Case Studies and Bionics

Case Studies! They are critical to looking into specific problems that might occur in researching or testing of various devices. When I began my project, I read a case study titled "Risk of Bacterial Meningitis in Children with Cochlear Implants." This case identified 26 children with bacterial meningitis.  The incidence of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae was 138.2 cases per 100,000 person-years. The case speculates if positioners (a wedge inserted next to the implanted electrode to facilitate transmission of the electrical signal by pushing the electrode against the medial wall of the cochlea) are the cause of bacterial meningitis. The study states, "The incidence of meningitis among patients who had received an implant with a positioner remained higher than the incidence among those whose implants did not have a positioner for the duration of follow up." Later, the case says that the incidence of meningitis is not fully explained by the positioner. The study analyzed various surgical procedures that may be the cause of the onset of bacterial meningitis: incomplete insertion of the electrode, the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is defined as a preexisting leak or an intraoperative leak or "gusher" resulting in rapid leakage of cerebrospinal fluid during surgery, and the use of antibiotic. The table below shows the 26 children that received a cochlear implant and experience episodes of post implantation bacterial meningitis:

Another very interesting study, done by Boston University in conglomeration with The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, studied young children in a very active environment, a sleep away camp. The study is testing how well a bionic pancreas will do in highly active environments. The bionic pancreas continuously adapts to the individuals varying insulin levels by administrating the necessary doses. This allows the individual to play sports without losing energy quickly and to not have to worry about testing their blood sugar several times a day. Below is a video explaining the study and its mission:

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Sources:

1. Reefhuis, J., Honein, M., Whitney, C., Chamany, S., Mann, E., Biernath, K., ... Boyle, C. (2003). Risk Of Bacterial Meningitis In Children With Cochlear Implants. New England Journal of Medicine, 435-445
2. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2015, from http://www.bartoncenter.org/About-Barton
3. Russell, S., El-Khatib, F., & Sinha, M. (2014). Outpatient Glycemic Control with a Bionic Pancreas in Type 1 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine.