Montelukast Has no Impact on the Systemic Production of TGFβ-1 in Patients with Nasal Polyposis Associated with Aspirin Intolerance

Abstract Introduction Nasal polyposis is a disease characterized by a mechanical dysfunction of the nasal mucosa, closely related to the unique makeup of its extracellular matrix, which develops as the result of an anomalous tissue remodeling process. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is reduced not only in the nasal polypoid tissue, but also in the plasma of aspirin-intolerant patients. These patients exhibit an imbalance in the production of eicosanoids characterized by an increase in leukotrienes. Thus, it is important that the relationship between the production of leukotrienes and TGF-β1 be assessed. Objective To evaluate the effects of the cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptor antagonist montelukast on the systemic production of TGF-β1 in patients with nasal polyposis, with or without concomitant aspirin intolerance. Methods The sample comprised 48 individuals with diagnosis of nasal polyposis and 15 healthy controls for comparison of the baseline TGF-β1 levels in the peripheral blood and after treatment with CysLT receptor antagonist montelukast in the nasal-polyposis group. Results There was no difference in the change in TGF-β1 levels after the treatment with montelukast in the subgroup of patients with polyposis and asthma (p = 0.82) and in the subgroup with polyposis, asthma, and aspirin intolerance (p = 0.51). Conclusion we found no impact of the therapy with a leukotriene receptor blocker on the production of TGF-β1, making the antileukotriene therapy a highly questionable choice for the treatment of nasal polyposis, particularly from the standpoint of seeking to modify the remodeling process in this disease.

Expanding the limits of endoscopic intraorbital tumor resection using 3-dimensional reconstruction / Expandindo os limites da ressecção endoscópica de tumor intraorbital utilizando reconstrução tridimensional

Abstract Introduction: Endoscopic orbital surgery is a nascent field and new tools are required to assist with surgical planning and to ascertain the limits of the tumor resectability. Objective: We purpose to utilize three-dimensional radiographic reconstruction to define the theoretical lateral limit of endoscopic resectability of primary orbital tumors and to apply these boundary conditions to surgical cases. Methods: A three-dimensional orbital model was rendered in 4 representative patients presenting with primary orbital tumors using OsiriX open source imaging software. A 2-Dimensional plane was propagated between the contralateral nare and a line tangential to the long axis of the optic nerve reflecting the trajectory of a trans-septal approach. Any tumor volume falling medial to the optic nerve and/or within the space inferior to this plane of resectability was considered theoretically resectable regardless of how far it extended lateral to the optic nerve as nerve retraction would be unnecessary. Actual tumor volumes were then superimposed over this plan and correlated with surgical outcomes. Results: Among the 4 lesions analyzed, two were fully medial to the optic nerve, one extended lateral to the optic nerve but remained inferior to the plane of resectability, and one extended both lateral to the optic nerve and superior to the plane of resectability. As predicted by the three-dimensional modeling, a complete resection was achieved in all lesions except one that transgressed the plane of resectability. No new diplopia or vision loss was observed in any patient. Conclusion: Three-dimensional reconstruction enhances preoperative planning for endoscopic orbital surgery. Tumors that extend lateral to the optic nerve may still be candidates for a purely endoscopic resection as long as they do not extend above the plane of resectability described herein.

Resumo Introdução: A cirurgia orbital endoscópica é um campo emergente e são necessárias novas ferramentas para auxiliar no planejamento cirúrgico e determinar os limites da ressecabilidade tumoral. Objetivo: Usar a reconstrução radiográfica tridimensional para definir o limite lateral teórico de ressecabilidade endoscópica de tumores orbitais primários e aplicar essas condições de limites a casos cirúrgicos. Método: Um modelo orbital tridimensional foi aplicado a quatro pacientes representativos com tumores orbitais primários utilizando o software de imagem de fonte aberta OsiriX. Um plano bidimensional foi propagado entre a narina contralateral e uma linha tangencial ao eixo longo do nervo óptico que reflete a trajetória de uma abordagem transeptal. Qualquer volume de tumor situado medialmente ao nervo óptico e/ou dentro do espaço inferior a esse plano de ressecabilidade foi teoricamente considerado ressecável, independentemente de quão longe ele se estendia até o nervo óptico, pois a retração do nervo seria desnecessária. Os volumes reais do tumor foram então sobrepostos sobre esse plano e correlacionados com os resultados cirúrgicos. Resultados: Entre as quatro lesões analisadas, duas eram totalmente mediais ao nervo óptico, uma se estendia lateralmente ao nervo óptico, mas permaneceu inferior ao plano de ressecabilidade, e uma se estendia lateralmente ao nervo óptico e superior ao plano de ressecabilidade. Conforme previsto pelo modelo tridimensional, uma ressecção completa foi obtida em todas as lesões, exceto uma, que transgrediu o plano de ressecabilidade. Nenhuma nova diplopia ou perda de visão foi observada em qualquer paciente. Conclusão: A reconstrução tridimensional melhora o planejamento pré-operatório para a cirurgia orbital endoscópica. Os tumores que se estendem lateralmente ao nervo óptico podem ainda ser candidatos à ressecção puramente endoscópica, desde que não se estendam além do plano de ressecabilidade aqui descrito.

Nasal polyposis: more than a chronic inflammatory disorder-a disease of mechanical dysfunction - the São paulo position

Introduction: The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence ofmechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective: To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data: Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion: The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP (AU)

What is the impact of positive airway pressure in nasal polyposis? An experimental study

Introduction: It has been hypothesized that increasing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure within the sinonasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) might decrease the size of nasal polyps. Objective: To evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in patients with NP and in control subjects. Methods: Twelve patients with NP and 27 healthy subjects were exposed to CPAP (20 cm H2O) for 2 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal endoscopy (NE-Meltzer polyp grading system) were performed before and after the intervention, for all patients. Results: The control group showed a significant worsening in nasal obstruction symptoms, as measured by VAS and NOSE (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in nasal patency, as measured by the PNIF and AR (p < 0.01). For the NP group, VAS, NOSE, and AR did not differ significantly (p = 0.72, p = 0.73, and p = 0.17, respectively), but PNIF values worsened (p = 0.04) after exposure to CPAP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the nasal polyps' size (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Positive pressure worsened the nasal obstruction symptoms and decreased objective parameters of nasal patency in control subjects. In patients with NP, exposure to CPAP reduced the nasal polyps' size, and the nasal patency, asmeasured by PNIF. However, it had no significant effects in AR and in nasal obstruction symptoms (AU)

Fibrotic Tissue and Middle Turbinate Exhibit Similar Mechanical Properties. Is Fibrosis a Solution in Nasal Polyposis?

Abstract Introduction Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the upper airway characterized by overgrowth of nasal mucosa. Recent studies have shown a mechanical dysfunction in the nasal polyp tissue. Objective This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of nasal fibrotic tissue. Method This study was an institutional review board approved translational study in 20 participants (8 patients with NP, 7 patients with nasal synechiae, and 5 subjects without sinus disease (control group). We used Controlled Disc Stimulation equipment to compare the curve Pressure/Volume created during the saline solution infusion. Results The increase of pressure in response to solution injection was lower in the nasal polyp group when compared with control middle turbinate group and fibrotic group. No significant difference was found in the pressure response during solution injection between fibrotic group and control middle turbinate group. Inferior turbinate group showed significant difference when compared with control middle turbinate group. Conclusion Themechanical dysfunction found in the nasal mucosa of patients with NP provides new insight into this condition. These data allow the belief that the fibrosis has a potential role in increasing interstitial hydrostatic pressure and, consequently, mitigating edema formation in NP.

Orofacial-cervical alterations in individuals with upper airway resistance syndrome / Alteração cérvico-orofacial em indivíduos com síndrome da resistência de via aérea superior

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Studies that assess the upper airways in sleep-related breathing disorders have been performed only in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who seek medical attention. Therefore, in addition to the need for population studies, there are no data on the orofacial-cervical physical examination in subjects with upper airway resistance syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To compare the orofacial-cervical examination between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and without sleep-related breathing disorders. METHODS: Through questionnaires, physical measurements, polysomnography, and otorhinolaryngological evaluation, this study compared the orofacial-cervical physical examination, through a systematic analysis of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders in a representative sample of the adult population of the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: There were 1042 volunteers evaluated; 49 subjects (5%) were excluded as they did not undergo otorhinolaryngological evaluation, 381 (36%) had apnea-hypopnea index > 5 events/hour, and 131 (13%) had oxyhemoglobin saturation < 90%. Among the remaining 481 subjects (46%), 30 (3%) met the criteria for the upper airway resistance syndrome definition and 53 (5%) met the control group criteria. At the clinical evaluation of nasal symptoms, the upper airway resistance syndrome group had more oropharyngeal dryness (17% vs. 29.6%; p = 0.025) and septal deviation grades 1-3 (49.1% vs. 57.7%; p = 0.025) when compared to controls. In the logistic regression model, it was found that individuals from the upper airway resistance syndrome group had 15.6-fold higher chance of having nose alterations, 11.2-fold higher chance of being hypertensive, and 7.6-fold higher chance of complaining of oropharyngeal dryness when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Systematic evaluation of the facial skeleton, mouth, throat, and nose, between volunteers with upper airway resistance syndrome and volunteers without sleep-related breathing disorders, showed that the presence of upper airway resistance syndrome is mainly associated with nasal alterations and oropharyngeal dryness, in addition to the risk of hypertension, regardless of gender and obesity.

Resumo Introdução: Estudos que avaliam a via aérea superior (VAS) nos distúrbios respiratórios relacionados ao sono (DRRS) foram realizadas somente em pacientes com Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) que procuram o atendimento médico. Portanto, além da necessidade de estudos populacionais, não há dados sobre o exame físico cérvico-orofacial em indivíduos com Síndrome de Resistência das Vias Aéreas Superiores (SRVAS). Objetivos: Comparar o exame cérvico orofacial entre voluntário com SRVAS e sem DRRS. Método: Através de questionários, medidas físicas, polissonografia e avaliação otorrino-laringológica comparou-se o exame físico cérvico orofacial, através de uma análise sistemática do esqueleto facial, boca, faringe e nariz, entre voluntários com SRVAS e voluntários sem DRRS em uma amostra representativa da população adulta da cidade de São Paulo. Resultados: Avaliamos 1042 voluntários. Foram excluídos: 49 indivíduos (5%) que não realizaram avaliação otorrinolaringológica; 381 (36%) apresentaram índice de apneia e hipopnéia (IAH) > 5 eventos/hora e 131 (13%) apresentaram saturação da oxihemoglobina < 90%. Entre os 481 voluntários restantes (46%), 30 (3%) preenchiam os critérios estabelecidos para a definição de SRVAS e 53 (5%) que preenchiam os critérios do grupo controle. Na avaliação clínica dos sintomas nasais, o grupo SRVAS apresentou mais ressecamento orofaríngeo (17% vs. 29,6%; p = 0,025), desvio septal grau 1 a 3 (49,1% vs. 57,7%; p = 0,025), comparado ao controle. No modelo de regressão logística observamos que indivíduos do grupo SRVAS apresentaram uma razão de chance 15,6 vezes maior de apresentarem nariz alterado; 11,2 vezes maior de serem hipertensos e 7,6 vezes maior de se queixarem de ressecamento orofaríngeo quando comparados ao grupo controle. Conclusão: A avaliação sistemática do esqueleto facial, boca, faringe e nariz, entre voluntários com SRVAS e voluntários sem DRRS, mostrou que a presença de SRVAS está principalmente associada à alterações nasais e ressecamento orofaríngeo, além do risco de hipertensão arterial, independentemente do gênero e obesidade.

Rhinitis and pregnancy: literature review / Rinite na gestação: revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: There is a controversy concerning the terminology and definition of rhinitis in pregnancy. Gestational rhinitis is a relatively common condition, which has drawn increasing interest in recent years due to a possible association with maternal obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and unfavorable fetal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To review the current knowledge on gestacional rhinitis, and to assess its evidence. METHODS: Structured literature search. RESULTS: Gestational rhinitis and rhinitis "during pregnancy" are somewhat similar conditions regarding their physiopathology and treatment, but differ regarding definition and prognosis. Hormonal changes have a presumed etiological role, but knowledge about the physiopathology of gestational rhinitis is still lacking. Management of rhinitis during pregnancy focuses on the minimal intervention required for symptom relief. CONCLUSION: As it has a great impact on maternal quality of life, both the otorhinolaryngologist and the obstetrician must be careful concerning the early diagnosis and treatment of gestational rhinitis, considering the safety of treatment measures and drugs and their current level of evidence.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Há grande confusão quanto à terminologia e definição da rinite na gestação. A rinite gestacional é uma condição relativamente comum que vem ganhando importância nos últimos anos pela descoberta de sua associação com a SAOS materna e possíveis desfechos desfavoráveis ao feto. Há pouca evidência na literatura nacional sobre o tema. OBJETIVO: Revisar o conhecimento científico atual sobre a rinite na gestação e suas evidências disponíveis. MÉTODO: Revisão de literatura estruturada. RESULTADOS: A rinite gestacional e a rinite "durante a gestação" são condições com alguns pontos de fisiopatologia e tratamento semelhantes, mas com definições e prognósticos diferentes. O papel dos hormônios nessas condições vem sendo sugerido por muitos trabalhos, mas o conhecimento sobre a fisiopatogenia da rinite gestacional ainda é escasso. O manejo da rinite na gestação requer o mínimo de intervenção com o maior alívio sintomático possível. CONCLUSÃO: Dado o grande impacto na qualidade de vida da gestante, tanto o otorrinolaringologista quanto o obstetra devem estar atentos para o diagnóstico precoce e manejo desta entidade, considerando o perfil de segurança e o nível de evidência das medidas e medicamentos disponíveis atualmente.

Disturbios da olfacao: estudo retrospectivo / Olfaction disorders: retrospective study

Introdução: O olfato, fenômeno subjetivo de grande importância, é pouco compreendido e estudado no ser humano. Médicos com maior conhecimento sobre os distúrbios desse sentido tendem a considerar a doença mais importante e manejar melhor o diagnóstico e o tratamento. Objetivo: Descrever a amostra dos pacientes com queixa principal de distúrbios do olfato e mostrar a experiência do serviço no manejo e tratamento. Delineamento: Estudo retrospectivo de coorte histórica com corte transversal. Materiais e métodos: Descrição da amostra e avaliação de resposta ao tratamento de pacientes com queixa principal de hiposmia ou anosmia atendidos no ambulatório de Rinologia no período de janeiro de 2005 a outubro de 2011. Resultados: Dos 38 pacientes com distúrbio da olfação, 68,4% dos pacientes apresentaram queixa de hiposmia e 31,5% de anosmia, com duração média de 30,8 meses. Os diagnósticos etiológicos principais foram idiopática (31,5%), rinopatia alérgica (28,9%) e RSC com pólipos (10,5%). As respostas ao tratamento com corticosteroide tópico e ácido alfa-lipoico foram variáveis, assim como na literatura. Conclusão: Maior importância deve ser dada aos distúrbios do olfato na prática do otorrinolaringologista, uma vez que o diagnóstico diferencial é amplo e pode trazer grande morbidade ao paciente, com impacto na sua qualidade de vida. .

Introduction: The smell, subjective phenomenon of great importance, is poorly understood and studied in humans. Physicians with more knowledge about smell disorders tend to consider the phenomenon important and to better manage the diagnosis and its treatment. Aims: First to describe a sample of patients presenting with main complaint of disturbances of smell. And second, to show our experience on management and treatment of this disease. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study. Materials and methods: Sample description and assessment of treatment response in patients with main complaint of hyposmia or anosmia from January 2005 to October 2011. Results: From 38 patients presented with main complaint of an olfactory disorder, 68.4% of the patients were presented with hyposmia and 31,5% with anosmia, with a mean duration of 30.8 months. The main etiologic diagnoses were idiopathic (31.5%), rhinitis (28.9%) and CRS with polyps (10.5%). Responses to treatment with topical steroids and alpha-lipoic acid were variable, as well as in the literature. Conclusion: Greater importance should be given to disorders of smell in practice of otolaryngologists, since its large differential diagnosis and the fact that could increase morbidity to patients, impacting on their quality of life. .

A evolução da cirurgia endoscópica no tratamento do papiloma invertido / Evolution of endoscopic surgery in the treatment of inverted papilloma

O papiloma invertido (PI) apresenta diversos tipos de tratamento cirúrgico. A abordagem endoscópica exclusiva tem se mostrado na última década como boa opção em relação à abordagem externa. OBJETIVO: Descrever a amostra dos pacientes com diagnóstico de papiloma invertido, mostrar a experiência do serviço no manejo do tumor e comparar os dados com os da literatura. Forma do Estudo: Estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de 17 pacientes operados em um serviço de Rinologia entre 2005 e 2011. Foram avaliados perfil epidemiológico, estadiamento de Krouse, via de acesso cirúrgico, malignização e recorrência pós-operatória e a correlação entre recidivas e estadiamento pré-operatório, via de acesso cirúrgico e malignização. RESULTADOS: Cinco (29,41%) dos pacientes foram classificados como estádio T2 de Krouse, nove (52,94%) como T3 e três (17,65%) como T4. Três (17,65%) pacientes apresentaram malignização e quatro (23,5%) recidiva. Onze pacientes (64,70%) foram submetidos à via endoscópica exclusiva, três (17,6%)à via combinada e três (17,6%) à via aberta. CONCLUSÃO: O acesso endoscópico exclusivo atualmente é um método não só eficaz como também seguro para o tratamento dos estádios mais avançados do PI.

Inverted papilloma (IP) has several treatment avenues. The endoscopic approach in the last decade has proven to be a good option over the traditional approach. OBJECTIVE: Describe the epidemiological profile of patients with inverted Papilloma, describe our experience on managing this tumor and compare our data with the literature. Study Design: Cross-sectional, historical cohort. METHOD: Retrospective study of medical records of 17 patients treated for histopathologicallyconfirmed inverted papilloma between 2005 and 2011. We assessed patients age, gender, tumor side, symptoms, diagnosis, comorbidities and habits, Krouse staging, surgical approach, intraoperative and postoperative, and malignant postoperative recurrence and also the correlation between recurrence with preoperative staging, the surgical approach used, and the presence of malignancy. RESULTS: Five (29.41%) patients were classified as Krouse stage T2, 9 (52.94%) as T3 and 3 (17.65%) as T4. Three (17.65%) patients had malignancy and the recurrence rate was 23.5% (4 pacients). Eleven patients (64.70%) underwent endoscopic approach, 3 (17.6%) the combined aprroach (endoscopic assisted) and 3 (17.6%) external approach. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach is currently becoming a method not only effective but also safe for the treatment of more advanced stages of IP.