Airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis assessed by endobronchial optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: A few studies have reported the medium-sized and small airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis. Whether spirometry or impulse oscillometry (IOS) is correlated with airway remodeling of bronchiolitis remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: Aiming to demonstrate the airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) assessed by endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT), and elucidate whether spirometric and IOS parameters have correlation with the airway remodeling of bronchiolitis. METHODS: We recruited 18 patients with bronchiolitis (BO, n = 9; DPB, n = 9) and 17 control subjects. Assessments of clinical features, St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), chest computed tomography (CT), spirometry, IOS, and EB-OCT were performed in all enrolled subjects. The correlation between EB-OCT and lung function parameters was studied and analyzed. RESULTS: The magnitude of abnormalities of spirometric and IOS parameters was significantly greater in patients with bronchiolitis than that in control subjects (p < 0.05). Patients with BO had notably lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF)% pred and higher resonant frequency (Fres), and area of reactance (AX) than those with DPB (p < 0.05). The EB-OCT measurement among patients with bronchiolitis and between the bronchus in the left and the right lung demonstrated a heterogeneous distribution of airway calibers, presenting a high intra- and inter-individual variability. Patients with bronchiolitis had notably greater airway wall area (p < 0.05) compared with control, while BO presented greater magnitude of airway abnormalities than DPB. Fres and the difference in airway resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5-R20) correlated negatively with medium-sized and small airway inner area, and correlated positively with airway wall area (p < 0.05), whose correlation coefficients were higher than those of spirometric parameters. CONCLUSION: Bronchiolitis, BO and DPB, manifested a heterogeneous distribution of airway calibers with significant intra- and inter-individual variability. IOS parameters, rather than spirometry, correlated better with medium-sized and small airway remodeling in bronchiolitis assessed by EB-OCT measurement.

A comparison between endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital piriform fistula / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To compare the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization (ECLC) and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF). Methods: From September 2014 to March 2017, 80 cases with confirmed diagnosis of CPSF received initial treatment at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were prospectively analyzed, including 34 males and 46 females, aged 18 to 672 (194.17±141.18) months. They were consecutively divided into endoscopic group and open-surgery group, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups of patients received surgical treatment under general anesthesia. The endoscopic group was treated by endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization, and the open-surgery group underwent the following surgery: first, we performed suspension laryngoscopy examination to confirm the presence of fistula in the bottom of the piriform fossa, then open-neck resection of congenital piriform sinus fistula with recurrent laryngeal nerve and/or lateral branch of superior laryngeal nerve anatomy plus partial thyroidectomy were performed. The data between the two groups were compared, including the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, average length of stay, neck cosmetic scores, complications and cure rates. All patients were followed up in outpatient clinics. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. P<0.05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results: All patients were successfully completed the operation. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain and average length of hospital stay in the endoscopic group were significantly less than those in the open group [(27.4±5.5) min to (105.8±52.5) min, (0.6±0.5) ml to (33.6±41.5) ml, (1.7±0.9) points to (4.6±0.7) points, (5.9±2.9)d to(8.9±3.3)d, t values were-9.400, -5.031, -16.199, -4.293, P values were all<0.01]; The neck cosmetic score in the endoscopy group was significantly greater than that of the open group [(9.9±0.4) against (5.8±0.9) points, t=25.847, P<0.01]. Compared with the open group (15.0%, 6/40), the complication rate of the endoscopic group (7.5%, 3/40) was not statistically significant (χ²=0.50, P>0.05). Three months after the first treatment, the cure rate in the endoscopic group (82.5%, 33/40) was significantly lower than that in the open-neck group (100.0%, 40/40), χ²=5.64, P<0.05. The follow-up time was 12 months after the last treatment. Eighty cases were followed up and none was lost to follow-up. During the follow-up period, the cure rate of the endoscopy group (97.5%, 39/40) was compared with that of the open group (100.0%, 40/40), and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In the treatment of CPSF, the two-surgical method each has their advantages. Compared with open-neck surgery, ECLC is simpler, repeatable. ECLC has shorter time in operation and hospital stay, less complications, and less postoperative pain and more precise cosmetic results. It could be preferred for the initial treatment of CPSF and relapsed cases after cauterization. But subject to relatively low cure rate of one-time cauterization and uncertain long-term efficacy, it cannot completely replace the open-neck surgery at present.

Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis Evaluated by Endobronchial Optical Coherence Tomography: A Canine Model Study.

BACKGROUND: The predictors and airway morphological changes during the development of postintubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) have not been well elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the validation of endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) in assessing the airway morphological changes in PITS. METHODS: We performed oral endotracheal intubation in 12 beagles to establish the PITS model. EB-OCT was performed respectively before modeling and on the 1st, 7th, and 12th day after extubation in 9 canines, and was conducted consecutively in 3 canines during the development of PITS. Histological findings and the thickness and gray-scale value of the tracheal wall assessed by EB-OCT measurements were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The tracheal wall edema, granulation tissue proliferation, cartilage destruction in PITS, and airway wall thickening detected by EB-OCT were in concordance with the histopathological measurements. The consecutive EB-OCT observation of the airway structure demonstrated the tracheal wall thickness significantly increased from 344.41 ± 44.19 µm before modeling to 796.67 ± 49.75 µm on the 9th day after modeling (p < 0.05). The airway wall gray-scale values assessed by EB-OCT decreased from 111.19 ± 14.71 before modeling to 74.96 ± 4.08 on the 9th day after modeling (p < 0.05). The gray-scale value was negatively correlated with the airway wall thickness (r = -0.945, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The EB-OCT imaging, in concordance with the histopathological finding, was validated for assessing the airway morphological changes during the development of PITS. The EB-OCT evaluation of cartilage damage and gray-scale value measurement might help predict the development and prognosis of PITS.

[Clinical Application of Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation in Selective General Surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in selective general surgery. METHODS: Paired study was performed in PABD group with 70 PABD cases screened from selective general surgery during the period from November 2017 to August 2018 in our hospital, and the control group included 70 cases without preoperative autologous blood donation, the baseline data before surgery were not significantly different. The transfusion quantities of allogeneic RBC and plasma, the levels of perioperative hemoglobin and platelets, the time and expense of hospitalization were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The levels of Hb and Plt in PABD group before and after blood collection were determined as follows: 138.26±14.73 g/L vs 127.52±13.36 g/L (P＜0.05) and (221.67±52.86)×109/L vs (198.35±52.65)×109/L (P＞0.05) respectively. The analysis of allo-RBC and allo-plasma transfusion in PABD group and control group showed that: the quantity of allogeneic RBC transfusion was 0.20±0.71 U and 0.89±0.97 U, and the quantity of allogeneic plasma transfusion was 30.43±100.81 ml and 106.52±152.61 ml (P＜0.05) respectirdy during perioperation. The comparison results of preoperative Hb and plt in PABD group and control group were 135.65±14.16 g/L vs 134.15±11.98 g/L and (270.36±58.28)×109/L vs (271.67±65.02) ×109/L respectively. The levels of postoperative Hb and plt in PABD group and control group were 120.24±14.40 g/L vs 121.20±14.30 g/L at 1 d after operation, and (241.80±63.58)×109/L vs (241.30±69.11)×109/L at 1 d after operation respectively; 123.15±13.80 g/L vs 121.65±14.33 g/L at 3 d after operation and (251.26±72.94)×109/L vs (255.54±73.85)×109/L at 3 d after operation; 122.78±13.92 g/L and 122.00±13.82 g/L (before discharge) and (262.50±80.96)×109/L and (264.56±71.08)×109/L (before discharge, platelet). These data were not statistically different (P＞0.05). The hospitalization time was 14.84±3.37 days and 14.84±2.24 days, respectively, without statistical difference (P＞0.05) in two groups. The expenses of hospitalization and the blood transfusion in two groups were 50627.27±9889.45 RMB and 50979.43±8195.00 RMB; 354.39±362.57 RMB and 684.02±425.53 RMB (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of PABD reduces the use of allogeneic blood and costs for patients undergoing selective surgery with blood losts of 1000 ml.

Evaluation of the Normal Airway Morphology Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic location of small airways, the distribution of airway cartilage, and their correlation with ageing have not been well elucidated. The objective of this article was to explore the morphologic characteristics of small airways in vivo, and how airway structural changes correlate with age using endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT). METHODS: We recruited 112 subjects with peripheral pulmonary nodules. Participants underwent CT scan, spirometry, and EB-OCT measurements. We measured the airway internal diameter, the inner area (Ai), the airway wall area percentage (Aw%), and the thickness of airway cartilage. EB-OCT airway structural characteristics at different age intervals were analyzed, and the association between airway morphology and age was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the small airways, 47.3% originated from the seventh generation of bronchi. Cartilage was uniformly present in the third to sixth generation of bronchi, despite a decreasing proportion of cartilage from the seventh to ninth generation of bronchi (92.4%, 54.5%, and 26.8%, respectively). The thickness of airway cartilage progressively decreased with older age. In subjects 40 to 54 years of age, Ai from the third to sixth generation correlated positively with age (r = 0.577, P < .001). Both Ai from the third to sixth generation and Ai from the seventh to ninth generation correlated negatively with age in subjects 55 to 69 years of age (r = -0.374, P = .021 and r = -0.410, P = .011). Aw% from the third to sixth generation and Aw% from the seventh to ninth generation did not correlate significantly with age. CONCLUSIONS: Small airways are mainly located at the seventh generation, where cartilaginous structures are present despite reduced distribution in more distal airways, and the thickness decreased in older age. Reduction in luminal area of medium-to-small airways might be the morphologic changes associated with ageing (ie, > 55 years of age).

Long-term outcome of CO₂ laser microlaryngoscopic treatment for laryngeal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the long-term outcome of CO₂ laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy patients with laryngeal cancer were treated with CO₂ laser microsurgery. All patients were followed up for at least 36 months (36 - 108 months).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the 36-108 months follow-up, 64 patients were alive, and 6 patients died of recurrence. The total 5-year survival rate was 91.4%, 5-year local control rate was 81.4%, 5-year local recurrence rate was 18.6%, and the neck metastasis rate was 4.3%. All survivals had normal breathing and good phonation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The long-term outcomes of CO₂ laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer are good, with rapid recovery and few complications, well protected laryngeal function and quite good quality of life. Laser surgery should be the priority of treatment for early stage laryngeal cancer. However, laser surgery for advanced laryngeal cancers and supraglottic laryngeal cancers should be carefully chosen.</p>

A comparison between endoscopic-assisted submandibular gland resection via retroauricular hairline incision and conventional submandibular gland resection / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the feasibility, the risks and the advantages of endoscope-assisted submandibular gland resection using a retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) by comparing it with the conventional submandibular gland resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty eight patients with benign lesions of the submandibular gland were included in the prospective clinically controlled study. Thirteen patients had endoscope-assisted resection using the RAHI approach and 15 cases had conventional transcervical approach resection. The size, location and adjacency of all lesions were evaluated by CT or MRI before surgery. The pathologic diagnoses of all cases were identified as benign diseases using fine needle aspiration biopsy. The two groups were compared for incision length, operation time, bleeding, incision cosmetic result, and complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 28 operations were successfully performed. Incision length in the endoscopic group was significantly longer than that in the transcervical group (Z = -4.516, P < 0.01), and the surgical time was longer in the endoscopic group (Z = -3.263, P < 0.01). After three months the mean subjective satisfaction score for the incision scar in the endoscopic group was significantly higher than that in the transcervical group (Z = -4.472, P < 0.01). In the endoscopic group, 2 cases (15.4%) with temporary numbness of the earlobe and 1 case (7.7%) with a temporary marginal mandibular nerve paralysis were found postoperatively. However, they recovered within 1 month. All 28 patients were disease free with a follow-up of 10 to 24 months (median of 18 months).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Endoscope-assisted submandibular gland resection via RAHI is feasible and safe for the treatment of benign submandibular gland lesions. In comparison with the transcervical approach, this method can provide better cosmetic results without significant complications.</p>

Diagnosis and treatment of congenital fourth branchial anomaly / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the anatomic features, clinical presentations, diagnosis, differentiations and treatments of congenital fourth branchial anomaly(CFBA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 8 patients with CFBA were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 8 patients aging from 27 to 300 months (median age: 114 months), 4 male and 4 female; 3 untreated previously and 5 recurrent. All lesions, including 1 cyst, 3 sinus (with internal opening) and 4 fistula, located in the left necks. Three patients presented acute suppurative thyroiditis, 4 deep neck abscesses, and 1 neck lump. Preoperative examinations included barium esophagogram, direct laryngoscopy, ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and so on. The principles of managements were adequate drainage, infection control during acute period and radical surgery during quiescent period. Classic surgical approach consisted of complete excision of branchial lesions, dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve and partial thyroidectomy. Selective neck dissection was applied in recurrent cases to extirpate branchial lesions, scarrings and inflammatory granuloma. Postoperatively, 1 case was with local incision infection which healed by wound care; 1 case was with temporary vocal cord paralysis which completely recovered 1 month after operation. No recurrence was found in all of 8 cases with follow-up of 13 to 42 months (median: 21 months).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CFBA relates closely anatomically with recurrent laryngeal nerve and thyroid grand. The barium esophagogram and direct laryngoscopy are the most useful diagnostic tools. CT and MRI are all beneficial to the diagnosis of CFBA. The treatment key to CFBA is the complete excision of lesion during a quiescent period after inflammatory control, together with the dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve, partial thyroidectomy and partial resection of lamina of thyroid cartilage (if necessary), which all can decrease the risk of complications and recurrence. For recurrent cases, selective neck dissection is a safe and effective surgical procedure.</p>

Ala499Val (C > T) and Lys939Gln (A > C) polymorphisms of the XPC gene: their correlation with male infertility / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The Ala499Val (C > T) and Lys939Gln (A > C) of the XPC gene are two potentially functional nonsynonymous polymorphisms, which affect the rate of DNA repair and might change XPC production and activity. This study aimed to explore the distribution of these two polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population and their relationship with male infertility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We genotyped the two polymorphisms of the XPC gene by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 318 infertile patients and 228 fertile male controls, detected the frequency of the alleles, and analyzed both the individual and the joint contribution of the two polymorphisms to male infertility.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For the Ala499Val (C > T) polymorphism, the frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes were significantly different in distribution between the patients and the controls (P = 0.020). Males with the TT genotype had a lower risk of male infertility than those with the CC genotype (adjusted OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88), and even lower than those with both CC and CT genotypes (adjusted OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.71). The Lys939Gln (A > C) polymorphism was not related with male infertility. The combined genotype analysis showed that the individuals with 1-4 risk alleles had a significantly higher risk of male infertility (adjusted OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.50-5.04) than those with 0 risk allele.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Ala499Val (C > T) polymorphism of the XPC gene is correlated with male infertility and may be a potential genetic risk factor for male infertility in the Chinese Han population.</p>