MyMedR

Fulltext The effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for drug addiction: a review of research evidence from clinical trials

Lua PL, Talib NS

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(1):55-68.

MyJurnal

Objectives: This review aims to compile and evaluate all available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupuncture (AA) treatment in drug addiction population with emphasis on the length of treatment course, needle-points, outcome measures, reported side-effects and overall outcomes.
Methods: Science Direct, Medline and EBSCOhost databases were searched. From the year 1990 until 2010, only full-length English articles incorporating RCTs related to AA studies (needle-based only) in drug addiction such as heroin, morphine, methamphetamine and cocaine were included. Studies involving the usage of various methods of electroacupuncture and investigations relating to cigarette-smoking or alcohol addiction were excluded.
Results: Eight RCTs met all inclusion criteria comprising of 1,594 respondents (age = 19 - 46 years; male = 57% - 76%). Most were involved in cocaine addiction. Overall, trials were designed with brief periods of treatment course and utilised three to five standard National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) points (Sympathetic, Lung, Liver, Kidney and Shen men), but inconsistent sham points. All trials included urine toxicology test as the main outcome measure while data on side-effects incidence was insufficient. Conclusions: Overall, four of the RCTs reported positive outcomes although at this point, AA’s effectiveness and safety could not be substantially confirmed. For the future, high-quality RCTs of AA are urgently required to provide a clearer understanding on the usefulness of this complementary therapy in drug addiction treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Acupuncture, Ear

Cholesteatoma in an Asian population

Lee ST

Acta Otolaryngol, 1991;111(3):536-41.

PMID: 1887780 DOI: 10.3109/00016489109138380

Two hundred Malaysian patients representing 227 ears with previously untreated cholesteatoma disease were analysed retrospectively in terms of i) type of disease, i.e. primary acquired attic defect or posterior superior retraction pocket and secondary acquired type cholesteatoma; ii) positive history of previous middle ear effusion, atelectasis or grommet insertion; and iii) likelihood of complications as initial presenting feature. The high 47.1% incidence of secondary acquired cholesteatoma disease in our patients contrasts with the predominance of primary acquired cholesteatoma in the Caucasian patient. Correlation of these two disease types with a positive history showed a significant positive association between the primary acquired group and a positive history; and conversely a significant negative association for the secondary acquired type. This supports a role for the retraction theory in primary acquired cholesteatoma but negates this theory in secondary acquired cholesteatoma. Secondary acquired cholesteatoma had a significantly higher (35.5%) complication rate against 15.8% in the primary acquired type (p = 0.001). This fact together with a 47.1% incidence of secondary acquired disease, low otolaryngologist population ratio and patient attitudes to disease account for the high total complication rate of 27.3%.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Diseases/complications; Ear Diseases/etiology; Ear Diseases/epidemiology*

Auricular acupuncture for drug dependence: an open-label randomized investigation on clinical outcomes, health-related quality of life, and patient acceptability

Lua PL, Talib NS

Altern Ther Health Med, 2013;19(4):28-42.

PMID: 23981370

Substance abuse has been prevalent in Malaysia for many years and currently represents one of the main concerns to its society. The limitations of conventional therapies have resulted in efforts to explore the potentia of complementary therapies in the management of drug addiction. The evidence for auricular acupuncture (AA) as a potential complementary therapy for drug addiction is still limited and inconclusive.

Matched MeSH terms: Acupuncture, Ear/methods*

Rare embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external acoustic canal: a case report and literature review

Eksan MS, Noorizan Y, Chew YK, Noorafidah MD, Asma A

Am J Otolaryngol, 2014 Nov-Dec;35(6):814-5.

PMID: 25128187 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2014.07.009

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external ear canal is very rare, even in the pediatric population. We report an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external acoustic canal, occurring in a 12-year-old Chinese girl who presented with left ear canal mass. Wide local excision of the mass was done under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis. She then underwent 20 cycles of radiotherapy. CECT scan post treatment showed clearance of tumor cell. Now, patient is disease free for 5 years. We believe that early diagnosis followed by complete resection of the tumor with clear margin and radiotherapy improves the prognosis of the disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Canal*; Ear Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Ear Neoplasms/radiotherapy; Ear Neoplasms/surgery

Anatomical variants of the superficial temporal artery in patients with microtia: a pilot descriptive study

Imran FH, Yong CK, Das S, Huei YL

Anat Cell Biol, 2016 Dec;49(4):273-280.

PMID: 28127502 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2016.49.4.273

Superficial temporal artery (STA) based pedicled fascial flap plays a pivotal role in ear reconstruction for microtia patients. There is paucity of literature on the anatomy of the STA in microtia patients. The present study aimed to describe any possible anatomical variations seen in the STA of patients afflicted with microtia. Pre-operative carotid computer tomographic angiography images of patients under the microtia database of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at a tertiary medical centre were selected and 3-dimensionally reconstructed. Measurements were made on the 3D reconstructed computed tomographic angiography images of the STA on both the sides of the microtic ear and the non-microtic ear to assess its various anatomical parameters. We managed to obtain a total of 39 computed tomographic angiography images of STAs for analysis. There was a significant difference in the number of main branches of STA between the two groups (P=0.006). The proportion of ears with 2 main branches was higher in the non-microtia group (89.5%) compared to the microtia group (45.0%). A significant difference was found in the STA diameter between the two groups (P=0.012). The mean diameter of STA in the non-microtia group was larger by 0.4 mm. Furthermore, the median angle of STA was larger on the side of the non-microtic ears compared to that of microtic ears by 24.5°, with a P-value of 0.011. The results of the study may be of clinical importance while planning and performing ear reconstructive surgeries using STA based pedicled fascial flaps.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear, External

Human otoacariasis

Indudharan R, Ahamad M, Ho TM, Salim R, Htun YN

Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 1999 Mar;93(2):163-7.

PMID: 10474641

Accidental entry of insects and other arthropods is a common aetiology of aural foreign bodies (FB) presenting to accident and emergency departments. A retrospective study revealed that the FB in almost half (148) of 348 cases of aural FB investigated at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital was an arthropod. The most common arthropod encountered was the cockroach, followed by a cattle tick. The high prevalence of tick infestation of the human ear canal (i.e. human otoacariasis) currently appears to be unique to the Malaysian state of Kelantan. The presentation of patients with intra-aural ticks, the methods used to remove the ticks, the complications encountered, and recommendations for an appropriate course of action in such cases are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Canal/parasitology*

An anthropological study of the Malay and the Chinese of Malaysia

Chattopadhyay PK, Ganeson D

Ann Hum Biol, 1977 Jul;4(4):379-81.

PMID: 931362

Data for the ABO blood groups and for handclasping, arm folding, handedness, ear lobe types and camptodactyly are presented for 104 Malay and 57 Chinese males in the city of Alor Star, Kedah, Malaysia. The two groups exhibit marked differences in the frequencies of most of these attributes.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear/anatomy & histology

Ear lobe crease: incidence in a healthy Malay population

Dharap AS, Sharma HS, Than M

Anthropol Anz, 2000 Sep;58(3):309-15.

PMID: 11082788

The incidence of ear lobe crease (ELC) was studied in 1576 healthy Malay subjects (566 males and 1010 females), randomly selected from the residents of Kota Bharu, Malaysia. ELC was present in 31.1% of males and in 3.6% of females; this difference in incidence between the two sexes is statistically significant (p > 0.05). In males the incidence of Type I crease was highest (10.1%) while that of Type III crease was lowest (2.3%). In females Type II crease showed the highest incidence (1.9%) and Type III the lowest. The incidence of bilateral presence of all three types of ELC showed an age-related increase in males. The ELC often starts unilaterally and later develops bilaterally and earlier in males than in females.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear, External/anatomy & histology*

Five anthroposcopic traits of the ear in a Malaysian population

Dharap AS, Than M

Anthropol Anz, 1995 Dec;53(4):359-63.

PMID: 8579342

Five anthroposcopic traits concerning the ear, namely ear lobe attachment, position of ears, shape of the helix, presence of Darwin's tubercle and hairy ears have been studied in a Malay population from Malaysia. The results of the present study are compared with similar reports in other ethnic groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear, External/anatomy & histology*

Fulltext Large full thickness medial canthal reconstruction: a report of two cases and review of literature

Nor Idahriani Muhd Nor, Azhany Yaakub, Naik, Venkatesh R., Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam, Liza Sharmini Ahmad Tajudin

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2012;7(1):1-6.

MyJurnal

The reconstruction of the upper eyelid with medial canthal involvement post extensive removal of malignant tumour remains a challenge. Proper eyelid reconstruction is necessary to reestablish anatomic integrity, restoration of its functions and to maintain the best cosmetic appearance. These case reports illustrate an alternative reconstructive technique for large upper eyelid full thickness defect with medial canthal involvement. Two cases of upper eyelid tumours involving medial canthal region underwent staged reconstruction by glabellar flap advancement and reconstruction of the posterior lamellar with autologous graft using buccal mucosa and ear cartilage. The posterior lamellar graft and flap survived without any complication except for mild eyelid margin notching in one of the two cases. The staged reconstruction with glabellar flap advancement provides adequate defect coverage, excellent blood supply, maintains eyebrow contour and function of the eyelid. The flap also perfectly matches the surrounding tissue with minimal donor site morbidity.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Cartilage

Fulltext Isolated facial palsy due to intra-aural tick (ixodoidea) infestation

Zamzil Amin, A., Baharudin, A., Shahid, H., Din Suhaimi, S., Nor Affendie, M.J.

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2007;2(1):51-53.

MyJurnal

A tick in the ear is a very painful condition and removal is difficult because it grips firmly to the external auditory canal or tympanic membrane. Facial paralysis is a rarely reported localised neurological complication of an intra-aural tick infestation. The pathophysiology of localised paralysis is discussed, together with the safe way of handling patients with an intra-aural tick infestation.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear; Ear Canal

Epithelial migration in open mastoidectomy cavities

Ong CA, Prepageran N, Godbole S, Raman R

Asian J Surg, 2007 Jan;30(1):57-9.

PMID: 17337373

To study the rate and pattern of epithelial migration in 18 dry, open mastoidectomy cavities.

Matched MeSH terms: Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear

Zygomatic root abscess: A rare entity not to be forgotten!

Hong CX, Razuan NA, Alias A, Hassan FH, Nasseri Z

Auris Nasus Larynx, 2021 Aug;48(4):788-792.

PMID: 32513602 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2020.05.007

Zygomatic root abscess is a rare extracranial extratemporal complication of otitis media. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few scattered cases of zygomatic root abscesses reported in the literature. We present an unusual case of a zygomatic root abscess in a 24 years old adult. He presented with one month duration of right zygomatic swelling. Otoscopic examination revealed superior and posterior external auditory canal wall sagging with an intact tympanic membrane. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) temporal bone revealed a rim enhancing lesion lateral to the zygomatic process with fluid filled mastoid air cells. He was managed with antibiotics and staged surgical interventions. He recovered well. Our case serves to shed light on the pathways of infection, clinical manifestations and timely staged surgical intervention in this rare pathology.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Canal

The strange case of the ear and the heart: The auricular vagus nerve and its influence on cardiac control

Murray AR, Atkinson L, Mahadi MK, Deuchars SA, Deuchars J

Auton Neurosci, 2016 08;199:48-53.

PMID: 27388046 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.06.004

The human ear seems an unlikely candidate for therapies aimed at improving cardiac function, but the ear and the heart share a common connection: the vagus nerve. In recent years there has been increasing interest in the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), a unique cutaneous subdivision of the vagus distributed to the external ear. Non-invasive electrical stimulation of this nerve through the skin may offer a simple, cost-effective alternative to the established method of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which requires a surgical procedure and has generated mixed results in a number of clinical trials for heart failure. This review discusses the available evidence in support of modulating cardiac activity using this strange auricular nerve.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear/physiology*; Ear/surgery; Heart/physiology*; Heart/physiopathology; Heart Failure/physiopathology*; Heart Failure/surgery

Fulltext Eye-masks and earplugs compared to headband in nulliparas on increasing spontaneous vaginal delivery: a randomized trial

Hong JGS, Vimaladevi A, Razif NA, Omar SZ, Tan PC

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2023 May 24;23(1):378.

PMID: 37226087 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05685-4

BACKGROUND: A majority of pregnant women experience sleep disruption during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Lack of sleep is associated with preterm birth, prolonged labor and higher cesarean section rate. Six or less hours of night sleep in the last month of pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of caesarean births. Eye-masks and earplugs compared to headband improve night sleep by 30 or more minutes. We sought to evaluate eye-mask and earplugs compared to sham/placebo headbands on spontaneous vaginal delivery.

METHODS: This randomized trial was conducted from December 2019-June 2020. 234 nulliparas, 34-36 weeks' gestation with self-reported night sleep

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Protective Devices

Ball-bearing in ear

Abdul Wahab A

Br Med J, 1955;2:439.

I would like to report the case of a Chinese boy of 5 years old who came to see me with a ball-bearing in one of his ears. Repeated attempts were made to extricate it under general anaesthesia by means of several kinds of aural apparatus, but they all failed. While about to give up hope and hand him over to a specialist, I managed to borrow a pair of magnetic forceps from a radio mechanic. The ball-bearing was immediately attracted to the point of the forceps and drawn out with ease. It would not be a bad idea to design a magnetic aural (or nasal) forceps based upon the above principles with a view to avoiding unnecessary pain and misery to the young victims.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Diseases

Fulltext Hyphae in external auditory canal

Saniasiaya J, Narayanan P

BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Jul 26;14(7).

PMID: 34312145 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245388

Matched MeSH terms: Ear, Middle

Fulltext Intriguing aural foreign body and algorithm of management of foreign body

Ponnuvelu K, Saniasiaya J, Abdul Gani N

BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Aug 16;14(8).

PMID: 34400422 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242122

Foreign body (FB) in the external auditory canal is more common among the paediatric age group compared with adult patients and it may be deposited in various ways. An accidental animate aural FB is reported to be commonly encountered in adults whereas inanimate FBs are likely to be found among adult patients with learning disability. An elderly man presented with accidental penetration of rattan tree stem into his ear while gardening. Removal of a FB from the external auditory canal requires expertise as deep penetration of a FB into the middle and inner ear may lead grave complications, especially when overzealous removal is attempted by nonear, nose and throat (ENT) personnel. This case emphasises on the importance of awareness of meticulous removal of a FB under proper visualisation so as to avoid unnecessary complications. Additionally, we propose an algorithm for proper removal of aural FB in an acute care setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Ear, Inner*

Fulltext Keratosis obturans complicated with facial nerve palsy: a diagnostic dilemma

Saniasiaya J, Nik Othman NA, Mohamad Pakarul Razy NH

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, 2016 05 24;86(1):130-132.

PMID: 27269254 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2016.04.012

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Canal/pathology; Ear Diseases/pathology

Fulltext Postauricular neurofibroma - a rare occurrence

Shi Nee T, Ami M, Min Han K, Sabir Husin Athar PP

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, 2015 12 19;83(5):600-601.

PMID: 26777080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.09.001

Matched MeSH terms: Ear Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Ear Neoplasms/surgery

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 176 in total