The Journal of laryngology and otology
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Review Case Reports
Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as hearing loss.
To review the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a factitious disorder, in which symptoms are induced or feigned, usually in a child, by the caregiver. The involved caregiver seeks to gain attention or sympathy and often has a psychological need to maintain the sick role. We highlight the diagnostic difficulties and factors that may help with diagnosis in an otolaryngology setting. ⋯ Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a diagnosis that otolaryngologists should be aware of, particularly where recurrent or persistent illnesses in children, especially those involving otological symptoms, are refractory to the usual treatments.
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Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common disease of the oral mucosa, affecting 20 per cent of the general population.1 However, the aetiology of this disease is unknown. This is the first controlled study to compare zinc levels in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients with those of a well-matched, healthy, control population. ⋯ These results suggest an association between zinc deficiency and recurrent aphthous stomatitis.