Perinatal Risk Factors for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the associations between birth-related exposures, postnatal factors, and the risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children and adolescents. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of five literature databases up to May 2023. To quantify the associations of birth-related exposures (birth weight, delivery mode, prematurity, sex, maternal age, and parental allergy history) and postnatal factors (birth order, number of siblings, breastfeeding exclusivity, and breastfeeding duration) with allergic disease, we calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We conducted subgroup analyses for allergic disease type, birth order, number of siblings, and parental allergy history. The methodological quality of the identified studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 31 studies, encompassing 218,899 patients in total. The birth-related exposures of low birth weight, maternal age, and prematurity (less than 37 weeks gestation) were not significantly associated with the risk of asthma or allergic rhinitis during childhood or adolescence. Male sex, family history of allergy, and cesarean delivery were linked to an elevated risk of asthma or allergic rhinitis. Among postnatal factors, exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding for longer than 6 months, second or later birth order, and having siblings exhibited protective effects against allergic diseases in offspring. CONCLUSION: The risks of allergic rhinitis and asthma were elevated in male patients, those delivered by cesarean section, and those with a family history of allergy. Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding for longer than 6 months, and having siblings corresponded to a reduced risk of respiratory allergic diseases.

Predictive Value of Nasal Nitric Oxide for Diagnosing Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to assess disparities in nasal nitric oxide (NO) levels between individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and those without ECRS. The second aim was to ascertain the comparative predictive efficacy of these nasal NO levels for the presence of ECRS. METHODS: A systematic analysis was conducted on relevant studies that compared nasal NO levels in individuals with ECRS and those without. Furthermore, the discriminatory capacity of nasal NO in distinguishing ECRS from non-ECRS cohorts was quantified. The risk of bias across studies was evaluated utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: The comprehensive review encompassed a total of 5 studies involving 470 participants. Findings revealed that patients diagnosed with ECRS exhibited significantly higher levels of nasal NO, as measured in parts per billion (ppb), compared to their non-ECRS patients. The mean difference was 130.03 ppb (95% confidence interval: [66.30, 193.75], I2 = 58.7%). The diagnostic odds ratio for nasal NO in identifying ECRS was 9.29 ([5.85, 14.75], I2 = 26.4%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82. The correlation between sensitivity and false positive rate was 0.53, suggesting a lack of heterogeneity. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 69% ([0.55, 0.79], I2 = 77.0%), 83% ([0.73, 0.90], I2 = 68.5%), 77% ([0.69, 0.83], I2 = 50.1%), and 75% ([0.67, 0.82], I2 = 41.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Nasal NO has the potential as a noninvasive diagnostic measure and endotype tool for ECRS.

Effects of glossopharyngeal nerve block on pain control after tonsillectomy: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the role of perioperative intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block to minimize postoperative pain in patients undergoing tonsillectomy through a meta-analysis of the relevant literature. METHODS: We retrieved eight studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2023. We compared perioperative glossopharyngeal nerve block with a control group, in order to examine postoperative pain, analgesic use, and other postoperative morbidities. RESULTS: Postoperative pain was significantly reduced at 1-4 h (SMD -1.26, 95% CI [-2.35; -0.17], I2 = 94.7%, P = 0.02) and 5-8 hours (SMD -1.40, 95% CI [-2.47; -0.34], I2 = 96.1%, p = 0.01) in the treatment groups compared to the control group. However, glossopharyngeal nerve block showed no efficacy in reducing pain or use of analgesic drugs after 12 h compared to the control group. The incidences of postoperative bleeding (OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.35; 2.52], I2 = 0.0%), local agent toxicity (OR 4.14, 95% CI [0.44; 38.63], I2 = 0.0%), nasal problems (OR 1.25, 95% CI [0.60; 2.61], I2 = 0.0%), postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR 1.35, 95% CI [0.78; 2.33], I2 = 0.0%), swallowing difficulty (OR 1.61, 95% CI [0.76; 3.42], I2 = 56.0%), and voice change (OR 3.11, 95% CI [0.31; 30.80], I2 = 0.0%) were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. The treatment group showed higher prevalence of respiratory problems and dry mouth compared to control without statistical significance, but a significant increase in throat discomfort (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block for tonsillectomy did not significantly impact postoperative pain management and was associated with some adverse effects with increases in respiratory problems, dry mouth, and throat discomfort compared to controls.

A comparison of doxycycline and conventional treatments of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of doxycycline (DOX) and conventional management in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (CRSwNP). METHODS: Six databases were searched to September 2023. We retrieved studies that compared improvements in refractory chronic sinusitis-related symptoms between DOX-treated and control groups. RESULTS: DOX significantly reduced the Lund-Kennedy (LK) score [- 0.3670 (range - 0.6173; - 0.1166); I2 = 92.8%], the nasal polyposis score [- 0.9484 (- 1.2287; - 0.6680); I2 = 92.5%], the patient-reported Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT) score [- 0.3141 (- 0.4622; - 0.1660); I2 = 91.2%], and the nasal obstruction score [- 0.1813 (- 0.3382; - 0.0243); I2 = 86.2%]. On subgroup analyses by the measurement timepoints, the extent of nasal polyposis was significantly lower in the DOX group during treatment, at the end of treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks later. The LK scores also indicated improvements during treatment and at the end of treatment. The SNOT score tended to decrease with time in the treatment group. Nasal obstruction symptoms improved during treatment and 4 weeks later. CONCLUSION: DOX enhances the postoperative endoscopic outcomes of refractory CRSwNP patients by reducing recurrent polyposis and inflammation.

Comparison of Liquid-Based Preparations with Conventional Smears in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspirates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To compare conventional smears (CSs) and liquid-based preparations (LBPs) for diagnosing thyroid malignant or suspicious lesions. METHODS: Studies in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane database published up to December 2023. We reviewed 17 studies, including 15,861 samples. RESULTS: The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for CS was 23.6674. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.879, with sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 0.8266, 0.8668, 0.8969, and 0.7841, respectively. The rate of inadequate specimens was 0.1280. For LBP, the DOR was 25.3587, with an AUC of 0.865. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8190, 0.8833, 0.8515, and 0.8562. The rate of inadequate specimens was 0.1729. For CS plus LBP, the AUC was 0.813, with a lower DOR of 9.4557 compared to individual methods. Diagnostic accuracy did not significantly differ among CS, LBP, and CS plus LBP. Subgroup analysis was used to compare ThinPrep and SurePath. The DORs were 29.1494 and 19.7734. SurePath had a significantly higher AUC. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy or proportion of inadequate smears between CS and LBP. SurePath demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than ThinPrep. Recommendations for fine-needle aspiration cytology should consider cost, feasibility, and accuracy.

Surgical safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy in thyroid tumor. METHODS: Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy and other approaches (open thyroidectomy, transoral robotic thyroidectomy, and bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy) were compared in studies from 6 databases. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies (8830 individuals) were included. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had longer operation time, greater cosmetic satisfaction, and reduced transient hypoparathyroidism than conventional open thyroidectomy. Compared to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had greater amount of drainage, lower chances of transient vocal cord palsy and permanent hypothyroidism, and better surgical completeness (postopertive thyroblobulin level and lymph node removal). Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy induced greater postoperative drainage and greater patient dissatisfaction than transoral robotic thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy is inferior to transoral robotic thyroidectomy in drainage and cosmetic satisfaction but superior to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy in surgical performance. Its operation time is longer, but its cosmetic satisfaction is higher than open thyroidectomy.

Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Device Treatment for Nasal Valve Collapse in Patients With Nasal Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Internal nasal valve dysfunction is a prevalent cause of nasal obstruction. This systematic review, along with a Meta-analysis, evaluated the efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency device (RFD) treatment in alleviating nasal obstruction by rectifying nasal valve collapse. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive review of studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (up to December 2022) was conducted. REVIEW METHODS: We included studies that evaluated the quality of life and nasal obstruction scores before and after RFD treatment. In addition, sham-controlled studies were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 451 patients across 8 studies were included in the analysis. Patients who underwent RFD treatment reported a significantly enhanced quality of life 24 months after treatment compared to pretreatment scores. The rates of clinically improved states and positive responses regarding quality of life after treatment were 82% and 91%, respectively. Moreover, the disease-specific quality of life, as assessed by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score, significantly improved. CONCLUSION: RFD may help improve nasal obstruction symptoms. Further randomized clinical studies on larger cohorts are essential to substantiate its efficacy in enhancing nasal valve function.

An indirect comparative analysis of two posterior nasal nerve ablation techniques for treating chronic rhinitis: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates and compares the effects of two treatments that ablate the posterior nasal nerves for rhinitis-related symptoms: cryotherapy and radiofrequency neurolysis. METHODS: We reviewed studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science and the Cochrane database up to June 2023. Papers reporting quality-of-life and rhinitis-related symptom scores before and after cryotherapy, and sham-controlled studies, were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 738 patients enrolled in 10 studies were evaluated. Both cryotherapy and radiofrequency neurolysis significantly improved rhinitis-related symptoms including congestion, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing, and quality of life during 12 months of follow-up. Radiofrequency neurolysis was significantly more effective than cryotherapy in terms of reducing total nasal symptom scores at up to 12 months postoperatively. In terms of individual symptoms, itching, rhinorrhea, and congestion were significantly alleviated or tended to be reduced more by radiofrequency neurolysis than by cryotherapy. The improvements in the minimal clinically important difference in total nasal symptom scores (1.0 point) after 3 months of cryotherapy and radiofrequency therapy were 81.8 % and 92.7 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy and radiofrequency neurolysis both improved rhinitis-symptom and quality-of-life scores. Especially, radiofrequency neurolysis showed the better effectiveness for improving the nasal symptoms related to the rhinitis than cryotherapy.

Effectiveness of temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve to treat chronic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effect of TRNP on rhinitis-related symptoms. METHODS: We reviewed studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database to June 2023. Studies that evaluated quality-of-life and rhinitis-related symptom scores before and after treatment were analyzed, as was one sham-treatment-controlled study. RESULTS: In total, 406 patients evaluated in five studies were analyzed. TRNP significantly improved rhinitis-related symptoms-congestion, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing-for up to 12 months after treatment, compared to before treatment. The most significant symptom decreases were those of rhinorrhea and nasal congestion. Rhinitis-related symptoms had improved significantly at 3 months after TRNP, compared to sham surgery. TRNP improved disease-specific quality-of-life scores on the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire at 6 months after treatment, compared to before treatment. The rates of clinical improvement in terms of all nasal symptoms (reduction > 30% from baseline) and in quality of life (minimal clinically important difference > 0.4) after TRNP were 79% and 84% respectively. There was no severe adverse event associated with either device use or the overall procedure. CONCLUSIONS: TRNP treatment improved subjective symptoms related to rhinitis, especially rhinorrhea and nasal congestion, and also improved disease-specific quality-of-life scores.

Evaluation of Post-Intervention Outcomes in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published articles to assess the impact of inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation in patients diagnosed with empty nose syndrome (ENS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: Six databases were searched to December 2022. We retrieved studies evaluating improvements in refractory ENS-related symptoms based on various patient-reported outcome measures after inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation. RESULTS: As a result of meta-analysis, Sinonasal Outcome Test, Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), and depression scores were measured at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and later than 12 months after intervention for patients with ENS. All scores revealed significant symptom improvement. By reference to the minimal clinically important difference of the ENS6Q (6.25), inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation relieved the nasal symptoms of ENS in the long term. Although the improvements in anxiety scores at 1 week (0.4133 [-0.3366; 1.1633], 0.00, I2 = NA) and 1 month (0.4525 [-0.0529; 0.9579], I2 = 0.0%) were not statistically significant, the scores differed significantly at 3 months (0.7351 [0.4143; 1.0559], I2 = 28.4%), 6 months (0.8297 [0.6256; 1.0337], I2 = 37.2%), and longer than 12 months (0.7969 [0.4768; 1.1170], I2 = 0.0%). CONCLUSION: These data and analysis suggest that performing inferior turbinate/meatus augmentation on ENS patients may improve not only nasal symptom scores but also accompanying psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Laryngoscope, 134:2005-2011, 2024.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: Five databases were reviewed to identify relevant studies that measured polysomnography parameters such as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index, as well as quality of life and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire scores, before and after HGS. RESULTS: In total, 44 studies involving 8670 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 12 months after treatment, approximately 47%, 72%, and 82% of patients achieved AHI values of <5, < 10, and <15, respectively. The reported clinical success rates according to Sher criteria were 80% within 12 months and 73% between 12 and 36 months. While the favorable effects exhibited a gradual reduction up to 12 months postimplantation, they generally maintained a consistent level between the 12th and 36th months, as assessed by AHI < 5, <15, and success rate according to Sher criteria. CONCLUSION: HGS can enhance quality of life scores and polysomnography outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Although the positive effects gradually decreased until 12 months after implantation, they generally remained consistent between 12 and 36 months.

Effectiveness of the Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation in Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the impact of cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve on symptoms of rhinitis in individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies published up to June 2023. REVIEW METHODS: Studies that evaluated the quality of life and rhinitis-related symptom scores before and after cryotherapy treatment, as well as sham-controlled studies, were included. RESULTS: In total, 368 patients from seven studies were analyzed. Patients who underwent cryoablation showed a significant improvement in rhinitis-related symptoms in both NAR and AR. In particular, the most significant improvement was observed in symptoms of rhinorrhea and congestion. Furthermore, cryoablation improved the disease-specific quality of life evaluated using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. The rate of clinical improvement in the total nasal symptom score (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]; >30% reduction from baseline) after cryotherapy was 74%. The change in TNSS score significantly increased over time in NAR patients (p = 0.0041). Therefore, changes in the TNSS score after 12 months of cryotherapy treatment were greater in the NAR group than in the AR group (p = 0.0020), indicating that cryoablation is effective for both types of rhinitis and has better long-term efficacy in NAR than in AR. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective symptom scores related to rhinitis, particularly for rhinorrhea and congestion, decrease after cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve. Furthermore, the symptom improvement was greater in NAR than AR. Laryngoscope, 2023.

Comparative Effectiveness of Cryotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple minimally invasive techniques for chronic rhinitis treatment focus on posterior nasal nerve ablation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation for alleviating symptoms in patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. METHODS: We retrieved studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database up to July 2023. Data on the impact of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation on quality of life and symptom ratings of rhinitis were extracted and evaluated. RESULTS: An analysis of 12 studies involving 788 patients demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and rhinitis-related symptoms (nasal obstruction, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing) in patients treated with cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (symptom score at 24 months and quality of life score at 3 months). However, radiofrequency ablation had a more positive effect on nasal symptoms after 3 months than cryotherapy. Nonallergic rhinitis patients responded more favorably to posterior nerve ablation than patients with allergic rhinitis. Both techniques enhanced disease-specific quality of life during the initial 3 months of treatment (cryotherapy, 84.6%; radiofrequency, 81.6%; P=0.564). After 3 months of treatment, a clinical improvement in all nasal symptoms (minimal clinically important difference in the total nasal symptom score: >1.0 points) was seen in 81.8% and 91.9% of patients who underwent cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (P=0.005), suggesting that radiofrequency is more likely to lead to clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Rhinitis-associated subjective symptom scores and quality of life may be improved by both cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Ablation was more efficacious than cryotherapy for nasal symptoms in patients with nonallergic rhinitis. To corroborate these findings, further randomized controlled studies directly comparing these two techniques are warranted.

Characteristics of Human Nasal Turbinate Stem Cells under Hypoxic Conditions.

This study investigated the influence of hypoxic culture conditions on human nasal inferior turbinate-derived stem cells (hNTSCs), a subtype of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It aimed to discern how hypoxia affected hNTSC characteristics, proliferation, and differentiation potential compared to hNTSCs cultured under normal oxygen levels. After obtaining hNTSCs from five patients, the samples were divided into hypoxic and normoxic groups. The investigation utilized fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for surface marker analysis, cell counting kit-8 assays for proliferation assessment, and multiplex immunoassays for cytokine secretion study. Differentiation potential-osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic-was evaluated via histological examination and gene expression analysis. Results indicated that hNTSCs under hypoxic conditions preserved their characteristic MSC phenotype, as confirmed by FACS analysis demonstrating the absence of hematopoietic markers and presence of MSC markers. Proliferation of hNTSCs remained unaffected by hypoxia. Cytokine expression showed similarity between hypoxic and normoxic groups throughout cultivation. Nevertheless, hypoxic conditions reduced the osteogenic and promoted adipogenic differentiation potential, while chondrogenic differentiation was relatively unchanged. These insights contribute to understanding hNTSC behavior in hypoxic environments, advancing the development of protocols for stem cell therapies and tissue engineering.

Effect of Infraorbital and/or Infratrochlear Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Care in Patients with Septorhinoplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Through a comprehensive meta-analysis of the pertinent literature, this study evaluated the utility and efficacy of perioperative infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks in reducing postoperative pain and related morbidities in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Materials and Methods: We reviewed studies retrieved from the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2023. The analysis included a selection of seven articles that compared a treatment group receiving perioperative infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks with a control group that either received a placebo or no treatment. The evaluated outcomes covered parameters such as postoperative pain, the amount and frequency of analgesic medication administration, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as the manifestation of emergence agitation. Results: The treatment group displayed a significant reduction in postoperative pain (mean difference = -1.7236 [-2.6825; -0.7646], I2 = 98.8%), as well as a significant decrease in both the amount (standardized mean difference = -2.4629 [-3.8042; -1.1216], I2 = 93.0%) and frequency (odds ratio = 0.3584 [0.1383; 0.9287], I2 = 59.7%) of analgesic medication use compared to the control. The incidence of emergence agitation (odds ratio = 0.2040 [0.0907; 0.4590], I2 = 0.0%) was notably lower in the treatment group. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (odds ratio = 0.5393 [0.1309; 2.2218], I2 = 60.4%) showed a trend towards reduction, although it was not statistically significant. While no adverse effects reaching statistical significance were reported in the analyzed studies, hematoma (proportional rate = 0.2133 [0.0905; 0.4250], I2 = 76.9%) and edema (proportional rate = 0.1935 [0.1048; 0.3296], I2 = 57.2%) after blocks appeared at rates of approximately 20%. Conclusions: Infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks for septorhinoplasty effectively reduce postoperative pain and emergence agitation without notable adverse outcomes.

Comparative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary therapeutic modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management. However, despite efforts to encourage patients to comply with CPAP usage, long-term adherence remains low. Consequently, surgical intervention for OSA is considered a secondary option for patients who exhibit non-compliance with CPAP. Therefore, we conducted systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the relative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) treatment and alternative surgical interventions for managing OSA. Five databases were searched. Studies were included if they measured polysomnography parameters and assessed sleep apnea-related quality of life (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) both before and after HNS, and compared these outcomes with control, CPAP, or airway surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, or tongue base surgery) groups. A total of 10 studies (2209 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other airway surgeries, the rates of post-treatment apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 10 and < 15 events/h were significantly lower in the HNS group (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-23.42; and 2.73, 95% CI 1.30-5.71, respectively). Additionally, postoperative AHI was significantly lower in the HNS group than in all other airway surgery groups (AHI: mean difference [MD] -8.00, 95% CI -12.03 to-3.97 events/h). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of post-treatment AHI < 5 events/h (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.74-5.06) or postoperative ESS score (MD 0.40, 95% CI-1.52 to 2.32) between the two groups. HNS is an effective option for selected patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and CPAP intolerance.

Comparison of diagnostic performance of two ultrasound risk stratification systems for thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assume the ideal cut-off values and diagnostic performance of two thyroid imaging reporting and data systems published by the Korean Thyroid Association/Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (Korean TI-RADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA TI-RADS). METHODS: Eighteen studies with 25,422 patients from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to August 2022. True and false positive and negative values with characteristics were extracted. RESULTS: The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.893 and 0.887 for Korean and ATA TI-RADS. High suspicion was judged as the best cut-off value with the highest AUC based on optimal sensitivity and specificity. In determining the risk of malignant thyroid nodules, high suspicion in Korean and ATA TI-RADS showed sensitivity as 71.3% and 73.5%, specificity as 7.9% and 86.4%, diagnostic odds ratios as 20.0289 and 20.9076, AUC as 0.893 and 0.887. There was no significant difference when directly comparing the diagnostic accuracy of both TI-RADS. CONCLUSION: The two risk stratification systems had good diagnostic performance with high AUC and no significant differences. The ideal cut-off can depend on the medical condition or thyroid nodules, because the changes of cut-off point may reciprocally alter sensitivity and specificity.

Are statins effective in preventing chronic rhinosinusitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between statin use and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with CRS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) in analyses of studies that compared the prevalence of CRS, nasal polyp, difference of Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, Lund-Mackay CT score and Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22. RESULTS: The analysis included eight studies and 445 465 patients. Patients who used statins were at lower risk for CRS than those who did not (OR = 0.7457, 95% CI = 0.6629-0.8388, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0.0%). Patients with hyperlipidaemia were at higher risk for CRS than those with normal serum levels of lipid (OR = 1.3590, 95% CI = 1.2831-1.4394, p < 0.0001, I2 = 33.3%). However, there were no significant differences in the risk for nasal polyps between CRS patients using statins or not (OR = 1.0931, 95% CI = 0.7860-1.5202, p = 0.5968, I2 = 0.0%). Additionally, statin use was not related to Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores, Lund-Mackay CT scores or sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores in CRS patients. CONCLUSION: The risk for CRS is lower in patients who use statins and those without hyperlipidaemia.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid on the Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Receiving Head-and-Neck Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative bleeding, and any adverse effects, in patients undergoing head-and-neck surgery. METHODS: We searched databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane database) from their dates of inception to August 31, 2021. We analyzed studies that compared bleeding-related morbidity between perioperative tranexamic acid and placebo (control) groups. We subanalyzed tranexamic acid administration methods. RESULTS: The extent of postoperative bleeding (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.7817, [-1.4237; -0.1398], P = 0.0170, I2 = 92.2%) was significantly less in the treatment group. However, there were no significant between-group differences in terms of operative time (SMD = -0.0463 [-0.2147; 0.1221]; P = 0.5897, I2 = 0.0% [0.0%; 32.9%]); intraoperative blood loss (SMD = -0.7711 [-1.6274; 0.0852], P = 0.0776, I2 = 94.4%); drain removal timing (SMD = -0.3382 [-0.9547; 0.2782], P = 0.2822, I2 = 81.7%); or the amount of infused perioperative fluid (SMD = -0.0622 [-0.2615; 0.1372], P = 0.5410, I2 = 35.5%). Also, there were no significant between-group differences in laboratory findings (serum bilirubin, creatinine, and urea levels; and the coagulation profiles) between the tranexamic acid and control groups. Topical application was associated with a shorter postoperative drain tube dwell time than was systemic administration. CONCLUSION: Perioperative tranexamic acid significantly reduced postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing head-and-neck surgery. Also, topical administration might be more effective in postoperative bleeding and postoperative drain tube dwell time.

Surgical completeness and safety of minimally invasive thyroidectomy in patients with thyroid cancer: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the surgical outcomes of various minimally invasive and remote-access surgical approaches for thyroid cancer patients. METHODS: We collected studies from January 2020 to July 2022 in 6 databases. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed for outcomes and complications of 9 minimally invasive interventions (minimally invasive video-assisted, endoscopic or robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach, endoscopic or robotic postauricular, endoscopic or robot transaxillary approach, transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach or robotic thyroidectomy) and conventional thyroidectomy (control). RESULTS: Multiplicity and bilaterality of cancer, lymph node metastasis, and coincidence of thyroiditis showed no significant difference between minimally invasive interventions and control. However, larger tumor size (robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach standardized mean difference -1.3989, 95% confidence interval [-2.1717 to -0.6262]), higher body mass index (robot transaxillary approach standardized mean difference -0.5350, 95% confidence interval [-0.9557 to -0.1144], robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach standardized mean difference -0.2301, 95% confidence interval [-0.4389 to -0.0214]), and frequent extrathyroidal extension (robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach standardized mean difference 0.7435, 95% confidence interval [0.5602-0.9869]) were observed in control. In surgical outcomes and adverse effects, there was no significant difference in hospitalization or retrieved lymph node number between minimally invasive interventions and control. However, longer operative time was observed in the robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach(standardized mean difference 6.5393, 95% confidence interval [5.0476-8.0309]) and transoral robotic thyroidectomy (standardized mean difference 5.4946, 95% confidence interval [2.9984-7.9907]) groups than in control. In surgical completion, the rate of low postoperative serum thyroglobulin, postoperative thyroglobulin level, and postoperative radioactive iodine ablation dose showed no significant difference between minimally invasive interventions and control. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive thyroidectomy did not show inferior results compared to conventional thyroidectomy despite the longer operative time. Surgeons need to prudently consider all aspects of patients to determine the proper surgical approach for thyroid cancer.