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Objectives The aim was to evaluate the effect of age on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), treated with curative intent, in the Western healthcare region of Sweden. Materials and Methods In this prospective observational study, 311 HNC patients completed quality of life questionnaires for cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and for older patients with cancer (EORT QLQ-ELD14) at diagnosis and 3, 6, and 12 months after start of treatment. Mean scores for patients ≥70 years old were compared to younger patients (50 to 69 years old) to assess differences in HRQOL. Results Of the 311 study participants, 105 patients were ≥70 years old (median age 76.7), of which 32 were ≥80 years of age. Most HRQOL scores were equal or better for older adult patients at 3 months after treatment, but physical function was better for younger adult patients up to 12 months after treatment. At 6 months the HRQOL was similar (older patients had less appetite loss and financial difficulties), while the oldest patients (≥80 years) had worse fatigue, role function, and feeling ill at 12 months. For the EORTC-ELD-14 questionnaire, older patients scored better for worries at diagnosis and reported more difficulties in maintaining purpose at 12 months after treatment. Conclusion When curative treatment is administered, older adult patients with HNC have similar or even better HRQOL compared to younger adult patients, except for physical function, during the first year.

Purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with several co-morbidities and non-infectious rhinitis (NIR) has emerged as a new possible co-morbidity. The primary aim of this study is to confirm a previously reported association between NIR and COPD in a multicentre population over time. The secondary aim is to investigate the course over time of such an association through a comparison between early- and late-onset COPD. Methods This study is part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). A random adult population from 25 centres in Europe and one in Australia was examined with spirometry and answered a respiratory questionnaire in 1998–2002 (ECRHS II) and in 2008–2013 (ECRHS III). Symptoms of non-infectious rhinitis, hay fever and asthma, and smoking habits were reported. Subjects reporting asthma were excluded. COPD was defined as a spirometry ratio of FEV1/FVC Results Non-infectious rhinitis was significantly more prevalent in subjects with COPD compared with no COPD (48.9% vs 37.1%, p Conclusion Non-infectious rhinitis was significantly more common in subjects with COPD at a mean age of 43. Ten years later, the association was weaker. The findings indicate that NIR could be associated with the early onset of COPD.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is one of the most prevalent esophageal diseases and the leading cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children and young adults. This underlines the importance of optimizing diagnosys and treatment of the condition, especially after the increasing amount of knowledge on EoE recently published. Therefore, the UEG, EAACI ESPGHAN, and EUREOS deemed it necessary to update the current guidelines regarding conceptual and epidemiological aspects, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE. General methodology according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used in order to comply with current standards of evidence assessment in formulation of recommendations. An extensive literature search was conducted up to August 2015 and periodically updated. The working group consisted of gastroenterologists, allergists, pediatricians, otolaryngologists, pathologists, and epidemiologists. Systematic evidence-based reviews were performed based upon relevant clinical questions with respect to patient-important outcomes. The guidelines include updated concept of EoE, evaluated information on disease epidemiology, risk factors, associated conditions, and natural history of EoE in children and adults. Diagnostic conditions and criteria, the yield of diagnostic and disease monitoring procedures, and evidence-based statements and recommendation on the utility of the several treatment options for patients EoE are provided. Recommendations on how to choose and implement treatment and long-term management are provided based on expert opinion and best clinical practice. Evidence-based recommendations for EoE diagnosis, treatment modalities, and patients' follow up are proposed in the guideline

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) afflicts both children and adults. It has been debated whether pediatric EoE and adult EoE represent different disease entities. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the blood eosinophil molecular pattern of children with EoE is (i) distinct from that of healthy children; and (ii) different from that of adults with EoE. Methods Blood eosinophils from children and adults with EoE, and healthy controls, were analyzed with flow cytometry regarding levels of CD23, CD44, CD54, CRTH2, FOXP3, and galectin-10. Eosinophil FOXP3 and galectin-10 mRNA levels were determined by qPCR. The data were analyzed using a multivariate method of pattern recognition. Results An eosinophil molecular pattern capable of distinguishing children with EoE from control children was identified. A smaller fraction of eosinophils from children with EoE expressed CD44 and a larger fraction expressed CRTH2 than the controls. Eosinophils from children with EoE also had higher levels of galectin-10 mRNA and lower levels of FOXP3 mRNA. The eosinophils from children with EoE had lower levels of surface CD54 and of FOXP3 mRNA compared with the eosinophils from the adult patients. A key finding was the detection in healthy individuals of age-related differences in the levels of several eosinophil markers. Conclusions Children with EoE can be distinguished from healthy children based on the molecular patterns of their blood eosinophils. Age-related physiologic differences in eosinophil molecular patterns may partly explain the different blood eosinophil phenotypes in children vs adults with EoE.

Background Dysphagia is common in head and neck cancer. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is used to facilitate nutrition; however, some retrospective studies have indicated that the PEG tube causes dysphagia. Methods A randomized study of patients with head and neck cancer was conducted with up to 10 years of follow-up. Patients were randomized to either the prophylactic PEG tube group (study group) or the common clinical nutritional support group (control group). At each follow-up, a dietician assessed the oral intake, noted the patients' weight, and if the patients used a PEG tube. Dysphagia was also assessed by the quality of life questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Head and Neck 35-questions (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35). Results One hundred thirty-four patients were included in this study. There was no significant difference in swallowing function between the groups after 12 months, 24 months, and 8 years based on the EORTC-QLQ-H&N35, the oral intake scale, tube dependence, esophageal intervention, weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall survival. Conclusion A prophylactic PEG tube can be used without an increased risk of long-term dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 908–915, 2017

Summary Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition with eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. The most prominent symptom is dysphagia, which may result in esophageal bolus impaction in need of surgical extraction. To investigate whether an earlier reported seasonal variation in esophageal bolus impaction present only in a subgroup of patients with EoE and atopic disorders could be confirmed in this larger study. A single center retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with esophageal bolus impaction between January 2004 and December 2017 was performed. Clinical, epidemiological and histologic data were collected. A total of 755 cases with esophageal bolus impaction were reviewed. A significantly higher occurrence of soft bolus impaction in summer and fall was shown in cases with confirmed EoE and in cases with atopy but not in the nonatopic group or in the group with a negative biopsy result. EoE was found in 48% of biopsied patients. A significant seasonal variation in cases with esophageal bolus impaction and concomitant atopy and EoE is confirmed, but the study design does not allow a causative role of allergens to be established.

The healthy human esophagus is colonized by bacteria similar to that of the oral mucosa. However, little is known about the microbiome of the esophagus in esophagitis or the possible role of bacteria in the inflammatory response.To survey bacterial diversity and compare the microbiome of the esophagus in subjects with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).Seventeen subjects diagnosed with GERD and 10 with EoE underwent endoscopic examination with brush sampling and biopsies from the oral cavity, upper and lower esophagus. The samples were cultivated on agar plates, and bacterial growth was identified to the genus or species level and semi-quantified.Significantly higher numbers of bacterial groups or species were found in specimens from the lower esophagus in subjects with EoE compared to subjects with GERD (median 4 (range 1-7) vs. 2 (range 0-6), p .0014). Sixteen vs. 14 different bacterial groups or species were found in subjects with GERD and EoE, respectively, mostly in sparse or very sparse amounts. Alfa-streptococci (viridans streptococci) were the most common bacteria in both groups. Streptococci were present in all of the EoE-subjects but only in approximately 75% in lower esophagus of the GERD-subjects, regardless of the sampling method.Subjects with GERD had significantly less bacterial diversity in both oral and esophageal samples than EoE-subjects. Whether this discrepancy might be explained by an effect on the protective mucosal biofilm by the acidic content of the reflux in subjects with GERD remains unclear.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with dysphagia and esophageal eosinophilia correlate with disease activity as expressed by the number of eosinophils in the esophageal mucosa. This study included newly diagnosed (n = 58) or relapsed patients (n = 7), where 40% were diagnosed in connection with esophageal bolus impaction. The mean age was 45 years (19-88), and 74% were men. Symptoms and HRQL were recorded using the Watson Dysphagia Scale (WDS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Oesophageal Module 18 and the Short Form-36 Questionnaire. Histological samples gathered from the proximal and distal esophageal mucosa were stained using both hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and an immunohistochemical (IHC) technique against 'Eosinophil Major Basic Protein,' and the peak number of eosinophils per high-power field was assessed. More eosinophils were detected after IHC staining than HE staining (P < 0.001). No correlation was found between symptoms or the HRQL and the number of eosinophils. However, higher numbers of eosinophils at the proximal esophagus were found in patients with concomitant bolus impaction (IHC P < 0.05 and HE P < 0.05) and could serve as a risk marker.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune/antigen-mediated disease, with dysphagia as the main symptom. The aim of this study was to survey symptoms and health-related quality of life in adult patients with EoE at least 1 year after diagnosis and a 2-month course of topical corticosteroids. Forty-seven consecutive patients [79 % males, mean age 49 years (range 18-90 years)] were evaluated using three different questionnaires at three different occasions: the Watson Dysphagia Scale (WDS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophageal Module 18 (EORTC QLQ-OES18) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The median time from diagnosis to the long-term follow-up was 23 months (range 12-34 months). The WDS scores and the EORTC QLQ-OES18 Dysphagia and Eating scale scores were improved after 2 months of treatment (p = 0.00007, p = 0.01, p = 0.004, respectively), as were the long-term follow-up scores (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, p = 0.005, respectively), relative to the scores at diagnosis. In addition, the EORTC QLQ-OES18 Choking scores were improved after the steroid course (p = 0.003) but not after the long-term follow-up. No significant differences were detected with respect to the SF-36 scores. In summary, EoE seems to be associated with a substantial burden of symptoms that improve significantly after treatment. A partial remission persists more than 1 year after diagnosis and the discontinuation of medication. The WDS and the EORTC QLQ-OES18 appear to be sensitive instruments appropriate for surveillance in these patients.

Background Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is rare and prospective studies are lacking. The impact of different prognostic factors such as age and N stage is not completely known, the optimal treatment is not yet established, and the reported survival rates vary. In the last decade, human papilloma virus (HPV) has been identified as a common cause of and important prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer, and there is now growing interest in the importance of HPV for HNCUP. The aim of the present study on curatively treated HNCUP was to investigate the prognostic importance of different factors, including HPV status, treatment, and overall survival. Methods A search for HNCUP was performed in the Swedish Cancer Registry, Western health district, between the years 1992–2009. The medical records were reviewed, and only patients with squamous cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma treated with curative intent were included. The tumor specimens were retrospectively analyzed for HPV with p16 immunostaining. Results Sixty-eight patients were included. The mean age was 59 years. The majority were males, and had N2 tumors. Sixty-nine percent of the tumors were HPV positive using p16 staining. Patients who were older than 70 years, patients with N3-stage tumors, and patients with tumors that were p16 negative had a significantly worse prognosis. The overall 5-year survival rate for patients with p16-positive tumors was 88% vs 61% for p16-negative tumors. Treatment with neck dissection and postoperative radiation or (chemo) radiation had 81 and 88% 5-year survival rates, respectively. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for all patients in the study were 82 and 74%. Conclusions Curatively treated HNCUP had good survival. HPV infection was common. Independent prognostic factors for survival were age over 70 years, HPV status and N3 stage. We recommend that HPV analysis should be performed routinely for HNCUP. Treatment with neck dissection and postoperative radiation or (chemo) radiation showed similar survival rates.

Swallowed topical corticosteroids are the standard therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults. Eosinophils in the blood of untreated EoE patients have an activated phenotype. Our aim was to determine if corticosteroids restore the phenotype of eosinophils to a healthy phenotype and if certain cell-surface molecules on blood eosinophils correlate with eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus. Levels of eight surface markers on eosinophils from treated and untreated EoE patients were determined by flow cytometry and analyzed using multivariate methods of pattern recognition. Corticosteroid-treated EoE patients' eosinophils had decreased levels of CD18 compared to both untreated patients and healthy controls, but maintained their activated phenotype. CD18 expression correlated positively with eosinophil numbers in the esophagus and promoted the adherence of eosinophils to ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and to endothelial cells. The diminished expression of CD18 may be one mechanism behind the reduced entry of eosinophils into the esophagus in corticosteroid-treated EoE patients.

Background The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the risk of developing noninfectious rhinitis (NIR) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and methods This is a longitudinal population-based study comprising 3,612 randomly selected subjects from Gothenburg, Sweden, aged 25–75 years. Lung function was measured at baseline with spirometry and the included subjects answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. At follow-up, the subjects answered a questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. NIR was defined as symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, and/or sneezing attacks without having a cold, during the last 5 years. COPD was defined as a spirometry ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second divided by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) 40 years. Smoking, atopy, and occupational exposure to gas, fumes, or dust were also associated with new-onset NIR. COPD, smoking, and atopy remained individual risk factors for new-onset NIR in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusions This longitudinal population-based study of a large cohort showed that COPD is a risk factor for developing NIR. Smoking and atopy are also risk factors for NIR. The results indicate that there is a link present between upper and lower respiratory inflammation in NIR and COPD., Video abstract

Dysphagia is common in head and neck cancer. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is used to facilitate nutrition; however, some retrospective studies have indicated that the PEG tube causes dysphagia.A randomized study of patients with head and neck cancer was conducted with up to 10 years of follow-up. Patients were randomized to either the prophylactic PEG tube group (study group) or the common clinical nutritional support group (control group). At each follow-up, a dietician assessed the oral intake, noted the patients' weight, and if the patients used a PEG tube. Dysphagia was also assessed by the quality of life questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Head and Neck 35-questions (EORTC-QLQ-HN35).One hundred thirty-four patients were included in this study. There was no significant difference in swallowing function between the groups after 12 months, 24 months, and 8 years based on the EORTC-QLQ-HN35, the oral intake scale, tube dependence, esophageal intervention, weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall survival.A prophylactic PEG tube can be used without an increased risk of long-term dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 908-915, 2017.

Summary This reference study aims to survey the bacterial flora of the healthy lower human esophagus and to compare it with that of the upper esophagus and oral mucosa. The use of biopsies, in addition to brush samples, allows inclusion of not only transient bacteria present on the surface but also bacteria residing in the epithelia, and the yield of the two methods can be compared. Forty patients scheduled for surgery for reasons with no known influence on esophageal flora and with no symptoms or endoscopic signs of esophageal disease were included. Samples were collected from the oral, upper esophageal, and lower esophageal mucosa using sealed brushes and biopsy forceps. Colonies cultivated on agar plates were classified and semiquantified. Twenty-three different bacterial species were identified, with similar strains present at the three sites. The most common group of bacteria was viridans streptococci, with an occurrence rate in brush samples and biopsies of 98% and 95%, respectively. The median number of species occurring in the oral cavity, upper esophagus, and lower esophagus was between 3 and 4 (range 0–7). The total number of species in the oral cavity was significantly higher when compared with either level in the esophagus, while the yields obtained by brush and biopsy sampling were highly correlated. Hence, the normal human esophagus is colonized with a resident bacterial flora of its own, which has similarities to that of the oral mucosa. There are diverse species that make up this flora, although in relatively low amounts. The most frequent inhabitants of the esophagus are streptococci, with an occurrence rate in brush samples and biopsies of 95–98%. Comparative studies of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are warranted.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a disease associated with dysphagia and has a seasonal variation in incidence. The primary aim of this study was to search for a potential seasonal variation in the incidence of esophageal foreign bodies or food impaction. In addition, after exclusion of structural or accidental causes, the authors sought to explore if such a variation would differ between patients with or without atopic disorders.Case series with chart review.NÄL Medical Centre Hospital, a secondary referral hospital.A total of 314 consecutive cases of esophageal bolus impaction from 2004 through 2009 were included and analyzed regarding seasonal variation in incidence. The analysis was repeated after exclusion of cases with sharp items, cancer, or atresia and again separately after subdividing this group according to presence of atopy.The overall incidence of esophageal bolus impaction was significantly higher during summer and fall than during the corresponding winter and spring period. In cases with atopic disorders and soft foods or meat bolus obstruction (n = 90), the incidence during the fall was significantly higher than that during the winter, and the incidence during the summer and fall was significantly higher than the corresponding incidence during the winter and spring. This variation was not present in patients without any signs or symptoms of atopy.There was a significant seasonal variation in the incidence of acute esophageal bolus impaction. This variation was pronounced in patients with a coexisting atopic diathesis but was nonsignificant in patients without atopy.

Summary Background&aims This descriptive study aimed to explore the effect of early nutritional support and enteral feeding using percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in preventing malnutrition in patients with locally advanced head-neck cancer. Method Sixty-four patients received a prophylactic PEG before treatment. Weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, fat free mass index (FFMI), dysphagia and use of tube feeding were followed during two years. Results The patients started to use their PEGs on average 30 days after treatment start and used enteral feeding for 180 days. PEG was well tolerated with few side-effects. After one-year 89% had returned to almost normal diet. At the time of inclusion in the study, 42% had lost weight, on average 6% of their normal weight. Despite nutritional advice and early tube feeding the patients continued to lose weight. The largest weight loss was found after six months (average 11.2%). At that follow-up 62% of the patients were malnourished (loss of >10% of their weight at inclusion), however BMI, and more importantly, the fat free-mass remained normal, probably due to the rather slow weight loss progression. Conclusion Patients required nutritional support and enteral feeding for an extended time-period, however a normal body composition was maintained despite weight loss.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rather new disease entity diagnosed with increasing frequency. The main symptoms in adults are dysphagia and food impaction. The aim of this review is to summarize the present knowledge about adult eosinophilic esophagitis, and in particular to cast light on certain issues of concern for the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Study Design: Scientific review. Methods: The biomedical literature on adult eosinophilic esophagitis was reviewed regarding epidemiology, etiology, subjective symptoms and objective signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis with an emphasis on matters of interest for the ENT specialist. PubMed was used as the search engine. Results: Among the 393 papers on eosinophilic esophagitis published in PubMed, only 162 deal with adults. During the last few decades, the annual number of papers has been exponentially increasing. A high prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in combination with a diagnostic delay suggests the existence of an unacceptable number of undiagnosed cases. This calls for increased attention. Endoscopic examination, including proper biopsies, verifies the diagnosis. Untreated, the disease will lead to substantial distress and in some cases even strictures. Keeping the diagnosis in mind will avoid improper treatment and the risk of accidental perforation. Conclusions: It is imperative that ENT specialists recognize patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Laryngoscope, 2009

The clinically used cut-off limit in reflux disease is pH 4. Yet, earlier studies have shown a poor correlation between pharyngeal reflux episodes and symptoms or laryngeal findings, and treatment results have been suboptimal. Moreover, recent data suggest that pepsin is still active at pH 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of pharyngeal pH 5 reflux episodes in healthy controls and to correlate these to the pH monitoring results with a cut-off limit of pH 4.The results of double-probe 24-h pH monitoring from 35 healthy controls were reanalysed concerning the occurrence of pH decreases to pH 5.Pharyngeal pH 5 reflux episodes occurred in 32 healthy controls (91%). The median number of pharyngeal reflux episodes at pH 5 was 4.0. The vast majority of these reflux episodes (92%) occurred in the upright position, especially in the postprandial period. The median time pH5 in the pharynx was 0.1% while the upper limit of normality was 1.5%. Pharyngeal pH 5 reflux episodes were 5 times more common than pH 4 reflux episodes. There was a significant positive correlation between hypopharyngeal and oesophageal acid exposure time at both pH 4 and 5 (p0.01).Pharyngeal pH 5 reflux episodes are present in most healthy adults, mainly in upright position and in the postprandial period. The importance of these episodes for the occurrence of laryngeal symptoms and signs and for treatment response needs to be prospectively assessed.

To evaluate the effect of esophageal acid exposure on epithelial function, transmucosal potential, histopathological markers of acute tissue damage, and local nitric oxide production were examined in healthy volunteers treated with proton pump inhibitors (group I), patients with treated reflux disease (group II), and patients with untreated erosive reflux disease (group III). The participants were randomized to esophageal perfusion with either saline or HCl. Denominators of acute acid exposure were balloon cells in superficial layers and superficial densification. The nitric oxide concentrations in groups I to III increased from

Aim: To evaluate the source and role of acid-induced intraluminal nitric oxide (NO) production in the oesophagus by studying how the exposure of the oesophagus to acid affects NO release, via the NO-producing enzyme NO synthase and its relation to changes in epithelial barrier integrity. Methods: Ferrets were anaesthetized and their oesophagi were divided at both ends. The test subjects were pre-treated with the intravenous NO synthase inhibitors NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, 100 mg kg−1) and 1400W (12 mg kg−1). Untreated and NG-nitro-d-arginine-methyl ester pre-treated (d-NAME, 100 mg kg−1) animals served as controls. The oesophagus was then perfused with either HCl (0.1 m) or physiological saline for 20 min. The intraluminal NO concentration was determined before and after the acid/saline infusion while the transmucosal potential difference (PD) was monitored continuously. Oesophageal biopsies were examined for expression of inducible NO synthase using immunohistochemistry. Results: The intraluminal NO concentration increased after acid exposure. This was blocked by l-NAME and 1400W, but not by d-NAME. The peak PD response was not affected by agents affecting NO synthesis, while the plateau response was attenuated by l-NAME, d-NAME and 1400W. Immunohistochemistry revealed inducible NO synthase expression in the epithelium. Conclusions: Exposing the ferret oesophageal mucosa to acid elicited an increase in juxtamucosal NO formation through the activation of inducible NO synthase. The corresponding electrophysiological observations suggested an association between mucosal NO production and epithelial integrity.

Eozynofilowe zapalenie przełyku (eosinophilic esophagitis − EoE) jest najczęstszą chorobą przełyku, prowadzącą do dysfagii i zaburzeń odżywiania u dzieci i młodych dorosłych. W związku z tym oraz z uwagi na znaczną liczbę opublikowanych w ostatnim czasie badań na temat EoE bardzo istotna jest optymalizacja rozpoznania i leczenia. Towarzystwa UEG, EAACI, ESPGHAN i EUREOS uznały za konieczne zaktualizowanie wytycznych w zakresie etiologii, epidemiologii, diagnostyki i terapii EoE. Metody. Zastosowano metodologię zgodną z AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) i GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation), czyli aktualnymi standardami oceny dowodów w formułowaniu rekomendacji.Wyniki. Wytyczne zawierają uaktualnione dane na temat etiologii EoE, epidemiologii, czynników ryzyka, chorób towarzyszących i historii naturalnej EoE u dzieci i dorosłych. Dostarczają informacji o badaniach diagnostycznych i kryteriach rozpoznania, procedurach monitorowania oraz prezentują oparte na faktach zalecenia i rekomendacje dotyczące różnych metod leczenia.Wnioski. W wytycznych zaproponowano oparte na faktach rekomendacje dotyczące rozpoznawania, leczenia i nadzoru pacjentów z EoE.

Objective: The treatment of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis remains challenging. The effects of the current first-choice treatment, ie, topical corticosteroids, are still inadequately surveyed. Our aim was to assess dysphagia and health-related quality of life using validated scales and questionnaires before and after treatment with mometasone furoate.Method: Newly diagnosed, untreated adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis were included and given 200 µg of orally administered topical mometasone furoate 4 times daily. Questionnaires, incorporating the Watson Dysphagia Scale, the EORTC QLQ-OES18, and the SF-36, were completed before and after 2 months of treatment.Results: Thirty-one consecutive patients (22 males, mean age 45, range 18-89) completed the trial. At inclusion, the mean scores of the Watson Dysphagia Scale, the EORTC QLQ-OES18 dysphagia scale, eating scale and choking item, and the SF-36 global health dimension and social functioning dimension were 21.3, 20.4, 35.0, 38.6, 71.1, a...

Blood eosinophil numbers may be elevated in allergy, inflammatory bowel disease and eosinophilic esophagitis. The aim of this study was to examine whether circulating eosinophils display distinct phenotypes in these disorders and if different patterns of eosinophilic chemoattractants exist. Blood eosinophils from patients with symptomatic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE; n = 12), ulcerative colitis (n = 8), airway allergy (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10) were enumerated and their surface markers analyzed by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of pro-eosinophilic cytokines were quantified in parallel. Data were processed by multivariate pattern recognition methods to reveal disease-specific patterns of eosinophil phenotypes and cytokines. EoE patients had higher numbers of eosinophils with enhanced expression of CD23, CD54, CRTH2 and CD11c and diminished CCR3 and CD44 expression. Plasma CCL5 was also increased in EoE. Although allergic patients had increased interleukin (IL)-2, IL-3, IL-5 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor plasma concentrations, their blood eosinophil phenotypes were indistinguishable from those of healthy controls. Decreased eosinophilic expression of CD11b, CD18, CD44 and CCR3, but no distinctive pattern of eosinophil chemoattractants, characterized ulcerative colitis. We propose that eosinophils acquire varying functional properties as a consequence of distinct patterns of activation signals released from the inflamed tissues in different diseases.

The aim of this study was to validate the Swedish version of the dysphagia-specific quality-of-life questionnaire, the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia due to neurologic disease (n = 30) and head and neck (HN) cancer patients with post-treatment subjective dysphagia (n = 85) were compared to an age- and gender-matched nondysphagic control group (n = 115). A formal forward-backward translation was performed and followed international guidelines. Validity and reliability were tested against the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Internal-consistency reliability was calculated by means of Cronbach's α coefficient. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation (ICC). Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by correlations between MDADI, SF-36, and HADS. Known-group validity was examined and statistically tested. Of 126 eligible patients, 115 agreed to participate (response rate = 91.3%). The age of the participants ranged between 37 and 92 years. Most of the MDADI items showed good variability and only minor floor or ceiling effects in solitary items were found. The internal-consistency reliability (Cronbach's α) of the MDADI total score was 0.88 (after correction for systematic errors in the subjects' responses to two reversed questions). All estimates reached over the satisfactory0.70 reliability standard for group-level comparison. ICC ranged between 0.83 and 0.97 in the test-retest. The mean MDADI total score was 66.9 (SD = 14.7) for the HN cancer patients, 65.0 (16.9) for the neurologic patients, and 97.5 (4.4) for the control group (P 0.001; study patients vs. controls). The MDADI was also sensitive to disease severity as measured by different food textures. The Swedish version of the MDADI showed good psychometric properties and is a valid instrument to assess dysphagia-related quality of life. It was also shown to be a reliable instrument after correction for systematic errors in the subjects' responses to two reversed questions. Its known-group validity enables the differentiation between dysphagic and nondysphagic patients for group-level research.

Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden Can PEG prevent malnutrition and improve QOL in HN cancer patients? Background: Patients with advanced (stage III and IV) head and neck (HN) cancer are known to have a poor prognosis and malnutrition has been frequently reported. The tumour location in itself can cause nutritional complications often before treatment is initiated and the treatment adds to the risk for malnutrition, especially for patients having a combined treatment modality. Treatment side-effects influence the risk for malnutrition and deteriorate the patient’s quality of life (QOL). Aim: This randomized study aimed to examine if a prophylactic percutanous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for enteral nutrition could prevent malnutrition and improve health related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: 134 patients with advanced head and neck cancer were randomized to either prophylactic PEG (study-group) or clinical praxis (control-group). Patient’s weight, BMI, HRQOL and need for hospital care were noted at seven occasions during two years. Results: After six months quality of life was significantly better and the weight-loss was significantly less in the studygroup. The number malnourished was consistently about ten percent lower in the study-group during the first study-year. The study-group started to use enteral feeding significantly earlier and for a significantly longer time-period (p

Background. The purpose of this randomized study was to examine if a prophylactic percutaneous endo- scopic gastrostomy (PEG) for enteral nutrition could prevent malnutrition, reduce hospital stay, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods. One hundred thirty-four patients with advanced head and neck cancer were randomized to either prophylactic PEG (study group) or clinical praxis (control group). Patients' weight, body mass index (BMI), need for hospitalization, and HRQOL were noted at 7 occasions during 2 years. Results. No difference in hospital stay was found. After 6 months, HRQOL was significantly better and the weight loss was significantly less in the study group. The number of mal- nourished patients were consistently about 10% lower in the study group during the first study year. The study group started to use enteral feeding significantly earlier and for a sig- nificantly longer time period (p < .0001). Conclusion. Prophylactic PEG was associated with significantly earlier start and longer use of enteral nutrition, fewer malnourished patients over time, and improved HRQOL at 6 months posttreatment start. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 00: 000-000, 2011

Summary Background Eosinophilic oesophagitis is thought to be an isolated oesophageal disease associated with biopsy-verified eosinophilia of the squamous cell epithelium of the oesophagus. Food- or aeroallergens have been suggested to be the cause of eosinophilic oesophagitis; however, as these allergens pass through the pharynx sharing the same squamous cell epithelium, eosinophilic infiltration could be expected also here. Whether this is true or not has hitherto not been clarified. Aim To find out whether eosinophilia is present also within the pharyngeal epithelium in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis. Methods In all, 10 patients (median age 34, range 15–70) with biopsy-verified eosinophilic oesophagitis [peak count >20 eosinophils per high power field (hpf)] were biopsied also in the pharynx. The biopsies underwent histopathological examination and at each level, the peak number of eosinophils per hpf was counted. Results None of the patients examined was found to have eosinophilia within the squamous cell epithelium of the pharynx (median peak count 0, range 0–1). Conclusions The pronounced eosinophilic infiltration in eosinophilic oesophagitis appears to be an isolated oesophageal phenomenon not shared by the adjoining organ sites and in particular, not by the pharynx. This may have implications for future research.

The histological changes that occur in the squamous epithelium in response to acute acid challenge was examined in healthy controls and proton pump inhibitor-treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and related to the state of untreated erosive GERD in a saline-controlled, randomized perfusion study. In the basal state a stepwise significant increase in the thickness of the basal cell layer, papillary length, and dilatation of intercellular spaces (DIS) was seen when the three groups were compared. Acid perfusion induced a slight increase in the height of the basal cell layer mainly in healthy volunteers; this layer appears to be reactive to acute acid challenge as well as to acid suppressive therapy. DIS increases promptly in response to acute acid exposure in the healthy epithelium but no changes were seen in the lengths of the papillae or regarding DIS in the GERD patients. A protective effect of luminal nitric oxide on DIS development is suggested.

Objectives/Hypothesis Gastroesophageal reflux disease has in recent years been linked to a variety of extraesophageal conditions including laryngeal cancer. However, whether a causal relationship exists is still under debate. The present study aimed to compare the occurrence and severity of gastroesophago-hypopharyngeal reflux in patients with laryngeal cancer with those of healthy volunteers. Study Design Prospective, controlled study. Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with newly diagnosed laryngeal cancer were examined by esophageal manometry and an ambulatory, 24-hour, double-probe pH monitoring. Their results were compared with those of 40 healthy volunteers. Results Hypopharyngeal acid exposure was registered mainly in the upright body position. A pathological acid exposure, as compared with the upper levels of normality among the healthy volunteers, was found in the hypopharynx in six (16%) patients with laryngeal cancer and in the distal esophagus in 10 (25%) patients. Pathological acid exposure in either location was found in 15 (37%) patients and in both locations in 1 (3%) patient. However, the mean acid exposure time and the mean value of the number of reflux events did not differ significantly between cancer patients and control subjects at either location. The exclusion of meal periods from the analysis did not alter these observations. Nonsmoking cancer patients (n = 5) and nonsmoking control subjects (n = 36) had similar acid exposure both in the hypopharynx and in the distal esophagus. Conclusion The present results do not support gastroesophago-hypopharyngeal reflux as being an independent risk factor for laryngeal cancer.

Background/Aims: High concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), derived from dietary nitrite in an acid environment, have been demonstrated in the gastric fundus and in the oesophagus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether luminal NO can influence oesophageal smooth muscle performance, lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) function or gastric and oesophageal acid exposure. Methods: Eleven healthy volunteers and 9 patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) received a diet deprived of nitrate/nitrite but supplemented with placebo or potassium nitrate for 4 days in a randomised order. On day 4 in each trial period, manometry was performed including a sleeve sensor registration of the LOS followed by a simultaneous 24-hour intra-gastric and oesophageal pH registration. Results: Nitrate supplementation increased the proportion of effective peristalsis when analysed for the entire study population. No other significant effects of dietary nitrate were found on oesophageal motor variables, on the sphincter resting tone or on the number or duration of transient sphincter relaxations. No effect was found on either gastric acidity or gastro-oesophageal reflux variables. Major reflux symptoms were not influenced by nitrate administration. Conclusion: Dietary nitrate did not significantly affect oesophageal motor or LOS function, gastro-oesophageal acid reflux or reflux symptomatology either in healthy volunteers or in GORD patients.

The aim of the present study was to assess luminal nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oesophagus during baseline and acidic conditions and to clarify the sources of such oesophageal NO formation.Healthy volunteers received an intra-oesophageal infusion of either HCl (100 mM) or NaCl (50 mM) on two separate study days. After a low nitrate diet, nitrate load or no dietary restrictions/pretreatment, direct intraluminal measurements of NO formation were performed using a tonometric technique. Endoscopy was performed and mucosal biopsies were taken and analysed by means of immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR.No intra-oesophageal NO was detected during baseline conditions with pH neutrality. During the infusion of HCI the NO levels rose dramatically to around 12000 ppb. This high rate of NO formation fell by 95% following deviation of saliva. NO formation after an acute nitrate load was almost doubled during acid perfusion compared to control. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated distinct staining for iNOS in the oesophageal squamous epithelial cells, and Western blot and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of iNOS.Two sources exist for intra-oesophageal NO formation, both dependent on the luminal acidity: 1) chemical reduction of salivary nitrite, a mechanism related to dietary intake of nitrate, and 2) NO formation within the oesophageal mucosal epithelium by enzymatic degradation of L-arginine. In the latter case, the NO synthase has antigenic characteristics, indicating the inducible isoform, although a functional behaviour suggests an unconventional subtype.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare levels of postoperative pain after traditional (cold steel with bipolar cautery) and Coblation tonsillectomies. Methods Patients with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, including tonsillar hyperplasia, were randomized to undergo tonsillectomies using either a traditional cutting technique or the Coblation technique. Patients and staff on the relevant wards were blinded regarding patient allocation. Pain, odynophagia, and activity limitations were recorded on a visual analog scale. Analgesics were self-administered, and daily analgesic consumption by patients was reported. All complications were also registered. Results Fifty-seven patients (between 6 and 57 years of age) completed the study. No significant difference was found between the two techniques with regard to reported pain, odynophagia, activity limitations, or use of analgesics. A slight tendency toward decreased pain and decreased use of analgesics in the Coblation group reached statistical significance only when the adult patients were analyzed separately. Two cases of hospital readmission occurred because of postoperative bleeding following Coblation tonsillectomies. Conclusions Overall, the two methods are equivalent in terms of postoperative pain, including the use of analgesics. The risk of postoperative bleeding after the Coblation method requires further evaluation with specifically designed studies.

The influence of thermal stimulation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa on the elicitation of swallowing was studied in 14 healthy volunteers. The Repeated Dry Swallowing Test was used to study the ability to elicit swallows. The test consists of 11 manometrically recorded dry swallows performed at maximum speed. The time between swallows 1 and 11 (Swallowing Test Time) is considered a measure of the ease of eliciting the swallowing reflex. The study includes two controlled experiments, each consisting of an active test done immediately after a cold stimulus and a control done after a stimulus at body temperature. In one experiment the stimulus consisted of stimulation of the fauces with a laryngeal mirror and in the other of swallowing water. Each subject served as his or her own control. The order of the tests was randomized and the results read blindly. In the mirror experiment, the swallowing test times obtained after application of a cold laryngeal mirror did not differ significantly from those obtained after stimulation at body temperature. In the water experiment, swallowing test times were shorter after swallowing cold water compared to those after swallowing water at body temperature in 11 of the 14 volunteers (n.s.). The concept that swallowing is significantly facilitated by cold applied to the oral-pharyngeal mucosa was thus not supported by the present study. The importance of these findings is discussed.