Efficacy of pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate in ameliorating anosmia post COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been frequently demonstrated to be associated with anosmia. Calcium cations are a mainstay in the transmission of odor. One of their documented effects is feedback inhibition. Thus, it has been advocated that reducing the free intranasal calcium cations using topical chelators such as pentasodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) could lead to restoration of the olfactory function in patients with post-COVID-19 anosmia. METHODOLOGY: This is a randomized controlled trial that investigated the effect of DTPA on post-COVID-19 anosmia. A total of 66 adult patients who had confirmed COVID-19 with associated anosmia that continued beyond three months of being negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The included patients were randomly allocated to the control group that received 0.9 % sodium chloride-containing nasal spray or the interventional group that received 2 % DTPA-containing nasal spray at a 1:1 ratio. Before treatment and 30 days post-treatment, the patients' olfactory function was evaluated using Sniffin' Sticks, and quantitative estimation of the calcium cations in the nasal mucus was done using a carbon paste ion-selective electrode test. RESULTS: Patients in the DTPA-treated group significantly improved compared to the control group in recovery from functional anosmia to hyposmia. Additionally, they showed a significant post-treatment reduction in the calcium concentration compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the efficacy of DTPA in treating post-COVID-19 anosmia.

Fat enhanced leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin versus fascia lata in endoscopic reconstruction of CSF leaks.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to use a new biological active fat enhanced leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin membrane (L-PRF) for skull base defect reconstruction and compare its validity and reliability with the time-honored fascia lata. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 48 patients with spontaneous CSF leaks who were divided into 2 matched groups by stratified randomization, 24 patients in each group. In group A we performed multilayer repair using fat enhanced L-PRF membrane. In group B we used fascia lata for the multilayer repair. In both groups we enforced the repair with mucosal grafts/flaps. RESULTS: The two groups were statistically matched for age, sex, intracranial pressure, and site and size of the skull base defect. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the outcome of the repair or recurrence of CSF leak during the first postoperative year. Meningitis occurred in one patient in group B and was successfully treated. Another patient in group B developed thigh hematoma which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The fat enhanced L-PRF membrane is a valid reliable option in repair of CSF leaks. The membrane is autologous, readily available, easily prepared, and has the advange of including stromal fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). The present study showed that fat enhanced L-PRF membrane is stable, non-absorbable, not liable to shrink or become necrotic, and can establish good seal of the skull base defect and further enhance the healing process. The use of the membrane also has the advantage of avoiding thigh incision and possible hematoma formation.

Quitting smoking reverses nasal mucosal changes.

BACKGROUND: Smoking, whether active or passive, has proven deleterious effects on the nasal mucosa. There is also a link between smoking and development and/or maintenance of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Reversal of smoking-induced mucosal changes after quitting smoking is still unconfirmed and controversial. The present study investigated the possibility of reversal of smoking-related nasal mucosal changes back to normal after completely quitting smoking. METHODS: The study was performed on 32 smokers whose nasal mucosa was previously biopsied for electron microscopic examination and then they completely quit smoking. Smoking history of the participants and duration of cessation of smoking were recorded. A tiny 1-mm3 biopsy was taken from the inferior turbinate 1 cm behind its anterior end and processed for electron microscopy. The specimens were processed for electron microscopy and the sections were examined by a pathologist who was blinded to the identity and smoking status of the participant. The results of electron microscopic examination of the nasal mucosa before and after quitting smoking were compared. RESULTS: The mean duration of quitting smoking was 30.75 months (± 8.26). Examination of the electron microscopic sections before quitting smoking showed variable degrees of loss of cilia and columnar cells, edema between the epithelial cells, few goblet cells, hyperplasia of seromucinous acini, and vascular congestion. The pathologic changes correlated positively with the smoking index of the participant. On the other hand, the sections after quitting smoking showed variable degrees of regeneration of the ciliated cells and decreased vascular congestion. Numerous goblet cells and seromucinous acini were seen. Less pathologic changes were observed with longer durations of cessation of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed an association between smoking and the nasal mucosa. Smoking has several injurious effects on the nasal mucosa. However, the nasal mucosa has excellent regeneration potentials and quitting smoking for sufficient periods of time may reverse these deleterious changes. Considering the established link between smoking and CRS, quitting smoking may help smokers to overcome their recalcitrant disease. This should be further investigated.

Extramucosal pyriplasty without stenting for management of pyriform aperture stenosis.

PURPOSE: The current management options of congenital pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) are either conservative measures awaiting further growth of the bony nasal framework or surgical intervention that focuses on bone removal from the margin of the pyriform aperture (PA) without exposure of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) followed by stenting. Recently, CT measurements of the nasal cavity in CNPAS have shed light that the site of maximal bony obstruction corresponds to the bony buttress encasing the NLD rather than the margin of the PA as initially thought. Herein, we present an extramucosal pyriplasty technique that can be used without stenting to enlarge the PA and achieve immediate and sustained relief of nasal obstruction. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 4 patients with radiologically confirmed CNPAS who had undergone extramucosal pyriplasty without stenting during the period from 2012 to 2016. RESULTS: Three patients were full term without any clinically detectable congenital anomaly. The fourth patient was preterm infant who needed ICU management. On computerized tomography scan, the PA width ranged from 5.8 to 7.1 mm with a mean of 6.4 mm while site of maximal stenosis ranged from 5.4 to 6.8 with a mean of 6 mm. Extramucosal pyriplasty relieved nasal obstruction and restored normal oral feeding in all patients. Postoperative follow-up endoscopy revealed an adequately patent airway with no scarring, granulation or restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Extramucosal pyriplasty with decompression of the NLD without stenting is a treatment modality for CNPAS that provides prompt sustainable relief of nasal obstruction and avoids the drawbacks of stenting and shortcomings of the current conservative methods.

Endoscopic endonasal multilayer repair of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea.

The incidence of traumatic CSF has increased in recent years due to increased incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) as well the increasing number of endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS). The objective of this study is to present our experience in management of traumatic CSF leaks using the endoscopic multilayer repair technique. Forty-two patients (aged 10-75 years, 30 males and 12 females) presenting with confirmed post-traumatic CSF rhinorrhea were operated upon between January 2007 and December 2013. The endoscopic multilayer technique was used in all cases. Electromagnetic navigation was used in some cases. All cases presented with intermittent watery rhinorrhea. The duration of the rhinorrhea ranged from 3 days to 1 year before repair. One case presented after 10 years from the causative trauma. Ten cases had a history of meningitis. Nine cases had more than one defect. Iatrogenic defects were larger than defects following accidental trauma. Two cases, following RTA, developed pseudo-aneurysm of internal carotid artery. Ten cases had associated pneumocephalus. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6 days (range 4-8 days). The mean follow-up duration was 31.2 +/- 11.4 months (range 16-48 months). None of our patient developed serious intra- or postoperative complications. Only one case required another surgery to repair a missed second defect. Post-traumatic CSF leaks can be successfully managed via the endonasal endoscopic route using the multilayer repair technique. It is important to look for multiple defects in these cases. CT angiography is recommended for traumatic leaks involving the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus to diagnose or exclude the development of pseudo-aneurysm of the internal carotid artery.

Modified autospreader flap for nasal valve support: utilizing the spring effect of the upper lateral cartilage.

Nasal valve dysfunction has a role in up to 13% of adults complaining of chronic nasal obstruction yet it is overlooked by many physicians. In rhinoplasty and other nasal surgeries, preserving nasal function is the most significant issue. The autospreader flap has proved to be an effective spreader graft alternative. Adding the spring effect proposed in this study to the autospreader flap increases the width of the internal nasal valve, thus gaining two factors supporting the internal nasal valve. The modified autospreader flap technique is described in detail. Patients in this study were classified into two groups. The first group had no obstructive complaints and the second group had nasal obstructive complaints. Quantitative analysis of NOSE scale scores, endoscopic evaluation, and tomographic evaluation before and after the surgery were performed using statistical analysis. Survey responses were received from 22 patients. Significant improvement in the nasal valve angle width was found in both groups by the endoscopic and tomographic evaluation. Subjective evaluation using NOSE scale scores showed improvement in both groups. The greatest advantage of this technique is that it adds to the autospreader flap a spring action that widens the valve area. We found this technique to be reliable and simple to be performed with fairly good results and patient satisfaction. Level of evidence V Evidence from systematic reviews of descriptive and qualitative studies.

Evaluation of The Three-Dimensional Endoscopy in Basic and Extended Nasal Procedures: A Clinical and Cadaveric Study.

Introduction The three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered a new surgical tool used in different approaches in intranasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are many advantages of 3D over two-dimensional (2D) endoscopy that have been demonstrated in clinical applications, surgical training, and different experimental studies. Objective To show the difference between using the 3D and 2D endoscopes during endonasal and anterior skull base surgery and its importance. Methods Our study is divided into two phases (clinical and cadaveric phases). In the clinical study we, have performed 52 endonasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures (26 study cases and 26 control cases). We recorded accuracy, duration, and intraoperative complication for each case. The cadaveric study was performed on three cadavers. Differences in accuracy and dissection time were recorded using 3D and 2D endoscopy for each side chosen by randomization. Results In the clinical study, the cases done by 3D endoscope were significantly faster and more accurate with less intraoperative complications compared with cases done using 2D endoscope. In cadaveric dissection, while using 3D endoscope, there was better depth of perception regarding the anatomical landmarks compared with 2D endoscope. Conclusion Three-dimensional endoscopy is an advanced instrument that allows better training for the coming generation of ear, nose, and throat surgeons. Both clinical and cadaveric studies offer a promising outcome in both endonasal and anterior skull base surgery.

Nasal Reactivity After Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Branches of Posterior Nasal Nerve.

Objective: Transection or ablation of the posterior nasal nerve (TRPN) has been described as an adjunctive tool to reduce the symptoms of intractable allergic rhinitis (AR). The procedure, however, requires surgical skill and carries the risk of bleeding from the sphenopalatine artery. The aim of the present study is to describe radiofrequency ablation of the peripheral branches of the posterior nasal nerves within the inferior turbinates (RAPN) as an effective easier alternative to TRPN. Methods: The procedure was performed on 24 patients with intractable AR. Nasal reactivity was tested by cold dry air (CDA) provocation before and 12 months after the radiofrequency procedure. Visual analog scale and acoustic rhinometry were used to measure the changes in nasal reactivity subjectively and objectively. Results: Worsening of nasal symptoms following CDA provocation had significantly decreased after the RAPN procedure. Likewise, postoperative decrease in nasal volumes and minimal cross-sectional areas after CDA provocation were significantly less than the corresponding preoperative values. Conclusion: RAPN effectively reduces nasal reactivity in patients with AR. The procedure is simple, minimally invasive, and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Surgical correction of nasal obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea improves CPAP outcomes and compliance.

BACKGROUND: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy curtails most of the negative impacts of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its efficacy is limited by its low long-term adherence. Nasal obstruction contributes to OSA pathophysiology and necessitates high CPAP titration pressures which reduce CPAP compliance. AIM: This study aims at elucidating the outcomes of surgical correction of nasal obstruction in patients intolerant to CPAP therapy. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with severe OSA intolerant to CPAP secondary to surgically correctable nasal obstruction were operated upon. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. Subjective assessment entailed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (NOSE) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Objectively the patients were assessed by acoustic rhinometry and standard polysomnography. RESULTS: Nasal surgical intervention resulted in an a statistically significant decrease in the mean NOSE score, ESS and optimal CPAP titration pressure. In addition, the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1&2) increased significantly postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between the improvement in NOSE score as well as the MCA1& 2 and the postoperative decrease in CPAP titration pressure. Surgical correction of nasal obstruction improved CPAP outcomes and compliance in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal surgery in OSA objectively assessed by acoustic rhinometry improved nasal obstruction with a resultant decrease in the CPAP pressure requirements. Given that lower CPAP pressures improve adherence to CPAP therapy, surgical alleviation of nasal obstruction should be considered a crucial intervention in the management armamentarium of OSA.

Passive smoking induces nasal biofilms in children.

OBJECTIVES: Passive exposure of children to cigarette smoke has been implicated in several recalcitrant respiratory childhood disorders. However, to our knowledge, no information is available regarding the connection between passive exposure to tobacco smoke and the formation of nasal biofilms in children. The present study was therefore geared at investigating the hypothesis that exposure of children to household passive smoking may induce the formation of nasal biofilms. METHODS: The study included 20 children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with a positive history of prolonged exposure to household passive smoke, and who required inferior turbinate reduction together with other procedures. Another 20 children who required similar surgeries but with negative history of exposure to household smoking formed the control group. None of children, in the study and control groups, had evidence of adenoids or infective rhinosinusitis. At the time of surgery, a tiny biopsy was taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. The specimens were processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The nasal mucosa of 11 out of 20 children with positive history of exposure to passive smoking showed biofilm formation. Ten of these biofilms grew S. aureus. On the other hand, only one child in the control group showed nasal biofilm. Longer exposure to tobacco smoke and higher urinary cotinine levels were associated with more frequent biofilm formation. Likewise, children of heavy smokers developed biofilms more frequently than other children. On the other hand, the age of the children and nasal allergy had no effect on the chances of biofilm formation. CONCLUSIONS: This is a preliminary report showing that children exposed to household passive cigarette smoking may develop nasal biofilms. Development of these biofilms may increase susceptibility of affected children to persistent sinonasal and possibly other respiratory infections.

A Myriad of Scleroma Presentations: The Usual and Unusual.

To prospectively study a series of scleroma patients with a focus on socioeconomic status, clinical presentation, pathology, microbiology, and treatment. A total of 52 patients diagnosed with scleroma were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients were collected and clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings were analyzed. Biopsies from atypical patients were sent for electron microscopic examination. Patients were treated both medically and surgically with clinical follow-up to determine outcomes and the incidence of recurrence. Fifty-two patients were included in the study. There were 23 males (44.2%) and 29 females (55.8%). The highest incidence of scleroma was identified in individuals from poor, rural areas in the third to fourth decades of life. The nose was affected in all cases. Other affected sites included the nasopharynx, soft and hard palate, larynx and trachea, lacrimal passages, skin, and gingiva. Some patients had atypical presentations. Complete follow-up of all patients was hindered by non-compliance with clinic visits and the long duration of medical treatment. Recurrence or relapse of the granulomatous lesions after initial improvement occurred in 11 patients (21.2%) within 1 to 3 years. Scleroma is a stubborn, chronic, granulomatous bacterial disease. The diverse presentations may mimic neoplasms and other granulomatous conditions. We present cases with unusual presentations and demonstrate the transmission electron microscopic features of these lesions. Furthermore, we confirm the importance of achieving full eradication of the etiologic bacilli to prevent recurrent disease.

The nasal seromucinous glands after endoscopic sphenopalatine artery coagulation.

Endoscopic coagulation of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) is indicated in patients with recurrent or severe posterior epistaxis. The present work aimed at studying the effects of the sphenopalatine artery coagulation on the nasal seromucinous glands. The study was carried out on 30 patients who were scheduled for endoscopic SPA coagulation. All patients signed informed consents that were approved by the Committee of Medical Ethics. Minute punch biopsies were taken from the inferior turbinates, under local anesthesia, just before the procedure as well as 12 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. The biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and PAS Alcian blue. Histochemical examination was done for the activity of the succinic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and cholinesterase enzymes. Morphometric analysis as well as analysis of the histological and histochemical results showed that SPA coagulation was followed by an early decrease in the size, number and secretory activity of the nasal seromucinous glands, which was associated with decreased activity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in the endothelial cells of the nasal blood vessels and decreased activity of the cholinesterase enzyme in the cholinergic nerve fibers. These changes, however, were temporary and reversible since examination of the late postoperative biopsies, at 1 year, showed normalization of the number, appearance, and histochemical activity of the glandular acini as well as the surrounding blood vessels and cholinergic nerve fibers.

Combining Spreader Grafts with Suture Suspension for Management of Narrow Internal Nasal Valve Angles.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of combining spreader grafts with lateral suspension techniques for management of narrow internal nasal valves. METHODS: This prospective study included 79 patients who underwent surgical interference for dysfunctional nasal valve. The surgical intervention was a combination of two commonly used techniques for management of internal nasal valve dysfunction: spreader graft insertion and lateral suspension of the upper lateral cartilages. The patients were assessed using the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) tool, computed tomography (CT) scans, and endoscopic examinations. RESULTS: All patients reported initial improvement and satisfaction in nasal breathing. Seventy-two patients (91%) reported sustained relief of nasal breathing for at least 3 years postoperatively. The mean NOSE scores decreased from 69.8 to 20.65 postoperatively. The internal nasal valve angle, as measured endoscopically, increased from 7.23° to 13.05° on the right side and from 6.75° to 11.98° on the left side; the increase was statistically significant. The angle, as measured on axial CT scans, increased from 8.11° to 14.15° on the right side and from 6.98° to 12.13° on the left side' this increase, too, was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combining spreader grafts with lateral suspension sutures provide good, stable, and sustained repair of dysfunctional narrowed internal nasal valves.

Evaluation of The Three-Dimensional Endoscopy in Basic and Extended Nasal Procedures: A Clinical and Cadaveric Study

Abstract Introduction The three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered a new surgical tool used in different approaches in intranasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are many advantages of 3D over two-dimensional (2D) endoscopy that have been demonstrated in clinical applications, surgical training, and different experimental studies. Objective To show the difference between using the 3D and 2D endoscopes during endonasal and anterior skull base surgery and its importance. Methods Our study is divided into two phases (clinical and cadaveric phases). In the clinical study we, have performed 52 endonasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures (26 study cases and 26 control cases). We recorded accuracy, duration, and intraoperative complication for each case. The cadaveric study was performed on three cadavers. Differences in accuracy and dissection time were recorded using 3D and 2D endoscopy for each side chosen by randomization. Results In the clinical study, the cases done by 3D endoscope were significantly faster and more accurate with less intraoperative complications compared with cases done using 2D endoscope. In cadaveric dissection, while using 3D endoscope, there was better depth of perception regarding the anatomical landmarks compared with 2D endoscope. Conclusion Three-dimensional endoscopy is an advanced instrument that allows better training for the coming generation of ear, nose, and throat surgeons. Both clinical and cadaveric studies offer a promising outcome in both endonasal and anterior skull base surgery.

Familial aggregation of nasal conditioning capacity.

In our previous studies on nasal conditioning, we observed a large variability among individuals to condition inspired air. Although we previously investigated various physiological parameters (age, sex, nasal mucosal temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and nasal volume) that might underlie these differences, we have been unable to explain this variability. Many proteins and molecules, which are under genetic control and could affect nasal conditioning, are involved in water transport,. In this study, we hypothesized that familial factors may contribute to the differences in nasal conditioning capacity (NCC). We performed a prospective study of 47 sibling pairs. Cold dry air was delivered to the nose, and the total water gradient (TWG) was calculated to determine the NCC. We found a highly significant intraclass correlation of 0.53 (P < 0.0001) between sibling pairs for the TWG. These results suggest that there is a familial basis for nasal conditioning and a large enough genetic component to search for genes explaining the observed correlation.

Some risk factors for refractory chronic sinusitis: an immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study.

The goal of the present work was to investigate possible risk factors for the poor response of some cases of chronic sinusitis to endoscopic sinus surgery in spite of the precision of the surgical technique. Eleven adult patients who were scheduled for revision endoscopic sinus surgery underwent a complete allergy workup. At the time of surgery, a tiny biopsy was taken from the maxillary sinus mucosa close to the middle turbinate. The specimens were processed for histochemical and transmission electron microscopic examination. Six patients (55 per cent) proved to be allergic. Their sinus mucosa showed eosinophilic infiltration (6.1 cells/mm(2)), and mast cell degranulation. This proves that allergens can reach the sinus mucosa and have a direct impact on it. Another three patients (27 per cent) were non-allergic but exhibited mucosal eosinophilia (5.0 cells/mm(2)), and two of them showed mast cell degranulation. These patients were diagnosed as having nonallergic rhinosinusitis with eosinophilia (NARSE). The nasal mucosa of the remaining two patients did not reveal any characteristic pathological findings, and no pathologic diagnosis could be established for them. None of the patients showed electron microscopic evidence of purulent inflammatory changes, and the bacterial cultures recovered normal respiratory flora in nine patients (82 per cent). The present research spotlights the importance of allergy and nonallergic eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa as possible risk factors that may degrade the results of endoscopic sinus procedures and discusses some pertinent pathological and clinical aspects.

Cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage with core-shell nanocomposites functionalized by a KH domain DNA binding peptide.

A nanoconjugate was composed of metal oxide nanoparticles decorated with peptides and fluorescent dye and tested for DNA cleavage following UV light activation. The peptide design was based on a DNA binding domain, the so called KH domain of the hnRNPK protein. This "KH peptide" enabled cellular uptake of nanoconjugates and their entry into cell nuclei. The control nanoconjugate carried no peptide; it consisted only of the metal oxide nanoparticle prepared as Fe3O4@TiO2 nanocomposite and the fluorescent dye alizarin red S. These components of either construct are responsible for nanoconjugate activation by UV light and the resultant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Production of ROS at different subcellular locations causes damage to different components of cells: only nanoconjugates inside cell nuclei can be expected to cause DNA cleavage. Degradation of cellular DNA with KH peptide decorated nanoconjugates exceeded the DNA damage obtained from control, no-peptide nanoconjugate counterparts. Moreover, caspase activation and cell death were more extensive in the same cells.

Binasal endoscopic approach to the sellar region: experience and outcome analysis of 80 cases.

A prospective study was performed on 80 cases of different types of sellar lesions during the period between January 2007 and December 2010. The binasal approach was used in all patients. Functioning lesions were diagnosed in 59 patients. The most common secretory tumors were prolactinomas (37 patients) followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone producing tumors (11 patients) and growth hormone producing tumors (11 patients). Nonfunctioning lesions included: 14 pituitary adenomas, 2 chordomas, 2 metastatic lesions (ovarian carcinoma and thyroid carcinoma), and 1 case of sarcoidosis, Rathke's cleft cyst, and craniopharyngioma. Seven nonfunctioning cases developed apoplexy. Among the 59 patients with functioning pituitary lesions, postoperative endocrinological control was achieved in 51 of them (86.5%) 3 months postoperatively with normalization of pituitary functions and complete tumor resection as proved by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative visual field defect improvement was achieved in 15 out of 23 patients (65.2%), including the cases with apoplexy, with complete tumor resection. Postoperative discomfort such as headache, vomiting, or dizziness was minimal and hospitalization period was 2 to 3 days. Postoperative leak continued in one patient in whom revision surgical repair was performed 7 days later. The merits, outcome, and limitations of the approach were discussed.

Effect of passive smoking on the ultrastructure of the nasal mucosa in children.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has been implicated in a number of respiratory childhood disorders. Most studies concerning smoking were directed to its carcinogenic effect on the lungs. However, the effects of smoking on nasal respiratory mucosa have not been widely studied. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to study the ultrastructural changes in the nasal mucosa of a pediatric population exposed to passive smoking. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 20 children between the ages of 5 and 11 years, who were scheduled for tonsillectomy and at the same time had a positive history of prolonged exposure to household passive smoke. Another 10 children with a negative household smoking history were included as a control group. All children were nonatopic and with a negative family history of allergy. None of them had adenoids or infective rhinosinusitis. METHODS: At the time of surgery, a 1-mm(3) biopsy was taken was taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. The specimens were processed and examined with electron microscopy RESULTS: Examination of the nasal mucosa showed several ultrastructural changes. These included patchy loss of cilia, generalized loss of cilia, squamous metaplasia, hyperplasia of goblet cells and seromucinous acini, and vascular congestion. More severe changes were observed with longer passive exposures to cigarette smoke. The study did not disclose any evidence of ongoing allergic reaction or neoplastic transformations. CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to passive cigarette smoke may develop several structural changes in the respiratory nasal mucosa with subsequent negative effects on its ciliary activity and mucociliary function. As a result of these effects, defense mechanisms of the nose may be ruined or lost, and those children may develop persistent sinonasal infections. Exposure of these children to passive smoking for longer periods of time may also induce other significant changes that were not detected in the present study.

Endoscopically directed middle meatal cultures vs computed tomographic scans in the diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis in intensive care units.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of endoscopically directed middle meatal cultures in the diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in comparison with computed tomographic (CT) scans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Alexandria University Hospitals on 51 ICU patients with occult fever and clinical signs suggestive of sinusitis. Sinus CT scans were done for all patients, and Calgi swabs were obtained from the middle meatus bilaterally under endoscopic vision using sterile endoscopes with avoidance of any contamination of the swabs. The results of middle meatal cultures were compared with the results of CT scans. RESULTS: Radiologic signs of sinusitis were bilateral in 10 patients (19.6%), unilateral in 31 patients (60.8%), and negative in 10 patients (19.6%). Middle meatal swabs yielded positive cultures on both sides in 13 patients (25.5%) and on one side in 27 patients (52.9%). On the other hand, the cultures were negative in 11 patients (21.6%). Middle meatal cultures had a sensitivity of 92.8%, a specificity of 80.0%, and an accuracy of 90.2% in comparison with CT scans. Polymicrobial colonization was more frequent than monomicrobial colonization. The organisms isolated most frequently were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeurginosa. Of 47 patients with actual or previous intubation, 38 (80.9%) had positive cultures. In addition, 92.3% of patients with unilateral positive cultures acquired sinusitis on the same side of previous intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study indicated that endoscopically directed middle meatal cultures had high positive and negative predictive values and accurately diagnosed bacterial sinusitis and identified the causative bacteria with high sensitivity and specificity in comparison with the criterion standard CT scans. The procedure is simple, noninvasive, and can be easily performed at the bedside without discomfort or morbidity. Based on our data, the procedure can be considered as a trustworthy substitute to sinus CT scans in ICU patients especially when it is difficult to transport the patients for imaging. Computed tomographic scans can, therefore, be reserved for patients who do not respond to culture-specific antibiotherapy. A further advantage of this approach is avoidance of the cumulative effect of unnecessary radiation. The study also confirmed the role of nasogastric and nasotracheal intubation in the pathogenesis of ICU sinusitis.