Dilated intercellular space in chronic laryngitis and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: at baseline and post-lansoprazole therapy.

BACKGROUND: Dilation of intercellular spaces is reported to be an early morphological marker in gastro-oesophageal reflux. It remains unknown if this marker is useful in diagnosing reflux-related chronic laryngitis. AIM: To determine histopathology and electron microscopic changes in oesophageal and laryngeal epithelium in chronic laryngitis. METHODS: In this prospective blinded study, we enrolled 53 participants: 15 controls, 20 patients with GERD and 18 patients with chronic laryngitis. The latter two groups were subsequently treated with lansoprazole 30 mg bid for 12-weeks. Baseline and postacid suppressive therapy biopsies were obtained from distal oesophagus and laryngeal postcricoid areas. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for histopathology and dilated intercellular space changes. RESULTS: There was no significant increase in oesophageal or laryngeal epithelium intercellular spaces among GERD or laryngitis patients compared with controls at baseline or postacid suppressive therapy. Only patients with GERD had significantly (P = 0.03) higher proportion of moderate-to-severe oesophageal spongiosis and basal cell hyperplasia, which normalized postacid suppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There was no increase in the width of intercellular spaces in the oesophagus or larynx in GERD or chronic laryngitis at baseline or postacid suppressive therapy. Our findings question the uniform presence of dilated intercellular space in patients with GERD.

Effect of mitomycin-C on vocal fold healing in a canine model.

For evaluation of the effect of topical mitomycin-C on vocal fold healing and return of function after surgical excision of mucosa, 6 dogs underwent suspension microlaryngoscopy with bilateral microflap excision of vocal fold mucosa. Topical mitomycin-C, a chemotherapeutic agent and a fibroblast inhibitor, was applied randomly to one side, with the contralateral side serving as the control. Laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) was performed on each animal before the operation, at 2 weeks, and before sacrifice at 4 weeks. Both functional analysis with LVS and histologic analysis were performed in a blinded fashion to determine the effect of mitomycin-C on healing. Histologic analysis was augmented with computer morphometrics. The LVS revealed diminished mucosal wave vibration in the vocal folds treated with mitomycin-C, as well as a more atrophic appearance to the vibratory surface. The vocal folds treated with mitomycin-C showed fewer fibroblasts and less collagen within the superficial layer of the lamina propria than the control vocal folds (p < .05, Student's t-test, paired analysis). Inflammatory infiltrate was not significantly different between the two sides. Consistent with the known suppression of fibroblast proliferation by mitomycin-C, the treated vocal folds showed less connective tissue response to the surgical injury. In contrast to the reported positive effects of mitomycin-C on tracheal and glottic stenosis, the observed decrease in the healing response in the present study had negative consequences on the vocal fold vibratory pattern.

Phonomicrosurgery II: surgical techniques.

Optimal vocal outcome is the major goal of treatment of benign non-neoplastic vocal fold lesions. Current phonomicrosurgery techniques are based on a complete understanding of vocal fold anatomy and the physiology of vocal fold vibration. With the knowledge that these lesions typically involve the superficial layer of the lamina propria and not the overlying epithelium, dissection and excision should be limited to this layer. Vocal fold microflap techniques leave the overlying epithelium and the mucosal cover intact to minimize postoperative scarring and possible tethering to the underlying vocal ligament. Surgical excision is followed by a program of vocal rehabilitation.

Outcomes assessment following treatment of spasmodic dysphonia with botulinum toxin.

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a disabling focal dystonia involving the laryngeal musculature, is most commonly treated by the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (BTX). Although the treatment is well tolerated and generally produces clinical voice improvement, it has never been statistically shown to alter the patient's perception of voice quality or general health. Declining resources for medical care mandate that treatment outcomes be documented. A prospective analysis of the effects of BTX on the patient's perception of voice and general health was undertaken. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) surveys were administered to patients before treatment and 1 month after. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores were analyzed with a Student's t-test. On the VHI, improvements in the patients' perception of their functional, physical, and emotional voice handicap reached statistical significance (p < or = .0005). On the SF-36, patients had statistically significant improvements in mental health (p < or = .03) and social functioning (p < or = .04). Treatment of SD with BTX significantly lessened the patients' perception of dysphonia. In addition, it improved their social functioning and their perception of their mental health. These outcome measures justify the continued treatment of SD with BTX.

Comparative histology and vibration of the vocal folds: implications for experimental studies in microlaryngeal surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the most suitable animal model for experimental studies on vocal fold surgery and function by a histological comparison of the microflap surgical plane and laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) in different species of animals. A second goal was to determine how the layered vocal fold structure in humans and three different animal species affects surgical dissection within the lamina propria. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective laboratory. METHODS: Three larynges each from dogs, monkeys, and pigs were compared with three ex vivo human larynges. Microflap surgery was performed on one vocal fold from each larynx. Both the operated and nonoperated vocal folds were examined histologically using stains specific for elastin, mature collagen, and ground substance. Based on the histological results, LVS was performed on two dogs and two pigs after first performing a tracheotomy for ventilation and airflow through the glottis. Arytenoid adduction sutures were placed to facilitate vocal fold adduction. RESULTS: The distributions of the collagen and elastin fibers were found to differ among the species with concentrations varying within species. Unlike the human vocal fold, which has a higher elastin concentration in the deeper layers of the lamina propria, both the pig and the dog had a thin band of elastin concentrated just deep to the basement membrane zone in the superficial layer. Just deep to this thin band, the collagen and the elastin were less concentrated. The monkey vocal fold had a very thin mucosal layer with less elastin throughout the mucosa. The microflap dissections in each of the dog, pig, and human vocal folds were similar, being located within that portion of the superficial lamina propria where the elastin and mature collagen are less concentrated. The microflap plane in the monkey vocal fold was more deeply located near the vocalis fibers. Despite the differences in elastin concentration, the microflap plane in both the dog and the pig was found to be similar to that in humans. The dog anatomy was much more suitable for microsuspension laryngoscopy and stroboscopic examination. The dog vocal folds vibrated in a similar fashion to human vocal folds with mucosal waves and vertical phase differences, features not seen in the pig vocal folds. CONCLUSIONS: Based on both the histological and stroboscopic results, the dog was believed to be a more suitable animal model for studies on vocal fold surgery, acknowledging that no animal's laryngeal anatomy is identical to that of the human. The dog LVS model presented allows for longitudinal laryngeal studies requiring repeated examinations at multiple time periods with histological correlation applied at sacrifice.

Inhibition of subglottic stenosis with mitomycin-C in the canine model.

The objective of this randomized, prospective study was to study the efficacy of topical mitomycin-C in the inhibition of subglottic stenosis in a canine model. Subglottic stenosis was elicited with the carbon dioxide laser in 10 mongrel dogs. Radial incision and serial dilation of the subglottic airway were then carried out. The animals were randomized to receive a topical solution of 1% mitomycin-C to the dilated area for a 5-minute duration or no further treatment. Weekly direct microlaryngoscopy and photodocumentation were performed during the 6-week study. Airway distress developed in 4 of the 5 control dogs, requiring early sacrifice, while all treatment group animals survived the duration of the study (p < or = .006). Morphometric analysis of the subglottic photographs confirmed a greater than 100% increase in the percentage of relative airway at sacrifice in the treatment group (p < or = .049). A statistically significant (p < or = .015) decrease in collagen formation in the subglottic scar of dogs treated with topical mitomycin-C was documented. Mitomycin-C favorably altered the clinical progression of subglottic stenosis, improved quantified airway patency, and reduced the amount of subglottic collagen formation in the canine model.

Hoarseness.

The voice is the primary means of communication for humans socially and in the workplace. Although rarely life-threatening, voice problems cause tremendous alteration in daily living and should not be underestimated as a medical disorder. Besides affecting useful communication, voice problems may also signify the presence of more serious medical illnesses, such as malignancy or airway compromise. This article describes normal vocal anatomy and physiology and outlines a practical approach in evaluating patients with voice disorders.

Ablation of Teflon granulomas in the canine larynx with the free-electron laser.

This study develops a canine model for the treatment of laryngeal Teflon granulomas and demonstrates endoscopic ablation using the free-electron laser (FEL) set at a wavelength of 8.5 microm. Laryngeal Teflon granulomas may cause dysphonia and airway obstruction, and they are difficult to remove. The infrared absorption spectrum of Teflon reveals a strong absorption peak centered at 8.5 microm. In this study, 12 dogs had the right vocal cord injected with Teflon paste. Two months later, Teflon granuloma formation was confirmed histologically. Laser incisions into the granulomas were performed at 3 different wavelengths: 7.4 microm (FEL), 8.5 microm (FEL), and 10.6 microm (carbon dioxide laser). Histopathologic analysis was performed at 1 week and 6 weeks after the laser incisions. The FEL at the 8.5-microm wavelength was found to optimally ablate the Teflon granulomas, but the granulomas persisted in the specimens treated with 7.4 microm (FEL) and 10.6 microm (carbon dioxide laser).

Histomorphometric and laryngeal videostroboscopic analysis of the effects of corticosteroids on microflap healing in the dog larynx.

The histologic and functional effects of unilateral, layered corticosteroids on lateral microflap healing in 15 dogs were analyzed. Histologic sections of steroid-treated vocal folds (VFs) were studied with computer morphometry to examine differences in the tissue healing response. Paired analysis revealed increases in the inflammatory infiltrate around the microflap in the steroid-treated VFs at 2, 4, and 6 weeks (6.3%, 30.6%, and 34.9%, all with p < .02). The neovascular response in the steroid-treated VFs was less at 2 weeks (-20.9%, p < .005) but greater at 4 and 6 weeks (16.3% and 4.3%, p < .005). To better characterize the effect of steroids on the healing process, a normal, time-dependent distribution was applied to the histologic data and demonstrated a delay in the steroid-treated VF tissue response of 12 days for the inflammatory infiltrate and 21 days for the neovascular response. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of in vivo laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) samples taken preoperatively and at sacrifice could not identify significant differences in appearance, amplitude, mucosal wave, or suppleness between the 2 VFs. Therefore, although corticosteroids cause a delay in wound healing, LVS does not discern differences in microflap characteristics between healing steroid-treated and control VFs at 2, 4, or 6 weeks. If steroids are used, the surgeon should account for a probable delay in wound healing, but should not expect an overall difference in functional outcome.

Histologic study of oral mucosa wound healing: a comparison of a 6.0- to 6.8-micrometer pulsed laser and a carbon dioxide laser.

Incisional wound healing in the canine oral mucosa was histologically monitored at 3, 7, and 14 days after incision. Healing was compared from a scalpel, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser at 10.6 microm, and the Vanderbilt free-electron laser tuned to 6.0, 6.45, and 6.8 microm. A significant delay in wound healing was observed when incisions were made with the CO2 laser, probably attributable to the excess thermal damage caused by the continuous-wave laser beam. When using the short pulsed, free-electron laser, a much smaller delay comparable to the scalpel wound healing was observed. This smaller delay tended to decrease with increasing tissue absorption. The results emphasize the greater importance of laser pulse duration rather than wavelength in relation to the subsequent wound healing.

Medial microflap for excision of benign vocal fold lesions.

The goal of microlaryngeal surgery is to treat the pathology while preserving or improving vocal function. The medial microflap technique was thus developed. An incision is made over or abutting the lesion, which is then dissected from the vocal ligament and overlying mucosa. Seventeen patients underwent medial microflap excision of their lesions. Postoperative videostroboscopic examinations revealed the presence of mucosal wave and improved glottic closure in 15 of the 17 patients. Acoustic and perceptual analyses revealed improved voice quality. The medial technique is a modification of the previously described lateral microflap technique. Patients whose stroboscopic examination implies lack of involvement of the vocal ligament are candidates for this technique. By identifying normal histologic planes without extensive dissection, lesions can be excised with minimal interruption of vibratory mechanics.

The efficacy of Bobath neurodevelopmental interventions at home for patients after postcerebrovascular accidents.

The traditional approach to rehabilitating patients after cerebrovascular accidents encourages the patient to use only the unaffected side for all activities. This article presents the Bobath approach, which focuses on patients using both sides to regain former capabilities. The rationale and implementation of this method are outlined so that the home care nurse can learn how to use this method, used so commonly by rehabilitative therapists.

Consumption of a high-galactose diet induces diabetic-like changes in the inner ear.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects multiple organ systems. In our laboratory it has been shown that there is a significant loss of outer hair cells in genetically diabetic rats. Galactosemia can also produce diabetic-like changes. This study was performed to demonstrate whether these changes also occur in the cochlea. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used and fed either a control diet, a 50% galactose diet, or a 50% galactose diet with the addition of an aldose reductase inhibitor. After 6 months the animals were killed, and the cochleas were removed, fixed, and stained. Diabetes-induced damage was assessed by counting the hair cells and calculating the neuroganglion cell density. The histopathologic changes induced by galactose were manifested as outer hair cell loss and a decrease in neuroganglion cell density. Control animals had the least amount of hair cell loss and the greatest neuroganglion cell density of all three groups. Galactose-only animals demonstrated the most pronounced changes in both hair cell loss and neuroganglion cell degeneration; however, only changes of neuroganglion cell density in the basal turn were significant. The addition of an aldose reductase inhibitor provided inconclusive results in both hair cell determination and neuroganglion cell density; however, generally the inhibitor partially prevented the damage produced by galactose. These results suggest that a high-galactose diet can induce diabetic-like changes in the cochlea.

Hoarseness: contemporary diagnosis and management.

"Hoarseness" is the term used by most people to describe a change in normal voice quality. It is a very nonspecific term somewhat similar to a patient's complaint of dizziness when describing symptoms from light-headedness to true vertigo. Hoarseness may imply breathiness, roughness, voice breaks, or unnatural changes in pitch. Laryngologists use the general term "dysphonia" to describe abnormal voice quality with no specific etiology implied. A complaint of hoarseness may represent serious disease and, therefore, should not be ignored, especially if it persists for more than two weeks. Before we proceed with a discussion of abnormal voice, it is imperative to understand normal voice production and the relative anatomy.

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal morbidity: a prospective randomized trial.

Oral antibiotic therapy can alter the gastrointestinal microflora and result in troublesome gastrointestinal complaints. Patients who have experience with broad-spectrum antibiotics may be reluctant to start or to comply with antibiotic therapy due to the associated discomfort. In the field of otolaryngology, oral antibiotic therapy is commonplace, and patient intolerance of a particular antibiotic may result in compromise to a less effective choice. Yogurt, which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, is often recommended by practitioners to help reduce the side effects of oral antibiotic therapy. We wanted to objectively evaluate the effect of orally administered L. acidophilus on the gastrointestinal side effects of oral broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Twenty-seven outpatients, 10 years of age or older, with ear, sinus, or throat infections, in whom amoxicillin/clavulanate was felt to be the antibiotic of choice, were randomly assigned to amoxicillin/clavulanate only, or amoxicillin/clavulanate and Lactobacillus treatment groups. Each patient was advised by the nursing staff to consume a well-balanced diet, and a detailed explanation of the medication schedule was given. A questionnaire was given to each patient at the conclusion of therapy. The data were analyzed using Spearman's rank-order correlations. Concomitant therapy of L. acidophilus with amoxicillin/clavulanate was associated with a significant decrease in patient complaints of gastrointestinal side effects and yeast superinfection. Almost all patients (89%) reported resolution of infection during the course of therapy. We believe that use of L. acidophilus is warranted in patients on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with gastrointestinal complaints.

Student Research Award 1990. Catecholaminergic innervation of the inner ear.

Cochlear blood flow has been shown to be controlled, in part, by the sympathetic nervous system. We have used immunocytochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to further demonstrate the extent of catecholaminergic innervation of the cochlea. Deeply anesthetized Mongolian gerbils were systemically perfused with phosphate-buffered saline, followed by 4% paraformaldehyde. The cochleae were dissected out and post-fixed for 3 hours in 4% paraformaldehyde. They were then incubated in anti-TH antibody and subsequently processed using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method. Microscopic examination of whole-mounted tissue revealed many immunoreactive fibers on the spiral modiolar artery. TH-positive fibers have also been found on both radiating arterioles and radial collecting venules, which has not been previously reported. With innervation of these small vessels, blood flow in the cochlea may be segmentally controlled. We also further describe the organization of TH-positive fibers in the osseous spiral lamina.

Measurement of cochlear blood flow: intravital fluorescence microscopy.

A technique is described for directly observing in vivo cochlear microvasculature in the gerbil for physiologic and experimentally induced changes in vessel diameter and blood flow velocity. Measurements are made from computer processed video images of surgically exposed microvessels. These images are obtained using intravital fluorescence microscopy (IFM) with epi-illumination. The Mongolian gerbil is an ideal animal model for circulatory studies of the inner ear. It has a stable heart rate and blood pressure under urethane/alpha-chloralose anesthesia and its cochlea is surgically accessible. A window is created over the feeding artery (anterior inferior cerebellar artery) and over the stria vascularis of the second turn of the cochlea, atraumatically exposing radiating arterioles and strial capillaries. Our system of IFM provides images that are videorecorded, digitally analyzed with a computer image processor, and enhanced according to the type of measurement desired. Velocity measurements are obtained by tracking plasma gaps or single fluorescent labeled red blood cells through successive frames of the videorecorded images. This experimental technique allows us to analyze circulatory responsiveness to a variety of vasoactive drugs administered regionally to the cochlea in concentrations not affecting systemic circulation.