Comparing The Effects of Botulinum toxin-A and multiple surgical parasympathectomy on treatment of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease with a recent increasing in prevalence. Traditional treatment strategies of AR, sometimes, show limited effectiveness and side effects. Intranasal injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and multiple postganglionic parasympathectomy of pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) are among the increasingly used alternative treatment options of AR. In this study, we compared the early efficacy of BTX-A and multiple surgical parasympathectomy (MSP) on treatment of uncontrolled AR. METHODS: Sixty patients who were diagnosed with uncontrolled AR, were recruited to the study. Participants randomly underwent either intranasal injection of BTX-A (45 IU in each nostril) (Group A) or bilateral MSP (Group B). All patients were evaluated in terms of nasal hypersecretions, congestion and sneezing with visual analogue scale prior to treatment and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 6 months during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A significant difference in the degree of nasal hypersecretions and sneezing could be identified in both groups before and after the interventions. Although the significant efficacy on sneezing was documented in group A and B only in the first 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, such efficacy on nasal hypersecretions extended for 12 weeks in group A and throughout the follow-up period in group B. Nasal congestion did not differ significantly in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both BTX-A and MSP, in patients with uncontrolled AR, may be a long-lasting therapeutic option for the treatment of nasal hypersecretions, but not as effective as for sneezing and nasal congestion.

Echinacea can help with Azithromycin in prevention of recurrent tonsillitis in children.

PURPOSE: Recurrent tonsillitis in children is a common disease affecting children quality of life and extends to their families. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combined use of oral Azithromycin (AZT) plus Echinacea compared to exclusive use of AZT in children with recurrent tonsillitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective comparative study including three groups of children with recurrent tonsillitis. Group 1: (100 patients) had no prophylactic treatment. Group 2 (100 patients) received [60 mg/kg] prophylactic dose of AZT divided as (10 mg/kg/day) over 6 consecutive days every month for 6 consecutive months. Group 3 (100 patients) received AZT as in group 2 plus commercially available Echinacea in a dose of 5 ml oral suspension; 3 times daily for 10 consecutive days every month for 6 consecutive months. Number of tonsillitis attacks and severity of tonsillitis symptoms were assessed and compared in different groups. RESULTS: Group 2 and group 3 had significant less number of tonsillitis attacks and severity of assessed symptoms during 6 months of prophylactic treatment with significant better results in group 3 (i.e. AZT plus Echinacea) compared to group 2 (I.e. AZT alone). However; there was no significant difference in patients with any prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The combined use of Echinacea with Azithromycin produced favorable outcome than Azithromycin alone in pediatric patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

Prevalence of humoral immunodeficiency in adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

PURPOSE: Recurrent tonsillitis in adults has a significant impact on patients' daily life and healthcare costs. Humoral immunodeficiency increases the susceptibility to recurrent infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and contribution of humoral immunodeficiency in adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted over 3 years duration with two groups of subjects. Group 1: included 50 normal adult subjects and group 2: included 50 adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis. Recruitment occurred in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt. Different immunoglobulins (Ig A, Ig M and Ig G isotypes) were quantitatively assessed and compared in 2 groups. Incidence of different infections was also compared in patients with humoral immunodeficiency versus patients with intact immunity. RESULTS: 4 (8%) subjects in group 1 had selective humoral Immunodeficiency versus 13 (26%) patients in group 2. Patients with recurrent tonsillitis had significantly lower mean of most assessed immunoglobulins: IgA (P = 0.002), IgM (P = 0.003), IgG (P < 0.0001), IgG1 (P < 0.0001) and IgG3 (P < 0.0001) compared to normal subjects; with no significant difference in mean of IgG2 (P = 0.395) and IgG4 (P = 0.105). Patients with humoral immunodeficiency had significantly higher incidence of tonsillitis (P < 0.0001) and rhinosinusitis (P < 0.0001) attacks compared to patients with normal immunity. CONCLUSION: Adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis may have higher prevalence of humoral immunodeficiency compared to normal subjects. These findings suggest that assessment of immune function should be undertaken routinely in these patients.

Impact of habitual marijuana and tobacco smoke on severity of chronic rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: Health concerns around cannabis (marijuana) use have focused on the possible relationship with psychosis and lower airway health, however; the effect of cannabis smoking on upper airway health has received less attention. The aim of this study is to investigate difference between exclusive tobacco cigarettes smoking compared with tobacco plus cannabis smoking regarding severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study with two groups of CRS patients recruited (Group 1: tobacco cigarettes smokers; 100 patients and group 2: tobacco cigarettes smokers and also cannabis users; 100 patients). Recruitment occurred in a general practice in Egypt. Cannabis use was recorded by self-report. Severity of CRS was assessed and compared between 2 groups using SNOT-20 questionnaire, Lund-Mackay CT score and Lund-Kennedy (LK) endoscopy Score. RESULTS: Group 2 patients (tobacco plus cannabis smokers) had significantly higher mean of assessment cores (SNOT-20 (P = 0.005), Lund-Mackay CT score (P = 0.006) and Lund-Kennedy (LK) endoscopy Score (P = 0.005)). Group 2 patients also had significantly higher mean of facial pain/pressure, difficulty sleep, and wake at night, lack of sleep, wake up tired, fatigue, reduced productivity, reduced concentration, frustration/restless/irritable, sad and embarrassed compared to patients in group 1. CONCLUSION: Adult patients who smoked tobacco cigarettes plus cannabis mixed with tobacco had greater health related quality of life burden and more severe CRS compared to patients who smoked tobacco cigarettes only.

Topical Mitomycin-C can help as an adjunct to alkaline nasal wash and rifampicin in primary atrophic rhinitis.

PURPOSE: Primary atrophic rhinitis (PAR) is a well-known old disease characterized by a roomy nose and extensive crustations. This study was designed to investigate the effect of topical Mitomycin-C as an adjunct to medical treatment with respect to objective and subjective improvement in patients treated with PAR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in January 2016 and March 2018. Fifty adult patients aged 18 to 45 with PAR were randomly divided into 2 groups. STUDY GROUP: treatment with Mitomycin-C dissolved in an alkaline wash plus rifampicin and control group: only treated with rifampicin and alkaline nasal wash. Subjective scores for the following symptoms: After 12 weeks of treatment, foul smell, anosmia, crusting, epistaxis, and nasal blockade, an objective score of crusting, the status of nasal mucosa, nature of the secretions and condition of nasal cavity were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The degree of crustations (P < 0.0001) and the severity of epistaxis (P < 0.0001) were significantly improved in patients treated with Mitomycin-C dissolved in an alkaline wash (i.e. the study group), and the secretions returned significantly to normal (P < 0.0001). Both groups had significant improvements in both subjective and objective parameters of the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary atrophic rhinitis, the use of Mitomycin-C dissolved in an alkaline nasal wash as an adjunct to oral rifampicin can produce a beneficial result than rifampicin and alkaline nasal wash alone.

Honey can help in herpes simplex gingivostomatitis in children: Prospective randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis (HSGS) in children is a common painful infectious disease. This study aims to examine the combined efficacy of honey with acyclovir suspension compared to acyclovir alone for treating HSGS in young children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This Randomized double blind placebo controlled study was conducted from June 2015 to September 2017 in a tertiary referral hospital. One hundred children aged 2-8 years with HSGS were randomly classified into 2 groups; study group: treated with honey plus oral acyclovir and control group: treated with oral acyclovir alone. Severity of oral lesions, Fever, eating and drinking ability, pain scores and need for analgesics were compared between 2 groups on day 3, 5 and 7 after starting treatment. RESULTS: Children receiving honey plus acyclovir (i.e. study group) had significantly earlier disappearance of herpetic oral lesions; median 3 days vs. 6 days in control group (P = 0.022), drooling; 2 days vs. 4 days (P = 0.030) and eating difficulty; 3 days vs. 8 days (P = 0.001). Study group also had significantly lower pain scores, better eating and drinking ability and significantly less need for analgesics at 3 time-points of assessment. Fever disappeared in both groups with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of honey with oral acyclovir can produce favorable outcome than acyclovir alone in children with Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis.

The possible effect of human menopausal gonadotropin on the audio-vestibular system.

OBJECTIVE: Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) is one of the commonest drugs used for ovarian stimulation with no reports on the audio-vestibular system. This study aims to examine HMG on the hearing profile of patients planning intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from June 2016 to June 2017 in a tertiary referral hospital. The audio-vestibular system of a total of 30 patients was evaluated using pure tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs in the form of a DP-gram) and Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) immediately before therapy and at the day 10 after therapy. Audio-vestibular adverse effects including hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and otalgia were also considered. RESULTS: Significant elevations in hearing thresholds were found on comparing thresholds at the day 10 at the onset of the study. The elevations were mostly at frequencies (1000, 2000 and 8000Hz) and did not affect speech perception. For DPOAE, significant differences were observed at all F2 frequencies on comparing both amplitudes and signal to noise ratios. Otologic complaints were significant for tinnitus and hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Significant auditory and vestibular adverse effects may result from HMG therapy, indicating the importance of prompt monitoring of auditory functions in these patients.

Risk factors of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with unilateral safe chronic suppurative otitis media.

PURPOSE: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the major cause of hearing impairment, especially conductive hearing loss. Few patients also had sensorineural component, the sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in CSOM is controversial, especially for safe mucosal type. This study aims to assess the relationship between the frequency of SNHL development in patients with safe mucosal CSOM and its relation to patient's age, sex, duration of disease, size of perforation and different audiological findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted from June 2016 to June 2017 in a tertiary referral hospital. 200 patients with unilateral mucosal type of CSOM with normal contralateral ear were included in the study. The diseased ears were taken as study ears and normal ears as control ears in all patients. Detailed otologic history, clinical and audiometric findings were recorded and analyzed. Results were statistically compared in all patients for both study and control ears using different parameters. RESULTS: Twenty patients had an average bone conduction threshold of all frequencies above 25dB, which implies SNHL (10%). The incidence of SNHL was statistically significant at higher speech frequencies. The incidence increased with the presence of Diabetes Mellitus, smoking, duration of disease, presence of active discharge and the increase in size of perforation. However, it is not age dependent and there was no difference between males and females. CONCLUSION: Safe mucosal CSOM can cause SNHL with multiple predisposing factors.

Pulmonary Function of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and the Impact of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among control subjects and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to investigate the outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on PFTs among patients with CRS. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study conducted from June 2015 to June 2016. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study is based on 2 groups: adult control subjects (group 1, n = 25) and adult patients with medically resistant CRS (group 2, n = 25). PFTs were used to compare the lower airway condition between the groups. Another comparison in PFTs was made among patients with CRS at 1 week preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively to evaluate the effectiveness of ESS. RESULTS: In group 1, all subjects had an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥80% (forced expiratory volume in 1 second / forced vital capacity) with a mean of 0.84 ± 0.07, as compared with group 2, from 61% to 70% for 5 (20%) patients, 71% to 79% for 10 (40%), and ≥80% for 10 (40%). FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in group 2 than group 1 (P = .04). At 1 month postoperatively, the FEV1/FVC values of group 2 was from 61% to 70% for 2 (8%) patients, 71% to 79% for 13 (52%), and ≥80% for 10 (40%). The mean FEV1/FVC was 0.9 ± 0.50, and these values were significantly higher (P = .02) when compared with preoperative values. CONCLUSION: This study provides objective evidence that patients with CRS may have nonmanifest lower airway affection when compared with control subjects and that ESS is efficacious in the improvement of such affection.

Topical mitomycin C as an adjunct to surgical debulking and medical treatment in rhinoscleroma.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granuloma that is endemic in Egypt and is caused by gram-negative bacilli (Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis). The nasal mucosa is affected in almost all cases, which causes nasal obstruction, anosmia, and epistaxis. The disease usually passes through an atrophic stage (atrophic rhinitis) and a granulomatous stage before ending in the fibrotic stage, with possible bone destruction. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of topical mitomycin C (MMC) on reducing the recurrence of granulation tissue and intranasal adhesions after endoscopic debulking and continuous medical treatment of nasal rhinoscleroma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed with 30 patients who had rhinoscleroma (granulomatous and fibrotic stages). At the end of endoscopic debulking, meshes impregnated with MMC was placed in one nasal cavity for 5 minutes, while another meshes impregnated with saline solution were placed in the opposite side. Repeated meshes with MMC were placed in the same side during the follow-up period. Patients were followed up for 1 year. The recurrence of granulation tissue and the degree of intranasal adhesions were recorded and compared according to the Lund-Kennedy score. RESULTS: At 12 months' follow-up, among the total 30 patients, 30 MMC sides were compared with 30 control sides: 69% of MMC sides versus 32% of control sides had no recurrence of granulation tissue (p = 0.01) and 65% of MMC sides versus 24% of control sides had no recurrence of intranasal adhesions (p = 0.03). The Lund-Kennedy score decreased from 2.1 ± 0.64 to 0.8 ± 0.41 and from 2.3 ± 0.33 to 1.9 ± 0.20 in the MMC sides and control sides, respectively, with a nonstatistically significant lower incidence of intranasal adhesions in the MMC sides. CONCLUSION: Topical MMC may reduce granulation tissue and intranasal adhesion formation in patients with rhinoscleroma. Further studies with a larger number of samples and longer follow-up periods are recommended.

Endoscopic type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients using tragal cartilage.

IMPORTANCE: The main objective in the treatment of chronic otitis media is to relieve drainage and to rehabilitate hearing. Various materials can be used to repair the tympanic membrane (TM) through different tympanoplasty techniques. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of endoscopic type I tympanoplasty in pediatric patients using tragal cartilage as a grafting material. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this prospective study, we studied 80 ears in 80 pediatric patients (ages, 5-17 years) who had undergone type I tympanoplasty from January 2011 to December 2013 at a tertiary referral hospital. We classified our patients into a younger group (≤10 years; n = 40) and an older group (>10 years; n = 40). Patients were followed for up to 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic type I tympanoplasty using split-thickness tragal cartilage. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We identified the following criteria for success: (1) healing of the TM (anatomical success) and (2) improvement in hearing by assessing the change in the air-bone gap (ABG). We also assessed the mean operation duration and the different prognostic factors. RESULTS: Healing of the TM healing occurred in 34 patients (85%) in the younger group vs 36 patients (90%) in the older group. Both groups had notable improvement compared with the preoperative measurements, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Thirty patients (75%) in the younger group had improvement in their ABG vs 32 patients (80%) in the older group, with a mean ABG of 8.0 dB and 10.5 dB in the younger and older groups, respectively. Both groups had significant functional success with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Sixty patients (75%) displayed a type A tympanogram at their 6-month postoperative audiometric testing (28 patients in the younger group vs 32 patients in the older group). There were no statistically significant differences regarding the anatomical and functional success between the patients who had previously undergone adenotonsillectomy and the other patients. The mean (SD) operation duration was 55.03 (2.50) minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In pediatric patients undergoing type I tympanoplasty, the endoscopic approach using the tragal cartilage as a grafting material resulted in successful anatomical and functional outcomes that are in comparable to other techniques but with a shorter operation duration. Age of the patient, auditory tube dysfunction, and previous adenotonsillectomy were not prognostic factors for this procedure.

The value of intranasal splints after partial inferior turbinectomy.

To assess the value of using the intranasal septal splint after partial inferior turbinectomy (PIT) surgery. Prospective, randomized comparative study. The study was conducted over a period of 2 years from January 2012 to January 2014 at Minia University hospital, Minia, Egypt. A total of 100 patients underwent bilateral PIT. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A included 50 patients had PIT with intranasal splints and group B included 50 patients had PIT without splints. A comparison was made between the 2 groups regarding the postoperative pain, degree of nasal obstruction and the degree of tissue healing and adhesions formation at 2 time points (2 and 4 weeks postoperatively). At 2 weeks postoperatively: visual analogue score (VAS) for the pain was 5 in group A versus 2.1 in group B (P = 0.01), VAS for nasal obstruction was 6 in group A versus 5 in group B (P = 0.328), 70 % of patients had good healing in group A versus 24 % in group B (P = 0.02). At 4 weeks postoperatively: VAS for the pain was 1.5 in group A versus 1.8 in group B (P = 0.423), VAS for nasal obstruction was 7 in group A versus 6 in group B (P = 0.353), 80 % of patients had good healing in group A versus 54 % in group B (P = 0.03). The use intranasal septal splints after PIT without septal surgery can cause increased postoperative pain in the short term follow-up period with significant evidence of decreasing rates of intranasal adhesions.

Topical mitomycin C as an adjunct to surgical debulking and medical treatment in rhinoscleroma.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granuloma that is endemic in Egypt and is caused by gram-negative bacilli (Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis). The nasal mucosa is affected in almost all cases, which causes nasal obstruction, anosmia, and epistaxis. The disease usually passes through an atrophic stage (atrophic rhinitis) and a granulomatous stage before ending in the fibrotic stage, with possible bone destruction. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of topical mitomycin C (MMC) on reducing the recurrence of granulation tissue and intranasal adhesions after endoscopic debulking and continuous medical treatment of nasal rhinoscleroma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed with 30 patients who had rhinoscleroma (granulomatous and fibrotic stages). At the end of endoscopic debulking, meshes impregnated with MMC was placed in one nasal cavity for 5 minutes, while another meshes impregnated with saline solution were placed in the opposite side. Repeated meshes with MMC were placed in the same side during the follow-up period. Patients were followed up for 1 year. The recurrence of granulation tissue and the degree of intranasal adhesions were recorded and compared according to the Lund-Kennedy score. RESULTS: At 12 months' follow-up, among the total 30 patients, 30 MMC sides were compared with 30 control sides: 69% of MMC sides versus 32% of control sides had no recurrence of granulation tissue (p = 0.01) and 65% of MMC sides versus 24% of control sides had no recurrence of intranasal adhesions (p = 0.03). The Lund-Kennedy score decreased from 2.1 ± 0.64 to 0.8 ± 0.41 and from 2.3 ± 0.33 to 1.9 ± 0.20 in the MMC sides and control sides, respectively, with a nonstatistically significant lower incidence of intranasal adhesions in the MMC sides. CONCLUSION: Topical MMC may reduce granulation tissue and intranasal adhesion formation in patients with rhinoscleroma. Further studies with a larger number of samples and longer follow-up periods are recommended.

Sinonasal outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery in asthmatic patients with nasal polyps: a difference between aspirin-tolerant and aspirin-induced asthma?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Aspirin-sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyposis (NP) comprise the clinical entity of Samter's triad. The aim of this study is to report the sinonasal outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in treating NP in asthmatic patients, comparing aspirin-induced asthmatic (AIA) patients with aspirin-tolerant asthmatics (ATA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: The records of 66 patients with NP and asthma were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one AIA patients were compared with 25 ATA patients. For each patient, a Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) score of the preoperative scans and the available postoperative CT scans in a period of 18 months were calculated and used as primary endpoint. Sinonasal improvement assessed by patients and reported with a symptoms scale was used as the secondary endpoint for the comparison immediately before surgery and 6 months and 12 months following ESS. RESULTS: Preoperative CT scores in AIA patients compared with ATA patients were significantly higher 19 (standard deviation, 4.82) vs. 14 (standard deviation, 6.8), respectively (P = .006). This difference was sustained for the available postoperative CT scans (P < .0001). During the period of 18 months follow-up, 63.4% of AIA patients vs. 96% of ATA patients had CT improvement with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .003). At 6 months following ESS, 63.4% of AIA patients vs. 56% of ATA patients had symptomatic improvement. At 12 months, 68.3% of AIA patients vs. 60% of ATA patients had symptomatic improvement, with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: AIA patients had more extensive sinonasal disease than ATA patients. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in sinonasal outcomes after ESS. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant for patients' CT improvement with worse CT scores being seen in AIA patients.

Asthma outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery in aspirin-tolerant versus aspirin-induced asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Certain diseases affect both upper and lower airways. Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) is a clinical entity characterized by asthma, nasal polyposis, and aspirin intolerance. To understand the response of the lower airway to surgical treatment of the sinuses, we examined asthma outcomes in AIA compared with a second group of aspirin-tolerant asthmatic (ATA) patients to establish if there were any differences between the two groups after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: A retrospective record review was performed of 91 asthmatic subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis. Forty-one subjects had AIA and 50 subjects had ATA. Subjective and objective asthma outcome parameters were used to compare between the two groups at three time points: immediately before ESS and 6 and 12 months after ESS. RESULTS: Preoperatively, AIA patients had significantly higher asthma severity (p<0.0001) and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second values (p=0.04). At 12 months after ESS, a statistically significant difference between the two groups with better results in AIA patients was seen in asthma severity improvement (p=0.010) and in the decrease of ICS doses (p<0.0001), without significant differences between the two groups in other asthma outcome parameters. CONCLUSION: AIA patients usually present with more severe asthma. The asthmatic complaints of AIA and ATA patients continue to improve significantly over 6 and 12 month after ESS. Although ESS helped both groups of patients, AIA had statistically significant better results compared with ATA patients in asthma severity scores and decreased need for ICS.