Hospitalizations for Acute Otitis and Sinusitis in Patients Living with HIV: A Retrospective Analysis of a Tertiary Center in Romania.

Background/Objectives: Acute or chronic ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions in people living with HIV can lead to hospitalization and affect their quality of life. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of hospitalizations for acute sinusitis (AS) and acute otitis (AO) in people living with HIV. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis over the course of six years (from January 2018 to December 2023), assessing all hospitalizations for AS and/or AO occurring in patients living with HIV, at the largest infectious diseases hospital in Romania. Results: We identified a total of 179 cases, among which 149 cases (83.2%) were attributed to AS and 41 cases (22.9%) were due to AO. Among cases of AS, maxillary sinuses were most frequently involved (n = 140/149, 94.0%), and among cases of AO, acute congestive otitis media (n = 14, 34.1%) and acute purulent otitis media (n = 13, 31.7%) were the most common forms. The underlying HIV infection was classified as stage C3 in 57.5% of cases. In 19.6% of cases, it was possible to identify either the trigger or the etiological agent, and the most frequent bacterial pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study highlights that hospitalizations due to acute sinus and ear involvement are not isolated events in people living with HIV. A prospective follow-up is needed to gain a deeper and more dynamic understanding of how ENT health is affected in people with HIV infection. Furthermore, promoting prevention through vaccination may reduce to a certain extent the burden of ENT infections in this population.

Transnasal endoscopic assisted dacryocystorhinostomy.

Transnasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is a good alternative for external DCR. It is considered a safe and efficient technique with successful results, comparable or even better than the external technique. Advanced knowledge of the endoscopic anatomy and the lacrimal system is necessary to perform the procedure safely, and to obtain good surgical outcomes. The aim of the paper is to analyze the changes of the endoscopic technique and to improve it. The transnasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy surgical technique is described in a "step by step" manner. Also the surgical technologies that can be used for this intervention are presented, focusing on the cold instruments.

Transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression.

Transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression is a viable alternative for external orbital decompression. Today, it can be performed due to the great development of endoscopic technology and specific endoscopic surgical instruments. It requires strong anatomic knowledge and skilled hands. We present our experience with endoscopic orbital decompression focusing on the surgical technique used in our department. The surgical maneuvers must be firm and gentle protecting the local risk elements and respecting the orbital content.