Sinusitis originada por patologías o tratamientos dentales: revisión de la literatura / Sinusitis caused by dental treatment or pathology: a literature review

Introducción: la sinusitis odontogénica (SO) es una condición infradiagnosticada de la esfera otorrinolaringológica a pesar de su frecuencia que se estima entre 10 y el 40% de la rinosinusitis crónica. La SO representa hasta 75% de los casos de sinusitis maxilar unilateral y sigue pasando desapercibida en las guías más actuales de rinosinusitis, ocasionando una falta de consenso sobre los criterios diagnósticos y las pautas terapéuticas a observar. La dificultad en identificar el foco odontogénico en otorrinolaringología (ORL), y la de estimar la magnitud de la sinusitis en consultas de odontología, conduce frecuentemente a la persistencia de los síntomas y al fracaso de las terapias conducidas, impactando considerablemente en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Por lo tanto, se elaboró esta revisión de la literatura para entender los desafíos que esta condición supone, a la luz de los estudios recientes en el tema. Métodos: se ha realizado una búsqueda exhaustiva de la literatura en Pubmed, Scopus y Google Scholar con términos relativos a las secciones y subsecciones de esta revisión. Resultados y conclusiones: el diagnóstico y el manejo de la SO plantean, por tanto, un desafío importante debido a la falta de protocolos estandarizados de diagnóstico y de procedimientos terapéuticos multidisciplinares consensuados. Se recomienda un enfoque interdisciplinar personalizado para lograr la resolución de la sintomatología y se precisan estudios bien diseñados, con estratificación según los causantes dentales y iatrogénicos, para generar una evidencia que respalde los futuros protocolos. (AU)

Introduction: Despite it being responsible for 10-40% of chronic rhinosinusitis cases, odontogenic sinusitis (OS) is an underdiagnosed otorhinolaryngological condition. OS represents up to 75% of cases of unilateral maxillary sinusitis and is still overlooked in most current rhinosinusitis guidelines. This leads to a lack of consensus on the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidelines to be observed. The difficulty in identifying the odontogenic focus in ENT consultations as well as estimating the magnitude of sinusitis in dental consultations frequently leads to the persistence of symptoms and the failure of the therapies undertaken, considerably impacting the quality of life of patients. This literature review was implemented to understand the challenges that this condition poses, in the light of recent studies on the subject. Methods: An exhaustive search of the literature in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar with terms related to the sections and subsections of this review. Results and conclusions: The diagnosis and management of OS therefore poses a significant challenge due to the lack of standardised diagnostic protocols and consensual multidisciplinary therapeutic procedures. A personalised interdisciplinary approach is recommended to achieve resolution of symptoms along with well-designed studies, stratified according to dental and iatrogenic causes, to provide evidence to support future protocols. (AU)

Utilização de corpo adiposo bucal em comunicação oroantral / Use of body adiposo body in oroantral communication

Introdução: A comunicação oroantral tem como principais causas etiológicas os processos patológicos, traumatismos e cirurgias, sendo comum sua ocorrência durante exodontias de elementos dentários superiores posteriores devido ao íntimo contato dos ápices radiculares com o assoalho do seio maxilar. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, com 51 anos de idade, apresentando comunicação oroantral há 6 anos após exodontia do elemento dental 16. Realizado fechamento da comunicação oroantral sob anestesia local, com tracionamento e sutura da bola de Bichat sobre a falha óssea. Após um ano de proservação, observamos a ausência de comunicação bucosinusal bem como de sintomatologia, resultando no sucesso do tratamento. Considerações Finais: A utilização do retalho pediculado do corpo adiposo bucal é uma alternativa útil para o fechamento e tratamento de comunicações bucosinusais, sendo que o deslizamento da bola de Bichat é um método seguro para fechamento de tais comunicações e que esta é uma técnica de simples execução, com poucas complicações e limitações... (AU)

Introduction: The oroantral communication has as main etiological causes the pathological processes, traumatisms and surgeries. Its occurrence during the exodontia of posterior superior dental elements is due to the intimate contact of the root apices with the floor of the maxillary sinus. Case report: A 51-year-old female patient, presenting oroantral communication 6 years ago after the dental element 16 was extubated. The oroantral communication was closed under local anesthesia with Bichat's ball traction and suture on the bone defect. After 1 year of proservation, we observed the absence of oral communication, as well as symptomatology, resulting in the success of the treatment. Final considerations: It is concluded that the use of the pedicle flap of the buccal adipose body is a useful alternative for the closure and treatment of buco sinusal communications, and the sliding of the bichat ball is a safe method for closing such communications and that this is a technique of simple execution, with few complications and limitations... (AU)

Clinical utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in dentistry.

This fuller impact of the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy within dentistry is taking greater notice with newer research findings. There are new advancements in research regarding postradiotherapy cases, osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteomyelitis, periodontal disease, and dental implants. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can even be used in conjunction with other procedures such as bone grafting. Although the research and clinical utility has come a long way, there are several complications to be mindful of during the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

[Clinico-anamnestic diagnostics of chronic maxillary sinusitis associated with chlamydial infection]. / Kliniko-anamnesticheskaya diagnostika khronicheskogo verkhnechelyustnogo sinusita, assotsiirovannogo s khlamidiinym infitsirovaniem.

The present study included 201 adult patients presenting with exacerbation of chronic maxillary sinusitis. The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chl. pneumoniae was verified by the direct immunofluorescencetechnique and polymerase chain reaction. The study material consisted of swipes und swabs from the mucous membrane of the middle nasal passage. The information from the patients was collected with the use of a questionnaire specially elaborated for the purpose of this study. The correlation relationships were established by means of gamma-statistics. The method is based on the calculation of the integral index characterizing the risk of development of chlamydial infection using the scoring scale for the evaluation of the clinical and anamnestic characteristics of the patients. The assessment of the risk of chlamydial colonization by the anamnestic method makes it possible to enhance the effectiveness of clinical diagnostics of chlamydial infection and thereby provides a basis for the prescription of the adequate anti-chlamydial treatment facilitating reduction of the frequency of complications and preventing dissemination of the causative factor of the disease. Moreover, this approach creates the conditions for the targeted selection of the patients to be referred to the laboratory verification of Chlamydia. Highoperating performance and effectiveness characteristics of the clinic-anamnestic diagnostics make it a method of choice for the wide application in the clinical practice.

Current Concepts in Adult Acute Rhinosinusitis.

Acute rhinosinusitis is one of the most common conditions that physicians treat in ambulatory care. Most cases of acute rhinosinusitis are caused by viral upper respiratory infections. A meta-analysis based on individual patient data found that common clinical signs and symptoms were not effective for identifying patients with rhinosinusitis who would benefit from antibiotics. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are somewhat useful tests for confirming acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis. Four signs and symptoms that significantly increase the likelihood of a bacterial cause when present are double sickening, purulent rhinorrhea, erythrocyte sedimentation rate greater than 10 mm per hour, and purulent secretion in the nasal cavity. Although cutoffs vary depending on the guideline, antibiotic therapy should be considered when rhinosinusitis symptoms fail to improve within seven to 10 days or if they worsen at any time. First-line antibiotics include amoxicillin with or without clavulanate. Current guidelines support watchful waiting within the first seven to 10 days after upper respiratory symptoms first appear. Evidence on the use of analgesics, intranasal corticosteroids, and saline nasal irrigation for the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis is poor. Nonetheless, these therapies may be used to treat symptoms within the first 10 days of upper respiratory infection. Radiography is not recommended in the evaluation of uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. For patients who do not respond to treatment, computed tomography of the sinuses without contrast media is helpful to evaluate for possible complications or anatomic abnormalities. Referral to an otolaryngologist is indicated when symptoms persist after maximal medical therapy and if any rare complications are suspected.

Osteoradionecrosis of the Posterior Maxilla: A New Approach Combining Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser and Bichat Bulla Flap.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw is a complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. We report a case of ORN of the posterior maxilla treated with Er: YAG laser and a pedicled buccal fat pad (bichat bulla adipose) flap. A 69-year-old man presented complaining of pain on left maxilla. He had received high-dose radiotherapy (90 Gy) for squamous cell carcinoma of the left soft palate 2 years earlier. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed ORN of the left maxillary molar region and maxillary sinusitis. Daily home care consisted of 0.9% saline irrigation and 0.8% H2O2 gel application. Sequestrectomy and tooth extraction were followed by debridement with Er: YAG laser and repair with a pedicled buccal fat pad flap. Complete resolution of ORN and maxillary sinusitis was established one year postsurgically. The excellent clinical outcome suggests that Er: YAG laser debridement and pedicled buccal fat pad flap are a viable option to treat ORN of the posterior maxilla.

Chronic oroantral fistula: combined endoscopic and intraoral approach under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of combined surgical treatment of oroantral communications associated with chronic maxillary sinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 8 consecutive patients affected by complicated oroantral fistula were included in the study. The protocol consisted of: clinical, endoscopic and radiological preoperative evaluation (panoramic tomogram and computed tomography); systemic antibiotic and steroid therapy 2 weeks before surgery; one-stage surgical procedure under local anaesthesia consisting in uncinectomy with enlargement of the osteomeatal complex through endoscopic nasal approach associated with the closure of the oroantral communication by means of a mucoperiosteal flap; postoperative antibiotic and cortisone-based therapy. Follow-up consisted of weekly clinical evaluation during the first month, and nasal endoscopy at 3, 8 and 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: After surgical treatment, all patients were symptom-free and had no endoscopic and radiological evidences of maxillary sinusitis at the 6-month follow-up. No recurrent oroantral fistulas were found. CONCLUSIONS: The current prospective study showed that a one-stage, combined endoscopic and intraoral approach under local anaesthesia represents a feasible and minimally invasive procedure for the long-term effective treatment of chronic complicated oroantral communications. Moreover, it represents an easily applicable approach also in outpatient clinics with minor patient discomfort.

Late diagnosis of an occult tumour - what lessons can we learn?

OBJECTIVE: Malignant tumours of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are rare and late presentation of a maxillary sinus tumour is common due to the vague nature of the symptoms which can delay diagnosis. METHODS: We report a female with a maxillary sinus tumour who was initially diagnosed with chronic idiopathic facial pain (CIFP) and sinusitis, which subsequently led to a delay in diagnosis and treatment of her tumour. RESULTS: There was no clinical extra- or intra-oral pathology, however, she had varying clinical presentations of facial pain, anosmia, loss of gustatory function, and infra-orbital nerve paraesthesia. CT and MRI scans confirmed obliteration of the left maxillary sinus by a solid mass involving ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses and some cranial nerves. Biopsy confirmed a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses and invasion of the cavernous sinus. CONCLUSION: A morbid, but hidden tumour was left undiagnosed due to the unusual presentation of the patient's symptoms. It is essential that all patients are managed holistically and thorough historical, clinical and radiographic examination and appropriate investigations are carried out to prevent unnecessary and potentially time-wasting treatment.

Antral lavage using the Luma transilluminaton wire and vortex irrigator--a safe and effective advance in treating pediatric sinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: While the treatment of pediatric sinusitis can be controversial, there is evidence that performing antral lavage in combination with adenoidectomy can improve treatment outcomes. We present an "over the wire" technique using new technology that can improve accuracy and reliability when performing antral lavage. METHODS: The LUMA fiberoptic light wire (Acclarent Inc.) and Vortex sinus irrigation catheter (Acclarent Inc.) were used to perform antral lavage as an adjunct in the treatment of pediatric sinusitis. DISCUSSION: We found this method to have multiple advantages over other techniques of lavage. These advantages include: 1) confirmation of position in the maxillary sinus by transillumination, 2) improvement of the safety and accuracy of the lavage, 3) ability to balloon dilate the natural ostium and ethmoid infundibulum or to obtain cultures at the time of lavage if clinically warranted or indicated by CT evidence, 4) avoidance of radiation from the use of fluoroscopy associated with other balloon sinuplasty equipment and techniques, and 5) no alteration of normal anatomy. CONCLUSION: We found this technique to give the surgeon a reliable, safe, versatile, and efficacious alternative before consideration of more invasive procedures in the pediatric population with chronic sinusitis.

[Nosocomial sinusitis in an intensive care unit: a microbiological study]. / Rinossinusite nosocomial em unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo microbiológico.

UNLABELLED: Nosocomial sinusitis is a common complication of patients in ICUs. Its diagnosis is important, and early treatment is required to avoid serious complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and intracranial abscesses. AIM: To identify the germs causing sinusitis in ICUs by nasal swabs and maxillary sinus puncture, and to correlate these results. METHODS: ICU patients with a diagnosis (CT confirmed) of maxillary sinusitis underwent nasal swab and puncture of the sinus to collect material for culture and antibiogram. RESULTS: This study evaluated 22 patients. The microbial agent isolated in the swab correlated with the agent in the puncture in 14 of 22 cases (63%). Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent, as follows: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29% of punctures), following by Proteus mirabillis (26%) and Acinetobacter baumanni (14%). The resistance index in the antibiogram was high to antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus puncture of ICU patients with sinusitis appears to be the best method for identifying bacteria; antibiograms demonstrate resistance to therapy. The swab has little diagnostic value; the correlation was 63%. It may be used when sinus puncture is contraindicated.

Rinossinusite nosocomial em unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo microbiológico / Nosocomial sinusitis in an intensive care unit: a microbiological study

Rinossinusite Nosocomial é uma complicação frequente de pacientes tratados em UTI. É importante o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce para prevenir complicações graves como pneumonia, sepse, meningite e abscesso intracraniano. OBJETIVO: Identificar os agentes causadores de sinusite em UTI através do swab nasal e da punção de seio maxilar, correlacionando seus resultados. MÉTODO: Pacientes atendidos nas unidades de terapia intensiva com diagnóstico tomográfico de sinusopatia maxilar uni ou bilateral foram submetidos ao swab nasal e punção do seio acometido com material enviado para cultura e antibiograma. RESULTADOS: O presente estudo avaliou 22 pacientes. Houve concordância entre o agente microbiano isolado no swab e na punção em 14 dos 22 casos (63 por cento). A flora aeróbia gram negativa foi a mais encontrada com predomínio da Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29 por cento nas punções), seguido de Proteus mirabillis (26 por cento) e Acinetobacter baumanni (14 por cento). Houve alto índice de resistência aos antibióticos usados. CONCLUSÃO: A punção direta do seio maxilar acometido em pacientes em UTI com sinusite parece ser o melhor método para identificar os agentes bacterianos e, através do seu antibiograma, direcionar a conduta terapêutica antimicrobiana. O swab mostrou ter pouco valor diagnóstico, com concordância de 63 por cento, podendo ser reservado para casos onde a punção está contraindicada.

Nosocomial sinusitis is a common complication of patients in ICUs. Its diagnosis is important, and early treatment is required to avoid serious complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and intracranial abscesses. AIM: To identify the germs causing sinusitis in ICUs by nasal swabs and maxillary sinus puncture, and to correlate these results. METHODS: ICU patients with a diagnosis (CT confirmed) of maxillary sinusitis underwent nasal swab and puncture of the sinus to collect material for culture and antibiogram. RESULTS: This study evaluated 22 patients. The microbial agent isolated in the swab correlated with the agent in the puncture in 14 of 22 cases (63 percent). Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent, as follows: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29 percent of punctures), following by Proteus mirabillis (26 percent) and Acinetobacter baumanni (14 percent). The resistance index in the antibiogram was high to antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus puncture of ICU patients with sinusitis appears to be the best method for identifying bacteria; antibiograms demonstrate resistance to therapy. The swab has little diagnostic value; the correlation was 63 percent. It may be used when sinus puncture is contraindicated.

[The atypical course of subperiosteal abscess of the orbital wall].

The authors describe a clinical case of malformation of intranasal structures of the lateral wall and the middle turbinated bone of the nose (bullous middle turbinated bone, lateral position of the middle turbinated bone, hypertrophy of ethmoidal bulla and uncinate process) in combination with expressed deformation of the nasal septum. These malformations were responsible for the development of acute hemisinusitis complicated by subperiosteal abscess of the superomedial orbital wall. Conjunctival chemosis was impossible to remove by traditional medicamental therapy and surgical intervention. Hirudotherapy produced the well-apparent anti-odematous, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative, and thrombolytic effects that resulted in reduced conjunctival oedema and marked positive dynamics of the state of the eyeball. Subcutaneous administration of anticoagulants was used to prevent thrombosis of orbital veins and cerebral venous sinuses.

Economic evaluation of Sinfrontal in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis in adults.

Sinfrontal, a complex homeopathic medication, is popular in Germany for the treatment of ear, nose and throat and respiratory tract infections. Unlike many other homeopathic or herbal medications, the efficacy and safety of Sinfrontal has been demonstrated in a number of clinical studies of patients with sinusitis. To assess the cost effectiveness of Sinfrontal versus placebo in the treatment of adults with acute maxillary sinusitis (AMS) in Germany. A secondary objective was to assess the cost effectiveness of Sinfrontal versus standard treatment with antibacterials. Sinfrontal was compared with placebo in a cost-utility analysis based on data from a randomized controlled clinical trial over 3 weeks (Sinfrontal group: n = 57; placebo group: n = 56). Trial data were analysed from a societal perspective; resource use was valued with German unit costs for 2005. In a secondary analysis, the longer-term cost utility of Sinfrontal versus placebo was estimated over a total of 11 weeks based on an 8-week post-treatment observational phase. In addition, the cost effectiveness of Sinfrontal versus antibacterials was determined based on an indirect comparison of placebo-controlled trials. Sinfrontal led to incremental savings of euro 275 (95% CI 433, 103) per patient compared with placebo over 22 days, essentially due to the markedly reduced absenteeism from work (7.83 vs 12.9 workdays). Incremental utility amounted to 0.0087 QALYs (95% CI 0.0052, 0.0123), or 3.2 quality-adjusted life-days (QALDs). Bootstrapping showed that these findings were significant, with Sinfrontal being dominant in 99.9% of simulations. The results were robust to a number of sensitivity analyses. In the secondary analysis, Sinfrontal led to incremental cost savings of euro 511 and utility gains of 0.015 QALYs or 5.4 QALDs compared with placebo. Compared with antibacterials, Sinfrontal had a significantly higher cure rate (11% vs 59%; p < 0.001) at similar or lower costs. The results of this economic evaluation indicate that Sinfrontal may be a cost-effective treatment for AMS in adults.

Segmental haemorrhagic colitis under ciprofloxacin therapy.

The segmental haemorrhagic colitis has been described as a particular form of antibiotics-associated colitis under penicillin therapy. A 34-year-old male presented in reduced general condition. He suffered from haematoschezia and abdominal pain. Due to a sinusitis maxillaris he had taken ciprofloxacin tablets (500 mg b. i. d.) for four days prior to the day of admission. Upon physical examination a slight general abdominal pain on palpation and some fresh blood at rectal digital examination were found. Apart from a slightly elevated CK level, all other routinely checked laboratory parameters were within normal ranges. All stool cultures remained negative for pathogenous germs. On colonoscopy we saw a severe haemorrhagic colitis with map-like mucosal lesions. It spread over the sigmoid and the distal part of the descending colon. The pathohistological assessment of step biopsies showed an acute erosive, ulcerative colitis. After cessation of antibiotic therapy the disorders subsided within three days without specific treatment. To the best of our knowledge a segmental haemorrhagic colitis under ciprofloxacin has not been described previously. A single Japanese paper mentions three cases of patients with a segmental haemorrhagic colitis under quinolones taken for four weeks before the symptoms started. In contrast, our patient developed symptoms within a couple of hours after intake of ciprofloxacin. We assume a toxic or idiosyncratic reaction to ciprofloxacin.

Cirugía ambulatoria con anestesia local en el tratamiento de la comunicación buco-sinusal mediata y tardía / Ambulatory Surgery using local anaesthesia in the treatment of the mediate and late sinusal oral communication

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal y prospectivo sobre el tratamiento quirúrgico de la comunicación bucosinusal (CBS) mediata o tardía de modo ambulatorio y con anestesia local en el período comprendido entre septiembre del año 2002 y agosto del 2006 cuya muestra estuvo constituida por los 41 pacientes que con ese diagnóstico fueron tratados en el Hospital general docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado (muestreo no probabilístico) en el lapso antes mencionado con el propósito de demostrar que la cirugía de la CBS mediata y tardía se puede realizar de modo satisfactorio con anestesia local y de forma ambulatoria. El trabajo se realizó cumpliendo con los principios de Bioética establecidos. Los resultados fueron procesados estadísticamente utilizando el test de comparación para los estudios comparativos sin la corrección de yates, trabajando con un nivel de confiabilidad de alfa igual o menor que 0,05. Esto permitió concluir que es posible realizar el tratamiento de la CBS mediata o tardía consistente en la antrotomía radical con técnica de Caldwel Lock de modo totalmente satisfactorio, sin complicaciones adicionales a las descritas en esta técnica, utilizando el modo ambulatorio y la anestesia local, que el transoperatorio cursó de forma satisfactoria, teniendo los pacientes una evolución post quirúrgica favorable con las múltiples ventajas que ofrece esta modalidad de tratamiento para el paciente, los familiares, la institución, la sociedad y la economía. El impacto económico es considerable con un ahorro para el hospital tanto por el tipo de anestesia, como por la cirugía ambulatoria de $30 961 174...(AU)

A longitudinal prospective study on the surgical ambulatory treatment of the mediate or late oral sinusitis communication was carried out using local anaesthesia in September 2002 and August 2006. Sample was comprised of 41 patients treated in Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Hospital (non probabilistic sample) .The present study was aimed at proving that the mediate or late surgery of the OCS is able to be ambulatory and performed under local anaesthesia. The bioethical principles were followed. Results were statistically processed using the comparative test for the comparative studies without the Yates correction and working with a confidence level of α≤ 0,05. It allowed concluding that is possible to prescribe the mediate or late OCS using the radical antrotomy with Caldwell Lock technique successfully. The transoperative period was also successfully using the ambulatory surgery and local anaesthesia, having many advantages for the patient, family and the facility as well as the society and economy. The economical impact is great saving $30 961,174 to the hospital...(AU)

Acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis: time to symptom resolution and return to normal activities with moxifloxacin.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre phase IV (postmarketing surveillance) study determined time to resolution of key symptoms and return to normal activities in adults with acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis treated with moxifloxacin 400 mg qd for 10 days. The study also assessed whether responses to the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-16 (SNOT-16) questionnaire [not yet validated for acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS)] accurately reflect clinical findings in these patients. METHODS: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis with signs/symptoms present for > or = 7 but < 28 days took part. Patients were evaluated bacteriologically and clinically on day 1 (pretherapy), days 2-4 and 10-13 (test of cure), for bacterial presence and improvement/resolution of the signs/symptoms of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis. They completed SNOT-16 and Activity Impairment Assessment questionnaires daily, before receiving moxifloxacin, until day 10. RESULTS: In both the bacteriologically and clinically evaluable populations, over 85% of patients showed clinical improvement by day 2, rising to over 96% by day 4. Pretherapy, according to the SNOT-16 questionnaire, almost all of the bacteriologically evaluable patients reported facial pain/pressure but this proportion had fallen to below 50% by day 4. In the bacteriologically evaluable population, 32/42 (76%) patients reported an improvement in facial pain/pressure from the pretherapy visit to day 4. Of patients showing improvement, 50% improved from 'moderate-to-severe facial pain' at pretherapy to 'no problem' at day 4. At day 4, 45-50% of patients reported impairment of normal activities, compared with 79-88% pretherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Moxifloxacin rapidly improves the signs and symptoms of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis and results in clinical cure in most patients. Responses to the SNOT-16 questionnaire accurately reflected clinical assessments, indicating that when fully validated the SNOT-16 questionnaire may be a valuable tool for the assessment of patient outcomes in ABS.

Nasal challenge with allergen leads to maxillary sinus inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are both characterized by chronic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of nasal allergen challenge on the maxillary sinus and study the effect of premedication with loratadine. METHODS: We performed a double blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 20 allergic subjects out of season. After treatment with either placebo or loratadine (10 mg PO daily) for 1 week, a catheter was inserted into one maxillary sinus and used to lavage the cavity. The subjects then underwent nasal challenge with diluent for the allergen extract, followed by 3 concentrations of grass or ragweed. Nasal and ipsilateral sinus lavages were performed after each challenge and then hourly for 8 hours. Sneezes and symptoms were recorded, and the lavage specimens were evaluated for eosinophils and levels of eosinophil cationic protein, albumin, and histamine. Eleven of the subjects underwent a similar challenge with lactated Ringer's solution. RESULTS: Compared with the lactated Ringer's solution challenge, allergen challenge resulted in significant increases in most early- and late-phase nasal parameters. Allergen challenge of the nose also led to a significant increase compared with control values in maxillary sinus eosinophils and the levels of albumin, eosinophil cationic protein, and histamine during the late response. Loratadine resulted in significant inhibition of the nasal early response compared with that seen with placebo (P < .05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a neural reflex or systemic allergic inflammation is responsible for the sinus inflammatory response and that this inflammatory response might play a role in the development of rhinosinusitis in allergic subjects.

Use of pharmacodynamic endpoints for the evaluation of levofloxacin for the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis.

Sinusitis remains 1 of the most common reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions in the United States, with health care costs approaching $4 billion annually. We utilized the serial sinus aspirate sampling (SSAS) technique to obtain daily specimens to evaluate the time course of drug effect in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis. Eighteen patients with a radiologically confirmed acute maxillary sinusitis were enrolled into a study evaluating the relationship between levofloxacin exposure and the time course of antimicrobial effect using SSAS. SSAS was performed daily during therapy for bacteriologic evaluation. Six steady-state levofloxacin concentrations were obtained. Levofloxacin plasma and sinus aspirate concentrations were modeled using Monte Carlo Parametric Expectation Maximization algorithm implemented in S-ADAPT 1.53. Endpoints evaluated included time to resolution of signs and symptoms and time to sinus sterilization. Among the 18 enrolled patients, 15 were clinically evaluable. From these, 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 3 Haemophilus influenzae, 1 Moraxella catarrhalis, 1 Corynebacterium spp., and 1 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus organisms were isolated, with the latter 2 organisms being likely contaminants. For the pathogens, levofloxacin MIC values ranged from 0.03 to 2 mg/L. All pathogens were eradicated by the 4th day of therapy. The median and mean time to sinus sterilization (pathogens only) was 1 and 1.4 days, respectively. The median time to resolution of each sign and symptom ranged from 1.5 to 12-19 days, with the 83% of total signs and symptoms resolved by the end of therapy (day 5). The mean plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) (mg x h/L) was 100.1 (n = 14, %CV = 27). Plasma AUC/MIC ratios ranged from 33.9 to 1696 for isolated pathogens. In this pilot SSAS study, levofloxacin rapidly eradicated isolated pathogens from the maxillary sinus.

[Avelox efficacy in the treatment of acute purulent rhinosinusitis].

AIM: To compare efficacy of avelox systemic antibiotic therapy with and without maxillary puncture in acute purulent rhinosinusitis (ARS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 ARS patients were divided into two groups: puncture was not made in 20 patients of the study group and was made in 20 patients of the control group. Subjective assessment of rhinosinusitis symptoms was made by visual scale Kennedy-Lund, objective assessment was made by x-ray or CT findings. RESULTS: A clinical response was observed in all 40 patients. Complications or side effects associated with avelox administration were not registered. Regress of rhinosinusitis symptoms did not significantly differ between the controls and test patients. The roentgenographic picture did not differ significantly, CT showed that the response came faster without puncture. CONCLUSION: Systemic antibiotic therapy of uncomplicated purulent rhinosinusitis with avelox is not inferior by efficacy to the standard puncture treatment.

Efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a demand for clinical trials that demonstrate homeopathic medications to be effective and safe in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis (AMS). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this clinical trial was to demonstrate the efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) compared with placebo in patients with AMS confirmed by sinus radiography. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial was conducted for a treatment period of 22 days, followed by an eight-week posttreatment observational phase. SETTING: The clinical trial was conducted at six trial sites in the Ukraine. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirteen patients with radiography-confirmed AMS participated in the trial. INTERVENTIONS: Fifty-seven patients received Sinfrontal and 56 patients received placebo. Additionally, patients were allowed saline inhalations, paracetamol, and over-the-counter medications, but treatment with antibiotics or other treatment for sinusitis was not permitted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome criterion was change of the sinusitis severity score (SSS) from day zero to day seven. Other efficacy assessments included radiographic and clinical cure, improvement in health state, ability to work or to follow usual activities, and treatment outcome. RESULTS: From day zero to day seven, Sinfrontal caused a significant reduction in the SSS total score compared with placebo (5.8 +/- 2.3 [6.0] points vs 2.3 +/- 1.8 [2.0] points; P < .0001). On day 21, 39 (68.4%) patients on active medication had a complete remission of AMS symptoms compared with five (8.9%) placebo patients. All secondary outcome criteria displayed similar trends. Eight adverse events were reported that were assessed as being mild or moderate in intensity. No recurrence of AMS symptoms occurred by the end of the eight-week posttreatment observational phase. CONCLUSION: This complex homeopathic medication is safe and appears to be an effective treatment for acute maxillary sinusitis.