Management of Wide Alar Lobule Using Preservation Rhinoplasty Philosophy: Alar Coring Technique.

A broad alar base disrupts nasal harmony and facial aesthetic balance and is an aesthetic concern for many patients. This wide appearance may be related to excessive nostril sill, alar flare, wide alar lobule, or a combination. Many techniques are described in literature to address the alar base with resultant scars to a variable degree. Management of alar lobule thickness is particularly challenging. Our technique presented here introduces a novel method to reduce the thickness of the alar lobule with excellent aesthetic outcome.

120 Years of Dorsal Preservation in Rhinoplasty.

Dorsal preservation techniques in rhinoplasty are experiencing a renaissance in recent years. New techniques and modifications to existing techniques are being described at an intensifying pace. Dorsal preservation, however, is not a new concept and was first described over 120 years ago. It is timely that we conduct a review of the key techniques and concepts of dorsal preservation in rhinoplasty that had been published over the past 120 years, at a moment in which we consider as a revival of this school of thought.

Frequency and Clinical Utility of Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been gaining recognition as a symptom of COVID-19, but its clinical utility has not been well defined. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the clinical utility of identifying OD in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and determine an estimate of the frequency of OD amongst these patients. METHODS: PubMed was searched up to 1 August 2020. Meta-analysis A included studies if they compared the frequency of OD in COVID-19 positive patients (proven by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) to COVID-19 negative controls. Meta-analysis B included studies if they described the frequency of OD in COVID-19 positive patients and if OD symptoms were explicitly asked in questionnaires or interviews or if smell tests were performed. RESULTS: The pooled frequency of OD in COVID-19 positive patients (17,401 patients, 60 studies) was 0.56 (0.47-0.64) but differs between detection via smell testing (0.76 [0.51-0.91]) and survey/questionnaire report (0.53 [0.45-0.62]), although not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.089). Patients with reported OD were more likely to test positive for COVID-19 (diagnostic odds ratio 11.5 [8.01-16.5], sensitivity 0.48 (0.40 to 0.56), specificity 0.93 (0.90 to 0.96), positive likelihood ratio 6.10 (4.47-8.32) and negative likelihood ratio 0.58 (0.52-0.64)). There was significant heterogeneity amongst studies with possible publication bias. CONCLUSION: Frequency of OD in COVID-19 differs greatly across studies. Nevertheless, patients with reported OD were significantly more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Patient-reported OD is a highly specific symptom of COVID-19 which should be included as part of the pre-test screening of suspect patients.

Lengthening of the Asian Nose.

The Asian nose has its unique morphology and forms a significant proportion of noses treated by the rhinoplasty surgeon not only in Asia but also in other countries where the Asian diaspora resides. The anatomical features and dimensions of the Asian nose differ from noses of persons of African, Caucasian, Indian, and Middle Eastern origins, poses its own challenges, and warrants a unique set of techniques for its aesthetic improvement. In this article, we present an overview of the approach to the lengthening of the Asian nose, drawing from our own experience with managing the Asian nose and referencing the published literature on the subject.

Anterior Nasal Spine Relocation for Caudal Septal Deviation: A Case Series and Discussion of Common Scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Deviation of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a common cause of caudal nasal septal deviation. In our experience, relocation of the deviated ANS is a useful technique in the correction of the caudal septal deviation. OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience with the ANS relocation technique in isolation and in combination with other techniques for correction of caudal septal deviation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on cases of ANS relocation. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients underwent ANS relocation over 4 years. Complete straightening of the septum occurred in 312 cases (82.5%), and significant improvement with mild remnant deviation occurred in 66 cases (17.5%). No patients had severe remnant deviation. None of the patients requested for revision surgery. A total of 351 patients (92.9%) experienced significant subjective improvement in bilateral nasal airflow, while 27 patients (7.1%) experienced mild improvement in bilateral nasal airflow. None of the patients had worsened airflow after surgery. CONCLUSION: The ANS relocation technique is a useful and effective technique which can be used in isolation or in combination of other techniques for the correction of caudal septal deviation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Clinical Characteristics and Allergen Sensitization Patterns of Patients with Local Allergic Rhinitis in Southern China.

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the production of specific IgE (sIgE) in the nasal mucosa without evidence of systemic atopy. The characteristics of LAR in Caucasians have been well documented. LAR is understudied in China, with prevalence, patient demographics, symptomatology, and the allergen sensitization profile being poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the demographics, characteristics, and allergen sensitization profile of patients with LAR in Southern China. METHODS: A total of 194 patients with rhinitis and 13 healthy subjects were enrolled in the current study. The patients' demographic data, clinical history, and symptoms were recorded. Local and systemic sIgE to a wide panel of specific allergens were measured in the nasal secretion and serum samples. RESULTS: Among the rhinitis patients, 115 were classified as allergic rhinitis (AR; 59.3%), 15 as LAR (7.7%), and 64 as non-AR (33.0%). The demographic characteristics, duration, frequency, and severity of symptoms were similar, although LAR exhibited higher symptom scores for nasal itch. Monosensitization was the predominant pattern of sensitization in both AR (109 out of 115, 95%) and LAR (14 out of 15, 93%). House dust mite was the dominant allergen in AR patients (109 out of 115, 95%), while pollen was the dominant allergen in LAR patients (11 out of 15, 73%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LAR patients in Southern China was 7.7%. Pollen was the most common sensitizing allergen for the local LAR patients, which differs from Caucasian studies, in which house dust mite was the dominant sensitizing allergen. Monosensitization was the predominant pattern in both AR and LAR.

The efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for allergic diseases in Asia.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been proven to be safe and effective from an abundance of Western literature, but data from Asia is less complete. This review aims to examine the basic science, safety and efficacy of SLIT in Asian patients, and to determine future research needs in Asia. We performed a literature search on PUBMED, Scopus, and Cochrane Library database for articles on SLIT originating from Asian countries through Nov 2017. There were 18 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, of which 9 involved solely paediatric subjects. Overall, sublingual immunotherapy is safe and is efficacious in Asian populations in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. House dust-mite SLIT is effective in both mono- and polysensitized AR patients. Efficacy of SLIT is comparable to subcutaneous immunotherapy. Data on long term efficacy is lacking. A disproportionate majority of research originates from China and Japan, reflecting an asymmetry of access to SLIT within Asia. Significant disparities exist in the development of the allergy speciality, prescription patterns of SLIT, and pharmacological potencies of different SLIT products within and between Asian nations. We conclude that current available evidence suggests SLIT is efficacious in Asians but data quality of evidence is hampered by non-placebo controlled studies with methodological limitations. More data is needed in South and Southeast Asian populations. Future efforts may be directed towards improving access to SLIT in developing countries, standardization of SLIT dosage, and evaluating long term clinical outcomes.

Primary nasopharyngeal polyps: a case series on a rare clinical entity.

Primary non-neoplastic polyps originating from the nasopharynx have not been reported in the English language literature. We present the clinical and histopathological features of three primary nasopharyngeal polyps. Clinical data of three patients with primary nasopharyngeal polyps treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 2005 and 2015 were analyzed and presented. Three male patients from 45 to 63 years presented with nasopharyngeal masses. CT or MRI examination showed nasopharyngeal space-occupying lesions. Two patients were initially diagnosed with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and one patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. After surgical excision, based on the histological examination, the tissue masses were all diagnosed as inflammatory polyps. Histologically, the polyps demonstrated significant oedema, collagen deposition, leukocytic infiltration, and epithelial remodelling. Primary nasopharyngeal polyps represent a distinct clinical entity and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal masses.

Clinical and dosimetric predictors of radiation-induced rhinosinusitis following VMAT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study.

Background: We aimed to investigate the clinical and dosimetric factors associated with radiation-induced rhinosinusitis, and further elucidate the optimal dose-volume constraints for nasopharyngeal cancer patients who underwent volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Methods: A retrospective review of 196 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients who underwent definitive VMAT between August 2018 and May 2021 was conducted. Both clinical and dose-volume histogram (DVH) data of NPC patients without rhinosinusitis at baseline were selected for analysis. Results: The cumulative incidence of post-RT rhinosinusitis at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months, and >1 year were 29.6 %, 41.3 %, 42.9 %, and 45.4 %, and 47.4 %, respectively. Nasal irrigation was negatively associated with post-RT rhinosinusitis (p < 0.001). Higher cumulative incidences of maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis were associated with V70 > 1.16 % and >1.00 %, respectively (p = 0.027 and p = 0.002). Sphenoid sinusitis was more frequent when Dmax(maxillary sinus) exceeded 69.2Gy (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Regular nasal irrigation may reduce the development of rhinosinusitis. Dose-volume constraints of V70 and Dmax to the maxillary sinus are suggested for VMAT planning. Patients exceeding these thresholds should be closely monitored and potentially offered preventative interventions within 3-6 months post-RT.

Localised swelling at sites of dermal filler injections following administration of Covid-19 vaccines: a systematic review.

Introduction: Localised swelling at sites of filler injections has been reported in the Moderna mRNA-1273 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine trial. Methods: We conducted a review of the existing data and literature on the potential pathophysiology for this adverse event and its potential management. Results: Data from the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 trial and one case series were available. Three out of 30,400 subjects developed possible filler reaction in the Moderna trial. Two other cases were reported after emergency use authorisation. Reactions occurred at a mean of 1.4 days post-vaccination. Fillers were injected at a mean of 14.1 months before vaccination. Areas involved included lips, infraorbital areas and tear troughs. Treatment included observation, corticosteroids, antihistamine, hyaluronidase and 5-fluorouracil. Conclusion: Rare, self-limiting adverse reactions to dermal fillers have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians should be aware of this clinical phenomenon and its management, as vaccination is carried out globally.

Financial burden and financial aid for medical students in Singapore: a national survey across all three medical schools.

INTRODUCTION: Singapore has had three medical schools since 2013. We undertook a cross-sectional quantitative national survey to determine the financial impact of medical education on medical students in Singapore. METHODS: All 1,829 medical students in Singapore were invited to participate in this study. Information on demographics, financial aid utilisation and outside work was collected and analysed. RESULTS: 1,241 (67.9%) of 1,829 students participated in the survey. While the overall proportion of students from households with monthly incomes < SGD 3,000 was only 21.2% compared to the national figure of 31.4%, 85.4% of medical students expected to graduate with debts > SGD 75,000. There were significant differences in per capita incomes among the schools, with 54.5%, 23.3% and 7.8% of Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS), NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) students, respectively, reporting a per capita income of < SGD 1,000 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in financial support: 75.0%, 34.1% and 38.8% of Duke-NUS, NUS Medicine and LKCMedicine students, respectively, received financial aid (p < 0.001). The top reasons for not applying for aid included a troublesome application process (21.4%) and the perception that it would be too difficult to obtain (21.0%). CONCLUSION: Students in the three medical schools in Singapore differ in their financial needs and levels of financial support received. A national approach to funding medical education may be needed to ensure that financial burdens do not hamper the optimal training of doctors for Singapore's future.

Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation With Bellafill: A Review of 4 Years of Clinical Experience in 212 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Bellafill (Suneva Medical Inc) is a semipermanent injectable soft tissue filler composed of smooth and uniform polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) microspheres suspended in a bovine collagen gel. It is a third generation PMMA filler, with more uniform shapes and sizes of the PMMA microspheres, which has been purported to decrease the incidence of granuloma formation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our clinical experience from 2014 to 2017 with Bellafill as a soft tissue injectable filler in the following clinical scenarios: deep nasolabial folds, depressed facial acne scars, malar volume loss, temporal wasting, tear trough deformity, chin augmentation, angle of jaw augmentation, and lip augmentation. The primary outcome is the rate of adverse events, and the secondary outcome is subjective patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2017, 842 syringes of Bellafill were administered to 212 patients, for a total of 417 procedures. Of the 417 procedures, 96 (23.0%) were for acne scars, 82 (19.7%) malar volume restorations, 65 (15.6%) nasolabial fold augmentations, 45 (10.8%) chin augmentations, 42 (10.1%) tear trough volume restorations, 28 (6.7%) temple volume restorations, 25 (6.0%) rhinoplasty touch-ups for small areas of nasal depression, 22 (5.3%) lip augmentations, and 12 (2.9%) jaw angle augmentations were performed. A range of 1 to 12 syringes were injected into each patient, over 1 to 3 sessions; 6 cases of adverse events occurred (1.4%). There were 4 cases of solitary nodules in the injection site, 1 case of lower eyelid oedema which persisted for 3 months and 1 case of lower lip oedema which resolved within hours. Patient satisfaction rates ranged from 83.3% for angle of jaw augmentation to 99.0% for improvement of acne scars. CONCLUSION: Bellafill is a safe and effective option for a semipermanent soft tissue filler, with high patient satisfaction and a good safety profile.

INTRODUCTION: Le Bellafill (Suneva Medical Inc.) est un produit de comblement injectable semi-permanent des tissus mous, composé de microsphères de polyméthymétracylate (PMMA) lisses et uniformes, suspendues dans un gel de collagène bovin. Il s'agit d'un produit de comblement de PMMA de troisième génération, dont les microsphères de PMMA, de formes et de dimensions plus uniformes, réduiraient l'incidence de granulomes. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective de leur expérience clinique du Bellafill utilisé comme produit de comblement injectable des tissus mous dans les scénarios cliniques suivants entre 2014 et 2017: sillons nasogéniens profonds, cicatrices déprimées d'acné facial, perte de volume de l'os malaire, émaciation des tempes, dépression du rebord orbital inférieur, augmentation du menton, augmentation de l'angle des mâchoires et augmentation des lèvres. Le résultat primaire était le taux de réactions indésirables et le résultat secondaire, la satisfaction subjective des patients. RÉSULTATS: Entre 2014 et 2017, les plasticiens ont injecté 842 seringues de Bellafill à 212 patients, pour un total de 417 interventions. De ce nombre, 96 (23,0 %) visaient des cicatrices d'acné, 82 (19,7 %), la restauration du volume de l'os malaire, 65 (15,6 %), l'augmentation des sillons nasogéniens, 45 (10,8 %), l'augmentation du menton, 42 (10,1 %), la restauration du volume du rebord orbital inférieur, 28 (6,7 %), la restauration du volume des tempes, 25 (6,0 %), les retouches des petites zones de dépression nasale après une rhinoplastie, 22 (5,3 %), l'augmentation des lèvres, 12 (2,9 %), l'augmentation de l'angle de la mâchoire. Chaque patient s'est fait injecter de une à 12 seringues, réparties entre une et trois séances. Six cas de réactions indésirables se sont produits (1,4 %), soit quatre cas de nodules solitaires au point d'injection, un cas cas d'œdème de la paupière inférieure qui a persisté trois mois et un cas d'œdème de la lèvre inférieure qui a disparu en quelques heures. Le taux de satisfaction des patients a oscillé entre 83,3 % pour l'augmentation de l'angle de la mâchoire et à 99,0 % pour l'atténuation des cicatrices d'acnén. CONCLUSION: Le Bellafill est un produit de comblement des tissus mous à la fois sécuritaire et efficace, qui suscite une satisfaction élevée de la part des patients et possède un bon profil d'innocuitfi.

Factors affecting choice of sponsoring institution for residency among medical students in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: Postgraduate medical education in Singapore underwent a major transition recently, from a British-style system and accreditation to a competency-based residency programme modelled after the American system. We aimed to identify the relative importance of factors influencing the choice of sponsoring institution (SI) for residency among medical students during this transition period. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of Singapore undergraduate medical students across all years of study was performed in 2011. Participants rated the degree of importance of 45 factors (including research, academia and education, marketing, reputation of faculty, working conditions, posting experience and influence by peers/seniors) to their choice of SIs on a five-point Likert scale. Differences in gender and seniority were compared. RESULTS: 705 out of 1,274 students completed the survey (response rate 55.3%). The top five influencing factors were guidance by mentor (4.48 ± 0.74), reputation for good teaching (4.46 ± 0.76), personal overall experience in SI (4.41 ± 0.88), quality of mentorship and supervision (4.41 ± 0.75), and quality and quantity of teaching (4.37 ± 0.78). The five lowest-rated factors were social networking (2.91 ± 1.00), SI security (3.01 ± 1.07), open house impact (3.15 ± 0.96), advertising paraphernalia (3.17 ± 0.95) and research publications (3.21 ± 1.00). Female students attributed more importance to security and a positive working environment. Preclinical students rated research and marketing aspects more highly, while clinical students valued a positive working environment more. CONCLUSION: Quality of education, mentorship, experiences during clerkship and a positive working environment were the most important factors influencing the choice of SI.

Impact of financial background and student debt on postgraduate residency choices of medical students in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: Medical school fees are rising globally. Student debt and financial background may affect residency choices, but few studies have been conducted in Asia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between financial background, student debt and postgraduate residency choices among medical students in Singapore. METHODS: An anonymised survey of all medical students in Singapore was conducted and had a response rate of 67.9%. RESULTS: 40.5% of our study population would graduate with debt. Medical students with monthly per capita household income < SGD 1,000 were more likely to graduate with debt (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-2.7; p < 0.001) and feel burdened by the cost of medical education (unadjusted OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-3.9; p < 0.001). Students with monthly per capita household income < SGD 1,000 (unadjusted OR 1.818, 95% CI 1.338-2.470, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 1.692, 95% CI 1.202-2.381, p = 0.003) and those with debt (unadjusted OR 1.623, 95% CI 1.261-2.090, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 1.393, 95% CI 1.048-1.851, p = 0.022) were more likely to rank at least one economic factor as 'very significant' in influencing their postgraduate training choices. CONCLUSION: It is concerning that despite financial aid schemes, the cost of medical education remains a burden to students from lower-income households in Singapore. Student debt and financial background may distort postgraduate career choices, creating an undue push towards high-paying specialties.

An update on finances and financial support for medical students in Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing financial challenges have resulted in great debt among medical graduates worldwide. In Singapore, more scholarships and bursaries have been disbursed in recent years to support students who are financially challenged. We aimed to study the financial status of medical students in National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (i.e. NUS Medicine), Singapore, and the financial support available to them. METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed. Surveys were distributed and completed by medical students of NUS Medicine. Information regarding household income, financial assistance, monthly allowance and expense, and concurrent occupations was collected. We compared our findings with the results of a similar study performed in 2007 and national income data. RESULTS: A total of 956 (66.2%) out of 1,445 medical students completed the survey. 19.5% and 58.5% of respondents came from households with monthly incomes < SGD 3,000 and > SGD 7,000, respectively. 20.6% of students had loans, 18.9% had scholarships and bursaries, and 14.4% worked to support themselves. CONCLUSION: Medical school fees have risen by more than 50% over the past ten years. Our study found that there were increases in the proportion of students from both the lower- and higher-income segments, with proportionally fewer students from the middle-income segment. A large number of students were working and/or had some form of financial support. More should be done to meet the needs of financially challenged medical students to ensure equal access to quality medical education.

Histopathological features of sinonasal inverted papillomas in chinese patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Nasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign tumor with high recurrence rates. Evidence of inflammation has been reported in IP in Caucasian studies. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological patterns and their associations with clinical characteristics in Chinese patients with IP. STUDY DESIGN: Basic science study. METHODS: IP tissues were obtained from 50 Chinese patients with unilateral IPs. Biopsies of inferior turbinate mucosa from 17 healthy subjects were used as controls. The histological patterns and severity of epithelial remodeling and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated and analyzed for associations with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of IP specimens were classified as grade I (mild remodeling) and 49% as grade II (moderate and severe remodeling). Concomitant inflammatory nasal polyps were found in 14 patients (28%). Recurrent IP was strongly associated with grade II (odds ratio: 5.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-25.18). Except CD4(+) T cells, quantities of neutrophils, macrophages, eosinophils, CD8(+) T cells, and FoxP3(+) T-reg cells were significantly elevated in IP. Of these, neutrophils were the predominant cell type in IP. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation may have potential roles in IPs and the higher grade of epithelial remodeling was associated with the recurrence of IPs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Smoking is an independent association of squamous metaplasia in Chinese nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyposis demonstrates histological features of epithelial remodeling and variable inflammatory cellular infiltration. We studied a large series of Chinese nasal polyp (NP) samples to characterize these histological features and their associations with clinical characteristics. METHODS: A detailed histological study of nasal polyposis was performed employing various histopathological techniques. A total of 153 intraoperative NP biopsies were analyzed histologically. Sections were examined under microscopy to determine the percentages of different types of inflammatory cells, and types of epithelial remodeling. Two systems of subtyping NPs based on inflammatory cell infiltration were assessed. These were correlated with patient characteristics. RESULTS: Epithelial remodeling patterns include epithelial hyperplasia (87.8% of specimens), goblet cell hyperplasia (53.2%), and squamous metaplasia (44.6%). Smoking was a strong independent association of squamous metaplasia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2 to 22.9; p < 0.01). The most common inflammatory cells were neutrophils (median of 12.8%) and CD8+ T cells (12.8%), followed by macrophages (11.0%), CD4+ T cells (9.7%), eosinophils (8.6%), and mast cells (7.6%). We defined 2 systems to classify NPs based on proportions of eosinophils and neutrophils. The majority of NP samples were neutrophilic. The first classification system has greater histological correlation. Based on the first classification, eosinophilic nasal polyposis was associated with epithelial hyperplasia (OR 3.7, p = 0.019) and goblet cell hyperplasia (OR 3.4, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of Chinese NPs are neutrophilic and epithelial hyperplasia is the most common pattern of epithelial remodeling. We show for the first time that smoking has a strong association with squamous metaplasia in nasal polyposis.