Search

The aim of this review is to describe the most common recurring and chronic upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in children and discuss the role of bacterial interference and bacteriotherapy in their prevention and treatment.A literature review has been performed on the following topics: acute otitis media, adenoiditis, tonsillitis, rhinosinusitis, microbiotics and the role of bacterial interference, and bacteriotherapy in the prevention and treatment of URTI.Research studies into the characteristics of the microbiological flora and its role in the pathogenesis of URTI have focused on a single pathogen, on resistance to and ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapies, or on the persistence of bacterial biofilm. Recent evidence supports a central role of the existing microbial ecosystem in the pathogenesis of respiratory disease. In light of this, new therapeutic approaches include the implantation and persistence within the normal microflora of relatively innocuous "effector" bacteria that can competitively exclude or prevent the outgrowth of potentially disease-causing bacteria. Recently, a retrospective and observational study demonstrated that S. salivarius 24SMB and S. oralis 89a nasal spray could be effective in the prevention of recurrent otitis media in a real-life setting. Other studies have focused on the role of bacteriotherapy in children with beneficial effects in the prevention of URTI.The results of previous studies on the role of bacteriotherapy in paediatric URTI suggest that the use of bacterial interference phenomena through bacteriotherapy is a feasible, safe approach and deserves proper consideration as a promising therapeutic strategy against URTI.

The aim of this paper was to overview existing knowledge on foreign body (FB) injuries in children, with particular focus on FB types and anatomical locations, clinical presentation and complications. FB injuries represent a severe public health problem in childhood. The fact that the highest prevalence of FB injuries is reported for children between 0 and 3 years of age depends primarily on the fact that they explore objects using their mouth and are also not able to distinguish edible objects from non-edible ones. Types of FB causing injuries depend on the symptoms related to FB ingestion/inhalation/insertion (providing an early diagnosis of FB injuries) and complications related to the FB characteristics (type, shape, dimensions). The analysis of the Susy Safe database showed that in 10,564 cases, in which the object type was available, 74% of objects were inorganic and were mostly represented by pearls and balls, followed by coins. The main concerning about FB injuries is the fact that they may be asymptomatic or that symptoms may be non-specific. Consequently, the FB injury can be misinterpreted as a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection. The absence of specific symptoms indicating the occurrence of FB injury can lead to delays in diagnosis, thereby increasing the risk of complications. Symptoms seem to mostly depend on the anatomical location. Many ingested FBs pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without complications or damage. However, severe complications can occur depending on the characteristics of the FB, its anatomical location, the child's age and delays in diagnosis.Nel presente lavoro gli Autori sintetizzano le testimonianze relative ai danni provocati da corpi estranei in bambini sottolineandone il tipo, la sede la clinica e le complicanze. I danni provocati da corpi estranei rappresentano un importante e frequente problema di salute pubblica specie nell'infanzia, in quanto i piccoli tra 0 e 3 anni di età hanno l'abitudine di esplorare oggetti sconosciuti portandoli in bocca senza riconoscere se gli stessi sono commestibili o no. L'analisi effettuata nell'ambito del progetto "Susy database" ha permesso di rilevare come nei 10.564 casi esaminati il 74% di oggetti erano inorganici (principalmente perle e palline di ogni genere, seguite da monete). Nella maggior parte dei casi i piccoli non presentavano particolare sintomatologia ovvero sintomi assolutamente non specifici tale da non evidenziarne la causa. L'assenza di specifici sintomi porta generalmente a dilazioni nella diagnosi, aumentando il rischio di complicanze. I sintomi dipendono in massima parte dall'ubicazione e dalla dimensione dell'oggetto inalato ovvero ingerito che può passare attraverso il tratto di gastrointestinale, senza danni. Comunque, è da sottolineare come le complicazioni più importanti sono relative alle caratteristiche del corpo estraneo alle quali bisogna rivolgere particolare attenzione per la scelta terapeutica.

This draft of the Official Round Table held during the 99th SIO National Congress is an updated review on the diagnostic tools, the importance of polysomnographic recording and a critical analysis of the surgical techniques in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The review and analysis of available publications is the premise along with a specific analysis of the relationship between OSAS and metabolic and vascular disorders. In addition, the most recent investigations on sleep disorders and altered glucose metabolism are summarised and discussed together with the results of a study by the authors involving a fairly large number of patients with OSAS and diabetes.Questo testo è un estratto della tavola rotonda ufficiale tenutasi durante il 99o Congresso Nazionale SIO. Si tratta di una revisione aggiornata sugli strumenti diagnostici, sull'importanza della polisonnografia e di un'analisi critica delle tecniche chirurgiche dell'OSAS. La revisione e l'analisi di tutti gli studi costituiscono la premessa e il completamento dei capitoli; particolare attenzione è posta sul rapporto tra OSAS e disturbi metabolici e vascolari. Inoltre, i lavori più recenti su disturbi del sonno ed alterazioni del metabolismo glucidico sono riassunti e discussi insieme ai risultati di uno studio portato avanti dagli autori che coinvolge un discreto numero di pazienti con OSAS e diabete.

Taking into account the mechanisms at the origin of the airways inflammatory pathologies, our attention has been recently addressed to the study of HMGB1, a protein belonging to the group of alarmins. Alarmins are those molecules which in homeostatic conditions carry out specific metabolic and/or structural functions; furthermore, after a direct trauma or an infection, these molecules are released in the extracellular milieu becoming there activators of the innate immunity and powerful inflammatory factors. In a previous research we found in patients affected with chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) an increased expression of this protein in the nucleus of nasal mucosa epithelial cells. HMGB1 was overexpressed also as focal subepithelial infiltration and in the inflammatory cells of patients in comparison with controls. These results suggested a possible pathogenetic role of HMGB1 in CRSwNP. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the expression and localization (nuclear, cytoplasmic and extracellular) of the HMGB1 protein-cytokine is somehow related to the severity and complexity of the histological and clinical picture. We noticed values which have around statistical significance between nuclear HMGB1 and eosinophils infiltrate (p=0.0607) and between nuclear HMGB1 and inflammatory infiltrate (P=0.0524). Even more significant was the correlation between extra-cellular HMGB1 expression and the presence of allergic-hyper reactive conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, NSADs intolerance, antibiotic allergy. HMGB1 was significantly more expressed in the nucleus (p=0.0499) and in the intercellular space (p=0.0380) in allergic patients than in non-allergic subjects and as extra-cellular infiltrate in patients with NSADs intolerance (p=0.0022). These results confirm the role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyposis; besides the higher extra-cellular expression in patients with a more severe clinical and inflammatory picture and the presence of associated co-morbidities suggests to seek for new compounds: these compounds, decreasing the extra-cellular release of this alarmin through a scavenger mechanism, could keep under control the inflammatory process without interfering with the nuclear transcriptional messengers.

Objectives Suffocation due to foreign bodies (FB) is a leading cause of death in children aged 0–3 and it is common also in older ages, up to 14 years old. Based on the RPA report the estimated number of incidents per year in children aged 0–14 is in European Union (EU) of approximately 50,000, 10% of which are fatal. The need of an improvement of knowledge led to the development of the pan European study ESFBI (European Survey on Foreign Bodies Injuries) that collected data on FB injuries in the aerodigestive tract in paediatric patients from 19 European Hospitals (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Swiss, Turkey and United Kingdom). Recognizing that the rapid management is one of the main goals in the presence of such injury the aim of this paper is to confront data coming from 4 ESFBI case series with a Thailand's case series, in order to broaden the knowledge on FBs injuries characteristics, knowing that features like shape, dimension, consistency are fundamental in determine the consequences that might occur. Methods Data coming from the Siriraj Hospital, Thailand from June 2006 to 2010 were collected and compared with 4 case series chosen amongst the ESFBI study cases (Finland, Slovenia, Sweden and Turkey). Results 172 cases were collected from the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The chosen ESFBI members were Finland, Sweden, Slovenia and Turkey, with a sample numerosity respectively of 307, 235, 104 and 196 cases. All countries showed a male prevalence higher than the female one, and injuries occurred most frequently in children younger than 3 years old. The most frequent retrieval location was the digestive system (oesophagus) in Thailand data (97 cases, 56.40% of cases), whilst European cases involved more frequently the nose in Slovenia (58.65%), Finland (37.79% of cases) and Sweden (54.47%). In Turkey's case series, the highest prevalence of cases interested the airways. In Thailand and Finland case series, the main FB's type were represented by bones (respectively 66 case, 38.37% and 48 cases, 15.64%), whilst pearl, ball and marble were the most frequent FB both in Slovenia (16, 15.38%) and Sweden (83, 35.32%). Turkey case series had nuts, seeds and grain as most prevalent FB (126, 64.29%). Conclusions The nature of foreign bodies varies from country to country and is dependent on diverse cultural, social, religious and economic factors that include parental attitudes, eating habits, availability and types of potentially threatening objects, and prevention strategies. The need to study in more depth specific characteristics of foreign bodies associated with increased hazard, such as nature, size, shape, hardness or firmness, lubricity, pliability and elasticity, in order to better identify risky foods and to describe more precisely the pathogenetic pathway is therefore a necessity.

Background Discrepancies in the management of pharyngitis in children have been reported in Europe and the United States, and recommendations concerning the use of clinical scores, rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADTs) or throat cultures, and the indications for antibiotic treatment largely differ. Objective This article summarizes the Italian guidelines on the management of pharyngitis in children issued by the National Institute of Health. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of experts (the Guidelines Development Group) developed and used a set of key questions to conduct a systematic review of the literature. Relevant publications in English were identified through a systematic review of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from their inception through April 30, 2011. Final recommendations were scaled according to the Italian National Guidelines Program grading. Results Eighteen clinical questions were defined, and 44 recommendations were issued. None of the available scoring systems is sufficiently accurate to identify group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) pharyngitis in settings with low prevalence for rheumatic disease. RADT should be performed by trained personnel in every child with a history and signs/symptoms suggestive of GABHS pharyngitis. RADT is not recommended in children with a McIsaac score of 0 or 1 with ≥2 signs/symptoms suggestive of viral infection. Backup culture in children with negative RADT result is not recommended. Culture test with antibiotic susceptibility assay should be performed exclusively for epidemiologic purposes. Streptococcal antibody titers are of no value in diagnosing acute pharyngitis. Antibiotic therapy is recommended in microbiologically documented GABHS pharyngitis. Because penicillin V is not available in Italy, amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/d in 2–3 doses orally) for 10 days is the first choice of treatment. In noncompliant cases, benzathine penicillin may be administered. Although not routinely recommended due to the high cost and wide spectrum of activity, a 5-day course with a second-generation cephalosporin may be used in noncompliant cases. Macrolides should be limited to children with demonstrated type I hypersensitivity to penicillin. Ibuprofen or paracetamol is recommended for relief of pain or fever associated with discomfort. Because the carrier state is not associated with increased risk of suppurative complications and risk of GABHS transmission to contacts is minimal, the carrier state should never be investigated and treated. Recommendations for the management of suppurative complications are given. Conclusions This guideline provides a comprehensive, evidence based, tool for the diagnosis and therapy of acute pharyngitis in children.

The aim of the present study is to characterize the risk of complications and prolonged hospitalization due to stationery items according to age and gender of patients, FB characteristics and foreign body (FB) location, circumstances of the accident, as emerging from the ESFBI study.A retrospective study in major hospitals of 19 European countries was realized on children aged 0-14 having inhaled/aspired or ingested a stationery item. In the years 2000-2003 a total of 2094 FB injuries occurred in children aged 0-14 years. The characteristics of the child, the FB consistency and the occurrence of complications were analyzed.Among FB injuries, 62 (3%) were due to a stationery item: 32 were due to objects insertion in the ears while 30 occurred in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Objects most frequently involved are parts of pens in children younger than 3 years and eraser in older. 39% of children needed hospitalization. The most documented complication was inflammation of external ear. Almost 24% of injuries happened under adults' supervision.Injuries are events that in many cases can be prevented with appropriate strategies. Passive environmental strategies, including product modification by manufacturers, are the most effective. Our study testifies that stationary is involved in a non negligible percentage of FB injuries. This results confirm the fact that when passive preventive strategies are not practical, active strategies that promote behaviour change are necessary and information about this issue should be included in all visits to family pediatricians.

Rationale and aim: Foreign body (FB) injuries are a relatively frequent event in young children. Clinical picture can be evidently affected from different variables. Among those size, shape, type and FB location cover an important issue. Increased attempts have been made in order to encourage normative interventions for products devoted to children's care and entertainment, reaching acceptable safety level; on the contrary, fewer efforts have been devoted to investigate the risk associated to objects that - even if not expressly created for children - are easy accessed by children, like stationery.The aim of the present study is to characterize the risk of complications and prolonged hospitalization due to stationery items according to age and gender of patients, FB characteristics and FB location, circumstances of the accident, as emerging from the Susy Safe Registry. Methods: From 2005 to 2010 case were collected from 70 centers in 32 different countries. Details on the injuries, identified by means of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes listed on hospital discharge records, were gathered through a standardized case report form, that provides a full set of information on injuries, with specific details on age and gender of the child, location, shape, volume, consistency and ellipticity of the foreign body, behavioral aspects linked to the injury, like the supervision of the parents or the activity concomitant to the accident, any complication occurred, length of hospitalization. Results: In the years 2005-2010 a total of 17,205 FB injuries in children aged 0-14. years were registered in Susy Safe Database. Among them 425 (2.5%) were due to a stationery item. The majority of FBs were retrieved in the nose (179, meaning 42.1%) and in the ears (176, 41.4%) only 5 cases were observed in children younger than 1. year, while most of the cases, 80.6%, were recorded in children older than 3. years. 193 patients (45.4%) were female, while 232 (54.6%) were male. Adult supervision was indicated in 212 cases. In 143 of these accidents the adult was present (33.6% of the whole group). The most frequent stationery retrieved was rubber, counting for 209 cases (49.2%). According to the FBs types, mostly all cases reported a 3D volume and a rigid or semirigid consistency (49.3%). Looking to the outcomes, 31 (7%) children needed hospitalization and complications were seen in 38 children (8.9%). No significant associations were seen between the outcomes and the FBs' characteristics, excluded those between the consistency of the FB (rigid) and the necessity of hospitalization and the shape (2D) and the presence of complication. Conclusions: Injuries are events that in many cases can be prevented with appropriate strategies. Passive environmental strategies, including product modification by manufacturers, are the most effective. However, regulation regarding small parts of potentially dangerous objects covers products addressed to children use but objects not projected for children, such as stationary items, are excluded. Our study testifies that stationary is involved in a non-negligible percentage of FB injuries, mainly due to insertion in the ears. Frequently, injuries happen under adult supervision. These results confirm the fact that when passive preventive strategies are not practical, active strategies that promote behavior change are necessary and information about this issue should be included in all visits to family pediatricians. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

SUMMARY Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a disease characterized by a collapse of the pharyngeal airway resulting in repeated episodes of airflow cessation, oxygen desaturation, and sleep disruption. It is a common disorder affecting at least 2-4% of the adult population. The role of nasal resistance in the pathogenesis of sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnoea has not been completely clarified. Aim of the present study was to establish whether nasal resistance and nasal volumes, measured by means of Active Anterior Rhinomanometry and Acoustic Rhinometry together with Muco-Ciliary Transport time play a positive predictive role in the evaluation of Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients before running a nocturnal polysomnographic recording. A retrospective study was performed analysing 223 patients referred for suspected Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. All patients were submitted to complete otorhinolaryngological evaluation and underwent nocturnal polysomnography. On the basis of polysomnographic data analysis, the apnoea-hypopnoea index and snoring index, patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 (110/223 patients) with a diagnosis of mild-moderate Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (apnoea-hypopnoea index < 30) and Group 2 (113/223 patients) affected by snoring without associated hypoxaemia/hypercapnia. A control group of 76 subjects, not complaining of sleep disorders and free from nasal symptoms was also selected. The results showed, in all the snoring and Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients, total nasal resistance and increased Muco-Ciliary Transport time compared to standard values. Furthermore, the apnoea-hypopnoea index was significantly higher in patients with higher nasal resistence and significantly different between the groups. These results allow us to propose the simultaneous evaluation of nasal functions by Active Anterior Rhinomanometry, Acoustic Rhinometry, and Muco-Ciliary Transport time in the selection of patients undergoing polysomnography.

Sublingual immunotherapy with monomeric allergoid, given according to the standard schedule, was reported to be effective and safe in many clinical trials. However, a long period of time may elapse before achievement of a clinical benefit. This study was thus performed using two different shortened (4-day) induction (= up-dosing) schedules, which allowed a rapid achievement of the maintenance dosage. Overall, 86 patients suffering from rhinitis and oculorhinitis have been recruited, none of whom had received immunotherapy before. The study design was prospective, randomized, with three parallel groups receiving, according to a randomization list, one of the three induction (two up-dosing one no-up-dosing) phase schedules under study. A fourth group of patients served as controls, and did not receive any sublingual immunotherapy but only rescue medications if and when necessary. All patients were evaluated to assess their baseline conditions, and thereafter at 3 and 6 months. The evaluation parameters were: Visual Analogue Scale, symptom-medication scores, nasal provocation test. All three induction schedules under study were well accepted by the patients, with very few adverse reactions. The clinical efficacy, evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.001), symptom-medication scores (p < 0.02) and nasal provocation tests (p < 0.01), was found to be significant in all three sublingual immunotherapy-treated groups of 64 (n86) patients, but was not significant in controls 22 (n86). According to the Authors, with this simplified schedule process, sublingual immunotherapy is a therapeutic option that is becoming increasingly well-accepted not only by allergy specialists but also by patients.

Acute pharyngo-tonsillitis caused by beta-haemolytic group A Streptococcus is a common disease in childhood. Epithelial cells are the initial sites of the host invasion by group A Streptococcus. Although group A Streptococcus has been considered an extracellular pathogen, recent studies have demonstrated that strains of this bacterium can internalize into epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. As adherence to and internalization into host cells significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of group A Streptococcus infections, internalization of group A Streptococcus by human epithelial cells has been extensively studied during the past decade. Multiple mechanisms are involved in this process. Most strains of Streptococcus pyogenes express the fibronectin-binding proteins F1 and F2, which promote bacterial adherence to and entry into human cells. Strains containing the gene for the protein F1 have been proved to be responsible for the failure of antibiotic treatment to eradicate Streptococcus pyogenes. Thus, in a significant number of cases, streptococcal internalization might contribute to eradication failure and persistent throat carriage. Since treatment failure, asymptomatic group A Streptococcus carriers and recurrent group A Streptococcus infections represent the main group A Streptococcus reservoir, from which the bacteria are spread in the general population, the choice of antibiotic is crucial. Beta-lactams select a large number of F1-positive organisms: therefore, macrolides, and, possibly, last generation molecules, are the best and first choice for antibiotic treatment against group A Streptococcus.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of 30 days treatment with glucan solution nasal spray vs. saline in the treatment of signs and symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.100 patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled. At the beginning and at the end of the study were evaluated: nasal congestion, headache, rhinorrea, facial pain, rhinopharyngeal exudate, inferior turbinate hypertrophy; a complete instrumental analysis of nasal functions by Active Anterior Rhinomanometry, nasal Muco-Ciliary Transport time and scraping of nasal mucosa was also performed. The patients were randomized 1:1 for receiving intranasal saline or intranasal glucan solution spray. Treatment was administered as follows: 2 puffs/nostril 3 times a day for 30 days.The patients in therapy with the glucan solution showed a significant improvement concerning rhinorrea facial pain, intensity of headache, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, rhinopharyngeal exudates, inspiratory/expiratory nasal resistences, Muco-ciliary transport time, normalization of nasal mucosas and rhinocytogram; saline lavage didn't show this effects. Both treatment improved rhinorrea, instead both treatment didn't affect nasal congestion.According to the results of our multicentric double blind randomized study, we suggest the use of glucan solution nasal spray as an efficacious therapeutic tool in the management of nasal symptoms in patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis.

to evaluate the relationships between headache and nasal obstruction or nasal allergy on a group of Italian school children.One hundred twenty-six children suffering from headache, were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent an accurate clinical history, a complete ENT objective examination, an Anterior Active Rhinomanometry, an analysis of nasal mucociliary transport time and a skin test on the inner forearm.Nasal resistances were increased in 101 out of 105 of children (96.2%) affected by severe headache (group A) and in 5 out of 21 (23.8%) of those affected by sporadic headache (P0.0001), for an odds ratio of 80.0 (95% CI, 19-343). The analysis of mucociliary transport time offered results comparable with those of the Anterior Active Rhinomanometry.Dysfunctions of nasal physiology, as stated by the alteration of nasal resistances and nasal mucociliary transport, seem to be able to affect the development and the characteristics of headaches; specifically we found that children with an altered nasal physiology have more severe and more frequent attacks of headache.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of recurrent eczema in children.Eighty pediatric patients, aged between 2 and 6 years, with a history of recurrent external auditory eczema, were enrolled in this study. Congenital immune deficiencies, treatment with corticosteroids, immunostimulant or immunosuppressive agents in the past 6 months, and bronchopulmonary disease were considered as exclusion criteria. The patients were randomized to receive topical suspension of bacterial antigens (Lantigen B) (Group A) or placebo (physiological solution) (Group B). The efficacy parameters were evaluated before, at the end of, and one year after the beginning of the therapy. All the children underwent clinical examinations, blood test, skin prick tests (SPT), and clinical evaluation using the clinical score proposed by Rajka and Langeland, considering the intensity, extent, and course of lesions.In Group A, using the statistical Wilcoxon test, we saw an improvement in the clinical items measured. It is important to consider that the patients were allowed to receive concomitant medications to treat acute episodes, which may have partially contributed to the positive results obtained.A topical suspension of bacterial antigens was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of recurrent eczema in children.

To evaluate the relationship between airbag-induced noise and individual metabolic risk factors in determining persistent hypoacusia in drivers after road accidents.We selected 22 patients previously involved in a car accident with deployment of airbags. Patients underwent general and audiological clinical history, tonal audiometric examination, vocal audiometric examination, impedance meter examination and blood tests.We divided patients, according to audiometric data, into 2 groups: group A with no residual otological disturbances (6 subjects) and group B with persistent hypoacusia (16 subjects). Blood parameters were into physiological levels in all group A patients; on the contrary 12 (subgroup B1) out of 16 group B patients had altered blood levels of glucose, urea and cholesterol, with mean values of 155.8 +/- 38.6 mg/dl, 48.2 +/- 8.3 mg/dl and 250.8 +/- 28.1 mg/dl, respectively, revealing statistically significant differences in these parameters when compared with the other 4 hypoacusic cases (Sub-group B2) and with the normal subjects (Group A) (p0.01 for glucose, p0.05 for urea and p0.001 for cholesterol).Our findings confirm the transitory otological damage due to airbag deployment: the intensity of the acoustic wave hitting the ear after airbag deployment is responsible for a temporary rise in the acoustic threshold but the persistence of an auditory deficit can be due to co-factors able to interfere with the acute acoustic trauma recovery processes through a metabolic, angiopathic, neuropathic or unknown mechanism. Moreover, also the age of the patients could affect in a significant way the recovery from the acoustic trauma.

Allergic rhinitis is classically defined as an IgE-mediated inflammation of nasal mucosa, characterised by nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching. It is certainly a high-prevalence disease and an important social and medical problem in many industrialised Countries, affecting about 20% of the general population; moreover, it is diagnosed with increasing frequency, both in adults and children in many developing countries. In view of the high medical and social costs, a correct diagnostic approach to allergic rhinitis is a fundamental need for the otorhinolaryngologist, also considering the severe complications (asthma, rhinosinusitis, rhino-otitis, rhinosinusal polyposis) which could develop if this disease is not recognised and adequately treated in its early phases. In order to evaluate not only the present epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis in Italy but also the most commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of this disease, 145 Italian otorhinolaringologists were selected to take part in the investigation. Each was invited to complete a questionnaire, divided into 8 different sections, to be answered according to their daily clinical practice. The significance of the results has been compared with those of the international samples comprised in the ARIA Document and in the epidemiologic survey of the Standing Committee on Rhinology and Allergy of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies. A critical analysis of these data leads to some interesting epidemiological and therapeutic considerations.

Purpose of this study was to correlate results from a survey on otitis media and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test. This survey investigated prevalence of otitis media (OM) in our territory, influence on development of language and personality and social costs. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory is a suitable test to differentiate state anxiety caused by a specific event [in this case, otitis media with effusion (OME)] from a trait anxiety (anxious personality) in parents and caregivers. The otitis media study was conducted, retrospectively, in two primary public schools in Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena) on 252 children (6-11 years old). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test had been administered to the parents or caregivers of 20 paediatric outpatients (4-12 years, mean 6.8) at the ENT Department of Siena University. The results of the OM survey showed a correlation between OM and difficulties in speech and reading, delayed answering and limited vocabulary. All these problems improved as children grew up. On the other hand, psycho-social development appeared to be more problematic even in the 4th and 5th class, mostly due to persistent attention disturbances. In the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test, 50% of parents or caregivers had a high state-anxiety score and so were mostly concerned with health status of the children. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory results indicated that 50% of parents or caregivers had a high trait-anxiety score and thus had an anxious personality. These findings could be helpful in understanding the real severity of symptoms. The two proposed tests could provide complementary data to evaluate children with OME: the OM survey can be used as a screening test to detect children with non-symptomatic OME, to establish whether delayed language development may be associated with OME, to predict prognosis and children's quality of life as well as social costs of OME; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test can be used to reveal a state or a trait anxiety in parents and caregivers in order to better understand their point of view. Parents' and caregivers' personality has a marked influence on the impact of OME on the children's quality of life. Quality of life in children with otitis media with effusion is one of the most important parameters to be taken into consideration on account of the possible correlation with problems in development.

Even if foreign body (FB) insertion in the external auditory canal (EAC) is not an uncommon event, the literature based on large series is scarce. In the present study, ear FB cases observed at the Children's Hospital Gutierrez in Buenos Aires over five years of otorhinolaryngology (ORL) activity are presented, and the main findings are compared with data coming from other well-known published case series. Three hundred ninety-two injury cases were observed. Eighty percent of them occurred while the child was playing; in 328 cases (83.7%), adults were present. The retrieved FB included food items and objects usually available at home, such as pins, while fragments of toys were found in only 2 cases. These findings testify to the efficacy of regulations imposing manufacturing quality standards on toys; on the other hand, parents seem to be unaware of the risk imposed by FB insertion, since injuries usually happen under adult supervision while children are manipulating objects not adapted for their age.