The relationship between nasal and conjunctival cultures of antimicrobial-resistant isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

PurposeNasal screening is performed to avoid the complications of postoperative surgical site infections (SSI), especially those due to antimicrobial-resistant species such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study examined the relationship between bacterial isolates from the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity.MethodsAll patients were diagnosed with ocular surface infections, and the organisms in the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity were isolated. We investigated the relationship of the following antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between the conjunctiva and the nose: MRSA, methicillin-resistant CNS (MRCNS), levofloxacin-resistant (LVFX-R) Corynebacterium spp. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, and the odds ratio was examined.ResultsThis study included 188 eyes of 188 subjects (87 males and 101 females; mean age 58.5 years, range 11–97 years). MRSA (4 eyes), MRCNS (29 eyes), and LVFX-R Corynebacterium spp. (41 eyes) were identified from the conjunctiva, and MRSA (6 eyes), MRCNS (38 eyes), and LVFX-R Corynebacterium spp. (41 eyes) were identified from the nasal cavity. There was a significant relationship detected between the conjunctiva and the nose for MRSA, MRCNS, and LVFX-R Corynebacterium spp. MRSA displayed high sensitivity (0.750, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.301 to 0.987) and specificity (0.984, 95% CI; 0.953 to 0.996) in nasal cavity cultures, and the odds ratio was 181.00 times (95% CI; 18.41 to 2320).ConclusionThis study showed a significant relationship between conjunctival and nasal cultures of MRSA, MRCNS, and LVFX-R Corynebacterium spp., suggesting that nasal cavity culture is a potentially useful screening method for detecting resistant bacteria, especially MRSA, in the conjunctiva.     

Relationship between nasal septum morphology and nasal obstruction symptom severity: computed tomography study

IntroductionThe impact of the nasal septum morphology on the severity of obstruction symptoms has not been fully explored.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether the morphology of the deviated nasal septum assessed by computed tomography may explain nasal obstruction severity.MethodsThe study included 386 patients who were referred to the computed tomography examination of the paranasal sinuses. Patient selection criteria were the absence of facial anomalies, facial trauma, nasal surgery, and sinonasal tumors. Computed tomography images were used to estimate deviated nasal septum prevalence, the prevalence of Mladina's seven types of deviated nasal septum, and to measure the deviated nasal septum angle. Nasal obstruction severity was assessed by the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation, NOSE scale. The relationship between NOSE score, deviated nasal septum morphology, and deviated nasal septum angle was performed by a statistical regression model on the reduced sample of 225 patients.ResultsThe prevalence of deviated nasal septum was 92.7%. Type 7 deviated nasal septum was the most frequent (34.2%) followed by type 5 (26.2%) and type 3 (23.6%). The worst NOSE scores were recorded in the type 2 deviated nasal septum (45.00 ± 28.28). The mean deviated nasal septum angle in patients with nasal obstruction was 8.5° ± 3.24. NOSE scores were not significantly associated with deviated nasal septum types and angles.ConclusionPatients with different types of deviated nasal septum have different NOSE scores. Computed tomography morphology of the deviated nasal septum could not fully explain the severity of nasal obstruction.     

Antisense oligonucleotide eluforsen improves CFTR function in F508del cystic fibrosis

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. In this study we assessed the effect of antisense oligonucleotide eluforsen on CFTR biological activity measured by Nasal Potential Difference (NPD) in patients with the most common mutation, F508del-CFTR.MethodsThis multi-centre, exploratory, open-label study recruited adults with CF homozygous or compound heterozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation. Subjects received intranasal eluforsen three times weekly for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the within-subject change from baseline in total chloride transport (Cl-free+iso), as assessed by NPD. Secondary endpoints included within-subject change from baseline in sodium transport.ResultsIn the homozygous cohort (n = 7; per-protocol population), mean change (90% confidence interval) in Cl-free+iso was ?3.0 mV (?6.6; 0.6) at day 15, ?4.1 mV (?7.8; ?0.4, p = .04) at day 26 (end of treatment) and ? 3.7 mV (?8.0; 0.6) at day 47. This was supported by improved sodium transport as assessed by an increase in average basal potential difference at day 26 of +9.4 mV (1.1; 17.7, p = .04). The compound heterozygous cohort (n = 7) did not show improved chloride or sodium transport NPD values. Eluforsen was well tolerated with a favourable safety profile.ConclusionsIn F508del-CFTR homozygous subjects, repeated intranasal administration of eluforsen improved CFTR activity as measured by NPD, an encouraging indicator of biological activity.     

鼻塞式同步间歇正压通气(NIPPV)联合布地奈德雾化治疗新生儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征疾病的临床应用研究

目的:分析鼻塞式同步间歇正压通气(NIPPV)联合布地奈德雾化治疗ARDS(新生儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征)疾病的临床应用效果。方法:纳入病例是2017年5月—2019年11月收治的104例ARDS新生儿,随机平均分为两组。参照组52例采纳CPAP(持续气道正压通气通气)治疗,实验组52例采纳NIPPV+布地奈德雾化治疗,对比两组呼吸机通气时间、用氧时间、住院时间、血气指标以及并发症发生情况。结果:实验组呼吸机通气时间、用氧时间、住院时间均明显短于参照组,差异有统计学意义P<0.05;实验组治疗3 d后PaCO2明显低于参照组,实验组治疗3 d后PH以及PaO2明显高于参照组,差异有统计学意义P<0.05;实验组并发症发生率(3.85%,2/52)明显低于参照组(21.15%,11/52),差异有统计学意义P<0.05。结论:NIPPV+布地奈德雾化可有效缩短ARDS患者机械通气时间,改善血气指标,降低并发症发生率,值得借鉴。     

鼻整形患者疾病特异性生存质量量表的研究

鼻整形术后的疗效受多因素影响，鼻畸形整复术更注重鼻外形及功能的共同改善，其评价标准包括主观性与客观性内容。疾病特异性量表从患者主观角度对手术前后鼻部状况予以评估，是针对性改善患者生存质量（QoL）的重要工具。QoL的评价包括个体对健康状况的主观认知、症状、功能、患者偏好与价值观等，需要在保留客观性与科学性的基础上，尽可能反映患者的主观感受。本文就近年来疾病特异性量表在鼻整形患者QoL评估方面的应用进展进行综述。     

Double Forehead Expanded Flaps for Reconstruction of Total Nasal Defect: A Case Report

ObjectiveTo introduce a method for total nasal defect reconstruction with a double forehead expanded flap.Case presentationA 55-year-old man underwent three-stage total nasal reconstruction for a complete nasal defect due to electrical injury. The skin expander was implanted during the 1st stage. Total nasal reconstruction was performed with double expanded forehead flap transfer during the 2nd stage. The unilateral forehead flap was used for lining and the contralateral forehead flap, together with the autologous cartilage and titanium mesh framework, were used for skin replacement. The forehead donor defect was covered with a skin graft. Pedicle division and inset were performed in the 3rd stage.ResultsThere was no flap loss, infection, hematoma, rhinostenosis, or implant exposure over the 2-year follow-up, and satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved.ConclusionThe double forehead expanded flap method is useful for the reconstruction of large composite nasal defects in patients who are not suitable for nasolabial flaps and those who may not tolerate free tissue transfer. The operation has fewer complications and is uncomplicated.     

Appropriate extent of surgery for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

The current literature lacks strong guidelines regarding surgical management of patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), who present with the clinical triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), bronchial asthma, and aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug intolerance. To further define the effectiveness of sinus surgery in treating AERD patients, this review article discusses current evidence regarding outcomes associated with more extensive surgery, the benefits of frontal sinus surgery on polyposis, and the role of Draf III intervention. Numerous studies suggest that Draf III frontal sinusotomy may be an efficacious early intervention due to increased neo-ostial patency and subsequent distribution of topical therapies. Future studies that further investigate the efficacy and safety of extensive surgery in AERD patients are warranted.     

Evaluation of choroidal thickness measurements in patients with marked nasal septal deviation

IntroductionChronic upper airway obstruction due to marked nasal septal deviation may cause chronic hypoxia. It may change the balance of the sympathetic-parasympathetic system and may affect blood flow in the choroid.ObjectiveTo assess choroidal thickness measurements of patients with marked nasal septal deviation.MethodsThe patients who had nasal obstruction symptoms diagnosed with marked nasal septal deviation by anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy and scheduled for septoplasty were included in the study. The control group consisted of age, sex and body mass index-matched healthy individuals. The choroidal measurements at the central fovea and 1000 μm away from the fovea in the nasal and temporal regions were performed using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.ResultsIn the study group, 52 eyes of 26 patients with a mean age of 26.34 ± 8.14 years were examined. In the control group, 52 eyes of 28 healthy individuals with a mean age of 26.69 ± 7.84 years were examined. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of choroidal thickness measurements between the groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that marked nasal septal deviation may not lead to significant hypoxia and sympathetic activation, resulting in deterioration of the choroidal blood flow and consequent choroidal thickening.