Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the frontal cell variants according to International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC), in the population of a Brazilian tertiary hospital, and analyze the reliability of the classification between observers. Methods: A cross-sectional study in the Hospital de Clínicas of the State University of Campinas, Brazil. One hundred and three Computed Tomography’s (CTs) were evaluated by radiologists and otorhinolaryngologist to estimate the prevalence of frontoethmoidal cells according to the IFAC. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) among examinators was used to evaluate reliability of this findings. Results: 103 CT scans, totaling 206 sides, were evaluated independently. The agger nasi cell was the most prevalent, present in 95.63% of cases, 37.86% of the exams contained supra agger cells, frontal supra agger cell showed prevalence 37.37%; suprabularcell was present in 77.18% of the sides. As for the frontal suprabular cell, the prevalence was 30.09%, the supraorbital ethmoid cell was present in 32.03%, and frontal septal cell had a 33.49% prevalence. The ICC among the evaluators was classified as “good reliability” or “excellent reliability” for all cells. Conclusion: This study describes the frontal cell prevalence among a population in tertiary Brazilian hospital, using the IFAC. This classification had a high ICC. Level of evidence: Level 2: Individual cross-sectional study with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: Translate and validate the Beginner’s Intelligibility Test (BIT) speech intelligibility assessment instrument into Brazilian Portuguese. Method: Study developed in two stages: 1st translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Beginner’s Intelligibility Test instrument into Brazilian Portuguese; 2nd application of the instrument. The second stage of the study involved 20 children using cochlear implants, aged between 4 and 11 years old, enrolled in the Cochlear Implant Program at Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. All data collection procedures were video, and audio recorded for analysis by judges. After orthographic transcription of each sentence repeated by the child, the judge was asked to score the participant’s speech intelligibility and classify it according to criteria established in the literature. Results: The translation stage took place for the four lists and 40 sentences of the Beginner’s Intelligibility Test (BIT) instrument into Brazilian Portuguese, the semantic, idiomatic, experimental and conceptual equivalences were considered, and it took place without any difficulties identified by the translators. The terms used in the Portuguese language were similar and those that presented differences among the translators did not bring significant divergences to its understanding. In the inter-evaluator analysis, there was reliability between the classification and the score obtained. Different judges evaluated the same children and a concordance was observed in classification and scoring. Conclusions: Face validity of the BIT was confirmed through the understanding of each sentence of the four lists by the majority of children using cochlear implants participating in the pretest phase. The content validity among experts was unanimous for the four lists of sentences. The Brazilian Portuguese adapted version maintained the semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, and cultural equivalence, according to the evaluation of the expert committee. Evidence level: 02.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objectives: Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital cause of stridor; the natural history of the disease runs through to complete resolution by the age of two. Severe cases are characterized by cyanosis, hypoxia, apnea, furcular and/or subcostal retractions, aspirations, pulmonary hypertension, and failure to thrive and must undergo surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the success rates of supraglottoplasty in our hospital and evaluate the predictive factors for surgical success. Methods: Cohort study, prospectively planned. 75 patients undergoing endoscopic surgery from July 2007 to July 2016 were analyzed at the Santo Antônio Children’s Hospital. The primary outcome was percentage of surgical success, defined as the absence of respiratory symptoms or presence of a mild stridor without retractions on the first post-operative month (late success). The secondary outcomes were the early surgical success (absence of respiratory symptoms or presence of a mild stridor without retractions on the first post-operative day). Results: 39 (58.2%) were male, with an average of 4.9 months. Surgical success on the first day was 80.6% (n = 54). At the end of the 1st month, surgical success was 88.6%, considering only those who completed assessment. Twenty-one (34%) presented comorbidities. Presence of comorbidities, pharyngomalacia and GERD were associated with a worse result on the 1st postoperative day, whereas, at the end of the first month, presence of comorbidities, concomitant injuries (tracheo and bronchomalacia) and pharyngomalacia were the predictive variables of surgery failure. Conclusion: Supraglottoplasty has high rates of efficacy and low morbidity. The presence of comorbidities and pharyngomalacia has shown association with a worse early and late surgical outcome. Synchronous airway lesions predict a worse surgical result at the end of the first month. GERD was associated with obstructive symptomatology only in the 1st post-operative day. Level of evidence: Level 3 of evidence, according to the “The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence” from Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: To study the impact of age and the interval between disease diagnosis and death on the organotropism of SARS-CoV-2. Method: Patients underwent post-mortem biopsies from lungs, Waldeyer ring, heart, liver, kidneys and bone marrow between 2020–2021. SARS-CoV-2 organotropism was mapped by using molecular RT-PCR analyses for SARS-CoV2 targeting the Envelope gene (E), the RNA Polymerase Gene (RdRp), and the Nucleocapsid gene (N). Statistical and linear regression analysis was performed to study the impact of age and illness duration in SARS-CoV-2 organotropism. Results: We performed 158 postmortem biopsies in 21 patients, with a mean age of 76 years old. The mean interval between the diagnosis of the infection to the death was 23 days. The RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 100% of lung biopsies, 76%–82% of Waldeyer’s ring biopsies, 55% of heart biopsies, 40% of kidney biopsies, 33% of liver and 25% of bone marrow biopsies. Patients who died before the day 9, presented extensive visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Most of the patients older than 80 years (90%) presented visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, while among younger patients, only 3/11 patients presented visceral dissemination of the virus. The relationship between “age” and “illness duration” and multitropism of the virus was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Disease interval and age were factors that were significantly associated with RT-PCR positive results in multiple organs. Critical COVID-19 patients have multiorganic viral dissemination in early stages. In the critical older patients, multiorganic viral dissemination is the rule. Level of evidence: 4. Case Series.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objectives: To verify the rates of heat effectiveness generated by Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) in the resolution of dizziness in individuals diagnosed with Cervical Dizziness (CD). Methods: Randomized clinical trial was performed and samples from volunteers diagnosed with CD, divided into a Study Group (SG) and Control Group (CG). Patches containing CNT with thermotherapeutic effect were used in SG and inert patches in the CG. Treatment was performed over 30 days and measures of pain, dizziness and asymmetry of cervical muscle tension were evaluated over 60 days. Results: Pain, dizziness and asymmetry of cervical muscle tension were reduced in the SG. The variables analyzed in this study did not change in the CG. Conclusion: Our results show that the therapeutic effect of heat was effective in the treatment of patients diagnosed with CD. We could also observe a clear interrelationship between pain and dizziness symptoms with the asymmetry of cervical muscle tension. Level of evidence: 1B.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective(s): In this study, the laryngopharynx microbiome alterations were characterized after proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD) and healthy people. The potential outcome-predictive biomarker was explored. Methods: Patients with LPRD and healthy controls were enrolled. The composition of their laryngopharynx microbiota was analyzed both by traditional plate count of the main bacterial groups and PCR amplification followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Shannon-Wiener index and evenness index based on Dice index were used to assess the bacterial diversity. Droplet digital PCR was used to determine the total bacterial RNA and relative abundance of Klebsiella oxytoca. Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to explore the potential of Klebsiella oxytoca as an outcome-predictive biomarker. Results: A total of 29 LPRD cases and 28 healthy subjects were enrolled. The composition of the laryngopharynx microbiota was almost similar, except Klebsiella oxytoca. The cluster analysis showed that the similarity between healthy and treatment-effective groups, as well as pretreatment and treatment-invalid groups, was close. Statistical analysis showed that there were differences in the diversity index and richness among the healthy, treatment-effective, pretreatment and treatment-invalid groups. The abundance of Klebsiella oxytoca in the treatment-effective LPRD group was lower than that of the treatment-invalid LPRD group. The abundance of Klebsiella oxytoca can distinguish treatment-effective and -invalid groups (AUC = 0.859) with a sensitivity of 77.78% and specificity of 90.91%. Conclusion: There were differences in the diversity of cecal contents microbial community between treatment-invalid and treatment-effective LPRD groups. Klebsiella oxytoca has potential to distinguish treatment outcomes. Level of evidence: How common is the problem? Level 1. Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Level 4. What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Level 5. Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Level 4. What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Level 4. What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Level 4. Is this (early detection) test worthwhile?(Screening) Level 4.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objectives: To analyze breathing modes with infrared thermography. Methods: Cross-sectional observational exploratory study conducted in 20 female participants with a mean age of 26.0-years. The thermograms were made following the principles of the American Academy of Thermology and the Brazilian Thermology Society. The camera FLIR A315 (FLIR Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) was used for the tests. The recordings consisted of the participants breathing normally through the nose for 2 min and simulating oral/oronasal breathing for another 2min. The thermograms were analyzed with the FLIR Tools software. An ellipse was placed between the nostrils and the lip commissures to obtain the mean temperatures. The collection was made by two independent researchers, and the normalized non-dimensional temperature was calculated. Results: The temperature in nasal breathing is higher than in oral/oronasal breathing both for inhaling and exhaling when measured in the region of the mouth. The exhaling temperatures were higher than the inhaling ones in oral/oronasal breathing (through the nose and the mouth) and nasal breathing (only through the nose). The temperature difference between exhaling and inhaling (ΔT) was greater in oral/oronasal breathing when measured in the region of the mouth. Conclusion: The thermographic assessment of breathing modes may be made by comparing the mean temperatures of the mouth, using an ellipse. Level of evidence: Study without consistently applied reference standards.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objectives: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. Methods: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Pearson r test Conclusions: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 4 according to OCEBM.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract According to an extensive database, the Objective is to compare surgical versus nonsurgical treatment through Propensity Score (PS) for patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated epidemiological data from 8075 patients with OPSCC diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 and used PS matching to analyze possible prognostic factors for its outcomes with regression analyses. Results: Cox multiple regression analysis to study survival after PS matching shows that type of treatment was associated with death with a hazard ratio of 1.753 (p < 0.05) of non-surgical treatment. However, it was not associated with recurrence (p> 0.05). In the surgical treatment group, overall survival was 79.9% at one year, 36.4% at five years, and 20.5% at ten years. Disease-free survival was 90.1%, 64.8%, and 56.0% at 1, 5, and 10-years, respectively. In the non-surgical treatment group, overall survival was 60.6% at one year, 21.8% at five years, and 12.7% at ten years. Disease-free survival was 90.8%, 67.2%, and 57.8% at 1, 5, and 10-years, respectively. Conclusion: Patients in the surgical treatment group had better outcomes related to survival. Recurrence is associated with the survival of OPSCC cancer. Recurrence-free survival is similar to both treatments. Level of evidence: 2C.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: To review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on vestibular schwannoma were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians’ guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association’s guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 parts: (1) Diagnosis – audiologic, electrophysiologic tests, and imaging; (2) Treatment – wait and scan protocols, surgery, radiosurgery/radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Conclusions: Decision making in VS treatment has become more challenging. MRI can diagnose increasingly smaller tumors, which has disastrous consequences for the patients and their families. It is important to develop an individualized approach for each case, which highly depends on the experience of each surgical team.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: The scope of surgical resection for paratracheal (level VI) lymph nodes in patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) remains debatable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic ipsilateral Central Neck lymph node Dissection (CND) versus bilateral CND at the time of total thyroidectomy for Clinically Node-negative (cN0) unilateral PTC. Methods: A systematic retrieval of electronic databases, including Pubmed, Web of Science, and the China Journal Net, was conducted from January 1990 to September 2021. Outcome data of interest included transient hypoparathyroidism, permanent hypoparathyroidism, transient Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) injury, permanent RLN injury and local recurrence. We constructed the summary Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for every study with either fixed or random effect models. Results: A full total of 1792 patients from 6 studies were enrolled. Our meta-analysis showed that transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly more frequent in bilateral CND group (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.44–0.76). The prevalence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in bilateral CND group patients compared to those in ipsilateral CND group (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.15–0.45). On the other hand, our meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the incidence of transient RLN injury, permanent RLN injury and local recurrence. Conclusions: Compared with bilateral CND, the rate of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism in ipsilateral CND is lower, but the local recurrence is similar. It may be presumptuous to suggest that ipsilateral CND is an adequate treatment for cN0 unilateral PTC.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: Mechanisms that lead to Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (ECRS) are not fully established in the literature. It is desirable to assess ECRS in a model that embraces most of the related events. This article reviewed the murine models for ECRS and compared them regarding eosinophilic polypoid formation. Methods: The authors reviewed the articles that included the terms “chronic rhinosinusitis” OR “chronic sinusitis” AND “animal model”. We analyzed articles in English that evaluated both the number of polyps and the number of eosinophils in the sinus mucosa of mouse models. Results: We identified a total of 15 articles describing different models of ECRS that used BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice, and different triggers/stimulants such as Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B (SEB) + Ovalbumin (OVA); House Dust Mite (HDM) ± Ovalbumin (OVA); and Aspergillus oryzae Protease (AP) + Ovalbumin (OVA). OVA associated with SEB was the commonest protocol to induce ECRS in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, and it produced a robust response of eosinophilic nasal polyps in both. AP + OVA protocol also led to a good ECRS response. The other models were not considered adequate to produce eosinophilic polyps in mice. Conclusion: In conclusion, OVA associated with SEB seems to produce the most robust eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Objective: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of The New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS) to Portuguese spoken in Brazil. Method: We followed the steps recommended in the manual Multilingual Toolkit da NRDLS: translation of the test, adaptation of items from the scales, and use of NRDLS in a pilot study with Brazilian children. It was included a back-translation and analysis by a group of specialists in the area that helped to review the adapted version. A quantitative descriptive analysis of results from the pilot group was performed, and we used a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the NRDLS seems very similar to the original NRDLS in terms of conceptual equivalence. The children understood well the translated and adapted words, and they had more difficulty in the last sessions. Some of the mistakes made by the children helped us to adapt specific items for a better evaluation of the abilities of Brazilian children. Conclusion: The suggestions in the Multilingual Toolkit, the input from the group of specialists, and the experience with the children in the pilot group helped the adaptation of the NRDLS to Brazilian Portuguese. The adapted version of NRDLS was effective, it reflected the gradual evolution of complexity in the scales. We suggest the application of the adapted version in a large group of children with normal development to validate it.

Resumo em Inglês:

HIGHLIGHTS COVID-19 has been associated to Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Cochlear implants may benefit patients with profound hearing loss post COVID-19. Hearing rehabilitation should not be postponed in cases of deafness post COVID-19.