A multicenter observational study on the role of comorbidities in the recurrent episodes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objective: Primary objective of this study was to find a statistical link between the most worldwide comorbidities affecting the elderly population (hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthrosis, osteoporosis and depression) and recurrent episodes of BPPV. Secondary objective was defining possible "groups of risk" for people suffering recurrent positional vertigo related to the presence of a well documented comorbidity.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter, spontaneous, non-pharmacological study.

New criteria of indication and selection of patients to cochlear implant.

Numerous changes continue to occur in cochlear implant candidacy. In general, these have been accompanied by concomitant and satisfactory changes in surgical techniques. Together, this has advanced the utility and safety of cochlear implantation.

Viral etiology for inner ear diseases: proven, unproven, unlikely.

This is a revision article that deals with the broad field of inner ear disease caused by viral infections. Some of these entities have been proven to have a viral etiology. Others have strong evidence in favor of a viral causation but still cannot be considered as a viral disease.

Evaluation of early postoperative morbidity in pediatric tonsillectomy with the use of sucralfate.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of sucralfate in alleviating posttonsilectomy morbidity in a pediatric group of patients.

Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study comparing the irrigation of a solution containing either 1g of sucralfate (study group) or 1g of lactulose (control group) was performed on 69 children aged 3-12 years, who underwent tonsillectomy at the University Hospital of Brasilia Medical School. The children were randomly assigned and each one used a solution containing sucralfate or lactulose to swish and swallow four times daily during 7 days.

Intratympanic dexamethasone injections as a treatment for severe, disabling tinnitus: does it work?

Objective: To test the effectiveness of intratympanic dexamethasone injections as a treatment for severe disabling cochlear tinnitus.

Design: Randomized, prospective, single-blind study.

Setting: Academic tertiary referral hospital.