Key nasal symptoms predicting a positive skin test in allergic rhinitis and patient characteristics according to ARIA classification.

OBJECTIVE: To find predicting symptom(s) in patients with a positive skin test, and identify patient characteristics according to ARIA classification. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four hundred and thirty four rhinologic patients were retrospectively studied. Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, and smell dysfunction were assessed. Patients were also classified according to the ARIA guideline. RESULTS: Of 434 patients, 277 (63.8%) were skin prick test positive. There was no statistical difference in sex, but the mean age of the positive skin test group was lower than that in the negative group (p < 0.05). Intermittent or persistent symptoms and total symptom score were not significantly different. Severe nasal itching was more common in the positive group (p = 0.04). The impact of symptoms was similar between the two groups, except for self-reported comorbidity, which was higher in the negative group (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: There were no predicting symptoms and no difference in the symptom characteristics for the patients with positive skin test.

Comparison on the efficacy of dexpanthenol in sea water and saline in postoperative endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol spray and saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred twenty eight sinusitis patients undergoing ESS were randomly allocated to receive dexpanthenol spray (Mar plus) or saline irrigation twice a day for 4 weeks after the operation. Total nasal symptom score, crusting, infection, compliance, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 1, 2-3, 4-6, and 12 weeks. Mucociliary clearance was assessed with the saccharin test before ESS and at the last visit. One hundred ten patients remained at the present study termination. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed. RESULTS: Total nasal symptom score, mucociliary clearance, and infection improved in both groups after the operation. The dexpanthenol group resulted in a better mucociliary clearance than saline irrigation (9.93 +/- 6.04 vs. 12.38 +/- 9.32 min, p = 0.43). Saline irrigation resulted in a greater reduction of post nasal drip than dexpanthenol at the first visit (74% vs. 87%, p = 0.04). Compliance and patient satisfaction were comparable. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of dexpanthenol was comparable to nasal saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery. Dexpanthenol is an alternative treatment, which may be useful in young children and complicated cases.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, a rare infection, is a life threatening disease. Delay in diagnosis may consequently lead to high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: Encourage early detection and proper management of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records, radiological, and pathological reports of five patients who were diagnosed as invasive fungal rhinosinusitis were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Four in five cases of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, confirmed by pathological study, had successful treatment. One patient had intracerebral hemorrhage that may be associated with the disease spreading. Disease extension was evaluated by CT paranasal sinus in all cases, but it usually did not have classic bony erosion. CONCLUSION: Curing infection, correcting underlying conditions, and working up fungal infection should be carried out as early as possible, because morbidity and mortality depend on disease extension and host status.

Epistaxis in Chiang Mai University Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Epistaxis is a common otolaryngologic emergency, and can be severe or even fatal. The causes can be from local or systemic illnesses. The aim of this study was to review and analyze the general and specific data causes, management and results of epistaxis in patients admitted in Chiang Mai University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study by reviewing charts of new epistaxis inpatients, admitted to Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 2001 and July 2004, was done. RESULTS: From 55 cases reviewed, 41 were males (74.5%) and 14 females (25.5%). The mean age was 46.98 +/- 17 years (12-87 years). The peak of prevalence was between January and April. The average length of hospital stay was 6.2 +/- 3.8 days, (1-17 days). The most common cause of epistaxis was hypertension (32.72%) followed by tumor, local trauma and coagulopathy, subsequently. About 18 per cent of the patients had more than one cause of the illness. According to the bleeding site, 33 patients (60%) had anterior bleeding, 14 (25.45%) had posterior bleeding, and the rest had non-identifiable bleeding sites. There were 5 abnormalities from 52 patients (9.6%) tested for clotting profile. A bout one third of the patients received more than one type of procedure, while 2 patients (3.6%) treated by a local hospital before being transfered, were observed with successful outcome. CONCLUSION: The most common and preventable causes of epistaxis in this review are hypertension and facial and paranasal sinus injuries. The other common curable cause is tumor Otolaryngologists and general physicians should find out the causes and know characteristics of the patients and diseases, especially in their own area of practice in order to be able to perform optimal management.