Folds In Patients Research Articles

P0655 VTE thromboprophylaxis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted to hospital; can we increase adherence with guidelines?

Abstract Background Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases two to three folds in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with hospitalisation, active disease and surgery as the major risk factors. VTE risk assessment and low molecular weight Heparin (LMWH) is recommended in all patients with IBD admitted to hospital1,2. The aim of the quality improvement project was to look at our practice, audit our adherence with guidance and where possible improve practice. Methods A tertiary centre audit was conducted from 1 September 2023 to 30 November 2023, to include all IBD patients ≥ 18 years, admitted for one day or more. Relevant data on VTE risk assessment, prescribing VTE prophylaxis, any missed doses and reasons were collected from electronic patient records. Patient identifiable details were omitted, and the audit was registered with institutional audit department. Audit outcomes were identified, interventions were implemented and a re-audit was conducted from 1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024. Results Out of 107 patients, VTE risk assessment was done in 61(57%) and LMWH was started in 79 (74%). Among 45 patients admitted with IBD flare, LMWH was started in 36 (80%). Among 28 patients where LMWH was not started, rectal bleeding(n=6) and ‘declined by patients’ (n=5) were the most common reasons. Other reasons highlighted included subdural haematoma (2), fall and suspected brain haemorrhage (1), major trauma (1), razor blade ingestion (1), diverticular bleed (1), lymphoma and low platelets (1), metastatic cancer and end of life (1). In patients started on LMWH (n=79), 76 (96%) received the first dose on Day 1, while 47 (59%) received all the recommended doses. ‘Declined by the patient’ was the most common reason for any missed dose (47%). The findings were disseminated with the relevant medical teams at team education sessions with opportunities to discuss the guidelines, wider issues including importance of giving LMWH despite rectal bleeding, and any concerns explored. After these initiatives, a re-audit was conducted. Out of 51 admissions, 45 (88.2%) had VTE risk assessments, and 44 (86.25%) started on LMWH, showing improvement in practice. Among 16 patients admitted with IBD flare, all had VTE risk assessment and started on LMWH. No thromboembolic events were identified during either of the audit periods. Conclusion Low compliance with thromboprophylaxis in IBD inpatients is commonly driven by fear of aggravating rectal bleeding and patient’s declining administration. Communication and raising awareness by education with relevant medical & nursing teams and patients can improve practice and thus prevent thromboembolic events.

Modified Posterior Triple Scoring as a Refinement Technique in Creating Aesthetic Antihelical Fold in Otoplasty

Objective: To develop a precise and reliable technique in addressing underdevelopment of antihelical fold in patients with prominent ears. Background: Prominent ears remain to be a common presentation in aesthetic surgery. Multiple otoplasty techniques addressing the antihelical fold have been developed, but no standard technique is globally adopted. Creating a uniformly even, defined and smooth-edged antihelical fold without retropulsion of helix can be at times challenging and difficult to achieve. This study describes a modified way of refining a desirable antihelical fold by posterior triple scoring technique. Methods: A posterior approach was developed to access the posterior surface of antihelix and apply strategic triple linear scoring in conjunction with conchal repositioning. Ten patients underwent this procedure and followed up in 1-month and 1-year periods. Results: All patients were satisfied with the procedure. None of the patients developed complication or require secondary otoplasty. Conclusion: This novel technique provides a simple yet reliable and precise technique in conjunction with conchal setback or as a standalone procedure in selected patients to achieve the aesthetic curves of the external ear. We suggest this technique as an option to address the underdevelopment of antihelical fold in patients with prominent ears.

Evaluating microRNA-499 expression and serum IL-17, ACCP and PADI4 cytokine levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing anti-TNF alpha therapy

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage. While anti-TNF-alpha therapies like infliximab have revolutionized RA, treatment response varies among patients. Identifying reliable biomarkers for treatment response is crucial for optimizing therapy and patient outcomes. MicroRNA-499 has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, and IL-17 is a key mediator in RA pathogenesis. Additionally, PADI4 and ACCP are linked to RA autoimmunity. This study aimed to investigate the potential of microRNA-499 expression, serum levels of IL-17, PADI4 and ACCP as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring treatment response in RA patients undergoing anti-TNF-alpha (infliximab) therapy. Methodology: In this case-control research, blood samples from 100 Iraqi patients with RA and 100 controls were collected. RNA was extracted and the levels of miRNA499 were quantified using real-time PCR. The serum IL-17, PADI4 and ACCP levels were determined using ELISA. Patients were sub-grouped as responders and non-responders based on their responses to anti-TNF-alpha (infliximab) treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients in this study was 46.22 years. The occurrence of RA was higher in age group (31-45) years. There was a significant association between RA, smoking and BMI. miRNA-499 expression was significantly higher in RA patients versus controls (1.1 folds in patients compared to 0.52 in control group). The serum levels of IL-17, PADI4 and ACCP was significantly higher in RA patients than controls (54.3ng/L, 2.52 ng/ml and 2.15 U/ml) vs (40.35ng/ L, 1.78 ng/ml and 1.06 U/ml) respectively. Subdividing of patients showed that miRNA-499 expression and serum IL-17, PADI4 and ACCP to be significantly higher in non-responders patients than responders. Conclusion: MicroRNA-499 expression, serum levels of IL-17, PADI4 and ACCP were found to be significantly higher in RA patients compared to control group as well as in non-responding than responding patients.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Vocal Folds in Patients With Laryngeal Paralysis Referred for Injection Laryngoplasty.

According to the literature, almost 80% of the patients diagnosed with permanent unilateral laryngeal paralysis experience vocal disability. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) provides information on the characteristics and progression of the disease process, allowing for optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate LEMG recordings in patients with unilateral vocal fold (VF) immobility referred for injection laryngoplasty (IL). 17 patients with unilateral laryngeal immobilisation as an iatrogenic complication after neck surgery. The patients were referred for IL surgery due to glottic insufficiency. All patients underwent a preoperative otolaryngologic-phoniatric evaluation with perceptual and acoustic voice assessment and LEMG. Patients with unilateral VF immobilisation referred for injection laryngoplasty for glottal insufficiency show significant differences on LEMG between the mobile and immobile folds. In these patients, electromyography (EMG) features of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle correlate with the severity of breathiness in the voice and pathological variation in the fundamental frequency. Despite the lack of mobility and features of VF atrophy, only 12% meet the electromyographic criterion for vocal fold paralysis. The immobile VF has a poorer recording from the TA muscle, the more material needs to be injected to surgically model the glottis during IL. This study demonstrated that LEMG is a valuable criterion for qualifying patients for injection laryngoplasty in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Serial increase and high alpha-fetoprotein levels predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in 6months.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) checkup with abdominal ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance remains controversial. We evaluated a serial AFP-increase and high AFP levels in the prediction of HCC. At-risk patients with chronic liver disease underwent HCC surveillance with trimonthly AFP measurement were included and categorized into HCC and non-HCC groups. Their AFP levels at 12, 9, and 6months (-6M) before the outcome date were evaluated. Group-based trajectory analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify AFP trajectories as risk predictors for HCC. Overall, 2776 patients were included in the HCC (n=326) and non-HCC (n=2450) groups. Serial AFP levels were significantly higher in the HCC than the non-HCC groups. Trajectory analysis identified AFP-increase group (11%) increased 24-fold risks of HCC compared with the AFP-stable (89%) group. Compared with patients without the AFP-increase, a serial 3-month AFP-increase ≥10% elevated HCC risk by 12.1-fold (95% CI: 6.5-22.4) in 6months, and the HCC risks increased 13-60 fold in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or C receiving antiviral therapy, or AFP levels <20ng/ml. Combining serial AFP-increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20ng/ml at -6M significantly increased 41.7-fold (95% CI: 13.8-126.2) HCC risks. In patients who underwent biannual AFP checkups, those with both 6-month AFP-increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20ng/ml increased 22.1-fold (95% CI: 12.52-39.16) HCC risks in 6months. Most HCCs were detected at an early stage. Serial 3-6-month AFP-increase of ≥10% previously and AFP level of ≥20ng/ml significantly increased HCC risks in 6months.

Association of congestive heart failure with hospital outcomes among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the United States: Analysis of nationwide inpatient sample.

e19506 Background: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is adults' most prevalent chronic leukemia. There is an increased report of cardiovascular comorbidities in these patients due to the multi-systemic impact of both the insidious disease and the associated side effects of its treatment. This study aimed to provide real-world contemporary data on the in-hospital outcomes among patients admitted for CLL with comorbid Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in the United States. Methods: The study is a retrospective study that used the National Inpatient Sample database. We identified patients hospitalized for CLL from 2018-2020 and stratified them into two cohorts – with CHF and without CHF. Inclusion criteria include age ≥ 18 years and hospitalization primarily for active CLL. We excluded patients with aortic stenosis and those whose CLL were in remission. Inferential statistics - chi-squared test and Student t-test (as applicable) - was done on extracted data. The odds ratio was calculated using univariate and multivariate analyses. All analyses were done at a 95% confidence interval with a 2-tailed p-value &lt;0.05 set as the cut-off for statistical significance. Results: A total of 210,012 hospitalizations of CLL were identified, of which 27.5% (57,650) had comorbid CHF. On univariate logistics regression analysis, the average length of hospitalization was statistically (p&lt;0.001) prolonged by one day, and the cost of hospitalization increased by 9,640 + 1482 US dollars among those with CHF and active CLL. The odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality increased by 1.6 folds in these patients (P&lt;0.001). However, after adjusting for individual patients and hospital-level cofounders, active CLL did not have a significant clinical impact on the duration and total cost of heart failure hospitalization. Active CLL, however, significantly increased the risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality by 1.3 folds (4.7% vs 7.2%; adjusted odds ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.17-1.46; p&lt;0.01) in patients with heart failure. Conclusions: Patients hospitalized for active CLL with a comorbid diagnosis of CHF have increased odds of in-hospital mortality compared to those without comorbid heart failure. This finding suggests the need for integrative multi-disciplinary care for CLL patients with comorbid CHF, such as cardio-oncology.

Mechanical Parameters Based on High-Speed Videoendoscopy of the Vocal Folds in Patients With Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Patients suffering from ectodermal dysplasia (ED), which is an inherited disorder in the development of the ectodermal structures, have a significantly reduced expression of teeth, hair, sweat glands, and salivary glands in the respiratory tract including the larynx. Previous studies within the framework of the present project showed a significantly reduced saliva production and an impairment of the acoustic outcome in ED patients compared to the control group. However, until now, no statistically significant difference between EDs and controls could be found regarding vocal fold dynamics in the high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) recordings using representative parameters on closure, symmetry, and periodicity. The aim of this study is to examine the role of tissue characteristics by means of objective mechanical parameters derived from HSV recordings. This study includes 28 ED patients and 42 controls (no ED, healthy voice). The vocal fold oscillations were recorded by high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV@4kHz). Based on the dynamical measures of the glottal area waveform (GAW), objective glottal dynamic parameters associated with tissue properties like flexibility and stiffness were computed. The present evaluation displays a significant difference between male ED patients and male controls concerning the HSV-based mechanical parameters indicating reduced stiffness and increased deformability for the vocal folds of male ED patients. In contrast to strongly amplitude-dependent parameters, the primarily velocity-based parameters showed no statistically significant deviation. The presented data provides the first promising indication toward the underlying causes on the laryngeal level leading to the voice conspicuities in ED patients. The significant difference concerning the mechanical parameters suggests a different composition of the extracellular matrix of the tissue of the vocal folds of ED patients compared to controls.

Optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging of chorioretinal folds in patients with orbital tumors.

To characterize spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of chorioretinal folds in orbital mass imaged using enhanced depth imaging (EDI). Prospective observational case-control study was conducted in 20 eyes of 20 patients, the uninvolved eye served as a control. All the patients underwent clinical fundus photography, computed tomography, EDI SD-OCT imaging before and after surgery. Two patients with cavernous hemangiomas underwent intratumoral injection of bleomycin A5; the remaining patients underwent tumor excision. Patients were followed 1 to 14mo following surgery (average follow up, 5.8mo). Visual acuity prior to surgery ranged from 20/20 to 20/200. Following surgery, 5 patients' visual acuity remained unchanged while the remaining 15 patients had a mean letter improvement of 10 (range 4 to 26 letters). Photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects were found in 10 of 15 patients prior to surgery. Following surgical excision, photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects fully resolved in 8 of these 10 patients. Persistence of photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects caused by compression of the globe by an orbital mass can be associated with reduced visual prognosis. Our findings suggest that photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects on EDI SD-OCT could be an indicator for immediate surgical excision of an orbital mass causing choroidal compression.

CT Hounsfield unit is a reliable parameter for screws loosening or cages subsidence in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Retrospective cohort study. To validate computed tomography (CT) radiodensity in Hounsfield units (HU) as a prognostic marker for pedicle screw loosening or cage subsidence in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). The retrospective study involved 198 patients treated with MI-TLIF. Screw loosening (SL), cage subsidence (CS), and fusion status were assessed by plain radiographs. The risk factors of SL and CS were identified using logistic regression. A total of 258 levels and 930 screws were analyzed. During a 2-year follow-up, 16.2% and 24.7% of patients had CS and SL respectively. The cut-off value of L1 HU for predicting SL or CS was 117. The L1 HU < 117 and BMI ≥ 25 were two independent risk factors. The risk of SL or CS was 4.1 fold in patients L1 HU < 117 and 2.6 fold in patients with BMI ≥ 25. For patients concurrently having BMI ≥ 25 and pre-op L1 HU < 117, the risk was 4.3 fold. Fusion rate and clinical outcome were comparable in patients with SL or CS. L1 HU < 117 and BMI > 25 were two independent risk factors that can be screened preoperatively for preventing SL or CS and lead to better management of patients undergoing MI-TLIF.

Адренергическая и холинергическая иннервация опухолеподобных образований голосовых складок у больных c вегетативными расстройствами

To develop therapeutic measures aimed at improving the voice and including exposure to specific mechanisms of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), it is necessary to know the features of the autonomic innervation of the vocal folds, which has a significant impact on the work of the vocal apparatus by regulating the trophic state of the elements forming it. Objective. Histochemical detection of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers in tumor-like formations of vocal folds in patients with autonomic disorders. Materials and methods. A comprehensive examination of 64 patients with impaired voice function was carried out. During the examination, the medical history was studied, an objective examination of the upper respiratory tract according to generally accepted methods and with the help of video stroboscopic instrumentation, a cytological examination of touch preparation from the affected laryngeal area, and a study of the functional state of the ANS from the surgical material, including histological and histochemical examination of the removed tissue, were carried out. As a result, all patients were clinically diagnosed with a vocal fold polyp. Results. Histological, histochemical, and cytological studies have shown that in 80% of patients morphofunctional alterations of the vocal folds were combined with inadequate autonomic maintenance of activity. The data obtained allow us to assume that hyperplastic compensatory and adaptive responses of the laryngeal mucosa pass to pathological dystrophic changes and may contribute to deviations of the mucosal epithelium from normal histological differentiation toward atypia. Such changes create conditions for the development of benign and malignant tumors. Conclusion. In general, the data obtained give reason to believe that with prolonged dysfunction of the ANS a neurodystrophic process develops in the body, taking part in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including diseases of the larynx. With this in mind when performing preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at patients with tumor-like formations of the vocal folds, it is necessary to assess the functional state of the ANS and include measures to correct autonomic parameters in the general treatment and rehabilitation regimen.

THE ROLE OF PRESEPSIN IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK PATIENTS

<h3>Introduction</h3> The role of presepsin (soluble CD14-ST) a 13-kDa cleavage product of DC14 receptor- is well described in the initial stage of the septic patients with little data on its role in immunosuppression. <h3>Methods</h3> 33 patients with sepsis (19 men and 14 women, age 57.1±19.9 years) and 6 patients with septic shock (2 men and 4 women, age 49.3±19.6 years) were assessed. Blood was obtained 3-4 days from diagnosis. The expression level of CD14 on monocytes was determined by flow cytometry. sCD14 was measured in serum in duplicate by ELISA. Expression of the CD14 gene was determined by real-time PCR. <h3>Results</h3> A significant decrease in the percentage of CD14-positive monocytes was revealed both in the group of patients with sepsis and in the group with septic shock (p<0.05) compared with normal donors. A significant increase in the level of sCD14 in the blood serum of patients with sepsis and septic shock was shown. The levels of sCD14 in patients with sepsis were inversely correlated with the percentage of CD14 on monocytes (R = -0.4588), indicating a weak inverse relationship. A significant decrease in the level of CD14 gene expression by monocytes was shown by 3.1 fold in patients with sepsis and by 10.2 fold in patients with septic shock compared with the control group. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The percentage of CD14 on monocytes, gene expression and the concentration of sCD14 in serum of patients with sepsis can serve as an indicator of the activity, severity and prognosis of sepsis.

Epidemiology, Sociodemographic Factors and Comorbidity for Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Rhinosinusitis Among 15 to 65-year-Old Iranian Patients

Background: It is well established that upper and lower airways are often clumped together when diagnosing and treating a disease. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of upper and lower airway diseases and to assess the effect of sociodemographic factors on the prevalence and the comorbidity of these disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study included patients with ages ranging between 15 to 65 years, who were referred to allergy outpatient clinics in various provinces of Iran from April to September 2020. A modified global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) screening questionnaire was filled out by local allergists of the 12 selected provinces in Iran. Information about the patients and sociodemographic factors was also recorded. Statistical analysis was done by univariate statistical analyses and multiple logistic regressions in SPSS software Version 26. Results: Out of 4988 recruited patients, 1078 (21.6%) had the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) and 285 (5.7%) met the criteria of asthma. The prevalence of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was 21.6 % and 22%, respectively. The highest prevalence of AR and ARS was in Tehran with the arateof of 33.9% each. Asthma was more prevalent in Khuzestan (14.2%) and CRS in Baluchestan (57.5%). Our analysis showed that the patients with asthma were most likely to have other allergic diseases as well-CRS (OR = 4.8; 95% CI, 2.02- 5.82), AR (OR= 2.5, 95% CI, 2.10-3), ARS (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 2.10-3), followed by eczema (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.13-1.67).We found that those individuals with CRS were most likely to have painkiller hypersensitivity (OR= 2.1; 95% CI, 1.21-3.83). Furthermore, smoking has been found more than 1.5 folds in patients with ARS. After adjusting variables, there was no correlation between education, occupation, and ethnicity with the studied diseases. Conclusion: Rhinosinusitis is a common condition among Iranian patients. This study confirmed that inflammation of the upper and lower airways can occur simultaneously. Gender, education, occupation, and ethnicity were found to be irrelevant in the development of either AR, asthma, ARS, or CRS.

Pre- and Postoperative Ultrasound and MRI Examinations in Assessing Vocal Folds in Patients with Goiter.

Aim of the study: To determine the value of dynamic examinations ultrasound (US) and MRI in the 1.5T field in the assessment of the mobility of vocal folds (VF) in comparison to laryngoscopy in patients with thyroid gland resection. Materials and methods: A total of 44 patients with goiter, before and after thyroidectomy, were subjected to videolaryngoscopy and dynamic examinations of the vocal folds using ultrasound and the following MRI sequences: generic gradient echo (GRE) and true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TRUFI). The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed, i.e., the angles of deviation from the midline of the vocal folds and the area of the right and left rima glottidis compartments. Results: The analysis of qualitative data showed that the results obtained by laryngoscopy, US and MRI are independent of the diagnostic method used in the group of patients pre and post thyroidectomy. Between the pre- and postoperative examinations in the group of paralyzed vocal folds, statistically significant differences were found in the minimum and maximum values of the angles for the MRI-GRE and MRI-TRUFI sequences and the maximum value of the angles in the US examination, but also in the maximum value of the area of the glottis compartments in both MRI-GRE and MRI-TRUFI dynamic sequences and the minimum value of the area in the sequence MRI-GRE. Statistically significant differences were found in both MRI sequences during phonation, both for the value of the angles and the area of the affected vocal folds. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the values of the angles or the areas in both vocal fold imaging methods without identified mobility abnormalities. Conclusions: Ultrasound and MRI examinations using dynamic sequences have a similar diagnostic value to laryngoscopy in the assessment of vocal fold paralysis in patients with goiter. The GRE sequence seems to be the most reliable one in determining vocal fold paralysis, and the most reliable parameter is the maximum area of the rima glottidis compartment. The inclusion of dynamic short sequences widely available in 1.5T scanners in standard neck examination protocols represents a novelty of the method and a promising diagnostic perspective in the diagnosis of vocal fold paralysis.

New method to evaluate sequelae of static facial asymmetry in patients with facial palsy using three-dimensional scanning analysis

ObjectiveDuring the process of neural recovery after facial palsy, distressing sequelae of static and dynamic facial asymmetry develop in patients with facial palsy. A pronounced nasolabial fold is mainly responsible for static facial asymmetry, which leads to many psychological and social problems in patients. Objective and qualitative assessment of facial appearance is critical to determine the severity of sequelae of static facial asymmetry and whether an intervention is effective for treatment. In the present study, an attempt was made to develop three-dimensional analysis method to assess sequelae of static facial asymmetry after facial palsy. MethodsEight patients with sequelae of facial asymmetry after facial palsy and ten healthy volunteers were enrolled. We used three-dimensional scanning analysis with a portable non-contact optical scanner to obtain three-dimensional surface data from a patient's face and produced a three-dimensional digital model of the face. We then identified a reference plane fixed with the patient's face, and measured the depth of the nasolabial fold of the face. ResultsThe nasolabial fold of the face on the affected side was significantly deeper than that on the unaffected side in patients with sequelae of static facial asymmetry after facial palsy. However, the depth of the facial nasolabial fold on the right side was not different from that on the left side in healthy volunteers. Affected-unaffected side differences in the depth of the nasolabial fold in patients with sequelae of static facial asymmetry after facial palsy were significantly larger than left-right differences in the depth of the nasolabial fold in healthy volunteers. Two weeks after treatment with botulinum toxin injection to the affected zygomaticus muscles, affected-unaffected side differences in the depth of the nasolabial fold were significantly decreased in the patients. In the patients who received botulinum toxin, the absolute values of affected-unaffected side differences in the depth of the nasolabial fold measured using the three-dimensional scanning analysis showed a significant positive correlation with the visual analog scale scores of facial asymmetry marked by independent doctors. ConclusionThe present findings suggest that affected-unaffected side differences in the depth of the nasolabial fold of the measured using three-dimensional scanning analysis can be used as an index of sequelae of static facial asymmetry. It is also suggested that the index can evaluate whether interventions are effective for the treatment of sequelae.

Combined autologous fascia transplantation with autologous fascia and fat injection into the vocal fold for sulcus vocalis

Objective: To assess voice outcomes after surgical technique for typeⅡ and type Ⅲ sulcus vocalis. Methods: The data of 39 cases of bilateral type Ⅱ-Ⅲ sulcus vocalis were collected and analyzed retrospectively. There were 29 patients with bilateral type Ⅲ sulcus vocalis, and 10 patients with type Ⅲ on one side and typeⅡon the contralateral vocal cord. All of vocal cords were applied autologous anterior rectus sheath fascia transplant, and 68 sides of vocal cords with type Ⅲ sulcus vocalis were also applied autologous fascia and fat injection. Two male patients, whose results from transplant and injection were not satisfied, were carried out cricothyroid myotomy one year after surgery. Subjective and objective voice evaluations were performed before and after operation. Results: One patient was found mild adhesion on the middle part of vocal cords, and all the other 38 patients recovered well and there were no complications. During 5-6 weeks after surgery, breathy voice was the feather. Then vocal quality and glottal closure were gradually improved and became steady in 12 months. It showed that all the subjective and objective parameters, except for fundamental frequency, were significantly improved (P<0.05), and obvious improvement was achieved in glottal closures and mucosal waves in 35 patients. Three patients obtained no significant vocal quality improvement after transplant and injection surgery, and two male patients of them achieved improvement in mucosal waves and MPT after bilateral cricothyroid muscle amputations. One patient, who was revealed with mild adhesion, achieved a satisfied result after adhesion separation and suture. All the patients who originally had feelings of fatigue and voice discontinuity during phonation gained significant improvement postoperatively. Steady function with no complications was observed during the 36 months (up to 5 years in 20 patients) follow-up period. Conclusions: Autologous fascia transplantation combined fascia and fat injcetion can lead to excellent long-term results, and it is a good treatment option for pathologic sulcus vocalis. Cricothyroid muscle amputations can reduce the tension, and may improve vibration property of the vocal fold in patients with pathological sulcus vocalis.

Comparative Treatment Outcome in T3N0 Glottic Cancer With and Without Vocal Fold Fixation Receiving Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Low-Dose Intra-Arterial Cisplatin Infusion.

Selective radiotherapy and concomitant intra-arterial cisplatin infusion (m-RADPLAT) with a lower cisplatin dosage have been performed for organ and function preservation in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCC-L), and results showing a lower rate of adverse events have been reported. This study evaluated the treatment outcomes of patients with T3N0 glottic SCC-L with or without vocal fold fixation (VFF) who were treated with m-RADPLAT. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 33 patients with T3N0 SCC-L who received m-RADPLAT. The vocal fold in patients with VFF 3 months after completing m-RADPLAT resumed normal movement in 15 patients (83%) and persisted fixation in 3 (17%). The 3-year local control, laryngeal cancer-specific survival, and overall survival rates of patients with or without VFF were 88.9% and 86.7%, 94.1% and 93.3%, and 88.9% and 86.7%, respectively. Additionally, the 3-year freedom from laryngectomy, laryngectomy-free survival, and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival rates of patients with or without VFF were 94.4% and 86.7%, 88.9% and 73.3%, and 83.3% and 73.3%, respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed in all patients: leukopenia in 4 patients (12%), neutropenia in 5 (15%), anemia in 2 (6%), thrombocytopenia in 3 (9%), and mucositis in 2 (6%). This study demonstrated that m-RADPLAT yielded VFF improvement and a favorable survival while maintaining laryngeal function not only in patients with T3N0 glottic SCC-L without VFF but also in patients with VFF.

Endoscopic transoral medialization versus thyroplasty type I of the vocal folds in patients with glottal insufficiency

Endoscopic transoral medialization versus thyroplasty type I of the vocal folds in patients with glottal insufficiency

Association of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Cardiovascular Events Development in Patients with Prediabetes

Background. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) is a marker of endothelial dysfunction(ED) and a predictor of both the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a cardiovascular event(CVE). Its role in the CVE development was sufficiently studied in patients without carbohydrate metabolism disorders, and understudied in patients with prediabetes.&#x0D; Aim: the research interest is the study of PAI-1 in patients with prediabetes and its effect on the CVE development.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The case-control study of 168 patients aged from 18 to 65 was carried out among the local population from January to December 2019.After clinical examination, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n=55)– patients with prediabetes and with CVE; group 2 (n=93) - patients with prediabetes and without CVE; the control group n=20.&#x0D; Results. Differences in PAI-1 level were found in groups 1 (Me=30718.6 pg/ml) and 2 (Me=24692.0 pg/ml; p≤0.001), even greater differences were found in both groups compared to the control one (p≤0.001).&#x0D; The correlation analysis has found in both group influence such IR indicators as fasting glucose, IR-HOMA index, glucagon, C-peptide to elevation of PAI-1. These findings indicate that with an elevation of the PAI-1 level, the concentration of fasting glucose, glucagon, C-peptide and scores of IR-HOMA index increase in both group.&#x0D; The Binary regression analysis has demonstrated, that an elevation of the PAI-1 biomarker increases the likelihood of CVE by 3.3 fold in patients with prediabetes (p≤0.01). In addition to, a model has been derived for assessing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with prediabetes.&#x0D; Conclusions. Elevation of PAI-1 concentration is associated with insulin resistance which leads to ED, and further development risk of CVE in patients with prediabetes.

Descemet's membrane area and posterior corneal power may predict the Descemet membrane folds after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in patients with advanced keratoconus.

To investigate possible predictive topographic characteristics for the development of Descemet's membrane (DM) folds after the uneventful deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). A retrospective study included 56 eyes of 56 consecutive patients who underwent uneventful DALK using the big-bubble technique to treat advanced keratoconus. At baseline and each visit, best-corrected logMAR visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp findings, endothelial cell density, topographic parameters were recorded. DM area is calculated using morphogeometric modelling. Twelve (21.4%) of them exhibited DM folds, whereas the remaining 44 (78.6%) did not exhibit any DM folds after the surgery. The mean follow-up time was 36.3 ± 16.7 (range, 12-71) months. The mean posterior corneal power was - 13.8 ± 0.6 D in patients with DM folds, whereas - 13.0 ± 0.8 D in those without DM folds (p = 0.016). The mean DM area was 53.6 ± 2.3 (50.9-57.9) mm2 in patients with DM folds, whereas 51.6 ± 1.7 (47.1-53.9) mm2 in those without DM folds (p = 0.001). The ROC curve showed that two best cut-off value for the posterior corneal power and DM area were 13.75 D and 53.8mm2, respectively, to predict the occurrence of DM folds. DALK surgery seems to cause DM folds in patients with large DM area and high posterior corneal power.

Quantitative laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) in unilateral vocal fold paralysis: Developing normative values using the opposite normal mobile vocal fold

ObjectiveLaryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is used to confirm neuropathy; traditionally, it is evaluated qualitatively. This study aimed to develop normative values for the thyroarytenoid-lateral cricoarytenoid (TA-LCA) muscle complex by determining the mean turns (MT) and mean amplitudes (MA) using the opposite normal mobile vocal fold in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP). This study also compared the MT and MA of the paralyzed vocal fold with that of the normal side and analyzed their correlations. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study in which 77 patients (18 males, 59 females, mean age of 48) with unilateral VFP with an opposite normal mobile vocal fold underwent LEMG with a standardized protocol. Koufman gradings and MT and MA were used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluations. Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare the median of the turns and amplitudes between the opposite normal mobile vocal fold and the paralyzed side. A linear-scale graphical “cloud” of the normal TA-LCA muscle complex was generated using logarithmic regression analysis. The qualitative and quantitative parameters were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance and Kruskall–Wallis test. Post-hoc analysis was performed to further determine the differences of the significance between both parameters. The correlation between the qualitative and quantitative parameters was analyzed using Spearman correlation. ResultsThe MT and MA were significantly higher for the normal TA-LCA muscle complex than the paralyzed side (582 vs. 336; 412 vs. 296, respectively) and the median of the turns and amplitudes were significantly lower in the paralyzed side with p-values <0.001. A significant difference was observed between the Koufman grading and the combination of MT and MA [F (8,144) = 73.254] and between the Koufman grading and MT and MA individually [H (4, 72) = 18.3 and H (4, 72) =33.4], in which both had p-values <0.001. A moderate negative linear relationship was seen between the Koufman grading and MT and MA. On further analysis, it was revealed that only certain pairs of Koufman grading were statistical significant. ConclusionsThis study was the first to present the quantitative normative values and “cloud” of the TA-LCA muscle complex using the opposite normal mobile vocal fold in patients with unilateral VFP in which it is comparable to healthy controls. We concluded that quantitative LEMG supports the qualitative Koufman grading method however it cannot be used independently to determine the severity of neuropathy.