European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
Comparison of two disease‑specific instruments assessing health-related quality of life in patients with chronic otitis media.
Evaluating the current health state in chronic otitis media (COM), audiologic results are complemented by subjective outcomes, such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Two disease-specific instruments assessing HRQoL in COM in German-speaking patients exist, i.e., the chronic otitis media outcome test (COMOT-15) and the Zurich chronic middle ear inventory (ZCMEI-21). Since the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in a concurrent application are unknown, the aim of this study was to compare the COMOT-15 and the ZCMEI-21. ⋯ In the first study comparing the COMOT-15 and the ZCMEI-21, both questionnaires exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties with several subtle differences. The COMOT-15 has a strong focus on hearing with a probably redundant content of the hearing subscore and may be suited for hearing-focused research questions. The ZCMEI-21 provides a comprehensive assessment of the COM symptom complex and may therefore also be used in research settings, where ear discharge, vertigo or pain should be covered.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
ReviewOtolaryngology in the COVID-19 pandemic era: the impact on our clinical practice.
To give an overview of the current knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on otolaryngology clinical practice. ⋯ Knowledge and evidence about the impact of COVID-19 infection on otolaryngology clinical practice are accumulating rapidly. Additionally to patient's management, safety of health care professionals should be a main goal right now by following strict safety guidelines.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
Elective tracheostomy during COVID-19 outbreak: to whom, when, how? Early experience from Venice, Italy.
The need for prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients is placing the otorhinolaryngologist in front of an increasing request for tracheostomy. Nowadays, there is uncertainty regarding the timing of tracheostomy, the prognosis of these patients and the safety of healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tracheostomy placement in patients with COVID-19. ⋯ We suggest to wait at least 14 days to perform tracheostomy. In patients with SOFA score > 6 and D dimer > 4, tracheostomy should not be performed or should be postponed. Optimized procedures and enhanced personal protective equipment can make the tracheostomy safe and beneficial in COVID-19 patients.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisIntracapsular coblation tonsillectomy versus extracapsular coblation tonsillectomy: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.
To assess all available data regarding the comparative benefit of intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy (ICT) versus extracapsular coblation tonsillectomy (ECT) in children. ⋯ Intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy appears to be a less painful operation in comparison to extracapsular coblation tonsillectomy. This seems to occur due to prevention of late pain flare up that normally happens several days after the procedure (described as postoperative dip) and not due to reduced pain at the immediate postoperative period. However, as all studies published are small sized, high-quality, large-sample studies need to be performed in the future for more concrete conclusions.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Mar 2021
Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in the Chinese population.
Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome are often accompanied by symptoms such as decreased cognitive function and daytime sleepiness, while cognitive function is often associated with biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, this study aims to explore the level of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the plasma of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome patients as well as the relationship between cognitive function and daytime sleepiness. ⋯ Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in the plasma of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome patients are higher than those in the control group, and the mechanism of action may be related to sleep disorders and night hypoxia. The Alzheimer's disease biomarkers deposited in plasma may also cause the decline of patients' cognitive function, increased daytime sleepiness and accelerate the progression of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.