Congenital Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis in Association With Polymalformative Syndrome of the Midline.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare neonatal entity characterized by a reduction in the pyriform orifice of the nasal cavity. Because of its nonspecific clinical presentation as respiratory distress symptoms, it can mimic choanal atresia. Although isolated forms have been described, CNPAS is often associated with other congenital midline malformations. A single median incisor is usually found, with or without other cervical and maxillofacial malformations. The existence of hypothalamic-pituitary axis malformations with endocrine disorders is also possible and, in some cases, a moderate to severe intellectual deficit in association with other brain malformations. Radiological investigation is a central point in the multidisciplinary management of this type of polymalformative syndrome.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Stress and Diet Adherence in Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Objectives:To study the impact of lockdown on diet adherence and stress in patients treated for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Methods:Patients with a positive LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were treated from the pre- to lockdown period with diet, behavioral changes and an association of proton pump inhibitors and alginate. The following outcomes were used to assess the clinical features of patients: reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12) and reflux sign assessment (RSA). At post-treatment time, patients were invited to evaluate the impact of lockdown on diet adherence and stress management with a predefined grid of foods and beverages and perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Results:Thirty-two patients completed the evaluations. RSS-12 and RSA significantly improved from baseline to three-month post-treatment. Most patients experienced mild-to-severe stress level at the end of the lockdown. The level of stress substantially increased in 34% of patients due to lockdown, while it did not change in 44%. In 34% of cases, patients reported that adherence to antireflux diet was better than initially presumed thanks to the lockdown period, while 44% believed that the lockdown did not impact their adherence to diet. PSS and RSS-12 were significantly correlated at the end of the pandemic (p<0.001). The increase of stress level was positively associated with the lack of adherence to diet (p=0.039). Conclusion:During the lockdown, diet habits were improved or unchanged in most LPR cases, while stress level was increased in one-third of patients.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patient Changes during the COVID-19 Quarantine.

Background and Objective: To examine the effects of the lockdown on diet adherence and stress levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Materials and Methods: Patients with a positive LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were treated from a pre- to lockdown period with a 3-month high-protein, low-fat, alkaline, plant-based diet, with behavioral changes, and an association of pantoprazole (20 MG/d) and alginate (Gaviscon 3/d). The following patient-reported outcomes questionnaire and findings instrument were used: Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA). At the posttreatment time, patients were invited to evaluate the impact of lockdown on diet adherence and stress management with a predefined grid of foods and beverages and the perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Results: Thirty-two patients completed the evaluations. RSS-12 and RSA significantly improved from baseline to 3-month posttreatment. Most patients experienced mild-to-severe stress levels at the end of the lockdown. The level of stress substantially increased in 11 patients (34%) due to the lockdown, while it did not change in 11 patients (44%). In 11 cases (34%), patients reported that the adherence to the anti-reflux diet was better than initially presumed thanks to the lockdown period, while 44% (N = 14) reported that the lockdown did not impact the adherence to a diet. PSS and RSS-12 were significantly correlated at the end of the pandemic (rs = 0.681; p < 0.001). The increase in stress level was positively associated with the lack of adherence to diet (rs = 0.367; p = 0.039). Conclusions: During the lockdown, the diet habits of LPR patients were improved in one-third and unchanged in 44% of cases. The stress level was increased in one-third of patients, which was associated with an increase in symptom scores.

Comparison of prevalence and evolution of COVID-19 olfactory disorders in patients infected by D614 (wild) and B.1.1.7. Alpha variant: a brief report.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and the evolution of olfactory disorders (OD) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients infected during the first and the second European waves. METHODS: From March 2020 to October 2020, COVID-19 patients with OD were recruited and followed over the 12-month post-infection. The following data were collected: demographic, treatments, vaccination status, and olfactory function. Olfaction was assessed with the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire (ODQ), and threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) test. Outcomes were compared between patients of the first wave (group 1: wild/D614G virus) and the second wave (group 2: B.1.1.7. Alpha variant) at 1-, 3- and 12-month post-infection. RESULTS: Sixty patients completed the evaluations accounting for 33 and 27 patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. The 1-month TDI score (23.7 ± 5.3) was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (29.8 ± 8.7; p = 0.017). Proportion of normosmic patients at 1-month post-infection was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.009). TDI scores only significantly increased from 1- to 3-month post-infection in anosmic and hyposmic patients. Focusing on There was a negative association between the 1-month ODQ and the 1-month TDI (rs = - 0.493; p = 0.012). ODQ was a significant predictor of TDI scores at 3- and 12-month post-infection. The 12-month prevalence of parosmia was 60.6% in group 1 and 42.4% in group 2, respectively. There was no significant influence of oral corticosteroid treatment, adherence to an olfactory training and vaccination status on the olfactory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of the second wave (Alpha B.1.1.7. variant) reported significant higher proportion of psychophysical test abnormalities at 1-month post-infection than patients infected during the first wave (D614G virus).

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Metastatic to the Frontal Sinus and Frontal Recess: Case Report.

We describe an extremely rare papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasic to the paranasal sinuses and our surgical management. A 39-year-old patient with a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed five years earlier who presented with symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Medical imaging demonstrated opacification of the frontal sinuses and the anterior ethmoid sinus without signs of angiogenesis, bone destruction or calcification. Biopsy under general anesthesia revealed presence of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Treatment consisted in sinus endoscopic surgery with Draf III procedure followed by 131I therapy. To our best knowledge, this is the first described case of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the frontal sinus and frontal recess.

Effectiveness and safety of PRP on persistent olfactory dysfunction related to COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a well know symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), accounting for 48 to 85% of patients. In 1 to 10% of cases, patients develop a chronic olfactory dysfunction (COD), lasting more than 6 months. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was used in patients with non-COVID-19 COD and authors reported encouraging results. METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the usefulness and safety of PRP injection in 56 patients with COVID-19 COD by the Sniffing Stick test (TDI score) and a linker-scale from 0 (none) to 3 (strong) and we compare the result to a control group. RESULTS: At 1 month post-PRP injection, the mean TDI scores significantly improved by 6.7 points in the PRP group (p < 0,001), the mean self-assessment of improvement in smell function was 1.8 (mild-to-moderate) in the PRP group, which was significantly higher than the score (0.3) in the control group (p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that PRP in the olfactory cleft can increase the olfactory threshold 1 month after the injection. Moreover, our results suggest that timing of treatment may be an important factor and that PRP is a safe treatment, because no adverse effects were reported throughout the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05226546.

Features of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Patients With Dysphonia.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the prevalence of dysphonia in European patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and the clinical features of dysphonic patients. METHODS: The clinical and epidemiological data of 702 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were collected from 19 European Hospitals. The following data were extracted: age, sex, ethnicity, tobacco consumption, comorbidities, general, and otolaryngological symptoms. Dysphonia and otolaryngological symptoms were self-assessed through a 4-point scale. The prevalence of dysphonia, as part of the COVID-19 symptoms, was assessed. The outcomes were compared between dysphonic and nondysphonic patients. The association between dysphonia severity and outcomes was studied through Bayesian analysis. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients were dysphonic, accounting for 26.8% of cases. Females developed more frequently dysphonia than males (P = 0.022). The proportion of smokers was significantly higher in the dysphonic group (P = 0.042). The prevalence of the following symptoms was higher in dysphonic patients compared with nondysphonic patients: cough, chest pain, sticky sputum, arthralgia, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The severity of dyspnea, dysphagia, ear pain, face pain, throat pain, and nasal obstruction was higher in dysphonic group compared with nondysphonic group. There were significant associations between the severity of dysphonia, dysphagia, and cough. CONCLUSION: Dysphonia may be encountered in a quarter of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and should be considered as a symptom list of the infection. Dysphonic COVID-19 patients are more symptomatic than nondysphonic individuals. Future studies are needed to investigate the relevance of dysphonia in the COVID-19 clinical presentation.

Influence of Age and Sex on Clinical and Therapeutic Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of age and sex on the clinical presentation and therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Prospective multicenter study of 271 patients with a diagnosis of LPR confirmed by impedance-pH monitoring. METHODS: Patients were prescribed 6 months of diet changes and a combination of pantoprazole and/or alginate depending on the results of their impedance-pH results. The Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Data were explored according to sex and age. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients completed the evaluations (138 females). On the RSS, patients of the oldest group (>60 years) had lower symptom scores (throat pain, ear pain, odynophagia, chest pain, tongue burning, nausea, halitosis, and indigestion) and lower quality-of-life scores than younger individuals. RSS and RSA outcomes significantly improved from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment in all groups. Scores on the RSS and RSA continued to improve from 3 to 6 months posttreatment in the elderly group. Females with LPR had a higher score on the RSS at baseline as compared with males. On the RSS, scores significantly improved after 3 months in males and females; however, they continued to improve from 3 to 6 months in the female group. CONCLUSION: Age and sex may influence the clinical presentation and pre- to posttreatment evolution of symptoms and findings. Age and sex differences could be considered in future therapeutic approaches to guide more effective personalized treatment plans for patients with LPR.

Impact of Acid, Weakly Acid and Alkaline Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on Voice Quality.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze pre to posttreatment voice changes regarding the type of reflux in patients with acid, weakly acid or alkaline laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). METHODS: Patients with LPR, diagnosed using hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance pH-monitoring (HEMII-pH), were prospectively recruited from three University Hospitals. Patients were treated with a combination of diet, proton pump inhibitors, magaldrate and alginate for 3 months. The following clinical and voice quality outcomes were studied pre to posttreatment according to the type of reflux (acid, weakly acid, nonacid): HEMII-pH, gastrointestinal endoscopy features, reflux symptom score (RSS), reflux sign assessment (RSA), voice handicap index (VHI), perceptual voice assessment (grade of dysphonia and roughness), aerodynamic and acoustic measurements. RESULTS: From December 2018 to March 2021, 160 patients completed the evaluations, accounting for 60 acid, 52 weakly acid, and 48 alkaline cases of LPR. There were no baseline differences in clinical and voice quality outcomes between groups. RSS and RSA significantly improved from pre to posttreatment in the entire cohort and in all patient groups. VHI, dysphonia and roughness, maximum phonation time, Jitter, Shimmer and noise to harmonic ratio significantly improved from pre to posttreatment. Individuals with alkaline reflux reported better voice quality improvements as compared to acid and weakly acid reflux patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with acid and alkaline reflux reported better posttreatment voice quality outcomes as compared to weakly acid reflux patients. Future basic science and clinical studies are needed to better understand the histological changes of the vocal folds due to reflux of varying pH types and gastroduodenal enzyme content.

Validity and Reliability of the French Short Version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS).

OBJECTIVE: To develop a French Short Version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (Fr-sQOD) to assess the quality of life impairments of patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD). METHODS: Patients with OD and controls were enrolled from 2 academic centers. Individuals completed the Fr-sQOD, an OD visual analog scale severity, and the French version of the sinonasal outcome tool-22 (SNOT-22). Cronbach α was used to measure the internal consistency of Fr-sQOD. The reliability and the external validity of Fr-sQOD were assessed through a test-retest approach and by correlating Fr-sQOD with SNOT-22 scores, respectively. The external validity was assessed by correlation analysis between Fr-sQOD and the result of an assessment of the severity of OD on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Eighty patients completed the evaluations. The internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach α .96), and the test-retest reliability was high in the entire cohort (rs = 0.877, P < .001). The correlation between Fr-sQOD total scores and the severity of OD was moderate but significant (rs = -0.431; P = .001) supporting an acceptable external validity. Patients with OD had a significantly higher score of Fr-sQOD than healthy individuals (P < .001), indicating a high internal validity. CONCLUSION: The Fr-sQOD is a reliable and valid self-administered tool in the evaluation of the impact of OD on quality of life of French-speaking patients.

Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Nasal Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction: A European Multicenter Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early administration of oral corticosteroids (OC) or nasal corticosteroids (NC) as an add-on to olfactory training (OT) versus OT alone in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Patients with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 and OD were prospectively recruited from March 22 to December 15, 2020 from 4 European hospitals. Patients had confirmed OD on psychophysical testing. All patients undertook OT, with add-on 10 days of OC (group 1: OC + OT), or 1 month of NC (group 2: NC + OT) or olfactory training alone (group 3: OT). Olfactory evaluations (Sniffin'Sticks tests) were carried out at the time of inclusion, 1 and 2 months after the start of the therapeutic course. Results: A total of 152 hyposmic or anosmic patients completed the study. Group 1, 2 and 3 included 59, 22 and 71 patients, respectively and all patient groups were comparable regarding baseline Sniffin'Sticks tests. The median Sniffin'Sticks test values significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention in all groups. The increase of Sniffin'Sticks test values was higher in group 1 (OC + OT) compared with groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) at one month after treatment but did not remain so at 2 months. Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, presented parosmia in 20/71 (28.2%), 9/22 (40.9%) and 42/71 (59.2%) patients. This difference was statistically significant between group 1 and 3 (p < 0.001). There were no patients with a worsening of the disease or an increase of the severity of the COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: The use of OCs in patients with OD related to mild COVID-19 is generally well-tolerated without any case of deterioration of symptoms. OC is associated with greater improvement in psychophysical olfactory evaluations at 1-month post-treatment but there was no difference at 2 months. Parosmia may be reduced following treatment with OC and NC. On the basis of these preliminary results, it is possible to state that considering the 2 months efficacy of OC and NC with respect to the OT alone and the risk-benefit ratio, the benefit to start a specific treatment of COVID-19 related OD cannot be demonstrated and there is a need for a randomised controlled trial to assess this further.

Association Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Media Otitis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and recurrent (ROM) or chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). DATABASES: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. METHODS: Three authors searched articles published between January 1980 and September 2020 about the association between LPR and the development of recurrent or chronic otitis media. Inclusion, exclusion, diagnostic criteria, and clinical outcome evaluation of included studies were analyzed using PRISMA criteria. The bias analysis of included studies was evaluated with the Tool to assess Risk of Bias of the CLARITY group. RESULTS: Twenty-six clinical and three experimental articles met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 1,624 children and 144 adults with COME or ROM. According to the pH study type, the prevalence of LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in OM patients were 28.7% (range, 8-100%) and 40.7 (range, 18-64%), respectively. The majority of studies identified pepsin or pepsinogen in middle ear effusion, with a range of mean concentrations depending on the technique used to measure pepsin. There was an important heterogeneity between studies regarding definition of COME, ROM, and LPR, exclusion criteria, methods used to measure pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear secretions and outcome assessments. CONCLUSION: The association between LPR and OM is still unclear. Future clinical and experimental studies are needed to investigate the association between LPR and OM in both children and adults through extensive gastric content analysis in middle ear suppurations and impedance-pH monitoring considering acid, weakly acid, and alkaline reflux events.

The efficacy of a personalised treatment depending on the characteristics of reflux at multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring in patients with acid, non-acid and mixed laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the evolution of symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients according to the type of reflux (acid, non-acid, mixed and gastro-oesophageal (GERD)). DESIGN: Prospective uncontrolled multicentre study. METHODS: One hundred and six patients with LPR have been recruited from 3 European Hospitals. According to the reflux characteristics at the impedance-pH monitoring (acid, non-acid, mixed, GERD), patients received a personalised treatment based on the association of diet, pantoprazole, alginate or magaldrate for 3 months. Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-treatment. Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) has been used to rate laryngeal and extra-laryngeal findings at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Overall success rate and the evolution of symptoms and findings were evaluated according to the LPR types. RESULTS: One hundred and two LPR patients (42 acid, 33 non-acid, 27 mixed, including 49 with LPR and GERD) completed the study. RSS and RSA total scores significantly improved from baseline to post-treatment time in acid, mixed and non-acid groups. The presence of GERD in addition to LPR did not impact the clinical improvement. The 3-month success rates of treatment ranged from 62% to 64%, and there were no significant differences between groups. The success rate of patients with non-acid LPR was similar to those of patients with mixed and acid LPR. CONCLUSION: MII-pH is useful to specify the type of LPR and the related most adequate therapeutic regimen. Non-acid or mixed LPR similarly respond to treatment than acid LPR but require a treatment based on alginate or magaldrate covering the non-acid proximal reflux events.

Does Pepsin Saliva Concentration (Peptest™) Predict the Therapeutic Response of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients?

OBJECTIVE: To study the profile and the therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) according to the initial pepsin saliva concentration. METHODS: From January 2018 to January 2020, patients with positive LPR diagnosis at the HEMII-pH were consecutively recruited from 3 European Hospitals. Saliva pepsin concentration (Peptest™) was measured during the HEMII-pH testing period and patients were classified into 2 groups: negative versus positive Peptest. The clinical outcomes, that is, gastrointestinal and HEMII-pH findings, reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12), and 3-month therapeutic response, were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients completed the study. Among them, 30 patients had negative Peptest. Pharyngeal reflux events occurred outside 1-hour post-meal time in 74.0%, after the meals in 20.5% and nighttime in 5.5%. The pepsin saliva level was not significantly associated with the reflux events preceding the sample collection. Patients with positive Peptest had better improvement of RSS-12 digestive and respiratory subscores and oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings compared with patients with negative Peptest. CONCLUSION: Patients with high saliva pepsin concentration had no stronger gastrointestinal, HEMII-pH, or clinical outcomes compared with those with low or undetectable saliva pepsin concentration.

Efficacy and safety of oral corticosteroids and olfactory training in the management of COVID-19-related loss of smell.

PURPOSE: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, an increasing number of patients are afflicted by olfactory loss, a now well-recognized symptom of the disease. Though many patients seem to recover their sense of smell after a few weeks, a certain proportion of them seem to develop long-lasting olfactory disorder. Yet, as of October 2020, there is no recommended standardized treatment to reduce the risk of developing long-term olfactory disorder. In this pilot study, we investigated the efficacy and the safety of oral corticosteroids and olfactory training as a treatment for patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction as a result of COVID-19. METHODS: Non-hospitalized patients with a sudden loss of smell and a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were recruited by hospital call from February to April 2020. These participants were submitted to an extensive psychophysical testing in order to identify those with persistent dysosmia. Dysosmic patients were then treated either by a 10-day course of oral corticosteroids combined with olfactory training, or by olfactory training alone. All participants were subject to a second olfactory test after a mean of 10 weeks. RESULTS: 72 subjects with documented COVID-19 infection performed the initial olfactory test, on average 5 weeks after losing their sense of smell. Amongst them, 27 (37.5%) patients showed persistent dysosmia and were all included in this study. Nine participants received oral corticosteroids and performed olfactory training (OCS + OT), while 18 performed olfactory training (OT) only. Only participants in the OCS + OT group had significantly improved their olfactory score and did so above the minimal clinically important difference for subjective improvement of smell (p = 0.007). Three of the participants who received oral corticosteroids reported minimal and transient side effects. CONCLUSION: This pilot study may suggest the combination of a short course of oral corticosteroids and olfactory training is safe and may be beneficial in helping patients with enduring dysosmia recover from olfactory loss due to COVID-19. There is a crucial need for further investigation with larger cohorts to corroborate these findings.

A 10-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Prospective Study of 2 Treatments for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps and Investigation of the Impact of Gastroeosophageal Reflux Disease in the Resistance to Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 2 long-term medical strategies in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSnNP) and to identify the role of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori as factors of treatment failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with CRSnNP were randomized into 2 therapeutic groups. The first group was treated with 4 weeks of amoxicillin/clavulanate and a short course of oral steroids. The second group received 8 weeks of clarithromycin. Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) and Lund and Mackay scores were assessed at baseline and after treatment, and GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire was evaluated in all patients. Patients with a GERD-HRQL score >8 received esogastroscopy and H pylori detection. Patients were followed during a 10-year period for clinical course and GERD evolution. The 10-year evolution of patients was described in terms of recurrence, medical, and surgical treatments. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients completed the study; SNOT-20 and Lund and Mackay scores similarly improved in both groups. Amoxicillin/clavulanate group had significantly more adverse reactions than the clarithromycin group (P = .03). After the therapeutic course, 35% (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and 41% (clarithromycin) of patients needed functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). During the long-term follow-up, 54% (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and 40% (clarithromycin) of patients had late CRSnNP recurrence; FESS was performed in less than 15% of cases of recurrence. Gastroesophageal reflux disease complaint's severity was associated with late recurrence of CRSnNP. CONCLUSION: Amoxicillin/clavulanate and clarithromycin would be competitive treatments for CRSnNP. Gastroesophageal reflux disease seems to be a negative factor for treatment response and recurrence.

Psychophysical evaluation of chemosensory functions 5 weeks after olfactory loss due to COVID-19: a prospective cohort study on 72 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the evolution of chemosensation via extended psychophysical testing in patients who suffered from sudden chemosensory loss due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Additionally, this study sought to determine whether odor threshold testing provided additional information on olfactory loss due to COVID-19 compared to the more common odor identification testing. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients with sudden chemosensory loss since February 2020 and confirmed COVID-19 infection via RT-PCR or serology testing. Olfactory function was tested extensively using the "Sniffin Sticks" test battery. In addition, we screened gustatory perception and nasal cooling sensations using psychophysical tests. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients completed the study. After a mean of 37 days, 37% of patients showed olfactory dysfunction, 7% were dysgeusic, and 48% showed signs of low sensitivity for cooling sensation. A longer duration of anosmia before smell improvement was correlated with lower olfactory function at 5 weeks. Odor threshold detection was more affected by COVID-19 compared to odor identification. CONCLUSION: Five weeks after developing sudden chemosensory loss due to COVID-19, a high proportion of patients were dysosmic and showed signs of low nasal cooling sensitivity, whereas most of them had normal taste function. SARS-CoV-2 affected mainly odor thresholds, possibly suggesting that the major cause of loss of smell lies at the level of the olfactory neuroepithelium, rather than in the central nervous system.

Changes of Laryngeal and Extralaryngeal Symptoms and Findings in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the evolution of laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) throughout a 3-month to 9-month treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Controlled Study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven LPR patients and 123 healthy individuals were enrolled from four European hospitals. Patients were managed with a 3-month personalized treatment considering the LPR characteristics at the impedance-pH monitoring. Regarding the clinical therapeutic response, treatment was adapted for 3 to 6 additional months. Symptoms and findings were assessed throughout the therapeutic course with the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and the short version of the Reflux Sign Assessment (sRSA). The relationship between patient and reflux characteristics, symptoms, and findings was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one LPR patients completed the study. LPR patients exhibited more laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings than healthy individuals. RSS significantly improved from baseline to 6 weeks posttreatment and continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. sRSA significantly improved from baseline to 3 months posttreatment. No further improvement was noted at 6 months posttreatment for pharyngeal and oral findings. Laryngeal findings continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. There was a significant association between patient stress level and RSS (P = .045). At 3 months posttreatment, 28.1% of patients had high or complete response, whereas 47.1% required 6 months or 9 months of treatment. Overall, 24.8% of patients had an LPR chronic course. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings significantly improved throughout treatment in LPR patients. The improvement of laryngeal findings was slower. Regarding the low prevalence of some digestive or otolaryngological symptoms, a short version of the RSS could be developed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1332-1342, 2021.