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Objectives. Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) often invades the orbit. The treatment approach for sinonasal cancer that has spread to the orbit varies across medical centers and depends on the extent of the invasion. The decision to preserve the orbit in the treatment strategy is made on a case-by-case basis and results in varying outcomes. Currently, a multimodal treatment regimen, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), is commonly adopted for managing sinonasal cancers. This study aims to assess the prognosis of sinonasal SqCC with orbital invasion from various perspectives. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with primary sinonasal SqCC invading the orbit who were treated at Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2009 and 2018. The extent of the tumor, orbital invasion, treatment strategies, recurrence rates, and survival rates were analyzed. Results. Overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) rates showed no significant differences based on the grade of orbital invasion. When tumor resection with orbit preservation was employed as the definitive treatment, DFS was significantly extended compared to cases where surgery was not the definitive treatment (RT or CCRT). Additionally, there was no significant difference in DFS between patients who underwent orbit exenteration and those who underwent tumor resection with orbit preservation as the definitive treatment. Conclusion. Tumor resection with orbit preservation as the definitive treatment appears to be the preferred approach, prolonging DFS and increasing the likelihood of longer-term survival in cases of SqCC with orbital invasion.

Nasal valve dysfunction can substantially impact nasal airflow and overall quality of life. This review provides a comprehensive examination of nasal valve dysfunction, including its mechanisms, classification, and surgical management. The nasal valves include internal and external valves, each of which plays a crucial role in regulating nasal airflow. Subclassification of the external nasal valve into alar and rim valves helps specify the site of obstruction when present and informs the choice of surgical intervention. Dynamic nasal valve obstruction, often characterized by inspiratory collapse of the nasal valve, must be distinguished from static obstruction, which refers to nasal valve stenosis. Accurate identification of the location and mechanism of nasal valve dysfunction is essential for effective management. Various surgical procedures target specific components of the nasal valve and can produce favorable functional outcomes. The selection of surgical procedures, whether individually or in combination, should be tailored to the characteristics of nasal valve dysfunction and the external nasal characteristics of the patient. Strict adherence to proper surgical techniques is imperative for achieving optimal treatment outcomes.

Abstract The mechanism and predictive biomarkers of sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are still unclear. We investigated the genetic mutations involved and the predictive biomarkers. Fourteen patients with SCC arising from IP and six patients with IPs without malignant transformation (sIP) were included. DNA was extracted separately from areas of normal tissue, IP, dysplasia, and SCC. Whole exome sequencing and immunohistochemistry was performed. Major oncogenic mutations were observed in the progression from IP to SCC. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (39%) and CDKN2A (27%). Mutations in TP53 and/or CDKN2A were observed in three of six IPs with malignant transformation (cIP); none were observed in sIPs. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) increased from IP to SCC (0.64/Mb, 1.11/Mb, and 1.25 for IP, dysplasia, and SCC, respectively). TMB was higher in the cIPs than in the sIPs (0.64/Mb vs 0.3/Mb). Three cIPs showed a diffuse strong or null pattern in p53, and one showed a total loss of p16, a distinct pattern from sIPs. Our result suggests that TP53 and CDKN2A status can be predictive markers of malignant transformation of IP. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of p53 and p16 expression can be surrogate markers for TP53 and CDKN2A status.

Objectives. Due to the rarity of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), there is ongoing debate about optimal treatment strategies, especially for early-stage or locally advanced cases. Therefore, our study aimed to explore experiences from multiple centers to identify factors that influence the oncological outcomes of ONB. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 195 ONB patients treated at nine tertiary hospitals in South Korea between December 1992 and December 2019. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate oncological outcomes, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze prognostic factors for survival outcomes. Furthermore, we conducted 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching to investigate differences in clinical outcomes according to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results. In our cohort, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 78.6%, and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 62.4%. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the modified Kadish (mKadish) stage and Dulguerov T status were significantly associated with DFS, while the mKadish stage and Hyams grade were identified as prognostic factors for OS. The subgroup analyses indicated a trend toward improved 5-year DFS with dural resection in mKadish A and B cases, even though the result was statistically insignificant. Induction chemotherapy did not provide a survival benefit in this study after matching for the mKadish stage and nodal status. Conclusion. Clinical staging and pathologic grading are important prognostic factors in ONB. Dural resection in mKadish A and B did not show a significant survival benefit. Similarly, induction chemotherapy also did not show a survival benefit, even after stage matching.

Objectives Several criteria exist for classifying chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) as eosinophilic or non-eosinophilic. This study attempted to evaluate several criteria for defining eosinophilic CRSwNP from clinical and immunological perspectives. Methods A cohort of 84 patients (73 patients with CRSwNP and 11 control patients) was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP based on four different criteria: eosinophils (EOS) accounting for more than 20% of the total inflammatory cells; ≥70 EOS per high-power field (HPF); >55 EOS/HPF; and ≥10 EOS/HPF. Preoperative clinical characteristics, the immunological profiles of 14 cytokines from nasal tissue, and postoperative outcomes were compared between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP based on each criterion. These criteria were immunologically validated by using 14 cytokines to predict the performance of tissue eosinophilia with a random forest model. Results Patients with eosinophilic CRSwNP were significantly older when the criterion of ≥10 EOS/HPF or EOS >20% was used. The number of patients with aspirin intolerance was significantly higher in eosinophilic CRSwNP based on the criterion of EOS >20%. From an immunological perspective, non-type 2 inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in non-eosinophilic CRSwNP with the criterion of EOS >20% of the total inflammatory cells. In addition, the criterion of EOS >20% of the total inflammatory cells resulted in the best prediction of eosinophilic CRSwNP, with an accuracy of 88.10% and area under the curve of 0.94. Conclusion Clinical and immunological characteristics were different between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP depending on a variety of criteria, and the results of this study should be taken into account when choosing the criterion for defining eosinophilic CRSwNP and interpreting the data accordingly.

Background and Objectives Endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed for maxillary sinus (MS) disease, and the surgical extent of the MS medial wall or ostium varies. We examined the effect of MS surgery on nasal airflow and air-conditioning using computational fluid dynamics in five nasal cavity numerical models. Methods Four types of unilateral virtual MS surgery were conducted on the right MS based on computed tomography images of a 49-year-old man with normal anatomy. The five models were as follows: baseline (normal), middle meatal antrostomy (MMA), MMA with inferior meatal antrostomy (MMA+IMA), mega-antrostomy (MEGA), and endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM). Virtual simulator software and a stereoscopic display with haptic device were used for virtual surgery. Meshing software and computer fluid dynamics software were used to generate meshes and analyze airflow. Results The MMA and MMA+IMA results were similar to the baseline model. However, EMM and MEGA exhibited some physiological changes. The amount of airflow moving into the MS was largest in the EMM model, followed by the MEGA model. The distributions of wall shear stress and surface water-vapor increased near the enlarged MS ostium in EMM and MEGA. Skewed airflow partition and different airflow rates between the operated and unoperated sites of the nose also changed the air-conditioning characteristics. EMM substantially reduced the relative humidity in the nasopharynx, and MEGA showed a smaller reduction. Conclusion Among four surgery techniques, EMM produced the largest increase in wall shear stress and surface water vapor flux on the posterior surface of the MS and the greatest deterioration in the nasal cavity’s air-conditioning capacity. MEGA reduced the local airflow disturbance inside the MS and prevented excessive degeneration of the cavity’s overall air-conditioning capacity. In conclusion, MEGA and modified EMM approaches have physiological advantages over EMM, while securing a sufficient spatial extent of resection for surgery.

Background and Objectives Sternberg’s canal is known to result from incomplete fusion of bony compartments constituting the sphenoid bone during the developmental process. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical implications of Sternberg’s canal. Methods A retrospective review of patients over the age of 18 years who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery from 2014 to 2019 at a single institution was performed. Patients (n=98) were categorized into those with sphenoid fungal ball (SFB) (n=39), those with primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (n=39), and controls (n=20) and were evaluated radiologically. A small pit in the lateral wall, located medial to the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2), in front of the opticocarotid recess was regarded as Sternberg’s canal. Children under the age of 12 years (n=39) without any sinus disease were also evaluated to determine the prevalence of Sternberg’s canal in the pediatric population. Results Patients with SFB showed the highest prevalence of Sternberg’s canal (56.4%), followed by those with CRS (20.5%) and controls (10.0%) (p

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and treatment outcomes of inverted papillomas involving the frontal sinus. Methods Patients treated for inverted papilloma involving the frontal sinus between 2003 and 2020 were reviewed. Tumors were classified based on their extent (Extent 1: partially encroaching on the frontal sinus; Extent 2: completely filling the frontal sinus; Extent 3: eroding bony borders beyond the frontal sinus) and site of origin (Origin 1: originating outside the frontal sinus and prolapsing into the frontal sinus; Origin 2: originating from the frontal sinus walls medial to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea; Origin 3: originating from the frontal sinus walls lateral to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea). Treatment outcomes including tumor recurrence and patency of the frontal recess were analyzed according to tumor characteristics and surgical treatment modalities. Results A total of 49 surgical cases were analyzed. Extent 1 were the most common type (n = 27), followed by Extent 2 (n = 15), and Extent 3 (n = 7). The most common sites of origin were Origin 1 (n = 23), followed by Origin 2 (n = 15), and Origin 3 (n = 11). Overall, there were nine recurrences (18.4%). Recurrence was not associated with tumor extent, whereas tumor origin, particularly Origin 3 was associated with higher recurrence; 1/23 (4.3%) for Origin 1, 3/15 (20.0%) for Origin 2, and 5/11 (45.5%) for Origin 3 (Log‐rank p

Objectives. Systemic inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, easy-to-use methods to evaluate the severity of systemic inflammation have yet to be developed. This study investigated the association between systemic inflammation markers that could be derived from the complete blood count (CBC) profile and sleep parameters in a large number of patients with OSA. Methods. Patients who visited our hospital’s Otorhinolaryngology Sleep Clinic between January 2017 and April 2022 underwent polysomnography and routine laboratory tests, including a CBC. Associations between three systemic inflammatory markers—the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)—and polysomnographic and demographic factors including age, sex, body mass index, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the hypopnea index (HI), lowest oxygen saturation (%), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and percentages of non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage 3, REM sleep, and snoring time were analyzed. The inflammation markers were compared among OSA subgroups, and associations were also analyzed in subgroups with different OSA severities. Results. In total, 1,102 patients (968 men and 134 women) were included, and their mean AHI was 33.0±24.3. PSQI was significantly associated with SII (P=0.027). No independent significant factors were identified for the NLR or PLR. Within the simple snoring and mild OSA subgroups, no significant association was found between sleep parameters and the SII. In the severe OSA subgroup, the AHI (P=0.004) and PSQI (P=0.012) were independently associated with the SII. Conclusion. Our study analyzed systemic inflammatory markers based on the CBC, a simple, relatively cost-effective test, and showed that the AHI and SII were significantly correlated only in the severe OSA subgroup.

Objectives Inferior turbinate (IT) hypertrophy is the main cause of chronic nasal obstruction. We developed a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation device to treat patients with IT hypertrophy. Methods First, computed tomography images of patients with no evidence of sinonasal disease were evaluated to measure and compare the IT, medial mucosal thickness (MT), and space between the nasal septum and IT according to clinical characteristics such as septal deviation. A HIFU prototype was developed based on the above human anatomical studies. The experimental study was performed in five pigs; the nasal volume and histological changes at 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively were evaluated to compare the efficacy of HIFU turbinoplasty with that of radiofrequency turbinoplasty and a control group. Results The mean medial MT of the anterior, middle, and posterior portions of the IT were 4.66±1.14, 4.23±0.97, and 6.17±1.29 mm, respectively. The mean medial space was 2.65±0.79 mm. The diameter and focal depth of the prototype were 4 mm and 3 mm, respectively. HIFU showed no postoperative complications, including bleeding or scar formation. After HIFU treatment, the nasal volume increased by 196.62 mm3 (7.8%) and 193.74 mm3 (8.3%) at 1 week and 4 weeks, compared with the increase of 87.20 mm3 (3.1%) and 213.81 mm3 (9.0%), respectively,after radiofrequency therapy. A qualitative histological analysis after radiofrequency turbinoplasty showed epithelial layer disruption at 1 week and increased fibrosis, along with decreased glandular structure, at 4 weeks. The HIFU group had an intact epithelial layer at 1 week postoperatively. However, significant differences were observed at 4 weeks, including increased fibrosis and decreased glandular structure. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of HIFU turbinoplasty were demonstrated in an animal study. Our results warrant further human clinical trials.

Background: Organized hematoma in the sphenoid sinus is rare, but serious complications, such as visual deficits, can occur. Three such case reports have been published previously in the literature; however, none have achieved complete recovery of the vision. Case presentation: A 69-year-old male patient was referred to the ear, nose, and throat department with an expansile soft tissue mass filling the right sphenoid sinus and blurry vision in his right eye. Complete mass removal was achieved by a wide opening of the sphenoid sinus via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, followed by cauterization of the feeding artery and coverage by a nasoseptal flap. The patient’s vision was restored after the operation, and he declared no visual symptoms until the latest follow-up (one year after the surgery). Conclusions: Complete excision with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach can restore visual deterioration caused by a sphenoid sinus organized hematoma.

Open rhinoseptoplasty has been widely performed in the field of otorhinolaryngology. However, from the perspective of beginners, rhinoseptoplasty is a hard-to-learn surgery that involves a relatively steep learning curve. Therefore, practical guidance is essential to enhance the skills needed for excellent surgical outcomes. Here, we provide a step-wise dissection manual using a commercialized silicone nose model designed for rhinoseptoplasty. The contents include general approaches with regard to transcolumellar inverted V incision, flap elevation, osteotomy, septoplasty, modification of the lower lateral cartilage for tip surgery, and dorsal augmentation using silicone implants. In addition, we introduce novel techniques such as dorsal augmentation using a ready-made mold with tissue glue applied to diced cartilage and polycaprolactone mesh for rhinoseptoplasty. The present study also provides photos of individual surgical procedures using a silicone nose model for actual guidance. The authors expect that this manual will help beginning rhinoseptoplasty surgeons improve their confidence.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of age in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP). 269 patients were divided into eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic groups based on tissue eosinophilia, defined by eosinophils accounting for more than 20% of the total inflammatory cells. Patients were then further divided into younger and older groups based on the age of 35 years. Clinical characteristics including blood eosinophil, Lund Mackay score, and modified Lund-Kennedy (mLK) scores were compared. Levels of 14 cytokines from nasal tissues of an additional 78 patients were analyzed. Tissue eosinophilia was significantly associated with age and the proportion of non-eosinophilic CRSwNP was significantly higher in younger patients as compared to older patients (79.2% vs 56.6%). There was no difference in clinical characteristics and cytokine levels between the younger and older patients with eosinophilic CRSwNP. In contrast, in patients with non-eosinophilic CRSwNP, younger patients had significantly lower preoperative blood eosinophils and higher mLK scores at three and six months, postoperatively, compared to older patients. Alpha-1 antitrypsin and IL-5 levels were significantly lower in younger patients than in older patients in non-eosinophilic CRSwNP. This study suggests a potential association between age, non-type 2 inflammation and treatment outcome in CRSwNP.

SMARCB1 or SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma or thoracic undifferentiated tumor has aggressive nature with a poor prognosis. Patients with this disease were diagnosed by immunohistochemistry or next-generation sequencing. Those who were able to receive a surgery tended to be cured, while the others treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitor were often insensitive to these therapies. However, one having CD274 (PD-L1) amplification showed the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor and a good prognosis. We believed that this report could provide promising information for determining the optimal treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with a low body mass index (BMI). Methods We designed and conducted a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with OSA who underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) were included. Patients were classified into four groups according to their BMI. Age, sex, and polysomnography data were investigated. The patterns of upper airway collapse were characterized by the structures involved (soft palate, tongue base, lateral pharyngeal wall, and epiglottis). We compared the patterns of upper airway collapse in the supine and lateral decubitus position among the four BMI groups using the chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 627 patients (male, 517; mean age, 47.6±12.8 years) were included, consisting of 45, 79, 151, and 352 patients who were underweight or lower normal-weight (defined as the low BMI group), upper normal-weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Severity indicators of OSA, such as the overall apnea-hypopnea index and duration of SaO2 below 90%, were significantly lower in patients with a low BMI than in obese patients, while their average oxygen saturation was significantly higher. The most common obstruction site in the supine position was the tongue base in patients with a low BMI (100%), whereas this obstruction site was significantly less common in obese patients (54.8%). Tongue base obstruction was mostly relieved in the lateral position, with no discernible obstruction in 86.7% of the low BMI patients. Conclusion Airway obstruction in OSA patients with a low BMI is mostly due to tongue base obstruction, which improves in the lateral position. These characteristics should be kept in mind when considering treatment options for this subgroup of OSA patients.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of maxillary sinus fungus ball (MFB) to increase the preoperative diagnostic accuracy. Methods A retrospective review of 247 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for unilateral maxillary sinusitis from January 2015 to December 2017 at a single institution was performed. Patients with pathologically proven MFB were compared to those with unilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS). Patient demographics and computed tomography (CT) findings were evaluated. The CT features were categorized as intralesional hyperdensity (calcification), the irregular lobulated protruding lesion (fuzzy appearance), maxillary sinus full haziness without mass effect, maxillary sinus full haziness with mass effect, and others. A regression tree analysis was performed. Results In total, 247 patients were analyzed; among them, 179 (72.5%) had MFB and 68 (27.5%) had CMS. MFB showed predominance in older individuals. Among the radiological features, intralesional hyperdensity was most commonly associated with MFB. The presence of a fuzzy appearance or full opacity with mass effect was also associated with MFB. The highest area under the curve was noted with the regression tree analysis based on the model, which included the presence of intralesional hyperdensity, demographic data (age), and presence of fuzzy appearance or maxillary sinus full haziness with mass effect in case of absence of intralesional hyperdensity (0.904). Conclusion A simple algorithm to optimize the preoperative diagnosis of MFB was developed. Physicians should be aware of such findings in the management of patients presenting with unilateral CMS.

Objectives Postoperative cheek cyst (POCC) is a late postoperative complication of radical maxillary sinus surgery including the Caldwell-Luc (C-L) operation. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of surgical treatment for POCC and to assess the clinical factors correlated to these outcomes. Methods This study included 57 patients (67 nostrils) diagnosed with POCC who underwent surgical drainage. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed for radiological findings, treatment modalities, residual symptoms, and recurrences. Results In total, 30 patients were male and 27 patients were female with a mean age of 55 years, and the patients were usually diagnosed with POCC 28.2 years after radical surgery. Endonasal endoscopic marsupialization was performed via inferior meatal antrostomy, and if possible, middle meatal antrostomy was performed at the same time. In patients with cysts that were difficult to reach using an endonasal endoscopic approach, additional open C-L approaches were performed. The median follow-up period was 19.4 months. Overall, adequate drainage and symptomatic relief were achieved in 91% (61/67) of the patients. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients who had anterolateral POCC. Failure to achieve symptomatic relief was correlated to a smaller cyst and the use of the open C-L approach for drainage. Conclusion The location and size of the cyst as well as the use of the open surgical approach were important factors in predicting the therapeutic outcome of POCC. The time point of treatment and surgical approaches should be based on the above-mentioned findings.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the regeneration process of the nasal mucosa after a surgically created mucosal defect in the rabbit nasal septum, and to evaluate the effects of different interventions. Methods: A 7 mm-diameter circular mucosal defect was made in the septum of forty New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into four groups (ten rabbits in each group) according to the type of intervention; no treatment (control), silastic sheet (SS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and silastic sheet and hyaluronic acid (SS + HA) group. The diameter of the defect, mucosal thickness, epithelial thickness, and ciliated cell count were evaluated every week for five weeks. Results: The average diameter of the defect in the control group were 5.1, 3.65, 1.2, 0.75, and 0.05 mm at postoperative 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks. In the SS group, the diameter decreased to 4.35, 2.1, 0.35, 0.15, and 0 mm at postoperative 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks, respectively, in which the mean diameter of the postoperative week 2 was significantly smaller compared to control (3.65 mm vs. 2.1 mm, P = 0.039). For the HA group and SS + HA group, the diameter of the defect did not show a significant difference from the control group during the five weeks. The mucosal thickness, epithelial thickness, and ciliated cell count of the regenerated mucosa were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion: The regeneration process of the nasal septal mucosa was identified using a novel rabbit model. Mucosal regeneration can be accelerated by applying silastic sheets. Keywords: Nasal septum, Nasal mucosa, Mucous membrane, Hyaluronic acid, Rabbits

Objectives To investigate longitudinal changes in behavior and quality-of-life (QoL) in children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) after adenotonsillectomy (AT). Methods This study prospectively enrolled 148 children who underwent AT for SDB. Caregivers filled out Korean attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rating scale (K-ARS) and Korean version of the obstructive sleep apnea-18 (KOSA-18) at preoperative 1 day, postoperative 1 month, and postoperative 6 months. Longitudinal changes in K-ARS and KOSA-18 were evaluated and compared among subgroups. Results Both K-ARS and KOSA-18 scores improved immediately at postoperative 1 month and were maintained at postoperative 6 months. The mean preoperative K-ARS scores of the non-ADHD, ADHD-trait, and overt-ADHD groups showed uniformly immediate and sustained improvements. Also, the mean preoperative KOSA-18 scores of the small, moderate, and large impact groups were significantly improved both at postoperative 1 month and 6 months. The changes in behavior and QoL showed no significant differences with regard to the aforementioned factors. Conclusion After AT, we may expect immediate and sustained improvements in behavior and QoL in children with SDB regardless of preoperative symptom severity. Moreover, by performing AT, improvements in behavior and QoL are expected regardless of sex, age, allergic trait, or concurrent coblation-assisted turbinoplasty. These findings may help our colleague physicians counselling pediatric SDB patients and their caregivers.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread disease of substantial social burden. As various surgical procedures are now developed to alter the offending anatomic abnormalities, identification of the exact problematic site with application of the most appropriate treatment including surgical procedure is essential for effective surgical treatment of OSA. To date, many techniques are available for the physician to assess and analyze the upper airway obstruction including radiographic cephalometry, sleep video fluoroscopy, computed tomography imaging, sleep magnetic resonance imaging, drug induced sleep endoscopy, multi-channel pressure measurements, acoustic reflectometry, and basic physical examinations. However there are still some controversies concerning the effectiveness and morbidity of each technique. Therefore, sleep medicine doctors should understand the characteristics of each tool with the pathophysiology of OSA. Herein, we review the clinical methods to evaluate the upper airway in terms of disease severity and treatment selection.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery on long-term (5-year) subjective outcomes, including sleep disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms and other complications, in patients with OSA.MethodsWe enrolled patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography for OSA between January 2006 and December 2006 in ten hospitals. Patients either were treated for OSA or were not treated for OSA. All patients completed a brief telephone survey regarding their SDB signs and symptoms (e.g., snoring, apnea, nocturnal arousals, and daytime sleepiness), positive airway pressure (PAP) compliance, and any adverse effects of either the surgery or PAP. A positive subjective outcome for either surgery or no treatment was taken to be the alleviation of apnea, defined as a ≥50% increase in score. A positive subjective outcome (compliance) for PAP was defined as a PAP usage of ≥4 hours per night and ≥5 days per week.ResultsA total of 229 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: a surgery group (n=87), a PAP group (n=68), and a control (untreated) group (n=74). The surgery group exhibited significant improvement in all SDB symptoms compared with the control group. The long-term subjective outcomes of the surgery (52.9%) and PAP (54.4%) groups were significantly better than those of the control group (25.0%). The subjective outcome of the surgery group was not significantly different from that of the PAP group. The overall surgical complication rate was 23.0% (20 of 87) in the surgery group, and 55.0% (22 of 40) of all patients with PAP experienced adverse effects.ConclusionThe extent of SDB symptoms was consistently improved in patients with OSA at 5 years postsurgery. Information about the potential long-term subjective outcomes should be provided to patients when considering surgery.

ObjectivesCurrently established first line therapy of acute (presumed bacterial) rhinosinusitis (ARS) consists of 10 to 14 days of oral amoxicillin or cephalosporins. This study compared the clinical efficacy and tolerance of cefcapene pivoxil (CP) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) in patients with ARS.MethodsA randomized, open labeled, double-blinded trial of ARS patients over 15 years of age was performed. Patients diagnosed with ARS received paranasal sinus X-rays and nasal endoscopies and 2 weeks of either CP (150 mg, 3 times/ day) or AMC (625 mg, amoxicillin 500 mg, 3 times/day). All patients revisited the clinic on days 7, 14, and 28 for evaluation of changes in symptoms, endoscopy, and monitoring of any adverse reactions. Demographics, clinical characteristics and drug efficacy were also compared between the two groups.ResultsAmong the 60 initially enrolled patients (CP 30, AMC 30), 5 patients in the CP group and 6 in the AMC group were excluded due to poor compliance. There were no significant differences in demographic data including age, sex, initial signs and symptoms, endoscopic and X-ray findings between the two groups. Rates of improvement after 2 weeks were 96% and 95.8% in the CP and AMC group, respectively. Sinus symptoms were changed significantly after 2 and 4 weeks, however, there was no difference between groups (P=0.41). The most common adverse reaction was gastrointestinal complication, diarrhea occurred in 1 patient in the CP group and 6 in the AMC group (P=0.04).ConclusionCP and AMC were both effective in treating ARS. The difference of treatment outcome was not found between the two groups, however, gastrointestinal complications were less prevalent in the CP group.

There have been several operative techniques for adenoidectomy and their efficacy and morbidity are different according to the technique. This prospective multicenter study was aimed to compare the efficacy and morbidity of coblation adenoidectomy (CA) with those of power-assisted adenoidectomy.Prospective multi-institutional study.Children who underwent CA, power-assisted adenoidectomy with cauterization (PAA+C) or without cauterization (PAA-C) due to adenoid hypertrophy were enrolled from 13 hospitals between July 2013 and June 2014. Mean operation time, degree of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative bleeding rate were evaluated.A total of 388 children (mean age ± standard deviation = 6.6 ± 2.5 years; 245 males and 143 females) were included. According to the adenoidectomy technique, the children were classified into 3 groups: (1) CA (n = 116); (2) PAA+C (n = 153); and (3) PAA-C (n = 119). Significant differences were not found in age and sex among three groups. In the CA group, mean operation time was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) and degree of intraoperative bleeding was significantly less (P < 0.001) compared to PAA+C or PAA-C group. Delayed postoperative bleeding rate of PAA-C group was significantly higher than that of CA or PAA+C group (P = 0.016).This prospective multicenter study showed that CA was superior to PAA in terms of mean operation time and degree of intraoperative bleeding.

BACKGROUND: It has been well known that pediatric allergic rhinitis was associated with poor performance at school due to attention deficit. However, there were no cohort studies for the effect of treatment of allergic rhinitis on attention performance in pediatric population. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether attention performance was improved after treatment in children with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: In this ARCO-Kids (Allergic Rhinitis Cohort Study for Kids), consecutive pediatric patients with rhinitis symptoms underwent a skin prick test and computerized comprehensive attention test. According to the skin prick test results, the children were diagnosed as allergic rhinitis or non- allergic rhinitis. All of the patients were regularly followed up and treated with oral medication or intranasal corticosteroid sprays. The comprehensive attention tests consisted of sustained and divided attention tasks. Each of the tasks was assessed by the attention score which was calculated by the number of omission and commission errors. The comprehension attention test was repeated after 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 797 children with allergic rhinitis and 239 children with non-allergic rhinitis were included. Initially, the attention scores of omission and commission errors on divided attention task were significantly lower in children with allergic rhinitis than in children with non-allergic rhinitis. After 1 year of treatment, children with allergic rhinitis showed improvement in attention: commission error of sustained (95.6±17.0 vs 97.0±16.6) and divided attention task (99.1±15.8 vs 91.8±23.5). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference of attention scores in children with non-allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that management of allergic rhinitis might be associated with improvement of attention.