Olfactory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and the effect of positive airway pressure treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate olfactory function (OF) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and evaluate whether or not the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment has an impact on olfactory performance. METHODS: All studies published in English that gave satisfactory data regarding the assessment of OF in patients with OSA were included in this review. First, a baseline assessment of OF in patients with OSA who had not received any treatment was examined. Second, the effect of PAP therapy on OF was assessed to be able to make before and after comparisons. The primary outcome of this study was the threshold-discrimination identification (TDI) scores, obtained from the Sniffin' Sticks test. RESULTS: The database search identified 552 articles. According to the exclusion criteria, 11 studies involving 557 patients diagnosed with OSA were included in this meta-analysis. The general rate of olfactory dysfunction was 73% (95% CI: 56.481-87.057) among the patients with OSA. The patients with OSA had lower TDI scores compared to the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). PAP treatment significantly improved the TDI scores in patients with OSA (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between the severity of apnea-hypopnea index and TDI scores (p = 0.001, z = -3.377, r = -0.438) and between age and TDI scores (p = 0.007, z = -2.695, r = -0.236). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that OSA impairs OF, while PAP treatment can reverse the olfactory performance of patients with OSA.

Does tympanic membrane perforation have a protective effect on the inner ear in blast-injured patients?

BACKGROUND: Blast-induced hearing loss is an acoustic trauma commonly caused by high-energy explosions of improvised explosive devices, and the auditory system may be affected by blast damage. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) on the inner ear against blast injury. METHODS: In this study, 43 adult patients who had suffered blast injury were divided into three subgroups: intact tympanic membranes in both ears, unilateral TMP, and bilateral TMP. Each patient underwent a comprehensive audiogram, including bone conduction, in the audiology department. RESULTS: Evaluation was performed on 43 (100%) males with a mean age of 31.44±8.01 years (range, 18-52 years). When the type of hearing loss was evaluated separately for each ear, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was observed in 31 (36%), high-frequency SNHL in 26 (30.2%), conductive hearing loss in eight (9.3%), and mixed type hearing loss in 21 (24.4%) ears. TMP was detected in 21 (48.8%) of 43 blast-injured patients, on the right side in four (9.3%) patients, on the left side in seven (16.3%), and bilateral in 10 (23.3%). When the type of acoustic trauma was evaluated, 15 (34.9%) patients were observed to have suffered from the explosion of an IED, 12 (30.2%) from weapon explosion, six (14%) were a vehicle bomb explosion, three (7%) were projectile missile explosion, three (7%) were mortar explosion, two (4.7%) were mine explosion, and two (4.7%) were exposed to the explosion in an armored vehicle (Table 1). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in the majority of the frequencies whether the tympanic membrane was perforated or not in the blast-injured patients and it was concluded that tympanic membrane perforation caused by blast injury had no protective effect on the inner ear.

Postauricular Masses.

OBJECTIVE: The postauricular region (PR) is an anatomic area that has been neglected until now, due to the fact that the significant cosmetic changes and features of this region are often overlooked. There are limited and inconsistent data about postauricular masses in the literature and the definition of the PR and its borders remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to define the PR and evaluate benign and malignant masses that may arise in the PR. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of demographic data, including age, gender, operative method, lesion side and size, diagnostic tools, and histopathologic diagnosis of the masses. RESULTS: The masses were categorized into 4 groups according to the etiology; neoplastic (n: 15, 28.8%), inflammatory (n: 13, 25%), congenital (n: 22, 42.3%) and traumatic (n: 2, 3.8%). Of the neoplastic masses, 6 (11.5%) were nonmelanoma skin cancer, comprising 4 (7.6%) basal cell carcinomas and 2 (3.8%) squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 9 (17.3%) neoplastic masses were benign, comprising 3 (5.7%) lipomas, 3 (5.7%) temporal bone osteomas, 2 (3.8%) nevi, and 1 (1.9%) plexiform neurofibroma. Of the 13 (25%) inflammatory masses, 12 (23%) were lymph nodes and 1 (1.9%) was pilonidal sinus. There were 22 (42.3%) congenital masses comprising 15 (28.8%) epidermal cysts, 4 (7.6%) dermoid cysts, and 3 (5.7%) hemangiomas. The 2 (3.8%) patients with traumatic lesion were both keloid patients. CONCLUSION: The PR does not attract attention from the cosmetic point of view but many benign and malignant masses can be found in this region. Any masses detected in this area should be treated to prevent further growth.

Results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital / Resultados da timpanoplastia transcanal endoscópica realizada por um jovem cirurgião em um hospital secundário

Abstract Introduction: Tympanoplasty is performed to close the tympanic membrane perforation and recover the hearing level of patients with non-suppurative chronic otitis media. Endoscopic tympanoplasty has recently been increasingly preferred by ear nose and throat surgeons to treat tympanic membrane perforations. Objective: The aim of this study is to discuss the outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital in the context of the literature. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty between February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018, were included. The patients' age, gender, perforation side and size, preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, graft failure, postoperative pain and complication status were evaluated. Results: The graft success rate was 94% at 6 months postoperatively. Audiometry thresholds were obtained at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. Preoperative pure tone audiometric thresholds were 41.6, 36.3, 34.1, and 39.1 dB, and postoperative, 6 months after surgery, 19.5, 17.8, 17.5, and 20.8 dB. Pure tone audiometry air-bone gaps at the same frequencies changed from 30.5, 24.6, 22.2, and 28.6 dB preoperatively, to 11.0, 9.3, 8.6, and 13.9 dB 6 month after the surgery. There was a statistically significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, and air bone gaps at all measured frequencies (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty has become more commonly performed by otolaryngologists due to the shortening of operation and hospitalization times as well as similar audiological results to those obtained with microscopic tympanoplasty. The surgical and audiological results of a young ear nose throat specialist can reach a similar level of success to those of experienced surgeons, due to a fast learning curve.

Resumo Introdução: A timpanoplastia é realizada para fechar a perfuração da membrana timpânica e restaurar a audição de pacientes com otite média crônica não-supurativa. Recentemente, a timpanoplastia endoscópica tem se tornado a técnica preferida por cirurgiões otorrinolaringologistas, com indicação crescente em casos de perfurações timpânicas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é discutir os resultados em pacientes submetidos a timpanoplastia endoscópica realizada por um jovem cirurgião em um hospital secundário, no contexto da literatura. Método: Cinquenta pacientes submetidos a timpanoplastia endoscópica Tipo 1 entre 1° de fevereiro de 2017 e 1° de fevereiro de 2018 foram incluídos. A idade dos pacientes, sexo, lado e tamanho da perfuração, limiares da audiometria tonal pré-operatória e pós-operatória, falha do enxerto, dor pós-operatória e ocorrência de complicações foram avaliados. Resultados: A taxa de sucesso do enxerto foi de 94% aos 6 meses de pós-operatório. Nas frequências de 0,5, 1, 2 e 4 kHz, a audiometria tonal pré-operatória mostrava limiares de 41,6; 36,3; 34,1 e 39,1 dB e a pós-operatória após 6 meses, revelou limiares de 19,5; 17,8; 17,5 e 20,8 dB. Nas mesmas frequências, os gaps aéreo-ósseos pré-operatório na audiometria tonal eram de 30,5; 24,6; 22,2 e 28,6 dB e com 6 meses de pós-operatório, de 11,0; 9,3; 8,6 e 13,9 dB. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante entre os limiares da audiometria tonal pré- e pós-operatória em todas as frequências (p < 0,05). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os gaps aéreo-ósseo pré- e pós-operatório, ocorrendo diminuição dos mesmos em todas as frequências (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A timpanoplastia endoscópica com cartilagem por via transcanal tem sido mais comumente realizada pelo otorrinolaringologista devido ao menor tempo de cirurgia e hospitalização e resultados audiológicos semelhantes aos com o uso de microscópico. Os resultados cirúrgicos e audiológicos de um jovem especialista em otorrinolaringologia podem atingir um nível semelhante ao de cirurgiões experientes, com uma rápida curva de aprendizado.

Recognizing Decompensated Meniere's Disease Using High Frequency Rotational Test.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the high-frequency rotational test for discrimination of patients with decompensated from those with compensated Meniere's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral Meniere's disease were divided into two groups (compensated and decompensated), based on the presence of clinically significant positional nystagmus as a determinant of the compensation status. All patients and subjects underwent pure tone audiometry, video nystagmography, and the vestibular autorotation test (VAT). The gain, phase, and asymmetry values of VAT were evaluated to range between 2 and 6 Hz. RESULTS: Phase values of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) at 2.0, 2.3, and 2.7 Hz were significantly higher in the decompensated group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in gain values, phase values, of vertical VOR and horizontal asymmetry values. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that horizontal phase values were determined as sensitive markers in VAT to discriminate decompensated from compensated Meniere's disease.

Effects of oral isotretinoin therapy on the nasal cavities / Efeitos nasais da terapia com isotretinoína oral

Abstract Introduction Isotretinoin (13 cis-retinoic acid) is the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris and is the only treatment option that can provide either remission or a permanent cure. Objective The aim of this study was to use both subjective and objective methods to assess the nasal complaints of patients with severe acne who received oral isotretinoin therapy. Methods Fifty-four subjects were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were assessed with subjective (NOSE and VAS questionnaires) and objective (rhinomanometry and saccharine) tests to determine the severity of their nasal complaints. Results The mean severity scores (min: 0; max: 100) for nasal dryness/crusting and epistaxis were 0.47 ± 1.48 (0-5); 0.35 ± 1.30 (0-5) at admission, 3.57 ± 4.45 (0-10); 2.26 ± 4.71 (0-20) at the first month, and 4.28 ± 6 (0-20); 2.26 ± 4.71 (0-20) at the third month of the treatment respectively. Total nasal resistance of 0.195 ± 0.079 (0.12-0.56) Pa/cm3/s at admission, 0.21 ± 0.084 (0.12-0.54) Pa/cm3/s at the first month, and 0.216 ± 0.081 (0.14-0.54) Pa/cm3/s at the third month. Conclusion Oral isotretinoin therapy can cause the complaint of nasal obstruction. In addition, nasal complaints, such as dryness/crusting and epistaxis, significantly increase in patients during the therapy schedule.

Resumo Introdução A isotretinoína (ácido-13 cis-retinóico) é o tratamento por via oral mais eficaz para acne vulgar e é a única opção de tratamento que pode produzir remissão ou cura permanente. Objetivo Usar métodos subjetivos e objetivos para avaliar as queixas nasais de pacientes com acne grave que receberam terapia com isotretinoína oral. Método Foram incluídos no estudo 54 indivíduos. Todos os indivíduos foram avaliados por meio de testes subjetivos (questionários NOSE e escala EVA) e objetivos (rinomanometria e teste de sacarina) para determinar a gravidade de suas queixas nasais. Resultados Os escores médios de gravidade (min: 0; max: 100) para ressecamento/crostas e epistaxe nasal foram de 0,47 ± 1,48 (0-5); 0,35 ± 1,30 (0-5) no início, 3,57 ± 4,45 (0-10); 2,26 ± 4,71 (0-20) no primeiro mês e 4,28 ± 6 (0-20); 2,26 ± 4,71 (0-20) no terceiro mês do tratamento, respectivamente. A resistência nasal total foi de 0,195 ± 0,079 (0,12 a 0,56) Pa/cm3/s no início, 0,21 ± 0,084 (0,12 a 0,54) Pa/cm3/s no primeiro mês e 0,216 ± 0,081 (0,14 a 0,54) Pa/cm3/s no terceiro mês. Conclusão A terapia com isotretinoína por via oral pode resultar em queixa de obstrução nasal. Além disso, queixas nasais, tais como ressecamento/formação de crostas e epistaxe, aumentam significativamente nos pacientes durante o esquema terapêutico.

Optimal Position for Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL) is a simple, safe, and cost-effective procedure. TFL is routinely performed to awake patients in a sitting position but there is no a definite data about ideal head and neck position to be applied. The aim of this study is to determine which position is most appropriate to obtain the best laryngeal view during the TFL. METHODS: The TFL videos of 132 randomized patients were evaluated by three blind observers experienced with laryngology. Three basic head positions; simple head extension (SHE), sniffing position (SP), and neutral position (NP) were performed during the TFL-Interobserver agreements for the grading system scores were assessed by using the kappa (k) statistic. RESULTS: For the SHE and SP, the numbers of patients constituting grade 1 were 127 (96.2%) and 126 (95.5%), respectively, while grade 2a were 5 (3.8%) and 6 (4.5%), respectively. In NP, the number of patients constituting grade 1 was 5 (3.8%), while grade 2a was 83 (62.9%), grade 2b was 37 (28%), and grade 3 was 7 (5.3%). The k score of the SHE was 0.826 (P < 0.001) between the ratings of observer 1 and observer 2, 0.905 (P < 0.001) between observer 1 and observer 3, and 0.919 (P < 0.001) between observer 2 and observer 3. These values denote nearly perfect agreement. A complete agreement was seen in 130 of the 132 (98.48%) videos. CONCLUSION: SHE and SP both provide a better glottic view than the NP and demonstrate the same success.

Results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is performed to close the tympanic membrane perforation and recover the hearing level of patients with non-suppurative chronic otitis media. Endoscopic tympanoplasty has recently been increasingly preferred by ear nose and throat surgeons to treat tympanic membrane perforations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to discuss the outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital in the context of the literature. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty between February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018, were included. The patients' age, gender, perforation side and size, preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, graft failure, postoperative pain and complication status were evaluated. RESULTS: The graft success rate was 94% at 6 months postoperatively. Audiometry thresholds were obtained at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz. Preoperative pure tone audiometric thresholds were 41.6, 36.3, 34.1, and 39.1dB, and postoperative, 6 months after surgery, 19.5, 17.8, 17.5, and 20.8dB. Pure tone audiometry air-bone gaps at the same frequencies changed from 30.5, 24.6, 22.2, and 28.6dB preoperatively, to 11.0, 9.3, 8.6, and 13.9dB 6 month after the surgery. There was a statistically significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, and air bone gaps at all measured frequencies (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty has become more commonly performed by otolaryngologists due to the shortening of operation and hospitalization times as well as similar audiological results to those obtained with microscopic tympanoplasty. The surgical and audiological results of a young ear nose throat specialist can reach a similar level of success to those of experienced surgeons, due to a fast learning curve.

The Effect of Obesity on Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL) is a practical and cost-effective procedure, allowing excellent evaluation of the upper airway with minimal risk of complications. The effect of obesity on endoscopic examination still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity has an effect on TFL. METHODS: Demographic data including age and gender, and physical and endoscopic examinations including body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and grade of the laryngeal view according to Tasli classification (TC), Mallampati classification (MC), Friedman classification, and Moore tongue base classification (MTC) scores of 200 patients were evaluated. The patients were divided into two categories as obese and nonobese, and the scores of patients were compared. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of 99 (50.5%) obese and 97 (49.5%) nonobese patients ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (mean age: 37.89 ± 13.55 years). Of the 196 patients in this study, 101 (51.5%) were male, and 95 (48.5%) were female. The mean BMI of the obese and nonobese patients was 33.18 ± 5.18 (min: 25, max: 45) and 22.48 ± 1.5 (min: 19, max: 24), respectively. According to cutoff points, 27 patients (27.3%) were classified as overweight, 30 (30.3%) as obese, and 42 (42.4%) as morbidly obese. According to TC, there was no statistically significant difference between the obese and nonobese groups (mean difference 0.12, P: 0.39). In Pearson correlation analysis, the scores for a correlation between TC, and MC and MTC were 0.206 (very weak) and 0.653 (strong), respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between TC and BMI values (r = -0.051; P: 0.48). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that obesity influences the scores of MC, Friedman classification, and MTC, but does not affect the laryngeal view on TFL.

Effects of oral isotretinoin therapy on the nasal cavities.

INTRODUCTION: Isotretinoin (13 cis-retinoic acid) is the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris and is the only treatment option that can provide either remission or a permanent cure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use both subjective and objective methods to assess the nasal complaints of patients with severe acne who received oral isotretinoin therapy. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were assessed with subjective (NOSE and VAS questionnaires) and objective (rhinomanometry and saccharine) tests to determine the severity of their nasal complaints. RESULTS: The mean severity scores (min: 0; max: 100) for nasal dryness/crusting and epistaxis were 0.47±1.48 (0-5); 0.35±1.30 (0-5) at admission, 3.57±4.45 (0-10); 2.26±4.71 (0-20) at the first month, and 4.28±6 (0-20); 2.26±4.71 (0-20) at the third month of the treatment respectively. Total nasal resistance of 0.195±0.079 (0.12-0.56)Pa/cm3/s at admission, 0.21±0.084 (0.12-0.54)Pa/cm3/s at the first month, and 0.216±0.081 (0.14-0.54)Pa/cm3/s at the third month. CONCLUSION: Oral isotretinoin therapy can cause the complaint of nasal obstruction. In addition, nasal complaints, such as dryness/crusting and epistaxis, significantly increase in patients during the therapy schedule.

Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in patients before and after treatment for peripheral facial paralysis.

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the effectiveness of pharmacologic treatment on alleviating facial paralysis, as well as the anxiety and depression that are associated with it. Our study population was made up of 105 patients-59 men and 46 women, aged 18 to 60 years (mean: 38.2)-who had acute idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. Before treatment, paralysis was classified as House-Brackmann grade II or III in 44 patients (41.9%) and grade IV to VI in the remaining 61 (58.1%). After treatment, 73 patients (69.5%) improved to grade I, 29 (27.6%) were at grade II or III, and only 3 (2.9%) remained at grade IV or higher. Mean scores on the Beck anxiety inventory, the Beck depression inventory, and the Beck hopelessness scale were 20.30, 19.75, and 7.57, respectively, before treatment and 5.72, 5.68, and 2.85 afterward; the difference in all three measures was statistically significant (p < 0.001). We found no correlation between the degree of facial paralysis and anxiety levels (r = 0.094, p = 0.338) or depression levels (r = 0.181, p = 0.064). Clinicians should consider asking patients with peripheral facial paralysis about their feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness and refer them for a psychiatric consultation if necessary.

Does central tympanic membrane perforation affect infrared tympanic thermometer measurements in adults?

OBJECTIVE: Infrared Tympanic Thermometer (ITT) is one of the most useful instruments for accurately measuring temperature. The effects of ear pathologies on ITT measurement remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine if tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) affects ITT measurements in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 adult patients with monaural central TMP were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into three subgroups according to perforation size (1-3 mm, 4-7 mm, and 8-10 mm). The tympanic temperatures of the affected and unaffected sites, and subgroups were compared with each other. RESULTS: This study contained 54 (60%) males and 36 (40%) females ranging from 20 to 58 years of age (mean age: 30.74 ± 9.61 years). The mean tympanic temperature of the side affected with TMP was 36.34oC ± 0.61oC. The mean tympanic temperature of the unaffected side with healthy and intact tympanic membrane was 36.33oC ± 0.6oC. The Pearson correlation score for the tympanic temperatures and the size of TMP was 0.22 which was not significant (r=-0.12). CONCLUSION: TMP and perforation size do not affect ITT measurements in adult patients.

Chronic sialadenitis due to the stone inside the accessory duct of submandibular gland.

PURPOSE: Sialolithiasis is the most common cause of chronic sialadenitis. In this case report, intraoperative finding of an accessory submandibular duct, obstructed with stone, originating from the same gland nearby the main Warthon's duct, is presented. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old male patient, suffering from eating-related pain and swelling in his left submandibular region, was diagnosed with left sublandibular gland sialadenitis with radiologically manifested sialolithiasis, and gland excision was advised. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. When the full anatomical scenery was delineated before excision of the gland, we surprisingly encountered two submandibular ducts originating from ipsilateral gland, one of them was obstructed with stone. After two ducts were ligated, the gland with sialolith was excised. According to histopathologic examination, the duct obstructed with stone was identified as the accessory duct and the other one was the main Wharton's duct. Postoperative days were uneventful; no neurologic complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Otolaryngologists should be aware of anatomic variations of the submandibular duct(s) to avoid possible complications, especially intraoperatively, because rutine preoperative radiologic preparation does not include investigation of possible accessory ducts.

[Treatment approaches to temporal bone osteomas]. / Temporal kemik osteomlarinda tedavi yaklasimlari.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate treatment approaches in relation to the localization, size and symptoms of temporal bone osteoma according to the complaints of the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 patients (16 males, 7 females; mean age 28.6 years; range 14-69 years) followed up with the diagnosis of temporal bone osteoma at our clinic between January 2005 and April 2016. We obtained the demographic features, clinical presentations (symptoms, location and size of the tumors), treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes of the patients from patients file. Treatment approaches were analyzed according to the characteristics of patients and of the tumor. RESULTS: The most common localization of osteomas was external auditory canal (66%), followed by mastoid bone (21%) and middle ear cavity (13%). The osteoma was detected incidentally in five patients out of 23. Treatment approaches were determined according to the presence of symptoms, size and localization of tumors. CONCLUSION: Physical examination and periodic follow-up is recommended in asymptomatic patients. In symptomatic patients, surgical resection is needed with an appropriate surgical approach based on the location and size of the tumor.