The relationship between health-related quality of life and speech in patients with cleft palate

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Laura Bruneel, Kim Bettens, Kristiane Van Lierde

Abstract

Introduction

In health-care, current efforts focus on providing patient-centered care. Specifically for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency, and by extent patients with cleft palate, the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) questionnaire (Skirko et al., 2012; 2013) allows the clinician to map the impact of speech and swallowing difficulties on the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The current study evaluated the hypothesized association between this speech-related HRQoL measure and perceptually and instrumentally assessed speech variables, to provide evidence for the construct validity of the Dutch version of the VELO questionnaire.

Materials and methods

Thirty participants, twenty-five patients with cleft palate and five controls, were enrolled. Perceptual speech assessment was conducted following the recently developed Dutch outcome tool for perceptual speech assessment in patients with cleft palate. In addition, nasalance values and the Nasality Severity Index (NSI) 2.0 were determined. The relationship between these speech outcomes and the scores on the VELO parent report was determined using Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients.

Results

Moderate to strong correlations were found between the total score on the VELO parent report and five speech variables: the VPC-SUM score (r_s= -0.476), speech understandability (r_s= -0.657), passive CSC's (r_s= -0.654), speech acceptability (r_s= -0.591) and the need for C(L)P-related speech therapy (r_s= -0.711). Furthermore, these variables were associated with at least one subscale of the VELO questionnaire.

Discussion and conclusion:Correlations between speech outcomes and the Dutch version of the VELO questionnaire provide evidence for the construct validity of this version of the instrument. Furthermore, insights in these associations may lead the way to efficient therapy approaches, targeting speech features with the greatest impact on the patient's health-related quality of life.

http://bit.ly/2DozI4a

Radiologic Recognition of Cochlear Implant Magnet Displacement- A Case Report

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Madison V. Epperson, Hayley L. Born, John Greinwald

Abstract

Despite various studies that have demonstrated risk of cochlear implant magnet displacement following MRI, minimal literature is available on radiologic recognition of magnet displacement. Current literature emphasizes the status and placement of the electrode component of the implant. This case report examines the consequences of a delay in radiologic diagnosis of a displaced magnet including hospital admission, unnecessary radiation, and prolonged patient discomfort. Additionally, it provides a framework for successful radiologic recognition of a displaced magnet, detailing specific imaging modalities and magnet characteristics that should be evaluated to expedite and facilitate radiologic recognition of displacement.

http://bit.ly/2SnZEY0

Pediatric Tracheostomy First Tube Change: When is it Safe?

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): R. Woods, L. Geyer, R. Mehanna, J. Russell

Abstract

Objectives

The first tracheostomy tube change is typically performed on days 5-7 post-operatively, however recent international consensus guidelines suggested that, with maturation sutures, days 3-5 is appropriate. We evaluate whether a first tube change on day 2 post-operatively is safe and effective.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective review of all patients undergoing tracheostomy between 2009 and 2018. Exclusion criteria were patients on whom the senior authors did not operate, operations done elsewhere, cases where maturation sutures were not used or a patient died prior to first tube change. We noted patient details, indication for tracheostomy, the need for long-term ventilation, timing of the first tube change, decannulation and need for surgical closure of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula.

Results

93 patients were identified, of which 83 were included. The age range was 0-16 years, with the youngest day one of life and an overall mean age of 1.91 years. 59% of patients required long-term ventilation due to various co-morbidities. 26 patients (31%) underwent a first tube change on day 2 post-operatively. All these were uneventful and were irrespective of the patient's need for ventilation. Of the 42 patients who have subsequently been decannulated, 33 (79%) were noted to have a persistent tracheocutaneous fistula requiring surgical closure, four of whom needed revision closure.

Conclusions

This study shows that a first tube change on day 2 post-operatively is safe, facilitating earlier discharge from intensive care, allowing shorter length of sedation, earlier start to parent/carer training and wound assessment.

http://bit.ly/2DiUIsY

Genetic diversity of Streptococcus mutans serotype c isolated from white spot and cavitated caries lesions from schoolchildren

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Ramiro Javier Rincón-Rodríguez, Monica Tatiana Parada-Sanchez, Claudia María Bedoya-Correa, David Arboleda-Toro

Abstract

Objective

To determine the genetic diversity ofStreptococcus mutans (S. mutans) serotype c isolated from white spot and cavitated caries lesions of schoolchildren.

Methods

S. mutans isolates were obtained and identify by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from 28 schoolchildren. A total of 92 S. mutans isolates, identified as serotype c by PCR, were analyzed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis after digestion of genomic DNA with SmaI enzyme. 62 isolates were obtained from white spot and cavitated caries lesions of schoolchildren that presented both lesions simultaneously and 30 isolates were from saliva and biofilm samples of schoolchildren without dental caries. Cluster analyses were performed using the Dice coefficient of the BioNumerics software version 6.0.

Results

It was possible to determine the serotype in 190 isolates out of 255 isolates identified as S. mutans. Serotype c was the most frequent (n = 139), followed by serotype f (n = 31) and serotype e (n = 20). After analyzing the dendograms of the 92 serotype c isolates, this study identified three strains present in both types of lesions, two strains specific to the type of lesion: one strain from the white spot lesion and one strain from the cavitated caries lesion, and five strains specific to children with caries versus four strains for children without caries.

Conclusion

S. mutans serotype c genetic variability is similar in terms of the number of strains present according to the caries status and type of lesion.

http://bit.ly/2SiMawN

Drop attacks, hydrops severity, and disease duration in hydropic ear disease (Menière’s)

http://bit.ly/2RMNbYQ

The SNOT-22 factorial structure in European patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: new clinical insights

Abstract

Purpose

The sino-nasal outcomes test-22 (SNOT-22) represents the reference questionnaire to assess patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). As weak correlations between objective CRS parameters and SNOT-22 total score have been observed, factor analyses have aimed to identify underlying factorial structures. However, ambiguous factor loadings and problematic item-domain assignments have resulted. Moreover, such factor analyses have mainly been performed in non-European CRS patients, while European data remain sparse. This study thus sought to address these issues.

Methods

Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed from SNOT-22 questionnaires completed by European CRS patients. Goodness of fit, internal consistencies, and factor loadings were calculated. Item-domain assignment was based on statistical grounds and clinical meaningfulness. Additionally, this study investigated correlations between SNOT-22 domains and external reference criteria, including Lund–Mackay score, Lund–Naclerio score and the brief symptom inventory 18 (BSI-18).

Results

One hundred and thirty-four European CRS patients were included. Principal component analysis proposed four SNOT-22 domains ("nasal symptoms", "otologic symptoms", "sleep symptoms", "emotional symptoms"), which explained 63.6% of variance. Observed item-domain-assignment differed from previously proposed item-domain assignments. All factor loadings were > 0.5, except "cough" (0.42) and "facial pain or pressure" (0.49). For confirmatory factor analysis, satisfactory goodness of fit (RMSEA = 0.66; CFI = 0.92; TLI = 0.90) and internal consistencies (Cronbach-α: total score = 0.93; domains = 0.75–0.91) were observed. Significant positive correlations were found between the "nasal symptoms" domain and both the Lund–Mackay score (r = 0.48; p < 0.001) and the Lund–Naclerio score (r = 0.27, p < 0.01). Significant positive correlations were also identified between "emotional symptoms" and BSI-18 total score (r = 0.64, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Principal component analysis performed for SNOT-22 questionnaires completed by European CRS patients indicated a different item-domain-assignment than previously reported. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested acceptable and clinically plausible psychometric properties for the resulting factorial structure. Significant correlations between the "nasal symptoms" and the "emotional symptoms" domains were observed with objective CRS parameters. The resulting factorial structure with different item-domain assignments may thus be more suitable for European CRS patients.

http://bit.ly/2WR1DTj

Changes in Maxillary Sinus Volume and It’s Walls Thickness Due to Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Study

Abstract

This is a prospective observational cross sectional study comprising of 57 patients who were having symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis which were evaluated with the help of computed tomography scan (coronal and axial sections) to measure the thickness of all walls of maxillary sinus and it's volume. Computed tomographic imaging of sinonasal region has become the gold standard in the evaluation of patients with chronic sinusitis. The maxillary sinus is pyramidal in shape with lateral wall of nose forming its base and its apex is directed towards zygomatic process. All three dimensions of the maxillary sinus were measured and the volume of each maxillary sinus was also calculated. Hyperostosis of maxillary sinus tended to increase maxillary sinus walls thickness which ultimately results into decrease in maxillary sinus volume in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

http://bit.ly/2tg2DTv

A New Method Using Tissue Expander Makes Auricular Reconstruction Easier In 115 Microtia Patients

Abstract

1、New method using expander makes auricular reconstruction easier.

2、Most patients were satisfied with reconstructed ears.

3、Reconstructed ears showed good three‐dimensional shape with clear anatomical details and symmetric cranioauricular angle.

4、Retroauricular and chest scars were much smaller.

5、Compared with traditional method,new method takes shorter operation time in the second stage.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2SF2ZBj

Transcanal sound recordings as a screening tool in the clinical management of patients with pulsatile tinnitus. A pilot study of twenty patients with pulsatile tinnitus eligible for digital subtraction angiography

Abstract

In pulsatile tinnitus, the differential diagnosis includes neurovascular pathology, which can be occult on non‐invasive imaging techniques. Therefore, if a clear diagnosis is lacking, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is indicated to rule out a potentially hazardous vascular lesion, particularly a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). However, a DSA carries a procedural risk of 1‐2%.

In a tertiary care setting, the incidence of a dAVF in pulsatile tinnitus patients lacking a diagnosis after non‐invasive imaging is about 25‐35%. Therefore, the majority of this group of patients is unnecessarily exposed to the risks of DSA.

We report on 20 consecutive patients in a tertiary care setting with pulsatile tinnitus who were referred for DSA to rule out neurovascular pathology. We found that the absence of a pulsatile sound detected by transcanal sound recordings, excludes a dAVF (100% sensitivity).

Consequently, the use of transcanal sound recordings as a screening tool may prevent patients for the unnecessary risks of DSA in the diagnostic work‐up of pulsatile tinnitus.

Conventional peri‐auriculair and neck auscultation with stethoscope is not always sufficient to objectify the presence of a pulsatile tinnitus.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2MXSV0X

The Effect of Polycythemia Vera on Hearing Functions: Evaluation of Twenty‐one Patients

Abstract

•Patients with PV may present with sensorineural hearing loss, acute hearing loss, and vertigo. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Polycytemia vera (PV) on hearing functions.

•Patients with known PV (n=21) were compared to healthy controls with no history of otologic or neurologic disorders (n = 20). Cochlear impairment was found to be significantly increased in PV group (p=0,004). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in means of Hgb and Htc (p=0,629). But

•Platelet count was found to be significantly higher in PV group (p<0,001). The relationship between high platelet counts and cochlear involvement in PV group was found to be statistically significant (p=0,005).

•The degree of cochlear involvement was higher in patients with Hgb value >15,5 g/dL, indicating that high Hgb/Hct levels may cause hearing loss related to cochlear involvement.

•Cochlear involvement was more common in the patients with high platelet counts. The management of PV treatment is important for hearing functions.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2SCJw49

Changes in Maxillary Sinus Volume and It’s Walls Thickness Due to Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Study

Abstract

This is a prospective observational cross sectional study comprising of 57 patients who were having symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis which were evaluated with the help of computed tomography scan (coronal and axial sections) to measure the thickness of all walls of maxillary sinus and it's volume. Computed tomographic imaging of sinonasal region has become the gold standard in the evaluation of patients with chronic sinusitis. The maxillary sinus is pyramidal in shape with lateral wall of nose forming its base and its apex is directed towards zygomatic process. All three dimensions of the maxillary sinus were measured and the volume of each maxillary sinus was also calculated. Hyperostosis of maxillary sinus tended to increase maxillary sinus walls thickness which ultimately results into decrease in maxillary sinus volume in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

http://bit.ly/2tg2DTv

Editorial Board

Publication date: February 2019

Source: European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases, Volume 136, Issue 1

Author(s):

http://bit.ly/2RQsNpH

A competing risk nomogram to predict severe late toxicity after modern re-irradiation for squamous carcinoma of the head and neck

Publication date: March 2019

Source: Oral Oncology, Volume 90

Author(s): Matthew C. Ward, Nancy Y. Lee, Jimmy J. Caudell, Alexander Zajichek, Musaddiq J. Awan, Shlomo A. Koyfman, Neal E. Dunlap, Sara J. Zakem, Comron Hassanzadeh, Samuel Marcrom, Drexell H. Boggs, Derek Isrow, John A. Vargo, Dwight E. Heron, Farzan Siddiqui, James A. Bonner, Jonathan J. Beitler, Min Yao, Andy M. Trotti, Nadeem Riaz

Abstract

Purpose

Severe late toxicity is common after re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary (RSP) squamous carcinoma of the head and neck. However, many patients experience complications from tumor progression before manifesting late effects. We constructed a nomogram to examine this relationship between late toxicity and competing risks.

Methods and materials

Patients with RSP squamous carcinoma originating in a field previously irradiated to ≥40 Gy and treated with IMRT-based re-irradiation to ≥40 Gy were collected. Grade ≥3 late toxicity developing ≥90 days after re-irradiation was collected. A multivariable competing-risk model was fit to the actuarial risk of late toxicity with progression or death as the competing risk. The final bootstrap optimized model was converted into a nomogram.

Results

From 9 institutions, 505 patients were included. The 2-year incidence of grade ≥3 late toxicity was 16.7% (95% CI 13.2–20.2%) whereas progression or death was 64.2% (95% CI 59.7–68.8%). The median freedom from late toxicity, progression or death was 10.7, 5.5 and 3.2 months for RPA class I-III patients respectively, whereas the median OS was 44.9, 15.9 and 7.9 months, respectively. The final model included six clinical factors. Notably, dose, volume and fractionation did not significantly impact toxicity.

Conclusions

After re-irradiation, the risk of progression or death is approximately four times the risk of radiation-related severe late toxicity. The risk of late toxicity may be more dependent on patient and disease factors than modifiable treatment factors. This model is useful for patient selection, pre-treatment consent and post-treatment survivorship following re-irradiation.

http://bit.ly/2Dp9azW

Deep Neck Space Infection: Study of 52 Cases

Abstract

Deep neck spaces are still common in developing countries like India, even though its less prevalent in developed nations. It can lead to serious complications like jugular vein thrombosis and dissemination of infection if not diagnosed early and intervened. This is a retrospective chart review of 52 patients from 2014 to 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. Only patients with infection deeper to the superficial fascia of neck were included. Submandibular space infection was the most common and precipitating factor being dental infection. Most common comorbid condition was diabetes mellitus. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolated organism and few patients had mixed culture with anaerobes. Injectable cephalosporin with metronidazole was the most effective antibiotic combination against such infections. Low threshold for early surgical intervention reduce hospital stay and enable quick recovery of patients. Usage of over the counter antibiotics masks the conditions and complicate diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

http://bit.ly/2SHy3Ak

Migraine: Stigma in Society

Abstract

Migraine is a prevalent disease with a substantial socioeconomic impact. However, stigma affects social attitude toward migraine, accruing additional burden on individuals with migraine and isolating them from a society that should be supporting them.

Purpose of this Review

This review will discuss the following concepts: (1) the emergence of stigma toward migraine and its impact on medical care; (2) internalized stigma among those with migraine and its detrimental effect on quality of life and patient-physician relationships; (3) the structural impact of stigma on research funding, workplace support, and specialized care; and (4) strategies for "rebranding" the disease and alleviating stigma toward migraine.

Recent Findings

Recent literature on condition rebranding offers strategies on how to define and communicate migraine to the public.

Summary

Rebranding of migraine to alleviate societal stigma is paramount. This involves use of unified language, education, and advocacy.

http://bit.ly/2Dipja4

Deep Neck Space Infection: Study of 52 Cases

Abstract

Deep neck spaces are still common in developing countries like India, even though its less prevalent in developed nations. It can lead to serious complications like jugular vein thrombosis and dissemination of infection if not diagnosed early and intervened. This is a retrospective chart review of 52 patients from 2014 to 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. Only patients with infection deeper to the superficial fascia of neck were included. Submandibular space infection was the most common and precipitating factor being dental infection. Most common comorbid condition was diabetes mellitus. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolated organism and few patients had mixed culture with anaerobes. Injectable cephalosporin with metronidazole was the most effective antibiotic combination against such infections. Low threshold for early surgical intervention reduce hospital stay and enable quick recovery of patients. Usage of over the counter antibiotics masks the conditions and complicate diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

http://bit.ly/2SHy3Ak

Errors according to the number of registered markers used in navigation-assisted surgery of the mandible

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of navigation according to the number of markers in terms of target registration errors (TREs) at each anatomical location during the registration process of the navigation system for the mandible.

Methods

The TREs were measured in five different experiments, varying only in the number of registration reference markers, which ranged from three to seven. To measure the TREs according to the number of registration reference markers, two experimental navigation devices were used: 1) Cbyon navigation surgery equipment 2) Polaris optical tracker. Both experiments were conducted to obtain the TREs at the anatomical locations of the mandible according to the number of registration markers during the navigation process. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 23.0 software.

Results

At all anatomical locations, errors were 2 mm or less. Further, significant differences in the target errors measured by the Cbyon system were found according to the number of registration markers. Significant differences in the target errors measured by the Polaris optical tracker were found according to the registration markers at the posterior border only. In both groups, the target errors did not decrease as the number of registration markers increased.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that an increase in the number of registration markers is not associated with a decrease in the TRE, and that a specific number of registration markers could reduce the TREs at each anatomical site. It is important to determine the minimum number of image registration markers at which the smallest TRE would be observed for different surgical sites.

http://bit.ly/2SlSGmr

Ectoine lozenges in the treatment of acute viral pharyngitis: a prospective, active-controlled clinical study

Abstract

Purpose

Acute pharyngitis is an uncomfortable disorder mostly caused by viruses and for which antibiotics are unwarranted. This study compared lozenges containing ectoine, a natural extremolyte, with hyaluronic acid lozenges and hypertonic saline gargle for symptomatic treatment of acute viral pharyngitis.

Methods

This prospective, controlled clinical study, recruited 90 patients with moderate-to-severe pharyngitis symptoms who chose to use either ectoine (n = 35), hyaluronic acid (n = 35), or saline gargle (n = 20). Patients applied their 7-day treatment from the inclusion visit (V1) until the end-of-study visit (V2). Patients' pharyngitis symptoms, general health, general treatment effectiveness and tolerability, and patient compliance were assessed by investigators and patients.

Results

The sum score for three primary symptoms (pain on swallowing, urge to cough, and hoarseness) decreased by 79.5% (ectoine), 72.2% (hyaluronic acid), and 44.8% (saline gargle). Both lozenges were significantly superior to saline gargle (P < 0.05). Regarding general health improvement, ectoine was significantly superior to saline gargle (72.5% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.05), but hyaluronic acid (63.3%) was not. At V2, 65.7% of patients receiving ectoine reported "very good" general health vs. 48.6% of those receiving hyaluronic acid and 20.0% using saline gargle. Ectoine was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to both hyaluronic acid and saline gargle in terms of tolerability and patient compliance. No patients taking ectoine reported unpleasant sensations while applying their treatment, whereas almost half of patients using hyaluronic acid lozenges and saline gargle did.

Conclusion

Treatment with ectoine lozenges significantly relieves moderate-to-severe symptoms of acute viral pharyngitis and is more effective and tolerable than treatments with hyaluronic acid lozenges and hypertonic saline gargle.

http://bit.ly/2Bsrgk6

Expectations and Experience of Children with Unilateral Cochlear Implantation: A Parental Perspective

Abstract

To find out parental expectations regarding outcomes of unilateral cochlear implantation prior to surgery and experience received by them after cochlear implantation and 1 year of regular auditory verbal therapy, with respect to the communication abilities, social skills and participation. Total of 200 parents of hearing impaired children participated in the study. A closed ended questionnaire containing 13 questions were used to collect the data. The participants were instructed to complete all the questions provided based on their expectations and experiences. The descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency and percentage. Among 200 parents, almost all (95%) of the parents expected to have improvement in all the subscale of communication abilities, social skills and participation. 68.5% of the parents experienced improvement in their child's communication abilities, such as, response to quiet sounds, repetition of words without seeing speaker's face, elimination of use of gestures, easy communication and verbal expression for needs, thoughts and feelings. 76% of the parents experienced improvement in social skills and participations, such as, good relationship with elders, siblings and peers, making friends outside the family, actively participating in the activity done by other children and easily accepted by peers in the classroom. A large number of parents met with their expectations and a small proportion of families were found to be disappointed due to high hopes and unrealistic expectation before implantation, which had adverse effect on the children's performance.

http://bit.ly/2SJDfUi

The prevalence of hearing loss and use of hearing aids among adults in Germany: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Worldwide approximately 360 million people suffer from hearing impairment, 328 million of whom are adults. Up to now there has been no systematic evaluation of any representative epidemiological data on the prevalence of hearing loss among adults in Germany. The present paper is intended to investigate this within the framework of a systematic review.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out in electronic databases as well as by means of hand-searching. Studies published after 1975 and indicating the prevalence or incidence of hearing impairment among German adults were included. Study selection, data extraction and additional quality assessments were made by two independent reviewers.

Results

By means of a systematic literature search it was possible to identify 6 sources, which provided solely cross-sectional data, whereby the reported data are based on a study population of between some hundred and 10 million people living in Germany. The prevalences ascertained showed a broad range of between 16% and 25% and varied according to age, study setting, definition of hearing loss and method of data capture. At present there are no utilizable data on the extent of the use of hearing aids.

Discussion

The present review demonstrates clearly that evidence-based information relating to Germany can only be made on the basis of a clear definition of hearing loss within the framework of an up-to-date and representative epidemiological study carried out with appropriate methodology. In view of the high prevalence of illnesses causing hearing impairment and of the risks to health associated with untreated hearing impairment as well as of socio-economic costs, such an epidemiological study is of great social significance.

http://bit.ly/2UNmWmQ