Cholesteatoma gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors by RT-PCR.

Unlabelled: Acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is a benign keratinizing hyperproliferative squamous epithelial lesion that may result in the destruction of the bone structures surrounding the temporal bone. Recent studies show that variations in cellular production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors (TIMPs) contribute to the pathophysiology of cholesteatoma.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the use of RNA amplification tests to evaluate the expression of MMP and TIMP isoforms in cholesteatomas and their correlation with disease severity.

Tympanoplasty: surgical results and a comparison of the factors that may interfere in their success.

Unlabelled: Chronic otitis media has a high prevalence on the population and their treatment continuous to be a challenge for the otorhinolaryngologists.

Aim: To demonstrate the factors that could interfere in the tympanoplasty success and the surgical results during 2002.

Study Design: Clinical prospective.