Tonsillotomy by a Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser: A New Technique in the Treatment of Chronic Tonsillitis.

Introduction: Chronic tonsillitis has a global prevalence, ranging from 5% to 12%. Its clinical manifestations, like recurrent acute tonsillitis, tonsils hypertrophy, caseum and halitosis, can lead adult patients to be submitted to palatine tonsillectomy, surgery that has morbidity and the potential risk of complications, including severe bleeding. This article proposes a new therapy for chronic tonsillitis in adult patients using a fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which is a fast, minimally invasive procedure capable of removing the need for the traditional tonsillectomy in many patients. The present research aimed to verify the efficacy of tonsillotomy by fractional ablation using the CO2 laser by comparing the number of bacterial infections, tonsils hypertrophy, halitosis and caseum; it is also aimed at analyzing the benefits, risks and complications of the technique. Methods: In this clinical prospective study, 20 patients were subjected to one session of tonsillotomy by fractional ablation and were followed up for a year. The control group was formed by the same patients in the pre-procedure period (one year) without treatment. Statistical analysis: The Wilcoxon paired test, Friedman tests, and multiple non-parametric comparisons were utilized to analyze the data (significance level of 5%). Results: No complications occurred, and the procedure was fast (30 seconds), safe and tolerated well without general anesthesia. After 1 year, there was a total remission of recurrent acute tonsillitis in 95% of the patients, and after 6 months there was a statistically significant improvement in halitosis and caseum, and tonsils size reduction (P<0.05). The level of satisfaction average was 10 after 3 months and 8 after one year. Conclusion: tonsillotomy by fractional ablation using the CO2 laser is a safe, efficient procedure for chronic tonsillitis in adults, and it can be incorporated into daily clinical practice.

Chemosensory Dysfunction in COVID-19: Prevalences, Recovery Rates, and Clinical Associations on a Large Brazilian Sample.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to measure the percentage of reported olfactory or taste losses and their severity, recovery time, and association with other features in a large cohort of patients with COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. SETTING: Quaternary medical center and online survey. METHODS: The perceived chemosensory capacities of 655 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were assessed with 11-point category rating scales (0, no function; 10, normal function). Patients were contacted in hospital, by phone calls, or by internet regarding their ability to smell or taste, and 143 were interviewed by phone 1 to 4 months later to assess the recovery of their chemosensory abilities. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported olfactory, general taste, and taste quality-specific disturbances (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) in the patients with COVID-19 were 82.4% (95% CI, 79.5%-85.3%), 76.2% (95% CI, 72.9%-79.4%), and 52.2% (95% CI, 48.3%-56.1%), respectively. The majority reported anosmia (42.9%). The presence of chemosensory symptoms was not associated with COVID-19 severity. At a median time >2 months after the onset of symptoms, rates of total and partial olfaction recovery were 53.8% and 44.7%, while complete or partial return to previous taste function was 68.3% and 27.6%. Less than 5% of the patients reported no chemosensory function improvement at all. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-reported chemosensory dysfunction is high among patients with COVID-19. Almost all patients seem to recover a significant part of their smell and taste abilities in the first 4 months after the onset of symptoms.

How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel / Como evitar o uso inadequado de antibióticos nas infecções de vias aéreas superiores? Posição de um painel de especialistas

Abstract Introduction: Bacterial resistance burden has increased in the past years, mainly due to inappropriate antibiotic use. Recently it has become an urgent public health concern due to its impact on the prolongation of hospitalization, an increase of total cost of treatment and mortality associated with infectious disease. Almost half of the antimicrobial prescriptions in outpatient care visits are prescribed for acute upper respiratory infections, especially rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngotonsillitis. In this context, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in orienting patients and non-specialists in the utilization of antibiotics rationally and properly in these infections. Objectives: To review the most recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, adapted to our national reality. Methods: A literature review on PubMed database including the medical management in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, followed by a discussion with a panel of specialists. Results: Antibiotics must be judiciously prescribed in uncomplicated acute upper respiratory tract infections. The severity of clinical presentation and the potential risks for evolution to suppurative and non-suppurative complications must be taken into 'consideration'. Conclusions: Periodic revisions on guidelines and recommendations for treatment of the main acute infections are necessary to orient rationale and appropriate use of antibiotics. Continuous medical education and changes in physicians' and patients' behavior are required to modify the paradigm that all upper respiratory infection needs antibiotic therapy, minimizing the consequences of its inadequate and inappropriate use.

Resumo Introdução: A resistência bacteriana a antibióticos nos processos infecciosos é um fato crescente nos últimos anos, especialmente devido ao seu uso inapropriado. Ao longo dos anos vem se tornando um grave problema de saúde pública devido ao prolongamento do tempo de internação, elevação dos custos de tratamento e aumento da mortalidade relacionada às doenças infecciosas. Quase a metade das prescrições de antibióticos em unidades de pronto atendimento é destinada ao tratamento de alguma infecção de vias aéreas superiores, especialmente rinossinusites, otite média aguda supurada e faringotonsilites agudas, sendo que uma significativa parcela dessas prescrições é inapropriada. Nesse contexto, os otorrinolaringologistas têm um papel fundamental na orientação de pacientes e colegas não especialistas, para o uso adequado e racional de antibióticos frente a essas situações clínicas. Objetivos: Realizar uma revisão das atuais recomendações de utilização de antibióticos nas otites médias, rinossinusites e faringotonsilites agudas adaptadas à realidade nacional. Método: Revisão na base PubMed das principais recomendações internacionais de tratamentos das infecções de vias aéreas superiores, seguido de discussão com um painel de especialistas. Resultados: Os antibióticos devem ser utilizados de maneira criteriosa nas infecções agudas de vias aéreas superiores não complicadas, a depender da gravidade da apresentação clínica e dos potenciais riscos associados de complicações supurativas e não supurativas. Conclusões: Constantes revisões a respeito do tratamento das principais infecções agudas são necessárias para que sejam tomadas medidas coletivas no uso racional e apropriado de antibióticos. Somente com orientação e transformações no comportamento de médicos e pacientes é que haverá mudanças do paradigma de que toda infecção de vias aéreas superiores deva ser tratada com antibióticos, minimizando por consequência os efeitos de seu uso inadequado.

How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial resistance burden has increased in the past years, mainly due to inappropriate antibiotic use. Recently it has become an urgent public health concern due to its impact on the prolongation of hospitalization, an increase of total cost of treatment and mortality associated with infectious disease. Almost half of the antimicrobial prescriptions in outpatient care visits are prescribed for acute upper respiratory infections, especially rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngotonsillitis. In this context, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in orienting patients and non-specialists in the utilization of antibiotics rationally and properly in these infections. OBJECTIVES: To review the most recent recommendations and guidelines for the use of antibiotics in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, adapted to our national reality. METHODS: A literature review on PubMed database including the medical management in acute otitis media, acute rhinosinusitis, and pharyngotonsillitis, followed by a discussion with a panel of specialists. RESULTS: Antibiotics must be judiciously prescribed in uncomplicated acute upper respiratory tract infections. The severity of clinical presentation and the potential risks for evolution to suppurative and non-suppurative complications must be taken into 'consideration'. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic revisions on guidelines and recommendations for treatment of the main acute infections are necessary to orient rationale and appropriate use of antibiotics. Continuous medical education and changes in physicians' and patients' behavior are required to modify the paradigm that all upper respiratory infection needs antibiotic therapy, minimizing the consequences of its inadequate and inappropriate use.

Managing obstructive sleep apnoea in children: the role of craniofacial morphology.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a type of sleep-disordered breathing that affects 1 to 5% of all children. Pharyngeal and palatine tonsil hypertrophy is the main predisposing factor. Various abnormalities are predisposing factors for obstructive sleep apnoea, such as decreased mandibular and maxillary lengths, skeletal retrusion, increased lower facial height and, consequently, increased total anterior facial height, a larger cranio-cervical angle, small posterior airway space and an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history, a physical examination and tests confirming the presence and severity of upper airway obstruction. The gold standard test for diagnosis is overnight polysomnography. Attention must be paid to identify the craniofacial characteristics. When necessary, children should be referred to orthodontists and/or sleep medicine specialists for adequate treatment in addition to undergoing an adenotonsillectomy.

Managing obstructive sleep apnoea in children: the role of craniofacial morphology

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a type of sleep-disordered breathing that affects 1 to 5% of all children. Pharyngeal and palatine tonsil hypertrophy is the main predisposing factor. Various abnormalities are predisposing factors for obstructive sleep apnoea, such as decreased mandibular and maxillary lengths, skeletal retrusion, increased lower facial height and, consequently, increased total anterior facial height, a larger cranio-cervical angle, small posterior airway space and an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history, a physical examination and tests confirming the presence and severity of upper airway obstruction. The gold standard test for diagnosis is overnight polysomnography. Attention must be paid to identify the craniofacial characteristics. When necessary, children should be referred to orthodontists and/or sleep medicine specialists for adequate treatment in addition to undergoing an adenotonsillectomy.

Otitis media with effusion in children younger than 1 year / Otite média com efusão em crianças menores de um ano

Objective: To determine the prevalence of otitis media with effusion in children younger than 1 year and its association with the season of the year, artificial feeding, environmental and perinatal factors. Methods: Retrospective study of 184 randomly included medical records from a total of 982 healthy infants evaluated for hearing screening tests. Diagnosis of otitis media with effusion was based on otoscopy (amber-gold color, fluid level, handle of malleus position), type B tympanometric curves and absence of otoacoustic emissions. Incomplete medical records or those describing acute otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections on the assessment day or in the last 3 months, neuropathies and craniofacial anomalies were excluded. Data such as gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, type of feeding and day care attendance were compared between children with and without otitis media with effusion through likelihood tests and multivariate analysis. Results: 25.3% of 184 infants had otitis media with bilateral effusion; 9.2% had unilateral. In infants with otitis media, the following were observed: chronological age of 9.6±1.7 months; gestational age >38 weeks in 43.4% and birth weight >2500g in 48.4%. Otitis media with effusion was associated with winter/fall, artificial feeding, Apgar score <7 and day care attendance. The multivariate analysis showed that artificial feeding is the factor most often associated to otitis media with effusion. Conclusions: Otitis media with effusion was found in about one third of children younger than 1 year and was mainly associated with artificial feeding.

Objetivo: Determinar prevalência de otite média com efusão em menores de um ano e sua associação com estação do ano, aleitamento artificial, fatores ambientais e perinatais. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 184 prontuários incluídos de forma randomizada dentre 982 lactentes saudáveis avaliados para testes de triagem auditiva. Diagnóstico de otite média com efusão baseou-se em otoscopia (coloração âmbar-ouro, nível líquido, posição do cabo do martelo), curva timpanométrica tipo B e otoemissões acústicas ausentes. Excluíram-se prontuários incompletos ou que descreviam otite média aguda, infecções de vias aéreas superiores no dia da avaliação ou nos últimos três meses, neuropatias e anomalias craniofaciais. Dados como idade gestacional, peso ao nascimento, Apgar, tipo de aleitamento, frequência à creche foram comparados entre crianças com e sem otites com efusão por meio de testes de verossimilhança e análise multivariada. Resultados: 25,3% dos 184 lactentes apresentavam otite média com efusão bilateral; 9,2% unilateral. Nos lactentes com otite média, observou-se idade cronológica 9,6±1,7 meses; idade gestacional >38 semanas em 43,4% e peso ao nascer >2.500g em 48,4%. Otite média com efusão foi associada ao inverno/outono, aleitamento artificial, Índice de Apgar <7 e atendimento à creche. Já a análise multivariada demonstrou que o aleitamento artificial é o fator mais associado à otite média com efusão. Conclusões: A otite média com efusão foi encontrada em cerca de 1/3 dos menores de um ano e principalmente associada ao aleitamento artificial.

Expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 and 2 (CysLTR1 and CysLTR2) in the lymphocytes of hyperplastic tonsils: comparison between allergic and nonallergic snoring children.

BACKGROUND: Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 and 2 (CysLTR1 and CysLTR2) are involved in allergic processes and play a role in adenotonsillar hyperplasia (AH). Clinically, only CysLTR1 may be blocked by montelukast. Our objective was to compare the expression of CysLTR1 and CysLTR2 in the B and T cells of hyperplasic tonsils of sensitized (SE) and control (NS) snoring children. METHODS: Sixty children, 5 to 10 years of age, referred for adenotonsillectomy, were divided into SE and NS groups, according to their responses to the skin-prick test. Cells from the removed tissues were stained for CysLTR1, CysLTR2, CD19, and CD3 and counted via flow cytometry. messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the CysLTRs genes was measured real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: The SE group showed reduced expression of the small CD3+/CysLTR1+ lymphocytes (4.6 ± 2.2 vs 6.5 ± 5.0; p = 0.04). Regarding the large lymphocytes, the SE group showed lower expression of CD3+/CysLTR1+ (40.9 ± 14.5 vs 47.6 ± 11.7; p = 0.05), CD19+/CysLTR1+ (44.6 ± 16.9 vs 54.1 ± 12.4; p = 0.01), and CD19+/CysLTR2+ (55.3 ± 11.3 vs 61.5 ± 12.6; p = 0.05) lymphocytes. Considering the total number of lymphocytes, the SE group had fewer CD3+/CysLTR1+ lymphocytes (11.1 ± 5.5 vs 13.7 ± 6.2; p = 0.04). All other cell populations exhibited reduced expression in the SE group without statistical significance. The expression of CysLTR2 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than CysLTR1 in most studied cell populations. The mRNA expression did not show significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The expression of CysLTR is higher in the lymphocytes of the NS children, and CysLTR2 shows greater expression than CysLTR1 Respiratory allergies do not appear to be a stimulus for AH occurrence. Newer drugs capable of blocking both CysLTRs warrant further study.

Expression of CysLTR1 and 2 in Maturating Lymphocytes of Hyperplasic Tonsils Compared to Peripheral Cells in Children.

Cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors 1 and 2 (CysLTR1 and 2) are related to allergic inflammatory responses. Recent studies demonstrated their role in lymphocyte division and maturation in the bone marrow. Few data are available about CysLTRs function in lymphocyte maturation in tonsils. The objectives of this study are to compare CysLTRs expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes with expression in maturating lymphocytes of hyperplasic tonsil and to check the influence of respiratory allergies in this process. Leukocytes of peripheral blood (PL) and hyperplasic tonsils of children were immunostained for CysLTR1, CysLTR2, CD3 (T cells), and CD19 (B cells) and read in flow cytometer. Lymphocyte of tonsils were divided in differentiating small cells (SC) and mitotic large cells (LC); percentage of B and T cells expressing CysLTRs was determined, and comparison was done using ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Data were analyzed as a whole and categorizing patients according the presence of allergies. Sixty children were enrolled in this study. There was a large expression of CysLTR1 and 2 in CD3+ LC, and such expression decreased progressively in SC and PL. In B cells, the highest expression of CysLTR1 and 2 was found in PL while SC showed the lowest and LC showed the intermediate expression. This pattern kept unchanged in groups of allergic and non-allergic individuals. CysLTRs seem to be involved in lymphocyte maturation that occurs in tonsils, without influence of allergies. New studies aiming the clinic treatment of tonsil hyperplasia must be targeted to the development of drugs capable of blocking both CysLTR1 and 2.

[Otitis media with effusion in children younger than 1 year]. / Otite média com efusão em crianças menores de um ano.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of otitis media with effusion in children younger than 1 year and its association with the season of the year, artificial feeding, environmental and perinatal factors. METHODS: Retrospective study of 184 randomly included medical records from a total of 982 healthy infants evaluated for hearing screening tests. Diagnosis of otitis media with effusion was based on otoscopy (amber-gold color, fluid level, handle of malleus position), type B tympanometric curves and absence of otoacoustic emissions. Incomplete medical records or those describing acute otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections on the assessment day or in the last 3 months, neuropathies and craniofacial anomalies were excluded. Data such as gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, type of feeding and day care attendance were compared between children with and without otitis media with effusion through likelihood tests and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 25.3% of 184 infants had otitis media with bilateral effusion; 9.2% had unilateral. In infants with otitis media, the following were observed: chronological age of 9.6±1.7 months; gestational age >38 weeks in 43.4% and birth weight >2,500g in 48.4%. Otitis media with effusion was associated with winter/fall, artificial feeding, Apgar score <7 and day care attendance. The multivariate analysis showed that artificial feeding is the factor most often associated to otitis media with effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Otitis media with effusion was found in about one third of children younger than 1 year and was mainly associated with artificial feeding.

[Is facial pattern a predisposing factor for otitis media with effusion in children?]. / O padrão facial é fator predisponente para otite média com efusão em crianças?

UNLABELLED: Abnormalities in craniofacial morphology are associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion (OME). AIM: to evaluate the relationship between facial pattern and craniofacial growth direction, and OME in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids (ETA). METHODS: Clinical prospective survey in 79 children (41 male and 38 female), ranging from 4 to 10 years of age, with tonsil and adenoid enlargement (Brodsky's grades III and IV). Forty children presented with OME (study group) and 39 did not (control group). Cephalometric analysis was used to determine the facial pattern. RESULTS: There was no correlation observed between facial pattern and OME (c 2 = 0.25 p = 0.88). Facial Axis was larger in the OME group (F(1.75) = 3.68 p = 0.05) and the Lower Anterior Facial height was smaller (F(1. 75) = 3.99 p = 0.05) in children with otitis media with effusion. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between OME and facial pattern in children with ETA although a more horizontal facial growth direction, and a smaller lower anterior facial height was observed consistently among subjects in this group. This suggests that abnormal positioning of the eustachian tube influences the development of OME in children with ETA.

O padrão facial é fator predisponente para otite média com efusão em crianças? / Is facial pattern a predisposing factor for otitis media with effusion in children?

Anormalidades na morfologia craniofacial são associadas à disfunção da tuba auditiva e a otite média com efusão (OME). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre o padrão facial, direção do crescimento craniofacial e OME em crianças com tonsilas faríngea e palatinas aumentadas (TFPA). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico prospectivo em 79 crianças (41 meninos e 38 meninas), com idades de 4 a 10 anos, com TFPA (níveis III e IV de Brodsky). O grupo de estudo foi composto por 40 crianças com OME, enquanto que o grupo controle foi composto por 39 crianças sem OME. Foi realizada análise cefalométrica. RESULTADOS: Não houve correlação entre o padrão facial e a OMS (c 2 = 0,25 p = 0,88). O grupo com OME apresentou Eixo Facial maior (F(1,75) = 3,68 p = 0,05), e uma Altura Facial Inferior menor (F(1, 75) = 3,99 p = 0,05) quando comparados ao grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve correlação entre o padrão facial e a OME em crianças com TFPA, ainda que um padrão facial mais horizontal associado à altura facial inferior diminuída foi consistentemente observada. Isto sugere que um posicionamento anormal do tuba auditiva influencia o desenvolvimento da OME em crianças com TFPA.

Abnormalities in craniofacial morphology are associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion (OME). AIM: to evaluate the relationship between facial pattern and craniofacial growth direction, and OME in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids (ETA). METHODS: Clinical prospective survey in 79 children (41 male and 38 female), ranging from 4 to 10 years of age, with tonsil and adenoid enlargement (Brodsky's grades III and IV). Forty children presented with OME (study group) and 39 did not (control group). Cephalometric analysis was used to determine the facial pattern. RESULTS: There was no correlation observed between facial pattern and OME (c 2 = 0.25 p = 0.88). Facial Axis was larger in the OME group (F(1.75) = 3.68 p = 0.05) and the Lower Anterior Facial height was smaller (F(1. 75) = 3.99 p = 0.05) in children with otitis media with effusion. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation between OME and facial pattern in children with ETA although a more horizontal facial growth direction, and a smaller lower anterior facial height was observed consistently among subjects in this group. This suggests that abnormal positioning of the eustachian tube influences the development of OME in children with ETA.

Variation of patterns of malocclusion by site of pharyngeal obstruction in children.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the type of dental occlusion and the type of pharyngeal lymphoid tissue obstruction in children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ambulatory ear, nose, and throat clinic of Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. PATIENTS: One hundred fourteen children aged 3 to 12 years presenting with mouth breathing and snoring due to tonsil and/or adenoid enlargement. INTERVENTIONS: Oroscopy and nasal fiber pharyngoscopy complemented by lateral head radiography to diagnose the type of obstruction, and clinical examination to evaluate the dental occlusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tonsil and adenoid obstruction (classified from grades 1-4) and sagittal, transverse, and vertical evaluation of dental occlusion. RESULTS: Obstructive enlargement of both tonsils and adenoids was detected in 64.9% of the sample; isolated enlargement of the adenoids, in 21.9%; isolated enlargement of the palatine tonsils, in 7.0%; and nonobstructive tonsils and adenoids, in 6.1%. All types of pharyngeal obstruction were related to a high prevalence of posterior crossbite (36.8%). Statistically significant association was found between sagittal dental occlusion and the site of lymphoid tissue obstruction (P = .02). A higher rate of class II relationship (43.2%) was detected in the group with combined adenoid and tonsil obstructive enlargement. Isolated tonsil obstruction showed a higher rate of class III relationship (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Different sites of obstruction of the upper airway due to enlarged lymphoid tissue are associated with different types of dental malocclusion. Findings are relevant to orthodontic and surgical decision making in these mouth-breathing patients.

Evaluation of children nasal geometry, employing accoustic rhinometry.

UNLABELLED: The area above the nasal cavity plays a role in respiratory physiology. AIM: To analyze, during a period of growth, a possible change in the minimum cross sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume of the anterior nasal cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 29 children (14 boys and 15 girls) with a mean age of 7.81 years at first examination (M1) and 11.27 years in the second examination (M2), without symptoms of nasal obstruction. The interval between examinations was 36-48 months. Children were subjected to the examination of acoustic rhinometry in which we recorded the minimum cross-sectional areas, volumes and their correlations with gender. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort. RESULTS: The mean cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity of MCA for girls was 0.30 +/- 0.09 cm2 (M1) and 0.30 +/- 0.14 cm2 (M2), while for boys was 0.24 +/- 0.12 cm2 (M1) and 0.32 +/- 0.10 cm2 (M2). The mean values of the total volumes found for the whole sample were 2.17 +/- 0.23 cm3 (MCA1-M1), 2.56 +/- 0.27 cm3 (MCA1-M2), 4.24 +/- 1.17 cm3 (MCA2- M2) and 4.63 +/- 1.10 cm3 (MCA2-M2). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in the minimum cross sectional area of the anterior nasal cavity. There was no significant difference between genders for both MCA and for the volume. There was a significant increase in MCA1.

Avaliação das geometrias nasais de crianças empregando a rinometria acústica / Evaluation of children nasal geometry, employing accoustic rhinometry

The area above the nasal cavity plays a role in respiratory physiology. AIM: To analyze, during a period of growth, a possible change in the minimum cross sectional area (MCA) and nasal volume of the anterior nasal cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 29 children (14 boys and 15 girls) with a mean age of 7.81 years at first examination (M1) and 11.27 years in the second examination (M2), without symptoms of nasal obstruction. The interval between examinations was 36-48 months. Children were subjected to the examination of acoustic rhinometry in which we recorded the minimum cross-sectional areas, volumes and their correlations with gender. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort. RESULTS: The mean cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity of MCA for girls was 0.30 ± 0.09 cm2 (M1) and 0.30 ± 0.14 cm2 (M2), while for boys was 0.24 ± 0.12 cm2 (M1) and 0.32 ± 0.10 cm2 (M2). The mean values of the total volumes found for the whole sample were 2.17 ± 0.23 cm3 (MCA1-M1), 2.56 ± 0.27 cm3 (MCA1-M2), 4.24 ± 1.17 cm3 (MCA2- M2) and 4.63 ± 1.10 cm3 (MCA2-M2). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in the minimum cross sectional area of the anterior nasal cavity. There was no significant difference between genders for both MCA and for the volume. There was a significant increase in MCA1.

A área anterior da cavidade nasal desempenha papel fundamental na fisiologia respiratória. OBJETIVO: Analisar durante um período do crescimento possível alteração da área transversal mínima (MCA) e do volume nasal da região anterior da cavidade nasal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas 29 crianças (14 meninos, 15 meninas) com média de idade de 7,81 anos no primeiro exame (M1) e de 11,27 anos no segundo exame (M2), sem sintomas de obstrução nasal. O intervalo entre os exames foi de 36-48 meses. As crianças foram submetidas ao exame de rinometria acústica, registrando-se as áreas transversais mínimas, volumes e suas correlações com os gêneros. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo de coorte. RESULTADOS: A média da área transversal da cavidade nasal de MCA para as meninas foi de 0,30±0,09cm2 (M1) e de 0,30±0,14cm2 (M2), enquanto que para os meninos foi de 0,24±0,12cm2 (M1) e de 0,32±0,10cm2 (M2). As médias dos volumes totais encontradas, para toda a amostra, foram de 2,17±0,23cm3 (MCA1-M1), 2,56±0,27cm3 (MCA1-M2), 4,24±1,17cm3 (MCA2-M2) e de 4,63±1,10cm3 (MCA2-M2). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve alteração significativa da área transversal mínima da região anterior da cavidade nasal. Não houve diferença significativa entre os gêneros, tanto para MCA como para o volume. Houve aumento significativo do volume em MCA1.

Distância interincisiva máxima em crianças respiradoras bucais / Maximum interincisal distance in mouth breathing children

INTRODUÇÃO: a distância interincisiva máxima é um importante aspecto na avaliação miofuncional orofacial, pois distúrbios miofuncionais orofaciais podem limitar a abertura da boca. OBJETIVO: mensurar a distância interincisiva máxima de crianças respiradoras bucais, relacionando-a com a idade, e comparar as médias dessas medidas com as médias dessa distância em crianças sem queixas fonoaudiológicas. MÉTODOS: participaram 99 crianças respiradoras bucais, de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 7 anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, leucodermas, em dentadura mista. O grupo controle foi composto por 253 crianças, com idades entre 7 anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, leucodermas, em dentadura mista, sem queixas fonoaudiológicas. RESULTADOS: os achados evidenciam que a média das distâncias interincisivas máximas das crianças respiradoras bucais foi, no total da amostra, de 43,55mm, não apresentando diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias, segundo a idade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias da distância interincisiva máxima dos respiradores bucais e as médias dessa medida das crianças do grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: a distância interincisiva máxima é uma medida que não variou nos respiradores bucais, durante a dentadura mista, segundo a idade, e parece não estar alterada em portadores desse tipo de disfunção. Aponta-se, também, a importância do uso do paquímetro na avaliação objetiva da distância interincisiva máxima.

INTRODUCTION: The maximum interincisal distance is an important aspect in the orofacial myofunctional evaluation, because orofacial myofunctional disorders can limit the mouth opening. AIM: To describe the maximum interincisal distance of the mouth breathing children, according to age, and to compare the averages of the maximum interincisal distance of mouth breathing children to those of children with no history of speech-language pathology disorders. METHODS: Ninety-nine mouth breathing children participated, of both genders, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, Caucasian, in mixed dentition. The control group was composed by 253 children, with ages ranging from 7 years to 11 years and 11 months, Caucasian, in mixed dentition period, with no history of speech-language pathology disorders. RESULTS: The results show that the average of the maximum interincisal distance of the mouth breathing children was, considering the total sample, 43.55 millimeters, and it did not show statistically significant difference between averages according to age. There is no statistically significant difference between the maximum interincisal distance's averages of the mouth breathing children and the averages of this distance of the control group children. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum interincisal distance is one measure that did not modify in mouth breathing children, during mixed dentition period, according to age, and seems not to be altered in this population. It is also observed the importance of use of the caliper in objective evaluation of the maximum interincisal distance.

Quantitative evaluation of the orofacial morphology: anthropometric measurements in healthy and mouth-breathing children.

UNLABELLED: The anthropometric orofacial measurements of mouth-breathing children were compared to those of children with no history of speech-language disorders, according to age. METHODS: 100 children participated, both males and females, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderm, in mixed dentition period, with a mouth-breathing diagnosis. The control group was comprised of 254 children, of both sexes, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderm, in mixed dentition period, with no history of speech-language disorders. The control group did not demonstrate any mouth-breathing. The children were submitted to anthropometric assessment and the orofacial measurements obtained were upper lip, lower lip, philtrum, upper face, middle face, lower face, and sides of the face. The instrument used was the electronic digital sliding caliper Starrett Series 727. There was statistically significant difference between the majority of the orofacial measurements of mouth-breathing children and the measurements of children with no history of speech-language disorders. Some orofacial measurements were different in the studied populations. The possibility of comparing orofacial measurements of children with and without mouth-breathing behavior allows the clinician to determine normal and altered structures of the orofacial morphology. The main advantages of the anthropometry are its noninvasive nature, its technological simplicity, low cost and objective analysis. The anthropometric procedures also have clinical applications in myofunctional assessment and therapy.

Medidas e proporções antropométricas orofaciais de crianças respiradoras orais / Anthropometric orofacial measurements and proportions in mouth breathing children

OBJETIVO: Descrever as medidas e proporções orofaciais de crianças respiradoras orais e comparar a média do lado direito da face com a média do lado esquerdo da face, segundo a idade. MÉTODOS: Participaram 100 crianças, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre sete anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, leucodermas, em dentição mista, com diagnóstico de respiração oral. As crianças foram submetidas à avaliação antropométrica, sendo que as medidas orofaciais obtidas foram lábio superior, lábio inferior, filtro, terço superior da face, terço médio da face, terço inferior da face e lados da face. O instrumento utilizado foi o paquímetro eletrônico digital da marca Starrett, Série 727. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias das medidas antropométricas orofaciais das crianças respiradoras orais, segundo a idade, com exceção do terço médio da face e dos lados da face. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias das proporções orofaciais das crianças respiradoras orais, com exceção da proporção entre o terço superior da face e o terço médio da face. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as médias dos lados da face, segundo a idade. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença estatisticamente entre a maioria das médias das medidas e proporções orofaciais de crianças respiradoras orais, segundo a idade.

PURPOSE: To describe the orofacial measurements and proportions of mouth breathing children and to compare the average of the right side of the face to the average of the left side of the face, according to age. METHODS: One hundred children of both sexes, with ages ranging from seven to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderms, in mixed dentition period and with mouth breathing diagnosis participated in the study. The children were submitted to anthropometric assessment, and the orofacial measurements obtained were upper lip, lower lip, philtrum, upper face, middle face, lower face and sides of the face. The instrument used was the electronic digital sliding caliper Starrett Series 727. RESULTS: There was statistically no difference among the averages of the anthropometric orofacial measurements of mouth breathing children, according to age, with exception of the middle face and the sides of the face. There was also no difference among the averages of the orofacial proportions of mouth breathing children, with exception of the proportion between upper face and middle face, and between the averages of the sides of the face, according to age. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically, no differences were found among most of the averages of the orofacial measurements and proportions of mouth breathing children, according to age.

Características do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais: enfoque antroposcópico / Characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children: anthroposcopic approach

TEMA: a utilização da antroposcopia na avaliação das características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais. OBJETIVO: descrever as características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais, segundo a idade. MÉTODO: Participaram 100 crianças, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 7 anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, leucodermas, em dentição mista e com diagnóstico de respiração oral. As características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático pesquisadas foram posição habitual de lábios e de língua, possibilidade de vedamento labial, hiperfunção do músculo mentual durante a oclusão labial, mordida e morfologia do lábio inferior, das bochechas e do palato duro, por meio da antroposcopia. RESULTADOS: no que se refere à caracterização da população do estudo segundo o diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico principal, tem-se que foi mais freqüente o aumento de tonsila faríngea e de tonsilas palatinas. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as porcentagens de cada diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico, de acordo com a idade. Os resultados relativos às características do sistema estomatognático indicaram que os aspectos mais comuns na amostra foram posição habitual de lábios entreaberta, posição habitual de língua no assoalho oral, possibilidade de vedamento labial, hiperfunção do músculo mentual durante a oclusão dos lábios, mordida alterada, lábio inferior com eversão, simetria de bochechas e palato duro alterado, sendo que todas as características estudadas apresentaram a mesma freqüência com o avançar da idade, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significativa de acordo com essa variável. CONCLUSÃO: as crianças respiradoras orais apresentaram adaptações patológicas das características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático, sugerindo a importância do diagnóstico precoce como forma de evitar alterações orofaciais.

BACKGROUND: the use of anthroposcopy in the assessment of posture and morphology of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children. AIM: to describe the postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children, according to age. METHOD: participants were 100 children, of both genders, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderms, in mixed dentition and with the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The investigated postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system were labial and lingual resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, bite and morphology of the lower lip, cheeks and hard palate, using the anthroposcopy methodology. RESULTS: the results referring to the characterization of the studied population, according to the most frequent otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, was of enlarged pharyngeal and palatine tonsils. A statistically significant difference was found between the percentages of each otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, according to age. The results of the characteristics of the stomatognathic system indicated that the most common aspects in the studied sample were: half-open lips when in the resting position, tongue lowered on the mouth's floor in the resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, alterations of bite, labioverted, symmetry of the cheeks and alteration of the hard palate. All of the studied characteristics presented the same frequency with the increase in age, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: mouth breathing children presented pathologic adaptations in the postural and morphological characteristics of the stomatognathic system. This suggests the importance of early diagnosis in order to avoid orofacial alterations.

[Characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children: anthroposcopic approach]. / Características do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais: enfoque antroposcópico.

BACKGROUND: the use of anthroposcopy in the assessment of posture and morphology of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children. AIM: to describe the postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children, according to age. METHOD: participants were 100 children, of both genders, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderms, in mixed dentition and with the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The investigated postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system were labial and lingual resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, bite and morphology of the lower lip, cheeks and hard palate, using the anthroposcopy methodology. RESULTS: the results referring to the characterization of the studied population, according to the most frequent otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, was of enlarged pharyngeal and palatine tonsils. A statistically significant difference was found between the percentages of each otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, according to age. The results of the characteristics of the stomatognathic system indicated that the most common aspects in the studied sample were: half-open lips when in the resting position, tongue lowered on the mouth's floor in the resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, alterations of bite, labioverted, symmetry of the cheeks and alteration of the hard palate. All of the studied characteristics presented the same frequency with the increase in age, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: mouth breathing children presented pathologic adaptations in the postural and morphological characteristics of the stomatognathic system. This suggests the importance of early diagnosis in order to avoid orofacial alterations.