BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surfactant protein A (SP-A) which plays a role in the innate host defense of lung is also expressed in Eustachian tube. However the genes underlying the susceptibility to otitis media with effusion (OME) are known insufficiently. The current study attempts to evaluate the difference in the allele distribution of SP-A1 and SP-A2 between normal subjects and subjects with otitis media with effusion. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: PCR-cRFLP-based methodology was used to detect SP-A genotypes in the 38 children with OME, and in the 55 normal newborns for control. RESULTS: The frequencies of specific genotypes such as 6A(2), 1A(2) were increased in OME group, but the frequency of 6A3 was increased in control group. CONCLUSION: It is presumed that SP-A alleles may be inductive (6A(2), 1A(2)) or protective (6A(3)) factors for OME. Specific genoytypes of SP-A may be an important determinant for the predisposition to OME.
Alleles* ; Child ; Eustachian Tube ; Genotype ; Humans* ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung ; Otitis Media with Effusion* ; Otitis Media* ; Otitis* ; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A*

Multiple myeloma is a neoplasm of mature and immature plasma cells. Extraosseous tissues are involved frequently in multiple myeloma. The most common sites of involvement are spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and kidneys. Sinus involvement of multiple myeloma is rare but usually presents in secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma. Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma is neoplastic proliferation of plasmacytes in reticuloendothelial tissues and occurs most commonly in head and neck areas. Evaluation of the extent of disease is essential for proper management of this patient. The treatment and prognosis are different according to whether the extramedullary plasmacytoma is primary or secondary. Recently, we experienced a case of multiple myeloma which simultaneously progressed in maxillary sinus in spite of systemic chemotherapy and report with literature review.
Drug Therapy ; Head ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Lymph Nodes ; Maxillary Sinus* ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Neck ; Plasma Cells ; Plasmacytoma ; Prognosis ; Spleen