Olfaction and Quality of Life in Patients with Eosinophilic CRS Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disease. This high prevalence leads to high direct and indirect public health costs, which include medical visits, laboratory tests and imaging, pharmacotherapy, hospitalizations, and surgical treatment. Furthermore, CRS has a substantial impact on patient quality of life, affecting productivity and being a common cause of absence from work CRS-associated olfactory dysfunction is highly prevalent, the actual effectiveness of surgical intervention remains inconsistent. Although there are studies evaluating the postoperative course of patients with eosinophilic Chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) treated with high-volume budesonide irrigation, there is little objective information regarding the impact of this intervention on olfactory status and quality of life. Objective To conduct a pre- and postoperative analysis of olfaction and quality of life in patients with eCRS treated with surgical intervention followed by high-volume budesonide nasal irrigation. Methods Prospective, descriptive, uncontrolled study of patients with eCRS. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative nasal endoscopy, SNOT-22 questionnaire, and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Text (UPSIT), always by the same previously trained examiner. The SNOT-22 questionnaire and the UPSIT were readministered to all patients at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, and scores compared with those obtained preoperatively. Results Twenty patients were included in the study, 13 males and 7 females, between the ages of 23 and 65; 8 patients had comorbid asthma. Quantitative evaluation using the UPSIT test showed a significant improvement in olfaction 3 months after surgery, which remained 6 months and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.0063). There was no significant association between eosinophil concentrations in polypoid tissue and postoperative SNOT-22 and UPSIT results. Patients with tissue eosinophils >50 had a lower preoperative UPSIT score. As early as 3 months postoperatively, a significant improvement in quality of life was already noticeable, as represented by a decrease in SNOT-22 values, which persisted through the 1-year postoperative follow-up evaluation (p = 0.0005). Quantitative evaluation using the UPSIT test showed a significant improvement in olfaction 3 months after surgery, which remained 6 months and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.0063). Conclusion Surgery effectively controlled eCRS in patients who adhered to high-volume budesonide nasal irrigation postoperatively. There were significant improvements in quality of life and olfaction, which persisted at least up to one year postoperatively.

Clinical and polysomnographic predictors of laryngopharyngeal reflux in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / Avaliação do refluxo laringofaríngeo na síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux are diseases with a high prevalence in the overall population; however, it remains unclear whether they are diseases with the same risk factors present in the same populations or if there is any association between them. Objectives To evaluate and determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with moderate and severe obstructive apnea syndrome and also to determine its predictive factors. Methods Historical cohort, cross-sectional study of patients aged 18-70 years, referred to a tertiary service Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic with a polysomnographic diagnosis of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The reflux symptom index questionnaire and the reflux finding score at indirect videolaryngoscopy were applied to the assessed population, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Fifty-six patients were evaluated, of which 64.3% had a positive laryngopharyngeal reflux (positive reflux symptom index and/or positive endolaryngeal reflux finding score). Body mass index was a predictor of reflux presence in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In patients with positive score for endoscopic findings and reflux symptom index (12.3%), there was a trend toward significance for a higher mean apnea-hypopnea index and a higher percentage of sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90% (p = 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was higher in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and the body mass index was a predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux in these patients. There was a trend toward greater oxyhemoglobin desaturation in patients with a positive score for reflux symptoms index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).

Resumo Introdução A síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono e o refluxo laringofaríngeo são doenças com alta prevalência na população em geral. No entanto, ainda não está claro se são doenças com os mesmos fatores de risco presentes nas mesmas populações ou se há alguma relação entre elas. Objetivo Avaliar e determinar a prevalência de refluxo laringofaríngeo em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva moderada e acentuada, bem como determinar os fatores preditivos de refluxo nesses pacientes. Método Estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal de pacientes entre 18 e 70 anos, encaminhados a um ambulatório de Otorrinolaringologia em serviço terciário, com diagnóstico polissonográfico de síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono moderada ou acentuada. Foram aplicados o questionário Reflux Sympton Index e o escore de achados endolaríngeos por meio de videolaringoscopia indireta na população estudada, respeitando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados Foram avaliados 56 pacientes, dos quais 64,3% apresentaram refluxo laringofaríngeo (Reflux Sympton Index positivo e/ou Reflux Finding Score positivo). O índice de massa corpórea foi fator preditor da presença de refluxo laringofaríngeo nesse grupo de pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono moderada e acentuada. Nos pacientes cujos Reflux Sympton Index e o escore de achados endolaríngeos foram positivos (12,3%), houve uma tendência à significância para maior índice de apneia e hipopneia e maior porcentagem do tempo de sono com saturação de oxi-hemoglobina abaixo de 90% (p = 0,05). Conclusão A prevalência de refluxo laringofaríngeo foi alta nesse grupo de pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono moderada e acentuada e o índice de massa corpórea foi fator preditor de refluxo nesses pacientes. Houve uma tendência a maior dessaturacão de oxi-hemoglobina em pacientes com "índice de sintomas de refluxo" e escore de achados endolaríngeos positivos.

Clinical and polysomnographic predictors of laryngopharyngeal reflux in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux are diseases with a high prevalence in the overall population; however, it remains unclear whether they are diseases with the same risk factors present in the same populations or if there is any association between them. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with moderate and severe obstructive apnea syndrome and also to determine its predictive factors. METHODS: Historical cohort, cross-sectional study of patients aged 18-70 years, referred to a tertiary service Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic with a polysomnographic diagnosis of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The reflux symptom index questionnaire and the reflux finding score at indirect videolaryngoscopy were applied to the assessed population, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were evaluated, of which 64.3% had a positive laryngopharyngeal reflux (positive reflux symptom index and/or positive endolaryngeal reflux finding score). Body mass index was a predictor of reflux presence in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In patients with positive score for endoscopic findings and reflux symptom index (12.3%), there was a trend toward significance for a higher mean apnea-hypopnea index and a higher percentage of sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90% (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was higher in this group of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and the body mass index was a predictor of laryngopharyngeal reflux in these patients. There was a trend toward greater oxyhemoglobin desaturation in patients with a positive score for reflux symptoms index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS).

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese / Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese

Abstract Introduction: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. Objective: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. Methods: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. Results: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. Conclusion: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Resumo: Introdução: A cirurgia endoscópica funcional endonasal é um procedimento cirúrgico frequente entre os otorrinolaringologistas. Em 2014, a Sociedade Europeia de Rinologia publicou o "Documento Europeu para Posicionamento sobre a Terminologia Anatômica Interna do Nariz e das Cavidades Paranasais" com o objetivo de unificar os termos na língua inglesa. Ainda não dispomos de uma terminologia unificada na língua portuguesa. Objetivo: Adaptação transcultural dos termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses". Método: Um grupo de rinologistas de todo o Brasil, com experiência em cirurgia endoscópica endonasal, foi convidado a participar da elaboração desse posicionamento sobre os termos anatômicos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais para o português conforme metodologia adaptada da previamente descrita por Rudmik e Smith. Resultados: Os resultados desse documento foram gerados a partir da concordância da maioria dos participantes conforme as sugestões mais populares entre os rinologistas. Uma adaptação transcultural da terminologia anatômica nasossinusal foi consolidada. Sugerimos que se busque uniformizar termos como "concha inferior", "septo nasal", "porção (óssea/cartilaginosa) do septo nasal", "meato (médio/ inferior) nasal", "via da drenagem do seio frontal", "recesso frontal" e "processo uncinado". Conclusão: Consolidamos uma versão adaptada em português da "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" que auxiliará a publicação de comunicados técnicos, publicações científicas e o ensino dos termos anatômicos internos do nariz e das cavidades paranasais no Brasil.

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Functional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the "European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses", aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language. OBJECTIVE: Transcultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the "European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses" to Portuguese. METHODS: A group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith. RESULTS: The results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms "inferior turbinate", "nasal septum", "(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum", "(middle/inferior) nasal meatus", "frontal sinus drainage pathway", "frontal recess" and "uncinate process" be standardized. CONCLUSION: We have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Clinicals And Upper Airway Characteristics in Obese Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a factor that is strongly related to the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults, although this association remains controversial for children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and upper airway charactheristics, obtained by questionnaires, physical examination and laboratory tests, among obese children with and without OSA. METHOD: This was aprospective cohort study. 44 obese children (body mass index above the 95th percentile) were included in the study. Questionnaires, physical examination of the upper airway, nasofibrolaryngoscopy, polysomnography, and laboratory allergic tests were performed. RESULTS: There were 22 male patients (50%), and the mean age was 7.6±2.5 years. OSA was present in 19 (43%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without OSA, in relation to clinical or laboratory allergic parameters. For the upper airway assessments, hypertrophy of the pharyngeal (p=0.001) and palatine (p=0.049) tonsils were the only parameters associated with OSA, and a modified Mallampati index of class III/IV also demonstrated a tendency towards being statistically associated with OSA (p=0.081). Moreover, these findings were confirmed to be factors associated with OSA in this group of children according to a logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence rate of OSA in this obese pediatric population was high. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and a modified Mallampati index of class III/IV were the factors associated with OSA.

Acute impact of continuous positive airway pressure on nasal patency.

BACKGROUND: Continuous airflow in the upper airway can cause discomfort, leading to nasopharyngeal complaints. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects of continuous positive upper-airway pressure on nasal patency in awake normal subjects. METHODS: Twenty-seven adults (17 men; 10 women; age range, 18 to 43 years) were exposed to continuous airway pressure (20 cmH2 O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device through a nasal mask for 2 hours. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of nasal obstruction, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) modified scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PF) were measured before and after the use of CPAP. RESULTS: There was an increase in nasal obstruction scores both on the VAS (p < 0.05) and on the NOSE scale (p < 0.05), as well as a reduction in nasal cavity volume on AR (p < 0.05) and a decline in PF (p < 0.05). Subjects were stratified into 2 groups: with and without symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Nasal parameters were significantly worse in the rhinitis group, with higher nasal obstruction scores on the VAS (p = 0.001) and NOSE scale (p < 0.001) and decreased PF (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acute exposure to positive pressure via CPAP is associated with subjective and objective reductions in nasal patency. In individuals with allergic nasal symptoms, deterioration is even more severe than in patients without these symptoms.

Nasal Polyp-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exhibit Lack of Immune-Associated Molecules and High Levels of Stem/Progenitor Cells Markers.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered adult progenitor stem cells and have been studied in a multitude of tissues. In this context, the microenvironment of nasal polyp tissue has several inflammatory cells, but their stroma compartment remains little elucidated. Hence, we isolated MSCs from nasal polyps Polyp-MSCs (PO-MSCs) and compared their molecular features and gene expression pattern with bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Initially, both PO-MSCs and BM-MSCs were isolated, cultivated, and submitted to morphologic, differentiation, phenotypic, immunosuppressive, and gene expression assays. Compared to BM-MSCs, PO-MSCs showed normal morphology and similar osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation potential, but their immunophenotyping showed lack of immune-associated molecules (e.g., CD117, HLA-DR, PDL-1, and PDL-2), which was linked with less immunoregulatory abilities such as (i) inhibition of lymphocytes proliferation and (ii) regulatory T cell expansion. Furthermore, we detected in the PO-MSCs a distinct gene expression profile in comparison with BM-MSCs. PO-MSC expressed higher levels of progenitor stem cells specific markers (e.g., CD133 and ABCB1), while BM-MSCs showed elevated expression of cytokines and growth factors (e.g., FGF10, KDR, and GDF6). The gene ontology analysis showed that the differentially modulated genes in PO-MSC were related with matrix remodeling process and hexose and glucose transport. For BM-MSCs, the highly expressed genes were associated with behavior, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, cell-cell signaling, and regulation of response to external stimulus. Thus, these results suggest that PO-MSCs, while sharing similar aspects with BM-MSCs, express a different profile of molecules, which presumably can be implicated in the development of nasal polyp tissue.

Orofacial-cervical alterations in individuals with upper airway resistance syndrome / Alteração cérvico-orofacial em indivíduos com síndrome da resistência de via aérea superior

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Studies that assess the upper airways in sleep-related breathing disorders have been performed only in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who seek medical attention. Therefore, in addition to the need for population studies, there are no data on the orofacial-cervical physical examination in subjects with upper airway resistance syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To compare the orofacial-cervical examination between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and without sleep-related breathing disorders. METHODS: Through questionnaires, physical measurements, polysomnography, and otorhinolaryngological evaluation, this study compared the orofacial-cervical physical examination, through a systematic analysis of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders in a representative sample of the adult population of the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 1042 volunteers evaluated; 49 subjects (5%) were excluded as they did not undergo otorhinolaryngological evaluation, 381 (36%) had apnea-hypopnea index > 5 events/hour, and 131 (13%) had oxyhemoglobin saturation < 90%. Among the remaining 481 subjects (46%), 30 (3%) met the criteria for the upper airway resistance syndrome definition and 53 (5%) met the control group criteria. At the clinical evaluation of nasal symptoms, the upper airway resistance syndrome group had more oropharyngeal dryness (17% vs. 29.6%; p = 0.025) and septal deviation grades 1-3 (49.1% vs. 57.7%; p = 0.025) when compared to controls. In the logistic regression model, it was found that individuals from the upper airway resistance syndrome group had 15.6-fold higher chance of having nose alterations, 11.2-fold higher chance of being hypertensive, and 7.6-fold higher chance of complaining of oropharyngeal dryness when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Systematic evaluation of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders, showed that the presence of upper airway resistance syndrome is mainly associated with nasal alterations and oropharyngeal dryness, in addition to the risk of hypertension, regardless of gender and obesity.

Resumo Introdução: Estudos que avaliam a via aérea superior (VAS) nos distúrbios respiratórios relacionados ao sono (DRRS) foram realizadas somente em pacientes com Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) que procuram o atendimento médico. Portanto, além da necessidade de estudos populacionais, não há dados sobre o exame físico cérvico-orofacial em indivíduos com Síndrome de Resistência das Vias Aéreas Superiores (SRVAS). Objetivos: Comparar o exame cérvico orofacial entre voluntário com SRVAS e sem DRRS. Método: Através de questionários, medidas físicas, polissonografia e avaliação otorrino-laringológica comparou-se o exame físico cérvico orofacial, através de uma análise sistemática do esqueleto facial, boca, faringe e nariz, entre voluntários com SRVAS e voluntários sem DRRS em uma amostra representativa da população adulta da cidade de São Paulo. Resultados: Avaliamos 1042 voluntários. Foram excluídos: 49 indivíduos (5%) que não realizaram avaliação otorrinolaringológica; 381 (36%) apresentaram índice de apneia e hipopnéia (IAH) > 5 eventos/hora e 131 (13%) apresentaram saturação da oxihemoglobina < 90%. Entre os 481 voluntários restantes (46%), 30 (3%) preenchiam os critérios estabelecidos para a definição de SRVAS e 53 (5%) que preenchiam os critérios do grupo controle. Na avaliação clínica dos sintomas nasais, o grupo SRVAS apresentou mais ressecamento orofaríngeo (17% vs. 29,6%; p = 0,025), desvio septal grau 1 a 3 (49,1% vs. 57,7%; p = 0,025), comparado ao controle. No modelo de regressão logística observamos que indivíduos do grupo SRVAS apresentaram uma razão de chance 15,6 vezes maior de apresentarem nariz alterado; 11,2 vezes maior de serem hipertensos e 7,6 vezes maior de se queixarem de ressecamento orofaríngeo quando comparados ao grupo controle. Conclusão: A avaliação sistemática do esqueleto facial, boca, faringe e nariz, entre voluntários com SRVAS e voluntários sem DRRS, mostrou que a presença de SRVAS está principalmente associada à alterações nasais e ressecamento orofaríngeo, além do risco de hipertensão arterial, independentemente do gênero e obesidade.

Why we should avoid using inferior turbinate tissue as control to Nasal Polyposis studies.

CONCLUSION: The authors are aware that inferior turbinate mucosa presents different properties from middle turbinate mucosa and any data generated using inferior turbinate as control in Nasal Polyposis (NP) should be analysed very carefully. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the mechanical properties of inferior turbinate mucosa vs middle turbinate mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The interstitial hydrostatic pressure behaviour was compared during a saline solution infusion between healthy nasal mucosa from inferior turbinate with middle turbinate (four patients). RESULTS: A significant difference, p = 0.02, was found in the response of interstitial hydrostatic pressure during the saline injection when the inferior turbinate vs middle turbinate was compared.

Orofacial-cervical alterations in individuals with upper airway resistance syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Studies that assess the upper airways in sleep-related breathing disorders have been performed only in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who seek medical attention. Therefore, in addition to the need for population studies, there are no data on the orofacial-cervical physical examination in subjects with upper airway resistance syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To compare the orofacial-cervical examination between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and without sleep-related breathing disorders. METHODS: Through questionnaires, physical measurements, polysomnography, and otorhinolaryngological evaluation, this study compared the orofacial-cervical physical examination, through a systematic analysis of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders in a representative sample of the adult population of the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 1042 volunteers evaluated; 49 subjects (5%) were excluded as they did not undergo otorhinolaryngological evaluation, 381 (36%) had apnea-hypopnea index>5 events/hour, and 131 (13%) had oxyhemoglobin saturation<90%. Among the remaining 481 subjects (46%), 30 (3%) met the criteria for the upper airway resistance syndrome definition and 53 (5%) met the control group criteria. At the clinical evaluation of nasal symptoms, the upper airway resistance syndrome group had more oropharyngeal dryness (17% vs. 29.6%; p=0.025) and septal deviation grades 1-3 (49.1% vs. 57.7%; p=0.025) when compared to controls. In the logistic regression model, it was found that individuals from the upper airway resistance syndrome group had 15.6-fold higher chance of having nose alterations, 11.2-fold higher chance of being hypertensive, and 7.6-fold higher chance of complaining of oropharyngeal dryness when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Systematic evaluation of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders, showed that the presence of upper airway resistance syndrome is mainly associated with nasal alterations and oropharyngeal dryness, in addition to the risk of hypertension, regardless of gender and obesity.

Systematic Evaluation of the Upper Airway in a Sample Population: Factors Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the anatomy of the upper airway (UA) of a representative sample of the adult population of São Paulo city, Brazil, and to identify factors associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), as confirmed using full-night polysomnography (PSG). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Population-based sample. METHODS: A 3-stage sampling procedure was used to proportionally recruit adult residents of São Paulo city according to gender, age, and socioeconomic status. A complete evaluation was performed, including a systematic evaluation of the UA prior to conducting PSG. RESULTS: Nine-hundred ninety-three (90.2%) of the participants were seen by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Individuals who were diagnosed with OSAS (32.9%) presented a higher frequency of nasal symptoms and structural abnormalities (both nasal and oropharyngeal) compared with those without OSAS. No anatomical differences were observed in the facial skeleton. An abnormal nasal structure visible via anterior rhinoscopy was the only UA factor predicting OSAS after adjustments for the other common OSAS risk factors (male sex, aging, obesity, and increased neck circumference). CONCLUSION: This is the first study in which a systematic evaluation of the UA was followed by a sleep study in a population-based sample. In a sample of the general population that had not previously been screened for OSAS, having an abnormal nasal structure was found to be a risk factor for OSAS, in conjunction with other well-established clinical and demographic factors, such as male gender, increased age, increased neck circumference, and body mass index.

New clinical staging for pharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

INTRODUCTION: The success of pharyngeal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome depends on the appropriate selection of patients. OBJECTIVE: To propose a new staging for indication of pharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: A total of 54 patients undergoing extended tonsillectomy were retrospectively included, divided into six stages. Stage I: patients with palatine tonsils grade 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 1/2; stage II: palatine tonsils 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 3/4; stage III: palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 1/2; stage IV: palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 3/4; stage V: body mass index ≥40 kg/m(2) with palatine tonsils 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 1, 2, 3, or 4. Stage VI: body mass index ≥40 with palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 1, 2, 3, or 4. RESULTS: The surgical success rates were 88.9%, 75.0%, 35.7%, 38.5%, and 100.0% in stages I-V. CONCLUSION: The presence of hypertrophic palatine tonsils was the anatomical factor in common in the most successful stages (I, II, and V), regardless of body mass index. Although the modified Mallampati index classes 3 and 4 reduced the success rate of surgery in patients with hypertrophic tonsils (stage II), the presence of modified Mallampati index classes 1 and 2 did not favor surgical success in patients with normal tonsils (stage III).

New clinical staging for pharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea patients, / Novo modelo de estadiamento para indicação de cirurgia faríngea em pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono,

Introduction: The success of pharyngeal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome depends on the appropriate selection of patients. Objective: To propose a new staging for indication of pharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods: A total of 54 patients undergoing extended tonsillectomy were retrospectively included, divided into six stages. Stage I: patients with palatine tonsils grade 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 1/2; stage II: palatine tonsils 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 3/4; stage III: palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 1/2; stage IV: palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 3/4; stage V: body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 with palatine tonsils 3/4 and modified Mallampati index 1, 2, 3, or 4. Stage VI: body mass index ≥40 with palatine tonsils 1/2 and modified Mallampati index 1, 2, 3, or 4. Results: The surgical success rates were 88.9%, 75.0%, 35.7%, 38.5%, and 100.0% in stages I–V. Conclusion: The presence of hypertrophic palatine tonsils was the anatomical factor in common in the most successful stages (I, II, and V), regardless of body mass index. Although the modified Mallampati index classes 3 and 4 reduced the success rate of surgery in patients with hypertrophic tonsils (stage II), the presence of modified Mallampati index classes 1 and 2 did not favor surgical success in patients with normal tonsils (stage III). .

Introdução: O sucesso da cirurgia faríngea no tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) depende da adequada seleção de pacientes. Objetivo: Propor um novo estadiamento para indicação de cirurgia faríngea na SAOS. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, onde foram inclusos, 54 pacientes submetidos a amigdalectomia ampliada, divididos em 6 estádios. Estádio I: pacientes com tonsilas palatinas graus 3/4 e índice de Mallampati modificado (IMM) 1/2; Estádio II: tonsilas palatinas 3/4 e IMM 3/4; Estádio III: tonsilas palatinas 1/2 e IMM 1/2; Estádio IV: tonsilas palatinas 1/2 e IMM 3/4; Estádio V: IMC (índice de massa corpórea) ≥ com tonsilas palatinas 3/4 e IMM 1, 2, 3 ou 4. Estádio VI: IMC ≥ kg/m2 com tonsilas palatinas 1 ou 2 e IMM 1, 2, 3, ou 4. Resultados: As taxas de sucesso cirúrgico foram de 88,9%; 75,0%; 35,7%; 38,5% e 100,0% nos estádios I a V. Conclusão: A presença de tonsilas palatinas hipertróficas foi o fator anatômico em comum nos estádios de maior sucesso (I, II e V), independente do IMC. Apesar do IMM classe III e IV diminuir a taxa de sucesso da cirurgia em pacientes com tonsilas hipertróficas (estádio II), a presença de IMM classe I e II não favoreceu o sucesso cirúrgico em pacientes com tonsilas normotróficas (estádio III). .

Immunoregulatory effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the nasal polyp microenvironment.

Nasal polyposis is a severe, chronic inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses and is frequently associated with asthma and aspirin sensitivity. Mesenchymal stem cells exhibit a potent immunosuppressive effect in several inflammatory conditions, and their role in nasal polyposis remains little explored. Hence, we investigated whether bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells could modulate cell phenotype in the nasal polyp milieu. After coculture with mesenchymal stem cells, the frequency of these inflammatory cells was found to decrease. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cells promoted strong inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, increased the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3 T cells, and changed the global cytokine profile from an inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory response. We believe that mesenchymal stem cells may be a very useful adjunct for investigation of the inflammatory process in nasal polyposis, contributing to better understanding of the inflammatory course of this condition.

Impact of thyroidectomy on the control of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with large goiters.

PURPOSE: A large goiter can cause a series of compressive symptoms such as dyspnea and dysphagia, and previous case reports have indicated the coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of thyroidectomy on the control of OSAS in patients with large goiters. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with euthyroid goiters larger than 100 ml were consecutively selected. Of these, 17 (70.8%) presented OSAS and formed the research group. The protocol consisted of sleep questionnaires, physical examination, and polysomnography in baseline and after 3 months of surgery. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 58.3±9.9 years, and there were 5 (29.4%) males and 12 (70.6%) females. The significant findings in the postoperative period included a reduced neck circumference (p=0.041), reduced Epworth sleepiness score (p=0.025), decreased percentage of high-risk OSAS cases according to the Berlin questionnaire (p<0.001), and a tendency for a significant reduction in snoring (p=0.052). However, polysomnographic respiratory parameters showed no significant improvement after surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite the high prevalence of OSAS in patients with large goiters and the improvement of OSAS symptoms, thyroidectomy showed no significant impact on the polysomnographic parameters.

Validation of the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire adapted to Brazilian Portuguese.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to validate the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian Portuguese. METHOD: A prospective study was conducted with ROE administration to 56 patients submitted to rhinoplasty (preoperatively, and then 15-day and 90-day postoperatively) and 100 volunteers without the need or desire of cosmetic or functional nasal surgery. Reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reproducibility), validity, responsiveness and clinical interpretability were assessed. RESULTS: Rhinoplasty patients' mean preoperative score was 7.14, 15 days post-op 17.73 and 90 days post-op 20.50, while controls presented 17.94 points (p < 0.0001), showing the questionnaire's validity and responsiveness. Internal consistency was 0.86. Inter- and intra-examiner test-retest reproducibility was 0.90 and 0.94, respectively. The effect size caused by the surgery was considered large (15 days post-op compared to the preoperative score: effect size = 3.22; 90 days post-op compared to preoperative score: effect size = 4.06). The minimally important difference was 8.67 points, so changes smaller than 9 points in ROE might not be perceived by the patient as an improvement or worsening. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of ROE is a valid instrument to assess results in rhinoplasty patients.