Search

Pneumatic otoscopes do not support video assisted clinical examination, as they are not equipped with built-in cameras, so diagnosis is based on real-time direct observation rather than on video studying. On the other hand, classic rigid endoscopes usually provide otologists with a clear view of the tympanic membrane and its mobility, allowing subsequent video recording. Unfortunately, rigid endoscopes cannot be used for pneumatic otoscopy, unless they are properly fitted for such use. The aim of this paper is to present a low cost-video assisted-pneumatic oto-endoscopy system based on a conventional rigid endoscope.

In two independent trials 10 and 12 healthy volunteers received the novel intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations BT 511 and BT 507, respectively. BT 511 contains 5 g human plasma proteins per 100 ml, more than 95% of which are immunoglobulins of the G class (IgG). BT 507 contains in addition 61 IU antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs).ml-1. In trial I volunteers received 4.0 ml/kg (n = 4) and 8.0 ml.kg-1 (n = 6) BT 511 to study the tolerability and the magnitude of the increase in immunoglobulins in plasma as well as their decline over 1 month. After administration of the lower dose, plasma IgG increased from 10.7 to 14.7 g.l-1 directly after the infusion. Following the 8.0 ml.kg-1 dose a more pronounced increase from 12.4 to 21.2 g.l-1 was observed. No adverse events occurred. After 1 month IgG concentrations had almost reached baseline values at 12.2 g.l-1 in the 4.0 ml.kg-1 group, but were still significantly increased at 15.2 g.l-1 after the high dose. There was a linear correlation between the maximal IgG plasma concentration and the subsequent decline of IgG during the 29-day observation period. After administration of BT 507 maximal anti-HBs concentrations of 1778 mU.ml-1 occurred 1.4 h after termination of the infusion. The terminal elimination half-life was 22.4 days, and total clearance and volume of distribution were determined to be 0.122 ml.min-1 and 5.41, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated for anti-HBs as an indicator of IgG were in accordance with the pharmacokinetic behaviour of native IgG.