Prevalence of nasal obstruction and its impact on quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose/Background: Nasal obstruction is a significant issue influencing the patient's quality of life. Chronic nasal obstruction is frequently associated with other symptoms such as headache, sleep disturbance, and daytime sleepiness. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nasal obstruction in Saudi Arabia and examine its effect on patients' quality of life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered combination of two previously validated questionnaires (the NOSE scale and the WHOQOL-BREF) translated into Arabic. The Mann-Whitney test was used to investigate the association between nasal obstruction prevalence and the participants' QOL. Results: The study included 1039 participants from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of nasal obstruction was 60.3% among the participants. Several factors significantly affected the prevalence of nasal obstruction, including sex, suffering from a chronic disease, having a family member with nasal obstruction, and using medications (P < 0.001 for all factors). A better score was shown in the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire by the participants who had no nasal obstruction: the physical health domain, psychological health, social relationships, and environment (P < 0.001 for all factors). Conclusions: Quality of life is affected by nasal obstruction. The subjective assessment is essential in evaluating the severity of nasal obstruction disease. It is recommended that healthcare providers use subjective tools combined with objective tools to assess the degree of nasal obstruction severity.

Sinonasal Outcomes of the Combined Transseptal/Transnasal Approach with Unilateral Nasoseptal Rescue Flap in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Objectives The authors applied surgical techniques acquired during the use of endoscopic combined transseptal/transnasal approach to reduce approach-related morbidity and improve sinonasal outcomes. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database. Setting The study setting involves a tertiary referral center. Participants A total of 86 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for newly diagnosed pituitary adenomas from April 2018 to March 2021 were included. Patients treated via the combined transseptal/transnasal approach served as the study group ( n = 18); those treated via the bilateral transnasal approach comprised the control group ( n = 68). From the control group, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was further performed to account for potential confounders and selection bias. Main Outcome Measures Paired analysis was performed for pre- and 6-month-postoperative time points in study group, control group, and PSM control group. Olfactory function was evaluated by Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CCSIT), and sinonasal outcomes were assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). Results In the study group, CCCRC ( p = 0.517) and CCSIT ( p = 0.497) did not show any significant difference before and after surgery. There was some improvement in the symptom score of SNOT-22, but it was not statistically significant ( p = 0.115). In the control group adjusted with PSM, a significant decrease in olfaction ( p = 0.047) was observed using CCCRC. The CCSIT score was also decreased but not significant ( p = 0.163). Also, there was no difference in the improvement of SNOT-22 ( p = 0.781). Conclusion Our new surgical method preserves olfactory function without compromising surgical outcomes.

Evaluation of Post-Intervention Outcomes in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles to assess the impact of inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation in patients diagnosed with empty nose syndrome (ENS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: Six databases were searched to December 2022. We retrieved studies evaluating improvements in refractory ENS-related symptoms based on various patient-reported outcome measures after inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation. RESULTS: As a result of meta-analysis, Sinonasal Outcome Test, Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), and depression scores were measured at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and later than 12 months after intervention for patients with ENS. All scores revealed significant symptom improvement. By reference to the minimal clinically important difference of the ENS6Q (6.25), inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation relieved the nasal symptoms of ENS in the long term. Although the improvements in anxiety scores at 1 week (0.4133 [-0.3366; 1.1633], 0.00, I2 = NA) and 1 month (0.4525 [-0.0529; 0.9579], I2 = 0.0%) were not statistically significant, the scores differed significantly at 3 months (0.7351 [0.4143; 1.0559], I2 = 28.4%), 6 months (0.8297 [0.6256; 1.0337], I2 = 37.2%), and longer than 12 months (0.7969 [0.4768; 1.1170], I2 = 0.0%). CONCLUSION: These data and analysis suggest that performing inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation on ENS patients may improve not only nasal symptom scores but also accompanying psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Laryngoscope, 134:2005-2011, 2024.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: Five databases were reviewed to identify relevant studies that measured polysomnography parameters such as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index, as well as quality of life and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire scores, before and after HGS. RESULTS: In total, 44 studies involving 8670 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 12 months after treatment, approximately 47%, 72%, and 82% of patients achieved AHI values of <5, < 10, and <15, respectively. The reported clinical success rates according to Sher criteria were 80% within 12 months and 73% between 12 and 36 months. While the favorable effects exhibited a gradual reduction up to 12 months postimplantation, they generally maintained a consistent level between the 12th and 36th months, as assessed by AHI < 5, <15, and success rate according to Sher criteria. CONCLUSION: HGS can enhance quality of life scores and polysomnography outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Although the positive effects gradually decreased until 12 months after implantation, they generally remained consistent between 12 and 36 months.

Risk factors for recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the pathophysiological factors leading to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) recurrence with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and compare the clinical and imaging findings between both groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary hospital. Patients with recurrent nasal polyps were compared to those with no recurrence by demographics, risk factors, anatomical abnormalities, clinical features, and Lund-Mackey (LM) scores. Both groups were followed up for 24 months after the primary surgery to detect recurrence. RESULTS: Among the 134 patients who underwent ESS for CRSwNP, 69 patients were in the recurrence group and 65 in the non-recurrence group. No significant difference was found in demographics, comorbidities, and anatomical abnormalities between both groups. However, asthma was more prevalent in the recurrence group (73.9% vs. 29.2%; p<0.01). All clinical features were similar between both groups. However, the recurrence group had more patients with bilateral polyps than non-recurrence (95.7% vs. 80%; p<0.01). We found that 26.1% (n=18) of the 69 patients with recurrence needed revision surgery. Smoking rates were significantly different between reoperated vs. non-reoperated patients (16.7% (3/18) vs. 2% (1/51); p=0.02), and the extent of primary ESS was different between them. CONCLUSION: Asthma is a significant risk factor for CRS recurrence. Furthermore, smoking and inadequate primary surgery increase the chance of revision surgery in case of recurrence.

Effectiveness of the Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation in Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the impact of cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve on symptoms of rhinitis in individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies published up to June 2023. REVIEW METHODS: Studies that evaluated the quality of life and rhinitis-related symptom scores before and after cryotherapy treatment, as well as sham-controlled studies, were included. RESULTS: In total, 368 patients from seven studies were analyzed. Patients who underwent cryoablation showed a significant improvement in rhinitis-related symptoms in both NAR and AR. In particular, the most significant improvement was observed in symptoms of rhinorrhea and congestion. Furthermore, cryoablation improved the disease-specific quality of life evaluated using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. The rate of clinical improvement in the total nasal symptom score (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]; >30% reduction from baseline) after cryotherapy was 74%. The change in TNSS score significantly increased over time in NAR patients (p = 0.0041). Therefore, changes in the TNSS score after 12 months of cryotherapy treatment were greater in the NAR group than in the AR group (p = 0.0020), indicating that cryoablation is effective for both types of rhinitis and has better long-term efficacy in NAR than in AR. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective symptom scores related to rhinitis, particularly for rhinorrhea and congestion, decrease after cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve. Furthermore, the symptom improvement was greater in NAR than AR. Laryngoscope, 2023.

Comparative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary therapeutic modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management. However, despite efforts to encourage patients to comply with CPAP usage, long-term adherence remains low. Consequently, surgical intervention for OSA is considered a secondary option for patients who exhibit non-compliance with CPAP. Therefore, we conducted systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the relative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) treatment and alternative surgical interventions for managing OSA. Five databases were searched. Studies were included if they measured polysomnography parameters and assessed sleep apnea-related quality of life (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) both before and after HNS, and compared these outcomes with control, CPAP, or airway surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, or tongue base surgery) groups. A total of 10 studies (2209 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other airway surgeries, the rates of post-treatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 10 and < 15 events/h were significantly lower in the HNS group (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-23.42; and 2.73, 95% CI 1.30-5.71, respectively). Additionally, postoperative AHI was significantly lower in the HNS group than in all other airway surgery groups (AHI: mean difference [MD] -8.00, 95% CI -12.03 to-3.97 events/h). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of post-treatment AHI < 5 events/h (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.74-5.06) or postoperative ESS score (MD 0.40, 95% CI-1.52 to 2.32) between the two groups. HNS is an effective option for selected patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and CPAP intolerance.

Deep Learning Model for Predicting Airway Organoid Differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Organoids are self-organized three-dimensional culture systems and have the advantages of both in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, each organoid has a different degree of self-organization, and methods such as immunofluorescence staining are required for confirmation. Therefore, we established a system to select organoids with high tissue-specific similarity using deep learning without relying on staining by acquiring bright-field images in a non-destructive manner. METHODS: We identified four biomarkers in RNA extracted from airway organoids. We also predicted biomarker expression by image-based analysis of organoids by convolution neural network, a deep learning method. RESULTS: We predicted airway organoid-specific marker expression from bright-field images of organoids. Organoid differentiation was verified by immunofluorescence staining of the same organoid after predicting biomarker expression in bright-field images. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the potential of imaging and deep learning to distinguish organoids with high human tissue similarity in disease research and drug screening.

Are statins effective in preventing chronic rhinosinusitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between statin use and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with CRS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) in analyses of studies that compared the prevalence of CRS, nasal polyp, difference of Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, Lund-Mackay CT score and Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22. RESULTS: The analysis included eight studies and 445 465 patients. Patients who used statins were at lower risk for CRS than those who did not (OR = 0.7457, 95% CI = 0.6629-0.8388, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0.0%). Patients with hyperlipidaemia were at higher risk for CRS than those with normal serum levels of lipid (OR = 1.3590, 95% CI = 1.2831-1.4394, p < 0.0001, I2 = 33.3%). However, there were no significant differences in the risk for nasal polyps between CRS patients using statins or not (OR = 1.0931, 95% CI = 0.7860-1.5202, p = 0.5968, I2 = 0.0%). Additionally, statin use was not related to Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores, Lund-Mackay CT scores or sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores in CRS patients. CONCLUSION: The risk for CRS is lower in patients who use statins and those without hyperlipidaemia.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid on the Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Receiving Head-and-Neck Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative bleeding, and any adverse effects, in patients undergoing head-and-neck surgery. METHODS: We searched databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane database) from their dates of inception to August 31, 2021. We analyzed studies that compared bleeding-related morbidity between perioperative tranexamic acid and placebo (control) groups. We subanalyzed tranexamic acid administration methods. RESULTS: The extent of postoperative bleeding (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.7817, [-1.4237; -0.1398], P = 0.0170, I2 = 92.2%) was significantly less in the treatment group. However, there were no significant between-group differences in terms of operative time (SMD = -0.0463 [-0.2147; 0.1221]; P = 0.5897, I2 = 0.0% [0.0%; 32.9%]); intraoperative blood loss (SMD = -0.7711 [-1.6274; 0.0852], P = 0.0776, I2 = 94.4%); drain removal timing (SMD = -0.3382 [-0.9547; 0.2782], P = 0.2822, I2 = 81.7%); or the amount of infused perioperative fluid (SMD = -0.0622 [-0.2615; 0.1372], P = 0.5410, I2 = 35.5%). Also, there were no significant between-group differences in laboratory findings (serum bilirubin, creatinine, and urea levels; and the coagulation profiles) between the tranexamic acid and control groups. Topical application was associated with a shorter postoperative drain tube dwell time than was systemic administration. CONCLUSION: Perioperative tranexamic acid significantly reduced postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing head-and-neck surgery. Also, topical administration might be more effective in postoperative bleeding and postoperative drain tube dwell time.

Efficacy and Safety of Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery: A Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive and remote surgical approaches for thyroid tumors have been developed primarily for cosmetic benefit. However, conventional meta-analysis could not provide comparative data between new techniques. This network meta-analysis would be able to provide data for clinicians and patients to compare cosmetic satisfaction and morbidity by comparing surgical methods. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Trials, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: The nine interventions included minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVA), endoscopic and robotic bilateral axillo-breast-approach thyroidectomy (EBAB and RBAB, respectively), endoscopic and robotic retro-auricular thyroidectomy (EPA and RPA, respectively), endoscopic or robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (EAx and RAx, respectively), endoscopic and robotic transoral approaches (EO and RO, respectively), and a conventional thyroidectomy. We recorded the operative outcomes and perioperative complications; pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: EO, RBAB, and RO were associated with good patient cosmetic satisfaction. EAx, EBAB, EO, RAx, and RBAB were associated with significantly more postoperative drainage than the other methods. Postoperatively, more flap problems and wound infections were found in the RO than control group, and more transient vocal cord palsy was found in the EAx and EBAB groups. MIVA ranked first in terms of operative time, postoperative drainage amount, postoperative pain, and hospitalization, but cosmetic satisfaction was low. EAx, RAx, and MIVA ranked higher than the other approaches in terms of operative bleeding. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that minimally invasive thyroidectomy achieves high cosmetic satisfaction and is not inferior to conventional thyroidectomy in terms of surgical results or perioperative complications. Laryngoscope, 133:2470-2479, 2023.

Differences in the predicted nasoseptal flap length among races: A propensity score matching analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the lengths of a nasoseptal flap (NSF) and skull base according to race, age, and sex. METHODS: We performed paranasal sinus computed tomography in 19,961 adult patients between 2003 and 2022. The race of the patients was East Asian (n = 71), Caucasian (n = 71), or Middle Eastern (n = 71). The expected lengths of the NSF and anterior skull base defect were measured and analyzed according to race, age, and sex. RESULTS: Compared with Caucasians and Middle Easterners, East Asians had a shorter NSF length (p < 0.001) and lower ratio of the expected NSF length to the expected defect length (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the values among age groups. The expected NSF length was longer, and the ratio of the expected NSF length to the expected defect length was higher, in males than females (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: East Asians and females had a shorter NSF length and lower ratio of expected NSF to surgical defect lengths after anterior skull base reconstruction compared with the other races and with males, respectively. Anatomical differences should be considered when long NSF lengths are required, such as for anterior skull base reconstruction.

The Prognostic Utilities of Various Risk Factors for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To assess the prognostic utilities of various risk factors for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Six databases were searched to January 2022. Hazard ratios for overall survival and disease-free survival were collected and study characteristics were recorded. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Twenty-eight studies involving 32,128 patients were finally included. In terms of overall survival, older age, a history of alcohol consumption, a high Charlson comorbidity index score, a high TNM stage (III and IV), a high tumor stage (III and IV), nodal involvement, poor pathological differentiation, primary chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with increased risks of death. In terms of disease-free survival, older age (≥60 years), TNM stages III and IV, tumor stages III and IV, supraglottic tumors, and nodal involvement all increased the risk of death. Conclusions: The TNM stage importantly predicts overall survival, and tumor location predicts the disease-free survival of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Of patients with risk factors, the Charlson comorbidity index usefully predicts overall survival.

High-Resolution Computed Tomography as an Initial Diagnostic and Localization Tool in Patients with Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the utility of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for the initial localization of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Methods: HRCT data regarding the point of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (as confirmed in the operating room), collected up to December 2022, were extracted from five databases. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Results: The search revealed eight relevant studies with a total of 254 patients. The diagnostic odds ratio of the imaging studies was 10.0729 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4486; 41.4376; I2 = 54.1%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8. Sensitivity, specificity, the negative predictive value, and the positive predictive value were 0.7550 (95% CI: 0.6163; 0.8553; I2 = 69.8%), 0.8502 (95% CI: 0.5986; 0.9557, I2 = 49.3%), 0.4106 (95% CI: 0.2418; 0.6035; I2 = 59.0%), and 0.9575 (95% CI: 0.8955; 0.9834; I2 = 27.7%), respectively. Conclusions: HRCT can be used to accurately localize cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea because it shows bony defects in high detail. However, it has limited utility for the evaluation of active leakage, and localization is difficult in the presence of coexisting lesions.

Efficacy of Steroid-Impregnated Spacers After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of steroid-impregnated spacers to that of conventional management after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception until November 2022. Sixteen studies were found that compared the improvement of chronic sinusitis-related symptoms and postoperative outcomes between a steroid-impregnated spacer group and a control group (non-steroid-impregnated spacers). The Cochrane risk of bias tool (for randomized controlled studies) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (for non-randomized controlled studies) were used to assess the quality of the works included. RESULTS: Regarding the endoscopic findings, the degree of mucosal edema, ethmoid inflammation, crust formation at 2-3 months postoperatively, nasal discharge, polyposis, and scarring/synechia were significantly lower in the steroid-impregnated spacer group. The steroid-impregnated spacer group also showed significantly lower Lund-Kennedy scores and perioperative sinus endoscopy scores than the control group at 2-3 weeks postoperatively. Furthermore, the steroid-impregnated spacer group had lower rates of adhesions, middle turbinate lateralization, polypoid changes, the need for oral steroid use, the need for postoperative therapeutic interventions, and lysis of adhesions than controls. However, no significant between-group differences were found in short-term (2-3 weeks postoperatively) endoscopic findings regarding nasal discharge, postoperative crusting, polyposis, or scarring/synechia. CONCLUSION: Steroid-impregnated nasal packing reduced the rates of postoperative intervention and recurrent polyposis and inflammation in CRS patients undergoing ESS.

Diagnostic Performance of Six Ultrasound Risk Stratification Systems for Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND. Risk stratification systems for evaluating thyroid nodules on ultrasound use varying approaches to classify levels of suspicion for malignancy, leading to variable performance. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform a network meta-analysis comparing six risk stratification systems used to evaluate thyroid nodules on ultrasound in terms of their diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid cancer. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION. Five bibliometric databases were searched for studies published through August 31, 2022, that compared at least two of six ultrasound risk stratification systems (the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi [AACE/ACE/AME] system; American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [ACR TI-RADS]; the American Thyroid Association [ATA] risk stratification system; European Thyroid Association Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [EU-TIRADS]; the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [K-TIRADS] endorsed by the Korean Thyroid Association and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology; and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by Kwak et al. [Kwak TIRADS]) in terms of their diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid cancer, with cytologic or histologic evaluation used as a reference standard. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis of each system was performed to identify the risk category threshold that had the highest accuracy as well as the highest sensitivity and specificity at this threshold. Network meta-analysis was used to perform hierarchic ranking and identify the systems having the highest sensitivities and specificities at each system's most accurate threshold. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. The analysis included 39 studies with 49,661 patients. All studies were of fair (n = 17) or good (n = 22) quality. The most accurate risk category thresholds were class 3 (high risk) for the AACE/ACE/AME system, TR5 (highly suspicious) for ACR TI-RADS, EU-TIRADS 5 (high risk) for EU-TIRADS, 4c (moderate concern but not classic for malignancy) for Kwak TIRADS, K-TIRADS 5 (high suspicion) for K-TIRADS, and high suspicion for the ATA system. At these thresholds, the systems had sensitivity of 64-77% and specificity of 82-90%. Network meta-analysis identified the highest sensitivity and highest specificity for ACR TI-RADS, followed by K-TIRADS. CONCLUSION. Of six risk stratification systems, ACR TI-RADS had the highest diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid nodules on ultrasound. CLINICAL IMPACT. This network meta-analysis can inform decisions regarding implementation of the risk stratification systems and can aid future system updates.

The Efficacy of Olfactory Training as a Treatment for Olfactory Disorders Caused by Coronavirus Disease-2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There have been reports investigating the use of olfactory training in olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of olfactory training on the olfactory dysfunction of patients infected with COVID-19. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane database, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar up to May 2022. We retrieved studies that compared the extents of olfactory dysfunction before and after olfactory training. We performed a subgroup analysis by the duration of olfactory dysfunction. RESULTS: The olfactory score after olfactory training (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.0830, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.6416; 1.5245], P < .0001, I2 = 90.4%) was higher than that before training. The olfactory dysfunction rate differed significantly (OR = 0.0232, 95% CI [0.0052; 0.1044], P < .0001, I2 = 63.1%) before and after olfactory training. On subgroup analysis, although patients with both acute (onset < 30 days prior) and chronic (onset > 30 days prior) olfactory dysfunction evidenced clinically significant improvements, training during acute dysfunction (compared to acute dysfunction) increased the olfactory score to a greater extent (SMD = 1.7779, 95% CI [1.0077; 2.5481] vs 0.6928 [0.2143; 1.1712], P = 0.0190). Moreover, as a result of subgroup analysis by dividing the included studies into2 using 2-month training period as standard, there was no statistically significant difference in the effect of the training period in the included study. CONCLUSION: Olfactory training improved olfactory disorders caused by COVID-19. Such training was effective in both the acute and chronic phases.

The efficacy and safety of peri-tonsillar administrated agents on pain treatment after pediatric tonsillectomy: A network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the pain control efficacies and associated morbidities of drugs administered locally (around the tonsils) in pediatric patients undergoing a tonsillectomy. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials up to April 2022 were retrieved from six databases. The treatment networks featured six interventions (ropivacaine, bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, ketamine, tramadol, and dexamethasone) and a control (placebo). The outcomes were the postoperative pain scores, the time to use of the first analgesic drugs, and postoperative nausea/vomiting. Both pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: All treatments controlled pain at 1 h and 1 day postoperatively. Although all agents tended to delay the time to the first analgesic drug, only bupivacaine, dexamethasone, ketamine, and tramadol significantly reduced the need for analgesics. No agent caused significant postoperative nausea or vomiting. The ranking hierarchy revealed that tramadol was superior in terms of pain control 1 h postoperatively, the time to the first analgesic drug, and the number of analgesic doses required; however, it ranked third in terms of operative time. CONCLUSION: All drugs reduced postoperative pain. Tramadol was optimal in pain control, and dexamethasone also afforded good pain control with low incidences of nausea and vomiting.

Anatomical Variations Associated With Maxillary Sinus Fungal Ball.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the anatomical and dental factors associated with unilateral maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB). Also, we evaluated the effect of combinations of those factors on the incidence of MSFB. METHODS: Three hundred patients were divided into MSFB, normal, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) groups. We reviewed paranasal computed tomography scans for the presence of deviated nasal septum, concha bullosa (CB), Haller cells, and various dental factors. Also, we measured the ethmoid infundibulum, maxillary natural ostium, and CB. RESULTS: Maxillary sinus fungal ball showed a more significant association with CB compared to the other 2 groups (37%, P < .05). The MSFB group had a lower rate of Haller cells than the normal group (10% vs 22%, respectively; P < .05). Also, the MSFB group had a wider maxillary sinus ostium than the normal group (7.07 ± 1.8 vs 5.48 ± 1.3 mm; P < .01). Moreover, the combination of CB and Haller cells was significantly associated with a decreased rate of the fungal ball (P = .047, odds ratio = 0.694). The dental factors were more prevalent in the MSFB and CRS groups (73% and 75%, respectively) than in the normal group (32%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary sinus fungal ball is significantly associated with CB, Haller cells, an increased maxillary sinus ostium size, and dental factors.

Diagnostic Value of Middle Meatal Cultures versus Maxillary Sinus Culture in Acute and Chronic Sinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: To assess the diagnostic utility of middle meatal culture (MMC) in patients with acute and chronic sinusitis; Methods: Six databases were thoroughly reviewed up to March 2022. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were extracted. Methodological quality was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 instrument; Results: Fifteen reports were analyzed. MMC results exhibited a significant correlation (r = 0.7590, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.6855; 0.8172], p < 0.0001) with those of maxillary sinus puncture. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of MMC (reference = maxillary sinus culture) was 8.5475 [3.9238; 18.6199]. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.761. The sensitivity and specificity of MMC were 0.7759 [0.6744; 0.8526] and 0.7514 [0.6110; 0.8534], respectively. We performed subgroup analysis based on age (children vs. adults), duration of disease (acute vs. chronic), and specimen collection method (biopsy, swabs, suction tips). The DORs, specificities, and negative and positive predictive values varied significantly. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for children and individuals with chronic disease, and when samples were collected via suction.; Conclusions: MMC provided fair diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute or chronic sinusitis. Although some institutional differences were evident, the middle meatal and maxillary sinus culture results were similar.