Gracilis Muscle-Free Flap Objective Improvement of Oral Commissure Excursion in Facial Palsy Reanimation Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Facial palsy patients face significant challenges. Gracilis free flap transfer is a key procedure in facial reanimation. Objective: This study aims to analyze oral commissure excursion improvement after gracilis free flap transfer and the differences regarding donor nerve: cross-facial nerve graft (CFNG), hypoglossal or spinal accessory nerves, motor nerve to masseteric (MNTM), and most recently, double anastomosis using both the MNTM and CFNG. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies reporting oral commissure excursion improvement after free gracilis muscle transfer. Pooled proportions were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Eighteen studies, 453 patients, and 488 free gracilis flaps were included. The mean change in perioperative oral commissure excursion was 7.0 mm, for CFNG 7.2 mm, for MNTM 7.7, and for double anastomoses 5.5 mm. Conclusions: There is a significant improvement in oral commissure excursion after gracilis muscle-free flap. Unfortunately, we could not make definitive conclusions regarding the optimal choice of donor nerve.

Effect of Tinnitus in Distortion Products Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) in Normal Hearing Patients.

Tinnitus is a symptom whose pathophysiology remains still unclear. Its diagnosis and treatment is complicated, due to its subjectivity. The generation of tinnitus is commonly linked with the impaired functioning of the outer hair cells (OHC) inside the cochlea. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are the objective test used to assess their activity. This study investigates the cochlear outer hair cell function in patients with tinnitus and normal hearing using DPOAEs. We performed a prospective study of the cochlear function in normal hearing patients complaining of tinnitus by analysing DPOAEs amplitude and signal/noise (S/N) ratio. We gathered a sample of 21 ears from adults that attended to the ENT Department complaining of tinnitus with normal hearing. We compared their results with a control group of 21 ears, with the same demographic characteristics, presenting normal hearing but without tinnitus in order to exclude the influence of age in DPOAEs results. A decreased mean of S/N levels in DPOAEs was found in tinnitus and normal hearing group comparing with control group, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Based on the results, OHC dysfunction is not necessary to experience tinnitus. The majority of the patients that present OHC dysfunction do not present a tinnitus at the moment. Other mechanisms in auditory pathway may be evaluated in the tinnitus development.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: Characterize head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in solid transplant recipients and compare outcomes with non-transplanted population. METHODS: We carried a retrospective cohort analysis in a tertiary care center in Madrid, Spain. The study reviews 26 cases of non-cutaneous HNSCC diagnosed in solid organ transplant recipients between 2000 and 2017. We select a cohort of 130 (1:5) non-transplanted patients among all non-transplanted patients diagnosed during the same period for comparison purposes, through hierarchical clustering analysis. Univariate, overall and specific survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate our objectives. RESULTS: The overall risk of non-cutaneous HNSCC in solid transplant recipients was 7.2 cases per 1000. Alcohol abuse (p = 0.021) and upfront surgery (p = 0.019) were more likely to occur in transplanted patients. Age > 60 was an independent predictor of worse outcomes both for overall (HR = 2.4, p < 0.001) and specific (HR = 2.1, p = 0.012) survival. Transplant significantly worse overall survival (HR = 2.1, p = 0.012) but no statistical significant differences were observed on specific survival (p = 0.392). CONCLUSIONS: Solid organ transplant recipients have a higher risk of suffering non-cutaneous HNSCC. The higher mortality rate of these patients does not appear to be directly related to suffering from head and neck cancer, although it seems to contribute to developing other fatal complications in these fragile patients.

La azatioprina reduce el riesgo de recaída audiométrica en hipoacusia inmunomediada / Azathioprine reduces the risk of audiometric relapse in immune-mediated hearing loss

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los esquemas actuales de tratamiento de la hipoacusia inmunomediada con corticoides, dosis baja y pauta corta, son insuficientes. MÉTODOS: Para determinar el papel de la azatioprina en el control del deterioro auditivo se ha llevado a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal con 20 pacientes tratados con azatioprina por vía oral (1,5-2,5 mg/kg/día en dos dosis) durante 1año. Se consideró recaída la pérdida de 10 dB en dos frecuencias consecutivas o de 15 dB en una frecuencia aislada. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 52,50 años (IC 95%: 46,91-58,17), y la mitad fueron mujeres. La afectación bilateral fue del 65%. Un 75% presentaban enfermedad organoespecífica y un 25%, enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. La diferencia entre la PTA basal (46,49 dB; DE18,90) y la PTA a los 12meses (45,47 dB; DE 18,88) no alcanzó significación estadística (p = 0,799). Existía una correlación positiva moderada entre sexo femenino y presencia de enfermedad sistémica (R = 0,577). Aplicando t de Student para datos apareados se obtuvo una diferencia significativa (p = 0,042) entre el descenso de la PTA en frecuencias hasta 1.000Hz (PTA125-1.000Hz). La tasa relativa de incidencia de recaída por año fue de 0,52 recaídas/año (IC 95%: 0,19-1,14). El tiempo medio de supervivencia libre de recaída audiométrica fue de 9,70 meses (DE 1,03). CONCLUSIONES: La azatioprina mantiene el umbral de audición, disminuye el riesgo de recaída y frena la velocidad con la que los pacientes recaen, alterando el curso de la enfermedad inmunomediada del oído interno

INTRODUCTION: Current schemes for treatment of immune-mediated hearing loss with sporadic short-course, low-dose corticosteroids, are insufficient. METHODS: To determine the role of azathioprine in the control of auditory impairment, a longitudinal, observational, descriptive study was performed with 20 patients treated with azathioprine (1.5-2.5 mg/kg/day into two doses) for 1year. The loss of 10 dB on two consecutive frequencies or 15 dB on an isolated frequency was considered as relapse. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.50 years (95% CI: 46.91-58.17), half were women. Bilateral affectation was 65%. 75% had organ specific disease and 25% had systemic autoimmune disease. The difference between baseline PTA (46.49 dB; DS 18.90) and PTA at 12 months (45.47dB; DS 18.88) did not reach statistical significance (P = .799). There was a moderate positive correlation between female sex and the presence of systemic disease (R = .577). By applying Student's t for paired data, a significant difference (P = .042) was obtained between the PTA in frequencies up to 1000 Hz (PTA125-1000Hz). The relative incidence rate of relapse per year was .52 relapses/year (95% CI: .19-1.14]). The median time to audiometric relapse-free was 9.70 months (DS 1.03). CONCLUSIONS: Azathioprine maintains the hearing threshold, decreases the risk of relapse, and slows down the rate at which patients relapse, altering the course of immune-mediated inner ear disease

Análisis de supervivencia libre de recaída audiométrica en pacientes con hipoacusia inmunomediada tratados exclusivamente con corticoides / Analysis of audiometric relapse-free survival in patients with immune-mediated hearing loss exclusively treated with corticosteroids

OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados en términos de supervivencia libre de recaída audiométrica y el ritmo de recaída en pacientes con hipoacusia inmunomediada tratados exclusivamente con corticoides. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes, con recaídas audiométricas, en seguimiento desde 1995 hasta 2014, en 2 centros de la Comunidad de Madrid. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 31 pacientes con una media de edad de 48,52 años (14,67 DE) de los cuales el 61,3% fueron mujeres. La mayoría de las hipoacusias fueron fluctuantes (48,4%). Solo el 16,1% de los pacientes presentaban enfermedad autoinmune sistémica. Existe una correlación positiva moderada entre ser mujer y presentar afectación sistémica (coeficiente de correlación de Spearman = 0,356). La tasa relativa de incidencia de recaída en el primer año en nuestra serie fue de 2,01 recaídas/año con un IC95% (1,32-2,92). El tiempo de supervivencia medio del evento (recaída audiométrica) fue de 5,25 meses (DE 0,756). Con el análisis multivariante, la única variable que consiguió significación estadística fue la edad, con una hazard ratio de 1,032 (IC95%; 1,001-1,063, p = 0,043). CONCLUSIONES: La enfermedad inmunomediada del oído interno es una enfermedad crónica con recaídas. La mitad de los pacientes tratados exclusivamente con corticoides recaen antes de los 6 meses de seguimiento. Además, si un paciente no ha presentado recaída, tiene más riesgo de recaer cada año que pasa. El análisis de la supervivencia libre de recaída audiométrica permitirá comparar el efecto de tratamientos futuros y su capacidad para reducir el ritmo de recaídas

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results in terms of audiometric relapse-free survival and relapse rate in immunomediated hearing loss patients treated exclusively with corticosteroids. METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with audiometric relapses, monitored from 1995 to 2014, in two centres of the Community of Madrid. RESULTS: We evaluated 31 patients with a mean age of 48.52 years (14.67 SD), of which 61.3% were women. Most hearing loss was fluctuating (48.4%). Only 16.1% of patients had systemic autoimmune disease. There is a moderate positive correlation between the sex variable and the systemic involvement variable (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.356): specifically, between being female and systemic disease. The relative incidence rate of relapse in the first year was 2.01 relapses/year with a 95% CI (1.32 to 2.92). The mean survival time of the event (audiometric relapse) was 5.25 months (SD 0.756). With multivariate analysis, the only variable that achieved statistical significance was age, with a hazard ratio of 1.032 (95% CI; 1.001-1.063, P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: Immune-mediated disease of the inner ear is a chronic disease with relapses. Half of the patients with immunomediated hearing loss treated exclusively with corticosteroids relapse before 6 months of follow-up. In addition, if a patient has not relapsed, they are more likely to relapse as each year passes. Analysis of the of audiometric relapse- free survival will enable the effect of future treatments to be compared and their capacity to reduce the rhythm of relapses

Azathioprine reduces the risk of audiometric relapse in immune-mediated hearing loss. / La azatioprina reduce el riesgo de recaída audiométrica en hipoacusia inmunomediada.

INTRODUCTION: Current schemes for treatment of immune-mediated hearing loss with sporadic short-course, low-dose corticosteroids, are insufficient. METHODS: To determine the role of azathioprine in the control of auditory impairment, a longitudinal, observational, descriptive study was performed with 20 patients treated with azathioprine (1.5-2.5mg/kg/day into two doses) for 1year. The loss of 10dB on two consecutive frequencies or 15dB on an isolated frequency was considered as relapse. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.50years (95%CI: 46.91-58.17), half were women. Bilateral affectation was 65%. 75% had organ specific disease and 25% had systemic autoimmune disease. The difference between baseline PTA (46.49dB; DS18.90) and PTA at 12months (45.47dB; DS18.88) did not reach statistical significance (P=.799). There was a moderate positive correlation between female sex and the presence of systemic disease (R=.577). By applying Student's t for paired data, a significant difference (P=.042) was obtained between the PTA in frequencies up to 1000 Hz (PTA125-1000Hz). The relative incidence rate of relapse per year was .52 relapses/year (95%CI: .19-1.14]). The median time to audiometric relapse-free was 9.70months (DS1.03). CONCLUSIONS: Azathioprine maintains the hearing threshold, decreases the risk of relapse, and slows down the rate at which patients relapse, altering the course of immune-mediated inner ear disease.

Analysis of audiometric relapse-free survival in patients with immune-mediated hearing loss exclusively treated with corticosteroids. / Análisis de supervivencia libre de recaída audiométrica en pacientes con hipoacusia inmunomediada tratados exclusivamente con corticoides.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results in terms of audiometric relapse-free survival and relapse rate in immunomediated hearing loss patients treated exclusively with corticosteroids. METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with audiometric relapses, monitored from 1995 to 2014, in two centres of the Community of Madrid. RESULTS: We evaluated 31 patients with a mean age of 48.52 years (14.67 SD), of which 61.3% were women. Most hearing loss was fluctuating (48.4%). Only 16.1% of patients had systemic autoimmune disease. There is a moderate positive correlation between the sex variable and the systemic involvement variable (Spearman's correlation coefficient=0.356): specifically, between being female and systemic disease. The relative incidence rate of relapse in the first year was 2.01 relapses/year with a 95% CI (1.32 to 2.92). The mean survival time of the event (audiometric relapse) was 5.25 months (SD 0.756). With multivariate analysis, the only variable that achieved statistical significance was age, with a hazard ratio of 1.032 (95% CI; 1.001-1.063, P=.043). CONCLUSIONS: Immune-mediated disease of the inner ear is a chronic disease with relapses. Half of the patients with immunomediated hearing loss treated exclusively with corticosteroids relapse before 6 months of follow-up. In addition, if a patient has not relapsed, they are more likely to relapse as each year passes. Analysis of the of audiometric relapse- free survival will enable the effect of future treatments to be compared and their capacity to reduce the rhythm of relapses.

Revisión del tratamiento quirúrgico de la rinosinusitis / Revision of surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis

Este artículo de revisión tiene por objeto la actualización integral de los aspectos que permiten obtener el máximo rendimiento del tratamiento quirúrgico endoscópico de la rinosinusitis del adulto. El desconocimiento del origen y mecanismo de producción de la rinosinusitis hace que no exista aún un tratamiento curativo. Los más recientes hallazgos en la fisiopatología de los senos paranasales, junto con los avances endoscópicos y radiológicos, han revolucionado el tratamiento quirúrgico de la rinosinusitis. Existe un elevado número de pacientes a los que se realiza cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal funcional. El uso apropiado de la tomografía computarizada es fundamental para que el cirujano obtenga las referencias necesarias y pueda planificar el procedimiento con precisión y seguridad. La cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal es una técnica segura si se realiza con una técnica adecuada y el suficiente entrenamiento, pero deben tenerse en cuenta los recursos necesarios para la prevención y tratamiento de complicaciones (AU)

The aim of this revision paper is to provide an update of available resources to achieve the best endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes of adult rhinosinusitis. The cause and mechanisms of rhinosinusitis remain unknown, and curative treatment does not exist. Recent new insights into paranasal sinus pathophysiology, along with technical advances in imaging and endoscopy, have revolutionised surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis. Since an increasing number of patients undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery as a therapeutic regimen for their disease, appropriate use of computed tomography is critical in providing a “roadmap” for the surgeon to delimit the surgical procedure, as well as to ensure safety and accuracy. With proper training and technique, endoscopic surgery is quite safe, but prevention and management of complications must be known (AU)

[Revision of surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis]. / Revisión del tratamiento quirúrgico de la rinosinusitis.

The aim of this revision paper is to provide an update of available resources to achieve the best endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes of adult rhinosinusitis. The cause and mechanisms of rhinosinusitis remain unknown, and curative treatment does not exist. Recent new insights into paranasal sinus pathophysiology, along with technical advances in imaging and endoscopy, have revolutionised surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis. Since an increasing number of patients undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery as a therapeutic regimen for their disease, appropriate use of computed tomography is critical in providing a "roadmap" for the surgeon to delimit the surgical procedure, as well as to ensure safety and accuracy. With proper training and technique, endoscopic surgery is quite safe, but prevention and management of complications must be known.