OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of using a web-based sample size calculator in the preparation of a research proposal.

METHODS: EpiTools, a free web-based calculator for sample size determination, was used in various study designs.

RESULTS: Computations of sample size needed for several simple epidemiologic study designs were calculated using different assumptions. The calculator was straightforward to use and user- friendly. The results were calculated quickly. Comparison of the computed sample size using different assumptions may be done to assist in evaluating research project feasibility. The input data and output of the sample size calculation may be transformed into a report for inclusion in the written research proposal.

CONCLUSION: The EpiTools web-based calculators is a convenient tool for sample size determination in the design of research protocols in relatively simple study designs. It may be used in evaluating the feasibility of the computed sample size needed by the study design.

.sample Size ; Research Design ; Epidemiologic Research Design ; Writing ; Computers ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Internet

Objectives: 1] To describe a case of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as al radiolucent mandibular mass in a 3-year-old child. 2] To review existing literature on the clinical picture and pathophysiology of intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma. 3] To identify learning points in the diagnosis of intraosseous rhabdomyosarcoma. Design: Case report. Setting: A tertiary referral hospital. Patients: One (1) Results: A case of a 3-year-old child with a radiolucent mandibular mass is described. Thel final histopathologic report turned out to be embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas are rare occurrences (3.5 percent in one review), and clinically present in younger age groups, with a non-tender, enlarging, firm-hard mass over a specific area. A review of the available literature on intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas, and its proposed pathogenesis, is presented. Conclusion: A case of a radiolucent mandibular mass in a 3-year-old child is presented. Intraosseous rhabdomyosarcomas of the mandible are rare occurrences that pose challenges to the otorhinolaryngologist. Taken separately, the presentation, patient characteristics, clinical course, ancillary laboratories and imaging modalities may lead even the most astute otorhinolaryngologist astray. The whole clinical picture should be taken together so that the correct diagnosis will not be missed despite the rare presentation. (Author)
RHABDOMYOSARCOMA RHABDOMYOSARCOMA ; EMBRYONAL

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of age, ex and body index on selected static tests of balance and to generate referance normtive data among the different population groups.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 asymptomatic normal adult Filipino volunteers, aged 20 to 69 years were tasked to perform selected static balance tests. These tests included classic Romberg (CR), Romberg with Jendrassik (RJ) maneuver, tandem Romberg (TR), standing on foam with feet apart (SOFFA), standing on foam with feet together (SOFFT) and standing on one leg (SOL). All tests were done with eyes opened (EO) followed by eyes closed (EC) for 30 seconds each. Volunteers were grouped into age groups by decades, normative values were obtained and effects of age, sex and body mass index, if any, on performance of the various tests were determined.

RESULTS: All volunteers were able to do the CR and RJ maneuver for 30 seconds. All were able to perform for 30 seconds the TREO, SOFFA EO and SOFFT EO procedures. Some volunteers were unable to complete the TREC, SOFFA EC, SOFFT EC, SOL EO and SOL EC procedures. The mean performance duration values for TREC, SOFFA EC, SOFFT EC, SOL EO AND SOL EC were significantly negatively correlated with age. Although majority of tests were negatively correlated with body mass index, the correlations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Age significantly affects selected static balance performance whereas sex and body mass index do not significantly affect selected static balance performance. The normative values generated in this study are inconclusive because of inadequate sample size, particularly in the older age group. The results, however, showed the potential value of the 5th percentile as a normative norm in systematically assessing the involvement of the vesticular, visual and proprioceptive organs i balance function.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Sample Size ; Body Mass Index ; Posture ; Foot ; Volunteers

OBJECTIVE: Determine the frequency-specific thresholds of auditory steady state response (ASSR) of Filipino children with absent auditory brainstem response (click-ABR) results.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study analyzing the frequency-specific thresholds of auditory steady state response (ASSR) of Filipino children with absent auditory brainstem response (click-ABR) results. The study population comprised of 99 pediatric patients referred for hearing assessment using electrophysiologic techniques at the Ear Unit of the Philippine General Hospital. The subjects underwent hearing threshold evaluation using both evoked-potential techniques (click ABR and ASSR) within a one-month period from January 2009 to March 2014. The ASSR results of patients with absent click-ABR were collected and analyzed.RESULTS: There were 99 patients who underwent both ABR and ASSR. Of the 65 patients with absent ABR thresholds results, 13 patients had unilateral absent ABR while 52 had bilateral absent ABR results. The data of hearing tests from the combined 117 ears with absent ABR hearing tests were collected. The proportion of children with ASSR thresholds with absent ABR per frequency were -500 Hz- 45/117 (38.5%); -1000 Hz- 76/117 (64.0%); -2000 Hz- 63/117 (53.8%); and -4000 Hz- 41/117 (35.0%). The proportion of children with ASSR thresholds with absent ABR per number of frequencies were: -4 frequencies- 19/117 (16.2%); -3 frequencies- 32/117 (27.4%); -2 frequencies- 22/117 (18.8%); and -1 frequency- 44/117 (37.6%)CONCLUSION: In the absence of click- ABR response, ASSR may provide information about the levels of severe to profound hearing loss among children. The criteria of selection of candidates for intervention (hearing aids or cochlear implantation) should include results from hearing evaluation not only from behavioral and ABR thresholds but also from ASSR thresholds. This may ensure that exclusion of some children with severe and profound hearing loss who may benefit from the intervention will be minimized.
Human ; Male ; Female ; deafness ; Audiometry, Evoked Response ; hearing ;

Objectiv: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis among patients who were initially assessed to have a nasopharyngeal mass and subsequently underwent biopsy in a Philippine Tertiary General Hospital from 2013 to 2015. Methods: Design: Case Series. Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital. Participants: All patients with nasopharyngeal mass identified from January 2013 to December 2015 from a hospital wide census who underwent biopsy were investigated using chart and histopathology review. The prevalence of tuberculosis, malignancies and other findings were determined. Results: Among 285 nasopharyngeal biopsies done between 2013 and 2015, 33 (11.6%) were histologically compatible with nasopharyngeal tuberculosis, 177 (62.1%) were different types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 59 (20.7%) were chronic inflammation, 4 (1.4%) were lymphoma, 5 (1.8%) were normal, and 7 (2.5 %) had diagnoses other than those above. Conclusion This study suggests a relatively high prevalence rate (11.6%) of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis in patients who have a nasopharyngeal mass. This indicates that nasopharyngeal tuberculosis should always be a differential when confronted with a mass in the nasopharynx especially in tuberculosis endemic areas.
Prevalence ; Censuses ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Philippines ; Carcinoma ; Nasopharynx ; Biopsy ; Tuberculosis ; Lymphoma

OBJECTIVE:? This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis among patients who were initially assessed to have a nasopharyngeal mass and subsequently underwent biopsy in a Philippine Tertiary General Hospital from 2013 to 2015.

 

METHODS:?

Design:           Case Series

Setting:           Tertiary National University Hospital

Participants: All patients with nasopharyngeal mass identified from January 2013 to December 2015 from a hospital wide census who underwent biopsy were investigated using chart and histopathology review. The prevalence of tuberculosis, malignancies and other findings were determined.

 

RESULTS:? Among 285 nasopharyngeal biopsies done between 2013 and 2015, 33 (11.6%) were histologically compatible with nasopharyngeal tuberculosis, 177 (62.1%) were different types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 59 (20.7%) were chronic inflammation, 4 (1.4%) were lymphoma, 5 (1.8%) were normal, and 7 (2.5 %) had diagnoses other than those above.

 

CONCLUSION: This study suggests a relatively high prevalence rate (11.6%) of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis in patients who have a nasopharyngeal mass. This indicates that nasopharyngeal tuberculosis should always be a differential when confronted with a mass in the nasopharynx especially in tuberculosis endemic areas.

 

KEYWORDS: nasopharyngeal tuberculosis; prevalence; censuses; tertiary care centers; Philippines; carcinoma; nasopharynx; biopsy; tuberculosis; lymphoma

 

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged (a Person 65 Through 79 Years Of Age) ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age) ; Prevalence ; Censuses ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Philippines ; Nasopharynx ; Biopsy ; Tuberculosis ; Lymphoma ; Carcinoma