Very Rapid Improvement in Extended Nitric Oxide Parameters Is Associated With Clinical and Functional Improvement in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Treated With Dupilumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor a monoclonal antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and moderate-to-severe asthma. Onset of its clinical effects is rapid. CRSwNP is characterized by extended type 2 inflammatory involvement that can be assessed using extended nitric oxide analysis. We investigated whether dupilumab was associated with a rapid improvement in extended nitric oxide parameters, lung function, and clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CRSwNP and an indication for dupilumab were evaluated for extended nitric oxide analysis (exhaled, FeNO; bronchial, JawNO; alveolar, CalvNO; nasal, nNO) and lung function 15 and 30 days after initiation of treatment and for clinical outcomes (nasal polyps score [NPS], quality of life questionnaires, visual analog scale [VAS] for the main symptoms, and the Asthma Control Test [ACT]) 30 days after initiation of treatment. RESULTS: We enrolled 33 patients. All extended nitric oxide and lung function parameters improved significantly after 15 days of treatment, remaining stable at 30 days. Scores on the NPS, VAS for the main RSwNP symptoms, quality of life questionnaires, and the ACT improved significantly 30 days after initiation of treatment. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab is associated with very rapid improvement in type 2 inflammation in all airway areas. This is associated with improved lung function and clinical parameters in patients with CRSwNP.

Very rapid improvement of extended nitric oxide parameters, associated with clinical and functional betterment, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) treated with Dupilumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Background: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody, has been recently approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and moderate to severe asthma, demonstrating a rapid onset of clinical effects. CRSwNP is characterized by an extended type-2 inflammatory involvement that can be assessed by extended nitric oxide analysis. Objective: In this study we investigated whether Dupilumab is associated with a rapid improvement in extended nitric oxide parameters, lung function and clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: : Consecutive patients with CRSwNP and indication to be treated with Dupilumab were evaluated for extended nitric oxide analysis (exhaled, FENO; bronchial, JawNO and alveolar, CalvNO components; nasal, nNO) and lung function 15 and 30 days after treatment initiation, and for clinical outcomes (nasal polyps score, NPS; quality of life questionnaires; visual analogue scales, VAS, for main symptoms, asthma control test, ACT) after 30 days of treatment initiation. RESULTS: 33 patients were enrolled. All extended nitric oxide and lung function parameters significantly improved after 15 days of treatment remaining stable at 30 days. NPS, VAS for main CRSwNP symptoms, quality of life questionnaires and ACT significantly improved after 30 days of treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab is associated with very rapid improvement in type 2 inflammation in all airway districts and this is associated with improved lung function and clinical parameters in patients with CRSwNP.

Elective neck irradiation in the management of esthesioneuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the optimal management of the neck in clinically node negative esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). The aim of this study is to assess the impact of elective neck irradiation (ENI) in terms of regional disease control and survival. METHODS: The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines searching on Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. The primary outcome was the regional recurrence rate (RRR), that was reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes were the overall survival (OS), and the distant-metastases free survival (DMFS), that were reported as logarithm of the hazard ratios (logHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 489 clinically node negative patients were included from 9 retrospective studies. ENI significantly reduced the risk of regional recurrence compared to no treatment. No difference was measured between ENI and observation, according to both OS and DMFS. No stratified analysis could be performed based on Kadish stage and Hyams grade. CONCLUSIONS: ENI should be recommended to improve the regional disease control. No advantage was measured in terms of survival or distant metastases with a low quality of evidence. Further prospective studies should be designed to understand if ENI could be avoided in early stage and low-grade tumors.

Teaching parotid surgery to ENT residents in the era of new technologies: an ex-vivo ovine model.

Surgical training has recently assumed a central role in the otolaryngology field, and the necessity to train residents and fellows' skills in a progressive manner has led to an incredible widespread of ex-vivo animal models for several surgical procedures. To report our experience with an ex-vivo ovine model for parotid gland dissection in a training context. A junior resident (PGY-1) and a post-graduate student with no experience in parotid surgery were guided by a skilled surgeon in the parotid gland dissection for each step of the procedure. Three different adult lamb heads were used for this feasibility study. A specific preparation of the model was performed before the training session. Similarity between the ovine model and the human were recorded. The resident and the post-graduate student were able to carry out a complete parotid gland dissection under supervision. The correct identification of surgical landmarks has led to a proper surgical simulation. The facial nerve dissection was adequately performed, and all branches were isolated. Parotid surgery training on an ex-vivo ovine model is useful, easy repeatable, and low cost. The ovine model presented in this study has similarities in size, structure, and tissue consistence to the human parotid, making it an ideal model for residents to simulate parotid surgery.

Cancer stem cells in laryngeal cancer: what we know.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of cells with eternal life or infinite self-renewal ability, which have high migrating, infiltrative, and metastatic abilities. Though CSCs only account for a small proportion in tumors, the high resistance to traditional therapy exempts them from therapy killing and thus they can reconstruct tumors. Previous studies found that heterogeneity of cancer cells extensively exists in head and neck cancers. Our current knowledge, about CSCs in the laryngeal cancer (LC), largely depends on head and neck studies. Given the lack of systematic data about CSCs in LC, we propose a review of the literature, reporting the evidences of CSCs in tumorigenesis of LC, with the purpose to provide new insights into the prevention and/or treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.

Evidence and role of autoantibodies in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

In this study, we review our current knowledge of the autoimmune etiopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps including bacterial infections, viral infections and immunomediated mechanisms and to discuss pathogenesis with relevance for pharmacotherapy. Relevant publications on the etiopathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) from 1977 to 2013 were analyzed. The characteristic signs and symptoms include appearance of relapsing nasal polyps, with typical symptoms such as nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and, usually, loss of the sense of smell. The etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. Proposed theories of causation include bacterial or viral infections and immunomediated mechanisms. The autoimmune aetiology of unknown origin or failure to respond to classic pharmacological treatments with nasal and oral steroids is now suspected. At present, the nature of the antigen trigger, the exact role played by B/T cells and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis remains unclear. Corticosteroids and surgery are the first line of treatment in CRSwNP. In the case of corticosteroid treatment failure, other drugs can be used such as rituximab, belimumab or omalizumab which have demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of nasal polyposis with comorbid asthma. Immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide have also been used with varying degrees of success.

Airway pH monitoring in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea using the Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe: preliminary report of a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) episodes and pH values in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using the Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with complaint of snoring or suspected OSA were prospectively enrolled to receive full nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). The patients were divided into 2 groups: a simple snorers group if the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) was < 5 and an OSA group if the RDI was ≥ 5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients simultaneously received Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe monitoring for 12 h from about 6 pm to 6 am of the next day. The number of LPR events was recorded if the nadir of rapid pH drops was below pH 5.0 and 5.5. The difference of LPR events between the two groups and the difference of LPR events between awake and sleep periods in each group were analysed, respectively. RESULTS: There were 18 (45%) patients diagnosed as OSA with a mean RDI of 28.7, and 22 patients (55%) diagnosed as simple snorers. Between 2 groups, there were no significant differences in the LPR events and pH values during the awake period, sleep period or overall recording period. Comparison of the LPR events and minimum pH values between the awake period and the sleep period revealed there were no significant differences in either group. CONCLUSION: Using the new sensitive Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe with PSG, we found that OSA does not correlate with a higher incidence of LPR episodes.

Comparison between the high-definition 3D exoscope and the operating microscope in head and neck reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the three-dimensional (3D) operating exoscope (OE) with the conventional operating microscope (OM) in head and neck reconstruction. A retrospective cohort study was performed including 50 consecutive patients with no history of previous surgery or irradiation (32 male, 18 female; mean age 59.2 ± 13.3 years), who underwent free flap head and neck reconstruction using a 3D OE (n = 25; OE group) or conventional OM (n = 25; OM group). The mean total operative time was 8.0 ± 1.53 h in the OE group and 7.6 ± 1.52 h in the OM group (P = 0.86). The median (interquartile range) anastomosis time was 78.0 (63.0-91.5) minutes in the OE group and 90.0 (75.5-115.0) minutes in the OM group (P = 0.06). The final free flap survival rate was 100%. Only seven patients experienced a free flap reconstruction-related complication, and they were similarly distributed between the two groups (four in the OE group, three in the OM group; P = 0.68). Secondary outcomes (length of hospital stay, tracheostomy dependence, feeding tube dependence) were comparable in the two groups (P > 0.05). The 3D OE is a viable alternative to the conventional OM for performing standard head and neck free flap reconstructive procedures.

Carotid stenosis after adjuvant cervical radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers: a prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of radiation-induced carotid stenosis, in patients who were treated for head and neck malignancies, using colour-flow duplex scanning. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study at a single medical centre. PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled two groups of patients. The first (radiotherapy group) consisted of patients who received surgical treatment and adjuvant radiotherapy of the neck. The control group consisted of patients with head and neck malignancies who received only surgical treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients were evaluated with carotid artery ecoDoppler imaging 1 week before and 36 months after the surgical procedure. Intima-media thickness was measured bilaterally at the internal carotid artery and at the bifurcation. Carotid obstruction was classified as low (0-30%), moderate (31-49%) or severe (≥50%). RESULTS: The preoperative stenosis grade did not differ between groups. In 15/25 patients (60%) in the radiotherapy group, mild stenosis evolved to moderate stenosis, while only 6/37 (16%) of the controls did (P = 0.004). Additionally, 9/39 (23%) patients in the radiotherapy group progressed to severe stenosis compared with only 3/54 (6%) controls (P = 0.029). The overall evolution showed that stenosis worsened in 24/32 (62%) patients in the radiotherapy group and 9/54 (17%) patients in the control groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the need to study the long-term incidence of cerebrovascular events in these two different populations (radiation treated and surgically treated) to identify increased cerebrovascular morbidity.

Objective and subjective evaluation of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) following surgical repair of the cleft palate using the furlow palatoplasty - A new tool.

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) diagnosis and speech surgery outcomes are currently based solely on subjective evaluation criteria consisting of perceptual speech assessment and functional imaging. This study describes an objective and comparable method in VPD assessment and investigates the concurrence between the objective and subjective evaluations. The present study included 20 paediatric patients presenting with VPD after primary repair (intravelar veloplasty) of cleft palate. Our protocol was based on computerized analysis of voice parameters by means of an objective tool, spectrography integrated with Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). The protocol also included perceptual evaluation by speech therapist and phoniatrician (consensus listening), and parents. This is a single surgeon, single centre experience and all patients underwent a secondary Furlow's palatoplasty. Assessments were performed pre- and postoperatively and upon completion of speech therapy. Results were compared using the two-tailed t student test for paired data. Statistical significance was set for p-values <0.05. Data analysis confirmed an improvement in velopharyngeal closure after surgery and speech therapy consistently with the results of perceptual evaluations. The results of the study confirmed the availability and reliability of an objective method for VPD evaluation based on the analysis of voice parameters with investigations that are simple and easily available in a hospital setting.

Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the literature on the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) and evaluate its clinical outcomes. The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched (inception to December 31, 2021). Meta-analyses were then conducted to estimate the overall rates of partial flap loss, total flap loss, salivary fistula, and surgical revision. The 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria included 768 patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with 773 IHMCF. The oral cavity (77.7%) and oropharynx (13.0%) were the most reconstructed sites. The meta-analyses estimated a pooled partial flap loss rate of 10.4% (99% confidence interval (CI) 5.4-16.7%), total loss rate of 1.8% (99% CI 0.8-3.2%), salivary fistula rate of 3.0% (99% CI 1.3-5.3%), and surgical revision rate of 1.9% (99% CI 0.7-3.7%). Fast flap harvesting and low donor site morbidity were other flap features. Previous thyroid surgery or neck dissection and advanced lymph nodal stage were considered contraindications to IHMCF reconstruction by most authors, while prior neck radiotherapy was reported as a relative contraindication. This pedicled cervical flap is a versatile and reliable reconstructive option for medium-sized head and neck defects. Careful preoperative assessment of the neck condition allows for its safe use.

Metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiation therapy in the management of oligometastatic head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Recently major efforts have been made to define the oligometastatic setting, but for head and neck cancer (HNC) limited data are available. We aimed to evaluate outcome of oligometastatic HNC treated with Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as metastasis-directed therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed patients treated with SBRT on a maximum of five oligometastases from HNC, in up to two organs. Concomitant treatment was allowed. End points were toxicity, local control of treated metastases (LC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: 48 consecutive patients and 71 lesions were treated. With a follow-up of 20.2 months, most common primary tumors were larynx (29.2%) and salivary glands (29.2%), while common site of metastases was lung (59.1%). Median dose was 48 Gy (21-75) in 3-8 fractions. Treatment was well tolerated, with two patients reporting mild pain and nausea. LC rates at 1 and 2 years were 83.1% and 70.2%. Previous local therapy (HR 4.97; p = 0.002), oligoprogression (HR 4.07; p = 0.031) and untreated metastases (HR 4.19; p = 0.027) were associated with worse LC. PFS at 1 and 2 years were 42.2% and 20.0%. Increasing age (HR 1.03; p = 0.010), non-adenoid cystic carcinoma (HR 2.57; p = 0.034) and non-lung metastases (HR 2.20; p = 0.025) were associated with worse PFS. One- and 2-years OS were 81.0% and 67.1%. Worse performance status (HR 2.91; p = 0.049), non-salivary primary (HR 19.9; p = 0.005), non-lung metastases (HR 2.96; p = 0.040) were correlated with inferior OS. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT can be considered a safe metastasis-directed therapy in oligometastatic HNC. Efficacy of the treatment seems to be higher when administered upfront in the management of metastatic disease; however, selection of patients need to be improved due to the relevant risk of appearance of new metastatic site after SBRT.

Free flap microvascular anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system (VITOM 3D).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of microvascular anastomosis using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system (VITOM 3D) in 10 consecutive cases of free flap head and neck reconstructive surgery. This was a clinical human study of free flap microvascular anastomosis using a VITOM 3D exoscope in 10 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. Microvascular anastomoses were performed successfully using the exoscope in all patients, without any need for the conventional microscope. Arterial anastomoses were all end-to-end. Venous anastomoses were end-to-end in eight cases and end-to-side with the internal jugular vein in two cases. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of microvascular anastomosis using a 4K three-dimensional exoscope system (VITOM 3D) in a series of 10 cases.

Electrochemotherapy: a well-accepted palliative treatment by patients with head and neck tumours.

SUMMARY: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a well established treatment strategy for skin tumuors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of electrochemotherapy in the palliative setting in patients with head and neck malignancies, in terms of improvement of quality of life and in control of pain and bleeding. Twenty-four patients with a loco-regional M0/M1 relapse not suitable for cure with radical intent by surgery or radiotherapy (RT) and not suitable for systemic therapy and/or already treated with it, were admitted to ECT protocol treatment. Clinical features, treatment response, and adverse effects were evaluated. An overall response of 100% was observed. Overall survival probability at 24 months was 46.5% (median OS: 9 months). The multiple application of ECT was associated with improved survival (p = 0.02). Pain, need for medical assistance or dressing and bleeding events was significantly reduced at 1 month after ECT (p #x003C; 0.001). ECT is effective as palliative treatment of non-resectable head and neck malignancies. Its main advantages are improved quality of life, local tumour control and limited side effects.

[Some behavioral characteristics of physicians desired by ambulatory patients. A pilot survey]. / Alcune caratteristiche comportamentali del medico desiderate dal paziente in ambito ambulatoriale. Indagine conoscitiva pilota.

AIMS: We must pay attention to character formation of Medical Doctors because it could build a good or bad relationship with colleagues and patients: it is not a merely "humanistic" goal but a necessary component of professional excellence. The first endpoint of this study is to identify how to improve the quality of the outpatient visit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested a user-friendly questionnaire, distributed to 100 patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The most important behavioral characteristics desired by patients from physicians are: 1. to have the physician's attention without feeling hurried (such as without the physician answering a phone call during the office visit); 2. to have continuity of care even in the ambulatory setting; 3. to find a relationship of empathy, participation and sharing; 4. to have a peaceful relationship of collaboration with the nurses and other health care personnel; 5. to find the physician appropriately groomed and dressed; 6. to receive the full diagnosis with clarity and at the most appropriate moment of communication.

Sialendoscopic management of autoimmune sialadenitis: a review of literature.

Autoimmune diseases of major salivary glands include Sjögren's syndrome and a complex of disorders classified as immunoglobulin G4-related diseases. These pathologies are characterised by an autoimmune reaction mediated by T-helper lymphocytes that targets the ducts of exocrine glands in Sjögren's syndrome and glandular parenchyma in immunoglobulin G4-related diseases. Immunoglobulin G4-related diseases represent recently introduced multi-organ diseases that also involve the salivary glands. However, the morbid conditions once known as Mikulicz's disease and Kuttner's tumour were recently considered as two variants of immunoglobulin G4-related diseases affecting the major salivary glands ( immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis). This review briefly summarises the pathogenesis and clinical features of autoimmune diseases of the major salivary glands, focusing on the diagnostic and therapeutic role of sialendoscopy.

Vastus lateralis myofascial free flap in tongue reconstruction.

In the last decade, the antero-lateral thigh free flap (ALT) has become the most popular free flap for tongue reconstruction because of less donor site morbidity and better cosmetic outcomes. However, fascio-cutaneous ALT may be insufficient to reconstruct major tongue defects, while its muscular-cutaneous variant (using the vastus lateralis muscle) may be too bulky. The present study describes our preliminary experience of tongue reconstruction with vastus lateralis myofascial flap, which could potentially offer unique advantages in head and neck reconstruction including adequate bulk when needed, optimal functional results and obliteration of dead space thus preventing fistulas and infections with minimal morbidity.

Salvage total laryngectomy after conservation laryngeal surgery for recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oncological efficacy of salvage total laryngectomy in patients who had previously undergone supracricoid partial laryngectomy or transoral laser microsurgery for treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed the medical, surgical and pathological records of 35 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy after recurrence of laryngeal cancer (following supracricoid partial laryngectomy or transoral laser microsurgery). Kaplan-Meier survival curves as well as univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed. No statistically significant differences were seen comparing the supracricoid partial laryngectomy group with the transoral laser microsurgery group for overall survival and disease-specific survival at 3 years (OS = 38% vs. 52%, p = 0.16; DSS = 40% vs. 61%, p = 0.057) or locoregional control at 2 years (LRC = 40% vs. 54%, p = 0.056). A trend indicating worse survival and locoregional control for supracricoid partial laryngectomy patients emerged. Preservation of the osteocartilaginous frame in transoral laser microsurgery could hypothetically result in better salvageability of anterior recurrences with extralaryngeal spread.