[Sleep position trainers for treatment of supine obstructive sleep apnea : A comparison of two different training modalities]. / Schlafpositionstrainer zur Behandlung der rückenlagebezogenen obstruktiven Schlafapnoe : Vergleich von 2 verschiedenen Trainingsmodalitäten.

BACKGROUND: Many patients suffer from positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA; 56%). In these cases, positional therapy may be an option. A sleep position trainer (SPT) is a small vibrating device that trains the patient to avoid sleeping in the supine position. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerance of gradual and intensive training onset in POSA patients MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with mild to moderate POSA and incompliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy were included in this prospective double-blind trail. Patients were randomized according to how training was initiated and the SPT was set to either a gradual or an intensive training program. Polygraphy was used to check respiratory parameters after 1 month, and subjective parameters and compliance were assessed prior to and after this time period using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included (20 intensive; 18 gradual; 49 ± 13 years) of whom 31 completed the study protocol. After 1 month the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in both groups was significantly reduced, but there was no difference in AHI between the two training modalities (AHI intensive: 16.7 ± 6.3/h to 4.2 ± 3.2/h; AHI gradual: 18.9 ± 11.2/h to 8.4 ± 7.9/h). The same effect was observed for subjective sleepiness. CONCLUSION: The objective severity of OSA and the associated subjective daytime sleepiness was reduced in both groups. There was no difference in terms of clinical outcome or compliance between the gradual or intensive SPT therapy in POSA patients during the observation period. Both training modalities are highly successful and well tolerated.

A score for the differential diagnosis of bradykinin- and histamine-induced head and neck swellings.

PURPOSE: Acute edema of the head and neck region may lead to life-threatening dyspnea and require quick and targeted treatment. They can be subdivided in bradykinin- and histamine-mediated swellings, which require treatment with different classes of pharmaceuticals. Clinical pathways for differential diagnoses do not exist so far, although it is known that early treatment is decisive for faster symptom relief and reduced expression of the swellings. Aim of the study was the creation of a clinical algorithm for identification of bradykinin-mediated angioedema. METHODS: 188 patients that presented to our outpatient department between 2010 and 2016 with an acute, non-inflammatory swelling of the head and neck region were included in our retrospective study. All available anamnestic and clinical parameters were obtained from patient files. Parameters showing significant differences between the two groups were included in our score. Utilization of the Youden's index allowed determination of an optimal cut-off value. RESULTS: 76 patients could be assigned to the histamine and 112 patients to bradykinin group. The following parameters were included in our score: age, dyspnea, itching or erythema, glucocorticoid response and intake of ACEi/AT-II blockers. The cut-off value is set at three points. The proposed score yielded a sensitivity for identification of bradykinin-mediated angioedema of 96%, a specificity of 84%, a positive predictive value of 91% and a negative predictive value of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the proposed score allows quick and reliable assignment of patients to the correct subgroup and thereby reduces time for treatment.

Angioedema induced by cardiovascular drugs: new players join old friends.

During the last years, two new cardiovascular drug classes, namely inhibitors of DPP IV or neprilysin, have been developed. In both cases, there is clinical evidence for their potential to induce angioedema as known already from blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The majority of angioedema induced by DPP IV inhibitors occurs during concomitant treatment with ACEi and is therefore likely mediated by overactivation of bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2). In striking contrast, the molecular pathways causing angioedema induced by neprilysin inhibitors, that is, sacubitril, are unclear, although a contribution of bradykinin appears likely. Nevertheless, there is no clinical evidence suggesting that inhibition of B2 might relieve the symptoms and/or prevent invasive treatment including coniotomy or tracheotomy in angioedema caused by these drugs. Therefore, the risk of angioedema should always be considered, especially in ambulatory care situations where patients have no rapid access to intensive care.

[Liposomal local therapy of sinunasal symptoms in ANCA associated vasculitis]. / Sinunasale Symptome ANCA-assoziierter Vaskulitiden und deren Therapie mit Liposomen.

BACKGROUND: GPA, eGPA and MPA constitute the group of AAV. ENT manifestations are part of the typical clinical picture of these diseases. Usually, patients are treated with systemic immunomodulatory drugs, mostly based on organ affection. In clinical routine, an insufficient decrease of sinunasal manifestations during a solely systemic therapeutic concept can repeatedly be -observed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2009 and November 2012, 20 patients with AAV were diagnosed in or referred to our department for further treatment. Clinical symptoms and manifestations were measured by the use of international accepted activity scores. The effect of a local therapy with liposomes for a period of 2 months on sinunasal symptoms was prospectively evaluated by using visual analogue scales and standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Within the described collective 100% of patients did show ENT-symptoms at the time of initial diagnosis. Every patient did receive immunomodulatory therapy, but in 61.1% of cases there was just slight or no improvement on sinunasal symptoms. After a 2-month period of liposomal local therapy, a significant reduction of sinunasal complaints could be observed, both evaluated via visual analogue scales (p<0.001 to p=0.014, depending on the evaluated symptom) and standardized questionnaires (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The local application of liposomes in addition to a systemic therapy is effective in alleviating sinunasal manifestations in patients with AAV.

[Visit at the dentist with consequences]. / Zahnarztbesuch mit Folgen.

A 52-year-old patient presented to the emergency department of the polyclinic with a cervicofacial swelling. The indolent swelling appeared after professional tooth cleaning. Computed tomography scanning of the cervical region and thorax revealed entrapped air extending from the frontotemporal to the mediastinal regions. The patient was diagnosed with cervicofacio mediastinal emphysema and subsequently treated with antibiotics. The symptoms subsided and the patient left hospital free of symptoms.