Assessing Cut-off Points of Eosinophils, Nasal Polyp, and Lund-Mackay Scores to Predict Surgery in Nasal Polyposis: A Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: Developing tools to identify chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients requiring surgical treatment would help clinicians treat patients more effectively. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to identify cut-off values ​​for eosinophil percentage, nasal polyps (NP), and Lund-Mackay (LM) scores that may predict the need for surgical treatment in Finnish CRSwNP patients. METHODS: Data of CRSwNP patients (N = 378) undergoing consultation for ESS in 2001-19 were used. Data was collected from patient records and Lund-Mackay scores were determined from sinus computed tomography scans. The percentage of eosinophils was microscopically evaluated from the polyp samples available (n = 81). Associations were analyzed by Mann Whitney U test, and cut-off values by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: ESS was performed to 293 (77.5%) of patients. Polyp eosinophilia was associated significantly with ESS (p = 0.001), whereas peripheral blood eosinophil count, LM- score and endoscopic NP- score were not (p > 0.05). AUROC values (95% CI) for detecting those needing ESS were for polyp eosinophilia 0.71 (0.60-0.83), p = 0.001, for LM score 0.59 (0.50-0.67), p = 0.054; for NP score 0.56 (0.48-0.64), p = 0.17, and for blood eosinophil count 0.68 (0.46-0.90), p = 0.08. With the threshold value of polyp eosinophilia (>25%), the sensitivity and specificity were optimal for detecting the group needing ESS from the group not undergoing ESS. The cut-off value of blood eosinophil count (>0.26 × 109/L) had relatively good, yet statistically insignificant (underpowered), predictive potential. Moderate cut-off values were found for endoscopic LM score (≥14/24) and NP score (≥4/8). CONCLUSIONS: Polyp eosinophilia (>25%) predicted ESS among Finnish hospital-level CRSwNP patients. A future challenge would be to find less invasive and cost-effective clinical factors predicting uncontrolled CRSwNP.

Validation of a symptom-score questionnaire and long- term results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is a commonly used procedure in the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). However, there is no generally accepted disease-specific questionnaire for assessing outcomes. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective study to initially validate a Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Symptom Score questionnaire(NLDO-SS) and to evaluate the long-term success of EN-DCR procedures. Seventy-six patients (86 eyes) were evaluated in follow-up visits at 1-8 years after EN-DCR. The patients completed the NLDO-SS questionnaire twice, first, at home and, second,after receiving information from the otorhinolaryngologist, during the visit. The surgical outcome was considered successful if the irrigation succeeded and if the patient symptoms were relieved as assessed with the NLDO-SS. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of the NLDO-SS was 84%, sensitivity 82%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 58%, negative predictive value 95%, odds ratio 26, risk ratio 11 and usefulness index 0.55. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.87. The long-term success rate after EN-DCR was 79%. CONCLUSION: The NLDO-SS iss a feasible clinical tool in assessing the success of EN-DCR. The success rate was found to decrease EN-DCR at long-term follow-up.

Treatment of severe tinnitus.

In 1995-96 we selected a group of 26 patients who were suffering from severe invalidating idiopathic tinnitus (IT) in order to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation and some alternative therapies. All patients were assessed thoroughly by means of audiology and radiology regarding any objective cause for the symptom. In order to help patients control their symptom by increasing knowledge and adding supportive elements, they were given basic education (presentations of the anatomy and physiology of the ear and hearing system, psychological and social aspects of IT, guided and non-guided group discussions, relaxation therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy) for 4 months, comprising one 2-h session bi-weekly. This type of group therapy was found to be extremely helpful, although no objective evaluation revealed effects on IT sensation (VAS) or psychometric measures (SLC-90). In a second limb of the study, the same patients attended a 6-day intensive course in a spa. The purpose was to evaluate the possible usefulness of the widely recommended alternative therapies for IT. All patients had an opportunity to sample the treatments. Six months later only a few had tried any of these treatments, but all reported that the lessons were the most helpful in association with supportive group discussions. The results indicated that none of these therapies can be recommended, based on rational medical practise.

Estimated leisure noise exposure and hearing symptoms in Finnish teenagers.

The aim of this study was to arrive at a theoretical statistical measure for the possible risk of future noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to leisure time activities in teenagers. The subject's time consumed in noisy activities, the subject's self-evaluated loudness of the activities and estimated noise levels were used as the actual predictors in the risk analysis. Symptoms of hearing damage, i.e. tinnitus, pain in the ear and temporary hearing loss due to noise exposure, were also inquired about. No measurements of hearing loss were carried out in this study. Fifty-one percent of teenagers were estimated to be exposed to noise levels detrimental to hearing acuity. The incidence of hearing symptoms seemed to be correlated to increased noise dose. The noisiest leisure activities were: playing in a band, motor sport, discos and pop-concerts, and shooting. The results give indications of possibilities for NIHL among teenagers.

Middle ear mucosa in newborn infants. A topographical and microanatomical study.

The serially sectioned material comprised 38 temporal bones from 20 liveborns and stillborns with no signs of clinical otological disease. Columnar ciliated pseudostratified epithelium was found in all ears. It was most conspicuous in the Eustachian tube and around its orifice and throughout the hypotympanum. Besides, two other ciliated pathways were observed on the medial wall and on the roof. Squamous metaplasia was found in one case in both ears. Mucosubstances were scarce and no mucous glands were observed. Lamina propria was thicker and looser around the tubal orifice than elsewhere. Regression of the fetal loose connective tissue was evident towards the end of the gestation period.