Effects of Nasal Septum Deviation and Septoplasty on Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk.

OBJECTIVE: Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can result in cardiac complications, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is a common cause of UAO. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with NSD. To assess this risk, we measured noninvasive indicators of atrial arrhythmia (P-wave dispersion [Pd]) and ventricular arrhythmia (corrected QT dispersion [QTcd]) and compared these values between NSD patients and healthy subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTINGS: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 53 consecutive patients who had underwent septoplasty due to marked NSD. Electrocardiographic records were used to determine Pd and QTcd values preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Fifty-three consecutive age- and sex-matched subjects without any UAO were also examined as a control group. RESULTS: Preoperative Pd and QTcd values were significantly higher in NSD patients than in the control group (Pd: 57.40 ± 14.21 vs 34.11 ± 7.12 milliseconds, P < .001; QTcd: 81.77 ± 16.39 vs 50.25 ± 11.51 milliseconds, P < .001, respectively). In addition, Pd and QTcd values were significantly greater in preoperative NSD patients when compared with the same patients postoperatively (Pd: 57.40 ± 14.21 vs 36.32 ± 8.9 milliseconds, P = .013; QTcd: 81.77 ± 16.39 vs 55.76 ± 11.4 milliseconds, P = .012, respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, NSD patients are at risk for both atrial and ventricular cardiac arrhythmias; however, septoplasty in these patients can relieve UAO and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation versus Bipolar Electrocautery for the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Comparison of Efficacy and Postoperative Morbidity

Introduction Numerous surgical methods are used to treat nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The primary goal of the therapy is to maximize the nasal airway for as extended a period of time as possible while minimizing therapeutic complications. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effects of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) and bipolar electrocautery (BEC) on the removal of nasal obstruction in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC). Patients in both groups were also evaluated in terms of postoperative morbidity. Methods We compared the outcomes of two groups of patients: those treated with RFTA (n = 23) and those who underwent BEC (n = 20). Nasal obstruction was graded using a visual analog scale (VAS) and MCC was measured using a saccharin clearance test. Both measurements were performed before and 2 months after treatment. Results Pre- and postoperative VAS scores showed significant improvement for both groups. However, MCC results did not significantly differ between two groups. Neither edema nor crust formation persisted for more than 1 week in any patients. Conclusion Submucosal cauterization with preservation of the nasal mucosa and periosteum is as effective and safe as RFTA and should be considered when planning inferior turbinate interventions.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin levels in patients with Bell's palsy.

Inflammation is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Bell's palsy (BP). Procalcitonin (PCT) is currently among the most frequently used proinflammatory biomarkers in clinical practice. In this study, we assessed the serum PCT levels for predicting the severity and prognosis of BP. In total, 32 patients with House-Brackmann (HB) grade II and III BP (low-grade group), 22 patients with HB grade IV and V (high-grade group) and 35 healthy individuals (control group) were included in this prospective study. PCT levels were compared among these three groups at the time of diagnosis. All patients received standard prednisolone and acyclovir treatment. The correlation between PCT levels and recovery was analyzed 3 months after treatment. The PCT levels for control, low-grade and high-grade BP groups were 0.01 ± 0.001, 0.35 ± 0.05, and 0.98 ± 0.41 ng/mL, respectively. The PCT level in low-grade group was significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.001), and the PCT level in high-grade BP group was significantly higher than that in low-grade group (p = 0.01, p < 0.05). The complete recovery rate was 93.7 % in low-grade and 54.5 % in high-grade BP group (p = 0.015, p < 0.05). There was a strong negative correlation between PCT levels and recovery rates (r = -0.896, p < 0.001). PCT levels were significantly associated with the severity of BP and higher PCT levels were related with poor clinical outcome in terms of recovery. These results support the diagnostic and prognostic significance of PCT in patients with early BP.

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation versus Bipolar Electrocautery for the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Comparison of Efficacy and Postoperative Morbidity.

Introduction Numerous surgical methods are used to treat nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The primary goal of the therapy is to maximize the nasal airway for as extended a period of time as possible while minimizing therapeutic complications. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effects of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) and bipolar electrocautery (BEC) on the removal of nasal obstruction in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC). Patients in both groups were also evaluated in terms of postoperative morbidity. Methods We compared the outcomes of two groups of patients: those treated with RFTA (n = 23) and those who underwent BEC (n = 20). Nasal obstruction was graded using a visual analog scale (VAS) and MCC was measured using a saccharin clearance test. Both measurements were performed before and 2 months after treatment. Results Pre- and postoperative VAS scores showed significant improvement for both groups. However, MCC results did not significantly differ between two groups. Neither edema nor crust formation persisted for more than 1 week in any patients. Conclusion Submucosal cauterization with preservation of the nasal mucosa and periosteum is as effective and safe as RFTA and should be considered when planning inferior turbinate interventions.