Quality of life after FESS among patients with nasal polyps using the NOSE questionnaire translated in Filipino (NOSE-Ph)

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To evaluate the quality of life before, and after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) among patients with nasal obstruction due to nasal polyposis using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire translated in Filipino (NOSE-Ph) in a tertiary government hospital in Metro Manila.</p> <p><strong>METHODS:</strong></p> <p><strong>Design:</strong>Cross-Sectional QOL Study</p> <p><strong>Setting:</strong>Tertiary Government Hospital</p> <p><strong>Participants:</strong>  40 patients with nasal polyposis who underwent FESS from April 2014 to June 2015 were included in the study. Patients who underwent FESS due to other nasal tumors other than nasal polyp were excluded. The subjects answered the previously-validated NOSE-Ph questionnaire pre- and post-operatively and the scores were gathered and analyzed.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS:</strong>Based on the pre and post-operative scores, there was a statistically significant improvement in all 5 parameters (1. nasal congestion, 2. nasal obstruction, 3. trouble breathing, 4.  trouble sleeping, and 5. inability to get enough air through the nose during exercise).</p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong>There was a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life of patients who underwent FESS based on the pre and post-operative scores using the NOSE-Ph questionnaire translated in Filipino.  </p>

Vocal cord paralysis and dysphagia as sequelae of Gradenigo syndrome

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> To present a case of vocal cord paralysis and dysphagia developing in Gradenigo syndrome and to discuss its clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach. <strong><br /><br />METHODS:<br />Design:</strong> Case Report<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Government Hospital<br /><strong>Patient:</strong> One<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A 54-year-old lady was admitted with a six-month history of left-sided otorrhea, cheek and jaw pain, three months otalgia, and recent-onset hoarseness, dysphagia and diplopia on a background of mastoidectomy at age six. Otoscopy revealed granulation tissue and chlolesteatoma occupying the left external auditory canal. There was left vocal cord paralysis with pooling of saliva in the pyriform sinus, left lateral gaze paralysis and left facial nerve paralysis. CT scan revealed sclerosis of the left petrous apex and leptomeningeal enhancement on the left temporal lobe. Chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma and Gradenigo syndrome was diagnosed, and canal wall down mastoidectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the otalgia and pain over the left jaw diminished in intensity while hoarseness and left lateral gaze palsy remained.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Gradenigo syndrome is known for its triad of retro-orbital pain, lateral gaze paralysis, and chronic middle ear infection due to petrous apicitis. Although rare, vocal cord paralysis and dysphagia may develop when infection traverses and encroaches on the jugular foramen where cranial nerves IX, X, and XI are lodged. Knowledge of the syndrome should not be limited or confined to the classic triad. Practicing ear specialists should be vigilant and cognizant of the clinical manifestations and sequelae of chronic middle ear infection. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial while resolution of the disease may vary for different individuals.</p>