The Laryngoscope
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Multicenter Study
Rhinology and medical malpractice: An update of the medicolegal landscape of the last ten years.
Malpractice claims pertaining to rhinological procedures are a potentially important source of information that could be used to minimize the risk of future litigation and improve patient care. ⋯ Endoscopic sinus surgery remains the most commonly litigated rhinology procedure and has the potential to result in large payouts. Meticulous dissection, recognition of complications, and documentation of informed consent remain paramount for providing optimal patient care.
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To characterize the frequency and nature of readmissions to free standing pediatric hospitals after otolaryngologic procedures. ⋯ Readmissions after pediatric otolaryngologic surgery are relatively uncommon. These readmission rates vary directly with the type of procedure performed, as well as patient level factors (i.e., patient age, ethnicity, and the presence of other medical comorbidities). These data demonstrate that if readmission rates are to be used as a quality measure in pediatric otolaryngology procedures, complex risk adjustment of patient level variables will be necessary to accurately compare outcomes between different hospitals.
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Dexamethasone is widely used in the treatment of various inner ear diseases. However, knowledge about its direct impact on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression is still limited. ⋯ The intratympanic application of dexamethasone is suitable for supporting cochlear homeostasis under stress conditions. The lateral wall, mainly responsible for potassium recycling, seems to be the main target in glucocorticoid therapy.
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All commonly-used anaesthetic agents cause some degree of upper airway collapse, although dexmedetomidine probably has the least impact.
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The use of recreational motorized vehicles (RMVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and go-carts, has increased in recent decades. Because RMVs are lightly regulated, there are numerous safety concerns. This analysis examines a nationally representative resource to estimate the incidence of craniofacial trauma secondary to RMV accidents, evaluating injury and demographic patterns. ⋯ As there is a significant potential for injury, familiarity with injury patterns associated with RMVs is useful in the management of facial trauma. Recreational motorized vehicles facial trauma results in tens of thousands of ED visits annually. This data reinforces the importance of pursuing further efforts to raise public awareness and improve safety measures.