (carried out in our Hospital in the last nine years) was undertaken. RESULTS: None of the cases developed laryngeal mucosal recurrences. The overall three and five years disease free survival were 91,3% and 86,9%. Mean phonation time was 51 days. A statistically significant results were observed in our voice analysis (words/minute, taking as a reference healthy people (Medivoz). The pharyngeal fistula was the most frequent complication (60,86%). CONCLUSIONS: The local control of cancer was similar to that expected with total laryngectomy. Near-total laryngectomy is a valid alternative for extended laryngeal and neighbouring cancers with an acceptable morbidity and success rate for voice preservation.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2004

[Blood viscosity modifications in patients with presbycusis].

OBJECTIVE: [corrected] To evaluate the existence of blood viscosity alterations in presbyacusis as an eventual pathophysiological mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine 75 year-old subjects bearing of bilateral slowly progressive sensorineural deafness were considered to be studied on a yearly basis in a ten year folow-up period, evaluating the binaural hearing loss in speech tones (500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz). Hemorheological profile on peripheral blood included total blood viscosity (BV) at different shear rates (SR), blood filterability (BF), erythrocyte deformability and aggregability (EA). RESULTS: There was a trend of all parameters towards hyperviscosity, with an increase at ten years of BV at high SR and EA at total stasis which were statistically significant. The level of deafness correlated significativelly to low values of BF and increases on BV at high SR. CONCLUSIONS: Presbyacustic patients do show hemorheological evidences that suggest a tendency towards hyperviscosity as a predisposing factor for hearing loss.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Anticochlear antibodies titles measured by Western-blot and hearing recovery level after corticoid therapy in patients with sudden deafness].

OBJECTIVES: Detection of antichoclear antibodies in patients with sudden deafness (SD) ranges from five to forty one percent depending on authors. We tried to correlate the level of antibodies measured by Western-blot (WB) and hearing loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty nine subjects bearing of SD and a positive WB for bovine cochlear antigen. Hearing loss average was measured at the onset and after treatment with deflazacort 1 mg/kg per day by means of audiometry, and antibody titles were quantified in the diluted sera. RESULTS: Initial loss was 49.4+/-20.6%, and after corticotherapy it was 15.9+/-18.0%. There was no statistically significative correlation titles-hearing loss (y=0.1122x+30.613; R2=0.7552) nor titles-recovery (y=-0.0818x+8.,65; R2=0.3229). CONCLUSIONS: Although predictive capability for treatment response is accepted for WB, quantifying of the antibody titles in patients with SD does not allow to make a prognosis about the average hearing recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Upper dysphagia due to a chemotherapy resistant Burkitt's lymphoma in a lingual tonsil].

The higher incidence of immunosuppressive status is increasing in the last years the diagnosis of tumours of unusual location and behaviour. We present the case of a HIV-seropositive 41 years-old woman, bearing of high dysphagia and pharyngolalic voice. The exploration showed a tumour emerging in lingual tonsil and spreading out to hypopharynx and larynx. No lymph nodes were observed. Its resistance to chemotherapy made necessary its surgical removal.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Tonsillar mast cell infiltration and allergic tonsillitis].

We report the case of a seven year-old boy bearing of exudative acute tonsillitis after strawberry ingestion with no previous infectious history. After having diagnosed it as hypersensitivity type I, this patient began to suffer repetitive episodes of exudative and purulent tonsillitis, related to cool drinks and direct manipulation of tonsils. These were hyperplastic and Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. were isolated in them. The episodes were shortened by the use of corticosteroids. Tonsillectomy was the definitive therapy. Biopsy informed of mast cells infiltration in germinal centers of both palatine tonsils.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2003

Autoimmune identification of sudden hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To identify autoantibody bands using Western blotting in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients admitted to our emergency ward with ISSNHL during a 3-year period (n = 51) were included in a diagnostic laboratory protocol, which included a non-specific test battery for immune disorders and a Western blot (WB) for bovine cochlear antigen, and underwent corticosteroid therapy. RESULTS: In 16 cases (31%) a band was identified in the WB. Cases with a positive WB showed abnormal results in a greater number of non-specific laboratory tests (3.6 +/- 1.3 vs 0.9 +/- 1.1; p < 0.001) and had greater hearing recovery (33.8% +/- 17.7% vs 50.6% +/- 18.5%; p < 0.01). Moreover, patients with a positive WB showed good correlations between the degree of hearing recovery and both early onset of treatment (0.5504x + 43.621; R2 = 0.8603; p < 0.01) and age (0.4053x + 56.298; R2 = 0.8952; p < 0.01). The non-specific test battery showed a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 94% for detecting an autoimmune disorder compared with WB. CONCLUSION: A positive WB predicts a good response to corticosteroid therapy in ISSNHL patients. If it is not possible to perform a WB then the non-specific test battery has a good capability for predicting autoimmune disorders.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2002

[Atypical Cogan syndrome. Clinical and laboratory spectrum. Report of 2 cases].

We show two atypical Cogan's syndrome cases in forty-seven and fifty-six years old individuals. Characteristical symptoms of the syndrome were detected in both (interstitial keratitis, sensorineural deafness and vestibular dysfunction), but they could be considered as unusual because of the association of systematic symptoms and an onset with hearing loss. In both cases there was an increase in erythrosedimentation rate and immunoglobulins levels, as well as high titles for rheumatoid factor and non-specific autoantibodies. By means of a Western-blot technique, several chochlear antibodies with distinct molecular weight were detected, but the 68 KD appeared in both. Metil-prednisolone treatment did not avoid ocular and auditive reactivation in ne of the patients.

Female↗