Researchers are showing that the rate of hearing loss in children with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV) is higher than in HIV-unexposed, uninfected children. These data, however, have been collected mostly in the USA; extensive hearing data from low- and middle-income countries are lacking. The purpose of this study was to collect audiometric data in PHIV and HIV-uninfected children living in Cape Town, South Africa. Questionnaire data along with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and pure-tone testing were completed. Hearing loss was determined using the pure-tone thresholds defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz of >15 dB HL in the poorer ear. All data were compared between PHIV and HIV-uninfected children. Sixty-one (37 PHIV and 24 HIV-uninfected) children had hearing data. HIV status was not significantly associated with DPOAEs. The rate of conductive hearing loss was 11.5%; five PHIV and two HIV-uninfected children. The rate of any hearing loss was higher in PHIV children, but this difference was not statistically significant. PHIV children had a significantly higher mean PTA in the poorer ear than HIV-uninfected children. Conductive type of hearing loss was more common than sensorineural hearing loss. The underlying cause of hearing loss in the present study therefore remains unclear. Future research should include an examination of auditory neural function in an effort to determine the possible reason for differences in hearing.

Background: Distal radius fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries presenting to emergency departments. The complications of distal radius open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) range from paresthesia to tendon ruptures. The Soong grading system was designed to evaluate volar plate position to predict postoperative flexor pollicis longus (FPL) ruptures. This study evaluates post-distal radius volar fixation FPL ruptures and other postoperative complication rates relative to Soong grade, surgical training, and plate design. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess recorded complications after distal radius ORIF. Soong grade was determined on postoperative radiographs. Other demographic features, along with the surgeon fellowship training and plate design, were noted. Analysis was performed via t test, χ2 test, rank sum test, and Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 522 patients met inclusion criteria. Flexor tenosynovitis was the most commonly recorded complication (21% of total complications). No FPL ruptures were recorded. Soong grades between patients with and without complications were not significantly different. Soong grades between patients with flexor tenosynovitis and other complications were not significantly different. Flexor tenosynovitis had higher odds of occurring compared with other complications when the surgeon was hand-trained or when the plate type was designed by Acumed. These higher odds were not maintained under multivariate regression analysis. Conclusion: Lack of FPL ruptures in this large series may reflect improved plate technology and increased awareness. The association between flexor tenosynovitis and hand fellowship–trained surgeons may be associated with more complex cases being referred to specialists.

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