3D printed ventilation tubes and their effect on biological models.

BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) causes inflammation and hearing loss. Ventilation tubes are key in treatment. 3D printing improves prostheses in otorhinolaryngology, offering precision and greater adaptability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was conducted with Wistar rats from July to December 2020. 3D tympanostomy tube models were designed, with technical specifications and tests performed on inexpensive 3D printers. The tympanostomy tube was inserted endoscopically. RESULTS: Procedures were performed on five rats with implants in both ears. Pre-intervention pathologies, such as atical retraction and glue ear, were found. The PLA-printed tympanostomy tube showed improvement after adjustments. Histopathological results revealed significant middle and inner ear damage. CONCLUSION: In our study, the design and 3D printing of implants fulfilled the desired functions when modified, with a height of 5 mm. Complications included PLA degradation and ear damage. There were no adverse events during observation, highlighting the need for further research on 3D-printed implants.

[Time of care and its impact in the evolution of laryngeal cancer]. / El tiempo de atención y su impacto en la evolución del cáncer laríngeo.

Background: Laryngeal carcinoma is the 22nd most common cause of cancer in men worldwide and the second most common head and neck malignancy. The care of these patients is multidisciplinary. Factors such as tumor stage and initiation of treatment 60 days after diagnosis have been associated with worse survival. Objective: To know the overall time of care in laryngeal cancer and its impact on the outcome of patients in a tertiary health center. Material and methods: In July 2020, a retrospective study was carried out of 173 patients with laryngeal cancer diagnosed in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology from January 2014 to December 2018. Odds ratio and Fisher's exact test were calculated with a p value of 0.05. Results: 2 out of 77 patients started treatment at the recommended time. The total attention time (TAT) was 246 ± 159 days. 56% of the patients were still alive, 43% disease-free and 10% with progression. Control of the disease was achieved in 69% of early tumors and only 26% in advanced ones. Conclusions: The overall time of care impacts on the health status, affecting survival and control of disease. The stage of the tumor at the time of diagnosis is a decisive prognosis factor. Strategies towards multidisciplinary management and early detection in primary care should be created.

Introducción: el carcinoma de laringe es la vigésima segunda causa más común de cáncer en hombres a nivel mundial y la segunda malignidad más común en cabeza y cuello. La atención de estos pacientes es multidisciplinaria. Factores como el estadio del tumor y el inicio del tratamiento 60 días después del diagnóstico han sido asociados a una peor sobrevida. Objetivo: conocer el tiempo integrado de atención del cáncer de laringe y su impacto en el estado de salud de los pacientes en un centro terciario de atención. Material y métodos: en julio de 2020 se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de 173 pacientes con cáncer de laringe diagnosticados en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología de enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2018. Se calculó la razón de momios y la prueba exacta de Fisher con valor de p = 0.05. Resultados: dos de 77 pacientes iniciaron tratamiento en tiempo recomendado. El tiempo total de atención fue de 246 +/- 159 días. El 56% de los pacientes continuaban con vida, 43% libres de enfermedad y 10% con progresión. El control de la enfermedad se logró en el 69% de los tumores tempranos y solo el 26% en los avanzados. Conclusiones: el tiempo integrado de atención impactó en el estado de salud, lo cual afectó en la sobrevida y el control de la enfermedad. El estadio de la enfermedad al momento del diagnóstico es un factor decisivo para el pronóstico. Deberán crearse estrategias para el manejo multidisciplinario y la detección temprana en la atención primaria.

[Clinical-pathological characterization of laryngeal cancer in the Mexican population]. / Caracterización clínico-patológica del cáncer de laringe en la población mexicana.

Background: Cancer of the larynx occupies the first frequency site of cancer of the upper digestive tract and represents 42% of malignant neoplasms of the upper aero-digestive tract. It is a potentially curable entity if it is diagnosed in early stages. Objective: Characterize the clinical pathological features of patients with laryngeal cancer, which can serve as a guide for diagnostic suspicion in primary and secondary care. Method: Descriptive study. All the records of patients with an initial diagnosis of primary laryngeal carcinoma undergoing direct micro-laryngoscopy plus biopsy from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 were analyzed. Results: 173 new cases of laryngeal carcinoma were diagnosed, the male sex predominated (86%). With an average age of presentation of 65 ± 11 years and a history of smoking in 78.6% (n 136). Dysphonia was the initial symptom in 81% (140) of the patients. Conclusions: The profile of the patient with laryngeal cancer corresponds to a patient older than 60 years, male, a history of smoking and a history of dysphonia greater than 30 days. Clinically, we will find an epithelial epidermoid moderately differentiated tumor limited to the glottis.

Introducción: El cáncer de laringe ocupa el primer lugar en frecuencia entre los cánceres del tracto aéreo-digestivo superior, y representa el 42% de las neoplasias malignas de las vías aéreo-digestivas superiores. Es una enfermedad potencialmente curable si se diagnostica en estadios tempranos. Objetivo: Conocer las características clínico-patológicas de los pacientes con cáncer de laringe, mismas que puedan ayudar como guía para la sospecha diagnóstica en el primer y el segundo niveles de atención. Método: Estudio descriptivo en el que se analizaron todos los expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico inicial de carcinoma primario de laringe intervenidos con microlaringoscopia directa más biopsia del 1 de enero de 2014 al 31 de diciembre de 2018. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 173 casos nuevos de carcinoma de laringe. Predominó el sexo masculino (86%). La edad promedio de presentación fue de 65 ± 11 años. Hubo antecedente de tabaquismo en el 78.6% (136). La disfonía fue el síntoma inicial en el 81% (140) de los pacientes. Conclusiones: El perfil del paciente con cáncer de laringe corresponderá a un paciente mayor de 60 años, de sexo masculino, con antecedente de tabaquismo y disfonía de más de 30 días. Clínicamente se encontrará un tumor epitelial del tipo epidermoide moderadamente diferenciado confinado en la glotis.

Association between the TAP1 gene polymorphisms and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in patients from Western Mexico: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a respiratory tract disease that affects children and adults and is characterized by the recurrent proliferation of multiple papillomas. The etiologic agent is the human papillomavirus, mainly genotypes 6 and 11. Furthermore, polymorphisms in TAP1 appear to influence the selection of antigenic peptides and the transport process to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, for their subsequent presentation to T lymphocytes, an essential process against viral diseases and tumor processes. Previous studies have shown that individuals with those polymorphisms are susceptible to immune, infectious, and tumor-related diseases. The present study aimed to determine the association between the TAP1 rs1057141 (c.1177A>G) and rs1135216 (c.2090A>G) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and RRP. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out on a group of 70 individuals (35 controls and 35 patients). RRP diagnosis, HPV genotyping, and viral load were determined through histology and PCR. SNPs rs1057141 and rs1135216 were identified through allelic discrimination, using real-time PCR. The haplotypic analyses were performed using the Arlequin 3.5 program. RESULTS: HPV-6 and HPV-11 were the genotypes found in the samples. In the polymorphism analysis, rs1057141 showed no significant differences (p = 0.049, CI = 0.994-7.331). In contrast, a significant difference was found in rs1135216 (p = 0.039, OR = 2.4) in the allelic analysis, as well as in the dominant (p = 0.027, OR = 3.06), codominant (p = 0.033, OR = 3.06), and additive model (p = 0.043, OR = 2.505) in subjects with the G allele. CONCLUSION: The G allele in rs1135216 was associated with a genetic risk of susceptibility for RRP in a population in Western Mexico.

Olfactory Dysfunction in a Mexican Population Outside of COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and Associated Factors (the OLFAMEX Study).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To study the prevalence of olfactory loss and its associated factors in a Mexican population a cross-sectional analytical study based on a population interviewed about health, epidemiologic aspects, and sense of smell (tested with four scents: rose, banana, perfume, and gas) was conducted to evaluate olfactory detection, memory, and identification. Levels of sense of smell perception were determined when the participants detected, recognized, or identified all (normosmia), 1-3 (hyposmia), or none (anosmia) of the odorants. Associated factors of olfactory dysfunction were identified by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95%CI). RECENT FINDINGS: Olfactory dysfunction is a prevalent disorder affecting up to 20% of the general population. In addition to viral infection, including COVID-19, a number of other causes and factors may also be involved. 1,956 surveys were conducted and 1,921 were analyzed. Most of the participants (62.1%) were women. The general prevalence of olfactory dysfunction, regarding detection, was 7.2% (7.1% hyposmia, 0.1% anosmia). Age-related olfactory deterioration was observed in both sexes from the 5th decade of life (OR 2.74, p = 0.0050). Women showed better olfactory identification (OR 0.73, p = 0.0010). Obesity (OR 1.97, p = 0.0070), low educational level, bad/very bad self-perceived olfactory function (OR 2.74, p = 0.0050), olfactory loss for less than one week (OR 1.35, p = 0.0030), exposure to toxics/irritants (OR 1.31, p = 0.0030), active smoking (OR 1.58, p < 0.0010), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 2.68, 95%CI 1.74-4.10, p < 0.0001) were identified as factors associated with olfactory dysfunction. These results in a Mexican population suggest better olfactory identification (verbalization) in females. Age was a determining factor in the olfactory deterioration process and obesity and diabetes mellitus were also associated with olfactory disorders. Finally, these findings reinforce the differential diagnosis with other potential causes of sense of smell loss, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

B-cell activating factor receptor expression is associated with germinal center B-cell maintenance.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a major cytokine that regulates B-cell survival, maturation and differentiation through its binding with its receptors: BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). These receptors have been demonstrated to be involved in tertiary lymphoid structure formation; however, their role in germinal centers (GCs) has remained elusive. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression profiles of BAFF and its receptors in secondary lymphoid tissues. Tonsils resected due to chronic tonsillitis were used as lymphoid tissues. To confirm the presence of GCs identified based on their typical structure, CD21 antibody staining was employed. The expression of BAFF, BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA was assessed by immunohistochemistry. BAFF was highly expressed in all regions of the follicle, but the highest BAFF expression was detected in the mantle zone (MZ). A high expression of BAFF-R was observed on lymphocytes in the MZ in comparison with the other regions (~80%; P<0.05), which was co-localizated with BAFF (r=0.646; P<0.001), in the MZ. TACI and BCMA exhibited similar expression among the different zones of the GCs, and co-localization with BAFF was observed inside the follicle, mainly in the dark zone. The present results indicate that BAFF is implicated in the maintenance of GCs. BAFF-R overexpression in the MZ, co-localizated with BAFF, suggests that these proteins constitute the principal pathway for the maintenance of the naïve B-cell population. Furthermore, TACI and BCMA have a role in the GC, where processes of B-cell selection, proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells occur.

A modified method of local infiltration for endoscopic stapes surgery: how I do it.

PURPOSE: To present a modified method of local infiltration (MMLI) for endoscopic stapes surgery to reduce surgical time, bleeding and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 70 patients who underwent stapes surgery for otosclerosis by endoscopic and microscopic approaches. The MMLI was applied as follows: local infiltration was performed with one hand while the other hand inserted the endoscope into the ear canal to observe vasoconstriction signs on the monitor; the single site of infiltration was located at the center of the anterior conchal cartilage. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, preservation of anatomical structures, postoperative hearing and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The MMLI allowed for quick bleeding control and a clear and dry operative field. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and preservation of anatomical structures were significantly reduced in the endoscopic group (P < 0.00) versus the microscopic group. The scutum was removed less frequent in the endoscopic group 7.1% versus 53.6% of the microscopic group (P < 0.00). The chorda tympani was preserved in all cases but it was more manipulated in the microscopic group 39.3% versus 9.5% of the endoscopic group (P < 0.00). No complications were observed and the hearing outcomes were significantly better than the preoperative thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the use of a MMLI for endoscopic stapes surgery. Using this method, the surgeon performs the infiltration at one site and concurrently observes the vasoconstriction signs without the use of a microscope, frontal lamp or speculum. This method provides benefits in terms of operative time and complications.

[Imploding antrum syndrome: three cases with different management approaches]. / Síndrome de implosión maxilar: tres casos y sus diferentes abordajes de tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Silent sinus or imploding antrum syndrome is a very rare condition, consisting of a usually asymptomatic spontaneous collapse of the sinus walls and floor of the orbit. It is associated with negative pressures, and when this occurs, it presents with manifestations such as enophthalmos, hypoglobus, and tilt flow orbital floor. As its incidence is very low, it is frequently missed as a diagnosis, and in fact there are currently fewer than 150 cases reported in the literature. CLINICAL CASES: Three patients have been identified in our practice over a period of two years, with different symptoms that influenced the decision of the treatment modality, which were: watch and wait, endoscopic sinus surgery, or endoscopic sinus surgery plus orbitoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being a rare entity, it stills catches the attention of the ENT, OMF surgery and Ophthalmologist. The diagnosis is mainly radiological, due to the late clinical manifestations and symptomatology. The treatment should be individualised and based on the symptoms and the individual decision of each patient, firstly by Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery, and once sinus permeability is restored, it may require augmentation surgery of the orbital floor, either with autologous bone implant, titanium or other material. It is important to be aware of this pathology, to know and to suspect it, avoiding misdiagnosis.

[Impact of vacuum-assisted closure management in deep neck abscesses]. / Impacto del manejo con cierre asistido al vacío en abscesos profundos de cuello.

BACKGROUND: The presence of deep neck abscesses is potentially serious; they can lead to death in a short period of time. The vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) therapy has been used in many areas of surgery for complex wound healing. This treatment modality has recently been considered in the field of head and neck surgery. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of healing therapy using V.A.C. therapy in deep neck abscesses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Open-label trial. Patients with deep neck abscesses were included using V.A.C. therapy versus conventional therapy. Cultures were taken before and during surgery, and prior to primary wound closure. The percentages of healing, viable tissue, wound healing time, and hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were included. Affected neck spaces: submaxilar 29%, parapharyngeal 22%, submental 21% and masticatory 13%. The final postsurgical culture was negative in 78%. Viable tissue of the wound for the V.A.C. group was 42%, and for the control group was 36% (p=0.025). Healing time was 22±6 days and 38±15.5, respectively (p = 0.01). The mean number of hospital stay was 12 days for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with V.A.C. is useful in the treatment of deep neck abscesses; it decreased healing time as a result of more viable tissue allowing suture closure of the wound in a shorter period.

[Diagnosis and treatment of the complications of otitis media in adults. Case series and literature review]. / Abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico de las complicaciones de la otitis media en el adulto. Serie de casos y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: The complications of otitis media (intra-cranial and extra-cranial) used to have a high morbidity and mortality in the pre-antibiotic era, but these are now relatively rare, mainly due to the use of antibiotics and the use of ventilation tubes, reducing the incidence of such complications significantly. Currently, an early suspicion of these complications is a major challenge for diagnosis and management. CLINICAL CASES: The cases of 5 patients (all male) are presented, who were diagnosed with complicated otitis media, 80% (4) with a mean age of 34.6 years (17-52). There was major comorbidity in 60% (3), with one patient with diabetes mellitus type 2, and two with chronic renal failure. There were 3 (60%) intra-cranial complications: one patient with thrombosis of the sigmoid sinus and a cerebellar abscess; another with a retroauricular and brain abscess, and a third with meningitis. Of the 2 (40%) extra-cranial complications: one patient had a Bezold abscess, and the other with a soft tissue abscess and petrositis. All patients were managed with surgery and antibiotic therapy, with 100% survival (5), and with no neurological sequelae. The clinical course of otitis media is usually short, limiting the infection process in the majority of patients due to the immune response and sensitivity of the microbe to the antibiotic used. However, a small number of patients (1-5%) may develop complications. CONCLUSION: Otitis media is a common disease in our country, complications are rare, but should be suspected when the picture is of torpid evolution with clinical worsening and manifestation of neurological signs.

[Management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis with laser cordectomy]. / Manejo de la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales mediante cordectomía con láser.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is characterized by fold immobility in complete adduction or abduction, secondary to a vagus nerve lesion, through the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The manifestation is variable dyspnea and stridor, fatal if the airway is not secured. There are endolaryngeal and extralaryngeal techniques to increase the glottic opening, improving ventilation and deglutition, and the possibility of decannulation and phonation. METHODS: Case series consisting of BVFP patients, treated with posterior cordectomy, from January 2004 to January 2010. Clinical charts were reviewed to obtain data and registries of presurgical and postsurgical control endolaryngoscopies. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were identified. Twelve (63.2 %) had a tracheotomy cannula in place, and seven (36.8 %) didn't. Total thyroidectomy was the principal cause of the BVFP in 17 patients (89.5 %). A right cordectomy was performed on 10 patients (52.6 %). At 12 months, endolaryngoscopy detected a 40.26 % average increase in the glottic opening (p < 0.05), allowing for decannulation in 10 (83.3 %) of the tracheotomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laser cordectomy is a simple procedure for the treatment of BVFP, with few complications, permitting oronasal ventilation, decannulation and phonation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales se caracteriza por inmovilidad de las cuerdas en aducción o abducción completa secundaria a lesión del nervio vago a través de los nervios laríngeos recurrentes. Se manifiesta por disnea con estridor variable que puede ocasionar la muerte si no se despeja la vía aérea. Existen técnicas intra y extralaríngeas para aumentar la luz glótica y mejorar la ventilación, la deglución y la posibilidad de decanulación y emisión de voz funcional. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en el que se incluyeron pacientes con parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales tratados mediante cordectomía posterior entre enero de 2004 y enero de 2010. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos para obtener los datos y registros endolaringoscópicos de control pre y posquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: se identificaron 19 pacientes; 12 (63.2 %) tenían instalada una cánula de traqueotomía y siete (36.8 %) no. La causa de la parálisis bilateral de las cuerdas vocales fue la tiroidectomía total en 17 (89.5 %). A 10 (52.6 %) se les realizó cordectomía derecha. A los 12 meses de seguimiento, con endolaringoscopia se observó 40.26 % de ganancia de luz glótica (p < 0.05). Se logró la decanulación en 10 pacientes portadores de traqueotomía (83.3 %). CONCLUSIONES: la cordectomía con láser es un procedimiento sencillo para tratar la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales, con pocas complicaciones, permite la ventilación oronasal, la decanulación y la fonación.