PTGDR2 Expression in Peripheral Blood as a Potential Biomarker in Adult Patients with Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Precision medicine is a promising strategy to identify biomarkers, stratify asthmatic patients according to different endotypes, and match them with the appropriate therapy. This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate whether gene expression in peripheral blood could provide a valuable noninvasive approach for the molecular phenotyping of asthma. METHODS: We performed whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing on peripheral blood of 30 non-atopic non-asthmatic controls and 30 asthmatic patients. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation study of PTGDR2 that encodes for CRTH2 receptor, expressed in cells involved in T2 inflammation, was developed in a cohort of 361 independent subjects: 94 non-asthmatic non-atopic controls, 187 asthmatic patients [including 82 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and 24 with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)], 52 with allergic rhinitis, and 28 with CRSwNP without asthma. RESULTS: PTGDR2 was one of the most differentially overexpressed genes in asthmatic patients' peripheral blood (p-value 2.64 × 106). These results were confirmed by qPCR in the validation study, where PTGDR2 transcripts were significantly upregulated in asthmatic patients (p < 0.001). This upregulation was mainly detected in some subgroups such as allergic asthma, asthma with CRSwNP, AERD, eosinophilic asthma, and severe persistent asthma. PTGDR2 expression was detected in different blood cell types, and its correlation with eosinophil counts showed differences in some groups of asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found that PTGDR2 expression levels could identify asthma patients, introduce a minimally invasive biomarker for adult asthma molecular phenotyping, and add additional information to blood eosinophils. Although further studies are required, analyzing PTGDR2 expression levels in peripheral blood of asthmatics might assist in selecting patients for treatment with specific antagonists.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant 0.075% Solution in Physiological Serum for Hygiene Process of COVID-19 Intubated Patients.

When using ventilators in the management of the coronavirus disease 2019 patient, dense and abundant mucous secretions are formed, obstructing the endotracheal tube and making its aspiration difficult. This situation is worsened if in order to minimize the risk of infection of the medical personnel, the humidifier is disconnected. This circumstance forces the tube to be removed, cleaned, or changed, increasing the workload of the intensive care unit staff. Other therapies tested until now, like mesna, acetylcysteine, or hypertonic saline solution, are valid alternatives, although they have not shown great efficacy for this specific procedure in the past. The sanitary emergency forced the collaboration between a pharmacist and an otorhinolaryngologist to develop the cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant formula, after several tests with different concentrations of the surfactant. The objective of this compounding formula was to resolve a mechanical problem and avoid reintubation due to obstruction of the ventilator tube. The cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant solution 0.075% in saline 0.9% (physiological serum) solution demonstrated to be a well-tolerated formula, using inexpensive materials, was simple to prepare, and was easy to use in clinical practice.

Leiomiosarcoma radioinducido de la región posterior del cuello / Radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma of the posterior neck region

Los leiomiosarcomas son tumores mesenquimales malignos, que se originan en las células del músculo liso. Las localizaciones de aparición más frecuentes son el miometrio y el tracto gastrointestinal. En la región de cabeza y cuello los leiomiosarcomas aparecen de forma excepcional. Presentamos el caso de un leiomiosarcoma en la región posterior del cuello, en un paciente radiado 20 años antes por un tumor de nasofaringe. La incidencia de este tipo de tumores que cumple los criterios de tumor radioinducido se sitúa entre el 0,035 y el 0,2%. Los sarcomas radioinducidos son difíciles de diagnosticar en estadios tempranos, debido a la induración y la fibrosis de la zona radiada y a la sintomatología inespecífica que presentan. Su pronóstico es malo (AU)

Leiomyosarcomas are mesenchymal malignant tumours that appear in smooth muscle cells. Their most frequent locations are the uterus and gastrointestinal tract. Their occurrence in head and neck is considered exceptional. We present a patient with a posterior neck region leiomyosarcoma who had received radiation for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma 20 years earlier. The incidence ratio of these tumours in radiated patients (therefore considered radiation-induced) ranges from 0,035 to 0,2%. Radiation-induced sarcomas are difficult to diagnose due to the induration and fibrosis in the radiated area and the non-specific symptoms that they present. Their prognosis is very poor (AU)

Radiation-induced leiomyosarcoma of the posterior neck region.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyosarcomas are mesenchymal malignant tumours that appear in smooth muscle cells. Their most frequent locations are the uterus and gastrointestinal tract. Their occurrence in head and neck is considered exceptional. We present a patient with a posterior neck region leiomyosarcoma who had received radiation for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma 20 years earlier. The incidence ratio of these tumours in radiated patients (therefore considered radiation-induced) ranges from 0,035 to 0,2%. Radiation-induced sarcomas are difficult to diagnose due to the induration and fibrosis in the radiated area and the non-specific symptoms that they present. Their prognosis is very poor.

Complicaciones de la cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal en un programa de entrenamiento de residentes / Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery in a residency training program

Introducción: La cirugía endoscopica nasosinusal presenta una serie de complicaciones que varían en función de la técnica usada y la experiencia del cirujano. Esta técnica requiere una curva de aprendizaje la cual se debe ir desarrollando a lo largo del programa de formación del residente. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, se realizó una revisión de las historias clínicas de 192 pacientes intervenidos de cirugía endoscopica por poliposis nasosinusal, todas estas cirugías fueron realizadas por residentes de nuestro departamento, entre enero de 2002 y enero de 2008. Se describe el sexo, edad, grado de poliposis, complicaciones mayores y menores. Todos estos procedimientos fueron realizados por residentes de 3.er y 4.° año bajo la supervisión de un especialista. Resultados: De 192 pacientes, 127 (66,14) eran varones y 65 (33,85%) mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 24 y 78 años, con una media de edad de 49 años. El grado de poliposis por endoscopia era: grado i 19 (9,8%), grado ii 55 (28,6%) y grado iii 118 (61,45%). Ocurrieron 44 (22,9%) complicaciones totales, 40 (20,8%) menores y 4 (2,08%) mayores. La complicación menor mas frecuente fue la sinequia en 21 casos (10,93%) seguida de sangrado sin necesidad de transfusión en 12 (6,25%) pacientes. La complicación mayor fue ruptura de la lamina papiracea en 4 (2,08%) pacientes. No se presentó ningún caso de ceguera, rinolicuorrea, o muerte. Conclusión: La cirugía endoscopica nasosinusal en un programa de entrenamiento de residentes es un procedimiento relativamente seguro especialmente cuando se realiza bajo la supervisión de un especialista (AU)

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery presents a series of complications that can vary depending on the technique used and the surgeon's experience. This technique needs a learning curve, which must be developed during the residence training program. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study, reviewing the medical records of endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps of 192 patients who had undergone operations performed by residents at our department between January 2002 and January 2008. Patient sex, age, affectation scale and minor and major complications were described. All these procedures were performed by 3rd or 4th-year residents under the supervision of a faculty member. Results: Of the 192 patients, 127 (66.14%) were male and 65 (33.85%) female, aged between 24 and 78 years old, with a mean age of 49 years old. Nasal endoscopy revealed polyposis of grade I, 19 (9.8%) cases; grade II, 55 (28.6%); and grade III, 118 (61.45%). There were 44 (22.9%) total complications, 40 (20.8%) minor and 4 (2.08%) major complications. The most common minor complication was synechia formation in 21 (10.93%) cases, followed by bleeding without need for transfusion in 12 (6.25%). The major complication was a breach of the lamina papyracea in 4 patients (2.08%). There were no cases of blindness, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, or death. Conclusions: Endoscopic sinus surgery in an otolaryngology residency training program is a relatively safe procedure, especially when performed under faculty supervision (AU)

[Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery in a residency training program]. / Complicaciones de la cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal en un programa de entrenamiento de residentes.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sinus surgery presents a series of complications that can vary depending on the technique used and the surgeon's experience. This technique needs a learning curve, which must be developed during the residence training program. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study, reviewing the medical records of endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps of 192 patients who had undergone operations performed by residents at our department between January 2002 and January 2008. Patient sex, age, affectation scale and minor and major complications were described. All these procedures were performed by 3rd or 4th-year residents under the supervision of a faculty member. RESULTS: Of the 192 patients, 127 (66.14%) were male and 65 (33.85%) female, aged between 24 and 78 years old, with a mean age of 49 years old. Nasal endoscopy revealed polyposis of grade i, 19 (9.8%) cases; grade ii, 55 (28.6%); and grade iii, 118 (61.45%). There were 44 (22.9%) total complications, 40 (20.8%) minor and 4 (2.08%) major complications. The most common minor complication was synechia formation in 21(10.93%) cases, followed by bleeding without need for transfusion in 12 (6.25%). The major complication was a breach of the lamina papyracea in 4 patients (2.08%). There were no cases of blindness, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, or death. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sinus surgery in an otolaryngology residency training program is a relatively safe procedure, especially when performed under faculty supervision.

Cuerpo extraño inusual en el suelo de la boca / Unusual foreign body on mouth floor

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[Phobic orthostatic insecurity]. / Inseguridad fóbica ortostática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors attempt to expand knowledge about a subjective balance disorder they have called phobic orthostatic insecurity, a condition representing the second cause of medical visits (22.3 %) to their ENT and neuro-otology clinic, and attempt to identify relationships with similar conditions described in psychiatry (agoraphobia, somatoform vertigo, and space-phobia) and in neurology (phobic postural vertigo). They also propose a simple diagnostic method and present their therapies and results. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 151 patients with an indefinite symptomatology of "dizziness" "vertigo" or "insecurity" were evaluated (from 1999 to 2005) by means of a full medical history and an appropriate neurological examination, pharmacological treatments with anxiolytics-antidepressives, a measurement of the degree of depression with the Beck test (a kind of psychiatric benchmark) and with a specific standardized test. RESULTS: Three symptoms and one exploratory condition, among others, were found in all 151 patients studied; these constitute the four bases for a positive diagnosis. This is confirmed if the treatment achieves total remission (this occurred in 69.53 % of all patients) or a sub-total remission (24.49 %), according to valuation scale for insecurity in all situations. CONCLUSIONS: The statistical analysis showed a symptomatic concordance within the group analyzed, a syndromic equivalence between patients and satisfactory results with the antidepressive treatments (94 %), thus confirming the diagnostic and aetiopathogenic hypotheses for the disorder and, later, providing a logical method for diagnosis. The authors propose to assimilate this diagnostic protocol (and therapeutic when no specialist psychotherapy teams are available) to most of the psychogenic insecurity syndromes described.

Inseguridad fóbica ortostática / Phobic orthostatic insecurity

Introducción y objetivos: Los autores describen y tratan de extender el conocimiento de una frecuente afección a la que denominan inseguridad fóbica ortostática que, en su unidad de otorrinolaringología-neurootología, resulta ser la segunda causa (22,3 %) de consultas por vértigos reales o aparentes, así como de establecer analogías y diferencias de dicho trastorno con otras afecciones similares descritas en psiquiatría (agorafobia, vértigo somatomorfo y vértigo espacial) y en neurología (vértigo postural fóbico). Proponen para su diagnóstico un sencillo método, y exponen su tratamiento y resultados. Pacientes y método: Se analiza a 151 pacientes con síntomas indefinidos de “mareo”, “vértigo” o “inseguridad”, seleccionados entre 1999 y 2005, a los que, además de una anamnesis y una exploración neurootológica adecuadas, realizaron un interrogatorio estandarizado específico, un test de Beck (de referencia psiquiátrica) y un tratamiento farmacológico ansiolítico-antidepresivo. Resultados: Encontraron, entre otros, 3 síntomas y 1 condición exploratoria que se cumplen en todos los enfermos y constituyen los 4 pilares del diagnóstico positivo. Éste se convierte en seguro cuando el tratamiento consigue una remisión total (en el 69,53 % de todos los pacientes) o subtotal (en el 24,49 %), según su escala de valoración de la inseguridad para todas las situaciones. Conclusiones: El estudio estadístico permite extraer una concordancia sintomática dentro del grupo analizado, una equivalencia sindrómica entre los enfermos y unos resultados satisfactorios del tratamiento antidepresivo (en el 94 %), lo que permite verificar las hipótesis etiopatogénica y diagnóstica sospechadas ante el trastorno y obtener, consecuentemente, un método lógico de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Los autores proponen asimilar a este protocolo diagnóstico, incluso terapéutico —cuando no se disponga de equipos psicoterapéuticos especializados—, la mayor parte de los síndromes psicógenos de inseguridad descritos

Background and objectives: The authors attempt to expand knowledge about a subjective balance disorder they have called phobic orthostatic insecurity, a condition representing the second cause of medical visits (22.3 %) to their ENT & neuro-otology clinic, and attempt to identify relationships with similar conditions described in psychiatry (agoraphobia, somatoform vertigo, and space-phobia) and in neurology (phobic postural vertigo). They also propose a simple diagnostic method and present their therapies and results. Patients and method: A total of 151 patients with an indefinite symptomatology of “dizziness” “vertigo” or “insecurity” were evaluated (from 1999 to 2005) by means of a full medical history and an appropriate neurological examination, pharmacological treatments with anxiolytics-antidepressives, a measurement of the degree of depression with the Beck test (a kind of psychiatric benchmark) and with a specific standardized test. Results: Three symptoms and one exploratory condition, among others, were found in all 151 patients studied; these constitute the four bases for a positive diagnosis. This is confirmed if the treatment achieves total remission (this occurred in 69.53 % of all patients) or a sub-total remission (24.49 %), according to valuation scale for insecurity in all situations. Conclusions: The statistical analysis showed a symptomatic concordance within the group analyzed, a syndromic equivalence between patients and satisfactory results with the antidepressive treatments (94 %), thus confirming the diagnostic and aetiopathogenic hypotheses for the disorder and, later, providing a logical method for diagnosis. The authors propose to assimilate this diagnostic protocol (and therapeutic when no specialist psychotherapy teams are available) to most of the psychogenic insecurity syndromes described