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 · Jun 2015
Steroids and antihistamines synergize to inhibit rat's airway smooth muscle contractility.
Both glucocorticoids and H1-antihistamines were widely used on patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and obstructive airway diseases. However, their direct effects on airway smooth muscle were not fully explored. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of prednisolone (Kidsolone) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) on isolated rat trachea submersed in Kreb's solution in a muscle bath. ⋯ As for EFS-induced contractions, Kidsolone had no direct effect but Xyzal could inhibit it, with increasing basal tension. In conclusion, using glucocorticoids alone had no spasmolytic effect but they can be synergized with antihistamines to dramatically relax the trachea smooth muscle within minutes. Therefore, for AR patients with acute asthma attack, combined use of those two drugs is recommended.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Apr 2015
The impact of modified tongue base suspension on CPAP levels in patients with severe OSA.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of modified tongue base suspension (mTBS) procedure on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) levels in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). From November 2011 to December 2012, a total of 31 patients with severe OSA who underwent mTBS were included into this prospective case series with planned data collection. Prior to surgery, all the patients were subjected to a polysomnography (PSG) and CPAP titration on two separate nights. ⋯ The surgery was considered to be successful when 50 % reduction in the mean AHI and/or the decrease of AHI below 20/h were obtained. A total of 24 patients (77.4 %) met the surgical success criteria. The mTBS is a safe and feasible procedure with favorable effects on CPAP levels in patients with severe OSA.
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There is no clinical dynamic staging system which scores according to severity all the anatomical regions in adult supraglottitis. The objective of the study was to describe the demographics, clinical presentation, interventions and outcomes of adult patients diagnosed with acute supraglottitis (AS), and to study the correlation of a new AS classification with the need for airway intervention, in comparison with the current classification. This was a retrospective, cohort study conducted at a secondary medical care center. ⋯ Our suggested classification was more sensitive than the current one for predicting the need for intubation (p = 0.03). Signs and symptoms of AS in adults are different from those in children. Adult patients presenting with oropharyngeal complaints should be suspected for AS and treated appropriately.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Apr 2015
Ultrasonography findings in nasal bone fracture; 6-month follow-up: can we estimate time of trauma?
Differentiation of a recent nasal bone fracture from an old one may become of utmost importance, especially in medico-legal issues. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the value of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in determining the time of nasal bone fracture. A longitudinal, descriptive-analytic study was done on 45 patients with a clinical manifestation of acute unilateral nasal bone fracture. ⋯ On HRUS, subperiosteal hematoma, with a mean thickness of 1.14 mm (0.79-1.31 mm) was highly sensitive (100 %) for the diagnosis of nasal bone fracture during the first few days after the trauma, but it was present in 13 cases in the 6th week, with a mean thickness of 0.71 mm (0.62-0.80 mm), and disappeared in all patients in the 24th week, with a mean thickness of 0.47 mm (almost equal to the non-traumatic side). According to the changes of subperiosteal reaction on the traumatic side and by means of generalized linear model and generalized estimating equations, we proposed an equation to estimate the time of nasal bone trauma. In conclusion, HRUS is a reliable diagnostic tool for estimating the time of nasal bone fracture.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Apr 2015
Is an 'Introduction to ENT course' the answer for safe ENT care?
ENT presentations are common both in primary care and accident and emergency departments. Unfortunately, many clinicians are not comfortable handling ENT emergencies due to a lack of knowledge and skill stemming from an undergraduate level onwards. An 'Introduction to ENT' course has been cited as an answer to bridge the gap in knowledge and promote confidence in doctors. ⋯ Of the remaining 24, there was a lack of significant changes on the amount of ENT knowledge gained (pre-course mean score 2.71 vs post-course mean 4.63, p = 0), confidence in dealing with ENT emergencies (pre-course mean score 2.54 vs post-course mean score 4.58, p = 0) and confidence performing ENT procedures (pre-course mean score 2.375 vs post-course mean score 4.46, p = 0). We feel that the course alone is insufficient in providing a basic and safe emergency ENT service. We suggest a period of shadowing be introduced in addition to the compulsory induction programme for junior doctors rotating through ENT.