Risk factors for distant metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of distant metastases (DM) and to determine the ability of certain clinical and pathologic factors to predict the development of distant metastases.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: University hospital.

Reversed ipsilateral acoustic reflex: a study on subjects treated with muscle relaxants.

Objectives: To rule out any possible involvement of the middle ear muscles in the genesis of the reversed ipsilateral acoustic reflex (RIAR).

Design: Prospective study to evaluate the effects of muscle relaxants on the RIAR of otosclerotic ears as well as on the acoustic reflex of individuals with normal middle ear function. Admittance recording during ipsilateral acoustic stimulation was performed in patients undergoing pharmacological treatment for surgical procedures.