Nasal Microbiome in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Compared to Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Rhinosinusitis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is categorised as a secondary, diffuse and inflammatory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is one of the conditions that impacts the nasal microbiota. This study aimed to compare the nasal microbiomes of patients with GPA, CRS and NSP. A total of 31 patients were included in the study (18 GPA, 6 CRS and 7 nasal septum perforation (NSP)). In all patients, SNOT 22, a nasal endoscopy (Lund-Kennedy scale) and a brush swab were performed. The metagenomic analysis was carried out based on the hypervariable V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. At the genus level, statistically significant differences were observed in two comparisons: the GPA/NSP and the GPA/CRS groups. In the GPA/NSP group, the differences were related to four genera (Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Paracoccus), while in the GPA/CRS group, they were related to six (Kocuria, Rothia, Cutibacterium, Streptococcus, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Tepidimonas). Patients with GPA had lower diversity compared to CRS and NSP patients. There were no statistically significant differences found for the Staphylococcus family and Staphylococcus aureus between the three groups.

Clinical characteristics of acute rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 a post hoc analysis of a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common and well-defined disorder, primarily of viral aetiology, with rhinovirus and coronavirus accounting for more than 50% of viral ARS. The fight with COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased availability viral testing, which in turn allowed testing for presence of SARS-Cov-2 in all patients presenting common cold (or ARS) symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of acute rhinosinusitis in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: This study is a post-hoc analysis. Patients symptoms were evaluated using a structured questionnaire twice: directly after a positive SARS-Cov-2 result and 7-12 days following the first evaluation. Subjects were asked about presence of nasal and systemic symptoms as well as headache. RESULTS: A total of 130 COVID-19 symptomatic patients were recruited into the study, 58 (45%) patients met EPOS2020 diagnostic criteria for ARS. Of all ARS patients, 72% presented with rhinorrhoea, 69% with pain perceived over paranasal sinuses, 62% with nasal congestion, 52% with cough, 45% with olfactory dysfunction, 38% with fever, 33% with facial pressure and in 22% pain was exacerbated by sinus palpation. CONCLUSIONS: Half of COVID-19 subjects has ARS. The course of SARS-Cov-2 ARS does not seem to differ significantly from ARS of other aetiologies. Since ARS in the course of COVID-19 seems to meet the definition of ARS proposed by EPOS 2020, we hypothesize that substances validated for ARS treatment, such as intranasal corticosteroids could be effective in SARS-Cov-2 ARS.

Short lingual frenulum and head-forward posture in children with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that a short lingual frenulum is a potential risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. A short frenulum leads to abnormal orofacial development and may consequently contribute to sleep-disordered breathing by narrowing the upper airways and increasing the risk of upper-airway collapsibility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a short lingual frenulum on the risk of OSAS in children. METHODS: Children from pre-, primary, secondary, and high school, aged 3-17 years, were included in the study. Parents/guardians were asked to fill in the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and then, children at risk of OSAS were enrolled in the study group. A control group was established randomly from patients with negative PSQ results. A physical examination, including measurements of head-forward posture (HFP) and length of the free tongue, inter-incisor distance and subjective high-arched palate evaluation was performed in children from both groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,500 PSQ questionnaires were distributed, and less than half (713) were returned correctly filled in. In the second part of the study, 135 children were evaluated: 67 in the study group and 68 in the control group. The mean ages were 9.4 ± 3.0 and 9.5 ± 3.1 years, respectively. Children in the study group had significantly shorter lingual frenula, higher HFP measures, and had a higher prevalence of a high-arched palate. Based on statistical analysis, a short lingual frenulum (OR 5.02 [1.58-15.94]). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified a relationship between a short lingual frenulum and the risk of OSAS in children. Detecting and addressing ankyloglossia in children is necessary before it leads to orofacial changes, malocclusion, and consequently, sleep apnea. Furthermore, OSAS was associated with higher HFP, but no relationship was found between the two parameters.