Resfriado-gripe: pérdida grave del olfato a largo plazo

IntroductionIn the general population, we can find 2-3% of lifelong olfactory disorders (from hyposmia to anosmia). Two of the most frequent aetiologies are the common cold and flu. The aim of this study was to show the degree of long-term olfactory dysfunction caused by a cold or flu.MethodsThis study was based on 240 patients, with olfactory loss caused only by flu or a cold. We excluded all patients with concomitant illness (66 patients), the rest of patients (n = 174) consisted of 51 men (29.3%) and 123 women (70.7%). They all underwent olfactometry study (i and v cranial nerve) and a nasal sinus computed tomography scan, as well as magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Results were compared with a control group (n = 120).ResultsVery significant differences in levels of olfactory impairment for the olfactory nerve (P < .00001) and trigeminal nerve (P < .0001) were confirmed.ConclusionsPeople that suffer olfactory dysfunction for more than 6 months, from flu or a cold, present serious impairment of olfactory abilities.     

Pathophysiological relationship between COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen of COVID-19. The virus is composed of the spike, membrane and envelope. On physiological smell, odoriferous substances bind to proteins secreted by sustentacular cells in order to be processed by olfactory receptor neurons. Olfactory disorder is one of the main manifestations of COVID-19, however, research is still required to clarify the mechanism involved in SARS-CoV-2 induced anosmia.ObjectiveThis article aims to analyze current scientific evidence intended to elucidate the pathophysiological relationship between COVID-19 and the cause of olfactory disorders.MethodsPubmed, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect were used to compose this article. The research was conducted on November 24th, 2020. Original articles with experimental studies in human, animal and in vitro, short communications, viewpoint, published in the English language and between 2019 and 2020 were included, all related to the pathophysiological relationship between olfactory disorders and COVID-19 infection.ResultsBoth human cell receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are essential for the SARS-CoV-2 entrance. These receptors are mostly present in the olfactory epithelium cells, therefore, the main hypothesis is that anosmia is caused due to damage to non-neuronal cells which, thereafter, affects the normal olfactory metabolism. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging studies exhibit a relationship between a reduction on the neuronal epithelium and the olfactory bulb atrophy. Damage to non-neuronal cells explains the average recovery lasting a few weeks. This injury can be exacerbated by an aggressive immune response, which leads to damage to neuronal cells and stem cells inducing a persistent anosmia. Conductive anosmia is not sufficient to explain most cases of COVID-19 induced anosmia.ConclusionOlfactory disorders such as anosmia and hyposmia can be caused by COVID-19, the main mechanism is associated with olfactory epithelium damage, targeting predominantly non-neuronal cells. However, neuronal cells can also be affected, worsening the condition of olfactory loss.     

Incidence and duration of self-reported hearing loss and tinnitus in a cohort of COVID-19 patients with sudden chemosensory loss: A STROBE observational study

AimsTo investigate the self-reported audiological symptoms in a cohort of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and monitor improvement or recovery.Material and methodsFollowing the STROBE guidelines for observational studies, a retrospective questionnaire concerning audio-vestibular symptoms was conducted in a cohort of Danish COVID-19 patients with self reported chemosensory loss. Data regarding demographics, symptoms onset, duration and remission was registered in a REDCap database.ResultsOf the 225 respondents with chemosensory loss, 59 (26.2%) reported concomitant hearing loss (10.7%) or tinnitus (16.4%). In a follow-up questionnaire focused on ear-symptoms, severity, and duration (n = 31), 17 reported hearing loss and 21 reported tinnitus. Debut of hearing loss and tinnitus were on average 10 and 30 days respectively, after onset of initial symptoms. Among the hearing loss patients, only two patients experienced full recovery, whereas 15 had partial or no recovery after on average 266 days from COVID-19 symptom onset. Among the tinnitus patients, 7/21 had full recovery, while 14 had partial or no recovery after on average 259 days from COVID-19 symptom onset.ConclusionIn a large Danish cohort of COVID-19 patients, a significant proportion experienced concomitant audiological symptoms which seem long lasting and with negative impact on quality of life. This study warrants further investigation of the association between COVID-19 and audio-vestibular symptoms, and the need for rehabilitation among convalescents.     

Predictor parameters for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs C-reactive protein to albumin ratio

IntroductionPrognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss may be predicted using several parameters of laboratory blood analysis.ObjectiveTo identify and investigate the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.MethodsEighty-eight patients were included, and three groups were constituted: non-recovery group with14 patients, recovery group with 33 patients and control group with 41 individuals. We compared fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, white blood cell and hemoglobin of the groups. Then, we investigated the most significant indicator parameters related to the poor prognosis of sudden hearing loss.ResultsThe mean hemoglobin, mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio and median white blood cell values did not significantly differ among three groups (p = 0.36, p = 0.86 and p = 0.79, respectively). A significant difference of median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was evident among three groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). Median fibrinogen-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio values were significantly greater in the non-recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). Median fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly greater in the recovery group, compared with the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.013 and p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, the median fibrinogen-albumin ratio was significantly greater in the non-recovery group compared with the recovery group (p = 0.017). However, no statistically significant difference of median C-reactive protein-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte was evident between the non-recovery and recovery groups (p = 0.15).ConclusionIncreased levels of fibrinogen-albumin ratio may be predictive for poor prognosis in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.     

Patterns and clinical outcomes of olfactory and gustatory disorders in six months: Prospective study of 1031 COVID-19 patients

ObjectiveThis study aims to comprehensively evaluate olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding onset, course, associated symptoms, prognosis and relation to patients' demographics, treatment received and other symptoms.Patients& methodsThis is a prospective study conducted on patients proven to be infected with COVID-19 and with olfactory/gustatory dysfunction symptoms. Detailed history was taken from each patient about the onset of this dysfunction, associated symptoms. Then follow-up survey was done after 6 months to evaluate the prognosis.Results1031 patients were included in the study, aged 18 to 69 years old, with 31.8% were male. Olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions occurred after other COVID-19 symptoms in 43.5% of cases, occurred suddenly in 80.4% and gradually in 19.6%. These dysfunctions were anosmia & ageusia in 50.2%, hyposmia & hypogeusia in 23.3%, anosmia alone in 17.7%, phantosmia in 18%, Parosmia in 28.4%. In terms of recovery 6-month follow up, 680 patients (66%) recovered completely, 22.1% recovered partially while 11.9% did not recover. Most improvement occurred in the first two weeks. Headache, malaise, nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea were the commonest COVID-19 symptoms associated.ConclusionMost recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection occurs at the first two weeks and is unrelated to patient demographics, treatment or olfactory training. Parosmia is an independent predictor for complete recovery, while phantosmia is significantly associated with lower probability of complete recovery.     

The close relationship between sudden loss of smell and COVID-19

IntroductionThe real number of COVID-19 cases may be underestimated since several countries have difficulty offering laboratory tests for all the population. Therefore, finding a symptom with a high predictive value would help in diagnostic and isolation strategies.ObjectiveTo correlate the sudden loss of the sense of smell in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with results of diagnostic tests for COVID-19.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study. An online questionnaire was digitally addressed to 725 outpatients in Brazil who reported partial or total sudden loss of the sense of smell from March to April 2020.ResultsTotal or partial sudden loss of the sense of smell showed high positive predictive value for COVID-19 diagnosis, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (88.8%). There were no differences between groups tested positive and negative in regard to demographic and clinical characteristics such as presence of allergy, rhinitis, neither to olfactory recovery time.ConclusionThe identification of sudden loss of the sense of smell during COVID-19 pandemic may serve as a sentinel symptom and may be a warning to establish measures to prevent the transmission of the disease.     

Paranasal sinuses computed tomography findings in anosmia of COVID-19

ObjectiveOlfactory dysfunction in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood. Thus, mechanistic data are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological drivers of anosmia of COVID-19.MethodsWe performed the current study in patients who presented with anosmia and COVID-19 as documented by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay between April 1st and May 15st, 2020. We assessed for the conductive causes of anosmia with computed tomography (CT) of paranasal sinuses.Results49 patients who presented with anosmia and positive PCR assay for COVID-19 were included. The average age was 45 ± 12.2 years. Complete anosmia was present in 85.7% of patients and 91.8% of patients reported sudden onset of olfactory dysfunction. Taste disturbance was common (75.5%). There were no significant pathological changes in the paranasal sinuses on CT scans. Olfactory cleft and ethmoid sinuses appeared normal while in other sinuses, partial opacification was detected only in some cases.ConclusionWe did not find significant mucosal changes or olfactory cleft abnormality on CT imaging in patients with anosmia of COVID-19. Conductive causes of anosmia (i.e., mucosal disease) do not seem play a significant role in anosmia of COVID-19.     

Possible effects of low testosterone levels on olfactory function in males

IntroductionFunctions attributed to androgens have increased, ranging from the role in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors to modulation of cognition, mood and some other functions. Sex differences and changes in circulating sex hormones affect human sensory function. In the literature, authors reported this kind of influence for olfaction predominantly in females.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of low testosterone levels on olfactory functions in males, in this prospective clinical study.MethodsMale patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were included. Thirty-nine patients with prostate cancer whose testosterone levels were lower than 50 ng/dL due to castration, were the study group. Thirty-one patients with prostate cancer who were not castrated with testosterone levels higher than 50 ng/dL were selected as the control group. Acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow tests were performed for all participants; and for evaluation of olfactory function, both groups completed the Connecticut chemosensory clinical research center olfactory test.ResultsThe mean ages of the patients and controls were 69.6 ± 7.2 (57–89) and 66.3 ± 5.8 (50–78) years, respectively (p = 0.039). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of testosterone levels (p < 0.0001). The multivariate logistic regression revealed testosterone level as the only predictive factor determining the difference between the groups. In terms of olfactory parameters, all scores were lower in the emasculated group (butanol threshold test p = 0.019, identification p = 0.059, and Connecticut center score p = 0.029) There was a significant correlation between testosterone levels and olfactory parameters (p = 0.023; p = 0.025 for identification and Connecticut center scores, respectively).ConclusionLow testosterone levels in males have negative effects on olfactory functions. Further molecular research is required to understand the connection between testosterone and olfaction.     

The first wave of COVID-19 did not cause longer wait times in head and neck cancer. Experience of a French expert center

BackgroundHead and neck cancers (HNC) have poor survival prognosis, as tumors are often diagnosed at advanced stages in patients consulting late. The first lockdown linked to the 1st wave of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) disrupted consultation schedules in France.ObjectiveThe principal aim of the present study was to analyze consultation wait time in HNC during and after lockdown, in our university expert oncology reference center, to disclose any increase in treatment wait time.MethodsA single-center retrospective study included patients with a first diagnosis of HNC. Three groups were distinguished: “lockdown”, “post-lockdown”, and a “control” group (corresponding to a reference period 1 year earlier). Intervals between first oncologic consultation and multidisciplinary tumor board (FC-MTB) and between MTB and first treatment (MTB-T) were assessed.ResultsOne hundred and seven patients were included in the control group, 60 in the lockdown group and 74 in the post-lockdown group. There was no increase in median FC-MTB interval (respectively 35, 29 and 28 days) between the lockdown and post-lockdown groups compared to the control group (respectively P = 0.2298 and P = 0.0153). Likewise, there was no increase in MTB-T interval (27, 20 and 26 days respectively) (P = 0.4203).ConclusionNo increase in wait times was observed during the lockdown and post-lockdown periods in our center.     

A comparison of cisplatin cumulative dose and cisplatin schedule in patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

IntroductionThree-weekly cisplatin dose is accepted for standard treatment for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, different chemotherapy schedules are presented in the literature.ObjectiveWe intend to compare toxicity and outcomes of high dose 3-weekly cisplatin versus low dose weekly-cisplatin and cumulative dose of cisplatin in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods98 patients were included in the study, between 2010 and 2018. Cumulative doses of cisplatin (≥200 mg/m² and <200 mg/m²) and different chemotherapy schedules (weekly and 3-weekly) were compared in terms of toxicity and survival. Besides prognostic factors including age, gender, T category, N category and radiotherapy technique were evaluated in uni-multivariate analysis.ResultsMedian follow-up time 41.5 months (range: 2–93 months). Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 68.9% vs. 90.3% (p = 0.11); 66.2% vs. 81.6% (p = 0.15); 87.3% vs. 95.7% (p = 0.18); 80.1% vs. 76.1% (p = 0.74) for the group treated weekly and 3 weekly, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 78.2% vs. 49.2% (p = 0.003); 75.8% vs. 47.9% (p = 0.055); 91% vs. 87.1% (p = 0.46); 80% vs. 72.2% (p = 0.46) for the group treated ≥200 mg/m² and <200 mg/m² cumulative dose cisplatin. There was statistically significant difference between groups for overall survival and there was close to being statistically significant difference between groups for local relapse-free survival. Age, gender, T category, N category, chemotherapy schedules were not associated with prognosis in the uni-variety analysis. Radiotherapy technique and cumulative dose of cisplatin was associated with prognosis in uni-variate analysis (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.071–0.628; p = 0.005 and HR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.125–0.686; p = 0.003, respectively). Only cumulative dose of cisplatin was found as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.146–0.912; p = 0.03). When toxicities were evaluated, such as hematological toxicity, dermatitis, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, there were no statistically significant differences between cumulative dose of cisplatin groups (<200 mg/m² and ≥200 mg/m²) and chemotherapy schedules (3-weekly and weekly). But malnutrition was statistically significant higher in patients treated with 3-weekly cisplatin compared with patients treated with weekly cisplatin (p = 0.001).ConclusionA cisplatin dose with ≥200 mg/m² is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Chemotherapy schedules weekly and 3-weekly have similar outcomes and adverse effects. If patients achieve ≥200 mg/m² dose of cumulative cisplatin, weekly chemotherapy schedules may be used safely and effectively in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.     

Usability of intravenous thiamine injection test compared with odor stick identification test for Japanese patients with severe traumatic brain injury

ObjectiveOlfactory dysfunction is often observed after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Its diagnosis is difficult because patients with sTBI have a communication disability following impaired consciousness and communication disorder. The intravenous thiamine injection (IT) test is one of the representative diagnostic examinations to identify dysfunction, and it is often used in medical certification for liability insurance of automobiles in Japan because it could be judged by a simple reaction. However, the extent of usefulness of the IT test in the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction in patients with sTBI is unknown. In this study, we validated the usability of the IT test and compared the results with those of the odor stick identification test for the Japanese (OSIT-J) to evaluate the sensitivity of the IT test in patients with sTBI.MethodsThe study enrolled 205 subjects, including 10 healthy volunteers and 195 patients with sTBI. First, we examined olfactory dysfunction in sTBI patients using OSIT-J. Subsequently, we performed the IT test among patients with olfactory dysfunction.ResultsIn the first part, 41 subjects, including 10 healthy volunteers, were examined by using the OSIT-J test. As a result, 28 patients were diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction (90.3%, p < 0.0001), including anosmia and parosmia, compared with healthy volunteers. Among the 12 odors, garlic odor was easily recognized for patients with olfactory dysfunction. As a consequence of the IT test for 11 patients with olfactory dysfunction, four patients recognized thiamine odor, and seven patients did not. All four patients could recognize the garlic odor of OSIT-J, but 2 of the seven patients could recognize the garlic odor of OSIT-J, suggesting that the thiamine odor is linked to garlic odor (p = 0.046), but not always. The detection rate of olfactory dysfunction through the IT test was 36.4%.ConclusionOur data showed that garlic odor, which is similar to thiamine odor, was easily recognizable for patients with sTBI. However, the IT test might overlook the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction because it only identifies one odor. In addition, thiamine frequently induces angialgia. We should pay attention to the overconfidence of the IT test for patients with sTBI.     

Natural trajectory of recovery of COVID-19 associated olfactory loss

ImportancePrevalence of post-viral olfactory loss has increased dramatically due to the frequency and severity of olfactory dysfunction associated with infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.ObjectiveTo determine the trajectory of COVID-19 olfactory loss over a six-month period. A key secondary objective is to assess predictive factors associated with the recovery of olfaction.DesignLongitudinal repeated-measures study that enrolled from May 5, 2020 to February 2, 2021, with the last date of data collection on June 15, 2021.SettingBarnes-Jewish HealthCare/Washington University School of Medicine facilities (Saint Louis, Missouri, USA).ParticipantsIndividuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swab and indicated olfactory loss on COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Individuals were excluded if they had previously diagnosed history of olfactory loss, neurodegenerative disorders, <18 years of age, admitted to hospital service, unable to read, write, and understand English, or lacked computer or internet access.Interventions/exposuresWatch and wait for spontaneous recovery.Main outcome(s) and measure(s)Participants completed olfactory assessments every 30 days for six months. Each assessment consisted of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), an objective “scratch-and-sniff” test, and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI), a subjective Likert rating scale.ResultsThe mean age was 41 years old (SD = 16). 39 (80 %) were female and 42 (86 %) white. At baseline assessment of objective olfaction, 18 (36 %) participants had anosmia or severe hyposmia. Subjective, complete recovery at six months was 81 % (95 % CI 74 % to 88 %). Likelihood of recovery was associated with age <50 years (aHR = 8.1 (95 % CI 1.1 to 64.1)) and mild olfactory loss at baseline (UPSIT = 30–33 for males and 31–34 for females) (aHR 6.2 (95 % CI 1.2 to 33.0)).Conclusions and relevanceThe trajectory of olfactory recovery among adults with COVID-19 olfactory loss illustrated rapid recovery within 2–3 weeks of infection, and by six months 81 % had recovered based on self-report. Age <50 years old and mild severity of olfactory loss at baseline were associated with increased likelihood of recovery of olfaction. These findings can be used to inform shared decision-making with patients.     

Complete pathologic response as a prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx post-chemoradiotherapy

IntroductionChemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCO) provides good results for locoregional disease control, with high rates of complete clinical and pathologic responses, mainly in the neck.ObjectiveTo determine whether complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy is related to the prognosis of patients with SCCO.MethodsData were prospectively extracted from clinical records of N2 and N3 SCCO patients submitted to a planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy.ResultsA total of 19 patients were evaluated. Half of patients obtained complete pathologic response in the neck. Distant or locoregional recurrence occurred in approximately 42% of patients, and 26% died. Statistical analysis showed an association between complete pathologic response and lower disease recurrence rate (77.8% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.017) and greater overall survival (88.9% vs. 23.3%; p = 0.049).ConclusionThe presence of a complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy positively influences the prognosis of patients with SCCO.     

Pharyngeal motility in patients submitted to type I thyroplasty

IntroductionType 1 thyroplasty is performed to improve glottis closure as well as dysphagic symptoms in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the motility of the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility before and after thyroplasty Type I.MethodsWe prospectively studied 15 patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility who underwent thyroplasty Type I. Subjects were divided according to the topography of vagal injury and presence of dysphagia. High resolution manometry was performed before and 30 days after surgery. Time and pressure manometric parameters at the topography of the velopharynx, epiglottis and upper esophageal sphincter were recorded.ResultsDysphagia was present in 67% of patients. 63% had lower vagal injuries. Manometric parameters did not change after thyroplasty for the whole population. The group of dysphagic patients, however, had an increase in residual pressure at the upper esophageal sphincter after thyroplasty (1.2 vs. 5.2 mmHg; p = 0.05). Patients with low vagal injury developed higher peak pressure (100 vs. 108.9 mmHg p ≤ 0.001), lower rise time (347 vs. 330 ms p = 0.04), and higher up stroke (260 vs. 266.2 mmHg/ms p = 0.04) at the topography of the velopharynx after thyroplasty.ConclusionPharyngeal motility is affected by thyroplasty Type I in patients with dysphagia and low vagal injury.     

Which risk factors are associated with stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer? A meta-analysis of the last 30 years

IntroductionStomal recurrence is a troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. Despite a large number of studies having been performed, there is still controversy about which risk factors are most significant for the development of stomal recurrence.ObjectiveThe objective of the present meta-analysis was to analyze the potential factors leading to stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases were systematically searched using multiple search terms. Eighteen studies with 6462 patients were identified. The quality of evidence was assessed by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.ResultsThe results showed that, tumor subsite (supraglottic vs. subglottic, RR = 0.292, 95% CI 0.142–0.600, p = 0.001; glottic vs. subglottic, RR = 0.344, 95% CI 0.175–0.676, p = 0.002), T stage (RR = 0.461, 95% CI 0.286–0.742, p = 0.001), preoperative tracheotomy (RR = 1.959, 95% CI 1.500–2.558, p < 0.001) were the high-risk factors associated with the development of stomal recurrence.ConclusionFrom the results of our study, tumor subsite, T stage and preoperative tracheotomy were the significant risk factors for stomal recurrence. Methodologically high-quality comparative investigations are needed for further evaluation.     

Subtotal supracricoid laryngectomy: changing in indications,surgical techniques and use of new surgical devices

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the evolution of supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) in indications, surgical techniques and outcomes through last decades.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of 146 patients affected by laryngeal cancer treated with SCPL was carried on. We defined: (1) group A, 100 patients treated by cold instruments between 1995 and 2004; (2) group B, 46 patients treated by harmonic scalpel between 2005 and 2010. Complications rate, and functional and oncological results were documented and a comparison between the two groups was made; histopathological analysis of surgical margins was evaluated and correlated with local incidence of recurrence.ResultsSignificant differences in age mean-value (p = 0.02), T classification (p = 0.007), and in indication for more advanced-staged patients were found in group B (p = 0.001). Surgical procedure was shorter in group B (p < 0.001), with shorter swallowing recovery (p = 0.003). Oncological outcomes did not report any significant differences. Group B showed a higher incidence of post- operative arytenoid edema (p = 0.03) associated with a lower rate of pneumonia (p = 0.038). Despite a higher rate of close or positive-margins found in group B no higher incidence of local-recurrence was reported (p = 0.02) compared to group A.ConclusionsWe documented changing in indications and surgical technique for SCPL because of the development of modern diagnostic techniques and the introduction of low-thermal injury device allowing a more challenging tumor excision as well as with a shorter swallowing recovery in our series.     

Variables associated with repeated ventilation tube insertion in healthy non-syndromic children

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study was to determine variables associated with rVT insertions for rAOM and/or OME in otherwise healthy children.MethodsThis was designed as a retrospectively controlled cohort study. Patients were identified from a prospectively collected surgical database. Eligible subjects were those who had undergone rVT and a consecutive concurrent control group who received only one ventilation tube (VT). Exclusion criteria included craniofacial abnormalities and syndromes. Demographics, tympanic membrane characteristics, parental smoking, breast-feeding history, large day-care attendance, and soother use was collected.ResultsOver a period of 10 years, 59 patients underwent rVT (5.6%). 180 children who underwent VT were included in the control group. There was no difference in gender distribution (p = 1, 1.73:1 vs. 1.76:1), mean age (p = 0.69, 4.7 ± 3.33 vs. 4.4 ± 3.17) or chronic rhinitis (p = 0.36, OR 1.376, 95% CI: 0.69–2.74). The rVT group was associated significantly more with a smoking parent (p = 0, OR 61.8, 95% CI 21.26–176.07), large day care attendance (p = 0, OR 23.39, 95% CI: 8.637–57.54), breast feeding <3months (p = 0, OR −0.074, 95% CI: 0.028–0.331), soother use (p = 0, OR 21.49, 95% CI: 7.81–55.87), and tympanic membrane atelectasis (p < 0.0005). The same factors were also found to be significant upon multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOtherwise healthy children with rAOM and/or OME are at a greater risk of rVT if they attend large day cares, were not breast fed for ≥3 months, if their tympanic membranes were atelectatic and most significantly if their parents smoke.     

Telemedicine for ENT: Effect on quality of care during Covid-19 pandemic

AimsTo assess the benefit of telemedicine consultation during the Covid-19 pandemic.Material and methodsA prospective study of patient satisfaction with telemedicine consultation was carried out in the ENT department of a university hospital center where telemedicine consultations were set up to replace scheduled out-patient consultations. Patients were divided into two groups according to overall satisfaction, in order to identify predictive factors. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.005. The main endpoint was patient satisfaction after an ENT telemedicine consultation during global lockdown. The secondary endpoint comprised predictive factors for overall satisfaction.ResultsOne hundred of the 125 patients with telemedicine consultation over a 7-day inclusion period completed the questionnaire. Overall satisfaction was 87%. There were no clinically relevant predictive factors significantly associated with satisfaction. Sound and video quality was satisfactory for 76% and 61% of patients respectively, without significant impact on overall satisfaction (respectively: OR = 3.40, P-value = 0.049; and OR = 3.79, P-value = 0.049). Lack of physical examination did not significantly correlate with reduced overall satisfaction (OR = 0.30, P-value = 0.027).ConclusionTelemedicine consultation did not allow complete medical care but, in a difficult time like the global pandemic, was well accepted by patients. It is a simple way to maintain continuity of care while reducing contamination risk by avoiding direct contact between patients and healthcare professionals.     

Olfactory function and nasal manifestations of Behçet's disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Behçet's disease on olfactory function, the nasal mucosa, and nasal symptoms.MethodsA total of 30 patients with Behçet's disease and 30 healthy individuals volunteered to enroll in the study. Any condition leading to olfactory dysfunction was a criterion for exclusion. Nasal endoscopy was carried out individually, and nasal symptoms were assessed. An olfactory function assessment test defined by the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) was carried out. n-Butanol odor threshold and odor identification tests were performed, and the CCCRC test score (0: worst score; 7: best score) was calculated. The relationship between nasal findings, nasal symptoms, and olfactory function was evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of each group was the late 1930s, and demographic differences were not significant. n-Butanol threshold test scores were 5.57 ± 1.0 and 6.47 ± 0.7 out of 7 for subjects with Behçet's disease and the healthy control group, respectively. Identification test scores were 4.93 ± 1.3 and 6.15 ± 0.8 out of 7 and the mean CCCRC scores were 5.25 ± 1.0 and 6.31 ± 0.6, respectively, with significant differences (p < 0.001). Some nasal symptoms were significantly more common in patients with nasal findings, but no correlation was found between nasal findings and olfactory function.ConclusionAlthough Behçet's disease has been shown to involve the nasal cavity, its effects on olfactory function are unknown. The significant difference in CCCRC scores suggests, for the first time, that olfactory dysfunction is associated with Behçet's disease. Nasal symptoms are associated with the presence of nasal lesions, but there is no correlation between nasal findings and olfactory function.