A safety investigation into topical effects of naproxen sodium on nasal epithelial cells and potential toxicity in local application.

OBJECTIVES: We examined how topically-applied naproxen sodium affects human nasal epitheliocytes in culture. METHODS: Samples of healthy human primary nasal epithelium (NE) harvested during septoplasty from volunteers without rhinosinusitis were incubated in cell culture. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays may be utilised when assessing cellular damage (toxicity), as evidenced by DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, alteration in the outer plasma membrane and cytoskeletal alteration. This was the method used in the study. Cultured epitheliocytes were incubated with naproxen sodium for 24 h at 37 °C. The MTT assay was then performed and the cells' morphology was examined by confocal microscopy. Additionally, cellular proliferation was assessed by the artificial scratch method followed by light microscopy. RESULTS: The results indicated that naproxen sodium does not cause any cytotoxic effects upon nasal epithelial cells when applied topically. There was no evidence indicating cytotoxicity on the nasal epitheliocytes in culture for the 24 h period over which the drug was applied. In particular, there was no alteration in cellular morphology, damage to the intracellular organelles structure or the cytoskeleton secondary to naproxen sodium. Furthermore, cellular proliferation occurred normally in these conditions, as on scratch test. CONCLUSION: Topical naproxen sodium may be used on nasal epithelial cells without inducing toxicity. This agent is therefore suitable, given its known anti-inflammatory effects, for use in patients suffering from diseases involving nasal and paranasal sinusal inflammation, including rhinosinusitis (both chronic and acute) and nasal polyposis which should be investigated. In the future, topical medication forms for nasal usage should be developed.

Different approach for surgery of stapes: Comparison microscopic and endoscopic approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to discuss the different surgical approach, functional hearing results, which are applied to patients operated with a diagnosis of otosclerosis in our clinic. METHODS: This study includes 92 ears of 84 patients who were operated with the diagnosis of otosclerosis. Air bone gap was calculated before and after the operation in all patients. In addition, endoscopic and microscopic methods can be compared and statistically tested whether there is a difference in air bone gap averages and surgical success. Of the 92 ears operated, 56 were right (61%) and 36 were left (39%). Otosclerosis was detected bilaterally in 61 patients (73%) and unilaterally (27%) in 23 patients. The duration of follow-up ranges from 6 month to ten years, on average 28 months. RESULTS: In the microscopic operation group, the air pathway measurement was mean 55.58 dB preoperatively and mean 38.42 dB postoperatively, with a mean decrease of 17.16 dB determined. The decrease between the preoperative and postoperative air pathway values was determined to be statistically significant (t:7.20, p < 0.001). In the microscopic operation group, the air-bone gap value was mean 30.50 dB preoperatively and fell by 15.90 dB to 14.60 dB postoperatively. In the endoscopic group, the air-bone gap value was mean 32.32 dB preoperatively and fell by 13.51 dB to 18.81 dB postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Stapes surgery is a successful method with high success rate and low complication rates in the treatment of otosclerosis. The success rate of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery is similar. However, endoscopic stapes surgery is specific and difficult otological surgery that must be performed by surgeons specialised on this subject.

Tracheal Resection With Primary Anastomosis.

The aim of our study was to present our retrospective experience in the single-stage surgical reconstruction of 21 tracheal stenosis (TS) patients during the last 17 years, considering the characteristics of the treated stenosis, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative outcomes and complications. All demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Chest and neck computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to assess the stenosis, including length, location, and glottic involvement. The stenotic area was evaluated endoscopically according to an adapted Myer and Cotton grading scale. The aetiology of the (TS) was intubation related in 18 patients and idiopathic in three patients. The duration of intubation was 13.00 ±â€Š6.83 days (range, 1 hour to 27 days). According to the Myers-Cotton classification, mean stage of stenosis for the study group was 3.33 ±â€Š0.66 (range, 2-4). Mean length of the stenosis was 2.05 ±â€Š0.80 (range, 1-3.5) cm. The mean number of stenotic segment involved was 3.67 ±â€Š1.24 (range, 2-6). Mean follow-up for the study group, excluding two patients who died in the postoperative period, was 57 (range, 12-326) months. Of the 19 patients who survived, postoperative decannulation was achieved in 16 patients (76.19%), and decannulation was not achieved in 3 patients (14.29%) who are still on a T-tube. Of the 16 patients who are decannulated successfully, additional procedures were applied in 9 patients. Segmental resection with primary anastomosis is an effective method and can be used as the first option in selected patients of (TS).

Uncinatotomy: performing endoscopic sinus surgery without an uncinectomy.

BACKGROUND: The results of endoscopic sinus surgery performed for chronic rhinosinusitis are controversial. For a better surgical outcome, different surgical techniques involving an uncinectomy as the primary step of the operation have been proposed. The surgery should resolve the pathophysiologic problems caused by the disease and preserve the normal anatomy and physiology. We developed a technique to remove the pathology localized to isolated maxillary and anterior ethmoid cells, without excising the uncinate process. The infundibular area was exposed with medialization of the uncinate with a bipedicle flap prepared 1.5 cm from the insertion of the uncinate to the nasal wall, and then the sinus pathology was removed. At the end of the surgery, the uncinate was returned to its original position. METHODS: We performed this new technique to 3 patients and evaluated postoperative results. RESULTS: Primary disease was eradicated, and no complication was noted. CONCLUSIONS: With this technique, it is possible to perform all steps of sinus surgery without excising any anatomic structure.

Oval Window Temperature Changes in an Endoscopic Stapedectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Following the initial use of endoscopes in otology, the pros and cons of these instruments have been questioned increasingly. These instruments cause an increase in temperature that needs to be investigated. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the temperature increase caused by endoscopes and light sources in the perilymph by performing a stapedotomy in an animal model under anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: The study was performed in a guinea pig model. METHODS: In the animal model, a simulated otologic stapes surgery was performed at room temperature. The body temperatures of the guinea pigs were monitored; the temperature increase caused by the 0-degree rigid endoscopes with diameters of 3 and 4  mm as well as the light sources, including halogen, light-emitting diode (LED), and xenon lamps, were monitored following the stapedotomy to measure and document the continuous temperature increase in the perilymph using sensors placed at the oval window. RESULTS: Rigid endoscopes cause a temperature increase in the tympanum regardless of their diameter when used with xenon and halogen light sources. The LED light caused a relatively small temperature increase. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic instruments used in the stapes operation caused a temperature increase in the oval window. The authors concluded that this heat could easily be transmitted to the cochlea by the perilymph, which has obstructed contact with the outer environment following stapedomy, resulting in neurosensorial damage.

A new grafting technique for tympanoplasty: tympanoplasty with a boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (TwBSCPG).

The aim of this study was to introduce a new grafting technique in tympanoplasty that involves use of a boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (BSCPG). The anatomical and functional results were evaluated. A new tympanoplasty with boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (TwBSCPG) technique was used in 99 chronic otitis media patients with central or marginal perforation of the tympanic membrane and a normal middle ear mucosa. All 99 patients received chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts with a boomerang-shaped cartilage island left at the anterior and inferior parts. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted at months 1, 6, and 12. Preoperative and postoperative audiological examinations were performed and air-bone gaps were calculated according to the pure-tone averages (PTAs) of the patients. In the preoperative period, most (83.8%) air-bone gaps were ≥ 16 dB; after operating using the TwBSCPG technique, the air-bone gaps decreased to 0-10 dB in most patients (77.8%). In the TwBSCPG patients, the mean preoperative air-bone gap was 22.02 ± 6.74 dB SPL. Postoperatively, the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 8.70 ± 5.74 dB SPL. The TwBSCPG technique therefore decreased the postoperative air-bone gap compared to that preoperatively (p = 0.000, z = -8.645). At the 1-month follow-up, there were six graft perforations and one graft retraction. At the 6-month follow-up, there were nine graft perforations and three graft retractions. At 12 months, there were seven graft perforations and four graft retractions. During the first year after the boomerang tympanoplasty surgery, graft lateralization was not detected in any patient. Retractions were grade 1 according to the Sade classification and were localized to the postero-superior quadrant of the tympanic membrane. The TwBSCPG technique has benefits with respect to postoperative anatomical and audiological results. It prevents perforation of the tympanic membrane at the anterior quadrant and avoids graft lateralization due to placement of the graft under the manubrium mallei. Given these benefits, the TwBSCPG technique seems to be a good alternative for grafting in tympanoplasties.

External auditory canal stenosis due to the use of powdered boric acid.

Acquired stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC) may occur because of chronic external otitis, recurrent chronic catarrhal otitis media associated with tympanic membrane perforation, chronic dermatitis, tumors, and trauma. Stenosis occurs generally at the one-third bone part of the external auditory canal. In this article, we present 3 cases of acquired EAC stenosis due to the previous powdered boric acid application. Besides the presentation of surgical intervetions in these cases, we want to notify the physicians not to use or carefully use powdered boric acid because of the complication of EAC stenosis.

Endonasal endoscopic excision of a rare tumor: nasal bone osteoid osteoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteomas are slow-growing, benign tumors that frequently occur in paranasal areas; are detected by their symptoms, depending on their location and size, or incidentally on radiologic examination; and rarely arise from the nasal bone. We present an isolated nasal bone osteoma--which has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously--that was excised using an endoscopic endonasal approach via intercartilaginous incision and reconstructed with MEDPOR. METHODOLOGY: A 21-year-old male patient attended the Mardin State Hospital ENT Clinic with the complaint of a slowly enlarging mass on the left side of the nose. The clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings pointed to a diagnosis of nasal bone osteoma. RESULTS: An endoscopic-assisted endonasal approach was performed, and defect was reconstructed with MEDPOR. At postoperative 6-month evaluation, no recurrence was observed, and the cosmetic result was satisfying in both external and intranasal views. CONCLUSIONS: In the removal of rare nasal bone osteomas, endoscopic endonasal surgery could be preferred over an external approach because of its favorable cosmetic results, comfort for the patient, and graft viability.

Effects of Anatolian Propolis and Hypertonic Saline Combination Nasal Spray on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how Rhinapi nasal spray affects symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, observational study, 10,000 patients (comprising 5028 males and 4972 females) exhibiting symptoms of allergic rhinitis (namely, nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction) from different centers in different regions of Turkey were enrolled in the study between March 2022 and March 2023. All the patients wanted to participate in the study and were administered Rhinapi one puff to each nostril three times a day, for a period of 3 weeks. Total symptom scores, quality of life (QoL) scores, and otolaryngological examination scores were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment. Results: The scores for discharge from the nose, sneezing, nasal pruritus, and blockage of the nose all indicated improvement when compared to pre-medication and post-medication. This difference achieved statistical significance (P < .001). The mean total symptom score fell following treatment (P < .001): whilst the score was 11.09 ± 3.41 before administering Rhinapi; after administration, the average score was 6.23 ± 2.41. The mean QoL scores also altered after medication (P < .001), improving from a mean value of 6.44 ± 1.55 to a mean of 7.31 ± 1.24. Significant improvement was also noted in the scores for conchal color and degree of edema after the treatment had been administered (P < .001). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Rhinapi nasal spray decreases total symptom scores, and results in improved QoL and otolaryngological examination scores. Propolis spray may be recommended for patients with allergic rhinitis alongside other treatments.

Exosomal MicroRNA-223, MicroRNA-146, and MicroRNA-21 Profiles and Biochemical Changes in Laryngeal Cancer.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, and its early diagnosis is urgent. Exosomes are believed to have diagnostic significance in cancer. However, the role of serum exosomal microRNAs, miR-223, miR-146, and miR-21, and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and hemoglobin subunit delta (HBD) mRNAs in LSCC is unclear. Exosomes were isolated from the blood serum of 10 LSCC patients and 10 healthy controls to perform scanning electron microscopy and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analyses to characterize them and to undergo reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to identify miR-223, miR-146, miR-21, and PTEN and HBD mRNA expression phenotypes. Biochemical parameters, including serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin B12, were also obtained. Serum exosomes of 10-140 nm were isolated from LSCC and controls. Serum exosomal miR-223, miR-146, and PTEN were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05), in contrast to serum exosomal miRNA-21 (p < 0.01), and serum vitamin B12 and CRP (p < 0.05) were found to be significantly increased, in LSCC vs controls. Our novel data show that the combination of reduced serum exosomal miR-223, miR-146, and miR-21 profiles and biochemical alterations in CRP and vitamin B12 levels may be useful indicators of LSCC that could be validated by large studies. Our findings also suggest a possible negative regulatory effect of miR-21 on PTEN in LSCC, encouraging a more extensive investigation of its role.

Evaluation of inner ear and hearing functions in lichen planus patients.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP), which affects skin, nails, hair, and mucosal surfaces, is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease, and autoimmune diseases may affect the inner ear. AIMS: This study aims to investigate hearing and inner ear functions of the LP patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: The present study was formed by 49 patients who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with LP and did not receive any treatment. The healthy group consisted of 52 healthy individuals. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were used in the hearing evaluation. RESULTS: At frequencies of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the right ear and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear in PTA, the lichen group's hearing thresholds were higher than the healthy group's. Upon comparing the hearing thresholds of LP patients with oral mucosa involvement and LP patients without oral mucosa involvement, there were significant differences between the groups at 1, 4, and 8 kHz in the right ear and at 0.25, 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz in the left ear. CONCLUSION: Because of the increasing hearing thresholds, we think that hearing and inner ear functions of LP patients, particularly with oral mucosal involvement, are negatively affected.

Chorda Tympani nerve injury during tympanoplasty. Comparison of endoscopic and microscopic methods.

PURPOSE: Iatrogenic injury of the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) is a well-recognized complication of middle ear surgery The aim of the present study was to compare CTN injury occurring as a result of type 1 tympanoplasty performed using microscopic and endoscopic methods. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at our institution on patients diagnosed with chronic otitis and then treated with type 1 tympanoplasty surgery between January, 2013 and January, 2014 .The patients were divided into two groups; group 1 consisted of patients who underwent endoscopic tympanoplasty and group 2 consisted of patients who underwent microscopic tympanoplasty. At follow-up 3, 6 ,and 12 months after surgery patients were asked to complete a questionnaire that enquired about symptoms of CTN injury: changes in taste sensation, tongue numbness. and dry mouth. RESULTS: There were 66 patients (33 males, mean age 30.4 ± 8.14 years (range: 8-56 years)) There were 25 patients in group I (endoscopic tympanoplasty) and 41 patients in group 2 (miscroscopic tympanoplasty). A total of 11 (16.6%) patients reported symptoms related to CTN damage: 1 (4%) patient in group and 10 (24%) patients in group 2. A metallic taste in the mouth was the most-common symptom, noted by 7 patients(63.6%), 1 (4%) in group 1 and 6(14.6%) in group 2. Ageusia/hypogeusia was reported by 4 patients (37.4%) all in group 2 Tongue numbness occurred in 2 patients (4.8%) in group 2. No patients had xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: Type I tympanoplasty performed with an endoscopic technique is minimally invasive,and is associated with less CTN manipulation and as a consequence less iatrogenic injury to the CTN KEY WORDS: Chorda Tympani Nerve, Endoscopic Tympanoplasty, Microscopic Tympanoplastytype 1 Tympanoplasty.

The ototoxic effect of boric acid solutions applied into the middle ear of guinea pigs.

This study analyzed the ototoxic effects of boric acid solutions. Boric acid solutions have been used as otologic preparations for many years. Boric acid is commonly found in solutions prepared with alcohol or distilled water but can also be found in a powder form. These preparations are used for both their antiseptic and acidic qualities in external and middle ear infections. We investigated the ototoxic effect of boric acid solutions on guinea pigs. We are unaware of any similar, previously published study of this subject in English. The study was conducted on 28 young albino guinea pigs. Prior to application of the boric acid solution under general anesthesia, an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABRs) test was applied to the right ear of the guinea pigs. Following the test, a perforation was created on the tympanic membrane of the right ear of each guinea pig and small gelfoam pieces were inserted into the perforated area. Test solutions were administered to the middle ear for 10 days by means of a transcanal route. Fifteen days after inserting the gelfoams in all of the guinea pigs, we anasthesized the guinea pigs and removed the gelfoams from the perforated region of the ear and then performed an ABRs on each guinea pig. The ABRs were within the normal range before the applications. After the application, no significant changes were detected in the ABRs thresholds in neither the saline group nor the group administered boric acid and distilled water solution; however, significant changes were detected in the ABRs thresholds of the Gentamicine and boric acid and alcohol solution groups. We believe that a 4% boric acid solution prepared with distilled water can be a more reliable preparation than a 4% boric acid solution prepared with alcohol.

Occult contralateral nodal metastases in supraglottic laryngeal cancer crossing the midline.

We evaluated the risk of occult contralateral neck involvement according to T stage and ipsilateral neck stage in centrally located supraglottic laryngeal cancer. The side largely involved by the tumor was defined as ipsilateral and the other side was defined as contralateral in terms of the neck dissection side. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathologic data from a group of 189 centrally located supraglottic cancer patients in which bilateral neck dissection was part of the primary treatment. Among 378 neck dissection specimens, the rate of bilateral metastasis was 33/189 (17.5%). The rate of occult metastases in the contralateral side were 33/75 (44%) and 6/114 (5.3%), when ipsilateral neck was pN+ and pN-, respectively. Clinically or pathologically positive ipsilateral nodes and the extracapsular spread in the ipsilateral positive nodes displayed significantly higher risk of contralateral metastases. The incidence of occult contralateral metastases did not seem to be affected significantly by T stage of the tumor. Our retrospective study confirmed that the probabilistic criteria of the incidence of contralateral occult metastases in supraglottic laryngeal cancer with tumor largely involving one side and crossing the midline. On the basis of our data, there is a high prevalence of contralateral metastases in tumors with clinically or pathologically positive ipsilateral lymph nodes. The extracapsular spread of the nodes is also an important determinant of the contralateral involvement.

Outcome of conservation surgery for laryngeal carcinoma: an 8-year trial.

The purpose of this report is to review the experience of our institution with conservative surgery for laryngeal cancer. In this retrospective study, a review was made of 85 patients treated with conservation surgery between 1998 and 2005. At least 2 years of follow-up period (mean 46.6 months) was achieved for all the patients. We evaluated age, tobacco and alcohol intake, T stage, histopathological differentiation and localization of tumor, subglottic extension, anterior commissure invasion, vocal cord mobility, surgical margins, type of surgery applied, and post-operative radiotherapy (pRT) applied. Local control and 2-year survival rates were estimated. We managed with horizontal, vertical, and horizontovertical laryngectomies in 55, 26, and 4 patients, respectively. 28 patients were scheduled to have pRT. The actuarial and overall local control rates were 82.4 and 94.1%, respectively. On univariable analysis, significant factors for increased recurrences were positive resection margins, low differentiation of tumor, alcohol consumption and incompletion of the planned pRT. The 2-year survival rate was 60 and 95.7% for patients with and without local recurrence, respectively. Conservation surgery is a safe procedure for laryngeal cancer in proper endications.

[Stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy: clinical and patological analysis of risk factors]. / Total larenjektomi sonrasi stomal nüks: Risk faktörlerinin klinik ve patolojik analizi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors for stomal recurrence and to state and emphasize the importance of these factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out retrospectively on 119 patients (116 males, 3 females; mean age 56.8 years; range 31 to 86 years) with larynx cancer who underwent total laryngectomy. All patients were examined for T-stage and location of primary tumor, tracheotomy (preoperative or postoperative) opening time, modality of applied treatment, presence of pharyngeal stoma fistula and presence of cervical lymph node metastasis in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Five patients (4.2%) out of 119 had stomal recurrence. Development period of stomal recurrence after laryngectomy was found to be between six months and three years (mean: 16.6 months). CONCLUSION: The treatment of this fatal complication is very difficult, and it has a poor prognostic nature. As a result, presence of subglottic involvement and advanced tumors in our cases are considered as main risk factors.

Single Dose Topical Application of Clotrimazole for the Treatment of Otomycosis: Is This Enough?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of filling the external auditory meatus with 1% clotrimazole at a single visit for the treatment of otomycosis. Subjects and. METHODS: This prospective study included 40 patients who were referred to our clinic with complaints of ear itching, pain, and fullness, and were diagnosed with unilateral otomycosis. After cleaning the mycotic hyphae from the external auditory meatus, the ear canal was filled with 1% clotrimazole, using an intravenous catheter and syringe. The patients received follow-up examinations on post-treatment days 7, 15, and 45. RESULTS: The follow-up otomicroscopic examinations revealed that 95% of the ear canals were entirely clean and that all symptoms had resolved. The post-treatment scores of pain, aural fullness and itching were significantly lower than the pre-treatment scores (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Filling the external auditory meatus with 1% clotrimazole at a single visit is an easy, efficient, and cost-effective treatment for otomycosis. Additionally, high patient compliance makes this treatment superior to long-term topical therapy.

Boomerang-shaped vs. shield-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts for type 1 tympanoplasty in children: A study of 121 patients.

Many techniques and graft materials have been used for the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. We conducted a retrospective study to compare anatomic and functional outcomes of type 1 tympanoplasty that we performed with boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts (BSGs) and shield-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts (SSGs) in pediatric patients. Our study population was made up 121 patients-61 boys and 60 girls, aged 7 to 16 years (mean: 12.4)-who had undergone a type 1 tympanoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to the grafting technique used; there were 59 patients in the BSG group and 62 patients in the SSG group. Ear examinations were performed at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, and 24, and pure-tone average (PTA) for air-conduction threshold values and air-bone gaps (ABGs) were evaluated at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz at the same visits. We also investigated the impact of the graft material on functional graft success and intergroup differences (if any) in surgical success. Mean postoperative follow-up periods were 30.5 and 30.2 months in the BSG and SSG groups, respectively. We found that the success rates for tympanic membrane reconstruction were not significantly different in the two groups (91.5 and 88.7%). Postoperatively, the mean PTA and ABG values in both groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were significantly lower than the preoperative values (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean PTA values between the two groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. However, the extent of the decrease in PTA values in the BSG group at 3 months was significantly greater than that of the SSG group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean ABG values between the two groups at 3, 6, and 12 months, but at 24 months, the value was significantly higher in the BSG group (p < 0.05). Finally, the extent of the decrease in ABG in the BSG group at both 3 and 6 months was significantly greater than that of the SSG group (p < 0.05). We conclude that the BSG procedure is a reliable and safe method of performing pediatric tympanoplasty.

Boomerang-Shaped Chondro-Perichondral Graft Versus Temporalis Muscle Fascia Graft: Which One is to be Trusted?

The aim of this study was to compare anatomical and audiological results of boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (BSCPG) with temporal muscle fascia in type 1 tympanoplasties. Sixty-eight patients in BSCPG group and 54 patients in fascia group were evaluated. Otomicroscopic examination was done periodically till 24 months as for graft perforation, lateralization and retraction and mean air conduction threshold and airbone gap values were measured. At long term controls, in BSCPG group, rates of neomembrane, perforation, retraction and lateralization were 91.17 % (n = 62), 8.82 % (n = 6), 4.41 % (n = 3) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. In fascia group, the corresponding rates were 79.62 % (n = 43), 20.37 % (n = 11), 12.96 % (n = 7) and 3.7 % (n = 2), respectively. In both groups, mean postoperative PTA and ABG values were significantly better while postoperative same values were significantly different between groups (p = 0.044 and 0.032, respectively). Compared to fascia, BSCPG is an ideal grafting technique in the repair of tympanic membrane perforations.

The effects of dust storms on quality of life of allergic patients with or without asthma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the quality of life of allergic patients with or without asthma during dust storms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 148 allergic patients (66 males, 82 females; mean age 35.7±15.5 years; range 18 to 65 years) were classified as those with (group 1, n=80) or without (group 2, n=68) concomitant asthma between January 2012 and January 2013. The quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)] scores, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), nasal symptom and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at the time of diagnosis were obtained. The particulate matter (PM10) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) values of that day from the General Directorate of Meteorology were recorded. The day of dust storm and PM10 and SO2 measurements along with SF-36, RQLQ, nasal symptom and VAS scores were recorded again. RESULTS: The absolute change in the RQLQ subparameters including eye and nasal symptoms, practical problems and global scores was statistically significant (p=0.022, p=0.036, p=0.026 and p=0.032, respectively). There were statistically significant changes in the SF-36 subgroups of general health, physical functioning, vitality, and mental health (p=0.026, p=0.042, p=0.008 and p=0.026, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression model, specific and general quality of life was 4.6 times worse in RQLQ and 3.8 times in SF-36 after the dust storm in patients with asthma, while 2.1 times worse in RQLQ and 1.9 times in SF-36 in patients with pure allergic rhinitis. The attributable risk of asthma was found to be 2.5 times higher in RQLQ and 1.9 times higher in SF-36. CONCLUSION: Dust storms may deteriorate the quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and lead to related personal and societal problems.