Prevalence of Vocal Fatigue Due to the Use of Facial Protective Gear in Teaching Medical Professionals.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become far more widely used by doctors and are now commonplace in the hospital, with many professionals still wearing them for extended amounts of time. Emerging literature describing numerous mask-related difficulties prompted the authors to conduct a study aimed at assessing the self-perceived impact on voices of teaching doctors due to facial protective gear. In this study carried out from October 2021 to March 2022, data was gathered from 170 pre-, para-, and clinical professionals who were involved in offline teaching. Over half of teaching medical professionals were found to be vocally fatigued. Pre and para-clinical professionals have greater vocal tiredness and avoidance than clinical doctors (p = 0.016). The type of mask used does not make a significant difference in degree of vocal fatigue. Individuals with lingering respiratory difficulties following COVID-19 were significantly more vocally fatigued than their recovered peers (p value for tiredness and avoidance = 0.010). Thus, teaching doctors are at risk of impaired quality of life due to vocal fatigue. Further research on vocal habits and rest practices in the study population may help identify the most effective interventions. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04350-8.

Mental Health of Frontline Nurses in India During COVID-19: A Multisite Study.

Background  The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all healthcare providers. Nurses in Indian hospitals are at risk for mental health consequences of COVID-19-related stress. The study aimed to evaluate the mental health responses of Indian nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Method The study was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic from November 2020 to February 2021. Frontline nurses (n=387) working in both government and private sectors were recruited from four hospital centers across Mangalore, India. Nurses were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including active duty within wards and intensive care units designated for COVID-19 care or suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recruitment and data collection were facilitated by medical residents using a mix of physical and electronic survey methods. Results Nurses within the private sector with low personal protective equipment (PPE) security experienced heightened anxiety. Somatic symptoms were incrementally related to mental health depending on the workplace setting; private sector staff reported greater depression symptoms compared to those in government-run hospitals. Self-efficacy buffered against depression outcomes only in nurses within the private sector working within non-COVID units. Conclusions This study's findings showed differential responses to the stress of COVID-19 based on the setting. Future studies should further explore the factors associated with such differences. Somatic symptoms can be indicators of mental health adversity. Early detection and supportive interventions need to be taken into account.

A Rare Case of Hyoid Osteoma.

Solid primary tumors of the hyoid bone are extremely rare. Osteomas are benign, slow-growing, usually asymptomatic, and well-circumscribed tumors broadly attached to the bone surface composed of mature lamellar/cortical-type bone with unknown etiology. Osteomas commonly occur in bones formed by membranous ossification, almost exclusively occurring in the head and commonly involving the paranasal sinus, skull vault, mandible, and nasal bone. We discuss a rare case of osteoma involving the hyoid bone.

Effect of Preeclampsia and Gestational diabetes mellitus on Neonatal Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: A Tertiary Care Center Study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for cochlear damage and sensorineural hearing impairment in infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal study was conducted in 2 tertiary referral centers. 1068 neonates were included, who were born to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and healthy mothers. The hearing evaluation was done using DPOAE on day 2 and for those who failed the initial DPOAE on day 2, underwent repeat DPOAE on day 15, ABR was done on day 30 if repeat DPOAE was Refer. The results were compared between the groups and analyzed. RESULTS: On initial DPOAE, bilateral ear absent DPOAE rates were 19.5%, 15.8%, and 3.5% among preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), control groups respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001). Also it was noted that absent DPOAE was significantly high at low and mid frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) in bilateral ear. However the difference in repeat DPOAE among the groups were not significant (Right ear P = .17, Left ear P = .31). Infants who failed repeat DPOAE test underwent ABR test in which 3 of GDM group, 2 infants of preeclampsia group and 1 infant of control group had absent ABR test. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that GDM and preeclampsia showed remarkable association of hearing loss at lower and mid frequencies which was transient. The prevalence of absent DPOAE was corresponding to the severity of the maternal conditions under the study.

Histopathological Study of Benign Tumours of the Larynx: A Descriptive Study in Coastal Karnataka.

A laryngoscopically benign lesion with minimal hoarseness may turn out to be mimickers of malignancy or malignancy itself. Histopathological study is mandatory in such cases to rule out malignancy. A descriptive study of histopathological and laryngoscopic findings of benign laryngeal lesions were studies over a period of 4.5 years. Among the thirty-six patients studied, the mean age of the patients was 42 years. The most common presenting complaint was hoarseness of voice seen in 87.5% of cases. Twelve cases of vocal cord polyps were diagnosed based on clinical, laryngoscopical and histopathological features. Seven cases of vocal cord nodules, presenting with hoarseness of voice and laryngoscopic finding of a small nodular growth over the cord. Nine cases of laryngeal papillomas and papillomatosis showed branching papillae, lined by squamous epithelium with fibrovascular cores. A single case of amyloidosis and four cases of granulomatous lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were studied. One case each of rhabdomyoma and granular cell tumour was reported and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Rare benign tumours and tumour-like lesions mimicking malignancy on laryngoscopy need histopathological evaluation. It is mandatory to study excised biopsies of the larynx as grossly similar lesions can vary from non-neoplastic to frankly malignant.

Predictors of Surgical Outcomes After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis has an incidence of 15% in India. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), in case of failed medical management, is the current treatment protocol in Chronic rhinosinusitis. This study aims to assess the outcome of FESS as measured by subjective quality of life indices; Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22. It also assesses the predictive factors which influence the outcome after FESS. The study was conducted among 100 patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS, after failure of medical management. Immunocompromised or pregnant patients and patients with history of previous sinus surgery or malignancy were excluded from the study. The evaluation was done using Lund Kennedy endoscopy scores, Lund Mackay CT scan scores and RSDI and SNOT-22 questionnaires (baseline and 3 months post-op). Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskall Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Chi-square test. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RSDI and SNOTT 22 scores showed a mean change 34.78 and 33.04 respectively after FESS, with a p value of < 0.001, which was highly significant. The pre-operative factors which predicted a poor quality of life after FESS were smoking, Allergy and Asthma. Higher pre-operative Endoscopic and CT scores resulted in an improved quality of life after FESS. Gender, concurrent septoplasty and sinonasal polyposis did not influence the quality of life outcomes after FESS. The study determines the quality of life after FESS and also analyses the factors responsible for poor prognosis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study will enable the ENT surgeons to adequately counsel the patients before surgery.

Effect of formalin fixation on tumour size and margins in head and neck cancer specimens.

Objectives: To quantify tumour size and margin shrinkage due to formalin fixation in head and neck cancer specimens and determine its effect on tumour staging and margin clearance. Methods: Tumour specimens were measured immediate post-resection and at 24 hours after fixation. Tumour was measured in 2 dimensions and one margin was measured. Shrinkage was categorised as < 10%, 10-20%, and > 20%. Effect of shrinkage on tumour stage and margin clearance were evaluated. Results: A total of 50 specimens were analysed. The tumour AP (Anterior Posterior) and SI (Superior Inferior) measurements showed significant shrinkage with a mean difference of 22.93% and 21.69% respectively. > 20% shrinkage was noted in 78% of AP and 58% of SI measurements. Margins showed a mean difference of 25.61%. 84% of margins demonstrated > 20% shrinkage. In all, 46.7% of T3 and 23% of T2 tumours pre-fixation were downstaged to T2 and T1, respectively, post-fixation. Conclusions: Formalin fixation alone can be responsible for significant shrinkage of tumour and margin dimensions in head and neck specimens. It is suggested that decisions regarding the treatment plan should be made on clinical staging of primary tumour rather than pathological staging. In addition, post-excision pre-fixation margins should be considered for treatment planning.

Extracranial non-vestibular head and neck schwannomas: a case series with the review of literature

Abstract Introduction: Schwannomas are tumous that arise from Schwann cells. Schwannoma is one of the differential diagnosis for lateral neck swelling. Objective: In this study, we aim to describe the incidence, presenting clinical features and management of extracranial, non-vestibular schwannomas of head and neck region, along with the review of the literature. Methods: Patients treated at our tertiary care hospital for head and neck schwannomas for the past 15 years were included in the study. A review of literature on the extracranial head and neck schwannoma was also done. Results: Twenty-five cases were assessed in this study. Nineteen cases presented as a neck swelling during the initial evaluation. Vagus nerve was the most common nerve of origin, followed by the cervical sympathetic plexus. A rare presentation arising from brachial plexus C5 nerve root was also encountered. A few rare cases of schwannomas arose from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and oral cavity. Surgical excision was done in all the cases with histopathology suggestive of schwannoma. The nerve of origin of the tumor was identified in nineteen patients. Among them, 11 (58%) were from the vagus nerve, 7 (37%) from the cervical sympathetic chain, and 1 (4%) from the brachial plexus C5 nerve root. Conclusion: A long-standing unilateral neck mass is the most common presenting complaint in head and neck schwannoma. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features and investigations such as imaging. The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical excision. The diagnosis is confirmed on the histopathological study after excision of the lesion. Due to the proximity of the tumor with the involved nerve, palsy may occur. Hence, an accurate preoperative diagnosis of schwannoma is essential.

Bone Changes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Pathological or Physiological?

Bone remodelling is a normal physiological process which occurs in all bones. Hence bone changes should also be detected in undiseased or minimally diseased ethmoids as well as in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. To test this hypothesis, we compared ethmoid bone histology between two groups of patients; a study group of CRS patients and a group of patients whose radiological, endoscopic and symptom scores were significantly less when compared to the CRS group. The study group had 75 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. The control group included 16 patients who had significantly different endoscopic and radiological scores from the study group. On histopathology, the bone harvested from the ethmoid sinuses were grouped as no remodelling activity (Score 1), mild activity (Score 2) and marked activity (Score 3). Thirty-six percent of patients in the study group and 37.5% of patients in the control group had Score 2 and 3 bone changes and the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.824, p = 0.402). Correlation of bone changes in CRS done with parameters like Lund-Mackay radiological, surgical and symptom scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores showed no statistical significance. Similar bone changes were detected in CRS patients and the control group. The bone changes seen in histopathology in CRS patients could partly be due to the normal physiological remodelling occurring in all bones.

Extracranial non-vestibular head and neck schwannomas: a case series with the review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Schwannomas are tumous that arise from Schwann cells. Schwannoma is one of the differential diagnosis for lateral neck swelling. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim to describe the incidence, presenting clinical features and management of extracranial, non-vestibular schwannomas of head and neck region, along with the review of the literature. METHODS: Patients treated at our tertiary care hospital for head and neck schwannomas for the past 15 years were included in the study. A review of literature on the extracranial head and neck schwannoma was also done. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases were assessed in this study. Nineteen cases presented as a neck swelling during the initial evaluation. Vagus nerve was the most common nerve of origin, followed by the cervical sympathetic plexus. A rare presentation arising from brachial plexus C5 nerve root was also encountered. A few rare cases of schwannomas arose from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and oral cavity. Surgical excision was done in all the cases with histopathology suggestive of schwannoma. The nerve of origin of the tumor was identified in nineteen patients. Among them, 11 (58%) were from the vagus nerve, 7 (37%) from the cervical sympathetic chain, and 1 (4%) from the brachial plexus C5 nerve root. CONCLUSION: A long-standing unilateral neck mass is the most common presenting complaint in head and neck schwannoma. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features and investigations such as imaging. The mainstay of treatment is complete surgical excision. The diagnosis is confirmed on the histopathological study after excision of the lesion. Due to the proximity of the tumor with the involved nerve, palsy may occur. Hence, an accurate preoperative diagnosis of schwannoma is essential.

Effect of vocal rehabilitation after chemoradiation for non-laryngeal head and neck cancers.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of voice intervention in patients who received chemoradiation to the neck for non-laryngeal head and neck malignancies. METHODS: Twenty individuals with non-laryngeal malignancies of the head and neck who received chemoradiation were divided by block randomisation into an intervention group that received voice rehabilitation and a control group without rehabilitation. All patients underwent acoustic analysis, perceptual and subjective analysis of voice before the commencement of chemoradiotherapy and at 1, 3 and 6 months after chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: In both groups, all parameters were significantly altered at one month follow-up except for fundamental frequency (females in control group and males in intervention group). In the intervention group, all parameters returned to pretreatment levels (no statistical differences) at 6 months. In the control group, all except for a few subjective parameters (grade, breathiness and asthenia) remained significantly altered at 6 months compared to the levels before radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In non-laryngeal head and neck malignancies, voice rehabilitation offered at 1 month after treatment ameliorates chemoradiation-induced dysphonia within 6 months.

Sudden Hearing Loss and Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies in Autoimmune disease: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between autoimmune disease and sensorineural loss is well documented in literature. Immune mediated sudden hearing loss is asymmetric, bilateral and rapidly progressive but responds well to steroid therapy. However association of cranial nerve neuropathies with sudden hearing loss is rare. CASE REPORT: A 41 year old female presented with sudden mixed hearing loss and developed multiple cranial nerve palsies within a month. Blood and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. She responded well to definitive therapy with cyclophosphamide and azathioprine. CONCLUSION: If sudden hearing loss is associated with cranial neuropathy, an autoimmune work-up is highly recommended.

Nasal Polyposis in mucopolysaccharidosis type II.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is a rare multisystem disorder resulting from the accumulation of breakdown products of glycosaminoglycans in the body tissues. Many patients with this disease undergo ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeries such as adenotonsillectomy and tympanocentesis at a very early age, much before the diagnosis of MPS. Nasal polyposis is a rare occurrence, with only one case of MPS II with polyposis reported in the literature. We present a patient who presented with recurrent nasal polyposis from the age of 2 years. Hale's colloidal iron was used to stain these 'nasal polyps', which revealed that they are, in fact, mucopolysaccharide-laden sinonasal mucosa prolapsing into the nasal cavities. We believe this is the first time that this stain has been used to stain nasal polyps in MPS. In addition to the histopathological peculiarities of these nasal masses, we also discuss the natural history of nasal polyposis in MPS II.

Staging of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Computed Tomography versus Histopathology.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the choice of investigation for evaluation of extent of tumor under the mucosa, locally and regionally. This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of preoperative CT imaging in the staging of carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all cases who were clinically (c) staged T3-T4 and who underwent surgery were evaluated. The sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy (Ac) of a preoperative CT scan to detect cartilaginous penetration and spread outside the larynx was evaluated. Clinical T-stage by CT imaging was compared with postoperative histopathological T-stage. RESULTS: There were 22 (96%) male patients and one (4%) female patient. Patients were aged from 48 to 64 years (mean, 56 years). Twenty (87%) patients had laryngeal carcinoma, whereas three (13%) had hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Four (17%) patients had T3 tumors and 19 (83%) had T4a lesions. Preoperative imaging over-staged one of five pathological (p) T3 cases and three out of three pT2 cases, and was accurate in the remaining 19 cases. In a comparison of the results of imaging with histopathological T-classification, T-staging was found to be 82.6% accurate. CONCLUSION: CT is a precise and non-invasive imaging method with high sensitivity but relatively lower specificity because of increased false positives. CT imaging may be useful to guide the choice of surgical procedure, which can heavily impact a patients' quality of life.

Audiological profiling in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the audiological profiles in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis and to study the pattern of hearing loss in osteoporotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 postmenopausal women were evaluated at a tertiary referral center and were divided into normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic based on BMD results. The hearing evaluation was done using PTA, Impedance audiometry and DPOAE and the results were compared between the groups and analyzed. RESULTS: Osteoporotic patients had higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss than normal and osteopenic patients and the results were statistically significant (P ≤0.001) on PTA and DPOAE testing. The mean pure tone thresholds were significantly higher in osteoporotic patients in comparison with normal and osteopenic patients. The average hearing loss in osteoporotic patients with sensorineural loss was of mild degree. CONCLUSION: The data reveal that osteoporosis is associated with sensorineural hearing loss in postmenopausal women. The underlying mechanism needs further research but cochlear dysfunction could be an important factor.

Study of Risk Factors for Development of Voice Disorders and its Impact on the Quality of Life of School Teachers in Mangalore, India.

INTRODUCTION: School teachers are most prone to the development and detrimental effects of voice disorders as a consequence of their work. The risk factors for development of dysphonia in teachers are multifactorial. AIM: The primary aim of our study was to investigate the various risk factors that influence the onset and progression of voice disorders in school teachers in the Indian context. We wanted to assess the effect of voice problems on the physical, psychosocial and functional aspect of a teacher's life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted across three English medium institutions. A total of 105 teachers consented to participate in the study and they had to answer a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire, which included demographic details, living habits (drug intake, smoking and alcohol intake) health condition [any Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), stress, etc., or any history of surgery], teaching characteristics, voice symptoms and physical discomforts and quality of life assessment. The completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed based on the responses obtained. RESULTS: It was found that 81% of the study population had voice problems at some point of their career. A total of 26% of them fell into the voice disorder category. The association of upper respiratory infections DNS and GERD with voice disorders was found to be statistically significant. We also found that a significant number of teachers with voice disorders had changed their teaching styles and were planning to opt for an early retirement. Most importantly, it was also seen that teachers with voice disorders were more likely to have a poorer quality of life as compared to those without a voice disorder (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Voice disorders had a significant bearing on all the spheres of a school teacher's life. The affected teachers were more likely to take sick leaves, change overall job opinions, retire early, reduce overall communiations, repeat statements and avoid talking to people in person as well as over the telephone. It reduced their overall social abilities and made them avoid social activities. They got easily upset and were dissatisfied with their job performance. All these in turn deteriorate the quality of life in these individuals.

Vagal Schwannoma: A Rare Parapharyngeal Tumour.

Among the parapharyngeal tumours, salivary gland tumours are the commonest, followed by schwannomas, which are slow growing benign tumours. Half of the parapharyngeal schwannomas originate from the vagus. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We hereby present two cases of parapharyngeal schwannomas, one which had presented as an intraoral mass and the other as a swelling in the neck. The first case, a 57-year-old female patient complained of a slowly increasing swelling in the left side of the throat since 3 months, associated with pain and dysphagia. In the Contrast Enhanced CT scan of the neck, a well-defined cystic lesion with central enhancing solid components (4cm X 4.5cm X 3cm) was seen in the left parapharyngeal region. The second case, a 39-year-old male patient complained of a painless, gradually increasing swelling below the lobule of the right ear since one month. Examination revealed a solitary, nontender, firm and mobile swelling of 2cm X 2cm below the lobule of the right ear. In Contrast Enhanced CT scan of the neck, an enhancing lesion was seen involving the right parapharyngeal space, post-styloid compartment. Both the patients underwent trans-cervical surgical excision. Vagal nerve schwannoma is rare. The majority of the cases present with a slow growing neck swelling without neurological deficit. Complete surgical excision of the tumour is important to prevent recurrence.