The Journal of laryngology and otology
-
Adenotonsillectomy is successful at eliminating airway obstruction in the majority of otherwise normal children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Children with this condition are at significantly higher risk of post-operative respiratory complications. Identifying children at risk of post-operative respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome remains a challenge for clinicians, especially those at district general hospitals. ⋯ Patients in the high risk group should be operated upon at paediatric specialist centres with intensive care facilities. Those in the moderate risk group may undergo adenotonsillectomy at their district general hospital, provided facilities for administering continuous positive airway pressure are available on-site. Most children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may be classified as low risk candidates and may safely be operated upon at their local district general hospital.
-
Review Historical Article
Barré-Lieou syndrome and the problem of the obsolete eponym.
Eponym lists in major sources can give an aura of legitimacy to discredited diagnoses, as exemplified by the case of Barré-Lieou syndrome, a 'rare' vestibular disorder. ⋯ By inclusion in eponym lists, without a disclaimer, a syndrome can be given legitimacy before the general public. A syndrome, such as Barré-Lieou syndrome, that is useless to the medical profession can unfortunately prove to be very useful for litigants and disability claimants.
-
Mycobacterium marinum is an atypical mycobacterium found in both salt and fresh water. It occasionally causes soft tissue infections after minor trauma, principally affecting the limbs. A 17-year-old male aquarium worker presented with preseptal cellulitis of his right eye, after attempting to lance a hordeolum some days previously. ⋯ A Medline search did not demonstrate any previous cases of Mycobacterium marinum infection occurring peri-orbitally. The current literature regarding diagnosis and management is reviewed. Although infection with Mycobacterium marinum is rare in the general population, this case demonstrates the importance of considering the diagnosis when dealing with patients frequently exposed to fresh or salt water.
-
Food allergy is often thought to be a cause of rhinitis by patients, whose views are frequently influenced by information obtained from the Internet. The incidence of food allergy in children is 2-8 per cent, although a vast majority will grow out of it, and food allergy is actually very rare in adults. ⋯ Treatment for rhinitis due to food allergy is therefore rarely indicated. This review summarises the literature related to the incidence, diagnosis and management of food allergy and food allergy induced rhinitis.
-
Surgical procedures in otolaryngology are often associated with the need for blood transfusions. Homologous blood transfusions carry risks and may be unacceptable to some patient groups. ⋯ Throughout the world, Jehovah's Witnesses have fought for the right to refuse blood products. This article examines the need for blood in otolaryngological procedures, surgical strategies to reduce blood loss, the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding the acceptability of blood, and procedures and legal stances adopted when treating Jehovah's Witnesses.