Ear, nose, & throat journal
-
Forty-four children who underwent adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed polysomnographically. Patients with other medical problems or complications of OSA were excluded. ⋯ Significant airway complications occurred in 16%. Factors associated with development of statistically significant airway complications were acute airway compromise, age < 3 years, thin body habitus, and both oxygen (O2) desaturation and carbon dioxide (CO2) retention seen polysomnographically. Although many OSA patients can safely have outpatient adenotonsillectomy, perioperative monitoring of patients with these risk factors is needed.
-
Case Reports
Facial nerve palsy as an early manifestation of relapse in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
We describe a 14-year-old girl with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who developed peripheral type facial palsy alternately on each side during remission. The cerebrospinal fluid examination and imaging studies of the brain including the temporal area failed to identify the etiology. ⋯ Review of the literature revealed that an isolated facial nerve palsy due to leukemic cell infiltration is a rare occurrence. Nonetheless one needs to keep in mind that it may represent the initial sign of a relapse in a patient with leukemia, particularly with T-cell ALL.
-
Ear plugs are currently recommended for patients with tympanostomy tubes or for those requiring noise attenuation. Most techniques used today require a two-step process involving an impression of the ear followed by laboratory fabrication from a cast. This paper presents an alternative technique which is accomplished in one appointment and eliminates the laboratory phase by using addition reaction silicones. The indications for ear plugs and clinical results achieved with this new technique were also reviewed.