Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2010
Acetaminophen ototoxicity after acetaminophen/hydrocodone abuse: evidence from two parallel in vitro mouse models.
Acetaminophen/hydrocodone, a commonly used analgesic preparation, has been linked to rapidly progressing sensorineural hearing loss in human patients. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the ototoxic effects of this drug combination are currently unknown, but are usually associated with high doses of hydrocodone. This study was aimed at identifying the specific agent responsible for hearing loss from toxic killing of cochlear sensory cells. ⋯ Our findings point to acetaminophen, rather than hydrocodone, as the primary cytotoxic agent. Hydrocodone, however, may work synergistically with acetaminophen, increasing the damage to auditory cells. These findings are an important first step toward understanding the mechanism of acetaminophen/hydrocodone ototoxicity and may lead to future treatment strategies for hearing loss from ototoxic medications.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyPostoperative respiratory complications and recovery in obese children following adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing: a case-control study.
To compare postoperative respiratory complications in obese and nonobese children following surgery for sleep-disordered breathing. ⋯ Obesity in children significantly increases the risk of respiratory complications following surgery for sleep-disordered breathing. Overnight hospitalization for obese children is recommended.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2010
Endoscopic management of skull base defects associated with persistent pneumocephalus following previous open repair: a preliminary report.
To describe the management of anterior skull base defects in patients who present with pneumocephalus after previous open neurosurgical intervention. ⋯ Endoscopic techniques employed in this preliminary report demonstrate promising results in managing skull base defects associated with clinically significant pneumocephalus following failed prior open neurosurgical repair. The small population size in this study, however, precludes definitive conclusions regarding efficacy.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2010
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty funded by the Australian government's Medicare scheme (1995-2007).
To describe the provision, through the Australian state-funded Medicare system, of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and its laser-assisted variation (LAUP) to the population of Australia between 1995 and 2007. ⋯ Provision of UPPP under Medicare in Australia has declined slowly relative to population growth and overall growth in Medicare per capita provision. Laser-assisted UPPP (LAUP) has steadily declined and is now rarely used compared with the peak in its provision in the mid 1990s.