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Penicillin and acute otitis: short and long-term results.

The effect of peroral penicillin V (55 mg/kg/day) on acute otitis media was investigated in 149 children between the ages of one and ten years in a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. The parameters of the disease employed were symptom scores for earache, the use of analgetics, otoscopy, as well as tympanometry. The children were followed up for three months. Penicillin had a significant effect on pain on the second day of treatment. The acute course of the disease was satisfactory in 69% of the children in the placebo group and in 86% in the penicillin group. In patients with pneumococci or hemolytic streptococci in the rhinopharynx, the pain already disappeared after one to two doses of penicillin, whereas the treatment had no effect on the patients with Haemophilus influenzae. There was no difference between the penicillin and placebo groups with regard to the results of otoscopy and tympanometry after one week, one month and three months. No serious complications were observed. It is concluded that an attitude of "masterful inactivity" with regard to the treatment of acute otitis media is justifiable, and in the majority of cases advisable, provided sufficient analgesic treatment is given and also that the patient can be closely followed. As there are still many unanswered questions more controlled investigations are warranted.

Acute Disease↗

Double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial of the efficacy and tolerance of morniflumate suppositories in the treatment of tonsillitis in children.

The efficacy and tolerability of morniflumate suppositories used together with phenoxymethylpenicillin were studied in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 101 children with acute tonsillitis. Patients received a suppository containing 400 mg morniflumate or placebo twice daily for 4 days; all patients also received 1,500,000 IU/day phenoxymethylpenicillin. Response to treatment was assessed by clinical examination before and after 2 and 4 days' treatment. Efficacy was evaluated by resolution of oropharyngeal pain, congestion, fever, size and sensitivity of adenopathies, quality of life and duration of sleep. Body temperature fell rapidly after the start of treatment. There was also resolution of pharyngeal pain, earache, dysphagia and adenopathy. Spontaneous pharyngeal pain was present after 4 days in significantly (P = 0.03) fewer patients receiving morniflumate than receiving placebo. It is suggested that morniflumate combined with antibiotic therapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for tonsillitis in children.

Administration, Rectal↗

Nurse telephone triage in out-of-hours GP practice: determinants of independent advice and return consultation.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, nurses play a central role in telephone triage in Dutch out-of-hours primary care. The percentage of calls that is handled through nurse telephone advice alone (NTAA) appears to vary substantially between GP cooperatives. This study aims to explore which determinants are associated with NTAA and with subsequent return consultations to the GP. METHODS: For the ten most frequently presented problems, a two-week follow-up cohort study took place in one cooperative run by 25 GPs and 8 nurses, serving a population of 62,291 people. Random effects logistic regression analysis was used to study the determinants of NTAA and return consultation rates. The effect of NTAA on hospital referral rates was also studied as a proxy for severity of illness. RESULTS: The mean NTAA rate was 27.5%--ranging from 15.5% to 39.4% for the eight nurses. It was higher during the night (RR 1.63, CI 1.48-1.76) and lower with increasing age (RR 0.96, CI 0.93-0.99, per ten years) or when the patient presented >2 problems (RR 0.65; CI 0.51-0.83). Using cough as reference category, NTAA was highest for earache (RR 1.49; CI 1.18-1.78) and lowest for chest pain (RR 0.18; CI 0.06-0.47). After correction for differences in case mix, significant variation in NTAA between nurses remained (p < 0.001). Return consultations after NTAA were higher after nightly calls (RR 1.23; CI 1.04-1.40). During first return consultations, the hospital referral rate after NTAA was 1.5% versus 3.8% for non-NTAA (difference -2.2%; CI -4.0 to -0.5). CONCLUSION: Important inter-nurse variability may indicate differences in perception on tasks and/or differences in skill to handle telephone calls alone. Future research should focus more on modifiable determinants of NTAA rates.

Adult↗

Animals and their products utilized as medicines by the inhabitants surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park, India.

The present ethnozoological study describes the traditional knowledge related to the use of different animals and animal-derived products as medicines by the inhabitants of villages surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park of India (Bawaria, Mogya, Meena), which is well known for its very rich biodiversity. The field survey was conducted from May to July 2005 by performing interviews through structured questionnaires with 24 informants (16 men and 8 women), who provided information regarding therapeutic uses of animals. A total of 15 animals and animal products were recorded and they are used for different ethnomedical purposes, including tuberculosis, asthma, paralysis, jaundice, earache, constipation, weakness, snake poisoning. The zootherapeutic knowledge was mostly based on domestic animals, but some protected species like the collared dove (Streptopelia sp.), hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria), sambhar (Cervus unicolor) were also mentioned as important medicinal resources. We would suggest that this kind of neglected traditional knowledge should be included into the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources in the investigated area.

Adult↗

Clinical pharmacology of nitrous oxide: an argument for its continued use.

We tested the hypothesis that the administration of nitrous oxide (N2O) causes major (e.g., myocardial infarction, neuronal injury, hypoxemia, infection, death) or minor (e.g., nausea, vomiting, headache, earache) untoward effects in patients requiring anesthesia for 1.5-4 h. Given the higher morbidity and mortality associated with aging, we also tested whether aging increased any untoward effect of N2O. Finally, we investigated whether the substitution of N2O for a fraction of the anesthesia supplied by isoflurane altered the latter's pharmacologic effects. We studied 270 patients scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty (n = 100), carotid endarterectomy (n = 70), or transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (n = 100) who were randomly assigned within each surgical group to receive isoflurane with or without 60% N2O. Regardless of patient age, we found no difference in major or minor untoward outcomes between anesthetic groups, nor a trend to suggest that a larger data cohort would reveal a significant adverse effect of N2O. The addition of N2O administration decreased the isoflurane requirement for clinical anesthesia but did not alter most of the clinical variables measured in practice, including blood pressure, heart rate, rate of recovery from anesthesia, development of postoperative pain, patient satisfaction with anesthesia, or duration of anesthesia or of hospitalization. Patients given N2O were no more likely to dream during anesthesia, remember events during anesthesia, or be frightened by those events. Our results support the continued use of N2O to anesthetize patients for elective surgery.

Adult↗

Pacifier use and morbidity in the first six months of life.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of pacifier use and whether this habit adversely affects the health of 6-month-old infants. DESIGN: Data collected via self-completion questionnaires from mothers forming part of the prospective, population-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood. METHODS: The mothers of 10 950 infants gave information on their child's use of a pacifier at 4 weeks and 6 months of age and the presence of specific health symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression was performed to identify any associations between pacifier use and ill health. RESULTS: Two thirds of the sample had been given a pacifier at some point, with 42% being reported as having one at both ages. Younger, lower educated mothers, mothers who smoked, those living in council and overcrowded accommodation, and those reporting financial difficulties were significantly more likely to give their infant a pacifier. Pacifier use was associated significantly with a higher risk of symptoms such as wheezing, earache, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and colic as well as with the general practitioner being called to the home and hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Although significant differences exist in the risk of experiencing several health symptoms between infants who do and infants who do not use a pacifier, stronger and more detailed evidence is required before recommendations can be made to discourage the use of pacifiers based purely on reducing occurrences of these symptoms.

England↗

[Health of women living near oil wells and oil production stations in the Amazon region of Ecuador].

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the environmental conditions in and the state of health of women who live in rural communities surrounded by oil wells and oil production stations in the Amazon region of Ecuador. METHOD: We used a comparative cross-sectional design, classifying exposure according to the location of the communities with respect to the oil wells and production stations. Water samples from the local rivers were analyzed to determine total petroleum hydrocarbons, and a structured questionnaire was used with the head of each family in the study. The study was performed in rural communities in northeastern Ecuador from November 1998 through April 1999. The study included 9 communities in the exposed area (368 participants) and 14 communities in the unexposed area (291 participants). RESULTS: The rivers of the exposed communities showed contamination levels much above the limits acceptable for human use. Statistically significant differences between the exposed communities and the unexposed communities were found for the prevalence of skin fungi for the two weeks prior to the study (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.86) as well as for nasal irritation (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.64-2.91) and for throat irritation (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.02-2.75) in the preceding 12 months. Also associated with exposure in the two preceding weeks were fatigue and the category of "other symptoms"; similarly associated with exposure in the preceding 12 months were headaches, eye irritation, earaches, diarrhea, and gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms found among the participants in the exposed communities match the toxicity symptoms caused by oil. There is an urgent need to establish an adequate environmental control and remediation program in order to prevent unnecessary and unacceptable health hazards for these populations.

Adolescent↗

The perception of the common cold, and other ailments and discomforts, as related to age.

Perception of the common cold and other discomforts was studied as a function fo age among 456 normals ranging in age from 18 to 82. Respondents completed a questionnaire which deal with the frequency and duration of their colds, their symptoms and treatments-and, finally, with the perceived severity of various discomforts. Though older Rs were found to suffer more than younger with body aches, the former had less difficulty with a variety of other physical and psychological symptoms-and also contracted relatively few colds. Older Rs treated their colds less often with Contac and Dristan, but more often by staying home and/or calling their doctor. As compared with younger Rs, older respondents perceived intestinal flu to be relatively less serious-but earache, sprained toe, indigestion, having a tooth filled, stiff neck, and hangover to be relatively more serious.

Adolescent↗

When can lateral sinus thrombosis be treated conservatively?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and treatment modalities of our cases with lateral sinus thrombosis (LST). METHOD: Documents of patients with LST, diagnosed and treated from 1995 to 2001 in our clinic, were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: Four patients with the diagnosis of LST were treated during this period. Among the clinical manifestations of these patients, the most frequently encountered symptoms were earache and headache, in addition to otorrhea and hearing loss. Four cases had chronic otitis media, three with cholesteatoma and one with polyps. Delta sign was detected in three cases on computed tomography, whereas a suspicious image was noted in one case. This case underwent magnetic resonance angiography, and the diagnosis of LST was established conclusively. In two cases, because pus was aspirated via lateral sinus punctures performed intraoperatively, these sinuses were explored and obliterated following radical mastoidectomy. Because pus was not aspirated via punctures of the other two cases, their sinuses were not explored. Only radical mastoidectomy was performed surgically for these cases. Dual antibiotics and low-dose anticoagulant therapy were given concomitantly to all cases in the postoperative period. Recanalizations of the nonobliterated lateral sinuses were detected with Doppler ultrasonography of internal jugular vena at 15 days and 3 months after the termination of postoperative treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical findings and radiologic techniques play an important role in the diagnosis of LST. In the treatment, if pus is found in the lateral sinuses, it is necessary to explore, clean, and obliterate them, whereas in cases in which the aspirates do not contain pus, mastoidectomy is sufficient. On the other hand, a low dose of anticoagulant can be used together with antibiotics in the nonobliterated lateral sinuses.

Adolescent↗

Two versus seven days penicillin treatment for acute otitis media. A placebo controlled trial in children.

103 children between 1 and 10 years of age participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial testing the effect of penicillin-V, 55 mg/kg/day, for two days versus seven days in acute otitis media. No significant differences could be demonstrated with regard to earache, healing of the tympanic membrane, tympanometry, fever or common cold symptoms. 76% in the group treated for seven days had a satisfactory course of the disease, compared to 71% in the group treated for two days (p greater than 0.1). In spite of the relatively small number of patients, it is concluded that the effect of penicillin for additional five days in acute otitis media after the initial treatment for two days, can at most be marginal. The advantages of a shortened treatment period are several; the authors have outlined a new treatment modality, consisting of masterful inactivity for 8-12 hours, penicillin-V for two days, and myringotomy in refractory cases, after a new evaluation by the otologist. We believe hereby to be able to reduce penicillin consumption in children with acute otitis media to about 15% of the previous level, without increasing the risk of serious complications.

Acute Disease↗

Prognosis of acute otitis media: factors associated with poor outcome.

Factors associated with poor outcome of acute otitis media (AOM) were analysed in 131 children aged 1/4 to 7 1/2 (median 2 1/2) years. After AOM, altogether 37 (28%) of the children had poor outcome: 15 children (12%) clinical failure (unimprovement or worsening of pre-treatment signs and symptoms within 2 weeks of onset of therapy) and 31 (24%) persistent middle ear effusion (MEE) > or = 1 month post-treatment. Of the different variables studied in multivariate analysis, age < 2 years (p < 0.01), history of allergic skin or respiratory symptoms (p = 0.02), > or = 6 h duration of pre-treatment earache (p = 0.01) and B. catarrhalis in MEE (p = 0.05) were associated with clinical failure. Children with previous adenotomy or unilateral AOM had no failures. Persistence of MEE at 1 month was associated with age < 2 years (p = 0.05), otitis proneness (p = 0.03), bilaterality of AOM (p < 0.01) and S. pneumoniae in MEE (p = 0.01) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.

Acute Disease↗

[Comparative study of clinical features of typical and atypical pneumonias].

We prospectively analyzed the clinical and laboratory features of 74 patients with community-acquired pneumonia who required hospitalization between May 1996 and October 1997. Typical pathogens were identified in 47, and atypical pathogens in 27. The average age was higher in patients affected by typical pathogens (73.9 years), than in patients affected by atypical pathogens (50.9 years). Univariable analysis found that atypical pneumonias were more frequent in healthy patients than typical pneumonias. Moreover, the presence of relatives with symptoms of airway infection, headache, and earache was more common among the patients with atypical pneumonias, while leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein levels were more frequent among patients with typical pneumonias. Typical pathogens accounted for up to 79.6% of the cases of pneumonia with in older patients (aged 60 years or more), whereas atypical pathogens accounted for up to 80% of the cases of pneumonia in younger patients (aged under 60 years). This difference was statistically significant. Of all 74 patients, 39 (52.7%) were afflicted by severe community-acquired pneumonia, as categorized by American Thoracic Society guidelines. The most common pathogen among these patients was Streptococcus pneumoniae. Legionella was one of the top four. Selection of the initial antimicrobial treatment is an important clinical decision that should be made on the basis of clinical features at admission, age, and severity of the patient's illness.

Adolescent↗

Cerebral arterial gas embolism in air force ground maintenance crew--a report of two cases.

Two cases of cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) occurred after a decompression incident involving five maintenance crew during a cabin leakage system test of a Hercules C-130 aircraft. During the incident, the cabin pressure increased to 8 in Hg (203.2 mm Hg, 27 kPa) above atmospheric pressure causing intense pain in the ears of all the crew inside. The system was rapidly depressurized to ground level. After the incident, one of the crew reported chest discomfort and fatigue. The next morning, he developed a sensation of numbness in the left hand, with persistence of the earlier symptoms. A second crewmember, who only experienced earache and heaviness in the head after the incident, developed retrosternal chest discomfort, restlessness, fatigue and numbness in his left hand the next morning. Both were subsequently referred to a recompression facility 4 d after the incident. Examination by the Diving Medical Officer on duty recorded left-sided hemianesthesia and Grade II middle ear barotrauma as the only abnormalities in both cases. Chest X-rays did not reveal any extra-alveolar gas. Diagnoses of Static Neurological Decompression Illness were made and both patients recompressed on a RN 62 table. The first case recovered fully after two treatments, and the second case after one treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and bubble contrast echocardiography performed on the first case 6 mo after the incident were reported to be normal. The second case was lost to follow-up. Decompression illness (DCI) generally occurs in occupational groups such as compressed air workers, divers, aviators, and astronauts. This is believed to be the first report of DCI occurring among aircraft's ground maintenance crew.

Adult↗

[Acute otitis media and antibiotics. Evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic therapy?].

Antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media is controversial. The questions are when to treat, with which antibiotic, and for how long? Within the last years three reviews attempting to discuss these questions have been published. All three found only a marginal effect of antibiotic treatment. The effect was less earache after the first day. The meta-analyses showed that between eight and 22 children had to be treated before one had any benefit of the treatment. The randomized studies did not find a greater effect of amoxicillin than of penicillin. The marginal effect of antibiotics on acute otitis media supports watchful waiting and individualized care and follow-up. There is a need for well-organized, randomized, placebo-controlled trials including the youngest children and the more severe cases of acute otitis media where the effect of antibiotic treatment may turn out to be most beneficial.

Adolescent↗

Pediatric dental treatment for children with headache.

This case demonstrates the safe step by step approach to treatment of pediatric patients with muscle spasm headache. If there are any neurologic signs or the LiteSplint is not effective, then a laboratory orthopedic appliance therapy may not be effective and a neurologic referral is necessary. It is always required to review the latest physical exam with the parent and physician if the symptoms do not improve in an orderly sequence. The LiteSplint acts as a screening and diagnostic aid in determining the source of head pain. For very young patients (three to six years of age) who may not be able to easily tolerate an appliance, an extra heavy coating of flowable composite that can act as a sealant on the primary molars, e.g. Revolution, may open the bite enough to alleviate headache or earache symptoms. Dental clinicians can perform a valuable service for their patients if headaches from deep bite malocclusions can be diagnosed and treated at an early age.

Activator Appliances↗

[Deafness, as a complication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia in a 9-year old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

We described natural history of Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia in 9 year old boy, who was treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After 14 day treatment of ALL the following signs and symptoms occurred: fever, earache with otorhoea, deafness, bilateral peripheral paralysis of n. VII, erythema, pneumonia, paralytic ileus. After 4 weeks of antimicrobial and supportive therapy, in the 10th week of chemotherapy, he achieved haematological remission. During continuation therapy, two-stage bilateral myringoplasty was performed. At present the maintenance therapy is continued, and in the future hearing aid and cochlear implant, will be applied.

Child↗

The therapeutic effectiveness of ibuprofen on the symptoms of naturally acquired common colds.

The pathogenesis of the common cold is associated with inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)(1,2) and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in nasal secretions.(3,4) We have investigated the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, 400 mg three times daily, in a placebo-controlled trial of 80 adults with naturally occurring common colds. Ibuprofen caused a significant reduction of headache (p = 0.008), earache (p = 0.01), muscle/joint pain (p = 0.045), and reduced body temperature (p = 0.02). There was a 40% reduction in the number of sneezes (p = 0.02) and a 33% reduction in the symptom score for sneezing (p = 0.04). This study did not detect any effect on other nasal symptoms.

Adult↗

[Pachymeningitis with autonomic dysfunctions: a case report].

A 67-year-old man temporarily complained of hearing loss and earache in the left side. Afterwards, hearing impairment in the right, pharyngalgia, dysphagia, and ipsilateral facial weakness occurred, however, otological treatments did not completely improve these symptoms except facial weakness. On admission neurological examination revealed right cranial nerve palsies(IX, X, XII), and severe orthostatic hypotension was noted one month after admission. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed pleocytosis(16/mm3), and increased protein level(91 mg/dl), but bacterial, and tuberculotic cultures were negative. Cranial and neck magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium administration showed diffuse dural thickening. Autonomic dysfunctions were found in cardiovascular and pupillary systems. Plasma noradrenaline level was normal in supine position but noradrenaline infusion test showed denervation hypersensitivity. Additionally pupils showed hypersensitivity to 1.25% epinephrine. These results suggest that lesions were post-ganglionic afferent fibers in both cardiovascular and pupillary systems. Administration of corticosteroid hormone resulted in dramatic improvement of his clinical symptoms including autonomic dysfunctions. Circulation disorder or infiltration of the inflammatory cells to the autonomic nervous system may be the cause of these dysfunctions in this patient.

Aged↗