Microvessel density in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Microvessel density (MVD) corresponds to the intensity of neo-angiogenesis. MVD assessments are based on the expression levels of the vascular endothelium markers such as, e.g., CD34 or CD105. The goal of this study was to assess MVD among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and to evaluate the predictive value of MVD in head and neck cancers. METHODS: The study included 49 patients treated for HNSCC and 11 patients with dysplasia of the upper respiratory tract epithelium. Control tissues consisted of 12 normal mucous membranes of the throat. Expression levels of MVD markers were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using tissue microarrays (TMA). Clinicopathological factors and patients' survival over the 5-year follow-up period were analyzed. RESULTS: The MVD/CD34 values were found to be significantly elevated in the HNSCCs compared to the non-malignant control tissues (p = 0.001) and to dysplastic tissues. (p = 0.02). Significantly higher MVD/CD105 values were also seen in the tumor compared to the control tissues (p = 0.001) or the dysplastic tissues (p = 0.001). Unexpectedly, significantly lower MVD/CD34 values were seen in the tumor tissues of patients with the T3-T4 tumors compared to those with T1-T2 tumors (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HNSCCs have statistically higher MVD values compared to dysplasia of the upper respiratory tract epithelium. However, the MVD/CD34 values did not correlate with local invasiveness (the T feature) of HNSCCs. This counterintuitive observation suggests that assessments of MVD as performed on TMA by IHC using anti-CD34 or anti-CD105 antibodies considered to be specific for endothelial cell markers might underestimate the extent of the tumor vascularity in HNSCC.

(68)Ga-DOTATATE PET in juvenile angiofibroma.

BACKGROUND: As somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) may be overexpressed in rapidly growing vessels, the aim of this study was the analysis of in vivo and in vitro SSTR2A expression in juvenile angiofibroma (JA). MATERIAL & METHODS: A group of six male adolescents with a diagnosis of primary, recurrent/residual JA was enrolled in the study. All patients underwent (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/computed tomography (CT) followed by immunohistochemical staining for SSTR expression. RESULTS: (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT showed accumulation in areas matching the pathologic tissue in the nasopharynx of all patients studied with SUVmax of 5.1 ± 0.9 (ranging from 3.6 to 6.4). In all cases, the immunohistochemical examination showed a presence of SSTR2A with a high staining index. CONCLUSION: In vitro SSTR2A cytoplasm expression was found to be high in all tumor specimens. However, the uptake of (68)Ga-DOTATATE was weak in the PET/CT studies. We postulate that the intracellular localization of the SSTR2A in JA may cause this discrepancy.

Long-term parental satisfaction with adenotonsillectomy: a population study.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms among first graders. We evaluated the severity of symptoms and parental satisfaction in children who had undergone adenotonsillectomy (T&A) compared to children who never had T&A. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. Parent-reported questionnaire data including age, weight, height, BMI, history of T&A, and SDB symptoms (snoring intensity, observed dyspneas, mouth breathing during sleep) were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 3580 eligible children, 2504 (69.9 %) returned questionnaires. Two hundred fifty-nine (10.3 %) children had a history of T&A. Within this group, 76 % of parents were still satisfied with their child's outcome after surgery. The satisfaction rate decreased from 88.9 % in those who had surgery within 1 year to 71.3 % in those who had surgery ≥3 years prior. The mean values of intensity for all analyzed SDB symptoms on a five-point scale were significantly higher for children who had ever undergone T&A when compared to those who never underwent surgery [e.g., snoring (2.11 vs 1.87; P = 0.0004), dyspneas (1.64 vs 1.22; P < 0.0001), and mouth breathing during sleep (2.95 vs 2.58; P < 0.0001)]. For those who had undergone T&A, 24 % of caregivers were not satisfied with the surgical outcome and the symptom intensity was highest (snoring = 3.16, dyspneas = 2.20, and mouth breathing = 4.23) for these children. CONCLUSIONS: The mean SDB symptom intensity was significantly higher in children who had undergone T&A when compared to those who had not. The elevated symptom intensity in those children whose caregivers were not satisfied after T&A suggests possible SDB recurrence and need for further evaluation.

Non-classical presentation of congenital cholesteatoma as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea - Case report and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital cholesteatoma (CC) becomes clinically apparent as a cholesteatoma usually during childhood. Nontraumatic otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea with an intact tympanic membrane is a very rare symptom. METHODS: The review of recent literature and case report of the 60-year old patient - a trumpeter presented with nontraumatic otogenic CSF rhinorrhea, intact tympanic membrane on microotoscopy, and besides colorless fluid in right nasal cavity, normal finding on nasal endoscopy examination. RESULTS: CSF rhinorrhea was caused by CC in the petrous bone apex. Early diagnosis was facilitated by computed tomography scanning. Complete cholesteatoma removal was accomplished using a middle fossa craniotomy and an open non-radical antromastoidectomy. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is challenging and it can easily be misdiagnosed. Congenital cholesteatoma is a rare entity. We present a non-classical presentation of CC in an adult male, with a previously unreported symptom of CSF rhinorrhea. Symptomatic improvement occurred after surgical treatment of the disease.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in children.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma in children. It is localized in the head and neck region in 40% of cases. Treatment of RMS is complex, including multi-drug chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The progress that has been accomplished in oncology in recent decades significantly improved outcomes. The 5-year survival rate raised from 25% in 1970 to 73% in 2001, according to IRS-IV data. The outcome is influenced by primary tumor localization, clinical staging, histological tumor type and age at the moment of diagnosis. The relatively rare incidence of these tumors resulted in difficulties in creating more standardized therapeutic protocols. Comparison of outcomes in large patients groups led to an increase in the number of patients with complete remission. Although survival rates of RMS patients have improved, searching for new therapeutic modalities and substances is still essential to improve outcomes in cases of more advanced stages and unfavorable tumor localizations.

[Selected biological markers in various vascular lesions of the head and neck]. / Wybrane markery biologiczne w niektórych zmianach naczyniowych glowy i szyi.

Vascular anomalies are divided according to the contemporary system of classification into two groups: tumors and malformations. However, there is no consensus on juvenile angiofibroma's place in that system. The general characteristics of selected markers of angiogenesis and tissue remodeling are presented in the series in the context of current knowledge in the field of pathophysiology of vascular lesions. The mentioned markers are currently the subjects of multidirectional studies in oncology, as they take part in the process of neoangiogenesis and proliferation of tumors. Nevertheless, they have not been widely examined in vascular lesions. The indirect goal of that series is to indicate the possible research direction on vascular lesions to determine their molecular profile, to create a more specific system of classification, and above all to develop new diagnostic and treatment methods.

Serum EPO and VEGF levels in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: A high level of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) may be associated with a smaller infarct size determined by the release of necrosis markers. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, protective effects of SDB have also been described. The potential role of increased levels of EPO and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is suggested in this process. The study aimed to explore the EPO and VEGF serum levels in SDB and non-SDB patients during the acute phase of myocardial infarction. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the acute myocardial infarction have been examined for the levels of EPO, VEGF, and troponin I (Tn). In the following, patients had an overnight polysomnography to determine breathing disturbances during sleep. RESULTS: Both on admission day (day 1) and day 3 of hospitalization, EPO levels showed statistically significant differences in both SDB-positive and SDB-negative patient groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.018, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in VEGF levels. No correlation was found between the EPO and Tn levels. CONCLUSIONS: SDB patients tend to have higher levels of EPO during acute myocardial infarction. No statistically significant differences in VEGF levels were observed.

Clinical characteristics of acute rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 a post hoc analysis of a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common and well-defined disorder, primarily of viral aetiology, with rhinovirus and coronavirus accounting for more than 50% of viral ARS. The fight with COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased availability viral testing, which in turn allowed testing for presence of SARS-Cov-2 in all patients presenting common cold (or ARS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of acute rhinosinusitis in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: This study is a post-hoc analysis. Patients symptoms were evaluated using a structured questionnaire twice: directly after a positive SARS-Cov-2 result and 7-12 days following the first evaluation. Subjects were asked about presence of nasal and systemic symptoms as well as headache. RESULTS: A total of 130 COVID-19 symptomatic patients were recruited into the study, 58 (45%) patients met EPOS2020 diagnostic criteria for ARS. Of all ARS patients, 72% presented with rhinorrhoea, 69% with pain perceived over paranasal sinuses, 62% with nasal congestion, 52% with cough, 45% with olfactory dysfunction, 38% with fever, 33% with facial pressure and in 22% pain was exacerbated by sinus palpation. CONCLUSIONS: Half of COVID-19 subjects has ARS. The course of SARS-Cov-2 ARS does not seem to differ significantly from ARS of other aetiologies. Since ARS in the course of COVID-19 seems to meet the definition of ARS proposed by EPOS 2020, we hypothesize that substances validated for ARS treatment, such as intranasal corticosteroids could be effective in SARS-Cov-2 ARS.

Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children.

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the cancer stem cell (CSC) markers CD24, CD44, CD133, and ALDH1A1 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children and to define their prognostic role in this group of patients. (2) Methods: The study material was archival tissue specimens collected from 49 patients under 18 years of age and who had been diagnosed with RMS. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of the selected CSC markers in the tumor tissue. Expression was evaluated using a semiquantitative IRS scale based on the one developed by Remmele and Stenger and was correlated with the clinical and pathomorphological parameters of prognostic importance in RMS. (3) Results: Expression of the selected CSC markers CD24, CD44, CD133, and ALDH1A1 was demonstrated in 83.7%, 55.1%, 81.6%, and 100% of the RMS patients, respectively. The expression of all of the assessed CSC markers was statistically significantly higher in the study group versus the control group. No significant correlation was found between the expression of the selected CSC markers and clinical and pathological prognostic factors that were analyzed. The expression of the CSC markers did not have a significant influence on RMS survival rates. (4) Conclusions: The results of the conducted study confirm the expression of selected CSC markers in rhabdomyosarcoma tissue in children. The study did not support the prognostic relevance of the expression of any of the assessed CSC markers. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the relevance of the selected CSC markers in RMS carcinogenesis.

Short lingual frenulum and head-forward posture in children with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that a short lingual frenulum is a potential risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. A short frenulum leads to abnormal orofacial development and may consequently contribute to sleep-disordered breathing by narrowing the upper airways and increasing the risk of upper-airway collapsibility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a short lingual frenulum on the risk of OSAS in children. METHODS: Children from pre-, primary, secondary, and high school, aged 3-17 years, were included in the study. Parents/guardians were asked to fill in the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and then, children at risk of OSAS were enrolled in the study group. A control group was established randomly from patients with negative PSQ results. A physical examination, including measurements of head-forward posture (HFP) and length of the free tongue, inter-incisor distance and subjective high-arched palate evaluation was performed in children from both groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,500 PSQ questionnaires were distributed, and less than half (713) were returned correctly filled in. In the second part of the study, 135 children were evaluated: 67 in the study group and 68 in the control group. The mean ages were 9.4 ± 3.0 and 9.5 ± 3.1 years, respectively. Children in the study group had significantly shorter lingual frenula, higher HFP measures, and had a higher prevalence of a high-arched palate. Based on statistical analysis, a short lingual frenulum (OR 5.02 [1.58-15.94]). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified a relationship between a short lingual frenulum and the risk of OSAS in children. Detecting and addressing ankyloglossia in children is necessary before it leads to orofacial changes, malocclusion, and consequently, sleep apnea. Furthermore, OSAS was associated with higher HFP, but no relationship was found between the two parameters.

Radiological markers of granulomatosis with polyangiitis with nasal involvement.

INTRODUCTION: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disease leading to necrotizing lesions in the affected tissues. Computed tomography (CT) of paranasal sinuses reveals multiple lesions in patients with GPA, for example, sinus opacification, bone / cartilage destruction, and neoosteogenesis. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe and compare CT lesions found in patients with GPA and those with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to propose a new radiological marker of GPA-nasal strands. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study (2014-2019) included 53 patients with GPA (22 men, 31 women) at a median (interquartile range) age of 45 (34-60) years. Computed tomography findings of mucosal lesions in paranasal sinuses, neoosteogenesis, bony and cartilaginous lesions, and nasal strands were analyzed. Nasal strands were described as intermucosal adhesions resembling bands. A total of 71 patients with CRS (reference group) were assessed for the presence of the same parameters. RESULTS: Computed tomography scans showed mucosal lesions in the sinuses of 35 patients (66%) with GPA. Nasal septum perforation was observed in 19 patients (35.8%), neoosteogenesis in 17 (32.1%), and bone damage in 14 (26.4%). External nose deformity was present in 16 patients (30.2%). Nasal strands on CT were found in 36 patients with GPA (68%) and 32 patients with CRS (45%). The presence of 5 or more strands was more characteristic of GPA than CRS (P <0.001). A positive correlation was found between the number of strands greater than or equal to 5 and the presence of proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal strands, a parameter reflecting pathologic mucus and atrophic lesions (tissue loss), should have a place in CT evaluation of the nasal cavities in patients suspected of or diagnosed with GPA.

Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease: surgical treatment outcomes in endocrinological assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical orbital decompression involves removal of one or more of the orbital bony walls in order to gain space for overgrown muscles and adipose tissue, which results in a reduction in pressure on the eye. This observational study aims to perform an endocrinological assessment of the surgical treatment outcomes of thyroid eye disease (TED) patients before and after orbital decompression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 51 TED patients (84 orbits) who underwent endoscopic orbital decompression (EOD) or balanced orbital decompression. The effect of surgical treatment was evaluated via the clinical activity score (CAS), and modified NOSPECS and EUGOGO classification. RESULTS: Before orbital decompression, the average CAS index was 3.83 ± 1.86 points, whereas the modified NOSPECS score was 3.31 ± 0.97 points. After surgical intervention, the values were as follows: 2.07 ± 1.84 points for CAS and 2.5 ± 0.97 points for modified NOSPECS. The EUGOGO classification before surgery showed that Graves' orbitopathy (GO) was mild, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening in 1%, 25%, and 74% of the orbits, respectively. After surgery, GO was determined to be mild, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening in 24%, 57%, and 19% of the orbits, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the R 3.6.2 statistical environment. Inference about the statistical reliability of the parameter was made by calculating the mean and the 95% credibility interval (CI). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of TED decreased after orbital decompression. The CAS, and modified NOSPECS and EUGOGO classification showed a statistically reliable postoperative reduction. The drop in activity of the disease after orbital surgery requires careful follow-up.

Endoglin Expression and Microvessel Density as Prognostic Factors in Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma.

(1) Background: The study proposed to analyze microvessel density (MVD) in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) based on the expression of angiogenesis markers and define its prognostic role in this group of patients. (2) Methods: The study included forty-nine pediatric patients diagnosed with RMS. Tumor tissue expression of CD31, CD34, and CD105 was analyzed. MVD was calculated and correlated with clinical RMS prognostic parameters. (3) Results: CD31, CD34, and CD105 are expressed in all RMS cases. MVD/CD105 was significantly higher in the RMS group than in the control group. The mean and median values of MVD/CD105 in RMS were lower than MVD/CD31 and MVD/CD34. MVD/CD105 was significantly higher in patients with alveolar RMS and those with metastatic disease. Patients with higher levels of MVD/CD105 had a higher risk of death (HR = 1.009). (4) Conclusion: CD105 is a relevant angiogenesis marker in pediatric RMS, and MVD/CD105 is an independent risk factor of short overall survival in children with RMS.

[Draf III procedures: the ENT Department, Medical University of Warsaw experience]. / Operacje z dostepu Draf III w materiale Kliniki Otolaryngologii WUM.

UNLABELLED: During last decades Draf III procedure gained popularity in treatment of different pathologies of the frontal sinus such as chronic sinusitis or benign tumors. We present a series of 10 patients treated with this procedure from a 2-year-period. Indications included: chronic rhinosinusitis--four patients, frontal sinus mucocele--four patients (one with destruction of the posterior table), osteoma--one patient (stage 3 according to Kennedy's grading system), and inverted papilloma--one patient (Krouse T3 lesion). Observation period ranged from 4 months to 2 years. RESULTS: There were no early complications. Gradual narrowing of the created ostium was observed in all of the patients. This led to total obstruction in two, and stenosis (not allowing for passing with 4 mm endoscope) in another two patients. The patient after inverted papilloma removal showed no recurrence in 11 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Draf III procedure is alternative for external approach that can be used for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and benign frontal sinus tumors of different size.

[Correlation of mucosal involvement as evaluated by computed tomography and bone single-photon emission tomography findings SPECT in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis]. / Korelacja nasilenia zmian zapalnych blony sluzowej zatok przynosowych w ocenie tomografia komputerowa i tkanki kostnej blednika sitowego w ocenie tomografia emisyjna pojedynczych fotonów SPECT u pacjentów z przewleklym zapaleniem zatok przynosowych.

UNLABELLED: Osteitis has been proven to play important role in patophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Computed tomography (CT), a standard diagnostic technique used to evaluate the extent of the sinus disease, fails to show the bone involvement in patients with CRS. In contrast single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) yields adequate information on remodeling and bone turnover. Persistent osteitis may be one of the reasons of failure of adequate medical and surgical therapy for CRS and discrepancies between extent of the disease as evaluated by CT and symptom scores. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: is to evaluate correlation between the results of CT and SPECT in patients with CRS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 29 patients with CRS (15 with nasal polyps and 14 without nasal polyps) were evaluated with CT and SPECT. The mucosal involvement of CRS graded on Lund-Mackay Scale (LMS) was compared to degree of bone involvement evaluated by SPECT with the use of modified LMS. RESULTS: The mean LMS grade was 13,3 for CT and 9,8 for SCPECT (modified LMS). A positive correlation between the results of two imaging methods was found r = 0.72 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The bone involvement as evaluated by SPECT correlates with the degree of mucosal changes showed by CT.

[Iatrogenic CSF leak as a complication of osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus]. / Jatrogenne plynotoki w przebiegu operacji osteoplastycznych zatoki czolowej.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate CSF leak as a complication of osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical recordings of the patients that underwent osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus were analyzed. RESULTS: among 62 patients operated between 2000 and 2007 there were 4 cases of intraoperative CSF leak (6.5% of cases). In all complicated cases indication for surgery was benign large tumor of the frontal sinus, among them there were two cases of osteoma, one cholesterol granuloma and ossifying fibroma. All CSF leaks were successfully closed with multilayer underlay or overlay graft. The technical aspects of the osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus are discussed.

Sleep disordered breathing in children - Diagnostic questionnaires, comparative analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work is to present available questionnaires enabling diagnostic screening when obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a child is suspected or its effects are observed and polysomnography is unavailable. These questionnaires are designed to facilitate further diagnostic process or even therapeutic decisions, aid in selecting the optimal one for the specified conditions of clinical practice, with the caveat that none of these represents a diagnostic equivalent to PSG. METHODS: The questionnaires subjected to analysis: Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), Sleep Clinical Record (SCR), OSA-18 score (OSA-18), Brouilette score (BS), "I'm Sleepy" questionnaire (I'M SLEEPY), and "Sleeping Sleepless Sleepy Disturbed Rest" questionnaire (SSSDR). The comparative analysis of questionnaires included the following parameters: simplicity and time of administer; necessity to engage a physician or other trained individual; taking into account examination of the patient; type and scope of considered symptoms and consequences of obstructive SDB, sensitivity, specificity, recommendations of the guidelines. RESULTS: Seven questionnaires were subjected to analysis with presentation of their similarities and differences. Six out of seven were evaluated as simple in administration. Time required to fulfill the questionnaires ranged between 1 and 60 min. Three of them involved a physician or a trained personnel. Physical examination was necessary in two out of seven questionnaires. Sensitivity was estimated in 5 of them and ranged between 59 and 96%. Specificity ranged between 46 and 72%. CONCLUSIONS: Several questionnaires enabling quick, simple, and inexpensive screening for OSAS have been created. Four (of the seven analyzed) questionnaires may be useful in diagnosis of obstructive SDB in children - two follow current (2015) recommendations. However, there is a need for further work on optimizing such tools, particularly on improving their specificity.

Physiotherapy in Postinfection Injury to Cranial Nerves III, IV, and VI: A Case Study.

The patient with bacterial infection sequelae in the form of damage to cranial nerves III, IV, and VI was followed up. He had exhibited clinical and radiographic signs of paranasal sinusitis. Before his physiotherapy, the patient received standard treatment with natural and synthetic antibiotics and steroids. After acute signs of infection resolved without any functional improvement, the patient was referred to a rehabilitation unit to undergo neuromuscular re-education of the paralyzed extraocular muscles. Periorbital hydrocortisone iontophoresis and visuomotor exercises with intense ideomotor stimulation led to complete and rapid resolution of extraocular muscle paralysis and diplopia. Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment of choice after failed pharmacological treatment in patients with damage to cranial nerves III and VI. It has many theoretical advantages, including noninvasiveness and avoidance of first-pass metabolism of drugs administered systemically.

Obstructive sleep disordered breathing in children - an important problem in the light of current European guidelines.

Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common clinical problem. An unrecognized and untreated SDB is a serious threat for an intensively developing organism of a child. The consequences of SDB include cardiovascular and neurological complications, growth disorders and enuresis. Therefore, SDB in children becomes an important subject of many scientific investigations, publications, and congresses. In 2015 the European Respiratory Society Task Force published a document concerning the conclusions about the diagnostics and treatment of SDB in children and youth from 2 to 18 years of age (Fig. 1). The scientific data from 362 publications were presented in a condensed form of "seven steps", very useful in diagnosing and treatment planning (1). The authors underline the limited number of reliable evidence about SDB: prospective studies, randomized double-blinded studies with placebo. The presented evidence was categorized depending on their quality according to the classification of the American Academy of Neurology (ANN) into classes I - IV. Previously, in 2012, the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children with tonsillar hypertrophy and/or obesity were published (2, 3) and they were a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic compendium. The European guidelines discussed in this article result from the progress of knowledge in recent years, they cover the subject broadly, consider rare and difficult cases and present the spectrum of potential therapeutic actions. The aim of the guidelines is a better recognition of SDB, a systematization of diagnosis and treatment at every stage of medical care, including the causes of this disorder and its complications.

Vertical partial frontolateral laryngectomy with simultaneous pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction of the vocal fold - surgical procedure and treatment outcomes.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to present the treatment outcomes after vertical partial laryngectomy with or without pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction following the resection of neoplasm-infiltrated vocal fold. The procedure was used in a patient with glottic cancer. Oncological outcomes, morphology of neo-vocal fold and the act of swallowing were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 45 patients with T1-T2 glottic cancer were subjected to vertical partial laryngectomy with 26 patients undergoing a procedure with pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction and the remaining 19 patients undergoing a procedure without such a reconstruction. Two female and 43 male patients aged 35-82 years (mean age of 62.5 years) were enrolled in the study. Local tumor spread and the condition of reconstructed vocal fold were assessed in sequential videofiberoscopy examination conducted each month after surgery whereas the regional spread was assessed in ultrasound scans. Postoperative aspiration was graded according to the Pearson's scale. RESULTS: Six patients experienced local recurrence while 2 patients experienced regional recurrence of the tumor. The pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap neo-fold was structurally resemblant of the non-affected vocal fold. Episodic, daily dysphagia was observed in 1 patient while normal act of swallowing with no Pearson's scale symptoms was observed in the remaining 44 patients. No necrosis of pedunculated flap was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical partial laryngectomy with or without pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction is a good method for the treatment of low- or intermediate-stage glottic cancer, especially when endoscopic access to the tumor is limited and when CO2 laser cannot be used. No significant functional disorders were observed in operated larynges.