Enfrentamiento diagnóstico de la rinosinusitis aguda en pacientes adultos ambulatorios / Diagnostic Approach of acute rhinosinusitis in adults outpatients

Acute rhinosinusitis is a common condition, mainly of viral etiology and self-limiting course. There is coexistence of microbiological agents that favor bacterial superinfection. Therefore, it is necessary to know evidence that supports diagnostic approach in adults out- patients. Having reviewed the evidence, we mention the isolated symptoms and signs have such a low performance to guide the diagnostic approach, some with statistical evidence such as hemifacial pain, colored nasal discharge and radiographic alterations suggestive of rhinosinusitis. Also, it is possible to improve clinical performance by combining suggestive findings. The imaging study has little evidence that supports them, because non-specific and non-concordant findings. Finally, empirical management with antibiotics does not statistically or clinically modify the evolution of an acute non-complicated condition.

La rinosinusitis aguda es una condición frecuente, principalmente de etiología viral y de curso autolimitado. Existe coexistencia de agentes microbiológicos que favorece la sobreinfección bacteriana. Por ello, es necesario conocer la evidencia que dirige el enfrentamiento diagnóstico en pacientes adultos ambulatorios. Habiéndose revisado la evidencia, mencionamos que los síntomas y signos aislados poseen bajo rendimiento para guiar el proceso diagnóstico, destacando algunos con mejores atributos diagnósticos, pero de significancia estadística bastante discreta, como lo son el dolor hemifacial, la descarga nasal coloreada y alteraciones de la radiografía sugerentes de rinosinusitis. También, que se puede mejorar discretamente el rendimiento clínico combinando algunos de estos hallazgos sugerentes. El estudio imagenológico posee poca evidencia que lo respalde, dado la presencia de hallazgos inespecíficos o no concordantes, inclusive en pacientes asintomáticos. Finalmente, respecto de manejo empírico con antibióticos, destaca que su uso no modifica estadística ni clínicamente la evolución de un cuadro agudo no complicado.

A real world study of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody in the treatment of allergic united airway disease / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (omazumab) in the treatment of allergic united airway disease (UAD) in the real-wold. Methods: Retrospective cohort study summarizes the case data of patients with allergic united airway disease who were treated with anti IgE monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) for more than 16 weeks from March 1, 2018 to June 30, 2022 in the Peking University First Hospital.The allergic UAD is defined as allergic asthma combined with allergic rhinitis (AA+AR) or allergic asthma combined with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (AA+CRSwNP) or allergic asthma combined with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps (AA+AR+CRSwNP). The control of asthma was evaluated by asthma control test (ACT), lung function test and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The AR was assessed by total nasal symptom score (TNSS). The CRSwNP was evaluated by nasal visual analogue scale (n-VAS), sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), nasal polyps score (TPS) and Lund-Mackay sinus CT grading system. The global evaluation of omalizumab for the treatment of allergic UADwas performed by Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness(GETE).The drug-related side effects were also recorded. Matched t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the score changes of IgE monoclonal antibody (omazumab) before and after treatment, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of IgE monoclonal antibody (omazumab) response. Results: A total of 117 patients with UAD were enrolled, ranging in age from 19 to 77 years; The median age of patients was 48.7 years; Among them, 60 were male, ranging from 19 to 77 years old, with a median age of 49.9 years; There were 57 females, ranging from 19 to 68 years old, with a median age of 47.2 years. There were 32 cases in AA+AR subgroup, 59 cases in AA+CRSwNP subgroup, and 26 cases in AA+AR+CRSwNP subgroup. The total serum IgE level was 190.5 (103.8,391.3) IU/ml. The treatment course of anti IgE monoclonal antibody was 24 (16, 32) weeks. Compared with pre-treatment, omalizumab increased ACT from 20.0 (19.5,22.0) to 24.0 (23.0,25.0) (Z=-8.537, P<0.001), increased pre-bronchodilator FEV1 from 90.2 (74.8,103.0)% predicted value to 95.4 (83.2,106.0)% predicted value (Z=-5.315,P<0.001), increased FEV1/FVC from 80.20 (66.83,88.38)% to 82.72 (71.26,92.25)% (Z=-4.483,P<0.001), decreased FeNO from(49.1±24.8) ppb to (32.8±24.4) ppb (t=5.235, P<0.001), decreased TNSS from (6.5±2.6)to (2.4±1.9) (t=14.171, P<0.001), decreased n-VAS from (6.8±1.2) to (3.4±2.0)(t=14.448, P<0.001), decreased SNOT-22 from (40.0±7.9) to (21.3±10.2)(t=15.360, P<0.001), decreased TPS from (4.1±0.8) to (2.4±1.0)(t=14.718, P<0.001) and decreased Lund-Mackay CT score from (6.0±1.3) to (3.1±1.6)(t=17.012, P<0.001). The global response rate to omalizumab was 67.5%(79/117). The response rate in AA+AR (90.6%,29/32) was significantly higher than that in AA+CRSwNP (61.0%,36/59) and AA+AR+CRSwNP (53.8%,14/26) subgroups (χ2=11.144,P=0.004). Only 4 patients (3.4%,4/117) had mild side effects. Conclusion: The real-world study showed favorable effectiveness and safety of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for treatment of allergic UAD. To provide basis for preventing the progress and precise treatment of allergic UAD.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray in treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and economic efficiency of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS). The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray in the treatment of CRS was searched against EMbase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, SinoMed, and Wanfang. The efficacy, nasal mucociliary transport time, and safety of the therapy above in the treatment of CRS were analyzed with single-group rate and Meta-analysis, and the economy and sensitivity were evaluated from the perspective of payer. A total of 9 RCTs were included, including 1 145 patients. Meta-analysis showed that compared with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray alone, Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray in the treatment of CRS patients increased the effective rate(RR=1.17, 95%CI[1.11, 1.24], P<0.000 01) and shortened the nasal mucociliary transport time(MD=-3.32, 95%CI[-5.86,-0.78], P=0.01), there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. The incremental cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the treatment costs of the control group and the observation group were 44.15 yuan and 1 044.96 yuan, respectively. In the Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray treatment group, 75.48 yuan was spent to improve the effective rate of CRS by 1%. The one-way sensitivity analysis indicated the days of treatment, the RR of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray, the price of unit preparation of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules, and the effective rate of Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray alone had great influence on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In conclusion, Biyuan Tongqiao Granules combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray improves the therapeutic effect on CRS. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that when the willingness to pay was greater than 7 920 yuan(less than 0.1 of GDP per capita 8 098 yuan), the combined therapy was economically superior to the control. Due to the limited number of articles published, it is necessary to carry out a real-world clinical trial of Biyuan Tongqiao Gra-nules and Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray in the treatment of CRS, so as to compare the cost-effectiveness of Biyuan Tongqiao Granules and Triamcinolone Acetonide Nasal Spray.

Clinical comprehensive evaluation of Xiangju Capsules in treatment of rhinosinusitis / 中国中药杂志

The articles involving Xiangju Capsules were retrieved, and qualitative research and quantitative research methods were combined to evaluate the evidence of the safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine( "6+1" dimensions) of this drug. Multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA) model and CSC v2.0 software were used to comprehensively evaluate the clinical value of Xiangju Capsules in the treatment of rhinosinusitis and clarify the precise clinical positioning. The dimensions are graded A, B, C, or D. Multi-source safety evidence showed that the main adverse reactions were gastrointestinal reactions, rash, itching, dizziness, and headache. Based on the available studies, the risk is controllable and the safety is grade A. Meta-analysis showed that Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine could recover the Lund-Kennedy score, Lund-Mackay score, and CT score, relieve headache, nasal congestion, olfactory disturbance, and facial pain, with the effectiveness is grade B. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine compared with conventional western medicine alone in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis was 263.71 yuan, about 0.82% of the per capita disposable income. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the research results were relatively robust. Based on the assumption that the per capita disposable income in 2020 will be the threshold of patients' willingness to pay, it is more economical to use Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine. The drug belongs to grade A of the national medical insurance, with an average daily cost of 3.06 yuan, and the economy is grade B. This formula is modified from classic formulas and characteristic empirical formulas, be capable of improving immunity and preventing repeated attacks. It can be used for acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis. It had a wide range of applicability, especially for the patients with head and face tenderness. Service innovation was reflected in the measures to guarantee supply, capacity, scalability, and coverage of grass-roots sales channels. The industrial innovation was improved through the management of medicinal resources, pharmaceutical industry, production technology, quality control, scientific research and development, and this formula won three national invention patents. Comprehensively, the innovation of Xiangju Capsules is grade B. According to the survey of 188 medical practitioners and 196 patients in 20 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, the drug was characterized by easy preparation and administration, individualized medication, simple technology and management, convenient use, storage, and transport, and controllable adverse reactions, with the suitability is grade B. Xiangju Capsules showed the cost of 45.9 and 275.4 yuan for treatment of acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis, respectively, being well affordable. It was sold in 35 000 medical institutions in China. The dosage form was suitable for transportation, storage, and grass-root application. With rich, sustainable, and available medicinal resources, the accessibility of Xiangju Capsules is grade A. This drug can be used for both acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis, clearing heat and expelling pus, and strengthening the exterior to prevent relapse. After this drug was available on the market, over 4 000 cases were studied, with rich experience in human use accumulated, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine is grade B. Overall, the clinical value of Xiangju Capsules is class B. It is suggested that Xiangju Capsules should be used in accordance with the relevant policies of basic clinical drug administration to play its role.

The perspectives of biologics in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps （CRSwNP） remains the most difficult-to-treat subtype in the world. Biologics have shown positive results, especially in reducing nasal polyp size and improving patient-reported outcomes. The development of biologics has the potential to fulfill the unmet medical needs of treatment.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Xiangju Capsules in treatment of sinusitis / 中国中药杂志

The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Xiangju Capsules in the treatment of sinusitis. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Xiangju Capsules in the treatment of sinusitis, and Meta-analysis was performed on the included articles using RevMan 5.3. Twenty-nine articles were included, involving 4 331 cases, including 2 196 cases in the experimental group and 2 135 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the conventional therapy combined with Xiangju Capsules showed better significant efficiency(RR=1.30, 95%CI[1.15, 1.47], P<0.000 01), total response rate(RR=1.19, 95%CI[1.16, 1.23], P<0.000 01), and Lund-Mackay scores(MD=-1.23, 95%CI[-1.39,-1.07], P<0.000 01) than conventional therapy alone. The conventional therapy combined with Eucalyptol-limonene-pinene Enteric Soft Capsules and Xiangju Capsules showed better total response rate(RR=1.14, 95%CI[1.07, 1.21], P<0.000 1) and VAS scores than conventional therapy combined with Eucalyptol-limonene-pinene Enteric Soft Capsules(MD_(headache)=-1.29, 95%CI[-1.48,-1.10], P<0.000 01; MD_(congestion)=-1.08, 95%CI[-1.21,-0.95], P<0.000 01; MD_(olfactory dysfunction)=-1.05, 95%CI[-1.23,-0.87], P<0.000 01; MD_(facial disorder)=-1.38, 95%CI[-1.49,-1.27], P<0.000 01). The conventional therapy combined with clarithromycin and Xiangju Capsules displayed a better total response rate(RR=1.15, 95%CI[1.08, 1.21], P<0.000 01) than conventional therapy combined with clarithromycin, while no significant difference was observed in the significant efficiency(RR=1.27, 95%CI[0.98, 1.65], P=0.07). The significant efficiency(RR=2.16, 95%CI[1.47, 3.18], P<0.000 1) and total effective rate(RR=1.48, 95%CI[1.28, 1.72], P<0.000 01) of clarithromycin combined with Xiangju Capsules in patients with sinusitis and CT scores(MD=-1.87, 95%CI[-2.01,-1.74], P<0.000 01) was significantly better than clarithromycin alone. Trial sequential analysis(TSA) showed that the cumulative sample size of the main outcome indicators had met expectations. The main adverse reactions included drowsiness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which had no direct relationship with Xiangju Capsules. Based on the available data and methods, the combination of Xiangju Capsules with multiple treatments showed significant efficiency and total response rate in the treatment of sinusitis, and improved CT scores, VAS scores, and Lund-Mackay scores, without serious adverse reactions. The efficacy and safety of Xiangju Capsules in the treatment of sinusitis still need to be verified by a large-sample, well-designed, and internationally standardized clinical trial scheme.

Formulation regularity of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of sinusitis based on data mining / 中国中药杂志

Based on the Drugdataexpy and the prescription modern application database, this study explored the formulation regularity of ancient and modern prescriptions for the treatment of sinusitis. The Chinese medicinal prescriptions for the treatment of sinusitis with various syndromes were retrieved from the above databases and the corresponding formulation regularity was investigated by frequency analysis, association rule analysis, and factor analysis. Eighty-seven Chinese medicinal prescriptions were included, involving five syndrome types of sinusitis and 160 Chinese medicine, which were mainly effective in releasing exterior, clearing heat, and tonifying deficiency, and acted on the lung meridian due to cold and warm nature and pungent and bitter flavor or on the spleen meridian due to warm nature and pungent flavor. Seventeen core Chinese medicine were screened out by topological data analysis, including Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Magnoliae Flos, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Xanthii Fructus, and Scutellariae Radix. Chinese medicine such as Magnoliae Flos, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, and Xanthii Fructus were commonly used in the treatment of sinusitis of wind-heat in the lung meridian, while the combination of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Magnoliae Flos, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, etc. was the key compatibility in treating sinusitis of dampness-heat in the spleen and stomach. Six common factors were extracted from the factor analysis of the above two syndrome types. The findings indicate that the exterior-releasing, heat-clearing, and deficiency-tonifying Chinese medicine with cold and warm nature and pungent flavor are preferential options for the clinical treatment of sinusitis. Treatment should be based on syndrome differentiation and key therapeutic principles should be followed.

Rinosinusitis micótica alérgica con destrucción de base de cráneo / Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis with skull base destruction

La sinusitis micótica alérgica es una enfermedad inflamatoria de la mucosa rinosinusal producida por hongos que pueden aislarse de la cavidad de nasal de individuos sanos. Se produce indirectamente por los hongos que actúan como antígeno y desencadenan una reacción inmunológica mediada por IgE que origina pólipos y una secreción mucosa espesa con detritus e hifas denominada mucina. Su presentación clínica más frecuente es una sinusitis crónica unilateral o bilateral con pólipos. Con menos frecuencia, las sustancias originadas por la desgranulación de los eosinófilos producen remodelación o destrucción ósea y la sinusitis puede simular una neoplasia. Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente que padeció una sinusitis micótica alérgica con destrucción ósea masiva de la base del cráneo y que tuvo extensión intracraneal extradural e intraorbitaria de la enfermedad. Fue tratado con éxito mediante cirugía y corticoides. (AU)

Allergic fungal sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the rhinosinusal mucosa caused by fungi that can be isolated from the nasal cavity of healthy individuals. The pathology is produced indirectly by the fungus that acts as an antigen and triggers an IgE-mediated allergic reaction that causes polyps and a thick mucous discharge with detritus and hyphae called mucin. Its most common clinical presentation is unilateral or bilateral chronic sinusitis with polyps. Less commonly, substances originated by the degranulation of eosinophils cause bone remodeling or destruction, and sinusitis can simulate a neoplasia. We describe the clinical case of a patient who suffered from allergic fungal sinusitis with massive bone destruction of the skull base and who had intracranial, extradural and intraorbital extension of the disease. He was successfully treated with surgery and corticosteroids.Key words: allergic fungal sinusitis, intracranial extension, endoscopic surgery, transorbital transpalpebral approach. (AU)

Interferon-α action in cytokine profile in eosinophilic nasal polyp cultures / Ação do interferon-α sobre o perfil de citocinas em culturas de pólipos nasais eosinofílicos

Abstract Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis is currently classified into two types: chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In the West, approximately 80% of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps cases are characterized by a predominantly eosinophilic cell infiltrate and a Th2 cytokine pattern. Objective To evaluate the effect of Interferon-α on cytokine levels of the eosinophilic nasal polyp cell culture supernatant. Methods Cell cultures were performed based on nasal polypoid tissue samples collected from 13 patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Polyps were considered eosinophilic according to the histopathological examination. Cell cultures were stimulated with 3000 IU of interferon-α. Before and after the stimulus, concentrations of Interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor αand IL 2, 4, 6 and 10, using cytometric bead array, were assessed. Results Cell samples from eosinophilic nasal polyps from 13 patients were included in the study. Twenty-four hours after interferon-α stimulation, eosinophilic nasal polyp culture supernatants showed significantly decreased IL-4 concentrations and increase in interferon-γ, IL-10 and IL-6 concentrations compared to controls. There were no significant differences in tumor necrosis factor -α and IL-2 concentrations. Conclusion We demonstrated that interferon-α in vitro alters the pattern of cytokines in cell cultures of eosinophilic nasal polyps. Analysis of these alterations suggests that interferon-α promotes a rebalancing of inflammatory profiles in cell cultures, favoring the expression of Th1 and regulatory cytokines over Th2 cytokines.

Resumo Introdução A rinossinusite crônica, atualmente, é classificada em dois tipos: Rinossinusite Crônica sem Pólipos Nasais (RSCsPN) e Rinossinusite Crônica com Pólipos Nasais (RSCcPN). No Ocidente, cerca de 80% dos casos de RSCcPN caracterizam-se por um infiltrado celular predominantemente eosinofílico e um padrão de citocinas Th2. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do Interferon-alpha nos níveis de citocinas do sobrenadante de culturas celulares de pólipos nasais eosinofílicos. Método Foram feitas culturas celulares a partir de amostras de tecido polipoide nasal coletadas de 13 pacientes com RSCcPN eosinofílica. Os pólipos eram considerados eosinofílicos segundo exame histopatológico. As culturas celulares foram estimuladas com 3000 UI de IFN-α. Antes e após tal estímulo, foram avaliadas, no sobrenadante das culturas celulares, as concentrações do Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), do Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e das Interleucinas (IL) 2, 4, 6 e 10, usou-se o Cytometric Bead Array. Resultados Foram incluídas no estudo amostras celulares dos pólipos nasais eosinofílicos de 13 pacientes. Vinte e quatro horas após o estímulo com IFN-α, os sobrenadantes das culturas dos pólipos nasais eosinofílicos apresentaram, de forma significante, diminuição da concentração de IL-4 e aumento das concentrações de IFN-γ, IL-10 e IL-6, em relação ao controle. Não houve diferença significante nas concentrações de TNF-α e IL-2. Conclusão Demonstramos que o IFN-α, in vitro, altera o padrão de citocinas nas culturas celulares de pólipos nasais eosinofílicos. A análise do conjunto dessas alterações sugere que o IFN-α promove, nas culturas celulares, um rebalanceamento dos perfis inflamatórios, favorece a expressão de citocinas Th1 e regulatórias, em detrimento de citocinas do padrão Th2.

Hepatotoxicidade induzida por azatioprina em portadora da síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada / Azathioprine-induced hepatotoxicity in a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome patient

Este relato teve como objetivo apresentar um caso de hepatotoxicidade colestática induzida por azatioprina em portadora da síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada. À admissão, apresentava icterícia +3/+4, acolia fecal e colúria, além de aumento de marcadores hepáticos, sendo compatível com síndrome colestática, cuja etiologia foi confirmada após exclusão de outras causas possíveis e retirada da azatioprina. A paciente evoluiu, após 1 semana de retirada do fármaco, com diurese livre de coloração menos escura e evacuação presente, sem acolia. Além disso, houve melhora nos exames que precederam a alta hospitalar

This report aimed at presenting a case of azathioprine-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity in a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. On admission, she presented with jaundice +3/+4, acholic feces, and choluria, as well as increased hepatic markers, all consistent with cholestatic syndrome, the etiology of which was confirmed after other possible causes were ruled out and azathioprine was discontinued. After 1 week of the drug discontinuation, the patient progressed with free diuresis of lighter color and defecation, with no acholia. In addition, tests performed before discharge were improved.

Infección rino-sinusal por Exserohilum rostratum en un niño con leucemia mieloide aguda / Sinus infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Resumen Los episodios de neutropenia febril son cuadros graves, que requieren un estudio etiológico exhaustivo y un inicio rápido de antimicrobianos. Dentro de los posibles microorganismos causales se encuentran los de origen fúngico, los que, dependiendo de su grado de invasión tisular, pueden llegar a presentar una alta mortalidad. Presentamos el caso de un niño con una leucemia mieloide aguda, que tras su quimioterapia de inducción, presentó un episodio de neutropenia febril, con una infección rino-sinusal por Exserohilum rostratum, hongo filamentoso que raramente se asocia a cuadros patológicos. Se inició rápidamente terapia antifúngica, lo cual, asociado a un aseo quirúrgico precoz, lograron una respuesta clínica favorable, sin complicaciones. Luego del seguimiento, y tras recibir profilaxis secundaria durante los episodios de neutropenia, no ha vuelto a presentar nuevas lesiones ni compromiso rino-sinusal.

Abstract The episodes of febrile neutropenia are severe cases that require an exhaustive etiological study and a quick start of antimicrobial agents. Within the possible microorganisms, fungal origins are also found, and depending on its tissue invasion, they can reach a high mortality rate. A case of a pediatric patient who suffered from acute myeloid leukemia is reported, and after his induction chemotherapy, the patient showed an episode of febrile neutropenia, which matches a rhinosinusal infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum, a filamentous fungi that is uncommonly associated with pathological cases. An antifungal therapy and an early surgical treatment were started, which lead to a positive response, without complications to the patient. After the monitoring and receiving secondary prophylaxis during the episodes of neutropenia, the patient hasn't presented new injuries nor rhinosinusal damage.

Enfrentamiento práctico a patologías otorrinolaringológicas frecuentes durante el embarazo, una revisión de la literatura / Treatment of frequent otorhinolaryngological pathologies during pregnancy, a review of the literature

RESUMEN Durante el embarazo ocurren una serie de cambios, como edema y disminución de la actividad ciliar en la mucosa respiratoria alta, que pueden favorecer la aparición de síntomas y patologías del área otorrinolaringológica. La eficacia de los tratamientos farmacológicos en la rinitis del embarazo es pobre. El tratamiento de primera línea de la rinitis alérgica son los corticoides intranasales. Existe evidencia sobre la seguridad en el embarazo para furoato de fluticasona, mometasona y budesonida intranasal. El tratamiento del resfrio común está enfocado en el manejo sintomático, los antinflamatorios no esteroidales están contraindicados. En rinosinusitis aguda bacteriana la amoxicilina es de primera línea. En rinosinusitis crónica el manejo quirúrgico está reservado sólo para las complicaciones. Tanto la otitis media aguda como la amigdalitis aguda deben ser tratadas con antibióticos sólo si se sospecha origen bacteriano, el esquema de primera linea es amoxicilina y en caso de alergias se debe usar cefpodoxime o azitromicina. En caso de otorrea no existe evidencia sobre la seguridad de las gotas de antibióticos ótico durante el embarazo. Múltiples medicamentos utilizados habitualmente en otorrinolaringologia no pueden ser usados durante el embarazo. Se debe privilegiar la seguridad materno fetal, utilizando aquellos medicamentos con seguridad demostrada.

ABSTRACT During pregnancy a series of changes occur, such as edema and decreased ciliary activity in the upper respiratory mucosa, which may favor the appearance of symptoms and pathologies of the otorhinolaryngological area. The efficacy of pharmacological treatments in rhinitis of pregnancy is poor. The first-line treatment of allergic rhinitis is intranasal corticosteroids. There is evidence on safety in pregnancy for fluticasone furoate, mometasone and intranasal budesonide. The treatment of the common cold is focused on symptomatic management, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated. In acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, amoxicillin is first-line. In chronic rhino-sinusitis in surgical management is reserved only for complications. Both acute otitis media and acute tonsillitis should be treated with antibiotics only if bacterial origin is suspected, the first-line treatment is amoxicillin, in the case of allergies, cefpodoxime or azithromycin should be used. In case of otorrhea there is no evidence on the safety of otic antibiotic drops during pregnancy. Conclusion: multiple medications commonly used in otorhinolaryngology cannot be used during pregnancy. Maternal and fetal safety should be privileged, using those medications with proven safety.

Postoperative Management of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Impact of High-Dose Corticosteroid Nasal Spray

Abstract Introduction Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is characterized by an eosinophilic inflammation driven by Th2-type cytokines. Glucocorticosteroids are the most common first-line treatment for ECRS with nasal polyps. Objective We have evaluated the long-term treatment with double-dose intranasal corticosteroids in refractory ECRS nasal polyps resistant to the conventional dose and assessed the risk of adverse systemic effects Methods Sixteen subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects had ECRS after endoscopic sinus surgery that resulted in recurrentmild andmoderate nasal polyps and were undergoing a postoperative follow-up application of mometasone furoate at a dose of 2 sprays (100 μg) in each nostril once a day (200 μg). All the patients were prescribed mometasone furoate, administered at a dose of 2 sprays (100 μg) in each nostril twice a day (400 μg) for 6 months. Results The average scores of the symptoms during the regular dose of intranasal steroid treatment were 5.2 ± 2.2, but 6 months after the high-dose application, they had significantly decreased to 2.5 ± 1.4 (p < 0.05). The polyp size showed an average score of 1.38 during the regular dose which was significantly reduced to 0.43 (p < 0.01) by the double dose. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) showed normal ranges in all the patients tested. The cortisol plasma concentration was also normal. Conclusion Doubling the dose of the nasal topical spray mometasone furoate might be recommended for the treatment of recurrent nasal polyps in the postoperative follow-up of intractable ECRS. (AU)

How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel / Como evitar o uso inadequado de antibióticos nas infecções de vias aéreas superiores? Posição de um painel de especialistas

Abstract Introduction: Bacterial resistance burden has increased in the past years, mainly due to inappropriate antibiotic use. Recently it has become an urgent public health concern due to its impact on the prolongation of hospitalization, an increase of total cost of treatment and mortality associated with infectious disease. Almost half of the antimicrobial prescriptions in outpatient care visits are prescribed for acute upper respiratory infections, especially rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngotonsillitis. In this context, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in orienting patients and non-specialists in the utilization of antibiotics rationally and properly in these infections. Objectives: To review the most recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, adapted to our national reality. Methods: A literature review on PubMed database including the medical management in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, followed by a discussion with a panel of specialists. Results: Antibiotics must be judiciously prescribed in uncomplicated acute upper respiratory tract infections. The severity of clinical presentation and the potential risks for evolution to suppurative and non-suppurative complications must be taken into 'consideration'. Conclusions: Periodic revisions on guidelines and recommendations for treatment of the main acute infections are necessary to orient rationale and appropriate use of antibiotics. Continuous medical education and changes in physicians' and patients' behavior are required to modify the paradigm that all upper respiratory infection needs antibiotic therapy, minimizing the consequences of its inadequate and inappropriate use.

Resumo Introdução: A resistência bacteriana a antibióticos nos processos infecciosos é um fato crescente nos últimos anos, especialmente devido ao seu uso inapropriado. Ao longo dos anos vem se tornando um grave problema de saúde pública devido ao prolongamento do tempo de internação, elevação dos custos de tratamento e aumento da mortalidade relacionada às doenças infecciosas. Quase a metade das prescrições de antibióticos em unidades de pronto atendimento é destinada ao tratamento de alguma infecção de vias aéreas superiores, especialmente rinossinusites, otite média aguda supurada e faringotonsilites agudas, sendo que uma significativa parcela dessas prescrições é inapropriada. Nesse contexto, os otorrinolaringologistas têm um papel fundamental na orientação de pacientes e colegas não especialistas, para o uso adequado e racional de antibióticos frente a essas situações clínicas. Objetivos: Realizar uma revisão das atuais recomendações de utilização de antibióticos nas otites médias, rinossinusites e faringotonsilites agudas adaptadas à realidade nacional. Método: Revisão na base PubMed das principais recomendações internacionais de tratamentos das infecções de vias aéreas superiores, seguido de discussão com um painel de especialistas. Resultados: Os antibióticos devem ser utilizados de maneira criteriosa nas infecções agudas de vias aéreas superiores não complicadas, a depender da gravidade da apresentação clínica e dos potenciais riscos associados de complicações supurativas e não supurativas. Conclusões: Constantes revisões a respeito do tratamento das principais infecções agudas são necessárias para que sejam tomadas medidas coletivas no uso racional e apropriado de antibióticos. Somente com orientação e transformações no comportamento de médicos e pacientes é que haverá mudanças do paradigma de que toda infecção de vias aéreas superiores deva ser tratada com antibióticos, minimizando por consequência os efeitos de seu uso inadequado.

Síndrome de Churg Strauss como diagnóstico diferencial de poliposis nasosinusal, a propósito de un caso / Churg Strauss Syndrome as a differential diagnosis of nasosinusal poliposis, case report

RESUMEN El síndrome de Churg-Strauss (SCS) es una vasculitis necrotizante sistémica de etiología desconocida, que afecta vasos sanguíneos de pequeño y mediano tamaño. Característicamente se definen tres estadios: prodrómico, hipereosinofílico y una etapa de vasculitis sistémica. Dentro del prodrómico se encuentran manifestaciones del área otorrinolaringológica, que suelen preceder por años a las manifestaciones propias de las vasculitis. Entre ellas destacan la otitis media crónica, rinitis alérgica y rinosinusitis crónica poliposa. Reportamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 64 años con poliposis nasosinusal bilateral, con biopsia compatible con SCS, encontrándose en estado prodrómico de la enfermedad. Además, presentamos una revisión de la literatura sobre esta patología.

ABSTRACT Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a necrotizing systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, which involves small and medium-sized vessels. It is characterized by three stages: prodromic, hypereosinophilic and systemic vasculitis. In the prodromal stage we can find otolaryngological manifestations (including chronic otitis media, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps) that usually precede the proper manifestations of the vasculitis by years. Here, we report a 64-year old male patient with sinonasal polyps and biopsy compatible with CSS, being in the prodromal stage of the illness. Also, we present a review of this disease.

Caracterización epidemiológica, clínica y tomográfica de pacientes con afecciones no traumáticas de los senos paranasales / Clinical, epidemological and tomographic characterization of patients with non traumatic disorders of the paranasal sinuses

Se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva y transversal de 132 pacientes con afecciones no traumáticas de los senos paranasales, atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero del 2013 hasta diciembre del 2015, a fin de caracterizarles según variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y tomográficas de interés. En la serie predominaron los afectados de 39-58 años de edad (42,4 por ciento), el hábito de fumar (62,1 por ciento) y las infecciones dentarias (59,1 por ciento) como los principales factores de riesgo, así como los procesos inflamatorios sinusales (62,1 por ciento) que afectaron preferentemente el seno maxilar. Se halló coincidencia entre el diagnóstico definitivo y los signos tomográficos en 66 pacientes, con un coeficiente de Kappa de 0,80.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional investigation of 132 patients with non traumatic disorders of the paranasal sinuses, assisted in the Otolaryngology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January, 2013 to December, 2015, in order to characterize them according to clinical, epidemiological and tomographic variables of interest. In the series there was a prevalence of the affected patients aged 39-58 (42.4 percent), the smoking habit (62.1 percent) and dental infections (59.1 percent) as the main risk factors, as well as the sinusal inflammatory processes (62.1 percent) that preferably affected the maxillary sinus. There was a coincidence between the definitive diagnosis and the tomographic signs in 66 patients, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.80.

Terapia anti interleukina 5 para la rinosinusitis crónica con pólipos / Anti-interleukin 5 therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La rinosinusitis crónica es la inflamación de la mucosa nasosinusal de duración superior a 12 semanas. Se distinguen dos formas clínicas: rinosinusitis crónica con pólipos y sin pólipos. Los pacientes con rinosinusitis crónica con pólipos presentan niveles elevados de interleukina 5, la cual promueve la diferenciación y supervivencia de eosinófilos, por lo que se ha propuesto minimizar su circulación como una nueva estrategia de tratamiento. Sin embargo, no hay claridad respecto a su real efectividad. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos tres revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron tres estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que los inhibidores de interleukina 5 podrían disminuir el puntaje de pólipos nasales. Si bien podrían asociarse a efectos adversos, estos serían poco frecuentes y de baja severidad. Sin embargo, la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis is the inflammation of sinonasal mucosa lasting longer than 12 weeks. Two clinical forms are distinguished: chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps and without polyps. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps exhibit high levels of interleukin 5, which promotes differentiation and survival of eosinophils. So, minimizing their circulation has been proposed as a new treatment strategy. However, there is no clarity regarding its real effectiveness. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified three systematic reviews included three primary studies overall, all corresponding to randomized trials. We concluded inhibitors of interleukin 5 might decrease nasal polyps score. Although they might be associated with adverse effects, these would be infrequent and of low severity. However, the certainty of the evidence is low.

Omalizumab para la rinosinusitis crónica / Omalizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La rinosinusitis crónica es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de alta prevalencia que compromete la mucosa de la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales. La inmunoglobulina E es un mediador inflamatorio que juega un rol etiopatogénico en esta condición, por lo que se ha planteado que omalizumab, un anticuerpo monoclonal anti-inmunoglobulina E, podría constituir una alternativa de tratamiento. MÉTODOS: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos cinco revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron cinco estudios primarios, de los cuales dos corresponden a ensayos controlados aleatorizados. Concluimos que en pacientes con rinosinusitis crónica, no está claro si omalizumab lleva a una mejoría en la escala de pólipos nasales, la calidad de vida, el bienestar general o los síntomas nasales porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja. Por otra parte, el uso de omalizumab probablemente se asocia a efectos adversos frecuentes.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a high prevalence chronic inflammatory disease that involves nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Immunoglobulin E is an inflammatory mediator that plays an etiopathogenic role in this condition, so omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, might be a therapeutic alternative. METHODS: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified five systematic reviews that included five primary studies overall, of which two correspond to randomized trials. We concluded it is not clear whether omalizumab leads to an improvement in the nasal polyps scale, quality of life, general well-being or nasal symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, because the certainty of the evidence is very low. On the other hand, omalizumab is probably associated with frequent adverse effects.