The effect of different nasal irrigation solutions following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency: a prospective randomized study / Efeito de diferentes soluções para irrigação nasal após septoplastia e radiofrequência das conchas nasais: estudo prospectivo e randomizado

Abstract Introduction Nasal irrigation solutions are widely used following endonasal surgery. These irrigation solutions remove infective debris and crusts, reducing the probability of synechia formation, and accelerate mucosal healing. Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of nasal irrigation solutions with different contents following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency. Methods The present study was a prospective, randomized, controlled simple blind study of 120 patients who underwent septoplasty and bilateral concha radiofrequency. Patients were divided into four groups according to the nasal irrigation solution used: tap water, buffered isotonic saline, saline with xylitol, and hypertonic sea water. Patients were examined on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. A saccharine test was applied to determine mucociliary activity preoperatively and on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. Patients were asked about drying and obstruction using a 10 cm visual analog scale. In addition, patients were examined to determine the crusting score. Results There was no significant difference found in the preoperative and 7th and 15th postoperative days' mucociliary clearance times among the four groups. The crusting score was found to be significantly lower in the hypertonic sea water group (p < 0.001). Drying and obstruction on the 7th and 15th postoperative days were found to be significantly more comfortable in the hypertonic sea water group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Hypertonic sea water is the recommended irrigation solution, as it is associated with less crusting, drying, and obstruction in the nose for the postoperative period following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency.

Resumo Introdução Soluções para irrigação nasal são amplamente usadas após cirurgias endonasais. Essas soluções removem os resíduos e crostas, reduzem a probabilidade de formação de sinéquias e aceleram a cicatrização da mucosa. Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os efeitos das soluçoes para irrigaçao nasal com diferentes conteudos apos septoplastia e turbinoplastia com radiofrequencia. Método O presente estudo foi um estudo cego simples, randomizado, controlado e prospectivo de 120 pacientes submetidos a septoplastia e turbinoplastia bilateral com radiofrequencia. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com a soluçao nasal utilizada: agua da torneira, soluçao salina isotonica tamponada, soluçao salina com xilitol e agua do mar hipertonica. Os pacientes foram examinados no 7° e 15° dias do pos-operatorio. O teste de sacarina foi utilizado para determinar a atividade mucociliar pre-operatoria e no 7° e 15° dias do pos-operatorio. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre a sensaçao de secura e obstruçao nasais utilizando uma escala visual analógica de 10 cm. Alem disso, os pacientes foram examinados para determinar o escore em relaçao a crostas. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa entre o pré-operatório e o sétimo e 15° dias do pós-operatório dos tempos de clearance mucociliar entre os quatro grupos. Verificou-se que o escore em relação a crostas foi significativamente menor no grupo que usou água do mar hipertônica (p < 0,001). As sensações de secura e obstrução nasais no sétimo e 15° dias do pós-operatório mostraram-se significativamente mais confortáveis no grupo água do mar hipertônica (p < 0,001). Conclusão A água de mar hipertônica é a solução de irrigação recomendada, pois está associada a menor incidência de crostas, secura e obstrução nasais no pós-operatório de cirurgia de septoplastia e das conchas nasais com radiofrequência.

The effect of different nasal irrigation solutions following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal irrigation solutions are widely used following endonasal surgery. These irrigation solutions remove infective debris and crusts, reducing the probability of synechia formation, and accelerate mucosal healing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of nasal irrigation solutions with different contents following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency. METHODS: The present study was a prospective, randomized, controlled simple blind study of 120 patients who underwent septoplasty and bilateral concha radiofrequency. Patients were divided into four groups according to the nasal irrigation solution used: tap water, buffered isotonic saline, saline with xylitol, and hypertonic sea water. Patients were examined on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. A saccharine test was applied to determine mucociliary activity preoperatively and on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. Patients were asked about drying and obstruction using a 10cm visual analog scale. In addition, patients were examined to determine the crusting score. RESULTS: There was no significant difference found in the preoperative and 7th and 15th postoperative days' mucociliary clearance times among the four groups. The crusting score was found to be significantly lower in the hypertonic sea water group (p<0.001). Drying and obstruction on the 7th and 15th postoperative days were found to be significantly more comfortable in the hypertonic sea water group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypertonic sea water is the recommended irrigation solution, as it is associated with less crusting, drying, and obstruction in the nose for the postoperative period following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency.

Association of Oral Antireflux Medication With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Nasal Resistance.

Importance: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is thought to be a potential exacerbating factor in upper airway diseases. Objective: To describe the effect of pharmacologic therapy of laryngopharyngeal reflux on nasal resistance. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective observational study performed between August 30, 2014, and October 1, 2015, at a tertiary care academic center including 50 patients with Reflux Symptom Index higher than 13 and Reflux Finding Score higher than 7 and 50 controls with no history of LPR and nasal disease. Interventions: Oral antireflux medication was given to the LPR group for 12 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures: The measurements of total nasal resistance (TNR) were performed by means of active anterior rhinomanometry technique and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) was assessed. Results: The LPR group had 29 (58%) women and a median age of 41.5 years (range, 18-64 years). The control group had 27 (54%) women and a median age of 38.5 years (range, 19-63 years). After treatment, a significant decrease was observed in all parameters. The median (range) TNR scores of the LPR group before and after treatment were 0.29 (0.12-0.36) and 0.19 (0.10-0.31), respectively. The median TNR score of the control group was 0.20 (range, 0.11-0.32). Whereas the TNR scores of the LPR group were higher than those of the control group before treatment (difference, -0.77; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.05), they were almost the same after treatment (difference, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.03). The median (range) NOSE scores of the LPR group before and after treatment were 0.29 (0.12-0.36) and 0.19 (0.10-0.31), respectively. The median NOSE score of the control group was 0.20 (range, 0.11-0.32). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, laryngopharyngeal reflux had a negative effect on nasal resistance and nasal congestion. Treatment was associated with improved subjective and objective nasal findings.

Live donor liver transplantation for a child presented with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and nodular liver lesions due to Abernethy malformation.

A 15-year-old boy first presented with severe lung lesions and hypoxia and he was considered as a lung transplant candidate. Upon evaluation, hepatopulmonary syndrome, multiple nodular liver lesions, and Abernethy type 1b malformation were diagnosed. The patient underwent successful right lobe live donor liver transplantation, and all of the symptoms disappeared soon after the transplant. He is currently alive and well with excellent liver and lung functions 4 years after surgery.

Long-term results of one staged multilevel surgery with tongue suspension surgery or one level palatal surgery for treatment of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of the one staged multilevel surgery (MLS) with tongue suspension (TBS) surgery or one level palatal surgery for treatment of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital. Thirty-three patients diagnosed as moderate to severe OSA. Patients, with ≥ 50 % retropalopharyngeal obstruction on the Müller maneuver, were treated with palatal surgeries (PS) and patients, with ≥ 50 % retropalopharyngeal obstruction on the Müller maneuver with ≥ 50 % base of the tongue collapse, were treated with palatal surgeries and tongue suspension surgery (TBS). Patients were evaluated with one night polysomnography before the surgery and 24 months after the surgery. Patients completed Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), snoring VAS (visual analog scale) before and 24 months after the surgery. Nine-teen patients with a mean age of 46.1 ± 8.3 underwent palatal surgeries (PS) and 14 patients with a mean age of 41.4 ± 8.9 underwent PS plus TBS. Success rate in TBS+PS group was 57.1 % and in PS group was 42.1 %. In both groups total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025) but there was no statistically significant difference between TBS+PS and PS groups. Supine AHI levels were reduced statistically significant in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.025). There was not any significant difference postoperatively in non-supine AHI levels in both groups (p > 0.025). There were significant postoperative changes in ODI, AVO2, MOS, ESS, Snoring VAS values in PS group (p < 0.025). In TBS+PS group there was a significant difference postoperatively only in ODI values. Treatment of OSA patients with retropalatal or retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction, in a one staged surgery, is a safe and easy procedure. We have achieved favorable long-term outcomes in moderate-severe OSA patients undergoing both palatal surgery and tongue suspension surgery.

Chronic Papillary Muscle Rupture: 14-Year Survival without Surgical Treatment.

UNLABELLED: Papillary muscle rupture is a life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction which is usually refractory to medical treatment. We present a very rare case of a 65-year-old woman who had a myocardial infarction and posteromedial papillary muscle rupture which was only treated with medical therapy, including her corresponding 14-year follow-up. However, surgical intervention is still strongly recommended because the prognosis of acute papillary muscle rupture associated with myocardial infarction remains poor. KEY WORDS: Complication; Myocardial infarction; Papillary muscle rupture; Survival.

Anterior palatoplasty for selected mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea: preliminary results.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy anterior palatoplasty (AP) technique in treatment of patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Forty-two patients were diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA. Participants were treated with AP for mild or moderate OSA. Patients were evaluated with one night polysomnography before the surgery and 24 months after the surgery. Patients completed Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), snoring VAS (visual analog scale) before and 24 months after the surgery. Forty two patients with a mean age of 39.2 ± 7.6 were included study. Success rate was 57.1%. Total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025). Non-REM AHI and supine AHI values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025). The oxygen desaturation index changes significantly decreased after AP (p < 0.025). Snoring VAS values significantly decreased after AP (p < 0.025). ESS scores of patients significantly decreased (p < 0.001). We believe that AP is an effective, inexpensive technique for mild and moderate OSA patients.

Epistaxis in geriatric patients.

AIM: Epistaxis is a common emergency in otolaryngology. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology, management, and accompanying disorders of epistaxis in geriatric patients by reviewing the literature MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 117 patients 65 years old and older who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with active epistaxis between 2004 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Records were evaluated for age, sex, accompanying disorders, drug medication, detailed otorhinolaryngological findings, and management of epistaxis. RESULTS: There were 67 women (57.26%) and 50 men (42.74%) with a mean age of 73.51 years (range: 65-90). Ninety-four (80.34%) patients had accompanying disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, sinusitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, nasal polyp, and drug treatment. The bleeding site was anterior in 90 patients (76.92%) and posterior in 16 (13.67%). In 11 patients (9.4%), the bleeding site was not identified. Fifty-seven patients (48.71%) were treated with cauterization, 17 patients (14.52%) with nasal packing, 12 patients (10.25%) with medical treatment, 1 patient (0.85%) with mass excision and nasal packing, and 19 patients (16.23%) with more than 1 treatment method. Six patients (5.12%) were untreated because of the unidentified bleeding point. Bleeding control was performed under local anesthesia in 113 patients (96.58%) and under general anesthesia in 4 patients (3.41%). Twenty-one patients (17.94%) were hospitalized and 3 patients (2.56%) required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Epistaxis is the most common otorhinolaryngological emergency. It must be evaluated carefully to avoid the potential complications resulting from both epistaxis and its associated disorders, especially in geriatric patients.

Stress cardiomyopathy (Tako-Tsubo) associated with sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

We present a case of 38-year-old woman with stress cardiomyopathy presenting to the emergency department with a 1-week history of recurrent syncope due to sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Late gadolinium enhancement CMR in patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy caused by idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the form of monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and/or ventricular tachycardia (VT) can cause tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICMP). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with TICMP caused by idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: The study population consisted of 298 consecutive patients (174 F/124 M; mean age 45±17 years) with frequent PVCs and/or VT. TICMP was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤50% in the absence of any detectable underlying heart disease and improvement of LVEF≥15% after effective treatment of index ventricular arrhythmia. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (9.1%) patients found to have LVEF≤50% and diagnosed as presumptive TICMP. Improvement in LVEF after effective treatment of index ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 22 of 27 patients (TICMP group; mean PVC burden of 30.8±9.9%). LVEF did not improve in five of 27 patients (primary cardiomyopathy group; mean PVC burden of 28.8±10.1%). LGE-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed in 19 of 22 patients with TICMP and one patient (5%) had LGE. All five patients with primary cardiomyopathy underwent LGE-CMR imaging and four patients (80%) had LGE. CONCLUSIONS: LGE is a rare finding in patients with TICMP caused by idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. LGE-CMR can be used in the diagnostic work-up of patients with TICMP. Further prospective studies are required to determine the role of LGE-CMR in predicting the recovery of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with presumptive TICMP.

Unexpected cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after a spinal anesthesia.

A 47-year-old woman presented with a left-sided watery nasal discharge persisting for 3 weeks after an orthopedic operation using spinal anesthesia. The testing of the nasal fluid for ß-2 transferrin confirmed that the leakage was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The computed tomographic cisternography revealed a left-sided bone defect in the cribriform plate. Endonasal approach was performed for closing the defect. At 3-month follow-up, CSF rhinorrhea had not recurred. In this report, we present an unexpected CSF rhinorrhea after a spinal anesthesia and discuss the reason of spontaneous leak after spinal anesthesia, as well as discuss current diagnosis and management of CSF rhinorrhea with the composite graft.

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias: the incidence, clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics, and the predictors.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the form of monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and/or ventricular tachycardia (VT) can cause tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICMP). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics, and the predictors of TICMP in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: Study population consisted of 249 consecutive patients (148 F/101 M, 45 ± 20 y/o) with frequent PVCs and/or VT. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour Holter monitoring. TICMP was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤50% in the absence of any detectable underlying heart disease and improvement of LVEF ≥15% following effective treatment of index ventricular arrhythmia. RESULTS: Seventeen (6.8%) patients had TICMP. Patients with TICMP compared to patients with preserved LVEF were more likely to be male (65% vs 39%, P = 0.043) and asymptomatic (29% vs 9%, P = 0.018), and were more likely to have higher PVC burden (29.4 ± 9.2 vs 8.1 ± 7.4, P < 0.001), persistence of PVCs throughout the day (65% vs 22%, P = 0.001), and repetitive monomorphic VT (24% vs 0.9%, P < 0.001). PVC burden of 16% by ROC curve analysis best separated the patients with TICMP compared to patients with preserved LVEF (sensitivity 100%, specificity 87%, area under curve 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: TICMP was relatively common (∼1 in every 15 patients) in our study population. The predictors of TICMP were male gender, absence of symptoms, PVC burden of ≥16%, persistence of PVCs throughout the day, and the presence of repetitive monomorphic VT.

Assessment of cardiac remodeling in asymptomatic mitral regurgitation for surgery timing: a comparative study of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Early surgery is recommended for asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR), because of increased postoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with late surgery. On the other hand, recent reports emphasized a "watchful waiting" process for the determination of the proper time of mitral valve surgery. In our study, we compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate the LV and left atrial (LA) remodeling; for better definitions of patients that may benefit from early valve surgery. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with moderate to severe asymptomatic MR were evaluated by echocardiography and MRI. LA and LV ejection fractions (EFs) were calculated by echocardiography and MRI. Pulmonary veins (PVs) were measured from vein orifices in diastole and systole from the tangential of an imaginary circle that completed LA wall. Right upper PV indices were calculated with the formula; (Right upper PV diastolic diameter- Right upper PV systolic diameter)/Right upper PV diastolic diameter. RESULTS: In 9 patients there were mismatches between echocardiography and MRI measurements of LV EF. LV EFs were calculated > or = 60% by echocardiography, meanwhile < 60% by MRI in these 9 patients. Severity of MR evaluated by effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) didn't differ with preserved and depressed EFs by MRI (p > 0.05). However, both right upper PV indices (0.16 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.08, p: 0.024) and LA EFs (0.19 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.33 +/- 0.14, p: 0.025) were significantly decreased in patients with depressed EFs when compared to patients with normal EFs. CONCLUSIONS: MRI might be preferred when small changes in functional parameters like LV EF, LA EF, and PV index are of clinical importance to disease management like asymptomatic MR patients that we follow up for appropriate surgery timing.

Evaluation of the severity of mitral regurgitation by the use of signal void in magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed to evaluate the severity of mitral regurgitation by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We proposed a new measurement of signal void by MRI and tried to define threshold values for the severity of regurgitation with different sequences. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with mitral regurgitation were evaluated by echocardiography and MRI. We measured the length, width, and the area of jet flow void from long-axis and four-chamber views. The regurgitant area was measured with TrueFISP, FLASH sequences, and phase images by tracing the signal-void area in left atrium parallel to mitral annulus. This new parameter for grading of the severity of mitral regurgitation by cine MRI was called regurgitant area from short axis (RAFSA). RESULTS: All methods (EROA, vena contracta) were correlated for determining the regurgitation severity (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between EROA by echocardiography and RAFSA by MRI with the TrueFISP, FLASH sequences, and phase images (P < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that EROA was significantly correlated with RAFSA by phase images (P < 0.001). After regression analysis, threshold values of RAFSA by phase imaging were calculated and found to be 0.27 cm(2) and 0.92 cm(2) between mild, moderate, and severe mitral regurgitations (100% sensitivity, 67% specificity, and 100% sensitivity, 78% specificity, respectively) (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MRI is an alternative method for evaluating mitral regurgitation. Our study suggests a new parameter, RAFSA by cine MRI, to grade the severity of mitral regurgitation and provides threshold values in order to define mild, moderate, and severe regurgitations.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus manifesting as pure alexia (alexia without agraphia).

Pure alexia is a rare disorder usually caused by an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. We describe a case of pure alexia due to nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). This 57-year-old man presented in a hyperosmolar, nonketotic state with fluctuations in mental status and an inability to read. His EEG was diagnostic of NCSE originating from the left temporo-occipital region. MRI of the brain revealed increased FLAIR signal over the left occipitotemporal region. Following initiation of antiepileptic treatment, his neurological examination normalized concomitantly with resolution of the NCSE. A follow-up MRI scan of the brain obtained 1 month later was normal. NCSE can have unusual clinical manifestations, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to correctly diagnose these patients.