BackgroundClimatic or meteorological condition changes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL). We investigated the seasonal distribution of ISSHL and evaluated the influence of meteorological parameters (such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure), their variation and covariation on the incidence of the disease.MethodsA total of 82 cases of ISSHL, admitted to our department over a five-year period, were enrolled in the study. Seasonal distribution of the disease was investigated by dividing the year in four seasons. Meteorological data included daily values of 13 distinct parameters recorded at the meteorological station of the University of Ioannina during this period. A relationship between each meteorological variable and the incidence of ISSHL was investigated by applying (χ2) test on data from 13 contingency tables as well as by using logistic regression and t-test approaches. In addition, the influence of different weather types on the incidence of ISSHL was investigated using Cluster Analysis in order to create eight clusters (weather types) characteristic for the prefecture of Ioannina.ResultsThe results of the study could not indicate any seasonal distribution of the disease. The incidence of ISSHL could not be significantly correlated either to any distinct meteorological parameter or to any specific weather type.ConclusionsMeteorological conditions, such as those dominating in the Northwestern Greece, and/or their changes, have no proven effect on the incidence of ISSHL.

There are few reports on focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; thus the relationship between them has not been completely clarified yet. We present a case of recurrent FEH in an HIV-positive man (the first described in Belgium), which, according to the PCR-DNA testing, was due to human papilloma virus type 13 (HPV13). To our knowledge, based on the accessible literature, this type of HPV has not been detected in any other documented study of FEH in HIV-positive patients before. Our patient experienced three recurrences of FEH in 1 year. It is therefore suggested that immunodeficiency due to HIV infection is responsible for the HPV-related FEH and the subsequent recurrences. In order to support the consideration of FEH as an oral manifestation of an HIV-related opportunistic infection, every new ‘HPV-type’ oral lesion in HIV-positive patients must be completely documented.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of weather conditions on the frequency of acute laryngitis in adults. The medical records of 825 patients with a diagnosis of acute laryngitis obtained over a 5-year period were reviewed. Meteorological data reviewed included the daily values of 13 parameters. The monthly distribution of the disease was assessed. In addition, a detailed 2-part statistical analysis was performed as follows: (i) the relationship between each meteorological parameter and the frequency of the disease was investigated, using contingency tables; and (ii) the 1825-day period was divided into 8 groups characterized by similar weather, using factor and cluster analysis, and the disease frequency in each group was assessed. Our observations were as follows: 1. Meteorological parameters, such as low temperature, low diurnal temperature range, low atmospheric pressure and low mean water vapor pressure, were associated with an increased occurrence of acute laryngitis. 2. Significant changes in maximum temperature or a significant drop in atmospheric pressure, as compared to the previous day's conditions, favored new cases of the disease. 3. The cold period of the year was associated with an almost two-fold increase in the frequency of disease cases, which peaked in March and reaching a minimum during August. 4. The peak frequency of cases was associated with winter weather conditions, which were characterized by high humidity readings. In conclusion, meteorological parameters, and their variation and covariation, are strongly associated with acute laryngitis in adults.

Background: Climatic or meteorological condition changes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Bell's palsy (BP). We evaluate the influence of meteorological parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and their variation and covariation on the incidence of BP and present a review of the literature on the effect of meteorological conditions on facial nerve function.

No abstract