The COVID-19 frontiers - sink or swim.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to address issues faced by doctors working in the COVID-19 units during the second phase of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic, when the country registered the highest per capita rate of new COVID-19 cases in the world. METHODS: A prospective study was designed using Google online questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were doctors from medical and surgical specialties working in COVID-19 units. The Czech Medical Association was approached in obtaining permission and helping us distribute the questionnaire with an introductory message with the aims of the study via email to the chairpersons of 18 medical and surgical Czech Societies and their respective members. The online questionnaire link was active for 31 days. Completion of a questionnaire implied consent to participate. Data was collected from the completed responses and statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: Fifteen out of eighteen invited Societies participated in the study. Out of all the transferred or volunteering doctors at the COVID units, 47.6% were from 9 medical specialties and 52.4% from 6 surgical units. The highest transfers were seen amongst male surgeons with 21 to 35 years of work experience, whilst the youngest group of doctors made the highest contribution. There was no statistical significance between the effects of COVID-19 and gender. Despite adequate medical provisions, 42% of all doctors had issues with procedural diagnostic methods, 40% tested positive for COVID-19 and 31% reported staff reduction leading to diminished patients' admissions and compromised care. Doctors from surgical departments experienced more difficulties in working in COVID-19 units. Furthermore, on contraction of COVID-19, 114 doctors asserted a lack of support and another 26% were unaware of any services. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey reiterates the relationship between factors related to occupational health and safety, standards of patient care and possibility of medicolegal consequences with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Quality of life in CRSwNP: evaluation of ACCESS and Lund-Mackay computed tomography scores versus the QoL questionnaire.

PURPOSE: Recently, a new CT scan classification of the extent of previous endoscopic sinus surgery called The Amsterdam Classification of Completness of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ACCESS) was published. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between traditionally used Lund-Mackay CT score and ACCESS score and their possible relationship to pre- and postoperative quality of life in a narrowly defined group of patients with recurrent CRSwNP. METHODS: Forty-nine patients who underwent a revision ESS for CRSwNP were enrolled in a retrospective study. CT imaging scans were evaluated, LM and ACCESS scores determined. All patients completed the validated Czech version of the SNOT-22 questionnaire before and 6 months after surgery. The correlation between the two CT scores and the QoL questionnaire was tested using Pearson's correlation tests. RESULTS: No correlation was demonstrated between LM scores and patient-based SNOT-22 scores neither preopratively nor postoperatively (r = - 0.0580; p = 0.918 and r = 0.0252; p = 0.8634, respectively. Similarly, no correlation was found between the ACCESS score and SNOT-22 before and after surgery (r = - 0.1988; p = 0.1708 and r = - 0.943; p = 0.5193, respectively). No linear relationship was demonstrated between the LM score and the ACCESS score (r = 0.075; p = 0.6053). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that even the CT score evaluating the completeness of previous procedures has no linear relationship to the quality of life preoperatively and cannot serve as a predictor for the outcomes of surgical treatment. This study also confirms that ACCESS evaluates a different aspect of the radiological finding than the traditionally used LM score.

Not Just a 'Breath of Death': Indirect Consequences of Working in a COVID-19 Unit.

We carried out a survey in the Czech Republic between January and February 2021 to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on doctors working in the COVID-19 unit. A rise in 250,000 cases were seen in the Czech Republic during the time of the survey. The indirect impact of the disease on doctors working in COVID-19 units and strategies to control the situation in the Czech Republic were evaluated here. About 35% doctors were concerned with health issues, 40% had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigen, 51% reported lack of support for those who had contracted COVID-19 and 163 agreed that medical, psychological counselling and financial services should be provided. Most doctors experienced moderate and severe degrees of psychological impact. Doctors with the least working experience and those with at least 21 to 35 years were most affected. Mental fatigue was the most common reported psychosomatic effect. The effects were higher in doctors who were more concerned about working in COVID-19 units. Around 87% agreed that the best strategy in controlling the situation in the Czech Republic would be 'preventive measures in combination with vaccination'. History shows us that pandemics can occur in multiple waves. Subsequent waves, inadequate support as well as unparalleled workload can lead to a serious rise in psychological disorders amongst HCWs worldwide.

Otorhinolaryngology in the COVID-19 era: Are there significant differences between hospital-based and private practices?

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 disease has an incredible impact on both hospital-based and private practices in the field of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Practical issues faced by both types of practices have not been well addressed in most studies. A national survey was conducted in April 2020 to identify the challenges faced by otorhinolaryngologists practicing in the Czech Republic. DESIGN: Prospective questionnaire-based study SETTING: Online Google questionnaire sent to the members of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery PARTICIPANTS: All doctors practicing Otorhinolaryngology in the Czech Republic with access to the online questionnaire between 15th and 26th April 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary aims of the study were to evaluate any significant differences between the two types of practice in the field of Otorhinolaryngology. We formulated null hypotheses stating there were no statistical differences in the preparation and availability of personal protective equipment amongst both practices a month after the first case of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic. Statistical analyses including the Mann-Whitney U test were performed to test the hypotheses. RESULTS: Analysis and results were based on the completion of the entire questionnaire by the doctors. There were no statistically significant differences between both the practices; however, individual analyses of both the practices showed a different outcome. CONCLUSION: Despite our statistical results, it was observed that private practices faced more deficits and were more financially vulnerable. They were also other issues reported by both practices that could compromise the care of patients, functioning of workplaces and support of doctors.

Extremely wicked, shockingly evil and undoubtedly COVID-19: the silent serial killer.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-COV-2 virus has more than just an infectious role to play in the society. The rapid spread has also led to significant personal, professional, financial and economic recession globally. Health care professionals are getting seriously compromised due to these issues. No published data are available on the indirect effects of COVID-19 on high-risk medical specialties. Otorhinolaryngology is considered as one such specialty. Hence, we designed a national survey to address these issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A google questionnaire was sent to all the otorhinolaryngologists in Czech Republic with the help of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery to evaluate the problems they encountered during the first wave of COVID-19. Personal, professional and financial losses were also addressed. Online access to the survey was from 15th April 2020 to 26th April 2020. RESULTS: The psychosomatic indirect impact of the disease affected female doctors than males. Burnout syndrome was the most commonly reported problem. Around 44.75% of all doctors had a combination of health, financial and economic as well as professional development and educational issues. Doctors from private practices faced higher financial losses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that personal, professional and financial disturbances amongst doctors can lead to more serious consequences. With the lack of drastic measures in improving the support system for healthcare workers, the healthcare systems will fail quickly. Adequate support should be made mandatory by health authorities.

Total and Unilateral Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow and Unilateral Visual Analogue Scale: Rationale in Indication and Outcomes of Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is one of the most frequently performed procedures in otorhinolaryngology. Proper selection of patients for septoplasty as well as examination is essential for good outcome of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of combination of 2 simple, cheap, and easily performed examinations for indication and outcomes of septoplasty to evaluate the effectiveness in this type of surgery. Seventy patients were enrolled from 2 tertiary centers from the period of April 2017 to March 2018, who all underwent septoplasty for nasal septal deviation. Total and unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), unilateral visual analogue scale, and nasal endoscopy for indication and outcomes of septoplasty were performed. Furthermore, assessment of possible correlation between subjective and objective data before and 3 months after septoplasty was done. Statistical analysis was carried out on the obtained data. Postoperatively the total and both unilateral PNIF measurements increased significantly compared with corresponding preoperative values and similarly means of visual analogue scale scores on both sides decreased 3 months after the procedure. No significant correlation was seen between objective and subjective outcomes neither before the surgery, nor postoperatively. The study confirmed the suitability of using PNIF as a simple and inexpensive tool that can be a reasonable alternative to rhinomanometry and which is able to reflect changes after septoplasty. Simultaneously, along with the expected improvement in the total PNIF and unilateral PNIF on deviated side, a slight but significant improvement in PNIF values on the nondeviated side was also demonstrated.

Syndromes that predispose to epistaxis.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate if epistaxis is directly associated with the etiology or pathophysiological mechanism which results in the syndrome itself or arises as a secondary effect. METHODS: We performed an extensive literature review of the web-based PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine to ascertain syndromes related to this condition. Etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, occurrence, clinical features and management were noted for each of these syndromes. RESULTS: Epistaxis is commonly seen in syndromes that are usually directly related to vascular abnormalities or coagulation defects. However, in some cases, it is not. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since a number of these syndromes are rare and elaborate tests are not carried out in the absence of a positive family history or until other specific clinical features appear, a risk of underdiagnosis and the dilemma of whether epistaxis is specifically related to the syndrome or a secondary effect still remains.

The relationship of C-reactive protein levels and positive culture with quality of life in acute rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) has been shown to significantly reduce patient quality of life (QoL). While the QoL in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis has been the subject of intensive research over the last decade, studies measuring the impact of ARS on patient QoL have remained relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the QoL and parameters suggestive of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (C-reactive protein [CRP] levels and positive culture) and to see if measurement of the QoL could be used as an indicator for antibiotic treatment in ARS. METHODS: Eighty patients with ARS were enrolled in the study. A novel QoL instrument for patients with ARS, called Measurement of Acute Rhinosinusitis (MARS) questionnaire, was given to patients at the time of diagnosis. We assessed patient QoL, obtained endoscopically guided cultures from the middle meatus, and measured levels of CRP. The relationship between QoL MARS scores (QoL-Mscores) and CRP was determined using a correlation coefficient. To compare QoL-Mscores, relative to culture-positive and culture-negative patients, the Student's t-test was used. RESULTS: No correlation between the QoL, assessed using the MARS questionnaire, and positive middle meatus culture was demonstrated (P=0.332). A weak correlation was found between QoL-Mscores and CRP values, with a correlation coefficient of 0.221 and P=0.0498. CONCLUSION: No correlation between the QoL in ARS patients and positive culture was found in this study. The clinical significance of the correlation between QoL-Mscores and CRP values in the antibiotic decision making process needs further research.

Mucosal maxillary cysts: long-term subjective outcomes after surgical treatment.

Mucosal maxillary cysts (MMCs) are usually asymptomatic and are often diagnosed as an incidental finding. The aim of this study is to assess clinical significance of MMCs and the long-term effect of surgical treatment on the symptoms initially addressed to MMCs. The study included a retrospective analysis of 64 patients who had undergone surgery for MMC using a questionnaire focused mainly on the effect surgery had on symptoms. Mean time of follow-up was 79 months. Patients were also divided and compared according to the presence of rhinitic symptoms. Twenty-six patients (63.4%) reported complete disappearance of symptoms, 8 (19.5%) reported improvement, 4 (9.7%) reported no change in symptoms following surgery and 3 (7.3%) reported that symptoms reappeared. Significantly (p = 0.0365) better results were achieved in patients without preexisting rhinitic symptoms. This study supports the opinion that in some cases, MMCs are involved in the development of sinonasal symptoms. Surgical treatment leads, in most patients, to disappearance or improvement of symptoms and the effect is better in patients without rhinitic symptoms.

Short-term antibiotics treatment in patients with nasal polyps and enterotoxins producing Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) can act as super-antigens and thus influence the course of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP). The aim of this study was to determine if antibiotic treatment administered after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for NP can positively influence the course of the disease compared to placebo. After ESS, 23 patients who tested positive, in a perioperative culture, for SA strains producing enterotoxins A-E and TSST-1, were randomized into two groups. Group A which in addition to standard treatment received oral anti-staphylococcal antibiotics for 3 weeks. Group B received a placebo. Both groups were compared preoperatively, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery using a symptom-specific score, an endoscopic score and the SNOT-22 quality of life questionnaire. Slightly better results were achieved in patients who received antibiotic therapy. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Regardless of post-operative treatment, approximately 30% of patients had a SA-negative culture 6 months after surgery.