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Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) associated with type 2 inflammation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) can be difficult to control with standard medical therapy and sinus surgery. In this group, biologicals are potentially promising treatment options. The phase III clinical trials for omalizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab and benralizumab in CRSwNP have demonstrated favourable outcomes. Moving forward, direct comparisons among biologicals, refining patient selection criteria for specific biologicals, determining optimal treatment duration and monitoring long-term outcomes are areas of emerging interest. This review summarizes the clinical evidence from the recent 2 years on the role of biologicals in severe CRSwNP and N-ERD, and proposes an approach towards decision-making in their use.

To review the effectiveness and safety of embolisation in managing haemorrhage from the external carotid artery (ECA) system in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.Radiated NPC patients who presented with severe oronasal bleeding and underwent digital subtraction angiography that excluded blowouts from the internal carotid artery from 2011 to 2021 were reviewed. Those who subsequently underwent embolisation of the ECA system were analysed for technical success rate, post-embolisation re-bleeding rate and complications.Seventeen embolisations were performed in fifteen patients during the 10-year period. The technical success rate was 100%, however the early haemostatic rate (no re-bleed within 7 days of embolisation) was 70.6% (12/17) and the overall long-term haemostatic rate was 58.8% (10/17). The re-bleed rates of targeted and empiric embolisations were 33.3% (3/9) and 50.0% (4/8), respectively. The re-bleed rates with liquid agents, coils and particles were 0% (0/7), 33.3% (1/3) and 85.7% (6/7), respectively. Amongst the embolisations utilising liquid agents, 71.4% (5/7) were targeted, distal embolisations. All re-bleeds underwent surgical ligation or repeat embolisation; half of them further experienced recurrent bleeding. There were no significant complications with embolisation.Although embolisation of the ECA system in NPC has a high technical success rate and is safe, re-bleeding appears to be common. Targeted, distal embolisation with liquid embolics appear to have good haemostatic effect. Clinicians should be aware that patients may need repeated procedures to secure haemostasis.

BACKGROUND: In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2018), the literature has expanded substantially. The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update presents 144 individual topics on allergic rhinitis (AR), expanded by over 40 topics from the 2018 document. Originally presented topics from 2018 have also been reviewed and updated. The executive summary highlights key evidence-based findings and recommendation from the full document.METHODS: ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 employed established evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) methodology to individually evaluate each topic. Stepwise iterative peer review and consensus was performed for each topic. The final document was then collated and includes the results of this work.RESULTS: ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 includes 10 major content areas and 144 individual topics related to AR. For a substantial proportion of topics included, an aggregate grade of evidence is presented, which is determined by collating the levels of evidence for each available study identified in the literature. For topics in which a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is considered, a recommendation summary is presented, which considers the aggregate grade of evidence, benefit, harm, and cost.CONCLUSION: The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update provides a comprehensive evaluation of AR and the currently available evidence. It is this evidence that contributes to our current knowledge base and recommendations for patient evaluation and treatment.

BACKGROUND The primary objective is to identify clinical predictors of internal carotid artery (ICA) blowout in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS Seventeen ICA blowouts, 14 external carotid artery (ECA) bleeds, and 60 controls were identified from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2020. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify features predictive of ICA blowouts. RESULTS Headache was significantly more common among ICA blowouts than ECA bleeds and controls (58.8% vs. 7.1% vs. 6.7%, p

Yue-Ying Yang,1,2,* Jing Liu,2,* Yi-Tong Liu,3,4 Hsiao-Hui Ong,2 Qian-Min Chen,2,4 Ce-Belle Chen,5 Mark Thong,6 Xinni Xu,6 Sui-Zi Zhou,3,4 Qian-Hui Qiu,3,4 De-Yun Wang2 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otolaryngology, Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; 3Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 5Centre for Ion Beam Applications, Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore; 6Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qian-Hui Qiu, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 106 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 20 83827812, Email qiuqianhui@hotmail.com De-Yun Wang, Department of Otolaryngology, Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore, Tel + 65 6772 5373/5370/5371, Fax +65 6775 3820, Email entwdy@nus.edu.sgPurpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is the mainstay treatment for head and neck cancers. However, chronic and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and inflammation have been commonly reported in patients post-RT. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Method and Materials: We used a well-established model of human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) that forms a pseudostratified layer in the air-liquid interface (ALI) and exposed it to single or repeated moderate dose γ-irradiation (1Gy). We assessed the DNA damage and evaluated the biological properties of hNECs at different time points post-RT. Further, we explored the host immunity alterations in irradiated hNECs with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid sodium salt (poly [I:C]) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS).Results: IR induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and triggered DNA damage response in hNECs. Repeated IR significantly reduced basal cell proliferation with low expression of p63/KRT5 and Ki67, induced cilia loss and inhibited mucus secretion. In addition, IR decreased ZO-1 expression and caused a significant decline in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Moreover, hyperreactive response against pathogen invasion and disrupted epithelial host defense can be observed in hNECs exposed to repeated IR.Conclusion: Our study suggests that IR induced prolonged structural and functional impairments of hNECs may contribute to patients post-RT with increased risk of developing chronic and recurrent upper respiratory tract infection and inflammation.Keywords: human nasal epithelial cells, irradiation, DNA double strand breaks, epithelial barrier, host defense

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a clinical syndrome stemming from persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. Phenotypically, it is traditionally and widely described according to the presence or absence of polyps. While this distinction is simple to use, it has little bearing on prognosis and treatment, for CRS is essentially an inflammatory disease resulting from dysregulated interaction between a multitude of host and environmental factors. Allergy is merely one of them and, like many of the proposed aetiologies, has been subject to much debate which will be discussed here. As our understanding of CRS continues to evolve, previous so-called conventional wisdom about phenotypes (e.g. CRS with nasal polyps is associated with Type 2 inflammation) is being challenged, and new phenotypes are also emerging. In addition, there is growing interest in defining the endotypes of CRS to deliver precise and personalised treatment, especially pertaining to the development of biologics for the group of severe, difficult-to-treat CRS patients. A proposed model of precision medicine tailored to management of CRS will also be introduced to readers, which can be continually modified to adapt to new discoveries about this exciting condition.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex upper airway inflammatory disease with a broad spectrum of clinical variants. As our understanding of the disease pathophysiology evolves, so too does our philosophy towards the approach and management of CRS. Endotyping is gaining favour over phenotype-based classifications, owing to its potential in prognosticating disease severity and delivering precision treatment. Endotyping is especially useful in challenging CRS with nasal polyposis cases, for whom novel treatment options such as biologicals are now available. The latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS2020) reflects these changes with updated rhinosinusitis classifications and new integrated care pathways. With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physicians and rhinologists have to balance the responsibility of managing their patients' upper airway whilst adequately protecting themselves from droplet and aerosol transmission. This review summarises the key updates from EPOS2020, endotype-based classification and biomarkers. The role of biologicals in CRS and the lessons we can draw from their use in severe asthma will be examined. Finally, the principles of CRS management during COVID-19 will also be discussed.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a clinical syndrome stemming from persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. Phenotypically, it is traditionally and widely described according to the presence or absence of polyps. While this distinction is simple to use, it has little bearing on prognosis and treatment, for CRS is essentially an inflammatory disease resulting from dysregulated interaction between a multitude of host and environmental factors. Allergy is merely one of them and, like many of the proposed aetiologies, has been subject to much debate which will be discussed here. As our understanding of CRS continues to evolve, previous so-called conventional wisdom about phenotypes (e.g. CRS with nasal polyps is associated with Type 2 inflammation) is being challenged, and new phenotypes are also emerging. In addition, there is growing interest in defining the endotypes of CRS to deliver precise and personalised treatment, especially pertaining to the development of biologics for the group of severe, difficult-to-treat CRS patients. A proposed model of precision medicine tailored to management of CRS will also be introduced to readers, which can be continually modified to adapt to new discoveries about this exciting condition.

Background: In severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin 5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibody (mAb) can reduce asthma exacerbations and oral corticosteroid (OCS) requirements, but effect on nasal polyps (NP) recurrence and need for surgery is uncertain. We aimed to study the treatment (Rx) response in SEA patients with NP (SEAwNP) and assess for predictors of suboptimal Rx response individually for the asthma and NP components. Method: We measured sputum cell counts, cytokines, autoantibodies and nasoendoscopic total polyp score (TPS) in 6 patients with SEAwNP on mepolizumab (100mcg q4weeks) over 15 months, every 3 months. Optimal Rx response to the SEA component was defined as sputum eosinophil counts ≤ 3% after 4 months of treatment and >1 of the following: a) ACT score ≥20, b) Reduction of OCS dosage by ≥50%, c) 0 exacerbation requiring an OCS burst. Rx response for NP was defined as a) reduction in TPS by ≥1, (b) no recurrence. Results: There was optimal Rx response in 3/6(50%) patients with respect to their SEA component, while only 30% for NP. The suboptimal response in SEAwNP is predicted by sputum eosinophil counts (>3%), even when asthma controlled (ACT≥20). Suboptimal response in SEA and NP is associated with rise in sputum IL-5 and IL-13 respectively; baseline levels cannot predict treatment response. IL-5 is correlated with anti-EPX antibodies (r=0.52,p=0.0026) in individual patients. However collectively, anti-EPX levels remained constant, regardless of treatment response. Conclusions: Mepolizumab has differential Rx response to the nasal polyp component in SEAwNP patients. Trends in sputum eosinophil and IL-5 and IL13 can predict suboptimal treatment response.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global struggle to cope with the sheer numbers of infected persons, many of whom require intensive care support or eventually succumb to the illness. The outbreak is managed by a combination of disease containment via public health measures and supportive care for those who are affected. To date, there is no specific anti-COVID-19 treatment. However, the urgency to identify treatments that could turn the tide has led to the emergence of several investigational drugs as potential candidates to improve outcome, especially in the severe to critically ill. While many of these adjunctive drugs are being investigated in clinical trials, professional bodies have attempted to clarify the setting where the use of these drugs may be considered as off-label or compassionate use. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of investigational adjunctive treatments used in COVID-19 patients as well as the recommendations of their use from guidelines issued by international and national organizations in healthcare.

Objectives/hypothesis To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of the pericranial flap, changes in the pericranial flap thickness over time, presence of frontal sinus opacification, and presence of frontal lobe herniation into the nasal cavity. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Seventeen consecutive endoscopic craniofacial resections with pericranial flap reconstruction performed at a tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Sixty-eight serial MRI scans were evaluated. Results All pericranial flaps consistently featured a homogenous appearance on T1-weighted sequence and enhanced with contrast. On T2-weighted sequence, the skull base reconstruction demonstrated four layers of alternating hypo- and hyperintensity, which corresponded with the inlay synthetic graft or neodura (hypointense), loose areolar tissue (hyperintense), fibrous pericranium (hypointense), and nasal mucosa or granulation tissue (hyperintense). The mean pericranial flap thickness was 9.9 mm. In thicker flaps, the loose areolar layer contributed the bulk of the thickness. Of 13 patients who underwent three or more serial MRI scans, 11 flaps (84.6%) were stable and two (15.4%) had >50% reduction in their original thickness over time. Thirteen of 17 (76.5%) patients had frontal sinus opacification on follow-up. None developed frontal sinus mucoceles or frontal lobe herniation. Conclusions The pericranial flap has a distinctive MRI appearance, especially on T2-weighted sequence. The thickness of the flap remains relatively stable over time for most patients even following radiotherapy. It is a sturdy flap that is able to support the frontal lobe. Frontal sinus obstruction is common, although complications from this appear to be rare. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E90-E97, 2021.

Rank probability analysis of FEV1% with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 177 kb)

Rank probability analysis of TG with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 177 kb)

Rank probability analysis of 6MW with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 176 kb)

Rank probability analysis of IL-6 with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 177 kb)

Background The objectives of this study are to describe the levator veli palatini (LVP) as a landmark for the parapharyngeal internal carotid artery (pICA) and the endoscopic course of the pICA. Methods Cadaver dissection and illustrative case study. Results Seven cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected. In all 12 sides, the LVP was consistently located between the Eustachian tube and the pICA near the skull base, making the LVP just anterior to and the closest structure to the pICA. The distance between the pICA and the nares ranged from 9.0 to 12.7 cm. The distance between the pICA and the midpoint of the nasopharynx ranged from 1.9 to 3.7 cm. The case study illustrated the applicability of these findings. Conclusion The LVP is a reliable and precise landmark for the pICA. A safe working distance to the pICA is 1.9 cm from the midpoint of the nasopharynx and 9.0 cm from the nares.

Nodular fasciitis is a benign tumour arising from the proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. A relatively rare occurrence in the head and neck, we present a case of nodular fasciitis located over the left zygoma of a patient. To expound on this, a review of literature was performed on cases of nodular fasciitis that have been previously reported. The objective of this study was to review the incidence, average demographic, characteristics and the outcome of management of patients with nodular fasciitis in the head and neck. We found a total of 46 cases of nodular fasciitis in the head and neck. The average size of the lesion was 2.16 cm. Majority of the head and neck nodular fasciitis (63.0 %) was located in the oral cavity, 28.3 % was on the facial region and the remaining 8.7 % was located on the neck. Of the 13 lesions present on the face, most of them were located over the midface (zygoma, parotid or cheek), with only three cases present on the mentum and none over the forehead. The incidence of associated trauma is 18.5 %. Nodular fasciitis in the head and neck region have been well documented in literature and should be considered as a differential for lesions in the head and neck region. With proper work-up and approach, this benign condition can be managed appropriately with good overall prognosis and minimal morbidity. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Rank probability analysis of TNF-α with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 272 kb)

Rank probability analysis of TC with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 177 kb)

Rank probability analysis of FEV1% with using statins in COPD patients. (PDF 177 kb)

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of long-term treatment of statins for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to answer which one is better. Methods General meta-analysis was performed to produce polled estimates of the effect of mortality, inflammatory factors, and lung function index in COPD patients by the search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for eligible studies. A network meta-analysis was performed to synthetically compare the effectiveness of using different statins in COPD patients. Results General meta-analysis showed that using statins reduced the risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease-related mortality and COPD acute exacerbation (AECOPD) in COPD patients, the RR (95% CI) were 0.72 (0.63,0.84), 0.72 (0.53,0.98) and 0.84 (0.79,0.89), respectively. And using statins reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD patients, the SMD (95% CI) were − 0.62 (− 0.52,-0.72) and − 0.71 (− 0.85,-0.57), respectively. Network meta-analysis showed that Fluvastatin (97.7%), Atorvastatin (68.0%) and Rosuvastatin (49.3%) had higher cumulative probability than other statins in reducing CRP in COPD patients. Fluvastatin (76.0%) and Atorvastatin (75.4%) had higher cumulative probability than other satins in reducing PH in COPD patients. Conclusions Using statins can reduce the risk of mortality, the level of CRP and PH in COPD patients. In addition, Fluvastatin and Atorvastatin are more effective in reducing CRP and PH in COPD patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-019-0984-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nasopharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare entity, for which surgical resection is the treatment of choice. The open technique is considered the standard approach, but this often results in significant morbidities such as trismus, dysphagia, and neurologic deficits. The advent of endoscopic endonasal techniques has made endoscopic resection a viable alternative to the open approach in terms of access, adequacy of resection, and lesser surgical morbidity. The authors describe a patient of recurrent nasopharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma that was resected entirely endoscopically. The authors also present a literature review of this little-known disease and a comparison between the endoscopic and open approach.

In view of the shortcomings such as the short control distance of the traditional air conditioner remote controller on the market nowadays and combining with the current smart home new mode “Cloud+ Terminal” mode, a smart home system based on internet is designed and designed to be fully applied to the simple and reliable features of the LPC1114 chip. The controller is added with temperature control module, timing module and other modules. Through the actual test, it achieved remote control air conditioning, with reliability and stability and brought great convenience to people’s lives.

The pericranial flap is a well-vascularized, robust flap that is used to reconstruct anterior skull base defects following resection of skull base tumors. Failure of this flap is uncommon. However when it occurs, the consequences are potentially disastrous and it poses a challenge to further reconstruction. The authors report the first patient of onlay pericranial flap breakdown following endoscopic craniofacial resection. Possible contributing factors are identified and further management is discussed. With the endoscopic approach being increasingly utilized for craniofacial resection, it is imperative to be mindful of these factors to minimize the risks of onlay pericranial flap failure.