Quality of Life in Symptomatic Septal Perforation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of septal perforation (SP) on quality of life (QoL). SP is compared to the general population and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22). METHODS: Prospective single-center study in a referral Rhinology Unit from January 2014 to March 2023. RESULTS: A total of 392 patients were included in three groups: controls (n = 141), CRSwNP (n = 118), and SP (n = 133). The mean score of the SNOT-22 was significantly higher in the CRSwNP group (42.4, SD = 24.4) and SP (46.5, SD = 22) compared to the control group (6.2, SD = 8.4). Scores by either items or domains were significantly higher in the CRSwNP and SP groups compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in the mean SNOT-22 between the CRSwNP and SP groups (p = 0.26; 95% CI -1.68-9.99). Domain-specific analysis of overall SNOT-22 scores revealed that patients with SP experienced higher levels of disturbances in sleep, function, and psychological domains (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: SP produces a negative impact on QoL similar to CRSwNP. Moreover, sleep, psychological, and function domains are significantly worse in SP. Etiology and area of SP influence nasal and emotion domain, though more studies on SP using SNOT-22 and specific questionnaires are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Laryngoscope, 2024.

Chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 out-patients.

BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak in China due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) various studies have been published describing olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the frequency and severity of OGD in SARS-CoV-2 (+) out-patients compared to controls with common cold/flu like symptoms and two negative RT-PCR. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study on SARS-CoV-2-positive out-patients (n = 197) and controls (n = 107) from five Spanish Hospitals. Severity of OGD was categorized by visual analogue scale (VAS). Frequency and severity of the chemosensory impairment were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequencies of smell (70.1%) and taste loss (65%) were significantly higher among COVID-19 subjects than in the controls (20.6% and 19.6%, respectively). Simultaneous OGD was more frequent in the COVID-19 group (61.9% vs 10.3%) and they scored higher in VAS for severity of OGD than controls. In the COVID-19 group, OGD was predominant in young subjects 46.5 ± 14.5 and females (63.5%). Subjects with severe loss of smell were younger (42.7 years old vs 45.5 years old), and recovered later (median = 7, IQR = 5.5 vs median = 4, IQR = 3) than those with mild loss of smell. Subjects with severe loss of taste, recovered later in days (median = 7, IQR = 6 vs median = 2, IQR = 2), compared to those with mild loss. CONCLUSION: OGD is a prevalent symptom in COVID-19 subjects with significant differences compared to controls. It was predominant in young and females subjects. Stratified analysis by the severity of OGD showed that more than 60% of COVID-19 subjects presented a severe OGD who took a longer time to recover compared to those with mild symptoms.

Timing, Complications, and Safety of Tracheotomy in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE: The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented needs for invasive ventilation, with 10% to 15% of intubated patients subsequently requiring tracheotomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the complications, safety, and timing of tracheotomy performed for critically ill patients with COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study assessed consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who had COVID-19 that required tracheotomy. Patients were recruited from March 16 to April 10, 2020, at a tertiary referral center. EXPOSURES: A surgical tracheotomy was performed for all patients following recommended criteria for use of personal protective equipment (PPE). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The number of subthyroid operations, the tracheal entrance protocol, and use of PPE. Infections among the surgeons were monitored weekly by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swab samples. Short-term complications, weaning, and the association of timing of tracheotomy (early [≤10 days] vs late [>10 days]) with total required days of invasive ventilation were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.8 [9.2] years; 33 [66%] male) participated in the study. All tracheotomies were performed at the bedside. The median time from intubation to tracheotomy was 9 days (interquartile range, 2-24 days). A subthyroid approach was completed for 46 patients (92%), and the tracheal protocol was adequately achieved for 40 patients (80%). Adequate PPE was used, with no infection among surgeons identified 4 weeks after the last tracheotomy. Postoperative complications were rare, with minor bleeding (in 6 patients [12%]) being the most common complication. The successful weaning rate was higher in the early tracheotomy group than in the late tracheotomy group (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.55; 95% CI, 0.96-6.75), but the difference was not statistically significant. There was less time of invasive mechanical ventilatory support with early tracheotomy compared with late tracheotomy (mean [SD], 18 [5.4] vs 22.3 [5.7] days). The reduction of invasive ventilatory support was achieved at the expense of the pretracheotomy period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, with the use of a standardized protocol aimed at minimizing COVID-19 risks, bedside open tracheotomy was a safe procedure for patients and surgeons, with minimal complications. Timing of tracheotomy may be important in reducing time of invasive mechanical ventilation, with potential implications to intensive care unit availability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teledermatología asincrónica a través de WhatsApp®: experiencia en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Background: In Chile, there is little access to Dermatology outpatient consultations in the public health care system, which has favored the development of tele dermatology (TD). Aim: To assess satisfaction levels of primary care providers with a TD channel via the social networking app WhatsApp® and the concordance between the diagnosis of general practitioners and dermatologists at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Material and Methods: An electronic survey was answered by the general practitioners who participate in the TD channel. In 417 cases, the diagnostic concordance between general practitioners and specialists was assessed. Results: The survey was answered by 84 practitioners. General satisfaction levels with the platform were over 95%. Satisfaction levels with the response speed and the management suggested by the specialist were over 90%. Over 80% of the practitioners read the consultation sent by dermatologists and considered that their dermatological knowledge improved. Diagnostic concordance between practitioners and specialists was 41%. Conclusions: TD via a WhatsApp® group linked to a university is a low cost and easy to implement intervention, generating high levels of satisfaction among general practitioners.

Juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated with combined erlotinib and celecoxib: Initial report.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). RRP is a clinical challenge because of the high recurrence rate, poor surgery response, extension to tracheobronchial tree and because of the risk of malignancy in some cases. There is no consensus on which adjuvant therapy is better for those patients with highly recurrent course. Because papilloma cells overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), together with an increased expression of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2, the combination of erlotinib and celecoxib seems plausible, and could be proposed for patients with poor response to previous lines of treatment.

[Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, nasal-type with primary cutaneous involvement. A case report]. / Linfoma NK/T extra nodal, tipo nasal, con compromiso cutáneo primario. Reporte de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NK/T), nasal type, is an infrequent neoplasm with a high lethality, characterized by bone destruction around the sinus, nasal septum or obstruction of the airway. Also, may be primary skin involvement, airway and other organs. Objecti ve: Submit a rare condition in the pediatric population, in order to facilitate the diagnostic suspicion and quick recognition from specialists. CASE REPORT: a 14-year-old girl, who presented arm and leg lesions, painless, suggestive of subcutaneous panniculitis, which evolve to ulcerated purple maculae. Skin biopsy showed lesion compatible with NK/T lymphoma, nasal type. She was referred to pedia tric oncology, where she received chemotherapy treatment. Despite medical efforts, the patient died eight months after due to a serious pulmonary infection secondary to immunosuppression. Conclu sions: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a rare neoplasm that behaves aggressively, with high mortality without treatment, therefore, its recognition has a high importance for early diagnosis and prompt referral to Hematology-Oncology.

Linfoma NK/T extra nodal, tipo nasal, con compromiso cutáneo primario: reporte de un caso / Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, nasal-type with primary cutaneous involvement: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: El linfoma extranodal natural killer/célula T (NK/T) de tipo nasal, es una neoplasia poco frecuente, con una alta letalidad, caracterizada por destrucción ósea alrededor de los senos paranasales, el septum nasal u obstrucción de la vía aérea. Puede presentar compromiso primario de la piel, vía aérea y otros órganos. OBJETIVO: Presentar un caso ilustrativo de una afección poco frecuente y de curso agresivo en población pediátrica, para facilitar la sospecha diagnóstica y el rápido reconocimiento por parte de los especialistas. CASO CLÍNICO: Adolescente de 14 años, que consultó por lesiones solevantadas en brazos y piernas, no dolorosas, sugerentes de paniculitis subcutánea, las cuales evolucionaron a máculas violáceas ulceradas. La biopsia de las lesiones fue compatible con linfoma NK/T de tipo nasal. Fue derivada a oncología pediátrica, donde recibió tratamiento quimioterápico. Pese a los esfuerzos médicos, la paciente falleció a los 8 meses producto de una infección pulmonar grave secundaria a inmunosupresión. CONCLUSIONES: El linfoma extranodal NK/T, tipo nasal es una neoplasia poco frecuente, que se comporta de forma agresiva, con una alta mortalidad sin tratamiento. Por lo que su reconocimiento es de gran relevancia para el diagnóstico precoz y rápida derivación a Hemato-Oncología.

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NK/T), nasal type, is an infrequent neoplasm with a high lethality, characterized by bone destruction around the sinus, nasal septum or obstruction of the airway. Also, may be primary skin involvement, airway and other organs. OBJECTIVE: Submit a rare condition in the pediatric population, in order to facilitate the diagnostic suspicion and quick recognition from specialists. CASE REPORT: a 14-year-old girl, who presented arm and leg lesions, painless, suggestive of subcutaneous panniculitis, which evolve to ulcerated purple maculae. Skin biopsy showed lesion compatible with NK/T lymphoma, nasal type. She was referred to pediatric oncology, where she received chemotherapy treatment. Despite medical efforts, the patient died eight months after due to a serious pulmonary infection secondary to immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a rare neoplasm that behaves aggressively, with high mortality without treatment, therefore, its recognition has a high importance for early diagnosis and prompt referral to Hematology-Oncology.

Síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos en pediatría: Caso clínico / DRESS syndrome in paediatrics: Clinical case

El síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal, caracterizada por exantema, fiebre, adenopatías, alteraciones hematológicas y compromiso de órganos internos. Objetivo: Presentar una afección poco frecuente en pediatría para facilitar la sospecha diagnóstica y el rápido reconocimiento por parte de los médicos. Caso clínico: Lactante de 9 meses hospitalizada por un cuadro de neumonía viral grave con ventilación mecánica no invasiva, tratada con ceftriaxona entre otros medicamentos. Al quinto día de suspendido el antibiótico presentó un exantema maculopapular violáceo, confluente de predominio en el tronco, la cara y las extremidades superiores, asociado a fiebre, eosinofilia y elevación de transaminasas. Se manejó con prednisona oral más corticoides tópicos por 6 semanas, con buena evolución a los 3 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos se realiza por clínica y exámenes de laboratorio, además de biopsia cutánea en caso de duda diagnóstica. Si bien su causa más frecuente son los anticonvulsivantes se han descrito casos con un sinnúmero de fármacos. El manejo consiste en la suspensión del fármaco sospechoso asociado a medidas de soporte y tratamiento corticosteroide por tiempos prolongados.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening, drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction that includes skin eruption, haematological abnormalities, lymphadenopathy, and internal organ involvement. Objective: Presenting a rare condition in children, to facilitate a rapid diagnostic suspicion and recognition by doctors. Case report: An 9 months old infant admitted due to a severe viral pneumonia, managed with non-invasive ventilation and ceftriaxone. Five days after stopping antibiotics, a confluent maculopapular rash appeared, which was predominantly in the trunk, face and upper extremities, combined with a fever, eosinophilia, and elevated serum levels of transaminase. She received treatment with oral prednisone and topical corticosteroids for 6 weeks, with a good outcome after 3 months. Conclusions: The diagnosis of DRESS syndrome is made using clinical criteria, laboratory values, and histopathology, if there is any query. Although it is classically caused by anticonvulsants and sulphonamides, many other drugs have been implicated. The offending drug should be immediately discontinued and the patient given supportive treatment, and systemic corticosteroids for long periods of treatment.

Extirpación quirúrgica con cierre primario y uso de Isotretinoína en acné queloídeo de la nuca: serie de 6 casos clínicos / Acne keloidalis nuchae

El Acné queloídeo de la nuca se presenta principalmente en hombres jóvenes de raza negra; su etiología es desconocida, pero se piensa que sería multifactorial. El cuadro clínico corresponde a pápulas y pústulas que tienden a confluir en placas de aspecto queloídeo y que se observan como alopecia cicatricial, produciendo gran repercusión tanto física como psicológica en el paciente. Histológicamente se distingue una etapa temprana y una avanzada. No existe tratamiento curativo para este cuadro, pero se ha experimentado con múltiples opciones de tratamiento. En este trabajo se exponen los resultados de nuestra experiencia terapéutica con cirugía excisional asociada a cierre primario y posterior uso de Isotretinoína oral.

The Acne keloidalis nuchae occurs mainly in young black men; its etiology is unknown but is thought to be multifactorial. Clinically it presents as papules and pustules which tend to coalesce in keloid-like plaques and they are observed as scarring alopecia, producing great impact both physically and psychologically in the patient. An early and an advanced stage can be distinguished with histological techniques. There is no cure for this pathology, even though multiple treatments have been tried. In this paper, we expose the results of our therapeutic experience with excisional surgery associated with primary closure and subsequent use of oral Isotretinoin.

Pitiriasis liquenoide crónica en un adulto mayor: reporte de un caso / Pityriasis lichenoides in an older adult: report of a case

La pitiriasis liquenoide crónica (PLC) es una enfermedad benigna, que se caracteriza por tener un curso gradual, con aparición de múltiples pápulas con escamas adherentes de predominio en tronco y extremidades proximales. Con el objetivo de describir la presentación clínica, discutir el diagnóstico, diagnósticos diferenciales, tratamiento y revisar la literatura se presenta el caso de un hombre de 88 años que presentó múltiples lesiones papuloescamosas en extremidades inferiores. Se realizó biopsia cutánea que confirmó el diagnóstico de PLC. El paciente recibió tratamiento con emulsión hidratante, clobetasol tópico y claritromicina con resolución completa de las lesiones. La pitiriasis liquenoide crónica es un trastorno inflamatorio poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida que ocurre más comúnmente en adultos jóvenes y niños. Si bien la clínica es sugerente, se requiere biopsia cutánea para su confirmación diagnóstica. Es un trastorno benigno, a menudo asintomático y autolimitado, por lo que se debe valorar su tratamiento paciente a paciente. Principalmente se utilizan corticoides tópicos y antibióticos orales (tetraciclinas y eritromicina). Se ha vinculado en escasas publicaciones con el desarrollo de linfoma cutáneo y como síndromes paraneoplásicos, por lo que se sugiere realizar seguimiento.

Chronic lichenoid pityriasis (PLC) is a benign disorder, characterized by a gradual course with the appearance of multiple squamous papules with adherent scales predominating in the trunk and proximal extremities. With the objective to describe its clinical presentation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and review literature, we present an 88-yearold male with multiple lesions in the lower extremities of one year of evolution, with papules and adherent scales. A skin biopsy was performed that confirmed the diagnosis of PLC. The patient received treatment with moisturizing emulsion, clobetasol topical and clarithromycin with complete resolution of the lesions. Chronic lichenoid pityriasis is a rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that occurs most commonly in young adults and children. Although the clinic is suggestive, a skin biopsy is required for diagnostic confirmation. It is a benign disorder, often asymptomatic and self-limiting, so its patientto- patient treatment should be assessed. Topical corticosteroids and oral antibiotics (tetracyclines and erythromycin) are used. It has been linked in few publications with the development of cutaneous lymphoma and as paraneoplastic syndromes, so it is suggested to follow up.