ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Denmark, stroke represents a leading disability cause. While people with difficulties in performing activities of daily living (ADL) due to poststroke cognitive impairments are often referred to occupational therapy, limited knowledge is available on the nature of these services. AIM/OBJECTIVE: To explore how Danish occupational therapists describe their practice when addressing decreased ADL ability in people with poststroke cognitive impairments in hospital and municipality settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: National, cross-sectorial, web-based public survey. RESULTS: 244 occupational therapists accessed the survey; 172 were included in the analysis. Most respondents could indicate the theory guiding their reasoning; half used standardised assessments. Regarding intervention, restorative and acquisitional models were preferred; specific strategies were identified. Intensity: 30-45 min 3-4 times/week in hospitals; 30-60 min 1-2 times/week in municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Therapists report to be guided by theory in their reasoning. Standardised assessments are used to a higher extend than previously reported. Still, the results invite critical reflections on correct use of assessment instruments, content and intensity of interventions, and how therapists keep themselves updated. SIGNIFICANCE: The results document the need for practice improvements and may inform the definition of standard care in future trials.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Occupational Therapy , Stroke Rehabilitation , Humans , Activities of Daily Living , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Occupational Therapy/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , DenmarkABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. Data on the impact on otolaryngological clinics and private practices is sparse. This study aimed to present data on healthcare worker (HCW) screening, status of HCW, pre-interventional testing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the economic impact of the pandemic. METHODS: Otolaryngological private practices and hospital-based departments were surveyed nationwide using an online questionnaire. Participating facilities were recruited via the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and the German Association for Otolaryngologists in Bavaria. RESULTS: 365 private practices (2776 employees) and 65 hospitals (2333 employees) were included. Significantly more hospitals (68.7%) than practices (40.5%) performed pre-interventional testing in their outpatients (p < 0.00). Most inpatients were tested in practices and hospitals (100.0% and 95.0%; p = 0.08). HCW screening was performed in 73.7% of practices and in 77.3% of hospitals (p = 0.54). Significantly more HCW infections were reported in private practices (4.7%) than in hospital (3.6%; p = 0.03). The private or home environment was the most frequent source of infection among HCW in hospitals (44%) and practices (63%). The use of PPE increased over the course of the pandemic. The number of procedures and the revenue decreased in 2020. CONCLUSION: The rate of pre-interventional testing among outpatients in otolaryngological practices is low and HCW infections were found to be more frequent in practices than in hospitals. In addition, a high rate of infections in otolaryngological HCW seems to stem from the private or home environment.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Otolaryngology , Pandemics , Private Practice , Germany/epidemiology , Health Personnel , Home Environment , Hospitals , Humans , Personal Protective EquipmentABSTRACT
Misophonia is a devastating disorder. It is known as an affective sound-processing disorder characterized by the experience of strong negative emotions (e.g., anger, distress) in response to human sounds such as eating/swallowing/breathing. Other sounds produced by humans but not directly by human bodies can also be misophonic triggers (e.g. pen clicking) or environmental sounds (animal sounds/sounds of machines). The type of aversive triggers is individual. The reaction to trigger sounds can depend on many factors, such as assessment of the sound, personal experience, social context or psychological profile. However, there is currently no consensus in defining misophonia. Misophonia is also not yet classified by any official diagnostic system, although it seems to be a separate disorder. There are also associations with other disorders such as activity disorders, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and autism spectrum disorders. In 2013, the first definition criteria were published for the diagnosis of misophonia. Specifically, fMRI showed abnormal activation of the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and other brain areas responsible for the processing and regulation of emotions. To date, no randomized controlled trials evaluating treatments have been published. The use of cognitive and behavioral interventions have been reported as well as external sound systems and sound masking systems as known in the tinnitus retraining therapy. Sufferers try to minimize the trigger sounds by wearing ear plugs or music headphones. Otolaryngologists may also encounter patients with symptoms of misophonia, e.g., when hearing screening is requested or advice should be given on different therapeutic options. This report provides an overview of the current state of knowledge in misophonia and its diagnosis and treatment.
Subject(s)
Hyperacusis , Insular Cortex , Emotions , Humans , Hyperacusis/diagnosis , Phobic Disorders , SoundABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during the initial 14 days after stroke may benefit recovery of gait. We aimed to determine whether poststroke NMES of vastus medial and tibial muscles during exercise therapy is more effective than exercise therapy alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this proof-of-concept randomised trial patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke and a leg paresis (40-85 years of age) were randomised (1:1) to 10 min of daily NMES + exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone. Primary outcome was the between-group difference in change in 6 min Walk Test (6MWT) at 90 days post stroke estimated with a mixed regression model. Secondary outcomes included 10 m Walk Test, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, Guralnik Timed Standing Balance, Sit to Stand, Timed Up and Go, EQ-5D-5L, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Becks Depression Inventory. RESULTS: 50 stroke survivors (25 in each group) with a mean age of 67 years (range 43-83) were included. An insignificant between-group difference in change of 28.3 m (95%CI -16.0 to 72.6, p = 0.23, adjusted for baseline) in 6MWT at 90-days follow-up was found, in favour of the NMES group. All secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant between-group difference. The conclusion was that adding NMES to exercise therapy had no effect on poststroke walking distance measured by the 6 MWT or any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept RCT, we demonstrated that NMES in addition to exercise therapy during the first 14 days after onset of ischemic stroke did not improve walking distance or any of the secondary outcomes. Future studies with a longer trial period, stratifying patients into subgroups with comparable patterns of expected spontaneous recovery - if possible within 48 h post stroke, and greater sample size, than in this study are suggestions of how rehabilitation research could go on exploring the potential for NMES as an amplifier in stroke recovery.
Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation Therapy , Exercise Therapy , Ischemic Stroke/therapy , Paresis/therapy , Quadriceps Muscle/innervation , Stroke Rehabilitation , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Combined Modality Therapy , Denmark , Female , Functional Status , Humans , Ischemic Stroke/complications , Ischemic Stroke/diagnosis , Ischemic Stroke/physiopathology , Lower Extremity , Male , Middle Aged , Paresis/diagnosis , Paresis/etiology , Paresis/physiopathology , Proof of Concept Study , Recovery of Function , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , WalkingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Perpendicular vascular changes (PVC) are markers of tumor-induced neoangiogenesis at the vocal folds. Contact endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (CE-NBI) allows a detailed analysis of such vascular changes. OBJECTIVE: This work intends to evaluate the potential of CE-NBI for diagnosis of benign, dysplastic, and malignant lesions of the vocal folds. In addition, it should be determined whether CE-NBI offers an additional benefit in detecting PVC compared to white-light endoscopy (WLE) and NBI alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three examiners evaluated histologically verified cases of benign, dysplastic, and malignant lesions of the larynx in WLE, NBI, and CE-NBI (nâ¯= 60). In each mode, they examined the lesion for PVC and assessed the lesion's dignity. The proportion of lesions with detected PVC, the statistical measures of performance in detecting high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma, and the interrater variability for each mode were calculated. RESULTS: CE-NBI proved superior to the other investigated diagnostic methods in terms of detecting PVC and in terms of sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma. A clear association of such pathologies with PVC was seen. CONCLUSION: CE-NBI detects PVC more frequently and reliably than the other methods investigated. The association of these vascular patterns to high-grade dysplasia and vocal fold carcinomas could be confirmed. Compared to WLE and NBI endoscopy, the diagnostic quality for detecting high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma is increased. Thus, CE-NBI can improve endoscopic differentiation between benign and malignant lesions of the vocal folds by enhancing the detection of PVC.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Neoplasms , Larynx , Endoscopy , Humans , Narrow Band Imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , Vocal Cords/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: From spring 2020, SARS-CoV2 began to spread worldwide, with what is now known as the first wave of the pandemic, starting in March 2020. This resulted in restructuring and shift of resources at many hospitals. The aim of our work was to detect the effects of the pandemic on the german Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals in terms of research, student teaching and further specialist training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany were asked about the effects of the pandemic on research, student teaching and ORL specialist training (residency) in the period from March to April 2020 using a structured online survey. RESULTS: All 39 chairmen took part in the survey. Of these, 74.4% (29/39) stated that their research activities had deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. In 61.5% (24/39) pandemic-related research issues were addressed. All hospitals reported a restriction for in-house teaching and 97.5% (38/39) introduced new digital teaching methods. During the observation period, 74.4% of the chairmen did not see ORL specialist training (residency)at risk. CONCLUSION: Our results provide an insight into the heterogeneous effects of the pandemic. The fast processing of pandemic-related research topics and the introduction of innovative digital concepts for student teaching impressively demonstrates the great innovative potential and the ability of the ORL university hospitals to react quickly in order to maintain their tasks in research, student teaching and ORL specialist training in the best possible way even during the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Otolaryngology , Germany/epidemiology , Hospitals, University , Humans , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Students , TeachingABSTRACT
Tumors of the larynx can substantially impair vocal function, breathing and also swallowing. The primary goal of reconstructive surgical treatment of laryngeal tumors is to sufficiently resect the tumor while minimizing the effects of the treatment on the voice, breathing and swallowing. In general, primary reconstructions in primary laryngeal surgery have many advantages. The tissue at this point in time is soft because the scarring process has not yet been initiated. A better prerequisite for a sufficient glottic closure can also be expected through the immediate adjustment of the volume of the vocal folds; however, reconstructive treatment can also be carried out secondarily. Different methods of reconstructive surgery for laryngeal carcinoma are presented and discussed.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Neoplasms , Larynx , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Deglutition , Humans , Laryngeal Neoplasms/surgery , Larynx/surgery , Vocal CordsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Since December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been rapidly spreading worldwide. In Germany, an exponential increase in the number of infections was registered at the beginning of March 2020 and led to a call of the Ministry of Health to create more capacity for intensive medical treatment in hospitals. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals regarding patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent out to all chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany. The answers to the questions referred to the defined period from March 15th to April 15th 2020 and were carried out using the online survey tool "SurveyMonkey". 87 questions focused on general information, health care, and structural effects in the respective institution. RESULTS: All chairmen of the 39 university hospitals in Germany participated in the survey. The collected data prove the considerable impact on organizational, structural and medical aspects of patient care. For example, the surveyed clinics reported a decrease in outpatient cases by 73.8â% to 26.2â±â14.2â% and in surgical treatments by 65.9â% to 34.1â±â13.9â%. In contrast, emergency treatment remained unchanged or even increased in 80â% of the facilities and surgical treatment of emergency patients remained unchanged or even increased in more than 90â%. Emergency outpatient and surgical treatment of patients was provided throughout the pandemic in all facilities. In total, about 35â000 outpatients and about 12â000 surgical cases were postponed. As a result of the acute structural changes, the potential danger of falling below current treatment standards was seen in individual areas of patient care. DISCUSSION: The assessment of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is heterogeneous. The majority of the chairmen are critically aware of the risk of falling below current medical treatment standards or guidelines. In the phase of an exponential increase in the number of infections, significant changes in treatment processes had to be accepted for understandable reasons. However, with the currently significantly reduced number of infections, falling below treatment standards and guidelines should not be allowed to remain constant and tolerated. SUMMARY: This study shows a differentiated picture with regard to the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on outpatient, inpatient and operative patient care at the ORL university hospitals in Germany and illustrates the importance of these institutions for ensuring patient care during this critical phase.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Otolaryngology , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/epidemiology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/therapy , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Germany , Hospitals, University , Humans , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
This paper discusses otorhinolaryngological symptoms associated with functional disorders of the upper cervical spine. Hints aimed to avoid misdiagnoses of cross-organ otorhinolaryngological symptoms as phobic or psychogenic disorders are presented. Clinically relevant neuroanatomical convergence of the upper cervical spine (occiput to C3) is fundamental for the interpretation of functional otorhinolaryngological symptoms. Based thereon, evidence for the most common cervical differential diagnoses of dizziness, tinnitus, dysphagia, and craniomandibular dysfunction is presented separately. The corresponding therapeutic options and their contraindications are discussed in the concluding chapter. The importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in related fields is emphasized.
Subject(s)
Spinal Diseases/complications , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/complications , Cervical Vertebrae , Dizziness/etiology , Humans , Tinnitus/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neck tumors are challenging regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic management particularly in cases of malignant growth near relevant vessels to achieve R0 resection status and the best prognosis. AIM: The aim of this case report on a patient with a rare malignant tumor of the glomus caroticum (paraganglioma) is to present the successful outcome of a demanding interdisciplinary surgical approach (otorhinolaryngology and vascular surgery). Surgical re-intervention was necessary due to malignant tumor growth (detected in the histopathological investigation of the first specimen) including vascular resection using a hybrid graft for vascular reconstruction of the internal carotid artery near the skull base. CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old male patient underwent magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography to clarify the diagnosis of a tumor in the right neck. This was preoperatively embolized and subsequently resected including vascular reconstruction using a prosthetic interposition graft (7â¯cm; W.L. Gore, Putzbrunn, Germany) between the common and internal carotid arteries. HISTOLOGY: malignant paraganglioma 40â¯mm in diameter with haemangiosis et lymphangiosis carcinomatosa demonstrating lymph node metastasis and prompting re-operation (neck dissection levels II, III, IV, V). This was followed by a novel vascular reconstruction using a GORE® hybrid vascular graft prosthetic stent (W.L. Gore) as interposition graft because of the short extracranial stump of the distal internal carotid artery near the skull base and to limit clamping time. Early postoperative outcome revealed no complications and after 24 months there were no signs or symptoms of recurrent tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Extended resections, if necessary including vascular (arterial) segments, aim at achieving R0 classification as shown in this extremely rare and usually challenging malignant tumor. Hybrid vascular prostheses are suitable for time-saving vascular reconstruction (>50%) to provide sufficient blood supply.
Subject(s)
Carotid Body Tumor , Carotid Body , Paraganglioma , Adult , Carotid Artery, Internal/surgery , Carotid Body Tumor/surgery , Germany , Humans , Male , Paraganglioma/surgery , Skull BaseABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Consensus has been established that the subjective vertical (SV) is a result of multimodal sensory integration. In order to be able to calculate the vestibulocervical sensory competence for the SV, the isolated subjective trunk vertical axis (STV) was measured under conditions of vertical head fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Young, healthy volunteers (nâ¯= 49) were compared to older, healthy volunteers (nâ¯= 50) on a three-dimensionally deflectable (tilt, torsion, pitch) trunk excursion chair in which the volunteer's head remains in an upright position. Another young, healthy group was divided into a placebo (nâ¯= 27) and a monophasic cervical transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (C-TENS; nâ¯= 22) group to examine verticality perception. RESULTS: In the STV after trunk pitch, age was a significant variable (pâ¯= 0.021). The older, healthy group of subjects missed the physical vertical by an average of 1.8° more than the younger group. Only the placebo group showed an average improvement in STV of 4.3° after torsion. CONCLUSION: Apart from the macular organs the vestibulocervical sensory afference is involved in finding the trunk vertical. A difference in age to the disadvantage of the older healthy subjects was observed, as well as a lack of learning success after applied CTENS. The presented pilot study was able to confirm that a correct vertical trunk sensation is caused by vestibulocervical sensory afference in upright head position.
Subject(s)
Posture , Space Perception , Head , Humans , Neck , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anterograde transnasal flexible endoscopy of the pharynx, larynx, and proximal trachea without sedation has been established since the 1990s. Retroflexed endoscopic functional analysis has recently been introduced. OBJECTIVES: Adding retroflexed functional endoscopy from the oral cavity up to the duodenum to anterograde diagnostics allows the precise demonstration of how different factors interact in a complex way, e.â¯g., in case of dysphagia or pathological reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 70-cm-long high-definition endoscope without a channel system is equipped with a 200° retroflexed view, a mm-cm scale, and a roller system. The endoscope can be lengthened, stopped, or shortened during the procedure. Standard positions, viewing directions and display details ensure that findings are comparable. Mastication, food transport and digestion are observed in the unsedated patient. RESULTS: Depending on indication and symptoms, we defined a diagnostic algorithm including three specific pathways: (1) for conditions that originate in the oral cavity, larynx or pharynx, (2) for suspected reflux disease, or for neurological or neuromuscular disorders of food transport, (3) for duodenogastric, gastroesophageal and esophagopharyngeal reflux, as well for benign or malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: The advantages of functional endoscopy have an impact not only on the medical staff and patients. Its precise and participatory approach is relevant to healthcare, enlarges the diagnostic horizon, and forms a basis for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Subject(s)
Conscious Sedation , Endoscopy , Endoscopes , Endoscopy/methods , Humans , Larynx , Mouth , Pharynx , TracheaABSTRACT
This paper discusses otorhinolaryngological symptoms associated with functional disorders of the upper cervical spine. Hints aimed to avoid misdiagnoses of cross-organ otorhinolaryngological symptoms as phobic or psychogenic disorders are presented. Clinically relevant neuroanatomical convergence of the upper cervical spine (occiput to C3) is fundamental for the interpretation of functional otorhinolaryngological symptoms. Based thereon, evidence for the most common cervical differential diagnoses of dizziness, tinnitus, dysphagia, and craniomandibular dysfunction is presented separately. The corresponding therapeutic options and their contraindications are discussed in the concluding chapter. The importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in related fields is emphasized.
Subject(s)
Deglutition Disorders , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Tinnitus , Vertigo , Cervical Vertebrae , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Humans , Neck Pain , Temporomandibular Joint , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/complications , Tinnitus/etiology , Vertigo/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare, chronic disease of viral etiology which is characterized by multiple, recurrent growth of papillomas in the aerodigestive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical outcomes and the recurrence rates of 106 patients with RRP of the larynx were analyzed. The patients were treated at the University of Magdeburg between 1983 and 2014. The surgical outcomes of conventional and laser surgery regarding time to relapse and complications were compared. In addition, the influence of the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil® on the disease was analyzed in 10 patients. RESULTS: Children with RRP had a statistically significant greater number of surgeries throughout their lifetimes compared to adult patients. There were no differences between the adult (n = 79) and juvenile (n = 27) groups in the time to relapse and the number of surgeries/year. The time to relapse and number of procedures/year were not influenced by the various surgical methods. Complications after conventional and laser surgery were not statistically different between the two groups. Serious complications and the need for a tracheotomy were only reported after conventional surgery. In the 10 patients who were immunized with Gardasil®, a statistically significant lower number of surgeries/year after vaccination was achieved. CONCLUSION: RRP is a rare disease. Treatment requires experience and may be very difficult. The analysis of the course of the disease has shown that the treatment of choice is surgical excision with the CO2 laser combined with the quadrivalent or polyvalent vaccine. Consequent vaccination of both boys and girls has the potential to reduce the occurrence of RRP.
Subject(s)
Papilloma , Papillomavirus Infections , Respiratory Tract Infections , Adolescent , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Female , Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant , Male , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Papillomavirus Infections/surgery , Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control , Respiratory Tract Infections/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Swallowing is a dynamic process that requires more than 30 muscles in the recruitment/coordination of the lips, tongue, palate, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. The eating and swallowing procedure is learned in sensitive or critical periods: when a certain degree of maturation has been achieved, the appropriate stimulus permits a certain milestone of development to occur. The swallowing procedure occurs in three main stages oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal. Therefore, swallowing disorders may present in any, some, or all of these stages in addition to feeding problems. Adult dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, has long been reported in the literature. Infants and children also experience feeding disorders and swallowing problems, either because of developmental disorders, syndromes, behavioral or neurological conditions, respiratory problems, and/or gastroesophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis or anatomical deficits. Feeding problems or dysphagia are seen in up to 25% of all children; approximately 40% of prematurely born infants have swallowing disorders, up to 64-78% with developmental disorders and up to 99% with cerebral palsy. Diagnostic options include health status, broad social environment, parent-child interactions, and parental concerns. Evaluation of dysphagia and feeding disorders involves a multifactorial approach. Imaging studies may include videofluoroscopy and/or fiberoptic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Successful oral feeding must be measured in quality of meal time experiences with best possible oral sensorimotor skills and safe swallowing while not jeopardizing a child's functional health status or the parent-child relationship. An interdisciplinary team approach enables coordinated global assessment and therapy planning.
Subject(s)
Deglutition Disorders , Adult , Child , Deglutition , Humans , Infant , Parent-Child Relations , SyndromeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare, chronic disease of viral etiology which is characterized by multiple, recurrent growth of papillomas in the aerodigestive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical outcomes and the recurrence rates of 106 patients with RRP of the larynx were analyzed. The patients were treated at the University of Magdeburg between 1983 and 2014. The surgical outcomes of conventional and laser surgery regarding time to relapse and complications were compared. In addition, the influence of the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil® on the disease was analyzed in 10 patients. RESULTS: Children with RRP had a statistically significant greater number of surgeries throughout their lifetimes compared to adult patients. There were no differences between the adult (n = 79) and juvenile (n = 27) groups in the time to relapse and the number of surgeries/year. The time to relapse and number of procedures/year were not influenced by the various surgical methods. Complications after conventional and laser surgery were not statistically different between the two groups. Serious complications and the need for a tracheotomy were only reported after conventional surgery. In the 10 patients who were immunized with Gardasil®, a statistically significant lower number of surgeries/year after vaccination was achieved. CONCLUSION: RRP is a rare disease. Treatment requires experience and may be very difficult. The analysis of the course of the disease has shown that the treatment of choice is surgical excision with the CO2 laser combined with the quadrivalent or polyvalent vaccine. Consequent vaccination of both boys and girls has the potential to reduce the occurrence of RRP.
Subject(s)
Papilloma , Papillomavirus Infections , Respiratory Tract Infections , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Papilloma/surgery , Papillomavirus Infections/surgery , Respiratory Tract Infections/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The use of narrow band imaging (NBI) and further technological achievements concerning the resolution and magnification of endoscopic images have revolutionized laryngology in the past 10 years. The diagnosis and therapy of dysplasia and early laryngeal carcinoma have become significantly easier. There are also clear benefits for benign laryngeal lesions. Central to these techniques is the assessment of epithelial, connective tissue and vascular changes caused by diverse diseases.
Subject(s)
Image Enhancement/methods , Laryngeal Diseases/pathology , Laryngeal Mucosa/pathology , Laryngoscopes , Laryngoscopy/instrumentation , Laryngoscopy/methods , Equipment Design , Evidence-Based Medicine , Humans , Laryngeal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Laryngeal Mucosa/diagnostic imaging , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Technology Assessment, BiomedicalABSTRACT
The various stages of tumor growth are characterized by typical epithelial, vascular, and secondary connective tissue changes. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) endoscopy is a minimally invasive imaging technique that presents vascular structures in particular at a higher contrast than white light endoscopy alone. In combination with high-resolution image recording and reproduction (high-definition television, HDTV; ultra-high definition, 4K), progress has been made in otolaryngological differential diagnostics, both pre- and intraoperatively. This progress represents an important step toward a so-called optical biopsy. Flexible endoscopy in combination with NBI allows for a detailed assessment of areas of the upper aerodigestive tract that are difficult to assess by rigid endoscopy. Papillomas along with precancerous and cancerous lesions are characterized by epithelial and connective tissue changes as well as by typical perpendicular vascular changes. Systematic use of NBI is recommended in the differential diagnosis of malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. NBI also offers a significant improvement in the pre- and intraoperative assessment of superficial resection margins. In particular, the combination of NBI and contact endoscopy (compact endoscopy) facilitates excellent therapeutic decisions during tumor surgery. Intraoperative determination of resection margins at an unprecedented precision is possible. In addition, assessment of the form and extent of the perpendicular vessel loops stimulated by epithelial signaling enables differential diagnostic decisions to be made, approximating our goal of an optical biopsy.
Subject(s)
Early Diagnosis , Endoscopy/methods , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/pathology , Narrow Band Imaging/methods , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology , Respiratory Tract Neoplasms/pathology , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Neoplasm Staging , Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/diagnostic imaging , Reproducibility of Results , Respiratory Tract Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
The present article gives an overview of the current state of laryngeal surgery of benign lesions without claiming completeness and with a focus on the ENT board exam. Laryngeal procedures are highly endoscopic and microscopic based. New instruments and high-resolution endoscopic imaging techniques may substitute the typical Kleinsasser approach in the near future. Additionally, new flexible endoscopes may initiate a new era of so-called "office-based surgery". Furthermore, a consistent education of the public about performing vocal hygiene is necessary to prevent the rise of laryngeal diseases.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Diseases/surgery , Larynx/surgery , Ambulatory Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Ambulatory Surgical Procedures/trends , Equipment Design/trends , Forecasting , Germany , Humans , Laryngeal Diseases/diagnosis , Laryngeal Diseases/pathology , Laryngoscopy/instrumentation , Laryngoscopy/trends , Larynx/pathology , Microsurgery/instrumentation , Microsurgery/trendsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long-lasting impairment of the immune system is believed to be the underlying reason for delayed deaths after surviving sepsis. We tested the hypothesis of persisting changes to the immune system in survivors of sepsis for the first time. METHODS: In our prospective, cross-sectional pilot study, eight former patients who survived catecholamine-dependent sepsis and eight control individuals matched for age, sex, diabetes and renal insufficiency were enrolled. Each participant completed a questionnaire concerning morbidities, medications and infection history. Peripheral blood was collected for determination of i) immune cell subsets (CD4(+), CD8(+) T cells; CD25(+) CD127(-) regulatory T cells; CD14(+) monocytes), ii) cell surface receptor expression (PD-1, BTLA, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, Dectin-1, PD-1 L), iii) HLA-DR expression, and iv) cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL10, TNF-α, IFN-γ) of whole blood stimulated with either α-CD3/28, LPS or zymosan. RESULTS: After surviving sepsis, former patients presented with increased numbers of clinical apparent infections, including those typically associated with an impaired immune system. Standard inflammatory markers indicated a low-level inflammatory situation in former sepsis patients. CD8(+) cell surface receptor as well as monocytic HLA-DR density measurements showed no major differences between the groups, while CD4(+) T cells tended towards two opposed mechanisms of negative immune cell regulation via PD-1 and BTLA. Moreover, the post-sepsis group showed alterations in monocyte surface expression of distinct pattern recognition receptors; most pronouncedly seen in a decrease of TLR5 expression. Cytokine secretion in response to important activators of both the innate (LPS, zymosan) and the adaptive immune system (α-CD3/28) seemed to be weakened in former septic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine secretion as a reaction to different activators of the immune system seemed to be comprehensively impaired in survivors of sepsis. Among others, this could be based on trends in the downregulation of distinct cell surface receptors. Based on our results, the conduct of larger validation studies seems feasible, aiming to characterize alterations and to find potential therapeutic targets to engage.