Effects of structured exercise program on severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, fatigue, quality of sleep, activities of daily living, and quality of life in bilateral vestibular hypofunction.

BACKGROUND: A minimal number of studies have documented the impact of Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on the recovery rate of patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of structured VR programs on severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, fatigue, quality of sleep, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) in subjects with chronic BVH. METHOD: Twenty-five participants diagnosed with BVH were included in the study. A structured VR program was applied in 50-minute sessions once a week and as a home exercise program 3 times a day over 8 weeks. Participants were evaluated for severity of dizziness with the visual analog scale, for kinesiophobia with the tampa scale of kinesiophobia, for balance with the Semitandem, tandem, and standing tests, for quality of sleep with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, for ADL with the vestibular disorders activities of daily life, for QoL with dizziness handicap inventory and for fatigue with the fatigue severity scale at the baseline (T1), at 4th week (T2), 8th week (T3), and 20th week (T4) after study started. RESULTS: Significant difference in terms of Tandem Test and 1 Leg Stand Test was found in favor of T3-T4 Period (P < .05). There were significant improvements in terms of vestibular disorders activities of daily life, tampa scale of kinesiophobia, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and dizziness handicap inventory in favor of the T3 to T4 Period (P < .05). Significant difference in terms of visual analog scale was found in favor of T2 Period (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A twelve-week structured VR program may enhance severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, quality of sleep, ADL and QoL in participants with chronic BVH.

Effect of Bioabsorbable Poly (dl-Lactide ε-Caprolactone) on Healing of Experimentally Injured Acute Traumatic Middle Ear Mucosa Damage.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative adhesion is an important complication after middle-ear surgeries. Although many materials have been tried to prevent this complication, the use of Poly (dl-lactide ε-caprolactone) as an anti-adhesive material after middle-ear surgery has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-adhesive effect of poly (dl-lactide ε-caprolactone) on the ears of rats with middle-ear mucosa damage. METHODS: In our study, 14 Wistar albino rats and 28 ears in total were used. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Middle ear mucosa damage was performed in all groups with a transcanal approach under otomicroscopy in sterile conditions. The effects of poly (dl-lactide ε-caprolactone), silicone sheet, and absorbable gelatin sponge were compared histologically with the secondary healing group. In addition, hearing evaluation was performed before the procedure and on the 28th postoperative day. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in transient otoacoustic emission and distortion product otoacoustic emissions tests performed before and after the surgical procedure when the groups were compared. While adhesion was observed in the tympanic membrane in the absorbable gelatin sponge group, no adhesion was observed in the other groups. In the absorbable gelatin sponge group, increased fibroblastic activity, inflammation, and neovascularization were observed in the middle-ear mucosa. No significant difference was observed in silicone sheet, poly (dl-lactide ε-caprolactone), and control groups in terms of fibroblastic activity, inflammation, and neovascularization. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that absorbable poly (dl-lactide ε-caprolactone) is nonototoxic and biocompatible with the rat's middle ear cavity by short-term evaluation.

Comparison of two different bone anchored hearing instruments.

PURPOSE: To compare the audiological performances of Turkey's most up-to-date bone conduction implant processors. METHODS: Twenty-six bone-anchored hearing instrument users, thirteen in each group, were evaluated for speech understanding in quiet and several signal-to-noise ratios. RESULTS: We noticed the differences at 0.5 and 1 kHz measurements in free field frequency specific test, aided SRT scores, non-adaptive and adaptive matrix test results for a few conditions created a statistically significant difference in favor of Baha-6®. CONCLUSIONS: Both processors offer positive gains to their users in noisy and silent conditions. However, the data showed statistically significant differences for some measurements that may be critical for patients in daily practice.

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and video head impulse test studies: alternative methods for detecting brainstem involvement in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem involvement (BSI) has been reported as a major predictive factor for future disability in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPs) and Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) can be used to detect demyelinating lesions in vestibular pathways in MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three people with MS and 40 controls were evaluated with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), vHIT and cVEMP. RESULTS: The median value of DHI in MS group was significantly higher than controls (p<.001). According to vHIT results, while the results of horizontal canal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in group with brain stem involvement (gBSI (+)) were significantly different from both controls and group without brain stem involvement (gBSI (-)) (p= .036 and .024, respectively), results of gBSI (-) were similar with controls (p= .858). When cVEMP results were examined, mean P1 wave latency in gBSI (+) was significantly longer than controls (p= .002), but difference between gBSI (-) and controls and gBSI (+) was not statistically significant (p= .104 and .279, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: vHIT and cVEMP can be used in diagnosis and follow-up of people with MS without demyelinating brainstem lesions on MRI.

The role of serum salusin alpha and beta levels and atherosclerotic risk factors in idiopathic sudden hearing loss pathogenesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of sudden hearing loss by evaluating the newly discovered markers, serum salusin-α and salusin-ß. We also aimed to evaluate atherosclerosis risk factors, such as lipid profile, smoking, body mass index, waist circumference and mean blood pressure of the patients. METHODS: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with sudden hearing loss (study group) and fifty healthy people (control group) were included in the study. Detailed history was taken from the patients and risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as smoking, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, mean blood pressure and serum salusin-α and salusin-ß levels, were evaluated. The study group was divided into recovery group (subgroup I) and non-recovery group (subgroup II). RESULTS: The salusin-ß median value was found to be significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The salusin-ß median value was found to be significantly higher in subgroup 2 and was found to be a poor prognostic factor (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: From the results obtained in this study, it is thought that salusin-ß peptide is increased in patients with sudden hearing loss and it can be evaluated as a poor prognostic factor.

Impact of tonsillectomy on COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study of the incidence and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Due to many different reasons such as possible coronavirus colonization in tonsillar tissue, decreased enzymatic antiviral activity, decreased cytokine activity from palatine tonsil tissue and reduced humoral and cellular immune response, tonsillectomy may alter the incidence of Covid-19. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To reveal the frequency of Covid-19 in patients who underwent tonsillectomy and to analyze the effect of tonsillectomy on the severity of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged between 15 and 65 and had a history of tonsillectomy were compared with control group in terms of incidence and severity of Covid-19 disease. RESULTS: A 4% Covid rRT-PCR test positivity rate was detected in patients with tonsillectomy whereas; it was 6.8% in the control group with a statistically significant difference. However, in terms of disease severity there was no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: It has been proven that tonsillectomy surgery does not pose an additional risk in terms of COVID 19 disease severity. The positive effect of tonsillectomy in terms of disease frequency has been even demonstrated for the first time in the literature.

Can COVID-19 Cause Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy?

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between peripheral facial paralysis and the patients who had a contact with a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient or had COVID-19. Patients with a history of contact with a COVID-19 patient or having COVID-19 disease, who were admitted to the emergency department for peripheral facial paralysis in the last 6 months, were included in the study. Facial paralysis grade at first presentation, treatment modality, treatment duration, post-treatment facial paralysis grade, and additional findings were analyzed. A total of 34 patients, 20 females and 14 males, were included into the study. Nasal-oropharyngeal reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was test taken from patients with a history of contact, and patients having COVID-19 disease were determined as positive in 5 and 3 patients, respectively. Peripheral facial paralysis was detected as an initial finding in 5 of these 8 patients, and paralysis developed in 7-12 days after the diagnosis of the COVID-19 disease in the remaining 3 patients. The grade of first admission paralysis did not change in one patient in the (+) group, while improvement was observed in all patients in the (-) group. Neuroinvasive potential of COVID-19 in the central and peripheral nervous system was reported in current literature. Our study indicates peripheral facial palsy can also be encountered during the clinical course of COVID-19 and should be considered a finding of this disease.

Evaluation of nasal tip shape in patients with severe caudal septal deviation after modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty on nasal tip shape and function in patients with severe caudal septal deviation. METHODS: The study population comprised of 55 patients undergoing modified extracorporeal endonasal septoplasty, which called marionette septoplasty. To analyse the aesthetic objective outcomes, postoperative photographs were measured for projection index (PI), tip projection (TP), nasolabial angle (NLA), tip deviation angle (TDA), nasofrontal angle (NFA), supratip height (STH), columellar height (CH), at three times (2 weeks, 3, and 6 months after surgery) and were compared with preoperative photographs. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were also evaluated using nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale and standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey (SCHNOS). RESULTS: Between the pre- and post-operative 6th-month examinations, a significant increase in PI and TP were 7%, and 5% respectively. There was a significant alteration in the NLA and TDA values following the last examination (mean difference ± standard error of mean 9.68 ± 0.9° and 1.5 ± 0.8°, respectively). Moreover, the technique did not make a significant change in the final NFA, STH, and CH, measurements. Following surgery, the NOSE and SCHNOS scores were decreased significantly and the improvement continued over time until the last examination. CONCLUSION: The present study findings suggest that the marionette septoplasty technique is an effective to correct and stabilize severe caudal septal deviations. This technique also can provide tip support and protection with a low incidence of dorsal irregularity.

Histological Study of The Healing of Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation After Vivosorb and Epifilm Application.

BACKGROUND: Untreated traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) may lead to permanent perforations and hearing loss. There are many materials that have been previously used for repairing the TMPs. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and histological effects of Vivosorb (Vv) and Epifilm on healing of TMPs in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The posterior-inferior quadrant of the tympanic membranes (TMs) in right ears of 14 rats was perforated using a 20-g needle and then the animals were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (n = 7). The perforated right TMs were treated with either Vv (Vv group) or Epifilm (Ep group). The left TMs of 7 rats were perforated in same way and allowed to close spontaneously without any topical material applications (spontaneous closure group as sham control, SC). The left tympanic membranes of the other 7 rats were not perforated and used as normal controls (NC group). On postoperative 15th day, tympanic bullas were extracted from killed rats and examined morphometrically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Perforation closure rate was 85.7% (6/7) in both Vv and SC groups. Perforations of Ep group closed in 7/7 (100%) ears. The thicknesses of the perforated membranes were increased in SC and especially Vv groups. Also, connective tissue fibrosis, blood clots, and epithelial degenerations were detected in SC and Vv groups. The mean fibroblastic reaction scores of Vv, Ep, and SC groups were 2.14(+), 0.57(+), and 1.71(+) respectively, on comparison with NC group. The mean neovascularization score was 1.42(+) in Vv group, 0.14(+) in Ep group, and 0.57(+) in SC group. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Vivosorb and especially Epifilm can improve the healing process in traumatic TMPs and additionally, Epifilm might be more preferred for the treatment of TMPs because of causing lesser fibrosis.

Comparison of the results of caloric and video head impulse tests in patients with Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric testing (CT) in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and Ménière's disease (MD) and to investigate the relationship between these two tests. METHODS: Patients with definite unilateral MD and VM were included in the study. All patients underwent both vHIT and CT. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gains of lateral semicircular canals and saccadic waves in vHIT and the canal paresis factor for the CT were examined. RESULTS: CT was found abnormal in 39 (66.1%) patients with MD and in 17 (34%) patients with VM, while abnormal gain of the lateral canal was obtained in 23 MD (39%) patients and 9 (18%) VM patients. In all, 11.9% of patients with an abnormal vHIT had a normal CT, whereas 33.9% of those with an abnormal CT had a normal vHIT. CONCLUSION: Loss of VOR detected by caloric testing is more common and severe in MD than VM. Although vHIT is useful and can give complementary information, vestibular testing with the caloric test still seems more sensitive for detecting hVOR pathology.

Intratympanic Steroid Treatment of Bell's Palsy in Patients with Comorbid Disease: A Preliminary Report.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the efficacy of intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI)as initial treatment and therecovery speed for Bell's palsy (BP)inpatients with diabetes mellitus (DM)and/or hypertension (HT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total,90 patients with comorbid diseases diagnosed with BP received either ITSI (study group, n=61) or systemic steroid treatment (SST) (control group, n=29).The facial nerve function was assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system for up to 6 months or until complete recovery from BP. To investigate a relationship with the complete recovery time from BP, hematologic and baseline characteristic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The complete recovery rate of the ITSI and SST groups was 47.5% and 44.8% at the 1st month, 70.5% and 89.7% at the 3rd month, and 96.7% and 100% at the 6th month of the study, respectively. Lymphocyte and neutrophil values were significantly associated with the complete recovery time from BP. No major adverse events from ITSI itself were noticed during the procedure and during the follow-up of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Both treatment types have no superiorities over each other in initial treatment for BP in patients with comorbid diseases. ITSI is effective and safe and may avoid the unwanted side effects associated with systemic steroids inthese patients.

Comparison of Incidence and Severity of Chronic Postsurgical Pain Following Ear Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Literature review shows a limited number of studies investigating chronic pain following ear surgeries. The effect of mastoidectomy on chronic postsurgical pain, however, has never been investigated. The present study investigates not only the incidence and severity of chronic pain following ear surgeries with and without mastoidectomy, but also predisposing diseases for pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed in a total of 150 patients who underwent tympanoplasty or tympanomastoidectomy through a retroauricular incision in a single tertiary health care center. During the routine postoperative 3rd-month examination, the patients were questioned for the presence and severity of chronic pain, as well as the diseases that might predispose the pain. RESULTS: The difference between the visual analog scale scores of the groups was not statistically significant. Comparison of pain character revealed that neuropathic pain is more prevalent in both the groups. Evaluating the relationship between concomitant diseases and chronic pain, it was observed that migraine, cervical pathology, and acute postsurgical pain were closely associated with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that mastoidectomy does not pose an additional risk for chronic postsurgical pain. However, patients with migraine, cervical pathology, and acute postsurgical pain are at risk for chronic postsurgical pain.

Are neutrophil, platelet and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width can be used for nasal polyposis?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship of neutrophil, platelet and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and red blood cell distribution width values with nasal polyposis, and whether this could be a predictive parameter that can be used for the severity and recurrence risk of the disease. METHOD: Neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, eosinophil/lymphocyte ratios and red blood cell distribution width values were compared between nasal polyposis patients who were reviewed in a retrospective manner and the control group comparable for age and sex. Moreover, the nasal polyposis group was grouped for nasal polyposis severity and recurrence, and these subgroups were statistically compared, too. RESULTS: When the nasal polyposis patient group and the control group are compared, no statistically significant difference was found between two groups except for eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio. While only the difference between nasal polyposis severity and eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio is statistically significant, there was no parameter with statistically significant difference for recurrence. CONCLUSION: We think that caution should be exercised when using these new hematological parameters which can be affected by many factors for the presence, severity and recurrence risk of nasal polyposis, and literature data should be proven by conducting different and objective studies on this subject.

Assessment of the Factors That Affect the Anatomic and Functional Success of Cartilage Tympanoplasty in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Many factors may influence the surgical outcome of tympanoplasty in children, including age, the size and location of perforation, otorrhea, status of contralateral ear, surgical technique, and adenoid hypertrophy. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric cartilage tympanoplasty and to assess the factors that affect the success of tympanoplasty in children. METHODS: Children with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty using cartilage as graft material were evaluated retrospectively. Patient age, gender, size and site of the perforation, status of the contralateral ear, preoperative and postoperative hearing levels, surgical technique, and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients included in the study, 27 were male and 35 were female. The average age was 13.22 ±â€Š2.64 and mean follow-up time was 18.4 ±â€Š8.62 months. Anatomic and functional success rates were 88.8% and 80.6%, respectively. Age, gender, and the status of the contralateral ear had no effect on surgical success rate. The mean preoperative and postoperative pure-tone averages were 33.2 6±â€Š10.37 and 21.00 ±â€Š13.25 dB, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anatomic and functional outcomes of cartilage tympanoplasty are quite satisfactory in pediatric patients. Chronic otitis media should be treated surgically as early as when patient cooperation is possible.

Do Staphylococcus aureus superantigens play a role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion in children?

OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), acting as superantigens, have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airway. There has been no previous study investigating the role of SEs in otitis media with effusion (OME). Therefore, this study was designed to analyze middle ear aspirates from children with and without OME for the presence of SEs. METHODS: Middle ear aspirates were obtained from 24 patients and 24 controls. All samples were processed for bacterial culture and detection of five staphylococcal SEs (SEA, SEB, SEC and SED) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 using the Rapid Latex Agglutination Test. RESULTS: In bacterial culture assays, six samples (25%) of the study group and five samples (20.8%) of the control group showed bacterial growth. At least one SE was demonstrated in 6 of 24 patients and in 3 of 24 controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the presence of SEs. CONCLUSION: Although there is evidence that SEs have a potential role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, there is no evidence that the inflammation process is initiated by SEs in patients with OME.

Somatoform disorders in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of psychiatric disorders with tinnitus and tinnitus handicap scores. A total of 30 patients and 30 otherwise healthy people were enrolled for the study. Somatoform disorder questionnaire SDQ-20 was filled in by both the study and the control group. Tinnitus handicap scores were filled in study group. Tinnitus handicap scores were 28.1 ± 19.8, and somatoform disorder questionnaire scores were 30.5 ± 7.3 in the tinnitus group. In the control group the somatoform disorder questionnaire scores were 25.4 ± 4.6. (1) We found a statistically significant difference between somatoform disorder questionnaire scores between groups (p < 0.05). (2) There was a statistically significant difference between tinnitus handicap scores and somatoform disorder questionnaire scores in study group (p = 0.0). The correlation between these tests was positively strong (R = 0.782). (3) There was no statistical difference between genders. We recommend investigating patients with long-lasting tinnitus for psychiatric comorbidity in relation to somatoform disorders in cooperation with psychiatric clinics.

A novel method for reconstruction of severe caudal nasal septal deviation: Marionette septoplasty.

We conducted a retrospective study to compare open and endonasal (closed) approaches to extracorporeal reconstruction of severe caudal septal deviations. From January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2013, 78 patients with severe caudal septal deviation underwent corrective surgery at our hospital. Of this group, 33 patients (mean age: 32 yr) underwent extracorporeal septoplasty via an open approach, and 45 patients (mean age: 35 yr) underwent treatment with a new procedure that we developed: subtotal extracorporeal septoplasty through a closed approach, which we call "marionette septoplasty." In addition to demographic data, we compiled information on surgical time, the duration of postoperative edema, the degree of postoperative pain, and differences between pre- and postoperative nasal function and tip support in both groups. We found that our marionette septoplasty procedure required significantly less surgical time and resulted in a significantly shorter duration of postoperative edema than did open septoplasty, while there was no statistically significant difference between the two procedures in the degree of pain. Following surgery, nasal function in both groups improved significantly, without any significant difference between the two. Finally, we documented improved tip support in all 78 patients. Our results show that marionette septoplasty produces the same functional results as does open septoplasty while requiring less surgical time and shortening the healing period.

A novel method for nasal dorsal reconstruction: permanent fixation using Kirschner wire-guided hidden sutures.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to present a novel application and use of Kirschner wire-guided suturing that is less invasive and allows permanent fixation for nasal dorsal reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 23 patients, who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2013, were included in this study: 19 with saddle nose deformity and 4 patients with keystone area damage, or collapse of the dorsal nasal support during primary septoplasty or rhinoplasty. The patients were asked to fill out a nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale preoperatively and at the postoperative sixth month to assess breathing quality. The patients were followed up for complications such as nasal dorsal contour irregularity, dorsal collapse, as well as graft malposition and infections. The results of the surgeries were assessed on the basis of preoperative and postoperative examinations, septal support test, NOSE scale results, and photographic comparison. RESULTS: The mean (SD) NOSE scales were 78.91 (10.09) and 30.48 (10.71) in the preoperative and postoperative periods, respectively. The difference of mean NOSE scale was statistically significant (P < 0.001). None of the patients experienced nasal dorsal collapse or graft malposition. Two patients had nasal dorsal irregularity complaints owing to inadequate costal cartilage edge beveling. None of the patients had complications of suture reaction, suture visibility, or suture extrusion. All of the patients stated that they were happy with the cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent sutures introduced through channels made with the Kirschner wire provide a less invasive, cosmetically pleasing, and functional solution, promising more reliable results in the long term.

Bone grafts as a recyclable material in nasal surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term results of septal bone grafting and to show sustainable viability of bone grafts with objective parameters such as computed tomography. METHODS: Nasal septal bones were used as splinting grafts during septo/rhinoplasty operations in 27 patients (Male=16; Female=11) between 2009 and 2013. Of these, only the 21 patients who were monitored long-term and who had computed tomography (CT) records were included in this investigation. The average duration of monitoring for the patients reported here was 17 (12-37 months) months. Patients were excluded for the following reasons: pregnancy; morbid obesity; uncontrolled diabetes; long-term oral steroid or chemotherapeutic agent use; inflammatory, systemic or immunodeficiency disease or acute local infections at the operative site. Bone graft positions, lengths and respective resorption were evaluated and compared pre-postoperatively for each patient. RESULTS: Bone grafts retained 90% of their lengths in 14 of the 21 (66.6%) patients. In other cases, control computed sinus tomography showed four bone grafts at 80%, two grafts with 70%, and one graft retained 60% of the original lengths. None of the grafts showed resorption less than 50%. CONCLUSION: Bone grafts are reliable grafts and can be used as an alternative to cartilage grafts.