Search

Background and Objectives: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is prevalent among patients with ENT disorders, necessitating history-taking, clinical examination, and appropriate investigation for diagnosis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) is a valuable tool for subjectively assessing symptom severity related to this condition. This study aims to adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 in Greece, ensuring its accuracy and efficacy in outpatient settings. Subjects and Methods: The ETDQ-7 was translated into Greek following established methodology. Data were collected from 75 Greek patients diagnosed with ETD and 25 control patients without ETD. Participants completed the adapted ETDQ-7 and underwent a clinical examination, with statistical analysis correlating with their ETDQ-7 responses. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the questionnaire's reliability and validity. Results: Internal consistency and item analyses were performed to validate the questionnaire. Face and content validity were confirmed, and patients found the questionnaire easy to administer and complete. Test-retest reliability demonstrated similar internal consistency and a strong correlation between individual items and the total score. Discriminative validity revealed a statistically significant difference between the two patient groups, supporting the usefulness of the Greek version of ETDQ-7 in confirming the diagnosis of ETD. Conclusions: The Greek version of ETDQ-7 proves to be safe and effective for diagnosing ETD in Greek-speaking populations, complementing various investigative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Biofilm formation on cochlear implants (CIs) poses a major problem for surgeons, leading to a high incidence of explantation and revision surgery. Therefore, developing appropriate and cost-effective biofilm detection and prevention techniques is of the essence. In this systematic review, we sought to investigate the development of biofilm formation on CIs. We also elaborated on experimental preventative biofilm measures. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search of both in vitro and in vivo literature published in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, until 15 June 2024, for published studies evaluating the biofilm formation and strategies for inhibiting biofilm formation on CIs. Depending on the type of the included study, we assessed quality with the modified Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute Case Reports Critical Appraisal Tool, a modified Delphi technique, and the ROBINS-I tool. We synthesized the available information on biofilm formation on CIs and the infection prevention capacity of the included antibiofilm agents. Results: A total of 26 studies were included in this systematic review. Biofilms in CIs are usually localized in their recesses such as their removable magnet pocket as opposed to their smooth surfaces. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are the most commonly isolated microorganisms, and they tend to be strong biofilm producers. The optimal treatment strategy for a biofilm-infected CI is explantation. Most of the examined biofilm prevention methods in CIs present sufficient antibiofilm activity. Conclusions: Biofilm formation in CIs is considered one of the most dreadful complications. There have been no specific guidelines for the treatment of those cases, with removal and/or replacement of the CI being the treatment of choice. Various experimental prevention methods provide promising antibiofilm activity both in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the magnitude of change that is clinically meaningful in the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HN35 instruments in head and neck cancer patients. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-two patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HN35 at baseline and follow-up one to two months later. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were calculated through anchor- and distribution-based methods for improvement and deterioration. Karnofsky Performance status (KPS) was used as the anchor to determine meaningful change. Results: In the group of patients who deteriorated, more scales and symptoms demonstrated statistically significant meaningful change. EORTC QLQ-C30 meaningful change values for deterioration with KPS anchor ranged from 7.2 (physical functioning) to 16.7 units (Global Health Status), and for improvement ranged from 10.0 (role functioning) to 16.7 units (Global Health Status). Conclusions: We report—for the first time, to the best of our knowledge—MCID for EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HN35 in head and neck cancer patients. Knowledge of meaningful change in these questionnaires allows physicians to assess patient change over time, along with evaluating the impact of treatment on quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) presents complex diagnostic challenges in otolaryngology, compounded by concurrent chronic nasal disease. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) often assess ETD severity due to its elusive diagnosis. Tubomanometry (TMM) emerges as a promising diagnostic tool, yet its application alongside chronic nasal disease remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate TMM's role in ETD diagnosis within the context of chronic nasal diseases, integrating subjective assessments, clinical examination, and TMM results. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with patients suffering from ETD and chronic nasal disease allocated in three different groups according to their nasal pathology. Clinical examination, PROMs in the form of ETDQ-7, and NOSE questionnaires as well as TMM were performed. Results of the above subjective and objective measurements were analysed and correlated statistically to determine the value of TMM in chronic nasal disease patients. Results: All recruited patients suffered from ETD and chronic nasal disease, with similarly affected ETDQ-7 scores across all groups, while NOSE scores differed significantly based on the underground nasal pathology. TMM values confirm the presence of ETD in all three groups, confirming the role of TMM within this cohort. Interestingly, TMM values can still confirm the presence of ETD in patients with chronic nasal disease but cannot discriminate among chronic nasal pathology patients, making TMM a diagnostic tool with uniformity among the chronic nasal pathologies. Conclusions: ETD in individuals with chronic nasal disease presents distinct complexities, requiring a tailored diagnostic approach. In this context, a thorough clinical assessment, integrating ETDQ-7 and NOSE questionnaires, supplemented by TMM where accessible, is crucial to confirm diagnosis. This study confirms that TMM can diagnose ETD in all nasal pathology patients without being influenced by the nature of the disease. This research endeavours to refine diagnostic strategies, enriching clinical decision-making, and enhancing ETD management in patients suffering with chronic nasal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the role of laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea by identifying airway abnormalities at surgery, that occur separately or in addition to adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and examining the correlation with respiratory parameters. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of children with obstructive sleep apnoea who underwent laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy intra-operatively, performed by a single ENT surgeon from February 2016 to July 2019. Pre- and post-operative minimum oxygen saturation, apnoea-hypopnoea index, and oxygen desaturation index were recorded. Results: Sixty-five children were identified; 34 were aged less than three years and 31 were aged three years or more. 77 per cent and 13 per cent respectively had an airway abnormality; the t -test showed a significantly higher mean oxygen desaturation index and lower mean minimum oxygen saturation pre-operatively compared to children without an airway abnormality. Conclusion: An update of the surgical pathway for children aged less than three years with obstructive sleep apnoea is required to include laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy intra-operatively. A t -test analysis of the pre-operative respiratory parameters suggests that airway abnormalities contribute to obstructive sleep apnoea severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]