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Background and Objectives: Tinnitus affects millions of adults. Many therapies, including complementary and alternative medicine and tinnitus retraining therapies, have been trialed, but an effective option, particularly for chronic subjective tinnitus (CTS), is still lacking. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg. per day for two months) on two groups of patients using a questionnaire. One group (A) was affected by tinnitus associated with likely cochlear dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, and the other (B) was composed of subjects with acoustic nerve lesions. All the patients were asked to complete the Italian version of the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) to determine the overall degree of perceived annoyance at the beginning and end of therapy. Pure tone averages for speech frequencies and for high frequencies were computed, and psychoacoustic pitch and loudness matches were determined for each subject before and after treatment. Results: The pure tone audiometry, pitch, loudness, and THI scores of both groups were reported. In group A, statistically significant differences were observed for the “functional” and “emotional” subscales. The total score of THI and the loudness of tinnitus were also significantly reduced. No statistically significant differences were observed in group B. Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible contribution of the antioxidant effect to the organ of Corti in subjects with metabolic syndrome and CST.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is uncommon in children, and its treatment and outcome are debated. We aimed to critically review evidence in the literature about treatment options and functional outcomes of pediatric ISSNHL. Additionally, we performed a meta-analysis of the results of combined systemic-intratympanic steroid therapy versus solely systemic treatment.A search was run in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.Included articles were original ISSNHL case series, written in English, with a population age ranging from 2 to 19 years. Other study types (single case reports, editorials, and reviews) and case series with known etiology of sudden hearing loss were excluded. Descriptive data of patients, treatments, outcomes, and possible prognostic factors were extracted and recorded for every included study.Twelve articles (7 cohort and 5 case-control studies) met all the selection criteria. Based on only the studies that provided sufficient data about clinical outcome, the pooled overall recovery rate was 67.91% (95% CI, 58.34%-77.48%). No studies showed a significant difference between systemic steroid and combined systemic-intratympanic steroid. The pooled odds ratio for combined systemic-intratympanic steroid versus systemic steroid alone was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.36-2.27) based on a random effects model, ruling out any significant difference between these treatment options.The results of our meta-analysis did not support combination therapy more than systemic steroid alone. Further prospective clinical trials are necessary to establish evidence-based therapies.

Aim: Pharyngodynia, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, smell, and taste dysfunctions could be the presenting symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The aim was to perform a systematic review of current evidences on clinical presentation of COVID-19, focusing on upper airway symptoms in order to help otolaryngologists identifying suspected cases. Methods: We searched PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases. Results: We included 5 retrospective clinical studies for a total of 1556 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 57.5% were male and mean age was 49.1 years. Pooled data revealed that pharyngodynia was present in 12.4% of patients, nasal congestion in 3.7%, and rhinorrhea was rare. No reports on COVID-19 and olfactory/gustative disorders matched inclusion criteria but preliminary evidences suggested they could be present. Common symptoms were fever (85.6%), cough (68.7%), and fatigue (39.4%). Frequent comorbidities were hypertension (17.4%), diabetes (3.8%), and coronary heart disease (3.8%); 83% of patients had alterations on chest computed tomography that were bilateral in 89.5% of cases. Ground-glass opacity was the most common finding (50%). Lymphopenia (77.2%) and leucopenia (30.1%) were common. Critical cases with complications were 9%, intensive care unit admission was required in 7.3%, invasive ventilation in 3.4%, and mortality was 2.4%. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists should know that pharyngodynia, nasal congestion, olfactory, and gustative disorders could be the presenting symptoms of COVID-19. Clinical presentation together with radiological and laboratory findings could help to identify suspected cases.

The goal of this paper is the reconstruction of european doctrinal tendencies, both ancient and modern. Civil law used to be approached in a systematic way in the conviction that only through complex schemes based on rational order was possible to create a true science of law. Over the centuries civil law was studied on the basis of ordering structures elaborated by means of logical defining and classifying procedures. Since the Middle Ages until the last century an impressive amount of work of this kind has been done, creating wide theoretical architectures. I will consider the different perspectives on the basis of which the “legal system” – or, better, the “legal systems” – have been conceived; I will also examine in depth the meaning of the expression “European civil tradition” with reference to the scheme elaborated in Europe mainly on the basis of private law, in accordance with the structures and contents originated by Justinian’s compilation.

1. Genesis of a method. – 2. Teachers and students. – 3. From practice to science. – 4. Ideology or ideologies of the jurists? – 5. “An enormous gymnasium of opinions”.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represented a stressful event.The incidence of newly diagnosed Ménière's disease (MD) patients before and during COVID-19 at our Institution was calculated.The period 2018-2020 was considered. Incidence was calculated as number of annual first MD diagnoses divided by the number of annual first audiological evaluations.One hundred and eighty-three patients were considered. Annual incidence of MD at our institution was 1.3% in 2018, 1.2% in 2019, and 3.2% in 2020, resulting in a significant increase during COVID-19 pandemic (2018A higher incidence of MD first diagnosis was calculated during COVID-19 pandemic; furthermore, MD patients presented with more vertigo attacks and higher DHI values. These could be associated with the higher state anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis and ankylosis represent unusual but potential complications of ear suppuration, especially in children. We performed a review of the literature of pediatric otogenic TMJ arthritis and ankylosis, discussing their clinical and radiological features, their mechanism of infection spread, and the importance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment. We additionally describe a case of TMJ ankylosis following acute mastoiditis in a 4-year-old female patient.A search of English literature from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2021 was performed on the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) in order to identify studies concerning TMJ complication after ear suppuration.Seventeen articles were considered eligible for the review. Eight and nine studies described otogenic TMJ ankylosis and arthritis, respectively. A total of 17 children affected by ankylosis consequent to ear infection and a total of 31 cases of TMJ arthritis concurrent to otomastoiditis were identified. Mean time elapsed between ear infection and diagnosis of TMJ ankylosis was 4.8 years (range 0.5-13).TMJ involvement during complicated otitis media should be kept in mind. Its prompt recognition is mandatory to set up appropriate treatment and follow-up and reduce the risk of ankylosis with its functional and psychological complications.

Purpose During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many physiological changes that involve all systems and organs, including sensory ones. We conducted this systematic review to highlight current evidence and treatment options in pregnant women with audio-vestibular disorders. Materials and methods A search was made on the following databases: PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus. This research protocol was deposited in the PROSPERO Database. Results After application of inclusion-exclusion criteria, 30 manuscripts were included in the review. Many authors (14/15) found a slight alteration of audiometric tests during pregnancy, with a reported recovery postpartum in most of the studies (5/7). Regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), we found four articles for a total of 69 patients: the treatment of choice was intravenous Dextran 40 and intra-tympanic corticosteroids. Most included studies (4/6) found neither clinical nor epidemiological associations between otosclerosis and pregnancy in large-based sample studies. Few investigations regarded Eustachian tube function and vertigo. Conclusions According to our results, many variations of hearing acuity during pregnancy are slight and transient and require only clinical observation. In large samples, otosclerosis appeared not to be associated with pregnancy. Clinicians should consider intra-tympanic steroids in managing SSNHL during pregnancy. Further more accurate research is needed to deepen and clarify the association between pregnancy and audio-vestibular disorders.

Objective: To investigate if alternated Epley (EP) and Semont (ST) maneuvers could be more effective than repetition of the same in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of posterior semicircular canal (pBPPV). Design: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of pBPPV patients treated with a second maneuver for the persistence of positional nystagmus. Study Sample: Forty-seven patients underwent 2 STs, 64 with 2 EPs, and 71 EPs followed by ST. Videonystagmography and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire were performed. Results: Absence of positional nystagmus was achieved after 2 maneuvers in 136 patients with pBPPV: 65.9% in the ST group, 70.3% in the EP group, and 84.5% in the EP-ST group. Alternated EP and ST were significantly more effective than repeated ST ( P = .03), while we found no significant difference when compared with repeated EP ( P = .07). At 1-month follow-up, 12 patients showed persistent positional nystagmus without difference between groups. After 1 month, the 46 patients with negative outcome had significantly higher DHI values ( P = .01) than other 136 patients with pBPPV. Conclusions: Alternated EP and ST seemed more effective than repeating the same maneuver in treating pBPPV, and this should be confirmed in prospective clinical studies. Resolution of nystagmus after maneuvers was fundamental to reduce handicap deriving from dizziness as reported in DHI.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to share our experience and treatment outcomes with far-advanced otosclerosis (FAO) patients. METHODS: Patients that underwent surgery from 2003 through 2014 at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen FAO patients were included in the study. Audiological results and the ability to communicate face to face and over telephone were considered as the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Six FAO patients benefited well from stapedotomy with an average of 5.9-decibel (dB) air-bone gap and 86% median speech discrimination. Cochlear implantation (CI) was performed in 13 patients; two had disease progression after stapedotomy, five had failed stapes surgeries elsewhere, and six preferred CI as primary treatment. Median speech discrimination score of CI patients was 78.4%. Overall, all patients had satisfactory face-to-face communication and 90% could use telephone. CONCLUSION: Bilateral stapedotomy and wearing hearing aid is an effective and cost-effective solution for restoring natural binaural hearing and requires no specific training. Should stapedotomy fail, cochlear implantation is always a successful back-up option.

International audience; Objective: To investigate the occurrence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Methods: Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection were recruited from 12 European hospitals. The following epidemiological and clinical outcomes have been studied: age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidities, and general and otolaryngological symptoms. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires based on the smell and taste component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and the short version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS). Results: A total of 417 mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients completed the study (263 females). The most prevalent general symptoms consisted of cough, myalgia, and loss of appetite. Face pain and nasal obstruction were the most disease-related otolaryngological symptoms. 85.6% and 88.0% of patients reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, respectively. There was a significant association between both disorders (p < 0.001). Olfactory dysfunction (OD) appeared before the other symptoms in 11.8% of cases. The sQO-NS scores were significantly lower in patients with anosmia compared with normosmic or hyposmic individuals (p = 0.001). Among the 18.2% of patients without nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, 79.7% were hyposmic or anosmic. The early olfactory recovery rate was 44.0%. Females were significantly more affected by olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions than males (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in European COVID-19 patients, who may not have nasal symptoms. The sudden anosmia or ageusia need to be recognized by the international scientific community as important symptoms of the COVID-19 infection.

AIM To evaluate OTOPLAN software in the surgical planning of far-advanced otosclerosis (FAO) candidates to cochlear implant (CI) were considered. We aimed to preliminarily investigate if this software could influence the electrode length choice, or predict surgical difficulties. METHODS We reviewed the outcome of five consecutive FAO patients that underwent unilateral CI. OTOPLAN was used to evaluate preoperative computed tomography imaging. A comparison was made with historical data (eight FAO patients). RESULTS The mean cochlear duct length estimated by OTOPLAN was 32.4 mm. Evaluating OTOPLAN reconstructed images, we ruled out cochlear lumen fibrosis/ossification in three FAO patients and the longest electrodes according to cochlear dimensions were preferred. We disclosed fibrosis in the middle and apical turns of two patients. These findings allowed us to change surgical plans, choosing a shorter electrode (24 and 28 mm instead of 31 mm) to avoid incomplete insertion due to cochlear fibrosis. OTOPLAN reconstructed images identified preoperatively the two patients with round window niche ossification that required additional drilling during surgery. In the present series, we experienced no incomplete insertion. In two cases out of eight historical FAO patients, array insertion (24 mm) was incomplete. One years after unilateral CI, the mean speech reception threshold and disyllabic word recognition score of the five considered FAO patients were 36 dB and 94%, respectively (39 dB and 84% for the eight historical patients). There was no facial nerve stimulation or any other complication during the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION According to our preliminary results, OTOPLAN was useful for the appropriate choice of array length.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic bacterium. BTX therapy is a safe and effective treatment when used for functional silencing of the salivary glands in disorders such as sialoceles and salivary fistulae that may have a post-traumatic or post-operative origin. BTX injections can be considered in sialoceles and salivary fistulae after the failure of or together with conservative treatments (e.g. antibiotics, pressure dressings, or serial aspirations). BTX treatment has a promising role in chronic sialadenitis. BTX therapy is highly successful in the treatment of gustatory sweating (Frey's syndrome), and could be considered the gold standard treatment for this neurological disorder.La tossina botulinica è una neurotossina prodotta dal batterio anaerobio Clostridium botulinum. L’iniezione di tossina botulinica è un trattamento sicuro ed efficace quando viene usata per inibire la funzione delle ghiandole salivari in patologie come gli sialoceli o le fistole salivari di origine post-traumatica o iatrogena. Negli scialoceli e fistole salivari, il trattamento con tossina botulinica può essere preso in considerazione anche dopo il fallimento o in aggiunta ai trattamenti conservativi non chirurgici. La terapia con tossina botulinica si sta dimostrando promettente anche nel trattamento della scialoadenite cronica. La tossina botulinica ha un elevato tasso di risoluzione nella Sindrome di Frey ed è considerata il gold standard nel trattamento di questo disturbo neurologico.

Purpose The main aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the possible relationship between mTOR and the nuclear tumor suppressor maspin in laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC). Materials and methods mTOR expression and maspin pattern were ascertained, also with the aid of image analysis in 79 consecutive LSCCs. Results Considering the whole series, univariate statistical analysis identified significant differences in the distributions by lymph node status (N0 vs N+) between two subgroups of patients with and without loco-regional carcinoma recurrences (p = 0.017). The log-rank test also showed a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in pN+ patients (p = 0.0008). mTOR expression was significantly higher in patients whose disease recurred (p = 0.009). The DFS rate was also significantly shorter in cases of LSCC with an mTOR expression ≥11.55% (p = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that N status (p = 0.002) and mTOR expression (p = 0.037) retained their prognostic significance in relation to cancer recurrence. In a subgroup of LSCCs with a non-nuclear maspin pattern, mTOR expression was significantly higher in patients whose disease recurred. Multivariate analysis disclosed that N stage (p = 0.012) retained its independent prognostic significance for disease recurrence in this setting. mTOR expression showed a trend towards independent significance in terms of carcinoma recurrence (p = 0.083). Conclusions mTOR inhibitors seem promising for use in cancer therapies. Further investigations are needed on the prospects of incorporating modern mTOR inhibitors in multimodality or multitarget strategies against advanced LSCCs, also considering the role and expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate if any clinical and phoniatric characteristics or quality-of-life measures could predict the outcome of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) initially managed with speech therapy. Methods: Forty-six patients with UVFP were evaluated using laryngostroboscopy, the GIRBAS (grade, instability, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain) scale, acoustic analysis, and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) questionnaire. Treatment was speech therapy according to a 3-phase protocol. The main outcome measure was incomplete vocal fold mobility 12 months after symptom onset. Univariate and multivariate modeling ( k-nearest neighbors model) were applied. Results: Fifteen patients had incomplete motion recovery 12 months after the onset of UVFP. On univariate analysis, time to diagnosis (0.01), global grade of dysphonia (0.018), jitter (0.01), shimmer (0.012), and VHI-10 score (0.006) were associated with the outcome of vocal fold paralysis. Using a k-nearest neighbors multivariate discriminating model, the best discrimination of UVFP outcome was achieved with 4 parameters: global grade of dysphonia 2 or 3, jitter > 2.46%, shimmer > 6.97%, and VHI-10 score > 13. The model’s misclassification rate for incomplete motion recovery was only 6%. The model showed sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 74%. Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis and speech therapy was associated with negative outcomes. Higher grade of dysphonia, jitter, shimmer, and VHI-10 score on initial phoniatric assessment may help clinicians in predicting the outcomes of UVFP patients.

BACKGROUND The management of small- to medium-size (< 20 mm) sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VSs) continues to inspire debate. Preoperative pure tone thresholds and tumor size are recognized prognostic features of hearing preservation after surgery. OBJECTIVE To investigate what preoperative characteristics were associated with nonserviceable hearing after surgery for VSs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the audiological results of 92 patients treated with the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach for resection of VSs (< 20 mm). Sex, age, symptoms, tumor site, tumor size, growth rate, and hearing class according to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines were evaluated. Negative outcome was progression after surgery to nonserviceable hearing according to Gardner-Robertson classification. We included only patients with preoperative serviceable hearing. RESULTS After surgery, 48 patients (52.2%) had nonserviceable hearing. At univariate analysis, sex age, symptoms, tumor site, and size were not associated to hearing outcome. Tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year (P = 0.02, odds ratio 8.5) and preoperative hearing class B (P = 0.03, OR 5.89) were statistically associated to nonserviceable hearing after VSs resection. Tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year was also significantly associated to preoperative hearing class B (P = 0.01). At multivariate analysis, the only independent prognostic factor of progression to nonserviceable hearing in operated VSs was tumor growth rate ≥ 2.16 mm/year (P = 0.01, OR = 4.15). CONCLUSION We found a new prognostic indicator of hearing preservation after VS surgery with the MCF approach: the tumor growth rate. This feature should be further investigated before being considered in the decision-making process of VS treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2378-2383, 2019.

Aim. To investigate the role of dental malocclusion treatment in the outcomes of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media (RAOM). Materials and Methods. The clinical outcome (number of acute recurrences in 12 months) of 61 consecutive children treated medically for RAOM was analysed. Children underwent an odontostomatologic evaluation, a fiberoptic endoscopy, and skin-prick tests. Results. 32 children (group A) were diagnosed with dental malocclusion and treated with a mandibular repositioning plate. Dental malocclusion was ruled out in the other 29 patients with RAOM, and they were used as controls (group B). The two groups were homogeneous in terms of sex, exposure to RAOM risk factors, skin test results, and adenoid hypertrophy, while age was significantly higher in group A. Age, sex, exposure to RAOM risk factors, adenoid hypertrophy, and skin test results were not associated with RAOM outcome. Children in group A treated for dental malocclusion were strongly associated with a lower number of acute episode recurrences at both univariate (p<0.0001) and multivariate analysis (p=0.001). Conclusions. RAOM showed better outcomes in children with dental malocclusion wearing a mandibular repositioning device. Dental malocclusion in children with RAOM may play a role in the pathogenesis of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Background There are no reliable outcome predictors for functional dysphonia (FD) patients. Objectives To investigate if any clinical or phoniatric characteristics could identify FD patients at risk of negative outcome after speech therapy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the results of 78 FD patients treated with the proprioceptive elastic method. Before and one-month after therapy, patients underwent endoscopy, acoustic analysis with Multi-Dimensional Voice Program, and Voice Handicap Index-10 questionnaire (VHI-10). Negative outcome was the persistence of VHI-10 ≥ 13. Results 26 FD patients had negative outcome (i.e. VHI-10 ≥ 13) after speech therapy. At univariate analysis, clinical variables (i.e. sex, age, comorbidities, dysphonia duration, and professional voice use) were not associated with the outcome. Elevated Jitter% (Jitt; p = 0.03), Shimmer% (Shim; statistical trend, p = 0.06), and Noise to Harmonics Ratio (statistical trend, p = 0.06) were found in patients with poor results. At multivariate analysis, higher Jitt was an independent negative prognostic factor (p = 0.02), while a statically trend was identified for Shim (p = 0.06). A panel of Jitt >1.5 and Shim >5.1 showed an acceptable discriminatory power (AUC [ROC] = 0.76) according to Hosmer and Lemeshow scale. Conclusion A panel of two acoustic analysis parameters could help in identifying FD patients at risk of speech therapy failure. Further studies in these patients are needed to evaluate the most efficient treatment protocol.

Objectives Comprehension of the interplay of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic stimuli in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is crucial to understand tumor development, biological behavior and treatment response. Bcl-2 family proteins mainly regulate the apoptotic signal cascade. In some cancers, maspin seems to influence the balance between pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis bcl-2 family proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between bcl-2 anti-apoptotic factor and the tumor suppressor maspin in LSCC. Materials and methods 31 consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery and post-operative radiotherapy for LSCC were evaluated retrospectively. For each case, immunohistochemistry assays for bcl-2 and maspin were performed. Data were also collected on N-status, pT stage, grading, recurrence and disease-free survival (DFS). Results Patients with nuclear maspin pattern of expression showed a significantly lower recurrence rate (p = 0.04) and longer DFS (p = 0.0018). The expression of bcl-2 was not associated with recurrence rate or DFS either in the whole cohort or in cases with nuclear maspin pattern, while in patients with non-nuclear maspin pattern, a statistical trend was found toward a shorter DFS for bcl-2 positive cases (p = 0.062). In the multivariate model, only maspin expression pattern retained its independent prognostic significance (p = 0.006). Conclusions Nuclear maspin pattern seemed to be an independent positive prognostic factor, while bcl-2 prognostic value was related to maspin expression pattern. Further investigations are needed to support the use of bcl-2 inhibitors in multimodality or multitarget strategies against advanced LSCCs, also considering the role and expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Postmeningitis labyrinthitis ossificans has been reported to occur in 62% of patients after pneumococcal meningitis, and has been shown to occur as early as 4 weeks after the onset of meningitis (1). The presence of fibrosis or ossification in the cochlea can make cochlear implant (CI) electrode ins

Background Our primary endpoint was to use nasal cytology to compare woodworkers with unexposed subjects to see if wood dust exposure correlates with specific patterns of inflammatory or infectious rhinitis. A secondary endpoint was to identify any differences in the exposed group's nasal symptoms or nasal cytology by years of exposure or personal exposure levels. Methods Ninety-two woodworkers and 90 controls were assessed using a questionnaire and nasal cytology (on nasal mucosa obtained by scraping). Wood dust exposure was investigated using personal sampling methods. Results Woodworkers reported significantly more nasal symptoms than controls (p < 0.00001). The woodworkers' nasal smears revealed more neutrophils (p = 0.001) and significantly higher mean neutrophil scores (p = 0.001) than control smears. Lymphocytes were also found more often in the woodworkers' rhinocytograms (statistical trend, p = 0.06). Neutrophilic rhinitis was diagnosed more frequently in the exposed workers than in controls (chi-square = 5.97, p < 0.05). Woodworkers with lymphocytes in their nasal smears had been exposed to wood dust for longer periods of time (statistical trend; p = 0.06). No differences in nasal symptoms or cell counts emerged when woodworkers were stratified by levels of personal exposure. Conclusion Nasal cytology should be further investigated in woodworkers before considering it a screening method for identifying woodworkers with chronic inflammatory rhinitis.