Læknablaðið : fylgirit - 01.06.2005, Side 37

ABSTRACTS / XXIX CONGRESS OF THE NORDIC ASSOCIATION OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Little is known about the microenvironment of the sensory
epithelium of the olfactory clefts. We found by mass spectrometry
coupled with Edman sequencing, that only the mucus taken in
the olfactory clefts contain odorant-binding proteins (OBP).
These low-molecular weight soluble proteins have a hydrophobic
B barrel pocket where hydrophobic odorant molecules can be
carried. We cloned one of the human OBP isoform (hOBP-2A).
By measuring the displacement of several fluorescent probes
trapped in the lipocalin pocket, we show that the protein is able
to bind numerous odorants of diverse chemical structures, with a
high affinity for aldehydes and large fatty acids. OBP are thought
to participate in perireceptor events of odor detection by carrying,
deactivating, selecting hydrophobic odorant molecules and,
possibly, by interacting with the receptor proteins of the sensory
neurones. Our discovery of human OBPs opens new perspectives
about human olfactory perception and emphasizes the role of the
olfactory cleft for odorant perception.
The olfactory bulbs are essential structures of the olfactory
pathway. We have shown that the human olfactory bulbs can be
observed using RMI, thus opening the possibility of examining
more precisely their appearance in normal as well as in
pathological (e.g. following a brain trauma) subjects.
From the olfactory bulbs, the information is sent to various brain
areas. RMI and CT scans following brain trauma, coupled with
measurement of olfactory performances, are useful to determine
which brain regions are critical for processing olfactory information.
Our investigations illustrate that many aspects of the human
olfactory system should be studied in more detail as pathology of
the olfactory sense might have different origins.
Abstract no.: 093
Clinical considerations on olfaction
Brámerson A, Bende M
ENT department, Skövde, Sweden
Olfactory disorders can have a significant impact on our lives and
it is therefore understandable that people with olfactory disorders
seek medical service. We have focused on diagnostic methods for
anosmia and hyposmia and will present our clinical experiences
since 10 years.
These patients do have an impaired quality of life, which can
be measured by different questionnaires and we have used the
Nothingham Health Profile for that purpose.
Olfactory dysfunctions are not only seen among ENT patients.
By a population-based study, an impaired sense of smell has been
found in a general population with a prevalence of 19 %, with
increasing with age. Diabetes and nasal polyps are risk factors for
olfactory dysfunction.
Abstract no.: 094
Clinical considerations on olfaction
Bramerson A, Bende M
ENT department, Skövde, Sweden
Olfactory disorders can have a significant impact on our lives and
it is therefore understandable that people with olfactory disorders
seek medical service. We have focused on diagnostic methods for
anosmia and hyposmia and will present our clinical experiences
since 10 years.
These patients do have an impaired quality of life, which can
be measured by different questionnaires and we have used the
Nothingham Health Profile for that purpose.
Olfactory dysfunctions are not only seen among ENT patients.
By a population-based study, an impaired sense of smell has been
found in a general population with a prevalence of 19 %, with
increasing with age. Diabetes and nasal polyps are risk factors for
olfactory dysfunction.
O-VII INNER EAR AND HEARING
Abstract no.: 095
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) in children, Before, Now
& Next
Priwin C, Karolinska University Hospital, Granström G, Sahlgrenska
University Hospital, Hultcrantz M, Karolinska University Hospital,
Jönsson R, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Introduction: The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) concept is
today widely established for both adults and children. The B AHA
concept is suitable for patients with recurrent ear infections or ear
malformations who cannot use ordinary hearing aids which oper-
ate altogether or partly in the ear canal.
Aim: The study evaluates how children with unilateral or bilateral
conductive hearing loss can be rehabilitated for best hearing result.
Method: 36 children are grouped:
1. normal hearing
2. unilateral hearing loss unaided
3. unilateral hearing loss with unilateral BAHA
4. bilateral hearing loss with unilateral BAHA
5. bilateral hearing loss with bilateral BAHA
6. uni- or bilateral hearing loss with conventional bone con-
ductor
Hearing tests are preformed, including baseline audiometry,
tone thresholds in free field, speech in noise and directional
hearing. Hearing function questionnaires are evaluated.
Results: Preliminary results show improved ability to hear speech
in noise and obtaining directional hearing when children with uni-
lateral hearing loss are fitted with a unilateral B AHA or when chil-
dren with bilateral hearing loss are fitted with bilateral BAHAs.
Conclusion: In future unilateral BAHA should be considered in chil-
dren with unilateral conductive hearing loss and children with bilat-
eral conductive hearing loss should be offered bilateral BAHAs.
Abstract no.: 096
Can the damaged inner ear be replaced?
N. Petri Olivius1, Zhengqing Hu1, Charoensri Thonabulsombat1, Mats
Ulfendahl1, Dan Bagger-Sjöbáck', Josef M. Miller2
'Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Institute for Hearing and
Communication Research, Karolinska institutet, Karolinska hospital, PO
Box SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden, 2Kresge Hearing Research Institute,
Ann Arbor, Mi., USA
Progress in techniques and strategies for tissue engineering has
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