Depression, Hematologic Parameters, and Blood Levels of Vitamin B12 in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Under Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate hematologic indices, vitamin B12 levels, and depression in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Methods: This was a prospective study with a population (n = 23) consisted of patients with suspected LPR and treated with 2 daily doses of Omeprazole 40 mg (80 mg or full dose). The study volunteers performed a complete blood count and vitamin B12 dosage before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, as well as depression screening using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) questionnaire before and after 6 months of treatment. Scores greater than 16 were considered as suggestive of depression. Results: The mean score on the CES-D scale of study participants at baseline significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment. A significant decrease was observed in the red blood cells count (RBC) after 6 months in relation to 3 months. Significant increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were observed from 3 months to 6 months in this study. Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly between baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Conclusion: Decreased scores on the CES-D scale were associated with increased MCV values, with no association with vitamin B12 levels. However, vitamin B12 levels also increased significantly after 6 months of treatment with PPI.

The Relationship Between the Width of the Frontal Recess and the Frontal Recess Cells in Japanese Patients

Objective: The agger nasi cell (ANC) is an easily identifiable landmark when approaching the frontal sinus. The success of endoscopic frontal sinus surgery may be influenced by the width of the frontal recess (FR). The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the FR width and the ANC size in Japanese patients. In addition, the effect of various frontal recess cells (FRCs) on the development of frontal sinusitis has been examined. Materials and methods: Multiplanar computed tomography (CT) scans of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses in 95 patients (190 sides) before endoscopic sinus surgery were reviewed. The presence of FRCs, the thickness of the frontal beak (FB), the ANC size, and the anterior-to-posterior (A-P) length of the frontal isthmus (FI) and FR were evaluated in patients with and without frontal sinusitis. Results: The prevalence of the ANC, frontal cell types 1, 2, 3, and 4, frontal bullar cell (FBC), suprabullar cell, supraorbital ethmoid cell, and interfrontal sinus septal cell was 85.3%, 11.6%, 0%, 7.9%, 0%, 25.3%, 45.8%, 16.8%, and 15.3%, respectively. The ANC volume showed a significant positive correlation with the A-P length of the FI and FR. The incidence of frontal sinusitis in the patients with FBCs was significantly higher than that without FBCs. Conclusion: A large ANC offers a greater potential to facilitating the approach to the frontal sinus because of the extensiveness of the FR in Japanese patients. The presence of FBCs may be related to a higher incidence of frontal sinusitis.

Management of an Unusual Intranasal Foreign Body Abutting the Cribriform Plate: A Case Report and Review of Literature

A 35-year-old man with history of schizophrenia presented 3 weeks after placing a screw in his right nostril. Initial imaging showed a screw in the right ethmoid sinus with the tip penetrating the right cribriform plate. On exam, the patient was hemodynamically stable with purulent drainage in the right nasal cavity but no visible foreign body. While most nasal foreign bodies occur in children and are generally removed at the bedside, intranasal foreign bodies in adults tend to require further assessment. The foreign body in this case was concerning for skull base involvement and the patient was brought to the operating room (OR) with neurosurgery for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and removal of foreign body. The screw was removed and the patient recovered with no signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak postoperatively. Any concern for skull base or intracranial involvement should call for a full evaluation of the mechanism of injury and intervention in a controlled environment.

Taste Function in Healthy Taiwanese Adults

Objective: In this work, our aim was to measure the taste function of healthy Taiwanese adults using 2 commonly used taste tests. Methods: The taste function of 102 healthy Taiwanese adults was evaluated using the whole-mouth suprathreshold taste test and the taste quad test. In the whole-mouth taste test, 5 concentrations of sweet, bitter, sour, and salty solutions were sipped and swished in the mouth twice in a counterbalanced order. A total of 40 tests were done to give a maximum score of 40 for correct quality identification of tastant solutions. In the taste quad test, the 4 quadrants of the tongue were tested using high concentration drops of sweet, bitter, sour, and salty solutions 6 times. A total of 96 tests were done to give a maximum score of 96 for correct quality identification of tastant solutions. Results: The score of the whole-mouth taste test ranged from 33 to 40 with a mean of 38.6 for men and from 31 to 40 with a mean of 38.9 for women. The score of the taste quad test ranged from 40 to 91 with a mean of 75 for men and from 38 to 96 with a mean of 78 for women. Sex was shown not to affect the taste function. Conclusions: Our result showed that sex did not affect the taste function of healthy Taiwanese adults.

Entrapment Neuropathy: A Concept for Pathogenesis and Treatment of Headaches—A Narrative Review

Entrapment neuropathy is a known cause of neurological disorders. In the head and neck area, this pathophysiological mechanism could be a trigger for headache. Over the last few decades, injection of botulinum toxin type A in the muscles that are causing the compression as well as surgical decompression have proved to be effective treatment methods worldwide for large numbers of patients with daily headaches. In particular the entrapment of the supraorbital nerves in the glabellar musculature and the occipital nerves in the neck musculature are triggers for headache disorders for which many patients are still seeking an effective treatment. This article reviews the literature and aims to bring the concept of neural entrapment to the attention of a wider audience. By doing so, we hope to give more exposure to an effective and relatively safe headache treatment.

The Voice-Related Quality Of Life: A Study on the Reliability and Validity of the Tamil Version

Objective: Voice serves as an identity and is one of the primary requisites of an individual, especially for singers who are extensive professional voice users with greater vulnerability to voice disorders. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Tamil version of Voice-Related Quality of Life (T-VRQOL), a self-rating questionnaire that estimates the influence of voice disorders on quality of life. The study also intends to compare the T-VRQOL scores in singers (with and without voice complaint) and non-singers, and to correlate T-VRQOL and the Tamil Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (TSVHI-10). Method: In this cross-sectional study, 120 native Tamil speakers (40 classically trained Carnatic singers without voice complaints, 40 Carnatic singers with voice complaints and 40 normal non-singers) in the age range of 20 to 50 years, filled in the T-VRQOL and the TSVHI-10 rating scales, along with a demographic questionnaire. Results: Reliability of T-VRQOL was established with Cronbach α coefficient (r = 0.9, P < .001) and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.98). The validity of T-VRQOL was confirmed by examining convergent and discriminant validity. T-VRQOL also demonstrated a good correlation with the TSVHI-10 (r = 0.838, P < .001). On comparing the T-VRQOL scores across the groups, singers (13.88 and 24.3) obtained higher values than the non-singers (11.63). Among the singers, those with voice complaints (24.3) scored higher than those without voice complaints (13.88) in the T-VRQOL. Conclusions: The Tamil version of Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) questionnaire correlates well with TSVHI-10. It proves to be an effective clinical tool in effectively evaluating the VRQOL among the Tamil-speaking population.

Mucoactive Agents in the Therapy of Upper Respiratory Airways Infections: Fair to Describe Them Just as Mucoactive?

Background: Upper and lower respiratory tract infections are common conditions for which medical advice is sought, and their management relies on the use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Ambroxol, bromhexine, carbocysteine, erdosteine, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and sobrerol are mucoactive agents for which clinical trials have been conducted, have been awarded well-established status by regulatory authorities, and are available as OTC or prescription products. Objective: To briefly review the evidence-based efficacy and safety of these substances in the therapy of upper respiratory airways infections. Methods: We conducted searches in MEDLINE and other databases for clinical trials and reviews done on the efficacy and safety of ambroxol, bromhexine, carbocysteine, erdosteine, NAC, and sobrerol. Results: Clinical trials have shown that these mucolytics have an important place in the relief of cough symptoms by easing the elimination of mucus. All drugs have shown comparable efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of productive cough, with some shared characteristics and some specific features. Conclusions and relevance: All mucolytics reviewed have a good safety profile, although some precautions should be taken when using ambroxol and bromhexine, and the use of NAC and carbocysteine should be monitored in special patient groups. Overall, however, the available evidence from randomised, controlled, and observational trials, as well as pragmatic, real-life experience, suggests that these products are useful in the therapy of upper respiratory airways infections, including bronchitis, sinusitis, and rhinosinusitis.

Nonmelanoma Facial Skin Cancer: A Review of Diagnostic Strategies, Surgical Treatment, and Reconstructive Techniques

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and the face is a common area for skin cancer development due to its frequent exposure to the sun. This article focuses on the surgical management of facial nonmelanoma skin cancers, including diagnostic considerations, biopsy techniques, and staging. In addition, we discuss surgical treatment options, including indications, techniques, outcomes, and facial reconstruction following tumor excision.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Ala Nasi: A Case Report

Objectives: Pleomorphic adenomas are benign tumors that rarely involve nonsalivary glands. We report an uncommon case of ala nasi pleomorphic adenoma. We discuss the clinical and histopathologic characteristics, and review the literature on nasal pleomorphic adenoma. Method: A 20-year-old man presented with a painless slow growing lobulated mass located on the right ala nasi extending into the nasal vestibule. Results: Complete surgical excision was performed. Histologic examination found a mixed cellular component: epithelial and myoepithelial cells with chondromyxoid stroma. This was consistent with the diagnosis of a typical pleomorphic adenoma. There was no evidence of recurrence at 18 months after the surgery. Conclusions: Pleomorphic adenomas located in the external nose are extremely rare. In such case, pleomorphic adenoma could originate from ectopic minor salivary gland. Complete surgical excision with long-term follow-up is recommended due to the potential risk of recurrence and malignant transformation.

Blood Loss and Visibility with Esmolol vs Labetalol in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Improved intraoperative visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) decreases the risk of serious orbital or skull base injuries. Esmolol and labetalol have been used to reduce bleeding and achieve better visibility, but it remains unclear which drug is more effective. This study aims to measure visibility scores and mucosal bleeding rates for esmolol and labetalol in FESS. Methods: This is a 1-year randomized double-blind trial of adults undergoing FESS at a tertiary academic center. The inclusion criteria were as follows: age 18 or older; history of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyps; undergoing FESS for CRS; and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 (healthy) or 2 (patient with mild systemic disease). The exclusion criteria were as follows: pregnancy; asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bradycardia, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes mellitus; preoperative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or beta-blockers; and body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2. Patients received either dose-infused esmolol or intravenous push labetalol. The primary outcome was intraoperative visibility determined by surgeon using validated scoring systems (Boezaart, Wormald). The secondary outcome was hemodynamic control (rate of blood loss, average mean arterial pressure [MAP], average heart rate [HR]). Hypothesis of no difference between drugs formed before data collection. Results: Of the 32 adults given drug (mean age = 50), 28 patients (13 esmolol and 15 labetalol) with complete data were included in the final analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between esmolol and labetalol in rate of blood loss (0.59 [0.28] vs 0.66 [0.37] mL/min, P = 0.62), average MAP (79.7 [7.5] vs 79.4 [7.7] mm Hg, P = .93), HR (72 [8.7] vs 68 [11.7] bpm, P = .26), or mean visibility scores for the Boezaart (3.1 [0.69] vs 3.1 [0.89], P = .85) and Wormald (6.1 [1.7] vs 5.9 [1.9], P = .72) grading scales. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between esmolol and labetalol in rate of blood loss, MAP control, HR, or surgical visibility in FESS. Either drug may be used, and other considerations (availability, cost) can dictate choice.