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Clinical and Experimental... Nov 2023Multiple minimally invasive techniques for chronic rhinitis treatment focus on posterior nasal nerve ablation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to...
OBJECTIVES
Multiple minimally invasive techniques for chronic rhinitis treatment focus on posterior nasal nerve ablation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation for alleviating symptoms in patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.
METHODS
We retrieved studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database up to July 2023. Data on the impact of cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation on quality of life and symptom ratings of rhinitis were extracted and evaluated.
RESULTS
An analysis of 12 studies involving 788 patients demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and rhinitis-related symptoms (nasal obstruction, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing) in patients treated with cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (symptom score at 24 months and quality of life score at 3 months). However, radiofrequency ablation had a more positive effect on nasal symptoms after 3 months than cryotherapy. Nonallergic rhinitis patients responded more favorably to posterior nerve ablation than patients with allergic rhinitis. Both techniques enhanced disease-specific quality of life during the initial 3 months of treatment (cryotherapy, 84.6%; radiofrequency, 81.6%; P=0.564). After 3 months of treatment, a clinical improvement in all nasal symptoms (minimal clinically important difference in the total nasal symptom score: >1.0 points) was seen in 81.8% and 91.9% of patients who underwent cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (P=0.005), suggesting that radiofrequency is more likely to lead to clinical improvement.
CONCLUSION
Rhinitis-associated subjective symptom scores and quality of life may be improved by both cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Ablation was more efficacious than cryotherapy for nasal symptoms in patients with nonallergic rhinitis. To corroborate these findings, further randomized controlled studies directly comparing these two techniques are warranted.
PubMed: 37871904
DOI: 10.21053/ceo.2023.01214 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Nov 2022Temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN; RhinAer) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic...
BACKGROUND
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN; RhinAer) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) following TCRF neurolysis of the PNN.
METHODS
A prospective single-arm study of 129 patients with chronic rhinitis at 16 medical centers in the United States and Germany.
RESULTS
The mean 24-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) improved from 7.8 (95% CI, 7.5-8.1) at baseline to 3.6 (95% CI, 3.2-4.0) at 3 months and continued to improve to 2.9 (95% CI, 2.5-3.3) at 6 months ( < .001 comparing follow-up to baseline and = .002 comparing 3 and 6 months). This represents 53.8% improvement over baseline at 3 months and 62.8% improvement at 6 months. Rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing, and itching subscores and postnasal drip and cough scores were all significantly improved over baseline at both timepoints. At 3 months, 76.2% (95% CI, 68.1%-82.8%) of patients achieved a minimal clinically important difference of ≥30% improvement in rTNSS over baseline and the percentage was higher at 6 months (83.5% [95% CI, 75.8%-89.0%]). At 3 months, 80.3% (95% CI, 72.6%-86.3%) reported a minimal clinically important difference of ≥0.4-point improvement in the mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score, and the percentage was higher at 6 months; 87.7% (95% CI, 80.7%-92.4%). There were no serious adverse events with a relationship to the device/procedure reported through 6 months.
CONCLUSION
In this large, multicenter study, TCRF neurolysis of the PNN was safe and resulted in a significant reduction in rhinitis symptom burden at 3 months that was sustained/improved through 6 months. The majority of patients reported a clinically relevant improvement in QoL at 3 and 6 months postprocedure.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Rhinitis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temperature; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35818709
DOI: 10.1177/19458924221109987 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Sep 2021We studied genetic variation in the second hypervariable region (HVR) of the G gene of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) from 1701 nasal swab samples collected...
We studied genetic variation in the second hypervariable region (HVR) of the G gene of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) from 1701 nasal swab samples collected from outpatients with acute respiratory infections at two general hospitals in the cities Yangon and Pyinmana in Myanmar from 2015 to 2018. HRSV genotypes were characterized using phylogenetic trees constructed using the maximum likelihood method. Time-scale phylogenetic tree analyses were performed using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. In total, 244 (14.3%) samples were HRSV-positive and were classified as HRSV-A (n = 84, 34.4%), HRSV-B (n = 158, 64.8%), and co-detection of HRSV-A/HRSV-B (n = 2, 0.8%). HRSV epidemics occurred seasonally between July (1.9%, 15/785) and August (10.5%, 108/1028), with peak infections in September (35.8%, 149/416) and October (58.2%, 89/153). HRSV infection rate was higher in children ≥1 year of age than in those <1 year of age (70.5% vs. 29.5%). The most common HRSV symptoms in children were cough (80%-90%) and rhinorrhea (70%-100%). The predominant genotypes were ON1for HRSV-A (78%) and BA9 for HRSV-B (64%). Time to the most recent common ancestor was 2014 (95% highest posterior density [HPD], 2012-2015) for HRSV-A ON1 and 2009 (95% HPD, 2004-2012) for HRSV-B BA9. The mean evolutionary rate (substitutions/site/year) for HRSV-B (2.12 × 10, 95% HPD, 8.53 × 10-3.63 × 10) was slightly higher than that for HRSV-A (1.39 × 10, 95% HPD, 6.03 × 10-2.12 × 10). The estimated effective population size (diversity) for HRSV-A increased from 2015 to 2016 and declined in mid-2018, whereas HRSV-B diversity was constant in 2015 and 2016 and increased in mid-2017. In conclusion, the dominant HRSV-A and HRSV-B genotypes in Myanmar were ON1 and BA9, respectively, between 2015 and 2018. HRSV-B evolved slightly faster than HRSV-A and exhibited unique phylogenetic characteristics.
Topics: Evolution, Molecular; Humans; Incidence; Myanmar; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
PubMed: 34020068
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104927 -
Neuro-ophthalmology (Aeolus Press) Aug 2019The purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of neuro-ophthalmological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the identification of the aetiology of...
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of neuro-ophthalmological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the identification of the aetiology of rhinorrhoea, and the differentiation of spontaneous rhinorrhoea from non-spontaneous rhinorrhoea. MR images of 25 patients with spontaneous and 21 patients with non-spontaneous rhinorrhoea were evaluated for the presence of neuro-ophthalmological findings of intracranial hypertension (IHT). These include optic nerve vertical tortuosity, optic nerve sheath enlargement, flattening of the posterior sclera and optic nerve protrusion, as well as other MRI findings of ICH, such as partial empty sella, dilatation of Meckel's cave and the presence of arachnoid pits. IHT findings were more common in the spontaneous group. Six criteria (optic nerve distention, optic nerve vertical tortuosity, posterior flattening of the sclera, partial empty sella, Meckel's cave dilatation and presence of arachnoid pits) differentiate between patient and control groups. Patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks should be evaluated for signs of IHT on MRI, as they are present in the majority of spontaneous CSF leaks and are representative of increased intracranial pressure.
PubMed: 31528189
DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2018.1540643 -
World Neurosurgery Feb 2019Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea from a lateral skull base defect refractory to spontaneous healing and/or conservative management is most commonly managed via open... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea from a lateral skull base defect refractory to spontaneous healing and/or conservative management is most commonly managed via open surgery. Approach for repair is dictated by location of the defect, which may require surgical exploration. The final common pathway is the eustachian tube (ET). Endoscopic ET obliteration via endonasal and lateral approaches is under development. Whereas ET anatomy has been studied, surgical landmarks have not been previously described or quantified. We aimed to define surgical parameters of specific utility to endoscopic ET obliteration.
METHODS
A literature review was performed of known ET anatomic parameters. Next, using a combination of endoscopic and open techniques in cadavers, we cannulated the intact ET and dissected its posterior component to define the major curvature position of the ET, defined as the genu, and quantified the relative distances through the ET lumen. The genu was targeted as a major obstacle encountered when cannulating the ET from the nasopharynx.
RESULTS
Among 10 ETs, we found an average distance of 23 ± 5 mm from the nasopharynx to the ET genu, distance of 24 ± 3 mm from the genu to the anterior aspect of the tympanic membrane and total ET length of 47 ± 4 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
Although membranous and petrous components of the ET are important to its function, the genu may be a more useful surgical landmark. Basic surgical parameters for endoscopic ET obliteration are defined.
Topics: Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Eustachian Tube; Female; Humans; Male; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 30266704
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.09.123 -
Allergy & Rhinology (Providence, R.I.) 2022Temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve has been shown to reduce the symptom burden of patients with chronic rhinitis.
BACKGROUND
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve has been shown to reduce the symptom burden of patients with chronic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve for the treatment of chronic rhinitis.
METHODS
A prospective extension of a 12-month single-arm study, where reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and the responses to a study-specific quality of life questionnaire and patient satisfaction survey were collected at 24 months.
RESULTS
Forty-seven patients completed initial 12-month follow-up after treatment with the study device, of which 34 patients were reconsented and completed 24-month follow-up. The mean rTNSS of the long-term follow-up patients improved from 8.4 (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.7 to 9.0) at baseline to 2.9 (95% CI, 2.1 to 3.6), < .001 at 24 months, a 65.5% improvement. On a 6-point scale (0-5), postnasal drip improved from a mean of 4.1 (95% CI, 3.6 to 4.6) to 2.1 (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.5) and chronic cough improved from 3.2 (95% CI, 2.7 to 3.6) to 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5 to 1.3) from baseline through 24 months; < .001 for both measures. The proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference of 30% improvement from baseline at 24 months was 88.2% (95% CI, 73.4%-95.3%). At 24 months, 24% of patients were taking overall fewer and 15% taking overall more rhinitis medication classes than at baseline. Patients reported a higher quality of life in terms of sleep, well-being, and lower oral medication/nasal spray use at 24 months. There were no serious adverse events considered related to the procedure in the 12-24-month period.
CONCLUSION
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis results in a significant and durable reduction in the symptom burden of chronic rhinitis and patients reported improved quality of life through 24 months postprocedure.
PubMed: 35663498
DOI: 10.1177/21526575221096045 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Dec 2022Allergic rhinitis significantly affects the quality of life, it contributes to missed or unproductive time at school or work, disturbed sleep pattern and day time...
Allergic rhinitis significantly affects the quality of life, it contributes to missed or unproductive time at school or work, disturbed sleep pattern and day time somnolence. Rhinitis is defined clinically as having two or more symptoms of anterior or posterior rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage and/or itching of the nose during two or more consecutive days for more than 1 h on most days (International rhinitis management working group, 1994). Allergic rhinitis is diagnosed when these symptoms are caused by allergen exposure leading to an IgE mediated reaction. Nerve irritation causes sneezing and itching, the loss of mucosal integrity causes causes rhinorrhoea and the vascular engrogment leads to nasal blockage. Medical modalities are symptomatically effective in mild cases, with temporary relief and addressable adverse effects. Prolonged treatment with allergy immunotherapy causes a sustainable financial burden while remaining inaccessible at smaller towns. Posterior nasal nerve neurectomy is short, easy and effective alternative. The basic procedure is to selectively cut nerve bundles at the level of the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) with a trans nasal approach. By denervating the nasal mucosa one renders it unresponsive to any sorts of allergen or allergic reaction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of posterior nasal nerve neurectomy in cases of severe allergic rhinitis by assessing its impact on the total nasal symptom score. The study is a hospital based prospective study, conducted on 15 patients who presented to the ENT department of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital from march 2021 to October 2021 (6 months) suffering from allergic rhinitis and did not show any satisfactory improvement even after 1 year of medical treatment. Adult patients in the age group of 20-45 yrs. diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were enrolled into the study after obtaining a due written consent. These included patients having 2 or more symptoms of allergic rhinitis and refractoriness to medical therapy for > 1 year along with significantly affected quality of life and elevated IgE level. Patients with drug induced & hormonal causes of rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and any anatomical feature which precipitates to rhinitis such as deviated nasal septum, hypertrophied turbinates, blocked osteomeatal unit, polypoidal nasal mucosa and sinonasal polyposis were excluded from the study. During our study period from march 2021-September 2021, 15 patients were enrolled in the study. All the patients were followed up at 2nd and 6th month postoperatively. Amongst these patients, there were 11 females (73.34%) and 4 were male (26.67%)The mean age of patients was 35.2 years. Subjective nasal symptoms of all 15 patients improved over the period of 6 months. The mean TNSS improved from 12.067 preoperatively to 8.66 at the end of 2nd month, i.e., 23.1% improvement. By the end of the 6th postoperative month there was a consistent reduction in the tnss, which further reduced to a mean of 3.4 (70.2% reduction) indicating a further improvement in symptoms with time. With the advancement & popularity of endoscopic sinus surgery in the past decade, endoscopic resection of the posterior nasal nerve is emerging as a safe and less invasive technique with long standing results. Medical treatment usually provides mild and symptomatic relief with long duration of treatment period. Thus, PNN is safer, economical & easier alternative to current trend of treatment of allergic rhinitis, proving to be highly efficient in cases of intractable allergic rhinitis.
PubMed: 36742878
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-03031-8 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Aug 2023Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses characterized by the presence of nasal polyps...
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses characterized by the presence of nasal polyps and persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, anterior or posterior rhinorrhea, facial pain or pressure, and reduction or loss of smell, lasting longer than 12 weeks. Several therapeutic strategies are nowadays available to treat CRSwNP as a function of disease severity. However, a standardized therapeutic algorithm has not yet been proposed. Since CRSwNP severity can be assessed by the Clinical-Cytological Grading (CCG) and the consequent reduction in patients' Quality of Life can be defined with the Sino Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), we aimed to propose a new diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm, that takes into consideration both the characteristics of the patients, including the CCG, nasal obstruction, and SNOT-22, and all the therapies available today.
Topics: Humans; Nasal Polyps; Nasal Obstruction; Quality of Life; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37539610
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i4.14152 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Dec 2017Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are infrequent and only 10 cases in the literature have been located in the clivus. We describe two new cases of CSF...
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are infrequent and only 10 cases in the literature have been located in the clivus. We describe two new cases of CSF fistulas in this site and review the literature.
CASE REPORT
The first patient was a 52-year-old woman referred to our centre for intermittent rhinorrhea that had been diagnosed after an episode of meningitis. The second case was a 69-year-old man who was visited for rhinorrhea of one-year duration; he also developed meningitis during the preoperative study. In both cases, the spontaneous CSF fistula was diagnosed by beta-2-transferrin testing, CT scan and MRI. We performed an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and used free grafts and vascularized flaps to close the clival defect. Treatment was successful in both cases.
DISCUSSION
The physiopathology of spontaneous CSF fistulas remains unknown. Possible explanations given to date in this location are pulsatility of the basilar artery, repeated Valsalva maneuvers and Marfan's disease, the two latter also related to CSF fistulas in other locations. Closure of a CSF leak towards the nasal cavity is mandatory due to potential complications. Our results support the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach using free grafts and/or pediculated flaps as a good alternative to open surgery.
Topics: Aged; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Female; Fistula; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Meningitis; Middle Aged; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Neuroendoscopy; Nose; Surgical Flaps; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28410953
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2016.10.007 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Mar 2019Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea is caused by an abnormal open communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. The most common anatomic sites of such...
Cerebrospinal fluid Rhinorrhoea is caused by an abnormal open communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. The most common anatomic sites of such abnormal communication are found in the anterior skull base, namely, ethmoid roof, olfactory groove, roof of the sphenoid sinus and the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. It can be classified into traumatic or spontaneous. Spontaneous leaks are associated with highest recurrence rates following surgical repair. The repair of CSF Rhinorrhoea has rapidly evolved over the past 30 years. Prior to the advent of the endoscopic approach, craniotomy was used for repairs which carried a variable success rate and morbidity. The purpose of our study was to ascertain the outcome after Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of spontaneous CSF leaks. This was a prospective study conducted at the Department of ENT at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi between January 2015 and June 2016. The study comprised of eleven patients who presented with the complaint of watery nasal discharge and were diagnosed to have spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhoea. Proper clinical examination, nasal endoscopy and biochemical and cytological analysis of nasal secretions of the patient was done. High Resolution Computed Tomography and MRI scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses were done to identify precise location of CSF leak and the size of fistula. CT cisternography was done wherever required. Fistula was repaired via Transnasal endoscopic approach in a multi layered underlay fashion. Out of all eleven patients with spontaneous CSF leaks, most common site of leak was from left cribriform area. Four patients (36.36%) were found to have meningoencephalocele. No associated intracranial lesion was found and all patients did not have any benign intracranial hypertension. Our success rate of endoscopic repair on first attempt was 100% with recurrence in 1 patient after 4 months of repair. Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is safe and effective, with a very low complication rate. It has almost completely replaced the older open techniques. Accurate localization of leak site followed by multilayered closure of dural defect appear to be essential for successful endoscopic repair.
PubMed: 30906718
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-018-1485-2