Primary malignant melanoma of the pharynx.

Primary mucosal malignant melanomas are rare. They appear late in life and their prognosis is grave. Although there is no consensus on therapy, wide surgical resection followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are treatment modalities. In this report we present a case of widespread primary mucosal malignant melanoma located in the pharynx. After immunotherapy (four cycles of interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha) and chemotherapy (four cycles of cisplatin and dacarbazine) has been applied as primary therapy for suppression of the mass, transoral total pharyngeal resection was performed. After surgery three cycles of immunotherapy and three cycles of chemotherapy were administered followed by radiotherapy (total dose of 6600 cGy). An additional three cycles of immunotherapy and chemotherapy were administered. Although no local recurrence was observed during the 14 months of follow-up after the completion of radiotherapy, cranial and lung metastasis were detected in the 12th month.     

Gentamicin iontophoresis in the treatment of bacterial otitis externa in the guinea pig model

Pseudomonas otitis externa is one of the most common infections treated by otolaryngologists. Infections induced in 30 guinea pigs appeared similar to that seen in humans. The ears were then placed into four treatment groups: group A, which received a single cleaning; group B, which received a single cleaning followed by gentamicin drops 4 times daily; group C, which received a single cleaning followed by a single gentamicin iontophoresis treatment; and group D, the control group, which received no treatment. Infections were analyzed by grading edema, purulence, and erythema. An average of 10.2 days was required for control group to return to normal appearance. Groups A, B, and C had mean resolution times of 5.9, 4.7, and 4.3 days, respectively. Gentamicin iontophoresis appears to be promising, with results as good as drop therapy in otitis externa in the guinea pig model.3     

A preventive measure for otitis media in children with upper respiratory tract infections

Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are very common in patients of all ages. Rhinitis, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis and otitis appear to be the prevalent forms of recurrent respiratory infections in the paediatric population. The aim of treatment is so the solution of the respiratory pathology and the also the prevention of their complications. Antibacterial therapy is still the classical treatment approach in patients both with respiratory tract infections and with otitis media, despite the fact that antibacterials have several well known drawbacks, especially when used to treat recurrent infections. Eighty-four paediatric patients of both sexes (range: 4-14 years) with otitis were enrolled in the study. Patients were included if they had a >2 years' history of recurrent or chronic respiratory infections, and/or had experienced at least three episodes requiring medical consultations and/or treatment during the winter prior to the study. The young patients were randomised to receive Immucytal (group A) or placebo (group B) treatment according to the following protocol: (1) starting therapy (1 month): one tablet daily in the morning 4 days per week for 3 consecutive weeks; (2) maintenance period (5 months): one tablet daily in the morning 4 days per week for 1 week every month. Placebo and Immucytal tablets were identical in shape and size, in order to maintain double-blind conditions. Patients of group A with recurrent URTI had a significantly decreased incidence of ENT infections, fever and shorter duration of illness, decreased requirement for ancillary medications and fewer work-days lost. The reduction in the incidence of infectious episodes became significant vs. placebo. A significantly improved outcome vs. placebo was also observed on the incidence of fever, frequency and duration of infectious episodes, ancillary therapies. Immucytal treatment was associated with significant changes in both immunological and auditory function parameters. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins were significantly increased in Immucytal. For both evaluations, a significant difference between treatment groups was found (P>0.001). Preventive strategies, such as ribosomal immunotherapy, may represent a valid alternative approach.     

Wirksamkeit von Pflanzenprodukten gegen Herpesinfektionen

Essential oils from various aromatic medicinal plants are highly active against some viral infections, e.g. labial herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Balm oil, tea tree oil and peppermint oil demonstrate in vitro a significant antiherpetic activity, mainly related to a direct drug-virus particle interaction, some essential oils also act directly virucidal. Interestingly, these essential oils are also highly active against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus strains. In clinical studies, tea tree oil has been shown to possess antiherpetic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as to accelerate the healing process of herpes labialis. Applying diluted essential oils three to four times daily for the antiherpetic treatment of affected areas is recommended. Some companies have marketed plant products, e.g. from Melissa, for the treatment of recurrent herpetic infections.     

Local rifampicin in treatment of rhinoscleroma

Many antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents and other chemicals have been tried in the treatment of scleroma without much success (Toppozada et al., 1967). The most popular of these drugs are streptomycin and aureomycin (Botros et al., 1954; Zwiefach, 1955; El-Mofty, 1962), terramycin and chloromycetin (Hoover and King, 1953) and ampicillin, septrin and vibramycin (Ssali, 1975). El-Mofty and Attia (1957) attributed considerable value to the use of 20 per cent aureomycin ointment locally in treating the disease. Nigonol in the form of a local injection was tried by Toppozada et al. (1967) and they claimed good results. Shaer et al. (1981) reported that local application of 2 per cent acriflavine solution over an eight-week period was an effective and safe remedy for rhinoscleroma. Rifampicin has been used systemically with success as a new antibiotic for the treatment of scleroma (Riad, 1982). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the response of rhinoscleroma to local medication with rifampicin.     

Ipratropium treatment for rhinorrhoea in patients with perennial rhinitis. An open follow-up study of efficacy and safety

The efficacy and safety of intranasal ipratropium therapy for rhinorrhoea were tested in an open follow-up study of 20 adult patients with perennial rhinitis. The reduction of nasal hypersecretion of 40-45% obtained with 80 micrograms four times daily in a placebo-controlled study, was maintained over the next 4 weeks although the mean daily dose was reduced to 180 micrograms. The spray treatment was well tolerated and rhinoscopy, measurements of the sense of smell and the secretory responsiveness of the nose before and 10-48 months after the start of the trial did not reveal any signs of serious local adverse effects. It is concluded that ipratropium nasal spray is effective in the treatment of rhinorrhoea and appears to be safe for long-term use.     

Paradoxical vocal fold motion: respiratory retraining to manage long-term symptoms

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a laryngeal disorder characterized by abnormal adduction of the vocal folds during respiration. It is caused by a multitude of etiologies and their interactions. In the current study, a 24-year-old female patient with a 12-year complaint of shortness of breath was diagnosed with paradoxical vocal fold motion following nasal endoscopy, spirometry testing and detailed case history analysis. She had no history or indication of laryngopharyngeal reflux or chronic cough. She performed respiratory retraining exercises three to four times daily for a period of four weeks, and continued daily exercises for two additional months as needed. After four weeks of treatment, abnormal vocal fold adduction continued to be seen on endoscopy and the patient was mildly symptomatic. One month post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient reported rare shortness of breath. At three months post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient no longer reported shortness of breath. She reported normal breathing with no symptoms one year later. The results suggest that non-pulmonary related shortness of breath treated with respiratory retraining can effectively eliminate dyspnea in patients with long term breathing difficulties caused by paradoxical vocal fold motion. Resolution may require treatment over an extended period of time.     

Indium 111-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy in evaluating head and neck infections.

This retrospective study looked at the role of indium 111-labeled white blood cell (111In WBC) scintigraphy in head and neck infections. The efficacy of 111In WBCs was compared to gallium 67 citrate (67Ga) and technetium Tc99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc MDP) scintigraphy in detecting and monitoring the resolution of infection. For 22 active infections, the sensitivities for 111In WBC, 67Ga, and 99mTc MDP scintigraphy were 94%, 56%, and 86%, respectively, and the specificities for 111In WBC, 67Ga, and 99mTc MDP scintigraphy were 100%, 43%, and 0%, respectively. For 8 successfully treated infections, all seven 111In WBC studies became negative after therapy, in as short an interval as 1 month. In contrast, all seven 99mTc MDP images remained positive for as long as 6 months after therapy. The seven 67Ga studies had variable results, with four (57%) remaining positive, including two (28%) positive at 6 months after therapy. These results suggest that 111In WBC scintigraphy should be the initial radionuclide imaging tool in detecting active head and neck infections because of its greater accuracy, and its ability to revert to normal much sooner than 67Ga or 99mTc MDP scintigraphs when applied to a subset of patients with resolved infections.     

Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a skin cancer arising from neurosecretory cells which take part in APUD system. In most cases it is locally growing tumor with significant tendency to local recurrences after surgery. The authors have described four cases MCC localised on the skin of the middle angle of the eye, lower eyelid, auricle and cheek, without nodal metastases. All patients have been surgery treated, in two cases reconstructive surgery was performed. Radiotherapy followed surgery was used for two patients. The authors have reported 5-year survival rate in 2 cases, 2-year disease-free rate and 18 month in other cases.     

Otolaryngology and infectious disease team approach for outpatient management of serious pediatric infections requiring parenteral antibiotic therapy.

Children with community-acquired serious otolaryngologic infections are conventionally hospitalized for parenteral antibiotic therapy. However, effective and safe outpatient therapy is desirable since it is less traumatic and less costly. During a 24-month period outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy, usually once daily i.m. ceftriaxone, was evaluated in 41 children with serious otolaryngologic infections (acute mastoiditis, complicated otitis media, severe external otitis and severe sinusitis with orbital or periorbital involvement). Daily visits and compliant capable parents were considered essential for outpatient management. Diagnosis, plan for management and daily follow-up evaluations were carried out in cooperation by otolaryngology and infectious disease specialists. Nineteen children (45%) were treated initially in the hospital and 22 children (55%) were treated entirely as outpatients. The mean duration of outpatient treatment, using once daily i.m. ceftriaxone was 5.7 days (range 1-13). The overall clinical cure rate was 98% and no serious side effects were observed. One case of sinusitis-orbital cellulitis relapsed during therapy. Most patients and parents returned to normal life activities within 72 h from starting outpatient therapy. Our data suggest that many children with serious otolaryngologic infections can be managed successfully and safely as outpatients by a combined team of otolaryngology and infectious disease specialists.     

听神经病的皮质类固醇试验性治疗

目的 探讨皮质类固醇用于治疗听神经病的可行性。方法 1998年7月－2001年12月对6例确诊为听神经病的患者进行为期1个月的皮质类固醇试验性治疗：强的松30－40mg/d，分2、3次口服，连用15d后减为半量，再用15d。1个月后如主诉听力改善，且任意2个纯音测听频率听力提高≥15dB为有效。结果 试验性治疗期内，2例患者双耳各频率纯音听阈基本恢复到正常范围（30dB HL以内），言语识别率分别由治疗前的48％和72％提高到95％和100％。继续治疗2个半月和3个月停药。门诊分别随访3年和4个月，听力稳定在正常范围。另4例试验性治疗无明显效果。结论 部分听神经病可能与听神经传导系统的免疫性损伤有关，应用皮质类固醇治疗有一定效果。     

Activity of budesonide on nasal neutrophilic inflammation and obstruction in children with recurrent upper airway infections. A preliminary investigation

OBJECTIVE: While it is widely accepted that inhaled glucocorticosteroids represent an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, little is known on the specific effects of this therapeutic approach in other upper airway disorders of childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms and changes in local cellular inflammatory reaction induced by budesonide inhalation suspension in children with recurrent nasal infections using budesonide inhalation suspension delivered by Rinowash, a nebulizer designed to treat upper airway structures. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled-open study, 14 children (5.88+/-0.56 years of age) with recurrent upper airway infections and chronic nasal obstruction were enrolled and randomly treated for 7-10 days either with budesonide inhalation suspension (250 microg/bidie) (nine patients) or with saline solution (five patients). Before and after treatment, inflammatory cells in nasal brushing and nasal symptom score were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of the nine patients treated with budesonide, two were excluded from the analysis because of acute respiratory infections requiring systemic antibiotic treatment. A significant decrease in nasal brushing neutrophil percentage was observed after treatment with budesonide (P=0.016) but not after saline solution treatment (P=1.00). No significant changes in nasal brushing mononuclear cell or eosinophil proportions were observed after treatment with budesonide inhalation suspension or saline solution (P=NS, each comparison). Treatment with budesonide, but not with saline solution, was associated with a significant reduction in nasal obstruction (P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data indicate that short-term treatment with budesonide inhalation suspension, used for an indication out of label, may significantly reduce local neutrophilic inflammation and nasal obstruction in children with recurrent upper airway infections.     

Significance and problems of pseudomonas infection in ENT medicine

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently cultured in chronic otitis media, in external otitis, and from infected radical mastoid cavities. Necrotizing external otitis is a typical infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Perichondritis of the external ear is sometimes due to a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Some cases of chronic sinusitis and wound infections in patients with tracheostomy are caused by this organism. Antiseptic agents or astringents should be used for local treatment of Pseudomonas infected ears. If these fail local treatment with azlocillin for several days is a good alternative. Systemic antibiotic therapy is also available for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.     

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity of gentamicin vs netilmicin in patients with serious infections. A randomized clinical trial

In the treatment of serious infection by aminoglycoside antibiotics multiple daily treatment with netilmicin is considered to be the least toxic. Studies comparing netilmicin with gentamicin using the less toxic once-daily schedule are lacking. A randomized prospective study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of once-daily netilmicin with gentamicin treatment in patients with serious infections. Consecutive patients with serious infections were randomized between gentamicin 4 mg/kg q24h iv or netilmicin 5.5 mg/kg q24h iv. Exclusion criteria were neutropenia or severe renal failure. A good clinical response was observed in 50 of the 54 evaluable patients (92.6%) treated with gentamicin and in 48/52 (92.3%) netilmicin treated patients. Nephrotoxicity developed in 5/72 (6.9%) gentamicin patients and in 10/69 (14.5%) treated with netilmicin. Audiometry was performed with high-frequency audiometry when possible; no significant differences were found between the two aminoglycosides. We conclude that with once-daily treatment no benefit of netilmicin over gentamicin regarding nephro- or ototoxicity could be demonstrated.     

核黄素／UVA诱导的角膜交联术治疗真菌性角膜溃疡

目的 探讨核黄素／UVA诱导的角膜交联术治疗真菌性角膜溃疡的安全性和有效性。方法 选取21例真菌性角膜溃疡患者行角膜交联术,术后继续局部用抗真菌药物,用裂隙灯观察角膜溃疡愈合情况,OCT观察角膜炎性信号变化。结果 所有患者经过角膜交联术治疗后溃疡面积缩小,炎性信号强度减弱,其中5例1周内痊愈,11例2周内痊愈,4例1个月内痊愈,1例治疗无效,未见与交联相关并发症。结论 角膜交联术联合抗真菌药物可以有效治疗真菌性角膜溃疡。     

Primary carcinoid tumors of the middle ear. Report on four cases and a review of the literature.

Carcinoid tumors are rare in the middle ear. To our knowledge, only 17 cases could be found in the literature, the first of which was described in 1980. In addition to enlarging on a previous observation we present three new cases. The neoplasms showed a striking, heterogeneous aspect ranging from solid trabecular to tubuloglandular growth patterns resembling the classic carcinoid tumor and adenomatous middle ear tumor, respectively. Based on immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, three cell types were found. A review was made of our four patients and the cases described in the literature. The medical histories ranged from 1 month to 9 years. Presenting symptoms and signs were not characteristics, but hearing loss predominated. In two patients, the eardrums were perforated, in all the others it was intact and often bulging. Surgery, usually radical mastoidectomy, was performed in all cases. Often the tumor encased the ossicular chain, without infiltration. In two patients, local recurrence occurred that was treated successfully with surgery. All the cases showed an indolent biological course and the tumors were clinically nonfunctional, despite the recognition of biogenically active products by immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, regional or distant metastases have never been reported. Conservative surgery with radical removal of the primary or recurrent tumor is the treatment of choice.     

激光减容术治疗舌扁桃体肥大的远期疗效

目的评估半导体激光黏膜下隧道法激光减容术治疗舌扁桃体肥大的手术效果、并发症及其安全性。方法经药物治疗无效的56例舌扁桃体肥大患者,在局麻或全麻下采用黏膜下隧道法激光减容术进行治疗,用半导体激光的光纤治疗头在肥大的舌扁桃体上由前向后打3～5条隧道,同时气化并热凝固隧道周围的舌扁桃体组织,以达到舌扁桃体减容的目的。随访12 ～ 50个月（平均23个月）。结果全部患者术后1个月咽喉部异物感和/或梗阻感消失,其他伴随症状显著改善。3个月后,舌扁桃体缩小至与舌体基本持平,2例出现复发性舌扁桃体肥大,再次手术后舌扁桃体缩小;6～12个月时舌扁桃体与3个月相同。手术基本达到无血化（均少于5mL）。除1例患者有下咽部干燥感外,术后无味觉障碍、出血、水肿及咽喉部梗阻等并发症。结论半导体激光具有高能效、光纤定位准确及穿透力强等优点。采用半导体激光行黏膜下隧道法激光减容术治疗舌扁桃体肥大高效、安全。     

Efficacy and tolerability of cefuroxime-axetil in infections of the upper respiratory tract. Comparative study with cefadroxil

Cefuroxime-axetil is the first oral broad spectrum cephalosporin to be naturally stable in the presence of bêta-lactamases. The aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cefuroxime-axetil (250 mg twice daily after meal) with cefadroxil (1 g twice daily during meal) for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. In this study 150 patients were enrolled. Before treatment, the two groups were comparable. Clinical success was achieved for 94.3% of the patients treated with cefuroxime-axetil versus 90.4% for cefadroxil. Statistical significance was reached (p less than 0.05) concerning the number of days with facial pain for sinusitis (3 days for the cefuroxime-axetil treated group versus 4 days), the rate of normal tympanum at the second examination (58.3% vs 20% respectively) for otitis, and the number of day with painful dysphagia for tonsillitis (2.6 vs 3.8 days respectively). Cefuroxime-axetil was safe (a few advers events occurred, almost all gastro-intestinal). Cefuroxime-axetil is a safe and effective treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.     

Severe soft tissue infection of the face and neck: A classification

Successful treatment of severe soft tissue infections of the face and neck necessitates early recognition followed by aggressive medical and surgical therapy. These infections often spread via tissue planes, and it is essential that all areas of necrosis be exposed, debrided, or excised according to tissue planes. A classification of soft tissue infection based upon tissue plane involvement is proposed as an aid to diagnosis and treatment. In addition, a protocol for management of these infections is presented.     

N-Acetylcysteine as an adjunct for refractory ear infections.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of Ciprodex otic augmented with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against difficult ear infections. SUBJECTS: Subjects were selected with at least 1 month of continuous otorrhea despite at least 3 distinct medical or surgical treatments. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received Ciprodex otic augmented with 0.5 or 2% NAC using standard dosing schemes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serial audiometry and cessation of otorrhea by both history and binocular microscopy. RESULTS: Seven subjects were included with an average of 18.4 months of continuous otorrhea despite aggressive therapy. Cessation of otorrhea was achieved in 6 of 7 subjects generally within 4 weeks of treatment. One of these 6 subjects remains on chronic suppressive therapy. The remaining subject failed because of persistent noncompliance. No subjects demonstrated ototoxicity via pretreatment and posttreatment audiometry. CONCLUSION: Ciprodex otic augmented with NAC seems to have considerable efficacy against otherwise refractory ear infections. This technique may prove to be a simple and powerful option for the treatment of difficult ear infections.