Sriwijaya Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration in Ear Injuries: A Meta-Analysis

Rachmat Hidayat — 2024-04-30

Introduction: Ear injuries are a common health problem and can cause significant hearing loss. Tissue regeneration in injured ears is still a big challenge. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential for tissue regeneration in various organs, including the ear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MSCs in tissue regeneration in ear injuries.

Methods: We conducted a literature search in various electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, for studies examining the use of MSCs in tissue regeneration in ear injuries. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled studies, prospective observational studies, and cohort studies examining the effectiveness of MSCs on hearing improvement, regeneration of ear structures, and reduction of inflammation.

Results: A total of 12 studies with a total of 342 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results showed that MSCs significantly improved hearing improvement (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-0.92, p < 0.001) and ear structure regeneration (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI 0.28 -0.78, p < 0.001). MSCs also showed effectiveness in reducing inflammation (SMD = -0.48, 95% CI -0.73-0.23, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: MSCs are an effective and safe therapy for tissue regeneration in ear injuries. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of MSCs.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Oral and Intravenous Antibiotics for the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis in Children at Skopje Hospital, Macedonia

Bernadette Wilson — 2024-07-29

Introduction: Acute sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavity that often occurs in children. Antibiotics are the primary therapy of choice for acute sinusitis, but the optimal route of administration remains a matter of debate. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of oral and intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of acute sinusitis in children at Skopje Hospital Macedonia.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with acute sinusitis at Skopje Hospital Macedonia between 2019 and 2022. Patient data were collected from electronic medical records, including age, gender, symptoms, clinical findings, outcomes supporting examinations, and antibiotic therapy. Patients were grouped by route of antibiotic administration (oral vs. intravenous) and analyzed for comparison of treatment effectiveness.

Results: A total of 200 children with acute sinusitis were included in this study. Of these, 100 children received oral antibiotics, and 100 children received intravenous antibiotics. The oral and intravenous groups did not show significant differences in demographic characteristics, symptoms, clinical findings, and results of investigations. The overall cure rate was 85% in the oral group and 90% in the intravenous group. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.21). Subgroup analysis showed that oral antibiotics were as effective as intravenous antibiotics for children with uncomplicated acute sinusitis.

Conclusion: Oral and intravenous antibiotics are equally effective for the treatment of acute sinusitis in children at Skopje Hospital Macedonia. Oral antibiotics can be used as a first-line therapy option for acute sinusitis in children, taking into account the safety profile, cost, and patient compliance.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hearing Loss in Children in Mumbai, India

Sharma Singh — 2024-07-31

Introduction: Hearing loss (GP) is a significant public health problem in India, especially in children. In Mumbai, the prevalence of GP among children is not yet known with certainty. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GP in children in Mumbai.

Methods: This research was conducted cross-sectionally involving 500 children aged 5-15 years in Mumbai. Data was collected through interviews and hearing examinations. Risk factors analyzed included age, gender, socioeconomic status, noise exposure, and history of ear infections.

Results: The prevalence of GP among children in Mumbai is 12%. Risk factors significantly associated with GP were age, noise exposure, and history of ear infections.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GP among children in Mumbai is quite high. The main risk factors for GP are age, noise exposure, and history of ear infections. Efforts to prevent GP in children in Mumbai need to focus on controlling noise exposure and treating ear infections early.

Molecular Biomarkers as Predictors of Treatment Response and Survival Outcomes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study at a Singapore Tertiary Hospital

Martin Curtis Lee — 2024-08-09

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease with variable treatment responses. Identification of molecular biomarkers could personalize treatment and improve outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Patients with HNSCC treated between 2018-2023 were included. Pretreatment tumor biopsies were analyzed for biomarker expression (PD-L1, EGFR, TP53, HPV status) using immunohistochemistry and PCR. Clinical data were collected from medical records. Treatment response, survival, and associations with biomarkers were analyzed.

Results: 250 patients were included. PD-L1 expression was associated with improved response to immunotherapy (p = 0.02). EGFR overexpression correlated with worse overall survival (p = 0.01). TP53 mutations were linked to increased locoregional recurrence (p = 0.03). HPV-positive tumors had a better prognosis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Molecular biomarkers show promise in predicting treatment response and survival in HNSCC. Integration of these markers into clinical practice could facilitate personalized treatment strategies.