OBJECTIVE:To investigate the procurability and prices of essential medicines in Hubei Xiaogan rural area.METHODS:According to the standard methodology for the investigation of drug prices recommended by the World Health Organization and European Health Action International organization,a survey on the procurability and prices of essential medicines was conducted in 4 hospitals and 3 drugstores in Hubei Xiaogan rural area.RESULTS:The procurability of essential medicines in both hospitals and drugstores was low.The prices of drugs were lower in drugstores than in hospitals.As compared with the international reference prices,the drug prices in drugstores were lower while those in hospitals were higher.The markup ratio in one hospital was far above 15.0%,while those in the other two hospitals were all within 15.0%.CONCLUSION:The procurability of essential medicines in Hubei Xiaogan rural area remains to be increased,and there is space for the reduction of drug prices.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of the treatment of otosclerosis using laser stapedotomy with mini incision in the external auditory meatus. METHOD: Thirteen patients(15 ears) with otosclerosis evidence on clinic history. They were all operated using the laser assisted stapedotomy by mini incision in external auditory meatus because of the wide straight canal. Laser resection the tendo musculistapedius and anterior and postrior arch, breaking the articulatioincudostapedia, removing the stapes superstructure, making a hole of 6mm diameter in the rear of stapes footplate by laser drilling, implanting the corresponding length Piston artificial ossicle. RESULT: All the surgeries were successful and the operation time was about one hour. There was only one patient manifested vertigo and nausea after the operation. But the symptoms improved three days later after the expectant treatment. All the incisions were healed in the externals. There was significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative PTA. The air conduct improved in every frequent and the bone conduct improved in 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. CONCLUSION Laser assisted stapedotomy by mini incision in the external auditory meatus in patients having wide straight canal with otosclerosis can shorten the operation time, minimize the tissue damage, fasten the healing of the incision and reduce the complications postoperatively. In addition, the mini incision is beauty and easy to nurse.
Ear Canal ; surgery ; Humans ; Lasers ; Otosclerosis ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Prostheses and Implants ; Stapes ; Stapes Surgery ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To evaluate the performance of RapidArc technique on cervical cancer patients with various filling status of the bladder. Methods: Conventional fixed field intensity modulation radiated therapy (IMRT) is used as the benchmark. In 10 fe-males suffering from cervical cancer, two CT scans were performed for treatment planning:one with an empty bladder and the other with filled bladder. The prescribed dose was 50 Gy. The images of that with an evacuated bladder and that with filled bladder were planned in the dual-arc RapidArc and the 7-field IMRT, respectively. The implementor of the plan was the Varian TrueBeam linear ac-celerator. Dose-volume histogram was used to evaluate the data from each plan. Results:When the bladder was filled, IMRT and Rapi-dArc homogeneity were 1.05 and 1.04 (P>0.05), respectively. When the bladder was emptied, the homogeneity was 1.04 for both plans (P>0.05). With or without bladder filling, the conformity index was 0.71 and 0.73 for IMRT and RapidArc (P>0.05), respectively. The effect of V30 and V40 (volume for receiving doses of 30 and 40 Gy) on the intestine and the bladder was more favorable in a full than in an empty bladder. No significant difference between the two plans was observed. IMRT exhibited improved V30 on the rectum and on the bladder. RapidArc was much better in terms of monitor unit (MU) and deliver time. Conclusion:No significant differences in the homogeneity and conformity index between dual-arc RapidArc and 7-field IMRT were observed. Filled bladder is better than empty bladder in intestine and bladder protection in both RapidArc and IMRT. IMRT is better on V30 of the rectum and the bladder, whereas RapidArc improved MU and deliver time.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and intracranial pressure after hematoma removal in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH). Methods From January 2015 to June 2017,72 consecutive patients with PICH treated with removal of hematoma + intracranial pressure probe implantation at the Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were enrolled retrospectively. They were divided into 3 groups:group A (n=25,intracranial pressure ≤10 mmHg);group B (n=24,intracranial pressure 11-20 mmHg),and group C (n=23,intracranial pressure >20 mmHg) according to the maximum value of monitoring intracranial pressure. The serum MMP-9 levels of all patients were detected using ELISA at 1, 3,5,7 and 14 d after procedure,the volume of cerebral edema was monitored by head CT,and intracranial pressure was continuously observed for 7 d after procedure using the intracranial pressure monitor. Results At 1,3,5,7,and 14 d after removal of the hematomas,the MMP-9 levels in group A were 82 ± 11,117 ± 12,156 ± 14,132 ± 14,and 108 ± 18 mg/L,respectively,and the volumes of brain edema were 15 ± 6,19 ± 7,22 ± 8,19 ± 7,and 17 ± 6 cm3 ,respectively. The MMP-9 levels in group B were 93 ± 14,138 ±13,188 ± 17,153 ± 17,and 134 ± 12 mg/L,respectively,and the volumes of brain edema were 19 ± 7,23 ± 8,30 ± 10,26 ± 8,and 20 ± 7 cm3 ,respectively;the MMP-9 levels in group C were 104 ± 16,199 ± 14,390 ± 22,296 ± 15,and 213 ± 15 mg/L,respectively,and the volume of brain edema were 22 ± 8,30 ± 10,42 ± 12,32 ±19,and 24 ±8 cm3,respectively. There was significant difference between groups (P<0. 05),and there was a moderate positive correlation between the changes of MMP-9 level and the volume of intracranial cerebral edema (r =0. 62,P <0. 01). Conclusion After the removal of the hematomas of primary cerebral hemorrhage, the MMP-9 level in blood serum of the patients was positively correlated with the volume of brain edema,the higher the level of MMP-9,the higher the intracranial pressure.

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of each sequence by analyzing the characteristics of labyrinthine signal on MRI in patients with unilateral sudden deafness.Methods:Totally 52 patients of unilateral sudden deafness with inner ear MRI were analyzed retrospectively at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to July 2019, all of which could find abnormalities in the labyrinth, including 17 cases of plain scan and 35 cases of enhanced scan, with sequences including plain T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI, plain and enhanced delayed 3D fluid attenuation inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR). The affected labyrinthine signal characteristics of each sequence were analyzed and the involvement sites were judged. The ability of each sequence to show labyrinthine abnormal signal was evaluated and scored. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test were used to compare the subjective scores of the ability to show labyrinthine high signal in different sequences in plain and enhanced patients, respectively. Fisher′s exact probability method was used to analyze the relationship between the affected sites and the recovery of hearing, tinnitus and vertigo symptoms. Results:Fifty-two patients (100%, 52/52) showed labyrinthine high signal on T 1WI, 8 (15.4%, 8/52) showed higher signal and 3 (5.8%, 3/52) showed low signal on T 2WI. Thirty-five (100%, 35/35) showed high signal on enhanced T 1WI, among which 27 had enhancement (77.1%, 27/35). Fifty-two (100%, 52/52) showed significant high signal of the affected labyrinth on 3D-FLAIR (17 plain scan, 35 enhanced scan). The scores were 2 (2, 2), 3 (2, 3), 3 (3, 4) and 4 (4, 4) of T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI, plain and enhanced 3D-FLAIR respectively. The overall difference in subjective scores of plain T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI and enhanced 3D-FLAIR in enhanced patients was statistically significant (χ2=64.528, P<0.001), and the comparison between the two was statistically different (all corrected P<0.05). The plain 3D-FLAIR score was higher than the plain T 1WI in patients with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-3.729, P<0.001). Twenty-seven cases (51.9%, 27/52) exhibited high signal at the ampulla of semicircular canals, with a statistically significant difference in the distribution of hearing recovery or not ( P=0.001). Conclusions:Both T 1WI and 3D-FLAIR sequences can effectively identify the labyrinthine high signal, but the latter was better than the former of its ability to display, especially delayed enhanced 3D-FLAIR. The high signal at the ampulla of semicircular canals was a characteristic predictor of non-recovery of hearing.

OBJECTIVE To summarize surgical treatment effects and to discuss surgical strategy for Small acoustic neuroma.METHODS The clinical data of 26 patients with small acoustic neuroma treated with surgery in our department were analyzed retrospectively.25 patients with preoperative hearing grading of C and D received the labyrinthine approach acoustic neuroma resection,and 1 patient with preoperative hearing grading of B received middle fossa approach acoustic neuroma resection.The preoperative and postoperative hearing level,incidence of tinnitus,balance disturbance and weakness of facial muscles were analyzed retrospectively.The control and recurrence of the tumor,the incidence of complications were recorded.RESULTS Total resection was achieved in 25 cases (96％),and in 1 cases achieved sub total resection due to the fact that the tumor was too adhesive to the facial nerve The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 7 years with 7 cases lost contact.No deaths nor intracranial infection were encountered.Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was found in 1 cases after the operation and eustachian tube blockage was performed.All patients(100％) had their facial nerve reserved and 16 patients (88％) had their cochlea nerve reserved.17patients(89.5％) had intact facial nerve function and 2 patients suffered from level Ⅲ facial nerve paralysis (House-Brackmann grade) post operatively.6 patients suffered from vertigo pre-operatively and 5 of them reported disappearance of vertigo after the surgery.Of the 13 patients who did not have vertigo before the surgery,1 patient complained sense of dizziness and unsteady walking post-operatively.5 patients (33.3％) reported disappeared or alleviated tinnitus,8 patients (53％) had the same degree of tinnitus and 2 patients reported worsened tinnitus post-operatively.For patients who did not have tinnitus before the surgery,no tinnitus was reported post-operatively.CONCLUSION treatment strategy for small acoustic neuroma requires personalized setting based on the age of the patient,the combined systemic disease,the severity of the symptoms and the growth rate of the tumor.For patients without practical hearing,the tumor could be removed with labyrinthine approach,and the integrity of the cochlear nerve should be preserved as far as possible,for further reconstruction of hearing ability and cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVE To explore the CT and MRI appearances of otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis(SST) and abscess. METHODS The HRCT, plain MRI, magnetic resonance venography(MRV), enhanced MRI findings in 11 patients with otogenic SST were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS On CT, the bony wall of sigmoid sinus was eroded in 10 cases (10/11), and air bubbles were found in or around sigmoid sinus in 4 cases. On plain MRI, sigmoid sinus flow void effect disappeared in all 11 cases. SST manifested as high signal on T2W1 in all 11 cases, and as low signal on T1WI in 2 cases, isointense signal on T1WI in 6 cases, high signal on T1WI in 3 cases. Contrast enhancement MRI showed enhancement in wall of venous sinus, but venous sinus thrombosis did not enhanced, but showed as irregular filling defect or empty triangle. MRV showed that involved venous sinus was not visualized. CONCLUSION CT can show the erosion of the bony wall of sigmoid sinus which may indicate the SST; and if air bubbles are found around or in the sigmoid sinus, the abscess around or in the sigmoid sinus should be doubted. Conventional MRI combined with MRV are effective and noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of SST.

OBJECTIVE To assess changes in the demographic characteristics of patients with otitis media with effusion during the COVID-19 epidemic.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed cases of otitis media with effusion in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Beijing Tongren Hospital.The cases were divided into two groups:a pre-Covid-19 group(from December 1,2018,to January 31,2019),and a Covid-19 group(from December 1,2022,to January 31,2023).Patient demographics including age,sex,ear side and audiology results were collected.Additionally,age composition ratio,sex composition ratio,disease-side ratio,and audiological results were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 1 872 patients were included in the pre-COVID group,with an average age of(30.45±23.17)years(949 males and 923 females).Among them,910 were children and 962 were adults.The Covid-19 group included 1 194 patients,with an average age of(48.31±18.92)years(623 males and 571 females).Among them,95 were children and 1 099 were adults.Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the overall age distribution of the disease was different between the two groups(Z=-20.820,P＜0.001).There was a significant difference in the composition ratio of children to adults(χ2=546.838,P＜0.001),with a significant decrease and increase in the prevalence rate of otitis media with effusion in children and adults,respectively,in the COVID-19 group.Compared to the pre-COVID-19 group,the proportion of cases in the age group of 7-18 years was significantly reduced in the children's group(Z=-5.641,P＜0.001),and the proportion of prevalence increased significantly in the adult group aged 46-75 years(Z=-3.134,P=0.002).Additionally,there was a significant increase in the number of male patients in the Covid-19 group(χ2=5.15,P=0.023)when compared to the pre-COVID-19 group.CONCLUSION Compared to the pre-Covid-19 period,a significant change in the age distribution of otitis media with effusion was observed during the COVID-19 epidemic,with a significant decrease in the proportion of children and a signification increase in the proportion of adults.

COVID-19 associated Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) caused by peripheral nerve damage after SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the most common COVID-19 related nervous system inflammatory diseases, with high incidence of respiratory failure and mortality. Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 associated GBS patients has been rarely reported. This paper reports 4 patients with COVID-19 associated GBS in China who developed neurological symptoms 4-15 days after fever and were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. All patients presented with progressive weakness of both lower limbs, 3 patients with autonomic dysfunction such as defecation and urination disorders, and 1 patient with polycranial neuritis and Miller-Fisher syndrome such as bilateral facial palsy, dysphagia, diplopia and ataxia. Nerve conduction velocity and F wave were abnormal in 3 patients, and motor conduction pathway was abnormal in 1 patient. Anti-ganglioside antibodies were tested in 3 patients, and GD1a-IgG was positive in 1 patient. All 4 patients underwent metagenomic next-generation sequencing examination in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was positive in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of 3 patients, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was positive in cerebrospinal fluid of 1 patient.

Child ; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Otitis Media with Effusion ; diagnosis ; pathology