Arch Otolaryngol
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A significant proportion of burn patients with inhalation injuries incur difficulties with airway protection, dysphagia, and aspiration. In assessing the need for intubation in burn patients, the efficacy of fiberoptic laryngoscopy was compared with clinical findings and the findings of diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis, measurement of carboxyhemoglobin levels, pulmonary function tests, and radiography of the lateral aspect of the neck. ⋯ In comparison with other diagnostic criteria, fiberoptic laryngoscopy allows differentiation of those patients with inhalation injuries who, while at risk for upper airway obstruction, do not require intubation. These patients may be safely observed in a monitored setting with serial fiberoptic examinations, thus avoiding the possible complications associated with intubation of an airway with a compromised mucosalized surface. In these patients, swallowing abnormalities do not manifest.
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To determine the effect of tracheotomy on polysomnographic and arterial blood gas data in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ⋯ Tracheotomy effectively treated patients with uncomplicated OSA, but was much less effective in treating patients with OSA and cardiopulmonary decompensation. In patients who underwent tracheotomy in conjunction with other upper aerodigestive tract surgeries, concomitant obstructive sleep apnea often required continued use of a tracheotomy to maintain upper airway patency.
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This report describes the case of a patient who inserted 3 foreign bodies into her right sphenoid sinus. The possible consequences of sphenoid sinus foreign bodies are described, as well as the importance of a psychiatric workup in such cases.
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To assess the intensity of postoperative pain after laryngeal surgery for cancer and the efficacy of analgesic injections at fixed hours. ⋯ After laryngeal surgery for cancer, pain can reach high levels, particularly in the first hours following recovery. Analgesic administrations at fixed hours are not effective enough. Postoperative analgesic treatment should aim to prevent the high initial pain and be individually adapted.
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Comparative Study
Repair with collagen tubules linked with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.
To determine if brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) can be successfully delivered to transected and repaired peripheral nerves by cross-linking the factors to collagen tubules (CTs). ⋯ We present the first evidence that CNTF covalently linked to CTs can improve functional recovery compared with CTs alone. We also support the previous finding that BDNF covalently linked to CTs significantly increases the functional recovery of transected and repaired nerves. Finally, we found that cotreatment produced the best functional recovery in our model.