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Background: In sudden and asymmetrical progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required to evaluate retrocochlear pathology and, with recent advances in MRI techniques, inner ear pathology. Given the limited literature regarding inner ear pathology associated with SNHL, we aimed to assess the incidence of retrocochlear and inner ear pathology, and congenital malformation on MRI in sudden SNHL (SSNHL) and progressive SNHL. Methods: A total of 987 acoustic neuroma (AN) protocol MRI internal acoustic meatus studies performed at our institution to investigate SNHL between January 2013 and December 2015 inclusive were identified. Following categorization for indication of SSNHL versus progressive asymmetrical SNHL, MRIs with retrocochlear or inner ear abnormality, congenital malformation or other otology‐related abnormality were identified, and further data were collected for these patients including patient demographics, associated symptomatology, management and outcomes. Results: In SSNHL, aetiological abnormality on MRI was identified for 6.9% patients with AN present on 4% overall. 3.2% of MRIs for progressive asymmetrical SNHL identified a causative lesion with 2.3% of scans overall diagnosing AN. The incidence of congenital inner ear malformation on MRI in the setting of SSNHL and progressive asymmetrical SNHL are 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first retrospective study of inner ear MRI abnormalities in both SSNHL and progressive asymmetrical SNHL in Australia and one of the largest cohorts published in the literature to date. MRI must be performed in the setting of SNHL to ensure aforementioned and rarer causative lesions are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several paediatric weight estimation methods have been described for use when direct weight measurement is not possible. A new age-based weight estimation method has recently been proposed. The Luscombe formula, applicable to children aged 1-10 years, is calculated as (3 × age in years) + 7. Our objective was to externally validate this formula using an existing database. Secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study. Data collected included height, age, ethnicity and measured weight. The outcome of interest was agreement between estimated weight using the Luscombe formula and measured weight. Secondary outcome was comparison with performance of Argall, APLS and Best Guess formulae. Accuracy of weight estimation methods was compared using mean difference (bias), 95% limits of agreement, root mean square error and proportion with agreement within 10%. Four hundred and ten children were studied. Median age was 4 years; 54.4% were boys. Mean body mass index was 17 kg/m and mean measured weight was 21.2 kg. The Luscombe formula had a mean difference of 0.66 kg (95% limits of agreement −9.9 to +11.3 kg; root mean square error of 5.44 kg). 45.4% of estimates were within 10% of measured weight. The Best Guess and Luscombe formulae performed better than Argall or APLS formulae. The Luscombe formula is among the more accurate age-based weight estimation formulae. When more accurate methods (e.g. parental estimation or the Broselow tape) are not available, it is an acceptable option for estimating children's weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the societies concerned with the surgical career of medical students. It mentions that the societies are trying to encourage medical students to take surgical career after graduating. In addition, the higher education in Australia and New Zealand give students with surgical training and include it on their curriculum to get the students' interest. Maintenance of the societies and its growth is also presented.