The development of paranasal sinuses in patients with cystic fibrosis: sinuses volume analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a severe systemic disease that affects many aspects of patients' lives. It is known that the progression of the disease adversely affects lower and upper airways including the paranasal sinuses. However, its impact on sinus development in the pediatric population is not fully examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development of the paranasal sinuses in a pediatric population with CF and compare it to a control group consisting of healthy children. METHODS: The results of computed tomography (CT) scans of children with the disease and the control group were evaluated. The study included 114 CT images of children in the study group and 126 images of healthy children aged 0-18 years. The volumes of maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses were analyzed. The obtained results were compared with those of the control group and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The volume and the development of the paranasal sinuses in both groups increased with age, but statistically significant differences were found between the study and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results provide valuable knowledge regarding the impact of the CF on sinuses development. Also, they may be important in understanding the progression of the disease and its influence on the quality and length of life of patients. The results may contribute to enhanced diagnostics and have implications for improving therapy for patients with chronic sinusitis associated with CF.

Characteristics of Patients with Laryngomalacia: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience of 106 Cases.

Laryngomalacia (LM) is the most common airway congenital anomaly and the main cause of stridor in infants. Some patients with severe airway symptoms or with feeding difficulties require surgical intervention. Synchronous airway lesions (SALs) may influence the severity and course of the disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various types of LM and SALs and their influence on surgical intervention decisions and feeding difficulties. Moreover, the study focused on the interrelations between SALs and the type of LM or the presence of feeding difficulties. A retrospective analysis of 106 pediatric patients revealed a significant relationship between type 2 LM and the necessity of surgical treatment. We also found a significant effect of LM type 2 on feeding difficulty. Type 1 LM is significantly more characteristic in premature children. Among different comorbidities, SALs are suspected of modification of the course and severity of LM. This study did not find a significant effect of SALs on the incidence of supraglottoplasty or feeding difficulty.

The Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Developmental Midline Nasal Masses: Histopathological, Clinical, and Radiological Aspects.

Developmental midline nasal masses including nasal dermoids (NDs), encephaloceles (EPHCs), and nasal glial heterotopias (NGHs) are a consequence of disrupted embryonal developmental processes in the frontonasal region. Surgery is the only method of treatment in order to prevent local and intracranial inflammatory complications as well as distant deformities of the facial skeleton. Due to their rarity, similar location, and clinical and radiological symptoms, meticulous preoperative differential diagnostics is mandatory. The aim of this thorough literature review was to present and discuss all clinical, histopathological, and radiological aspects of NDs, NGHs, and EPHCs that are crucial for their differential diagnosis.

First Brachial Cleft Anomalies in Children: An Innovative Surgical Technique Preventing External Auditory Canal Stenosis.

First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs) are rare congenital malformations that require complete surgical removal. A stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC) may be the consequence of the disease and its treatment. The aim of this study is to present the details and results of an innovative surgical technique using part of the abnormality for reconstruction purposes. This study covered 28 surgically treated children with FCBA between 2014 and 2021. The analysis included the clinical manifestation form of the abnormality, presence of the EAC deformity, histopathological results, complications, and distant results. On the basis of Work's classification system, 15 pediatric patients with type II FBCA and 13 children with type I FBCA were included in the further study. One child with type II FBCA and two with type I FBCA had a normal EAC. The preoperative appearance of the EAC was classified into three main types, each potentially accompanied by a skin ostium of the sinus/fistula in the EAC. Reconstruction with our technique was performed in 14 children (1 with type I FBCA and 13 with type II FBCA). Wound healing was uncomplicated in all cases. No recurrences were observed. This innovative surgical technique of the subtotal resection of FBCAs with simultaneous reconstruction is safe and prevents postoperative EAC stenosis. Despite the deliberate use of part of the abnormality wall for reconstructive purposes, it remained free of recurrences.

Otogenic Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis in Children: A Narrative Review.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare entity that remains a diagnostic challenge due to various clinical manifestations and a wide variety of causative agents. Local infections, such as acute (AOM) or chronic otitis media, can play a role in the pathogenesis of CVT. The proximity of the tympanic cavity and temporal bone air cells to the dural venous sinuses predisposes them to secondary thrombosis. The release of inflammatory cytokines and activation of the coagulation pathway in the middle ear space in response to infection may trigger the thrombotic mechanism in venous sinuses of the central nervous system. There is no consensus in the literature concerning the treatment of otogenic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Both the extent of the surgery and the use of anticoagulants are disputable. The aim of the study was to provide a thorough analysis of the literature concerning CVST in patients with AOM and acute mastoiditis (AM). The current surgical and conventional treatment strategies are presented. Special attention has been attached to the predisposing factors, the extent of the surgery, and the role of anticoagulants in the treatment of septic otogenic CVST.

Micro RNAs and Circular RNAs in Different Forms of Otitis Media.

The aim of this comprehensive review was to present the current knowledge on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in acute, recurrent, and chronic forms of otitis media. Special attention was focused on cholesteatoma of the middle ear. MicroRNAs modulate gene expression, which, in turn, influences the development and likelihood of the recurrence of acute and aggressive chronic middle ear inflammatory processes. Moreover, this study discusses the modulating role of a specific subgroup of noncoding RNA, circular RNA (circRNA). Recognizing the precise potential pathways and the mechanisms of their function may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular bases of middle ear diseases and identifying novel methods for treating this demanding pathology. Articles published between 2009 and 2022 were used in this analysis. In this review, we provide a complete overview of the latest progress in identifying the role and mechanisms of particular miRNAs and circRNAs in acute, recurrent and chronic forms of otitis media.

Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease in Children.

The rarity of isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) and the specificity of pediatric populations meant that a separate analysis was required in this study. This study aimed to present and discuss the results of an analysis of clinical manifestations, radiological findings and surgical methods based on a large series of exclusively pediatric patients. The study group covered 28 surgically treated children (aged 5.5-17.5 years). The medical data were retrospectively analyzed and meticulously discussed with regards to presenting signs and symptoms, radiographic findings, surgical approaches, complications, post-op care, histopathological results and follow-ups. The dominant symptom was a persistent headache (78%). Four children presented visual symptoms, diplopia in two cases, visual acuity disturbances in one case and both of these symptoms in one patient. Sixteen children presented chronic isolated rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, six suffered from mucocele and one presented chronic sphenoiditis with sphenochoanal polyp. Four patients turned out to exhibit neoplastic lesions and developmental bony abnormality was diagnosed in one case. No fungal etiology was revealed. The transnasal approach was used in 86% of patients. A transseptal approach with concurrent septoplasty was used in four patients. The patient with visual acuity disturbances completely recovered after the surgery. All children with visual symptoms reported improvement in the vision immediately after surgery. No postoperative complications were observed. Fungal etiology was extremely rare in the pediatric population with ISSD. The surgical treatment should be a minimally invasive procedure regarding a limited range of the pathology in ISSD. Emergency surgery should be performed if ISSD produces any visual loss.

Congenital midline upper lip sinuses with intracranial extension - A variant of nasal dermoid? An embryology-based concept.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to present the comparative analysis of midline congenital upper lip sinuses (MCULS) and nasal dermoids (NDs). The clinical similarity of congenital midline pathologies of the midface was interesting subject for further studies. Therefore, histopathological, and embryological background were also analyzed to verify a hypothesis that NDs and MCULSs are the different variants of the same entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 27 surgically treated pediatric cases with the congenital midline sinus of the nose (n = 25) or upper lip (n = 2). Seven children presented intraoperatively confirmed intracranial extension of the abnormality, 6 in NDs group and 1 in MCULS group. Apart from clinical characteristics also histopathological results were compared in both groups. An analysis of the literature concerning the proposed theories of origin of NDs as well as the current classification systems of MCULSs and NDs were conducted. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that MCULSs present the same clinical characteristics as NDs. No differences were noticed in the histopathological results. The embryological theories presented so far are insufficient to convincingly explain the precise process of origin of abnormalities such as ND and MCULS. Nevertheless, the developmental embryological processes of the midface shed a new light on the common origin of NDs and MCULSs. The proposal of an update of the existing classification of midline congenital midface sinuses was presented. CONCLUSIONS: The comparative analysis of clinical, histopathological, and embryological characteristics confirms that NDs and MCULSs are different forms of the same entity. Embryological implications result in the possibility of intracranial extension in each case of MCULS. Therefore, CT and MR imaging which provide irreplaceable information are recommended for all patients with MCULS. The updated classification of midline congenital midface sinuses should be taken into consideration.

Nasal Dermoids in Children: Factors Influencing the Distant Result.

The aim of the study was to present a single institution's treatment strategy for nasal dermoids and to identify factors influencing distant results. The study covered 24 surgically treated pediatric patients with nasal dermoids (NDs). The medical data concerning demographics, preoperative local inflammations and surgical procedures, form of the abnormality, imaging, surgical techniques, and a role of osteotomies and reconstructions were analyzed. The recurrence rates and distant aesthetic outcomes were assessed. The surgical approach included vertical incision in 21 patients, the external rhinoplasty approach in 2 cases, and bicoronal incision in 1 child. The intracranial extension was confirmed in 6 patients. Seven out of 8 cases with preoperative local inflammations and 3 out of 4 with secondary fistulization were < 4 years old. Nine patients required osteotomies. Three children required reconstruction of the nasal skeleton. None of the distant cosmetic results was described as hideous or unsatisfactory. The incidence of local inflammatory complications is unrelated to the age of the patients. The distant aesthetic result depends on both the initial extent of the disease and preoperative local conditions or interventions. Prompt surgical intervention is highly recommended.

Caring Ability and Professional Values of Polish Nursing Students-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Caring ability and professional values developed and shaped during nursing university studies are often recognised as fundamental components of education and professional nursing attitudes. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between caring ability and professional values among nursing students and their correlation with selected sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 379 nursing students. During the research, the Polish versions of the Caring Ability Inventory and the Professional Values Scale were used. The overall result in the Professional Values Scale was 108.78 (SD = 16.17)-which is considered average, and in the Caring Ability Inventory 189.55 (SD = 18.77)-which is considered low. Age correlated negatively with the professional values of students in total and in the subscale "care"; in contrast, "gender", "place of residence" and "financial situation" did not show any correlation with the level of students' professional values and caring ability. The professional values and caring abilities of nursing students depended on the year and mode of study and the type of university. The results of the study revealed that the caring ability and professional values of nursing students undergo changes during their education.

Clinical Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Nursing Students and Implications for Education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused difficulties in the organization of clinical classes for nursing students. It is therefore important to explore students' experiences related to participation in clinical classes during the pandemic and to draw conclusions that will allow for the introduction of innovations enabling the development of the required professional competencies as part of training during current and future pandemic restrictions. In this study, we aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students related to clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify practical implications for this education in the future. A qualitative study was performed based on individual interviews among Polish nursing students (n = 20). The study is reported using the COREQ checklist. Content analysis was applied, and five main categories were identified, including 'the key role of clinical mentor', 'theory-practice gap', 'ambivalent emotions and ethical challenges', 'to be part of the team', and 'strengthened professional identity'. The results of our research indicate that higher education institutions should implement clear strategies to support students, both in terms of psychological support and compensation of professional skills, the development of which might be limited during the pandemic. Modern technologies, including medical simulations, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine should be used in the practical teaching of nursing students to educate them on how to cope with difficult, new situations, build decision-making skills, and solve problems.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Lyme Borreliosis in Children-A Case Series and Review.

The occurrence of skin lesions is the earliest symptom of Lyme disease, and the diagnosis of these lesions and appropriate treatment may prevent complications of the disease, which are mainly neurological. The cutaneous presentation in borreliosis is heterogeneous. There are typical lesions that constitute the basis for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, and atypical ones, which cause significant diagnostic difficulties especially when the patient does not remember the tick bite. This study aims to describe the heterogeneous skin symptoms of Lyme borreliosis, as well as offer a practical approach for the recognition of the disease. Based on pediatric cases from clinical practice, rare cutaneous presentations of Lyme disease at various stages of illness and therapy are presented. Diagnostic recommendations for recognizing individual forms are discussed.

Radiological diagnostics in nasal dermoids: Pitfalls, predictive values and literature analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to present the accuracy of radiological diagnostics in pediatric patients with nasal dermoids and to discuss the potential factors influencing the radiological pitfalls on imaging in these cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patient's cohort included 25 surgically treated pediatric cases with nasal dermoid. The results of preoperative imaging studies were analyzed regarding intraoperative findings. A review of the literature concerning a series of cases with nasal dermoid was performed in order to evaluate the possible radiological pitfalls and the accuracy of radiological imaging. The following statistical parameters for the particular radiological tools was determined: sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive values and predictive negative values. RESULTS: Total number of 18 CT and 14 MRI were performed. 6 out of 32 radiological examinations occurred to be inconsistent with operative findings. Potential pitfalls were identified and discussed. All the patients with false radiological results were below the age of 5 and 83% were below the age of 3 y.o. The overall sensitivity (S), specificity (SP), predictive positive value (PPV) and predictive negative value (PNV) for CT vs. MRI were 68% vs. 79%, 90% vs. 95%, 65% vs. 86% and 90% vs. 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRI technique characterizes with higher predictive values in terms of identifying intracranial extension of nasal dermoid on imaging. Further analysis of radiological methods' accuracy should be conducted based on the detailed data concerning age distribution. The combination of CT and MRI should become a gold standard in diagnostics of nasal dermoids in children under the age of 5.

Decreased miRNA-320e correlates with allergy in children with otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood disease and the main cause of conductive hearing loss in this age group. Many factors predispose to OME but allergy is still widely disputed. The answer may lay in the molecular mechanisms of ear exudate formation and the recent studies showed miRNAs might take part in it. MiRNAs are also potent regulators of allergic response. As miRNAs are present in the middle ear, we hypothesized their expression differs between allergic and non-allergic patients and reflects the difference in pathomechanism of effusion formation between these two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to establish the expression of 5 different miRNAs (miR-223-3p, miR-451a, miR-16-5p, miR-320e, miR-25-3p) in ear exudates in children diagnosed with OME. The allergy group consisted of 18 patients whereas the non-allergic group had 36 patients. MicroRNA was isolated from the middle ear fluid collected during myringotomy and transcribed into cDNA. MiRNA expression was measured with TaqMan™ MicroRNA Assays and analyzed with DataAssist software. The comparative CT method was used for calculating the relative quantification of gene expression based on the endogenous control gene expression (U6 snRNA-001973). RESULTS: MiR-320e expression was significantly decreased in allergic children with OME. Other studied miRNAs also showed reduced expression in allergic children, but the decrease was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: MiRNA expression differs between children with and without allergy in the course of OME, but further studies are needed to explain the exact role of miR-320e and its target genes in OME pathology in allergic patients.

The phenotypic and genetic biofilm formation characteristics of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates in children with otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: Medical biofilms are involved in a number of chronic infections including otitis media with effusion and chronic rhinosinusitis, which are common pediatric infectious diseases. The purpose of the study was to analyze the phenotypic and genotypic indicators of biofilm formation of coagulase negative staphylococci isolates in children with otitis media with effusion, and in children with chronic rhinosinusitis as a comparison group by using three different detection methods. METHODS: Forty nine children aged from 2 to 6 years old, diagnosed with otitis media with effusion were enrolled to the study. The comparative group consisted of twenty three strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci from the strains collection isolated from nose swabs from children 3 to 7 years old suffering from rhinosinusitis for longer than 12 weeks. Cultured strains were tested for biofilm formation ability with three tests: Congo red agar, tissue culture plate methods and detection of ica operon. RESULTS: Out of 97 ear effusion specimens, obtained from 49 children suffering from OME, 38 were found positive in conventional culture resulting in isolation of 50 different bacterial species. Nested-PCR method confirmed bacterial presence in 95 (97.9%) cases. Among 50 different bacterial species isolated, 30 (30.9%) CNS and 20 (20.6%) other than CNS species. Detection of slime producing phenotype of CNS was performed with CRA plate test. Among OME isolates, 11 (36.7%) were CRA plate test positive. In case of isolates from CRS, 8 (34.8%) strains revealed black coloration on CRA. Using TCP method, strong adherence to microtiter plate was observed in two Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from OME and two S. epidermidis from CRS. By using the ica operon test, the genotypic ability to form biofilm was identified in 7 (23.3%) S. epidermidis strains cultured from ears effusion and in 3 (13%) strains from nose swabs. CONCLUSIONS: CNS strains revealed genotypic and phenotypic features responsible for the ability to form the biofilm in vivo. The presence of ica genes and phenotypic ability to form a biofilm by CNS strains emphasizes the pathogenic character of these strains in some cases of otitis media with effusion.

Dendritic cells and lymphocyte subpopulations of the adenoid in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dendritic cells and lymphocyte subpopulations of adenoid and peripheral blood in patients with adenoid hypertrophy and otitis media with effusion (OME). To explain the influence of immunological status of adenoid on the development of OME. METHODS: The examined group covered 123 surgically treated patients due to adenoid hypertrophy (39 children with coexisting OME). Preoperative clinical examination included anamnesis and otorhinolaryngological examination with nasofiberoscopy, videootoscopy and assessment of the hearing organ. The material of the study were surgically removed adenoids and peripheral blood samples prepared and then analyzed by the means of tri-colour flow cytometry. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences between patients with adenoid hypertrophy with coexisting OME and children without OME concerning CD19+CD69+, CD3+CD69+, CD4+CD69+CD8+CD69+ and CD19+CD25+ cells were observed. No statistical differences were revealed in the blood of patients with and without OME. Several statistical differences were noted between the adenoid and peripheral blood in patients with otitis media with effusion concerning BDCA-2+/CD123+ cells, CD3+ and CD19+ lymphocytes with the markers of their activation. CONCLUSIONS: The adenoid is involved in local immune response regardless of constitutional immunological mechanisms in patients with OME coexisting with adenoid hypertrophy. Significantly lower percentage of CD3+CD69+, CD4+CD69+, CD8+CD69+ and CD19+CD69+ cells of adenoid in patients with OME attests to reduced T-cells activation of the adenoid in relation to patients without OME.

Assessment of pulmonary function and nasal flow in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause of upper airways obstruction in children. The consequences of this disorder were analyzed by many researchers. The aim of the study was the assessment of pulmonary function and nasal flow in children with adenoid hypertrophy. METHODS: The study group covered 30 children treated surgically due to adenoid hypertrophy. Nasometric and spirometric tests were performed before and after surgery. RESULTS: The results revealed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-operative values of nasometric flows and the following spirometric parameters: VC, FVC, PEF, FEV1/PEF and FEV1/FVC. CONCLUSION: The influence of adenoid hypertrophy on pulmonary function in children has been confirmed on the basis of the conducted research.

Nasal ganglioglioma--difficulties in radiological imaging.

Ganglioglioma is a tumour containing both astrocytic and neuronal components. Most gangliogliomas are observed in the brain, but may also manifest as a nasal glioma. Approximately 250 cases of nasal gliomas have been described in the literature. Gliomas are classified as heterotopias of glia tissue. In the paper we describe the case of nasal ganglioglioma and the diagnostic difficulties. The differences between ganglioglioma, nasal glioma and other congenital midline nasal masses are discussed.

Cervical lymphadenopathy in children--incidence and diagnostic management.

OBJECTIVE: Palpable lymph nodes are common due to the reactive hyperplasia of lymphatic tissue mainly connected with local inflammatory process. Differential diagnosis of persistent nodular change on the neck is different in children, due to higher incidence of congenital abnormalities and infectious diseases and relative rarity of malignancies in that age group. The aim of our study was to analyse the most common causes of childhood cervical lymphadenopathy and determine of management guidelines on the basis of clinical examination and ultrasonographic evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered 87 children with cervical lymphadenopathy. Age, gender and accompanying diseases of the patients were assessed. All the patients were diagnosed radiologically on the basis of ultrasonographic evaluation. RESULTS: Reactive inflammatory changes of bacterial origin were observed in 50 children (57.5%). Fever was the most common general symptom accompanying lymphadenopathy and was observed in 21 cases (24.1%). The ultrasonographic evaluation revealed oval-shaped lymph nodes with the domination of long axis in 78 patients (89.66%). The proper width of hilus and their proper vascularization were observed in 75 children (86.2%). Some additional clinical and laboratory tests were needed in the patients with abnormal sonographic image. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic imaging is extremely helpful in diagnostics, differentiation and following the treatment of childhood lymphadenopathy. Failure of regression after 4-6 weeks might be an indication for a diagnostic biopsy.