COVID-19 in otolaryngologists: a cross-sectional multicenter study

Abstract Introduction: The nose and throat are areas of high viral load, which could place otolaryngologists at an even higher risk for COVID-19 than other health-care workers. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in otorhinolaryngologists in southern Brazil, its relationship to demographic data, professional practice and reported symptoms of COVID-19, and compare it with official data on other health-care workers of the state and the general population in the same period. Methods: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, otolaryngologists actively practicing officially registered in Rio Grande do Sul were screened for IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from August 1 to September 15, 2020. A questionnaire was also applied. Results: We screened 358 (80.1%) of 447 actively practicing otolaryngologists (195 [54.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 47.77 [13.57] years; range, 26-84 years). Twenty-three were positive for IgM and/or IgG (6.4%). This result was significantly associated with reports of infected household contacts (19/315 negatives and 8/23 positives; p<0.001). From 23 seropositive participants, 14 were asymptomatic (60.9%; p< 0.001). There were no significant associations between seroconversion and age, sex, number of patient appointments and surgical procedures, workplace (hospital or private practice), patients with or without respiratory symptoms, or level of personal protective equipment used. The rate of COVID-19 in all health-care workers in the state was 7.69% at the end of the same period. Data from state government seroprevalence was 5.26 (risk ratio [RR]; 95% CI 3.27-8.45) and 4.66 (RR; 95% CI 2.93-7.43) times higher in otolaryngologists than in the general population in August and September, respectively. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists had a higher seroconversion rate than the general population. Using personal protective equipment, the level of occupational exposure did not result in higher rates of infection than other health-care workers, but the presence of infected household contacts was associated with higher rates of seroconversion.

Voice-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Female Teachers: Finger Kazoo Intensive Short-Term Vocal Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Among professional voice users, teachers are subject to higher risks of developing occupational dysphonia due to their abusive use of the voice, usually under unfavorable conditions. OBJECTIVES: Quantify the vocal self-perception, the voice-related quality of life, and the anxiety, and depression symptoms, of dysphonic female teachers, after a brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique. METHODS: Blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. Questionnaires applied to two study groups (15 subjects without structural laryngeal disorder in one group, and nine subjects with vocal nodules in the other), and to two control groups (9 subjects without structural laryngeal disorder in one group, and eight subjects with vocal nodules in the other). RESULTS: The Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale, the Voice Activity and Participation Profile, the Voice Symptom Scale, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life Protocol, showed significant improvement in both study groups. The Vocal Perception Protocol showed that negative vocal self-perception reduced significantly in subjects without structural alteration of the vocal folds in the study group. Anxiety symptoms improved significantly in subjects with vocal nodules in the study group; depression symptoms improved significantly in subjects with vocal nodules in the control group, and in subjects without structural alteration of the vocal folds in the study group. CONCLUSION: Brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique provided improvement in the vocal self-perception, the voice-related quality of life, and in the symptoms of anxiety and depression in dysphonic teachers, more evidently in teachers with vocal nodules.

COVID-19 in otolaryngologists: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: The nose and throat are areas of high viral load, which could place otolaryngologists at an even higher risk for COVID-19 than other health-care workers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in otorhinolaryngologists in southern Brazil, its relationship to demographic data, professional practice and reported symptoms of COVID-19, and compare it with official data on other health-care workers of the state and the general population in the same period. METHODS: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, otolaryngologists actively practicing officially registered in Rio Grande do Sul were screened for IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from August 1 to September 15, 2020. A questionnaire was also applied. RESULTS: We screened 358 (80.1%) of 447 actively practicing otolaryngologists (195 [54.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 47.77 [13.57] years; range, 26-84 years). Twenty-three were positive for IgM and/or IgG (6.4%). This result was significantly associated with reports of infected household contacts (19/315 negatives and 8/23 positives; p < 0.001). From 23 seropositive participants, 14 were asymptomatic (60.9%; p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between seroconversion and age, sex, number of patient appointments and surgical procedures, workplace (hospital or private practice), patients with or without respiratory symptoms, or level of personal protective equipment used. The rate of COVID-19 in all health-care workers in the state was 7.69% at the end of the same period. Data from state government seroprevalence was 5.26 (risk ratio [RR]; 95% CI 3.27-8.45) and 4.66 (RR; 95% CI 2.93-7.43) times higher in otolaryngologists than in the general population in August and September, respectively. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists had a higher seroconversion rate than the general population. Using personal protective equipment, the level of occupational exposure did not result in higher rates of infection than other health-care workers, but the presence of infected household contacts was associated with higher rates of seroconversion.

Aerodynamic Vocal Measurements in Female Teachers: Finger Kazoo Intensive Short-Term Vocal Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Obtain aerodynamic vocal measurements of dysphonic female teachers from two groups, before and after a brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique, compare to the respective control groups, and compare between the two study groups. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized blind controlled clinical trial. METHODS: A randomized blind controlled clinical trial. Measurements of maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (dB SPL) were measured before and after intensive short-term vocal therapy in 24 teachers with and without structural laryngeal disorders and 17 controls with and without structural laryngeal disorder. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in the maximum phonation time of /e/ for the group with no structural laryngeal disorder, and a significant reduction of the maximum sound pressure level for the group with structural laryngeal disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the observed results, a significant reduction in the maximum phonation time of /e/ for the group with no structural laryngeal disorder, and a significant reduction of the maximum sound pressure level for the group with structural laryngeal disorder, it is possible that finger kazoo reduced the glottal hyperfunction by improving the balance between the respiratory and the glottal vocal production levels during speech.

Acoustic Measurements of the Glottic Source of Female Teachers With Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the acoustic measurements of glottic source of dysphonic teachers of a medium-sized municipality of interior of the state. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, and quantitative study, with a composite sample of 34 dysphonic teachers, of which 21 teachers without laryngeal affections and 13 with laryngeal affections, mean age 39.1 years old and 39.5 years old, respectively. Glottic source acoustic analysis was performed with the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced. The data were analyzed statistically to verify the significance of each acoustic measure between the groups (with laryngeal affection, without laryngeal affection, and total) and in relation to the normality proposed by the software. RESULTS: In the three conditions (groups with and without affection and total) the means were statistically below normality in the measurements of maximum and minimum fundamental frequency. In the group without affection, frequency, and noise measurements presented above normality. In both groups, measurements of frequency, noise, and subharmonic segments were above normal, and number of voice breaks below normal. CONCLUSION: Acoustic parameters outside the normal pattern showed an aperiodic vocal production, with presence of noise and instability in the vocal signal, in dysphonic teachers with or without alteration at the laryngeal level.

Terapia breve e intensiva com finger kazoo em caso de disfonia orgânica pós-intubação orotraqueal / Short and intensive therapy with finger kazoo in patient with organic dysphonia post-orotracheal intubation / Terapia breve e intensa con finger kazoo en paciente con disfonía orgánica postintubación orotraqueal

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de um programa de Terapia Breve e Intensiva com a técnica finger kazoo em paciente adulta do sexo feminino com disfonia orgânica. Apresentação do caso clínico: realizadas medidas aerodinâmicas, acústicas, perceptivo auditivas, videolaringoestroboscópicas e autoavaliação vocal antes e após 15 sessões de terapia breve e intensiva com a técnica finger kazzo em uma mulher de 62 anos com disfonia orgânica por fibrose em prega vocal direita, fenda glótica do tipo irregular, com assimetria de fase e amplitude, além de edema da subglote e retração da porção anterior da prega vestibular direita decorrente de intubação orotraqueal. Resultados: Após a terapia, houve adequação dos tempos máximos de fonação, de medidas acústicas de frequência, perturbação de frequência, ruído, segmentos sub-harmônicos, melhor delineamento do traçado espectrográfico e de todos os parâmetros perceptivo auditivos, além de aumento dos escores de qualidade de vida, de depressão e ansiedade. Na avaliação videolaringoestroboscópica, houve melhora da amplitude de vibração da mucosa das pregas vocais e redução da constrição medial do vestíbulo laríngeo. Conclusão: houve modificações vocais positivas em nível glótico, respiratório e ressonantal, bem como no exame videolaringoestroboscópico e na autoavaliação vocal, evidenciando que essa foi uma modalidade de tratamento efetiva para o caso.

Objective: to evaluate the effect of a program of brief and intensive therapy with finger kazoo technique in adult female patient with organic dysphonia. Presentation of the case: were realized aerodynamic, acoustic, perceptual, videolaryngostroboscopic measures and vocal self-assessment before and after 15 sessions of short and intensive therapy with finger kazzo technique in a 62 years woman with organic dysphonia by fibrosis in the right vocal fold, glottis of irregular type with phase asymmetry and amplitude, and edema of the glottis and contraction of the anterior portion of the right vestibular fold due to endotracheal intubation. Results: After therapy, there was improvement of maximum phonation time, acoustic frequency measurements, frequency of disturbance noise, sub-harmonic segments, improved stroke spectrographic and all perceptual parameters, as well as improvement of quality of life scores, depression and anxiety. In the videolaryngostroboscopy evaluation, there was improvement in range of mucosa vibration of the vocal folds and reduction of medial constriction of the laryngeal vestibule. Conclusion: there were positive vocal changes in glottic, respiratory and resonant level, videolaryngostroboscopy and vocal self-assessment, emphasizing that this was an effective treatment modality for the case.

Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de un programa de Terapia Breve e Intensa utilizando la técnica finger kazoo en una paciente adulta del sexo femenino con disfonía orgánica. Presentación del caso clínico: fueron realizadas las medidas aerodinámicas, acústicas, perceptivo auditivas, videolaringoestroboscópicas y autoevaluación vocal antes y post 15 sesiones de terapia breve e intensa con la técnica finger kazzo en una mujer de 62 años con disfonía orgánica por fibrosis en la cuerda vocal derecha, hiato glótico irregular, con asimetría de fase y amplitud, además de edema de la subglotis y retracción de la porción anterior de la cuerda vestibular derecha debido a intubación orotraqueal. Resultados: Después de la terapia, hubo adecuación en los tiempos máximos de fonación, de las medidas acústicas de frecuencia, perturbación de frecuencia, ruido, segmentos sub-armónicos, mejora del trazado espectrográfico y de todos los parámetros perceptivo auditivos, así como mejora de los puntajes de calidad de vida, depresión y ansiedad. En la evaluación videolaringoestroboscópica, hubo mejora en la amplitud de vibración da la mucosa de las cuerdas vocales y reducción da la constricción mediana del vestíbulo laríngeo. Conclusión: hubo positivos cambios vocales a nivel glótico, respiratorio y resonante, así como en el examen videolaringoestroboscópico y en la autoevaluación vocal, lo que enseña que la modalidad de tratamiento fue efectiva para el caso.

Ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado de terapia breve e intensiva com finger kazzo em professoras: estudo preliminar / Controlled and randomized clinical trial of intensive short-term voice therapy with finger kazzo technique in teachers

RESUMO Introdução A efetividade das técnicas vocais contribui com a prevenção/tratamento do distúrbio de voz relacionado ao trabalho. Objetivo: Verificar medidas vocais acústicas, perceptivoauditivas e videolaringoestroboscópicas em professoras disfônicas de dois grupos de estudo, antes e após um programa de terapia breve e intensiva com a técnica finger kazoo, comparando-os entre si e com respectivos grupos de controle. Métodos Estudo randomizado, pré-teste e pós-teste, com grupo controle, cego ao avaliador. Dois grupos de estudo, com e sem afecção laríngea estrutural (24 professoras disfônicas), realizaram 15 sessões de terapia breve e intensiva com finger kazoo, durante três semanas e foram comparados a dois grupos de controle (17 professoras disfônicas), que não fizeram terapia. Realizaram-se análises vocal acústica (Multi Dimensional Voice Program Advanced), perceptivoauditiva (três fonoaudiólogos) e videolaringoestroboscopia (três otorrinolaringologistas), para comparação dos resultados. Resultados Observou-se redução significativa da proporção ruído/harmônico no grupo de estudo com afecção, após a terapia. Na comparação entre o grupo de estudo sem afecção e o respectivo controle, verificou-se redução significativa de medidas de jitter, shimmer e de segmentos surdos, em favor do grupo de estudo. Constatou-se, também, redução significativa do grau da disfonia, rouquidão, soprosidade e tensão, além de menor ocorrência de fenda triangular de grau II e maior amplitude de vibração das pregas vocais, no grupo de estudo sem afecção. Conclusão A terapia breve e intensiva com finger kazoo beneficiou a voz, o fechamento glótico e a amplitude de vibração da onda mucosa das pregas vocais das professoras disfônicas com e sem afecção laríngea estrutural, sobretudo daquelas sem afecção.

ABSTRACT Introduction Knowledge about effective vocal techniques will contributes to the prevention/treatment of work-related voice disorder. Purpose Verifying acoustic vocal, auditory-perceptive and videolaryngostroboscopic measures in dysphonic teachers of two groups before and after a brief and intensive therapy program with finger kazoo technique, comparing to their control groups, and comparing the study groups between themselves. Methods Randomized study, pre-test and post-test, with control group, blind to the evaluator. Two study groups, with and without structural laryngeal affection (24 dysphonic teachers) performed15 sessions of a brief and intensive care with finger kazoo over three weeks and they were compared to two control groups (17 dysphonic teachers), who did not do therapy, in a total of 41 subjects. We carried out vocal acoustic analysis (Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced), perceptual analysis (by three speech therapists) and videolaryngostroboscopy analysis (by three otolaryngologists) to compare the results obtained by each group. Results Significant reduction in harmonic-noise ratio in the study group with alteration after therapy was observed. In the comparison between the study group without affection with the respective control, there was a significant decrease in jitter, shimmer and voiceless segments in favor of the study group. It was also observed a significant reduction in dysphonia, hoarseness, breathiness and tension levels, as well as a lower incidence of triangular slit - level II - and higher amplitude of vibration of the vocal folds in the study group with alteration. Conclusion The brief and intensive care with finger kazoo provided voice, glottal closure and amplitude of mucosal wave vibration of the vocal folds improvements in dysphonic teachers with and without structural alterations of the vocal folds, especially in teachers without structural alterations.

Craniocervical Posture in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Introduction Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. Objective The objective of this study is to verify the craniofacial characteristics and craniocervical posture of OSA and healthy subjects, determining possible relationships with the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Methods This case-control study evaluated 21 subjects with OSA, who comprised the OSA group (OSAG), and 21 healthy subjects, who constituted the control group (CG). Cephalometry analyzed head posture measurements, craniofacial measurements, and air space. Head posture was also assessed by means of photogrammetry. Results The groups were homogeneous regarding gender (12 men and 9 women in each group), age (OSAG = 41.86 11.26 years; GC = 41.19 11.20 years), and body mass index (OSAG = 25.65 2.46 kg/m2; CG = 24.72 3.01 kg/m2). We found significant differences between the groups, with lower average pharyngeal space and greater distance between the hyoid bone and the mandibular plane in OSAG, when compared with CG. A positive correlation was found between higher head hyperextension and head anteriorization, with greater severity of OSA as assessed by AHI. Conclusion OSAG subjects showed changes in craniofacial morphology, with lower average pharyngeal space and greater distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane, as compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, in OSA subjects, the greater the severity of OSA, the greater the head hyperextension and anteriorization.

Craniocervical Posture in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to verify the craniofacial characteristics and craniocervical posture of OSA and healthy subjects, determining possible relationships with the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). METHODS: This case-control study evaluated 21 subjects with OSA, who comprised the OSA group (OSAG), and 21 healthy subjects, who constituted the control group (CG). Cephalometry analyzed head posture measurements, craniofacial measurements, and air space. Head posture was also assessed by means of photogrammetry. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding gender (12 men and 9 women in each group), age (OSAG = 41.86 ± 11.26 years; GC = 41.19 ± 11.20 years), and body mass index (OSAG = 25.65 ± 2.46 kg/m2; CG = 24.72 ± 3.01 kg/m2). We found significant differences between the groups, with lower average pharyngeal space and greater distance between the hyoid bone and the mandibular plane in OSAG, when compared with CG. A positive correlation was found between higher head hyperextension and head anteriorization, with greater severity of OSA as assessed by AHI. CONCLUSION: OSAG subjects showed changes in craniofacial morphology, with lower average pharyngeal space and greater distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane, as compared with healthy subjects. Moreover, in OSA subjects, the greater the severity of OSA, the greater the head hyperextension and anteriorization.

Capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida entre sujeitos saudáveis e pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono / Functional capacity and quality of life between healthy subjects and patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Caso-controle. Objetivos do estudo: Comparar a capacidade funcional, parâmetros respiratórios e qualidade de vida entre sujeitos saudáveis e pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono. Metodologia: Em 19 pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono e 19 sujeitos saudáveis foram avaliadas a qualidade de vida (The Medical Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey), capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de seis minutos), função pulmonar (espirometria) e força muscular respiratória(manovacuometria). Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram declínio na qualidade de vida pelos domínios capacidade funcional, estado geral de saúde e saúde mental. A distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos foi menor nos pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono. Os parâmetros respiratórios não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: Pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono apresentam comprometimento da qualidade de vida e da capacidade funcional...

To compare the functional capacity, respiratory parameters and quality of life between healthy subjects and patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Methodology: 19 patients with obstructive sleep apnea and 19 healthy subjects were evaluated regarding their quality of life (The Medical Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey), their functional capacity (six-minute walk test), pulmonary function (spirometry) and their strength respiratory muscle(manovacuometer). Results: Patients showed a decline in the quality of life concerning functional capacity domains, general state of health and mental health. The distance walked in the six-minute walktest was shorter for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Respiratory parameters did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea present impairment regarding their quality of life and functional capacity...

Fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água: análise vocal perceptivoauditiva e videolaringoestroboscópica de mulheres sem afecções laríngeas, queixas ou alterações vocais / Phonation into a glass tube immerse in water: analysis perceptiveauditory vocal and videolaryngostroboscopy in women without laryngeal disorders, complaints or vocal alterations

RESUMO: Objetivo: verificar e correlacionar medidas vocais acústicas de fonte glótica e características laríngeas em mulheres sem afecções laríngeas e sem queixas vocais após a fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água. Métodos: vinte e quatro mulheres, entre 18 e 40 anos de idade, foram avaliadas e distribuídas de forma igualitária no grupo de estudo e no grupo de controle. Realizaram-se coleta da vogal /a:/ e videolaringoestroboscopia antes e após a execução da técnica, no grupo estudo, e antes e após um período de silêncio no controle. Realizou-se análise vocal acústica e perceptivoauditiva e análise estatística com Wilcoxon, Qui-quadrado e Spearman (p<0,05). Resultados: grupo estudo: melhora do quociente de perturbação do pitch suavizado, índice de turbulência vocal, Shimmer percentual e Shimmer em dB; melhora da soprosidade na avaliação perceptivoauditiva; na videolaringoestroboscopia, a constrição do vestíbulo laríngeo não se alterou significantemente. Conclusão: a técnica de fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água reduziu a aperiodicidade da vibração glótica e do ruído, com aumento da energia harmônica e consequente melhora do sinal glótico. Na videolaringoestroboscopia, a constrição do vestíbulo laríngeo não se alterou significantemente, o que sugere que a técnica não provoca hipertensão laríngea.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: to check and correlate measures of vocal acoustic of the glottal source and laryngeal characteristics of women without laryngeal disorders and without vocal complaints, after the phonation in a glass tube immersed in water. Methods: twenty-four women, between 18 and 40 years, were available and allocated in two groups, being 12 in the study group and 12 in the control group. Were performed collect the vowel /a:/ and videolaryngostroboscopy before and after the execution of technique, in the study group, and before and after a period of silence in the control. Was performed an analysis vocal acoustics and hearing perceptual and statistical analysis with Wilcoxon, Chi-square and Spearman (p<0,05). Results: SG: improvement of the smoothed pitch perturbation quotient, voice turbulence index, Shimmer percentage and Shimmer in dB; improvement of breathiness in RASATI; in the videolaryngostroboscopy, the laryngeal vestibule constriction did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: the technique phonation in a glass tube immersed in water reduced of vibration glottal aperiodicity and the noise, with increased energy harmonic and consequent improvement of the glottal signal. In videolaryngostroboscopy, the laryngeal vestibule constriction did not change significantly, this suggests that the technique does not cause laryngeal hypertension.

Obesidade e variáveis polissonográficas empacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono / Obesity and polysomnographic variables on patients with obstructivesleep apnea

Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (AOS) e a obesidade, são condições que vem ganhando importância devido à alta prevalênciae influência na saúde dos indivíduos. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi comparar variáveis polissonográficas entrepacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) classificados como eutróficos, com sobrepeso ou obesos. Foram avaliados88 pacientes divididos em grupo eutrófico (GE; n=21; IMC=23,4±1,3kg/m2), sobrepeso (GS; n=34; IMC=27,5±1,4kg/ m2)e obeso (GO; n=33; IMC=33,6±2,9kg/m2) que realizaram polissonografia basal de noite inteira para diagnóstico da AOS.Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: estágios 1, 2 e 3 do sono (N1, N2 e N3), sono REM, índice de movimentos periódicosde membros inferiores (MPMI), índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH), IAH no sono REM (IAHREM) e índice demicrodespertares (IMD). O GO apresentou elevação do N2 (p=0,036), do IAHREM (p=0,001) e do IMD (p=0,004) emcomparação ao GE. O IAH foi maior no GO do que no GE (p<0,001) e no GS (p=0,014). O GO apresentou redução doN3 em relação ao GE (p=0,016) e ao GS (p=0,003). Houve correlação significativa do IMC com o N2 (r=0,30), com oIAH (r=0,49), com o IAHREM (r=0,37), com o IMD (r=0,37) e com o N3 (r=-0,38). A obesidade esteve associada à elevaçãono número de apneias e hipopneias, microdespertares e tempo do estágio N2, assim como à redução no tempo doestágio N3 do sono. A combinação destas alterações demonstra baixa qualidade do sono em sujeitos obesos, em relaçãoaos eutróficos ou com sobrepeso.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and obesity are conditions that are gaining importance due to the high prevalence andinfluence on individuals’ health. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare polysomnographic variables among ObstructiveSleep Apnea (OSA) patients classified as eutrophic, overweight or obese. Eighty eight patients were evaluateddivided in eutrophic (EG; n=21; BMI=23.4±1.3kg/m2), overweight (OWG; n=34; BMI=27.5±1.4kg/m2) and obese group(OG; n=33; BMI=33.6±2.9kg/m2) that carried out all-night basal polysomnography for the diagnosis of Obstructive SleepApnea (OSA). The following variables were analyzed: stages 1, 2 and 3 of sleep (N1, N2 and N3), REM sleep, index periodicmovements of the lower limbs (PLMS), apnea and hypopnea (AHI), AHI in REM sleep (AHIREM) and micro-arousalrates (MAR). The OG presented an increase of the N2 (p=0,036), of the AHIREM (p=0.001) and of the MAR (p=0.004), incomparison to EG. The AHI was larger in the OG than in the EG (p<0.001) and in the SG (p=0.014). The OG presentedreduction in the N3 in relation to the EG (p=0.016) and SG (p=0.003). There was a significant correlation of the BMI withthe N2 (r=0.30), with the AHI (r=0.49), with the AHIREM (r=0.37), with the MAR (r=0.37) and with the N3 (r=-0.38). Theobesity has been associated with the increase in the number of apneas and hypopneas, micro-arousals, and time of stage 2,and the reduction in time of stage 3 of sleeping. The combination of these changes demonstrates low quality of sleep onobese individuals, in relation to eutrophic or overweight individuals.

Obstructive sleep apnea: acute effects of CPAP on polyssonographic variables / Apneia obstrutiva do sono: efeitos agudos do CPAP sobre variáveis polissonográficas

Introduction The use of non-invasive ventilation in the form of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is among the main therapeutic options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Yet the effects of CPAP obtained on the first night of use are underreported. Objective To evaluate the acute effects of CPAP on polysomnographic variables in patients with OSA. Materials and methods This study is a case series with 31 patients (55.8 ± 11.4 years; 22 men) in the initial phase of CPAP treatment. The subjects were evaluated by means of polysomnography with and without CPAP (10.2 ± 3.1 cmH2O) and without CPAP, on different days, by means of the following variables: sleep stages 1, 2 and 3 (N1, N2 and N3), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), AHI in REM sleep (AHIREM) and the micro-arousal index (MAI). Results The use of CPAP resulted in a reduction of N2 (p < 0.001), AHI (p < 0.001), AHIREM (p < 0.001) and MAI (p = 0.001). There was an increase in N3 (p = 0.006) and REM sleep (p < 0.001) during the night with use of CPAP. Conclusion This study demonstrated that, from the first night of use by patients with OSA, CPAP promotes greater balance between sleep phases, and improves sleep quality. These results should be presented to patients and their families in order to encourage greater adherence in the initial phase of treatment with CPAP. .

Introdução O uso de ventilação não invasiva sob a forma de Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) está entre as principais opções terapêuticas no manejo de pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS). No entanto, os efeitos obtidos logo na primeira noite de uso do CPAP ainda são pouco relatados. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos agudos do CPAP sobre variáveis polissonográficas em pacientes com AOS. Materiais e métodos Trata-se de uma série de casos, com um total de 31 pacientes (55,8 ± 11,4 anos; 22 homens) em fase inicial de tratamento com o CPAP no Instituto do Sono de Santa Maria (RS). Os sujeitos foram avaliados pela polissonografia sem e com CPAP (10,2 ± 3,1 cmH2O), em dias diferentes, por meio das seguintes variáveis: estágios do sono 1, 2 e 3 (N1, N2 e N3), sono REM (rapid eyes moviment), índice de apneia e hipopneia (IAH), IAH no sono REM (IAHREM) e índice de microdespertares (IMD). Resultados Houve diminuição com o uso do CPAP no N2 (p < 0,001), IAH (p < 0,001), IAHREM (p < 0,001) e IMD (p = 0,001). O N3 (p = 0,006) e o sono REM (p < 0,001) aumentaram durante a noite com o CPAP. Conclusão Este estudo demonstrou que o CPAP, logo na primeira noite de sua utilização, promove um maior equilíbrio entre as fases e melhora na qualidade do sono de pacientes com AOS. Esses resultados devem ser apresentados aos pacientes e aos seus familiares, visando estimular maior adesão na fase inicial do tratamento com o CPAP. .

Effect of fibrin glue on collagen deposition after autologous fascia grafting in rabbit vocal folds.

OBJECTIVES: Fibrin glue (FG) is a reaction product of fibrinogen and thrombin that forms a fibrin clot responsible for tissue adhesion. However, FG and its components may interfere with wound healing by interacting with cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of FG on collagen deposition after fascia grafting in the vocal folds of rabbits. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits underwent autologous fascia grafting in both vocal folds, and the left side was fixed with FG. Each animal was painlessly sacrificed after 7, 30, or 90 days. The larynx was removed, and the vocal folds were prepared for histomorphometric analysis by picrosirius red staining to evaluate collagen deposition around the graft. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in collagen density around the grafts at 90 days in the vocal folds that were fixed with FG (p=0.0102) compared with the control vocal folds. CONCLUSIONS: Application of FG altered collagen deposition around the fascia grafts, leading to significantly increased collagen density after 90 days. Differences found in the composition of the extracellular matrix in later stages of the healing process are a result of changes that occur in the beginning of this process. Therapeutic interventions, such as the use of FG and/or its components, performed in the early stages of wound healing may interfere with the complex interactions of fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and cytokines (especially TGF-beta), thereby modulating the healing process.

Efeito da cola de fibrina na deposição de colágeno após enxertia autóloga da fáscia em pregas vocais de coelhos: estudo histomorfométrico / Effect of fibrin glue on collagen deposition after autologous fascia graft in rabbit vocal folds: histomorphometric study

A incompetência glótica ainda representa um desafio para a laringologia. Implantes de biomateriais no espaço de Reinke ou no espaço paraglótico estão entre as opções de tratamento, e suturas e confecção de bolsões subepiteliais são normalmente utilizados para fixação desses implantes. Alternativamente, a cola biológica pode ser usada como adesivo nesses casos. A cola de fibrina (CF) é produto da reação de dois componentes do sistema de coagulação: o fibrinogênio e a trombina, que formam uma rede de fibrina, responsável, entre outros, pela adesão dos tecidos. Entretanto, além do efeito adesivo, a CF e seus componentes podem interferir no processo cicatricial, atuando sobre citocinas como o fator de crescimento transformador-beta (TGF-beta). O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o efeito da cola de fibrina na deposição de colágeno após enxertia de fáscia em pregas vocais de coelhos. Dezoito coelhos foram submetidos a enxerto de fáscia em ambas as pregas vocais, sendo o lado esquerdo fixado com CF. Os coelhos foram sacrificados após 7, 30 e 90 dias. As laringes foram removidas e as pregas vocais preparadas para estudo histomorfométrico através da coloração picrossirius, a fim de avaliar a deposição de colágeno total em torno do enxerto. Foi observado um aumento estatisticamente significativo na densidade de colágeno em torno dos enxertos de fáscia nas pregas vocais que receberam a CF (p=0,0102) após 90 dias, em comparação com as pregas vocais controles. A aplicação da CF interferiu na deposição de colágeno em torno dos enxertos de fáscia, resultando em um aumento significativo na densidade de colágeno após 90 dias, possivelmente em decorrência da interação de seus componentes com citocinas e células envolvidas no processo de cicatrização.

The glottal incompetence is still a challenge in Laryngology. Implants of biomaterials in Reinkes space or paraglottic space are among the treatment options, and sutures and pockets dissections are usually used to set these implants. Alternatively, biological glue can be used as adhesive in these cases. Fibrin glue (FG) is the product reaction of two components of the coagulation system: the fibrinogen and thrombin that form a fibrin net, responsible for the tissues adhesion, among other functions. However, the FG and its components may interfere in wound healing, interacting with cytokines as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The objective is to study the effect of fibrin glue on collagen deposition after fascia grafting on the rabbits vocal folds. Eighteen rabbits were submitted to the fascia graft on both vocal folds, being the left side fixed with FG. The rabbits were sacrificed after 7, 30 and 90 days. The larynx were removed and vocal folds prepared for histomorphometric study through Picrosirius Red stain, in order to evaluate the collagen deposition around the graft. There was a significant increase in collagen density around the grafts on the vocal folds that received FG (p=0.0102) after 90 days, compared with the control. FG application interfered in collagen deposition around fascia grafts, resulting in a significantly increase of collagen density after 90 days, which possibly resulted from the interaction of FG and its components with the cytokines and cells involved in the wound healing.

O coelho como modelo experimental em laringologia / The rabbit as an experimental model in laryngology

Introdução: A pesquisa em laringologia, são comumente utilizados modelos animais. A experimentação animal pode ainda contribuir muito para essa evolução, principalmente pela facilidade de acesso em relação às laringes humanas, e por serem mais facilmente controlados. Objetivo: Este trabalho objetivou analisar a laringofissura com enxertia das pregas vocais como técnica cirúrgica experimental em coelhos adultos machos. Método: Foram estudados 46 coelhos albinos da raça New Zealand, submetidos à micro-cirurgia em ambas as pregas vocais, com enxertia uni ou bilateral de gordura ou fáscia muscular autólogas. Resultados: Houve 4 perdas, sendo 3 animais até a primeira semana do período pós-operatório e outro após 19 dias da cirurgia. Nos animais subsequentes, não houve mais nenhuma infecção, hematoma ou deiscência das suturas. Conclusão: O estudo permite concluir que a laringofissura experimental em coelhos é um método seguro e que pode ser usado para estudos em laringologia.

Introduction: In the research in laryngology we normally use animal models. The animal experimentation may also contribute largely for this evolution, mainly for the easy access compared to human larynxes and for they are more easily controlled. Objective: The objective of this work is to analyze the laryngofissure with vocal cords graft as an experimental surgical technique in male adult rabbits. Method: We studied 46 New Zealand albino rabbits submitted to microsurgery in both vocal cords with autologous unilateral or bilateral graft of fat or fascia. Results: There were 4 losses of 3 animals until the first week of the postoperative period and another after 19 days after surgery. In the subsequent animals there were no infection, hematoma or sutures dehiscence. Conclusion: The study enables the conclusion that the experimental laryngofissure in rabbits is a safe method that may be used for laryngological studies.

The role of antibiotic prophylaxis with sodium ceftriaxone to prevent bacterial translocation associated with hypovolemic shock: an experimental study in rats.

One of the measures adopted to reduce or prevent intestinal bacterial translocation (BT) in patients who are in hemorrhagic shock consists of prophylactic antibiotics. This study attempted to assess the effectiveness of administering systemic antibiotic to suppress BT in rats submitted to hemorrhagic shock. Sixty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into two experiments. In experiment 1 (n = 28), the animals were randomly divided into three groups: group I (n = 7), sham operation; group II (n = 11), constituted by animals that were submitted to hemorrhagic shock by removing 40% of the volemia, and were resuscitated after 40 min of sustained shock, replacing the previously removed blood; and group III (n = 10), animals that, besides hemorrhagic shock and volemic replacement, received 50 mg/kg of sodium ceftriaxone intravenous 1 min after blood readministration. Mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) for culture tests and segments of the small bowel were removed for histopathological studies 1 day after the operation in the three groups. In experiment 2, the same procedures were performed, except the laparotomy for removing MLN and segments of jejunal and ileal bowel, but the animals were followed during 7 days, in order to evaluate the mortality rate. In the control group (group I), the bacteriological assessment of the MLN was negative in all cases. Only 40% of the animals treated with antibiotics after hypovolemic shock (group III) presented positive bacteriological exams of the MLN, and this rate was 90% in the group of animals that did not receive this substance (group II) (p < .05). Escherichia coli was the bacteria identified most frequently in culture tests (92.8%). The villosities atrophy and inflammatory infiltrate of the lamina propria were the most common histological changes in the bowel, although the intensity was similar in groups II and III (p > .05), but more intense that in group I (p < .05). The mortality rates in groups I, II, and III 7 days after hypovolemic shock were 0%, 20%, and 20%, respectively. Prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduced the presence of bacteria in the MLN in situations of hypovolemic shock, in rats. This was probably related to a lower BT. However, this aspect did not modify the mortality rate of the animals. Also, the possibility that BT may not have a significant influence in this outcome should be considered.