Nasal polyposis: role of subclinical delayed food hypersensitivity.

Nasal polyposis is a common problem in otolaryngology. The cause remains unclear, and treatment with medication and surgery is often unsatisfactory. We present our controlled study, which suggests a strong association between food allergy and nasal polyposis. The study was conducted in 2 parts. A postal survey of 900 patients with nasal polyps showed 53 respondents (5.9%) had a known food allergy. In the prospective study, 80 nasal polyp patients and 36 control subjects completed intradermal tests for food allergy. Sixty-five nasal polyp patients (81%) and 4 control subjects (11%) had positive intradermal food test results. This is highly significant. We believe that food allergy may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis and should be further studied.     

Nasal polyps: a manifestation of allergy?

The cause of nasal polyps is speculative. In the 1930s nasal polyps were considered to be a manifestation of allergy. This theory was challenged in the 1970s. Many patients with nasal polyps have no identifiable allergic disease. The purpose of this study is to better define the relationship between allergy and nasal polyps. Twelve patients with nasal polyps were evaluated by history, physical examination, skin testing, nasal smear for eosinophils, specific IgE determination from serum, nasal secretions, and nasal polyp fluid. Similar data were collected from three control groups: (1) 10 patients with allergic rhinitis, (2) 10 patients with nonallergic rhinitis, and (3) 10 patients with no known nasal disease. By comparing the incidence of markers for allergic disease in patients with nasal polyposis to each of the three control groups, the role of allergic disease in nasal polyposis was delineated.     

Free radical damage in nasal polyp tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the free radical injury in nasal polyp tissue exists or not. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study in patients with nasal polyps. METHODS: Polyp specimens were obtained from 19 patients. Control specimens were acquired from 16 patients who underwent partial turbinectomy with concha bullosa free of rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergy, confirmed by endoscopic nasal examination, coronal paranasal sinus CT scan, and prick test. MDA levels of nasal polyps and control specimens were measured by using the method of Knudsen et al. RESULTS: The mean MDA levels of nasal polyps and control specimens were 38.2 +/- 5.1 (33.3-52.2) and 33.9 +/- 1.6 (32.6-37.4), respectively. MDA levels in NP were significantly higher compared with control specimens (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: High level of MDA in nasal polyp tissue that represents FR increase supports the existence of cell injury in nasal polyp tissue. FRs should be considered in the development and life cycles of NP which is thought to have multifactorial pathogenesis.     

Lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokines in nasal polyps: is there a local immune system in the nasal polyp?

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis with massive nasal polyposis is still not entirely known. The present study evaluates the lymphocyte subpopulations and their production of cytokines using a technique for detection of intracytoplasmic cytokines by flow cytometry. This information may allow us to determine whether the source of these lymphocytes is from peripheral blood, the common mucosal immune system, or both. METHODS: Detection of intracytoplasmic cytokines by flow cytometry was performed using a fluoresceinated monoclonal antibody directed against CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and a rhodamine-labeled intracytoplasmic monoclonal antibody directed against four cytokines. In this way, the percentage of lymphocytes synthesizing TH1 and TH2 cytokines were identified in nasal polyp lymphocytes and the corresponding peripheral blood lymphocytes of 13 patients. RESULTS: Lymphocytes producing interferon-gamma and IL-2, as well as IL-4 and IL-5, were found in the nasal polyps, suggesting that the nasal polyp possesses both TH1 and TH2 cytokine expression. There are also significant differences between the percentage of lymphocytes producing these cytokines between nasal polyps and peripheral blood, suggesting that nasal polyp lymphocytes derive from at least another source than only peripheral blood lymphocytes. Statistical analysis of four groups of patients demonstrated that no statistically significant difference in the lymphocyte subpopulations in atopic versus non-atopic patients, nor aspirin-intolerant versus aspirin-tolerant patients. In general, CD8 cells always produce more interferon-gamma than IL-2 in both peripheral blood and nasal polyps. In contrast with this data, CD4 cells produce more IL-2 in the peripheral blood than in nasal polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Data support the concept that nasal polyp lymphocyte subpopulations may be derived from both the local mucosal immune system as well as from random migration of peripheral blood lymphocytes secondary to adhesion molecules and chemokines, which are known to be present in nasal polyps.     

Skin prick test reactivity to foods in adult Malaysians with rhinitis.

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of food and house dust mite (HDM) allergy in patients with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea attending the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This was a prospective matched, controlled study of patients skin prick tested with commercial food and common aeroallergens. The participants were 148 Malaysian adults with symptoms of nasal congestion and rhinorrhea and 113 adult Malaysian control subjects without rhinitis symptoms. The skin prick test (SPT) was used to evaluate 11 foods common to the Malaysian diet and 3 HDM inhalants. Forty-eight percent of the patients with rhinitis had positive SPT results to foods, compared with 4.4% of control subjects (P < 0.05). The most commonly implicated foods were shrimp (48%) and rice (30%), which are common in the Malaysian diet. Seventy-two percent of rhinitis patients had positive SPT results to HDM, compared with 22.2% of control subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with rhinitis also had significantly more gastrointestinal problems than control subjects (P < 0.05). The incidences of HDM and food allergy are significantly greater in Malaysian adults with rhinitis symptoms than in control subjects without rhinitis. The effect of avoidance or immunotherapy awaits further study.     

An analysis of skin prick test reactions in 656 asthmatic patients.

Of 656 asthmatic patients referred specifically for allergy assessments, 544 (84 percent) gave positive immediate skin prick tests to at least one of 22 common allergens used routinely. Comparison of these skin test positive patients with the 102 (16 percent) who were skin test negative showed a number of significant differences. The majority of the skin test positive patients (52 percent) were less than 10 years old at the time of onset of the asthma, whereas, of the skin test negative patients, 56 percent were aged over 30 years at the time of onset. Seventy per cent report rhinitis compared with 48 per cent of the skin test negative patients, and 29 per cent reported infantile eczema compared with 9 per cent. Symptoms attributed to house dust, pollens, and animals were noted two to three times more frequently by the skin test positive patients, while corticosteroid drugs had been used more commonly by the skin test negative patients (45 percent compared with 35 percent). No significant differences were observed with the other factors studied, namely, history of urticaria or angio-oedema, family history of "allergic" disease, and awareness of sensitivity to foods, aspirin or penicillin. Prick test reactions in the skin test positive patients were most commonly seen to house dust or the acarine mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (82 percent), followed by pollens (66 percent), animal danders (38 percent), foods (16 percent), Aspergillus fumigatus (16 percent), and other moulds (21 percent). There was a highly significant association of positive history with positive prick test for all allergens studied.     

Latex allergy in subjects who had undergone multiple surgical procedures for bladder exstrophy: relationship with clinical intervention and atopic diseases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitization in a group of patients with bladder exstrophy, and to determine the role of associated risk factors, e.g. atopy, and the number and duration of surgical and anaesthetic procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 17 patients (15 children and two young adults) affected by bladder exstrophy who had undergone multiple surgical procedures. Skin-prick tests and specific immunoglobulin-E (IgE) assays against latex, food allergens cross-reacting with latex and inhalant allergens were carried out. RESULTS: Twelve patients showed latex sensitization and five showed symptoms related to latex exposure, the most common of which was contact urticaria (four of the symptomatic patients). Intraoperative anaphylactic reaction had led to life-threatening events in only one child. Latex-specific IgE determined both by the prick test and assay was positive in all those with symptoms. Specific IgEs against inhalant allergens and foods were present in four of five symptomatic patients. In the seven sensitized patients with no clinical symptoms, the assay was positive in all, while the skin-prick test was positive only in four; specific IgEs against inhalant allergens were present in three of the seven. In the five patients not allergic and not latex-sensitized, only one showed allergic sensitization against grass pollen and mite allergen. None of the children without latex antibodies had symptoms of latex allergy. Symptomatic patients had a undergone significantly more hours of surgery, more cystography and had used intermittent catheterization for longer than those with no symptoms. CONCLUSION: A third of patients with bladder exstrophy showed latex symptoms and another third had latex sensitization. Multiple surgical procedures and atopy play a major role in the development of latex hypersensitivity     

Nasal polyposis in lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). There are still many open questions regarding factors related to this condition. Furthermore, the prevalence of nasal polyposis and its implications for the outcomes in lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis are unknown.MethodsAll CF patients who underwent lung transplantation at our centre between November 1992 and December 2009 were included. Nasal polyp status was determined endoscopically at time sinus surgery and its relationships to gender, age at lung transplantation, Liou raw score, body mass index, FEV₁%predicted, diabetes mellitus, pre-transplant pseudomonas colonisation of the sinuses and the lungs, pre-transplant corticosteroid use and type of mutation of the CFTR gene were analysed. The post-transplant survival times and the incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in patients with or without nasal polyposis were compared.ResultsNasal polyps were found in 19% (17 patients) of the 89 lung transplant recipients, whose data was available for statistical analysis. None of the factors analysed was related to the nasal polyp status. The post-transplant survival times and the incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome did not significantly differ between patients with or without nasal polyposis.ConclusionsCF-related nasal polyposis occurs in a relevant fraction of lung transplant recipients. A specific effect of nasal polyposis on post-transplant outcome could not be confirmed. Nevertheless, there was a trend to NP recurrence in patients with post‐transplant sinonasal pseudomonas colonisation and is a tendency of less chronic rejection in CF patients with nasal polyps.     

IL-17A as a regulator of neutrophil survival in nasal polyp disease of patients with and without cystic fibrosis

Nasal polyps in adults are characterized by a chronic inflammation of the upper airways and by the preferential activation of Th2 cells. In contrast, IL-17 producing Th17 cells dominate the inflammation in nasal polyps of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.MethodIL-17A, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, ECP, MCP-1 and myeloperoxidase expression was determined in tissue homogenates of nasal polyps of non-CF and CF patients and controls. The cellular source of IL-17A was determined by immuno-histochemistry and FACS analysis. The functional role of IL-17A in the survival of neutrophils from CF and non-CF patients was tested.ResultsA significant upregulation of IL-17A and myeloperoxidase could be observed in nasal polyps from CF-patients. The cellular sources of IL-17A in nasal polyps were mainly T-lymphocytes. IL-17A was able to modulate the survival of neutrophils in nasal polyps from non-CF patients; however the survival of neutrophils in CF patients was independent of IL-17A.ConclusionThe present study shows that IL-17A has an impact on neutrophil survival in adult nasal polyp disease, but not in nasal polyps from CF patients.     

胆囊胆固醇结石与胆固醇息肉的关系研究

目的:探讨胆囊胆固醇结石与胆固醇息肉的关系.方法:抽样调查172例因胆囊结石和胆囊息肉行内镜保胆手术的患者(术后3年以上),其中胆囊结石119例,胆囊息肉39例,胆囊结石合并胆囊息肉14例,观察患者术后结石与息肉的复发情况.结果:119例胆囊结石患者中,术后结石复发22例,无新发息肉;39例胆囊息肉患者中,术后息肉复发3例,新发结石1例;14例胆囊结石合并胆囊息肉患者中,术后息肉复发2例,其中1例并结石复发;胆囊结石与胆囊息肉的复发率差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:胆囊胆固醇结石与胆固醇息肉可能是发病机制各异的相互独立的疾病,但胆囊息肉可能通过影响胆囊内胆汁流体的状态而影响胆囊胆固醇结石的形成,导致较高的术后复发率,故对合并胆囊息肉的胆囊结石患者不推荐保胆手术.     

High compliance rates observed for follow up colonoscopy post polypectomy are achievable outside of clinical trials: efficacy of polypectomy is not reduced by low compliance for follow up

INTRODUCTION: The National Polyp Study demonstrated that removal of adenomas with at least a three-year follow up reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer. However, compliance with follow up colonoscopy may affect the estimates of reduction in colorectal cancer incidence demonstrated by the National Polyp Study. While an 80% compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy was achieved during the National Polyp Study, the compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy is unknown in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance rate for follow up colonoscopy and factors which affect follow up. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review to identify patients who had adenomatous polyps excised in 1997 was undertaken. Patients who had inflammatory bowel disease, a prior history of colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, colonic surgery; incomplete polypectomy or incomplete colonoscopy, and those patients who died before planned follow up, were excluded from analysis. Follow up was performed by telephone survey. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-three patients were identified (196 males; 147 females) with a mean age of 70 years. Three hundred and thirty-one (99%) of 333 had a documented recommendation for follow up of three years or less. Thirty-four percent (113 of 333) had previously undergone colonoscopy; 29% (98 of 333) had previously undergone polypectomy and 54% (180 of 333) were symptomatic at the time of the colonoscopy. Twenty-eight percent (40 of 141) had a family history of colorectal cancer. Pathology at polypectomy included a single polyp and polyps less than 10 mm in 68% and 88% of cases, respectively. Follow up was available in 211 of these cases, 179 (85%) of which had been compliant with follow up colonoscopy. In a univariate analysis, previous colonoscopy (P = 0.035), previous polyps (P = 0.043), asymptomatic status at time of colonoscopy (P = 0.021), polyp size (P = 0.008) and number of polyps (P = 0.010) were significantly associated with patients who were compliant with follow up colonoscopy. A multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed number of polyps (P = 0.036) and polyp size (P = 0.045) to be statistically significantly associated with compliance. CONCLUSION: Compliance with follow up colonoscopy after polypectomy is greater than 80%, regardless of age, education, family history, prior colonoscopy, or prior polypectomy. Risk reduction published in the National Polyp Study may likely reflect what can be achieved through the general use of colonoscopy for surveillance.     

Malondialdehyde level and adenosine deaminase activity in nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are many reports on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in different tissues, no information is available about the enzyme activity in nasal mucosa and polyp tissues. Whereas ADA is related to the production of free radicals by neutrophils, malondialdehyde (MDA) is an indicator of lipid peroxidation that is a general mechanism of tissue damage by free radicals. This study is aimed at determining and comparing the ADA activity and MDA level in nasal polyps and normal mucosa. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-three patients with nasal polyps and a control group consisting of 14 patients with septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were included in the study. Tissue MDA level was measured by the method of Okawa with modification and tissue ADA activity by the method of Giusti. RESULTS: In patients with nasal polyp, mean tissue MDA level and ADA activity were 2.43 +/- 0.38 nmol/mg protein (Pr) and 0.235 +/- 0.055 U/mg Pr, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of control nasal mucosa (1.03 +/- 0.41 nmol/mg protein and 0.056 +/- 0.011 U/mg Pr, respectively) (P < 0.05). In addition, tissue MDA level was positively correlated to ADA activity in nasal polyps (r = 0.701, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the presence of detectable ADA activity in nasal mucosa, and also significant increases in both tissue MDA level and ADA activity in NP tissue when compared to normal turbinate tissue. EBM rating: B-2b.     

Prevalence of allergic fungal sinusitis in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis in adult Malaysians.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in adult Malaysians. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study involved 30 immunocompetent CRS patients who underwent surgery. Specimens were sent for mycology and histopathologic analysis for identification of fungi. Clinical and immunological workup was performed for atopy in all patients and controls. RESULTS: Fungal cultures were positive in 5 (16.7%) and 11 (36.7%) of 30 patients from nasal secretions and surgical specimens, respectively. Allergic mucin was found in 8 surgical specimens (26.7%). Hence, prevalence of AFS was 26.7%. The most common causative agent was Aspergillus sp. (54.5%). In 3 (37.5%) of 8 patients, AFS was found to be associated with asthma. Twenty-five percent (2/8 patients) had aspirin intolerance, and 62.5% (5/8 patients) had elevated total immunoglobulin E levels. All patients had positive skin test reactivity to fungal allergen. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that AFS does exist in Malaysia. Proper handling of surgical specimens and accurate diagnosis by the pathologist and mycologist are essential.     

Frequency of contact allergens in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis

Objective: The authors compared the prevalence of positive patch tests in atopic pediatric patients versus nonatopic controls and sought to determine if statistically significant allergen prevalence differences existed between the two groups. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California. Participants: Patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis between the ages of 6 and 18 years who had been enrolled in the Pediatric Research Equity Act Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Test trial. Measurements: Statistical analysis used Z-scores to compare associations between positive reactions in atopic versus nonatopic patients and the prevalence of individual chemicals in either group. Results: Results showed that at least one allergen reaction was noted in 78 percent (n=79) of the patients, 89 percent (n=48) in atopic patients, and 66 percent (n= 31) in the nonatopic patients (Z-score 2.78). Eczema area and severity index scores ranged from 0 to 41.75. Eczema area and severity index scores greater than 10 correlated with a higher probability of more than three positive patch tests (Z-score [-]3.28). Statistically significant differences were also observed between atopic and nonatopic patients in regards to contact allergens, with 20 percent (n=11) of atopic patients exhibiting positive patch tests to Myroxylon pereirae and 19 percent (n=10) of those with atopic dermatitis having reactions to fragrance mix. Conclusion: The authors concur with prior studies that performing systematic patch testing is indicated in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, given the high rate of contact allergy in the atopic group, especially those with eczema area and severity index scores greater than 10. Furthermore, prevention through exposure avoidance to the most frequent contact allergens, especially fragrances in patients with atopic dermatitis, is recommended.     

The changed histologic paradigm of colorectal polyps

Background: Previous literature has recorded the preponderance of hyperplastic over neoplastic polyps. This study evaluated the histopathologic characteristics of colonic polyps, excised during colonoscopic polypectomy, and further determined their relationship to age, location, and gender. Methods: Of 5132 colonoscopies reviewed between 1976 and 1999, 757 were performed on 582 patients who had polyp removal. Patients with previous colon resection or incomplete cecal intubation were excluded. Results: The mean age was 67 ± 11 years for men and 66 ± 11 years for women. Of the 1050 lesions histologically analyzed, 871 (83.0%) were neoplastic, 129 (12.3%) were hyperplastic, and 50 (4.8%) were miscellaneous lesions (29 inflammatory polyps, 14 lipomas, 2 leiomyomas, 1 juvenile polyp, and 4 no pathology identified). Hyperplastic polyps were always less than 1 cm (with one exception) and were located predominantly in the left colon, the majority residing in the sigmoid colon. Peak prevalence of hyperplastic polyps occurred in the 50–70 years old age group. Of the neoplastic polyps, 566 (65.0%) were tubular, 225 (25.8%) villotubular, 63 (7.2%) villous adenomas, 4 (0.5%) mixed adenomatous hyperplastic polyps, and 12 (1.4%) invasive carcinomas. The peak prevalence of neoplastic polyps occurred in the same age group as did hyperplastic polyps. Even though adenomatous polyps outnumbered hyperplastic polyps throughout the colon and within each age group, a greater percentage of hyperplastic polyps were found distally and in younger patients compared to location and age groups for neoplastic polyps. Conclusion: Adenomatous polyps outnumber hyperplastic polyps 7:1, even in the distal colon. Even small polyps seen during colonoscopy should be removed and subjected to histologic analysis because of the advisability of follow-up examinations of patients with neoplastic polyps. The increase in the incidence of neoplastic polyps beginning at the age of 50 years supports the need for colonoscopy in these individuals.     

Microsatellite instability and MLH1 hypermethylation – incidence and significance in colorectal polyps in young patients

OBJECTIVE: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is observed in most hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer-related colorectal cancers (CRC). The original Bethesda criteria recommends MSI testing in patients 相似文献   

Colon-Cancer Screening in Dialysis Patients

The usefulness of colon-cancer screening using stool-guaiac testing has been established in large control populations, but not in dialysis patients. In 72 asymptomatic dialysis patients [51 treated with hemodialysis (HD), and 21 with peritoneal dialysis (PD)] who underwent outpatient stool occult blood testing, the test result was positive in 11 (15%) patients (8 HD and 3 PD). Eight of the 11 were investigated further by colonoscopy and, when deemed necessary by the treating physician, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or barium enema were also performed. A site of active bleeding was identified in three of the eight patients (hemorrhoids, telangiectasia, ulcerative colitis). In each of the five other patients, potentially bleeding lesions were identified: colonic polyps (two malignant and two benign) in four patients. Barrett's esophagus in one, diverticulosis in two, and colonic vascular deformities in two. These results were compared with those of a large ongoing fecal occult blood screening program in which the prevalence of positive stool occult blood tests is 5% and in which 42% of the positive patients have colonic neoplasms. Thus, although the baseline incidence of positive guaiac tests may be higher in dialysis patients than in nonuremic controls, our results suggest that stool guaiac testing of dialysis patients may not only be useful in detecting colonic polyps, but may also identify other previously unsuspected causes of gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Childhood epistaxis and nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVE: Epistaxis is very common in children but its cause remains unknown. We postulate that nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus leads to inflammation, crusting, and ultimately new vessel formation. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case-control study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven children were recruited, 42 with epistaxis (22 had crusting in the nasal vestibule; 20 did not) and 25 control subjects. A microbiology swab was taken from the anterior nasal cavity of each child. RESULTS: All groups were equally likely to have a positive culture. S aureus was more common in the epistaxis group (P = 0.008) compared with the control group. There was no difference in the prevalence of S aureus between crust and noncrust groups. Epistaxis patients were much less likely to have isolates of respiratory pathogens or a skin commensal. CONCLUSION: Children with epistaxis are more likely to have nasal colonization with S aureus than controls. Our data would support the hypothesis that S aureus replaces existing nasal flora and causes inflammation and new vessel formation.     

Double-contrast barium examination and endoscopy in the detection of small polyps of the large intestine

The purpose of this study was to compare double-contrast barium examination (DCBE) and endoscopy in detection of small colonic polyps. In 57 patients DCBE revealed 106 polyps in the large intestine. On total colonoscopy, 62 polyps could be verified. The size of the polyps excised ranged from 2 to 15 mm. Compared with DCBE, colonoscopy verified 48 true positive, 44 false positive and 14 false negative polyps. In revealing a polyp less than 5 mm, DCBE had a sensitivity of 72%, whereas in detection of larger polyps the sensitivity was 81%. Histological verification was available in 52 of the 62 removed polyps. A tubular adenoma was found in 12 of the 29 diminutive polyps verified with histology. DCBE and colonoscopy could not differentiate between adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. Since a polyp less than 5 mm may represent an adenoma, a precancerous lesion, its removal is indicated during colonoscopy after DCBE has detected it.