Brazilian Academy of Rhinology position paper on topical intranasal therapy.

This documents aims at educating those who treat sinonasal diseases - both general practitioners and specialists - about topical nasal treatments. By means of scientific evidence reviews, the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology provides its practical and updated guidelines on the most utilized topical nasal medication, except for the drugs that have topical antibiotics in their formulas.

Posicionamento da Academia Brasileira de Rinologia sobre terapias tópicas nasais / Brazilian Academy of Rhinology position paper on topical intranasal therapy

Opresente documento tem por objetivo esclarecer àqueles que tratam das doenças nasossinusais, tanto especialistas quanto generalistas, sobre as terapêuticas tópicas nasais. Por meio de uma revisão das evidências científicas, a Academia Brasileira de Rinologia vem proporcionar sua visão prática e atualizada sobre as medicações tópicas nasais mais utilizadas, excetuando-se as medicações que possuam antibióticos tópicos na sua formulação.

This documents aims at educating those who treat sinonasal diseases - both general practitioners and specialists - about topical nasal treatments. By means of scientific evidence reviews, the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology provides its practical and updated guidelines on the most utilized topical nasal medication, except for the drugs that have topical antibiotics in their formulas.

Quality of life assessment septoplasty in patients with nasal obstruction.

UNLABELLED: Nasal obstruction is a common complaint in the population. When caused by a deviated nasal septum, septoplasty is the procedure of choice for treating these patients. NOSE is a tool for assessing the disease-specific quality of life related to nasal obstruction. AIM: To assess the impact of septoplasty on patients with nasal obstruction secondary to deviated nasal septum based on the disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: Patients undergoing septoplasty with/without turbinectomy after no clinical improvement with medical treatment were assessed by the NOSE questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. We evaluated the surgical improvement based on total score, the magnitude of the surgery in the disease-specific quality of life and the correlation between the preoperative score and postoperatively improvement. RESULTS: Fourty-six patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in the preoperative NOSE score (md = 75, IQR = 26) and after three months (md = 10, IQR = 20) (p < 0.001.T-Wilcoxon). The standardized response mean was 3.07. We found a strong correlation between the preoperative score in the NOSE questionnaire and improvements in the postoperative period (r = -0.789, p < 0.001, Spearman). No difference was found in improvement scores by gender. (p = 0.668, U-Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSION: Septoplasty resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific QOL questionnaire.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida após septoplastia em pacientes com obstrução nasal / Quality of life assessment septoplasty in patients with nasal obstruction

Obstrução nasal é uma queixa frequente. Quando causada por um desvio de septo nasal, a septoplastia é cirurgia de escolha para tratamento destes pacientes. O questionário NOSE é um instrumento para avaliar a qualidade de vida doença-específica dos pacientes após intervenções para tratamento da obstrução nasal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da septoplastia na qualidade de vida doença-específica dos pacientes com obstrução nasal secundária a desvio de septo. Desenho: Prospectivo. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Pacientes submetidos à septoplastia com/sem turbinectomia após ausência de melhora clínica ao tratamento medicamentoso foram avaliados através do NOSE antes e 3 meses após cirurgia. Avaliou-se a melhora na pontuação total, a magnitude do efeito da cirurgia na qualidade de vida doença-específica e a correlação entre a pontuação pré-operatória e a melhora pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e seis pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Observou-se melhora estatisticamente significativa entre a pontuação do questionário NOSE pré-opera¬tória (md = 75, IIQ = 26) e após três meses (md = 10,IIQ = 20, p < 0,001.T-Wilcoxon). A cirurgia resultou numa magnitude de efeito padronizada de 3,07. Mostrou-se uma forte correlação entre a pontuação pré-operatória no questionário NOSE e a melhora da pontuação no pós-operatório (r = -0,789, p < 0,001, Spearman). Não se encontrou diferença entre a melhora na pontuação segundo sexo. (p = 0,668, U-Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSÃO: A septoplastia resultou numa melhora da QV doença-específica estatisticamente significativa.

Nasal obstruction is a common complaint in the population. When caused by a deviated nasal septum, septoplasty is the procedure of choice for treating these patients. NOSE is a tool for assessing the disease-specific quality of life related to nasal obstruction. AIM: To assess the impact of septoplasty on patients with nasal obstruction secondary to deviated nasal septum based on the disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. Design: Prospective. METHODS: Patients undergoing septoplasty with/without turbinectomy after no clinical improvement with medical treatment were assessed by the NOSE questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. We evaluated the surgical improvement based on total score, the magnitude of the surgery in the disease-specific quality of life and the correlation between the preoperative score and postoperatively improvement. RESULTS: Fourty-six patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in the preoperative NOSE score (md = 75, IQR = 26) and after three months (md = 10, IQR = 20) (p < 0.001.T-Wilcoxon). The standardized response mean was 3.07. We found a strong correlation between the preoperative score in the NOSE questionnaire and improvements in the postoperative period (r = -0.789, p < 0.001, Spearman). No difference was found in improvement scores by gender. (p = 0.668, U-Mann-Whitney). CONCLUSION: Septoplasty resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific QOL questionnaire.

Assessment of quality of life after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

UNLABELLED: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a disease of undefined etiology that significantly impacts the quality of life of its patients. Various studies carried out in countries other than Brazil have shown endoscopic sinus surgery as an effective means of treating this condition. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze, with the aid of SNOT-20, the association between endoscopic sinus surgery and disease-specific quality of life of Brazilian patients treated for chronic rhinosinusitis accompanied or not by nasal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients submitted to endoscopic sinus surgery after drug therapy failed to improve their symptoms. They were assessed based on questionnaire SNOT-20p before and 12 months after surgery. Improvement on total scores and on the five items deemed more important by each patient were assessed. The study also looked into the correlation between preoperative scores and postoperative improvement and if there were any gender-related improvement differences. RESULTS: Forty-three patients aged 44 (19), md (IQR), 65% of whom (26/43) were males. Statistically significant improvement was seen on SNOT-20 and SNOT-20(5+) and a correlation was established between preoperative scores and postoperative improved scores (p<0.001). No gender-related differences were observed in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with statistically significant improvements in disease-specific quality of life.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida após sinusectomia endoscópica para rinossinusite crônica / Assessment of quality of life after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

A rinossinusite crônica é uma doença de etiologia não definida que impacta significativamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A sinusectomia endoscópica foi demonstrada como um tratamento eficaz em melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes em outros países; contudo, não existem estudos nacionais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal com a qualidade de vida doença-específica dos pacientes com rinossinusite crônica com e sem polipose nasossinusal pelo SNOT-20. Desenho: Estudo prospectivo. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Pacientes submetidos à sinusectomia endoscópica após ausência de melhora ao tratamento medicamentoso foram avaliados pelo questionário SNOT-20p antes e 12 meses após a cirurgia. Avaliou-se a melhora na pontuação total e nos cinco itens considerados mais importantes por cada paciente. Avaliamos também a presença de correlação entre a pontuação pré-operatória e a melhora pós-operatória e se havia diferença entre a melhora segundo sexo. RESULTADOS: Incluímos 43 pacientes com idade de 44 (19), md (IIQ); e 60,5% (26/43) do sexo masculino. Os pacientes apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativa no SNOT-20 e SNOT-20 (5+), e correlação entre a pontuação pré-operatória e a melhora da pontuação (p<0.001). Não houve diferença entre melhora da pontuação na qualidade de vida segundo o sexo. CONCLUSÃO: A sinusectomia endoscópica em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica apresenta associação com melhora da QV doença-específica estatisticamente significativa.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a disease of undefined etiology that significantly impacts the quality of life of its patients. Various studies carried out in countries other than Brazil have shown endoscopic sinus surgery as an effective means of treating this condition. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze, with the aid of SNOT-20, the association between endoscopic sinus surgery and disease-specific quality of life of Brazilian patients treated for chronic rhinosinusitis accompanied or not by nasal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients submitted to endoscopic sinus surgery after drug therapy failed to improve their symptoms. They were assessed based on questionnaire SNOT-20p before and 12 months after surgery. Improvement on total scores and on the five items deemed more important by each patient were assessed. The study also looked into the correlation between preoperative scores and postoperative improvement and if there were any gender-related improvement differences. RESULTS: Forty-three patients aged 44 (19), md (IQR), 65% of whom (26/43) were males. Statistically significant improvement was seen on SNOT-20 and SNOT-20(5+) and a correlation was established between preoperative scores and postoperative improved scores (p<0.001). No gender-related differences were observed in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with statistically significant improvements in disease-specific quality of life.

Biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: (1) Evaluate the presence of biofilms in patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and (2) investigate the association of biofilm presence and CRSwNP. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University-based tertiary care center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 33 consecutive patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP. The control group consisted of 27 control patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction without diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Mucosal samples were harvested intraoperatively for scanning electron microscopic examination to determine biofilm presence. Statistical analysis was performed. For all statistical tests, P = .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Biofilms were found in 24 (72.7%) of the 33 patients with CRSwNP and in 13 (48.1%) of the 27 septoplasty patients (odds ratio = 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-8.42; P = .051). CONCLUSION: (1) Biofilms were present in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP and also in controls without chronic sinusitis. This suggests that biofilms may not be sufficient to cause chronic sinusitis without other cofactors. Host factors could be the responsible for the pathogenesis of biofilms. (2) Although the prevalence of biofilms in patients with CRSwNP was not significantly different from that in the controls, the extremely wide 95% confidence interval, which is just below unity, suggests that a meaningful clinical difference may have been missed because of low statistical power. Further studies are necessary.

Rinossinusites em crianças / Rhinosinusitis in children

Rinossinusite é uma inflamação que acomete uma ou mais cavidades paranasais.Esta revisão, baseada nos consensos mais recentes, aborda os aspectos relevantes da rinossinusite aguda e crônica na criança: diagnóstico, microbiologia, fatores predisponentes, tratamento.

Biofilme em rinossinusite crônica com polipose nasossinusal: estudo piloto / Biofilm in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps: pilot study

Apatogenia da rinossinusite crônica não está completamente estabelecida e existem algumas explicações para essa doença, como a osteíte, os superantígenos, a hipersensibilidade mediada por fungos e, mais recentemente, o biofilme. Não existem publicações na língua portuguesa sobre biofilmes na rinossinusite crônica. Objetivo: Reproduzir um método para evidenciar a presença de biofilmes em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica com polipose nasossinusal. Material e método: Amostras de bula etmoidal de nove pacientes com rinossinusite crônica com polipose nasossinusal sem resposta ao tratamento clínico submetidos à cirurgia foram analisadas com microscopia eletrônica de varredura para evidenciar o biofilme. Desenho do estudo: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. Resultados: Observamos o biofilme em 55,56 por cento (5/9) dos pacientes, através da visualização da estrutura tridimensional, de estruturas esféricas envolvidas por uma matriz amorfa e dos canais de água. Conclusão: Reproduzimos um método de visualização de biofilme bacteriano através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura e evidenciamos a sua presença nos pacientes com rinossinusite crônica com polipose nasossinusal.

Chronic rhinosinusitis pathogenesis is not completely established and there are some explanations for this disease, such as osteitis, superantigens, fungal-mediated hypersensitivity and, more recently, biofilms. There are no reports in Portuguese about biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis. AIM: To reproduce a method for visualization of biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Patients and methods: Samples of ethmoid bulla of nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps without response to clinical treatment who underwent surgery were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy to evidence bacterial biofilms. Study design: A contemporary cross-sectional cohort study Results: In 55.56 percent (5/9) of the patients we observed biofilms by seeing three-dimensional structures, spherical structures surrounded by an amorphous matrix and water-channels. Conclusion: We reproduced a method for visualization of bacterial biofilms by scanning electron microscopy and evidenced its presence in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Biofilm in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps: pilot study.

UNLABELLED: Chronic rhinosinusitis' pathogenesis is not completely established and there are some explanations for this disease, such as osteitis, superantigens, fungal-mediated hypersensitivity and, more recently, biofilms. There are no reports in Portuguese about biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis. AIM: To reproduce a method for visualization of biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples of ethmoid bulla of nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps without response to clinical treatment who underwent surgery were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy to evidence bacterial biofilms. STUDY DESIGN: A contemporary cross-sectional cohort study RESULTS: In 55.56% (5/9) of the patients we observed biofilms by seeing three-dimensional structures, spherical structures surrounded by an amorphous matrix and water-channels. CONCLUSION: We reproduced a method for visualization of bacterial biofilms by scanning electron microscopy and evidenced its presence in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Estudo da anatomia da região do forame esfenopalatino na parede lateral do nariz através da dissecção endoscópica em cadáveres / Study of the anatomy of the sphenopalatine foramen region in the lateral nasal wall during endoscopic cadaver dissection

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar do índice de sucesso da cirurgia da ligadura ou cauterização da artéria esfenopalatina, para o tratamento da epistaxe severa, ser maior que 95%, a falha pode variar de 2% a 10%. Algumas variações anatômicas na parede lateral do nariz são relatadas, sendo referentes à localização do forame esfenopalatino (FEP), à presença de um forame acessório, à ramificação das artérias e à dimensão e morfologia do FEP. A variação anatômica dessa região assim como a escassez de estudos endoscópicos mostrando pontos de reparo para o encontro da artéria esfenopalatina e seus ramos podem justificar a falha cirúrgica em alguns casos, assim como a dificuldade técnica encontrada por alguns autores. OBJETIVO: Descrever a anatomia da região do FEP na parede lateral do nariz e as possíveis variações anatômicas, durante a dissecção endoscópica em cadáveres, e observar as possíveis diferenças entre os achados anatômicos, o gênero (masculino/feminino) e o grupo étnico/racial, assim como a simetria entre as fossas nasais. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Estudo anatômico prospectivo realizado de setembro de 2006 a janeiro de 2007. A região do FEP de 61 cadáveres frescos (122 fossas nasais) foi cuidadosamente dissecada, sob visibilização endoscópica. Prevaleceram os cadáveres do sexo masculino (75%) e grupo étnico/racial pardo, seguidos de negros e brancos. Foram observados a presença da crista etmoidal da lâmina perpendicular do osso palatino, a localização dos forames esfenopalatino e acessório, o número de ramos arteriais emergentes pelos forames e a distância dos mesmos à espinha nasal anterior. Os dados foram analisados em relação ao gênero, grupo étnico/racial e simetria entre as fossas nasais do mesmo cadáver. Foi, ainda, avaliada a predição da presença do forame acessório em relação ao número de ramos arteriais emergentes através do FEP, à localização do FEP e à distância do FEP à espinha nasal anterior...

INTRODUCTION: Even though the success rate of sphenopalatine ligation is greater than 95%, some authors have reported some difficulties in isolating those arteries during endoscopic surgical procedure. The failure rate of the sphenopalatine artery ligation or cauterization may vary from 2% to 10%. Some anatomical variations on the nose lateral wall are reported, with reference to the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) location, the presence of an accessory foramen, arteries ramification and SPF dimension and morphology. Anatomical variation of the region, as well as scarcity of endoscopic studies showing landmarks to find the sphenopalatine artery and its branches may justify surgical failure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy of SPF region and possible anatomical variations, during the endoscopic cadaver dissection and to observe the symmetry between nasal sides and the relationship to gender and racial group. CASUISTICS AND METHODS: It is a prospective anatomical study developed from September, 2006 to January, 2007. The SPF of 61 fresh cadavers (122 nasal fossae) was carefully endoscopic dissected. Male (75%) and mixed race cadavers prevailed. Presence of ethmoidal crest, location of sphenopalatine and accessory foramens, number of arterial branches emerging through foramens and distances from the foramens to anterior nasal spine were observed. Data were analyzed in relation to gender, racial group and symmetry of the same cadaver. Prediction of the presence of accessory foramen was evaluated in relation to number of arterial branches emerging through SPF, SPF location and distance from the SPF to the anterior nasal spine. RESULTS: Ethmoidal crest was present in 100% of cadavers, being anterior to the SPF in 98.4% of times. The most frequent SPF location was the transition region of middle and superior meatus (86.9%). Mean distance from SPF and accessory foramen to anterior nasal spine was 6.6cm and 6.7cm, respectively...

Correção endoscópica de fístula liquórica rinogênica: experiência de 44 casos / Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea: experience of 44 cases

A comunicação entre o espaço subaracnóideo e a cavidade nasal ou seios frontal, etmoidal e esfenoidal denomina-se fístula liquórica rinogênica. A fístula liquórica rinogênica tem potencial de complicação com importante morbidade e mortalidade. Ela pode apresentar um verdadeiro desafio no diagnóstico, na sua localização e no seu tratamento. FORMA DE ESTUDO: estudo de série. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Entre 1993 a 2004, 44 pacientes com fístula liquórica rinogênica foram submetidos à abordagem endoscópica no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Os prontuários de todos os pacientes tratados foram revisados. RESULTADO: Quarenta e quatro pacientes, 16 mulheres (36 por cento) e 28 homens (64 por cento) foram incluídos no estudo. A idade variou de 02 a 68 anos (média =40,3). A etiologia, o sítio da fístula, o diagnóstico, a técnica empregada e o seguimento pós-operatório foram discutidos. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores concluíram que a técnica cirúrgica endoscópica endonasal para o tratamento de fístula liquórica rinogênica apresenta elevado sucesso, baixa morbidade e resultados em longo prazo confiáveis.

Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea: experience of 44 cases.

UNLABELLED: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a leakage of fluid from the subarachnoid space to the frontal, sphenoidal or ethmoidal sinuses. CSF rhinorrhea is a known potential complication with significant morbidity and mortality. It may present a significant challenge in diagnosis, localization and management. STUDY DESIGN: Series study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1993 and 2004, 44 patients with cerebrospinal rhinorrhea were operated on using intranasal endoscopic approach in the University Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, Medical School. The charts of all patients treated in our hospital were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-four patients, 16 women (36%) and twenty-eight men (64%), were included in the study. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 68 years (mean: 40.3 years). Etiology, site of leakage, diagnosis, technique, cause of failure and follow-up are discussed. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that transnasal endoscopic surgery for CSF rhinorrhea had high success rate, low morbidity and stable long-term results.

Tegmen tympani cerebrospinal fluid leak repair.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the transmastoid approach for closing cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the tegmen tympani using autologous materials (temporal muscle fascia and abdominal fat) and heterologous materials (bovine collagen), together with its advantages and disadvantages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the cases of three patients who underwent closure of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the tegmen tympani in which we used the transmastoid approach and autologous and heterologous materials. The three patients underwent canal wall-up mastoidectomy, posterior tympanotomy, removal of the malleus head and incus and, consequently, exposure of the tegmen tympani and the cerebrospinal fluid leak. Closure was performed using temporal muscle fascia, abdominal fat and bovine collagen, fixed in place with fibrin glue. A lumbar shunt was established, as is routine. RESULTS: The cerebrospinal fluid leak was closed in all patients using the technique described, with a minimum follow-up of 14 months. CONCLUSION: The technique presented herein is an excellent option in cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage in the tegmen tympani; it is easy to perform and results in minimal risk to patients.

Abordagem transmastóidea de fístulas liquóricas em tegmem timpânico / Transmastoid approach for the tegmen tympani cerebrospinal fluid leaks

AS fístulas liquóricas otológicas podem resultar de causas adquiridas ou congênitas e freqüentemente necessitam de abordagem cirúrgica.