A proposal for analyzing the inflammatory and remodeling processes of mucosa in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis through MRI.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling process. The remodeling process in nasal polyps has mainly been studied by histology analysis. However, it is limited to a polyp fragment and requires tissue removal. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to depict and characterize the remodeling process in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: 30 patients that met clinical diagnostic criteria for CRSwNP, without previous history of rhinosinusitis surgery were submitted to MRI scan (conventional, diffusion-weighted and DCE MRI) and compared with polyp tissue histological findings, IL-6 concentrations in the tissue and eosinophil count in the blood. The examinations were evaluated, independently, by two radiologists blinded to other radiological and histological data. The pathologist, blinded to MRI results, also compared the tissue sample from the most central and the most peripheral portion of the polypoid tissue adjacent to the floor of the nasal fossa. RESULTS: This study demonstrated a characteristic pattern of nasal polyps, whose peripheral portions of nasal polypoid tissue are edematous, whereas the central portions in the middle meatus and in the middle and upper ethmoid are predominantly fibrotic. ADC values found in the most anterior portion of the polyps may be a marker for radiological phenotyping the remodeling process. This non-invasive analysis presented a high degree of agreement in the fibrosis and edema rating by two radiologists and the histological analysis was concordant with the MRI findings. The polyps were characterized as eosinophilic, and no relationship was found between the severity of the eosinophilic inflammatory process or concentration of IL-6 and the remodeling process. CONCLUSION: MRI by using T2-weighted imaging sequence and ADCs values allows tissue characterization and is an effective tool for the differentiation of edematous and fibrotic components in CRSwNP.

Effect of Body Weight on Response to Nasal Glucocorticoid Treatment in Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is among the most common chronic diseases in the world. Obesity can lead to a chronic systemic inflammatory process. In this study, we evaluated the effects of body weight on the response to treatment of allergic rhinitis with nasal corticosteroids. Two groups of patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were compared: one composed of obese patients and one composed of normal weight patients. Nasal endoscopy, peak nasal inspiratory flow, quality of life, the VAS, SNOT22, and NOSE-5 questionnaires, and the concentration of nasal cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-ᾳ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10) through nasal brushing were evaluated before and after treatment with 400 mcg/day nasal beclomethasone. No differences were identified between the groups in nasal endoscopy, peak nasal inspiratory flow, the VAS, SNOT22, and NOSE-5 questionnaires, or in the cytokines INF-γ, TNF-ᾳ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 prior to nasal corticosteroid treatment. Both groups showed improvement in the VAS, SNOT-22, and NOSE-5 questionnaires and an increase in peak nasal inspiratory volumes after treatment. In the eutrophic group, there was an increase in INF-γ and IL-5 after treatment. When comparing the variation in cytokines before and after treatment between groups, IL-10 was the cytokine that showed altered behavior dependent on weight. Obesity did not seem to impact nasal symptoms and physiology and presented a similar clinical response to treatment with nasal corticosteroids to normal weight patients. However, obese patients had an impaired anti-inflammatory response during treatment with nasal corticosteroids.

Changes in behavioral and cognitive abilities after rapid maxillary expansion in children affected by persistent snoring after long-term adenotonsillectomy: A noncontrolled study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to verify changes in behavioral abilities and cognitive functions after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in children with refractory sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the long term after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial study using RME therapy was conducted. Participant inclusion criteria were children who had adenotonsillectomy with maxillary transverse deficiency and persistent SDB (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index ≥1). The study included 24 children aged 5-12 years, and of these 24 children, 13 had primary snoring and 11 had obstructive sleep apnea. The patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy and a complete polysomnography. In addition, patients completed the Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Behavioral and neurocognitive tests were also completed before and after RME. RESULTS: The Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life scores showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups (P <0.001) after RME. The results showed that neurocognitive and behavioral parameters (Child Behavior Checklist scale) were similar in primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups before RME. In the OSA group, the mean scores of the "Somatic" and "Aggressiveness" domains decreased significantly (P <0.05). The cognitive functions did not register significant differences pre- and post-RME in any of the cognitive functions, except for visuospatial function in the OSA group. CONCLUSIONS: The noncontrolled design was a major limitation of our study. The need for treatment for SDB should consider the association of symptoms and behavioral disturbances with the child's obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. RME might prove to be an alternative treatment for children with SDB refractory to adenotonsillectomy, improving quality of life and behavioral aspects. However, a larger sample size with a control group is needed to substantiate these claims.

Preliminary short-term outcomes of rapid maxillary expansion on periodic limb movements during sleep in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term outcome of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) in children with residual snoring after late adenotonsillectomy (AT). METHODS: This prospective clinical trial included 24 patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Participants' inclusion criteria were children with maxillary constriction aged 5-12 years who had AT for more than two years and those whose parents/guardians reported that they still snored ≥4 nights per week. Of which 13 had primary snoring, and 11 had OSA. All patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy evaluation and complete polysomnography. The Quality of life (QOL) Questionnaire (OSA-18), the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), the Conners Abbreviated Scale (CAE), and the Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) were applied before and after palatal expansion. RESULTS: The OSA 18 domain, PSQ total, CAE, and ESS scores were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in PLMS indices. In the total sample, the mean decreased significantly from 4.15 to 1.08. In the Primary Snoring group, the mean decreased from 2.64 to 0.99; in the OSA group, the average decreased significantly from 5.95 to 1.19. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that the improvement of PLMS in the OSA group with maxillary constriction is correlated with a favorable neurological impact of the treatment. We suggest a multi-professional approach to the treatment of sleep disorders in children.

The effects of rapid maxillary expansion on persistent pediatric snoring post-tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the short-term effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the quality of life of children who had persistent snoring post-adenotonsillectomy (AT). METHODS: The study included children with maxillary constriction aged 5 to 12 years, two or more years after AT whose parents/guardians reported that they still snored ≥ 5 nights per week. We enrolled children with sleep-disordered breathing, including children with primary snoring and children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). All patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy and complete polysomnography. Quality of Life (QOL) Questionnaire (OSA-18), the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), Conners Abbreviated Scale (CAS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered before and after RME. RESULTS: Of 24 children enrolled, 13 had primary snoring and 11 had OSA. Overall OSA-18 scores were reduced in both groups (intragroup difference, p < 0.001). The PSQ total score, CAS, and ESS were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.001) In the evaluation of snoring, there was a reduction due to the treatment effect in both groups (p < 0.001). Daytime sleepiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders were also positively affected in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the potential benefit of RME in treating children with persistent snoring and transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD). RME can improve snoring and the QOL of children with refractory SDB after AT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: RBR-463byn.

Three-dimensional image study of accelerated maxillary expansion in oral breathing kids

Abstract Objective: To evaluate, by a three-dimensional study, the volumetric and integumentary effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nose, in mouth breathing kids with maxillary hypoplasia, in the short term, assessing the possible interference of gender, growth and age on the results achieved. Methods: 120 mouth breathing patients with maxilla hypoplasia were divided into an Experimental Group treated by rapid maxillary expansion (n = 104, 62 males and 42 females, mean age 10.1 years, SD = 2.10, ranging from 5.1 to 13.9 years); and Control Group, constituted by 16 patients (9 males and 7 females, mean age 9.3 years, SD = 2.1 years, ranging from 6.1 to 13.2 years). Patients in the experimental group underwent multislice computed tomography examinations at two different times: (T1) pre-expansion and (T2) post-expansion. The control group was submitted to the same tests at the same time intervals. Six soft tissue variables of the nose were studied, besides the volume and area of the nasal cavity, and the measurement and comparison of data between T1 and T2 were performed using the Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium software. Results: The experimental group showed significant mean increases in all soft tissue variables studied (p < 0.005), yet there were no significant changes in the control group. In the comparison between groups, only inclination of the nasal dorsum did not present any significant change. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion may alter the nasal shape and physiology, by anatomical changes in the nose soft tissues, making it an important aid in the treatment of mouth breathing in childhood. Level of evidence: The soft tissues of the nose play an important role in nasal shape and physiology and facial esthetics, and since they are directly related to the nasal valves, they are fundamental for maintenance and stability of the nasal breathing pattern.

A clinical trial on 3D CT scan and polysomnographyc changes after rapid maxillary expansion in children with snoring

Abstract Objective: The present prospective clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the airway, correlating airway volumes obtained on multi-slice computed tomography and polysomnography assessment of oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index. Methods: Twenty-four patients (11 with obstructive sleep apnea and 13 with residual snoring, mean age 10.0 (1.8), were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent multislice computed tomography and nocturnal polysomnography before rapid maxillary expansion and after removal of maxillary expansion after six months. Airway regions were segmented, and volumes were computed. Results: The increase in oropharyngeal volume was significant in both groups. Oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between total airway volume, oxygen saturation, and apnea/hypopnea index changes between the time points examined. Conclusions: This study showed that when rapid maxillary expansion is performed in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, there were statistically significant differences in oropharyngeal volume between pre- and post-rapid maxillary expansion, but there was no correlation between oxygen saturation values and oropharyngeal volume increase. Level of evidence: The article is classified as Evidence Level 3 (Three).

A clinical trial on 3D CT scan and polysomnographyc changes after rapid maxillary expansion in children with snoring.

OBJECTIVE: The present prospective clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the airway, correlating airway volumes obtained on multi-slice computed tomography and polysomnography assessment of oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (11 with obstructive sleep apnea and 13 with residual snoring, mean age 10.0 (1.8), were enrolled in the study. Each patient underwent multislice computed tomography and nocturnal polysomnography before rapid maxillary expansion and after removal of maxillary expansion after six months. Airway regions were segmented, and volumes were computed. RESULTS: The increase in oropharyngeal volume was significant in both groups. Oxygen saturation and apnea/hypopnea index were not statistically significant. No correlation was found between total airway volume, oxygen saturation, and apnea/hypopnea index changes between the time points examined. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that when rapid maxillary expansion is performed in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, there were statistically significant differences in oropharyngeal volume between pre- and post-rapid maxillary expansion, but there was no correlation between oxygen saturation values and oropharyngeal volume increase. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The article is classified as Evidence Level 3 (Three).

Análise macroscópica e radiográfica de dentes decíduos com hiperbilirrubinemia de crianças com doenças hepáticas crônicas e transplante hepático / Macroscopic and radiographic analysis of primary teeth with hyperbilirubinemiain children with chronic liver disease and liver transplantation

Objetivo: identificar mediante análise macroscópica e ra-diográfica as alterações estruturais em tecidos dentários afetados pela hiperbilirrubinemia, normalmente constatada a partir do sinal clínico de icterícia e provoca o desenvolvi-mento de pigmentos intrínsecos esverdeados nas estruturas dentárias. Materiais e Métodos: a amostra foi composta por 31 dentes decíduos dividida em grupo controle (n= 7) e grupo experimental (n= 24). As análises macroscópicas foram efetuadas por meio de fotografias individuais padroniza-das e as radiográficas obtidas com aquisições de imagem a 9 mA, 70 kVp, distância de 8cm, exposição 0,4 segundos e com XDR Sensor®. As imagens foram convertidas pelo software XDR Brasil 3.1.6 e padronizadas pelo programa GIMP 2.10.22. Os dados da média simples do histograma foram analisados pelo teste T-Student e Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Resultados: demonstraram a maior intensidade de pigmentação em região cervical da raiz, com diferença de densidade radiográfica estaticamente significante na porção radicular entre os grupos experimental e controle (p=0,043). Na análise da densidade radiográfica da estrutura radicular do grupo experimental houve diferença estatica-mente significante (p=0,016) entre os terços cervical e apical. Discussão: Os dados evidenciaram que dentes pigmentados pela hiperbilirrubinemia não possuem alterações na densidade mineral nos terços coronários. Conclusão: Dentes com pigmentação esverdeada bilirrubina possuem diferenças na densidade radiográfica so-mente na região radicular.

Aim: is to identify, through macroscopic and radio-graphic analysis, structural changes in dental tissues affected by hyperbilirubinemia, usually seen from the clinical sign of icterus and causes the development of intrinsic greenish pigments in dental structure. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 31 primary teeth divided into a control group (n=7) and an experimental group (n=24). Macroscopic analyzes were performed using standardized individual photographs and radiographic ones obtained by image acquisition at 9 mA, 70 kVp, 8cm distance, 0.4 seconds exposure and with XDR Sensor®. The images were converted by XDR Brasil 3.1.6 software and standardized by GIMP 2.10.22 software. The Histogram's simple mean data were analyzed by T-Student and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05). Results: showed intensity of pigmentation in the cervical region of the root, with a statistically significant difference in the root portion between the experimental and control groups (p=0.043. In the analysis of radiographic density of the root structure of the experimental group, there was a statistically significant difference (p= 0.016) between the cervical and apical thirds. Discussion: The data showed that teeth pigmented by hyperbilirubinemia do not have changes in mineral density in the coronary thirds. Conclusion: Greenish pigments teeth have differences in radiographic density only in the root structure.

Effectiveness of functional orthodontic appliances in obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children: literature review / Eficácia dos aparelhos ortodônticos funcionais no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças: revisão da literatura

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common condition in childhood and if left untreated can result in many health problems. An accurate diagnosis of the etiology is crucial for obstructive sleep apnea treatment success. Functional orthodontic appliances that stimulate mandibular growth by forward mandibular positioning are an alternative therapeutic option in growing patients. Objective: To perform a literature review about the effects of functional orthodontic appliances used to correct the mandibular deficiency in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Methods: The literature search was conducted in June 2020 using Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), LILACS Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; EMBASE Bireme and BBO Bireme electronic databases. The search included papers published in English, until June 2020, whose methodology referred to the types and effects of functional orthopedic appliances on obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children. Results: The search strategy identified thirteen articles; only four articles were randomized clinical studies. All studies using the oral appliances or functional orthopedic appliances for obstructive sleep apnea in children resulted in improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index score. The cephalometric (2D) and tomographic (3D) evaluations revealed enlargement of the upper airway and increase in the upper airspace, improving the respiratory function in the short term. Conclusion: Functional appliances may bean alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it cannot be concluded that they are effective in treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. There are significant deficiencies in the existing evidence, mainly due to absence of control groups, small sample sizes, lack of randomization and no long-term results.

Resumo Introdução: A síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono é uma condição comum na infância e, se não tratada, pode resultar em muitos problemas de saúde. Um diagnóstico preciso da etiologia é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento dessa condição clínica. Aparelhos ortodônticos funcionais que estimulam o crescimento mandibular através do anteroposicionamento mandibular são uma opção terapêutica para pacientes em crescimento. Objetivo: Fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre os efeitos do aparelho ortodôntico funcional usado para corrigir a deficiência mandibular no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Método: A pesquisa bibliográfica foi feita em junho de 2020 nos os bancos de dados eletrônicos da Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), Lilacs Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; Embase Bireme e BBO Bireme. A busca incluiu artigos publicados em inglês, até junho de 2020, cuja metodologia referia-se aos tipos e efeitos dos aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças. Resultados: A estratégia de busca identificou 19 artigos; apenas quatro eram estudos clínicos randomizados. Todos os estudos que usaram aparelhos orais ou aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais para apneia obstrutiva do sono em crianças resultaram em melhorias no índice de apneia-hipopneia. As avaliações cefalométrica (2D) e tomográfica (3D) mostraram alargamento das vias aéreas superiores e aumento do espaço das vias aéreas superiores, que melhoraram a função respiratória em curto prazo. Conclusão: Os aparelhos funcionais podem ser um tratamento opcional para apneia obstrutiva do sono, mas não é possível concluir que sejam eficazes na população pediátrica. Existem deficiências significativas nas evidências existentes, principalmente devido à ausência de grupos de controle, tamanho pequeno das amostras, falta de randomização e ausência de resultados em longo prazo.

Three-dimensional image study of accelerated maxillary expansion in oral breathing kids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, by a three-dimensional study, the volumetric and integumentary effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nose, in mouth breathing kids with maxillary hypoplasia, in the short term, assessing the possible interference of gender, growth and age on the results achieved. METHODS: 120 mouth breathing patients with maxilla hypoplasia were divided into an Experimental Group treated by rapid maxillary expansion (n = 104, 62 males and 42 females, mean age 10.1 years, SD = 2.10, ranging from 5.1 to 13.9 years); and Control Group, constituted by 16 patients (9 males and 7 females, mean age 9.3 years, SD = 2.1 years, ranging from 6.1 to 13.2 years). Patients in the experimental group underwent multislice computed tomography examinations at two different times: (T1) pre-expansion and (T2) post-expansion. The control group was submitted to the same tests at the same time intervals. Six soft tissue variables of the nose were studied, besides the volume and area of the nasal cavity, and the measurement and comparison of data between T1 and T2 were performed using the Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium software. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant mean increases in all soft tissue variables studied (p < 0.005), yet there were no significant changes in the control group. In the comparison between groups, only inclination of the nasal dorsum did not present any significant change. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion may alter the nasal shape and physiology, by anatomical changes in the nose soft tissues, making it an important aid in the treatment of mouth breathing in childhood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The soft tissues of the nose play an important role in nasal shape and physiology and facial esthetics, and since they are directly related to the nasal valves, they are fundamental for maintenance and stability of the nasal breathing pattern.

Effectiveness of functional orthodontic appliances in obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children: literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common condition in childhood and if left untreated can result in many health problems. An accurate diagnosis of the etiology is crucial for obstructive sleep apnea treatment success. Functional orthodontic appliances that stimulate mandibular growth by forward mandibular positioning are an alternative therapeutic option in growing patients. OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature review about the effects of functional orthodontic appliances used to correct the mandibular deficiency in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in June 2020 using Cochrane Library; PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), LILACS Ovid; SciELO Web of Science; EMBASE Bireme and BBO Bireme electronic databases. The search included papers published in English, until June 2020, whose methodology referred to the types and effects of functional orthopedic appliances on obstructive sleep apnea treatment in children. RESULTS: The search strategy identified thirteen articles; only four articles were randomized clinical studies. All studies using the oral appliances or functional orthopedic appliances for obstructive sleep apnea in children resulted in improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index score. The cephalometric (2D) and tomographic (3D) evaluations revealed enlargement of the upper airway and increase in the upper airspace, improving the respiratory function in the short term. CONCLUSION: Functional appliances may be an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it cannot be concluded that they are effective in treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. There are significant deficiencies in the existing evidence, mainly due to absence of control groups, small sample sizes, lack of randomization and no long-term results.

Patients' understanding of "informed consent" in plastic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the patient's understanding of the informed consent form before and after plastic surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective analytical descriptive study that utilized a questionnaire on informed consent before and after plastic surgery procedures. RESULTS: Comprehension of informed consent was higher before surgery than after surgery (p=0.016; question 15). The higher the scholarity, the higher the comprehension (s=0.151; p=0.045) before surgery (question 4). For the other questions, it was not possible to find a difference in the pattern of understanding and in the association with the educational attainment level after surgery (s=0.180; p=0.046; question 1). CONCLUSIONS: The patients' level of comprehension of the details, outcomes, possible complications, and postoperative evolutions of surgical procedures, as stated by the informed consent form, is high.

Patients' understanding of "informed consent" in plastic surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To assess the patient's understanding of the informed consent form before and after plastic surgery. METHODS This was a prospective analytical descriptive study that utilized a questionnaire on informed consent before and after plastic surgery procedures. RESULTS Comprehension of informed consent was higher before surgery than after surgery (p=0.016; question 15). The higher the scholarity, the higher the comprehension (s=0.151; p=0.045) before surgery (question 4). For the other questions, it was not possible to find a difference in the pattern of understanding and in the association with the educational attainment level after surgery (s=0.180; p=0.046; question 1). CONCLUSIONS: The patients' level of comprehension of the details, outcomes, possible complications, and postoperative evolutions of surgical procedures, as stated by the informed consent form, is high.

Effect of topical corticosteroids on nasal patency after acute positive airway pressure exposure / Efeito dos corticosteroides tópicos na patência nasal após exposição aguda à pressão positiva nas vias aéreas

Abstract Introduction Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. Baseline inflammation due to allergic rhinitis could increase or exacerbate the inflammatory effect of high airflow in the nasal cavity as the result of continuous positive airway pressure and lead to greater continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. In this setting, intranasal steroids would be expected to counteract the nasal inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and/or continuous positive airway pressure. Objective The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of topical corticosteroid use on nasal patency after acute exposure to positive pressure. Methods Ten individuals with allergic rhinitis were exposed to 1 h of continuous airway pressure (15 cm H2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure device. Visual analog scale, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow were performed before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks topical nasal steroid (budesonide) application, positive pressure exposure was repeated as well as the first assessments. Results Patients reported a statistically significant improvement both on the visual analog (p = 0.013) and obstruction symptom evaluation scales (p < 0.01). Furthermore, objective measurements were improved as well, with increased nasal cavity volume on acoustic rhinometry (p = 0.02) and increased peak nasal inspiratory flow (p = 0.012), after corticosteroid treatment. Conclusion In patients with allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroid therapy improved objective and subjective parameters of nasal patency after acute exposure of the nasal cavity to positive pressure.

Resumo Introdução Congestão e obstrução nasais são relatadas na maioria dos usuários de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e são frequentemente mencionadas como razões para a falta de aderência. A inflamação basal devida à rinite alérgica pode aumentar ou agravar o efeito inflamatório do alto fluxo de ar na cavidade nasal como resultado da pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e aumentar a intolerância à mesma. Nesse cenário, espera-se que os esteróides intranasais neutralizem a inflamação nasal causada pela rinite alérgica e/ou pela pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do uso tópico de corticosteroides na patência nasal após exposição aguda à pressão positiva. Métodos Dez indivíduos com rinite alérgica foram expostos a uma hora de pressão contínua nas vias aéreas (15 cm H2O) na cavidade nasal, fornecida por um dispositivo de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas. A escala visual analógica, a escala Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, rinometria acústica e pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal foram aplicados antes e após a intervenção. Após 4 semanas de aplicação tópica de esteroide nasal (budesonida), a exposição positiva à pressão foi repetida, bem como as primeiras avaliações. Resultados Os pacientes relataram uma melhoria estatisticamente significante tanto na escala visual analógica (p = 0,013) quanto na escala Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (p < 0,01). Além disso, as medidas objetivas também foram melhoradas, com aumento do volume da cavidade nasal na rinometria acústica (p = 0,02) e aumento do pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal (p = 0,012), após o tratamento com corticosteroide. Conclusão Em pacientes com rinite alérgica, a terapia com corticosteroide intranasal melhorou os parâmetros objetivos e subjetivos da patência nasal após exposição aguda da cavidade nasal à pressão positiva.

Effect of topical corticosteroids on nasal patency after acute positive airway pressure exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. Baseline inflammation due to allergic rhinitis could increase or exacerbate the inflammatory effect of high airflow in the nasal cavity as the result of continuous positive airway pressure and lead to greater continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. In this setting, intranasal steroids would be expected to counteract the nasal inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and/or continuous positive airway pressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of topical corticosteroid use on nasal patency after acute exposure to positive pressure. METHODS: Ten individuals with allergic rhinitis were exposed to 1h of continuous airway pressure (15cm H2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure device. Visual analog scale, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow were performed before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks topical nasal steroid (budesonide) application, positive pressure exposure was repeated as well as the first assessments. RESULTS: Patients reported a statistically significant improvement both on the visual analog (p=0.013) and obstruction symptom evaluation scales (p<0.01). Furthermore, objective measurements were improved as well, with increased nasal cavity volume on acoustic rhinometry (p=0.02) and increased peak nasal inspiratory flow (p=0.012), after corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: In patients with allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroid therapy improved objective and subjective parameters of nasal patency after acute exposure of the nasal cavity to positive pressure.

The impact of positive airway pressure on midface growth: a literature review / O impacto da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas no crescimento da face média: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Introduction: The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure in children is restricted due to concerns that it could affect maxilla growth over time. Objective: To undertake a systematic review of the literature about the long-term impact of using a positive airway pressure mask on the midface in growing individuals. Methods: The literature search was conducted in September 2019 using the keywords ("long-term" OR "long term" OR "side effects" OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR "mid-face" OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND ("airway pressure" OR ventilation) in the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs. The search included papers published in English, until September 2019, on the effects of positive airway pressure on midfacial growth. Results: The search strategy identified five studies: two case reports, two cross-sectional studies and one retrospective cohort study. All studies evaluated the long-term effects of a using a nasal mask on the midface in children and adolescents; four showed midface hypoplasia and one no showed difference post- treatment compared to a control. Conclusion: Most of the studies demonstrated that long-term use of nasal positive airway pressure in childhood/adolescence is associated with midface hypoplasia.

Resumo Introdução: O tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono com pressão positiva nas vias aéreas em crianças é restrito devido a preocupações de que possa afetar o crescimento da maxila em longo prazo. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o impacto em longo prazo do uso de uma máscara de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas na face média em indivíduos em crescimento. Método: A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada em setembro de 2019 utilizando as palavras-chave (long-term OR side effects OR longitudinal) AND (children OR child OR preschool OR adolescents OR adolescent OR infant OR infants) AND (craniofacial OR mid-face OR midface OR midfacial OR facial OR maxillary) AND (airway pressure OR ventilation) nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science e Lilacs. A pesquisa incluiu artigos publicados em inglês, até setembro de 2019, sobre os efeitos da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas no crescimento médio-facial. Resultados: A estratégia de busca identificou cinco estudos: dois relatos de casos, dois estudos transversais e um estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Todos os estudos avaliaram os efeitos em longo prazo do uso de máscara nasal na face média em crianças e adolescentes; quatro apresentaram hipoplasia da face média e um paciente não mostrou diferença após o tratamento em comparação com um controle. Conclusão: A maioria dos estudos demonstrou que o uso prolongado da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas nasal na infância/adolescência está associado à hipoplasia da face média.