Evaluating the use of Floseal haemostatic matrix in the treatment of epistaxis: a prospective, control-matched longitudinal study.

Epistaxis is a common cause of emergency admissions in ENT. The use of Floseal haemostatic matrix in the treatment of epistaxis has been investigated in a number of studies in North America. We aimed to report a UK-based experience in the context of the current UK management paradigm. The study was designed as a prospective, unrandomised, control-matched longitudinal study. Cases were matched to controls in order to reduce the risk of bias. The overall treatment success rate for Floseal was 75 %, similar to the rates reported by studies based in North America. Nasal packing carried a success rate of 85 % and there was no statistically significant difference between the success rates of both treatments. Anecdotally Floseal can also be used successfully in thrombocyctopenic patients. There was a trend towards a shorter length of stay in the Floseal group, but this was not statistically significant. The 7-day readmission rate was 10 % for both the groups. This controlled study demonstrates that Floseal has a similar treatment success rate to nasal packing and that there may be a trend towards a shorter length of stay.

Topical nasal steroids for treating nasal polyposis in people with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps frequently occur in people with cystic fibrosis. Sinus infections have been shown to be a factor in the development of serious chest complications in these people. Nasal polyps have been linked to a higher risk of lower respiratory tract infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Topical nasal steroids are of proven efficacy for treating nasal polyposis in the non-cystic fibrosis population. There is no clear current evidence for the efficacy of topical steroids for nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. This is an updated version of a previously published review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of topical nasal steroids for treating symptomatic nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Latest search: 10 June 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled comparing the effects of topical nasal steroids to placebo in people with nasal polyps with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included trial and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One single-centred trial (46 participants) was identified comparing a topical steroid (betamethasone) given as nasal drops to placebo. Treatment was given twice daily for six weeks; 22 participants received the active drug.Subjective symptom scores, change in polyp size, and side effects were assessed. There was no difference in nasal symptom scores between the treatment and placebo groups. Betamethasone was effective in reducing the size of polyps, but was associated with increased reports of mild side effects, nasal bleeding and discomfort.Risk of bias was high since over 50% of people enrolled did not complete the study. Follow-up of participants was short (six weeks) also reducing the significance of the results for clinical practice. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests topical steroids for nasal polyposis in people with cystic fibrosis have no demonstrable effect on subjective nasal symptom scores. They have some effect in reducing the size of the polyps, but due to the small sample size, poor completion rates and lack of follow-up, the trial is at high risk of bias and evidence for efficacy is limited. Overall there is no clear evidence for using topical steroids in people with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyposis.A well-designed randomised controlled trial of adequate power and long-term follow-up is needed. Validated measures of symptoms and physical findings should be performed and quality of life issues addressed.

Topical nasal steroids for treating nasal polyposis in people with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps frequently occur in people with cystic fibrosis. Sinus infections have been shown to be a factor in the development of serious chest complications in these people. Nasal polyps have been linked to a higher risk of lower respiratory tract infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Topical nasal steroids are of proven efficacy for treating nasal polyposis in the non-cystic fibrosis population. There is no clear current evidence for the efficacy of topical steroids for nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of topical nasal steroids for treating symptomatic nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Latest search: 25 January 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled comparing the effects of topical nasal steroids to placebo in people with nasal polyps with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included trial and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One single-centred trial (46 participants) was identified comparing a topical steroid (betamethasone) to placebo. Twenty-two participants received the active drug.Subjective symptom scores, change in polyp size, and side effects were assessed. There was no difference in nasal symptom scores between the treatment and placebo groups. Betamethasone was effective in reducing the size of polyps, but was associated with increased reports of mild side effects, nasal bleeding and discomfort.Risk of bias was high since over 50% of people enrolled did not complete the study. Follow-up of patients was short (six weeks) also reducing the significance of the results for clinical practice. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests topical steroids for nasal polyposis in patients with cystic fibrosis have no demonstrable effect on subjective nasal symptom scores. They have some effect in reducing the size of the polyps, but due to the small sample size, poor study completion rates and lack of follow-up, the study is at high risk of bias and evidence for efficacy is limited. Overall there is no clear evidence for using topical steroids in people with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyposis.A well-designed randomised controlled trial of adequate power and long-term follow-up is needed. Validated measures of symptoms and physical findings should be performed and quality of life issues addressed.

Nasal sprays: commonly used medications that are often misunderstood.

Sinonasal inflammatory disease is very common and all clinicians who care for these patients should understand the topical treatment options available. This article reviews the utility and application of steroidal, saline, decongestant, antihistamine and anticholinergic preparations for the treatment of sinonasal disease, with a particular focus on evidence-based guidelines for use in both specialist and non-specialist healthcare settings.

Topical nasal steroids for treating nasal polyposis in people with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps frequently occur in people with cystic fibrosis. Sinus infections have been shown to be a factor in the development of serious chest complications in these people. Nasal polyps have been linked to a higher risk of lower respiratory tract infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Topical nasal steroids are of proven efficacy for treating nasal polyposis in the non-cystic fibrosis population. There is no clear current evidence for the efficacy of topical steroids for nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of topical nasal steroids for treating symptomatic nasal polyps in people with cystic fibrosis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Latest search: 02 February 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled comparing the effects of topical nasal steroids to placebo in people with nasal polyps with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included trial and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One single-centred trial (46 participants) was identified comparing a topical steroid (betamethasone) to placebo. Twenty-two participants received the active drug.Subjective symptom scores, change in polyp size, and side effects were assessed. There was no difference in nasal symptom scores between the treatment and placebo groups. Betamethasone was effective in reducing the size of polyps, but was associated with increased reports of mild side effects, nasal bleeding and discomfort.Risk of bias was high since over 50% of people enrolled did not complete the study. Follow-up of patients was short (six weeks) also reducing the significance of the results for clinical practice. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests topical steroids for nasal polyposis in patients with cystic fibrosis have no demonstrable effect on subjective nasal symptom scores. They have some effect in reducing the size of the polyps, but due to the small sample size, poor study completion rates and lack of follow-up, the study is at high risk of bias and evidence for efficacy is limited. Overall there is no clear evidence for using topical steroids in people with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyposis.A well-designed randomised controlled trial of adequate power and long-term follow-up is needed. Validated measures of symptoms and physical findings should be performed and quality of life issues addressed.

Evidence-based applications of mitomycin C in the nose.

BACKGROUND: Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antimitotic drug that may, when applied topically, prevent postoperative stenosis. Its use remains controversial. This review aims to provide otolaryngologists with an update of the evidence on the applications of this agent in the nose and sinuses. METHODS: A systematic review was performed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: English literature, original articles, reviews, and case series. Exclusion criteria were as follows: animal and in vitro studies, nonendoscopic and nonsinonasal applications of MMC, and external lacrimal surgery. Studies that used other ways of dilating stenoses in conjunction with MMC were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 48 studies published, 9 fulfilled our inclusion criteria, totaling 322 patients. Eighty-five percent were primary and 15% were revision cases. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 42 months. Main outcome measures used were endoscopic examination, anatomical measurements, radiological scoring systems, dye tests, and subjective symptom resolution. Main overall outcomes from studies where extrapolation of data was feasible were (1) patency rate, which ranged from 63% to 94.4% (mean, 81.3%); (2) adhesions: 5.1% (MMC) vs 15.05 (control); and (3) stenosis: 14.05% (MMC) vs 32.6% (control). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a favorable short-term effect of MMC, but no robust evidence regarding long-term prevention of restenosis. Larger homogenous and multicenter randomized trials are needed to assess the long-term effects of MMC in sinonasal surgery.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: an overview from an ear, nose and throat perspective.

Patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia can present with a multitude of symptoms caused by telangiectasia and arteriovenous malformations in the nose, brain, gastrointestinal tract, liver and spinal cord. Clinicians should be aware of the potential diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and how to manage these patients both in the acute and chronic setting. Identifying these patients and optimising their management can help reverse the reduced life expectancy back to that of the normal population. The management of these patients is complex and often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with difficult discussions to be had around screening for arteriovenous malformations and genetic testing. The stepwise management ladder can be used in both the medical and surgical strategies; there are multiple pharmacological and surgical options available, all with their own side effects and risks. Patient education is key to help informed decision making. This article outlines the clinical characteristics of the disease and management options available.

Acoustic parameters of snoring sound to assess the effectiveness of sleep nasendoscopy in predicting surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of two grading systems used to predict surgical outcome in nonapneic snorers. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study. Prior to undergoing palatal surgery, 20 patients completed a sleep nasendoscopic examination involving sequential steady-state sedation with intravenous propofol. Using a combination of acoustic parameters of snoring sound as an objective outcome measurement, and the answers to a specifically designed questionnaire as a subjective outcome measurement, the effectiveness of each grading system in predicting surgical outcome was examined. RESULTS: Depending on the outcome measurement used, sensitivity in predicting success of surgery for snoring varied from 16.7% to 50.0% and specificity from 38.5% to 62.5% for the Pringle and Croft system, while sensitivity varied from 91.7% to 100% and specificity from 30.8% to 31.5% for the Camilleri system. CONCLUSION: Sleep nasendoscopy using these classifications cannot be recommended as a reliable predictor of surgical outcome in nonapneic snorers. EBM RATING: C-4.

Acoustic parameters of snoring sound to assess the effectiveness of the Müller Manoeuvre in predicting surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the Müller Manoeuvre in predicting surgical outcome in non-apnoeic snorers. METHODS: Forty-one non-apnoeic snorers performed the Müller Manoeuvre, prior to palatal surgery for snoring. Pre-operatively and between 1.0 and 4.1 months (mean 2.5 months) post-operatively, patients were admitted overnight when their sleeping position and snoring sounds were recorded. At the time of the post-operative recordings, patients were required to complete a specifically designed questionnaire. Snore files comprising the inspiratory component of the first 100 snores whilst the patient was supine, were extracted. Snore duration (s), snore loudness (dBA), snore periodicity (%) and the energy ratios for the frequency bands 0-200, 0-250 and 0-400 Hz were calculated. Only patients who showed improvements in snore periodicity and all energy ratios were considered to be surgical successes. In addition, patients were also categorised as 'successes' or 'failures' depending on their responses to specific questionnaire questions. The effectiveness of the Müller Manoeuvre in predicting surgical outcome was then tested using these categories. RESULTS: The 41 patients included 35 men and 6 women. Mean age: 47 years (24-67 years). Mean PNIFR 145 (80-230). Median reported alcohol intake was 11-15 units/week (0 to 26-30 units/week). Mean BMI: 30.6 kg/m2 (24.3-47.2 kg/m2). Twenty-four patients underwent an uvulopalatal elevation palatoplasty and seventeen a traditional palatoplasty. Following the Müller Manoeuvre, patients were categorised as 'ideal', 'suboptimal, but acceptable' or 'unsuitable' for surgery. Using the acoustic parameters, 23/41 patients were considered a surgical success, whilst 18/41 were considered failures. Using the questionnaire responses, 14/40 patients were considered a surgical success, whilst 26/40 were considered failures. There was no correlation between the subjective and objective outcomes (rho=0.193; p=0.227). Neither pre-operative BMI, type of palatoplasty performed, patient gender, age, PNIFR or reported alcohol intake were confounders of surgical outcome. For patients considered 'ideal' and 'suboptimal, but acceptable', using acoustic outcomes, the Müller Manoeuvre had a specificity of 55.5% and a sensitivity of 30.4%, compared with a sensitivity of 57.7% and a specificity of 28.6% when questionnaire responses were used. If only patients considered 'ideal' were considered, the specificity was 66.7%, and the sensitivity 21.7% when using acoustic outcomes, compared with a sensitivity of 69.2% and a specificity of 78.6% when questionnaire responses were used. CONCLUSION: The Müller Manoeuvre appears to have no role in the pre-operative assessment of palatal surgery for non-apnoeic snorers.

Giant vertebro-basilar aneurysm: an unusual cerebello-pontine angle lesion.

Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) comprise more than 90 per cent of all cerebello-pontine angle (CPA) lesions. We present a rare case of a giant vertebro-basilar aneurysm presenting as a CPA lesion. The general condition of the patient precluded the completion of the magnetic resonance (MR) sequences. The clinical and limited radiological results (T2 images alone, the features of which were not specific) initially did not lead to a specific diagnosis. To obtain further radiological information a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast was performed and this revealed the lesion to be an aneurysm. The diagnostic difficulties and the treatment dilemmas of such a lesion are discussed. The importance of fine, axial, post-contrast CT arteriography with three-dimensional reconstruction, MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography are highlighted. The limitations of MR imaging in patients with CPA lesions are discussed.

Cleft lip and palate: diagnosis and management.

Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital facial anomaly in children, which can affect appearance, speech, hearing, growth, psychosocial wellbeing and social integration. This article provides an overview of the condition for the benefit of all health-care professionals.

Advances in the management of CSF rhinorrhoea.

Cerebrospinal fluid fistulae are under-diagnosed, difficult to locate and often clinically silent. They are potentially lethal and carry a long-term cumulative risk of meningitis. They should be fully investigated and treated aggressively. Current endoscopic techniques combined with intrathecal fluorescein dye enable most defects to be located and sealed with minimal morbidity.

Who should manage acute periorbital cellulitis in children?

INTRODUCTION: Periorbital cellulitis is inflammation of the eye anterior to the palpebral ligament. The sequeale may be life or vision threatening. There is no consensus on the optimal management strategies. METHODS: A two year retrospective case note analysis was performed on all hospital admissions to a tertiary children's hospital with the diagnosis. RESULTS: 226 notes were retrieved, 13 were excluded. The incidence of periorbital cellulitis was nearly 9 cases per month (8.875): the median length of stay was 2 days: all were treated with antibiotics. Only 7 children (3%) underwent surgical intervention. DISCUSSION: Due to potentially serious intracranial and orbital complications, authors have previously argued that all patients with periorbital cellulitis need daily otorhinolaryngology assessment. This current review showed a much larger incidence than in the published literature, with the majority being managed by the paediatricians and ophthalmologists. Escalation to otorhinolaryngology when first line treatment has failed is a more appropriate use of resources.