Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinic Research Articles

Vonoprazan Fumarate: A Promising Therapeutic Option for the Rapid Relief of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.

The aim is to examine the Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) and assess the effectiveness of vonoprazan fumarate in managing laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) among the Chinese population. A total of 140 patients with LPRD who were treated at our otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic were included. The patients were randomly divided into the vonoprazan treatment group and the esomeprazole treatment group. The outcome indicators were the pretreatment and post treatment values of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), RSS-12, and reflux finding score. The mean pretreatment RSS-12 and RSI values were 55.79±11.94 and 18.67±3.60 in the vonoprazan treatment group and 54.91±11.95 and 18.44±3.66 in the esomeprazole treatment group, respectively. Furthermore, both groups showed a significant decrease in the RSI and RSS-12 values after 4, 8, and 12weeks of acid suppression therapy. In particular, 12weeks of treatment led to a good treatment response in 91.4% and 87.1% of the patients in the vonoprazan treatment and esomeprazole treatment groups, respectively, based on their RSI values, and a favorable treatment response in 82.9% and 77.1% of those in the vonoprazan treatment and esomeprazole treatment groups, respectively, according to their RSS-12 values. More importantly, after 4 and 8weeks of acid-suppressive therapy, the relative baseline change in RSS-12 scores in the vonoprazan treatment group was considerably larger than that in the omeprazole treatment group. Compared to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), vonoprazan fumarate has demonstrated superior early therapeutic efficacy, resulting in a notable improvement in laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms at the start of treatment. When we extended acid-suppressive medication for 12weeks, we saw a treatment effect comparable to that ofPPIs.

In vitro comparison of cerumenolytic efficacy: 2.5% sodium bicarbonate versus 0.5% sodium docusate based on cerumen weight gain.

This study aimed to compare the cerumenolytic efficacy of 2.5% sodium bicarbonate prepared in-house with that of commercially available 0.5% sodium docusate, utilizing cerumen weight gain and disintegration degree as metrics. Cerumen samples were collected from patients at an otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital. This study evaluated the differences in cerumen weight and degree of disintegration in vitro before and after treatment with cerumenolytic agents at 15 and 30min and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24h. The agents tested were 2.5% sodium bicarbonate and 0.5% sodium docusate. Each experiment was conducted at least five times. We hypothesized that greater weight gain and higher disintegration scores indicate better cerumenolytic efficacy. Both cerumenolytic agents caused significant increases in wet and dry cerumen weights at all time points (P<0.001). After 24h, the cerumen weight increased approximately sevenfold from the initial weight. Notably, the weight increased by 50% of the 24-hour value within the first hour. A comparison of the average weight gain between the 2.5% sodium bicarbonate and 0.5% sodium docusate groups revealed no significant differences at any time point (P=0.406). Similarly, disintegration scores obtained via the 96-well plate method were not significantly different (P=0.749). In terms of cerumen weight gain and degree of disintegration, the cerumenolytic efficacy of 2.5% sodium bicarbonate is not inferior to that of 0.5% sodium docusate. A 1-hour application of a cerumenolytic agent is effective for cerumen removal in outpatient settings.

Evaluation of Disinfection Efficacy in Flexible Laryngoscopy According to Cidex Ortho-Phthalaldehyde Immersion Time: A Multicenter Study

Background and Objectives Flexible laryngoscopes are indispensable tools in otolaryngology, but their frequent use makes them vulnerable to contamination, thus posing a risk of cross-infection. Unlike gastrointestinal endoscopes, flexible laryngoscopes currently lack standardized disinfection protocols. This study evaluates the efficacy of Cidex OPA (0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde) to establish an effective, practical disinfection protocol for flexible laryngoscopes.Materials and Method This multicenter study involved the use of flexible laryngoscopes in otolaryngology outpatient clinics across five university hospitals. Laryngoscopes were immersed in Cidex OPA for 1, 5, or 12 minutes, with an additional group treated using Tristel wipes and foam after a 12-minute immersion. Swab samples were collected from the distal 15 cm of each laryngoscope following disinfection and cultured on blood agar plates under aerobic conditions at 35°C–37°C with 5% CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; for 72 hours. Positive controls included laryngoscopes directly contaminated with saliva or laryngeal secretions.Results Six out of ten positive control samples demonstrated bacterial growth. However, no bacterial growth was observed in any sample from the Cidex OPA immersion groups (1, 5, or 12 minutes), including the group treated with Tristel. These findings indicate that even a 1-minute immersion in Cidex OPA effectively eliminates bacterial contamination.Conclusion This study provides evidence supporting an efficient disinfection method that can enhance infection control and streamline clinical workflow. Further research with a larger sample size and varied disinfection techniques is needed to establish comprehensive disinfection guidelines for flexible laryngoscopes.

Balance Control Impairments in Usher Syndrome.

To explore postural disability in Usher Syndrome (USH) patients using temporal posturographic analysis to better elucidate sensory compensation strategies of deafblind patients for posture control and correlate the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale with posturographic variables. Thirty-four genetically confirmed USH patients (11 USH1, 21 USH2, 2 USH 4) from the Otolaryngology Outpatient Clinic and 35 controls were prospectively studied using both classical and wavelet temporal analysis of center of pressure (CoP) under different visual conditions on static and dynamic platforms. The functional impact of balance was assessed with the ABC scale. Classical data in the spatial domain, Sensorial Organization Test, and frequency analysis of the CoP were analyzed. On unstable surfaces, USH1 had greater CoP surface area with eyes open (38.51 ± 68.67) and closed (28.14 ± 31.64) versus controls (3.31 ± 4.60), p < 0.001 and (7.37 ± 7.91), p < 0.001, respectively. On an unstable platform, USH consistently showed increased postural sway, with elevated angular velocity versus controls with eyes open (USH1 [44.94 ± 62.54]; USH2 [55.64 ± 38.61]; controls [13.4 ± 8.57]) (p = 0.003; p < 0.001) and closed (USH1 [60.36 ± 49.85], USH2 [57.62 ± 42.36]; controls [27.31 ± 19.79]) (p = 0.002; p = 0.042). USH visual impairment appears to be the primary factor influencing postural deficits, with a statistically significant difference observed in the visual Sensorial Organization Test ratio for USH1 (80.73 ± 40.07, p = 0.04) and a highly significant difference for USH2 (75.48 ± 31.67, p < 0.001) versus controls (100). In contrast, vestibular (p = 0.08) and somatosensory (p = 0.537) factors did not reach statistical significance. USH exhibited lower visual dependence than controls (30.31 ± 30.08) (USH1 [6 ± 11.46], p = 0.004; USH2 [8 ± 14.15], p = 0.005). The postural instability index, that corresponds to the ratio of spectral power index and canceling time, differentiated USH from controls on unstable surface with eyes open USH1 (3.33 ± 1.85) p < 0.001; USH2 (3.87 ± 1.05) p < 0.002; controls (1.91 ± 0.85) and closed USH1 (3.91 ± 1.65) p = 0.005; USH2 (3.92 ± 1.05) p = 0.045; controls (2.74 ± 1.27), but not USH1 from USH2. The canceling time in the anteroposterior direction in lower zone distinguished USH subtypes on stable surface with optokinetic USH1 (0.88 ± 1.03), USH2 (0.29 ± 0.23), p = 0.026 and on unstable surface with eyes open USH1 (0.56 ± 1.26), USH2 (0.072 ± 0.09), p = 0.036. ABC scale could distinguish between USH patients and controls, but not between USH subtypes and it correlated with CoP surface area on unstable surface with eyes open only in USH1(ρ = 0.714, p = 0.047). USH patients, particularly USH1, exhibited poorer balance control than controls on unstable platform with eyes open and appeared to rely more on proprioceptive information while suppressing visual input. USH2 seems to use different multisensory balance strategies that do not align as well with the ABC scale. The advanced analysis provided insights into sensory compensation strategies in USH subtypes.

A Rare Case of Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue Base: A Case Report

Clear cell carcinoma is a rare variant of salivary gland carcinoma, and its occurrence in the tongue base is even rarer. We present a case of a 55-year-old female patient with clear cell carcinoma of the tongue base. The patient initially presented with a 3-month history of palpable tongue mass, leading to her visit to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic. The patient underwent a complete resection of the tumor under general anesthesia. Postoperative follow-up imaging studies showed no evidence of recurrence.This case report highlights the diagnostic and management challenges associated with clear cell carcinoma of tongue base and demonstrates that a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose clear cell caricnoma, given its rarity and overlapping features with other clear cell neoplasms.

The evaluation of patients apply for septorhinoplasty in terms of body perception, disability, depression and social phobia

Objective: Psychiatric suitability is an important parameter that is evaluated together with anatomical suitability when deciding on rhinoplasty surgery. There is no matter how successful the treatment or surgery is, the results are not satisfactory in individuals with psychiatric symptoms. In order to make a broader assessment to determine psychiatric suitability, we aimed to evaluate the body perception, disability, depression and social phobia in individuals who applied for rhinoplasty surgery. Method: In this study, patients were planned to be included who applied to …………………… University Hospital Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic between 1/1/2019 - 1/1/2020. Among the patients, 50 volunteers who applied with the complaints of dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose and underwent septorhinoplasty were included in the case group. In the control group, 50 patients who applied to the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic and had any complaints other than nasal deformity and were not planned for aesthetic any other operation were included. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found in terms of body image, disability, depression and social phobia. Conclusion: It has been confirmed that depression and body image do not show significant changes in patients who will undergo septorhinoplasty, and the information that disability and social phobia are not effective has been brought to the literature. Further studies with larger samples are needed on preoperative psychiatric evaluation.

The Diagnosis of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis When Serology and Biopsies are Negative.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially fatal condition which often manifests in the head and neck. Currently, diagnosis relies on antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (c-ANCA) serology and mucosal or renal biopsy. However, a significant proportion of patients with GPA limited to the head and neck are seronegative and biopsy negative. This study evaluates the role of clinical diagnosis of GPA in the absence of positive laboratory findings. Case series with chart review. Academic Tertiary Medical Center. This was a retrospective review of 143 patients treated in an outpatient otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care hospital for known or suspected GPA from 1998 to 2021. Presenting symptoms, C-ANCA status at initial presentation, biopsy results, long-term serology results, and time to initiation of treatment were analyzed. Twenty-six of 143 (18.2%) patients were seronegative; only 3 of these patients (12%) had positive biopsies. Seventeen (73.9%) of these patients presented with nasal and sinus disease and 12 (52.2%) presented with airway involvement. Only 4 (17.4%) patients had renal involvement. Delay in treatment of patients with negative laboratory workup ranged from 0 months to 11 years. All patients who were seronegative and/or biopsy negative at presentation responded clinically to immunosuppressive therapy. GPA cases are often limited to the upper respiratory tract, making diagnosis difficult, particularly in seronegative patients. These results suggest that, when GPA is suspected, despite negative serology, the diagnosis of GPA should be made on clinical grounds, and empiric therapy encouraged to prevent delay in treatment.

Quantification of Heavy Metals in the Nasal Turbines of Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Cigarette smoke is known to contain toxic heavy metals. In this study, heavy metal levels in the nasal turbinate tissues of smokers and nonsmokers were measured and compared with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Forty patients who come to the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic due to nasal obstruction and are given an appointment for partial turbinate reduction operation due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy, according to their smoking status, were divided into two groups: those who had smoked one pack/day for at least 10 years and those who had never smoked. The levels of heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, and Ag) were compared by ICP-MS in nasal turbinate tissues. Al (p = 0.002), Cr (p < 0.001), Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p = 0.001), Cu (p < 0.001), As (p < 0.001), Se (p < 0.001), Ag (p < 0.001), Cd (p = 0.001), Ba (p = 0.008), Hg (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) values in the smoker group were found to be significantly higher than the values of nonsmokers. Although the Mn level was high in smokers, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.299). Smoking can cause nasal and sinus problems. In this study, we observed that the smoking group had significantly higher levels of almost all the heavy metals investigated in the nasal turbinate tissues. As smoking damages, the mucociliary system and the mucosa, heavy metals from cigarettes may accumulate further and cause harm to the nasal tissues. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3562-3567, 2024.

Etiology and Antifungal Sensitivity Test in Otomycosis Caused by Candida Sp

Otomycosis is a common fungal infection of the external auditory meatus frequently diagnosed in otolaryngology outpatient clinics. Resistance to antifungals is currently a significant concern, with intrinsic and acquired resistance increasing among isolates that cause fungal infections. The purpose of this research was to identify Candida species causing otomycosis and determine the pattern of antifungal susceptibility among these Candida species. A prospective study was conducted in the Margono Soekarjo General Hospital and Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman Purwokerto, Indonesia, from April – September 2022. Forty-seven (47) clinical samples of otomycosis were collected from 41 patients and then isolated bedside on fungal culture media and was prepared on an object glass for direct microscopic examination of the specimens. Fungal identification was performed using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) to observe fungal elements. Samples were cultured on Saboraud dextrose agar (SDA) media with chloramphenicol and Czapek dox agar. The Germ Tube Test was used to identify Candida while yeast-specific identification and antifungal susceptibility assay using a rapid commercial kit was applied for specific identification of the fungus. Antifungal susceptibility patterns were obtained using the Integral System Yeast Plus (ISYP) media pack. Candida parapsilosis was the most prevalent Candida species discovered in this study, accounting for approximately 41.66%, which was followed by Candida tropicalis (25%) and Candida krusei (12.5%), whereas Candida albicans only accounted for 4.1% of the specimens. All Candida species were sensitive to flucitosine and ketoconazole, whereas the voriconazole sensitivity rate reached 96%. This study concludes that Candida parapsilosis is the most prevalent species of Candida in otomycosis, and that all Candida species are sensitive to Flucitosine, ketoconazole, and voriconazole.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients with chronic pharyngitis toward laryngopharyngeal reflux in Suzhou, China

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China toward laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China at the otolaryngology outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between November, 2022, and May, 2023. Data was collected through a self-designed online questionnaire encompassing the sociodemographic characteristics and three dimensions of KAP. The questionnaire was administered using SoJump, and data were exported from this platform. Subsequently, statistical analysis, including Structural Equation Modeling, was performed using SPSS 22 software to evaluate the KAP scores.ResultsA total of 487 valid questionnaires were collected, with 275 (56.35%) female patients. The mean score of KAP were 4.76 ± 2.93 (possible range: 0–11), 33.10 ± 4.46 (possible range: 8–40), 31.29 ± 6.04 (possible range: 8–40), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude dimensions (r = 0.413, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice dimensions (r = 0.355, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice dimensions (r = 0.481, P < 0.001). Structural equation modeling revealed that education exhibited positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.476, P < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.600, P < 0.001), and having family history of chronic pharyngitis showed positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.580, P = 0.047), experienced with reflux symptoms showed positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.838, P = 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.631, P = 0.085). Moreover, knowledge showed positive effect on attitude (β = 0.555, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.351, P < 0.001). Attitude, in turn, showed positive effect on practice (β = 0.511, P < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with chronic pharyngitis had inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes and suboptimal practices toward LPR. Education, family history of chronic pharyngitis, experienced with reflux symptoms might have effect on their KAP.

Environmental impact on pediatric epistaxis and the utility of diagnostic studies: A single-institutional review

ObjectivesPediatric epistaxis is a multifactorial disease entity. The objective of this study is to determine the socioeconomic and air-quality contributions to pediatric epistaxis. The study also evaluates the utility of diagnostic lab work as a predictor of bleeding rates and need for operative intervention. MethodsA case series of pediatric patients treated in an outpatient Otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care children's hospital in 2021 for epistaxis was performed. Patients with nasal bone trauma (n = 8), consult while inpatient (n = 7), and those with nasal masses (n = 2) were excluded; 181 patients met inclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and air quality (tropospheric ozone, particulate matter) data were recorded. Associations with persistent bleeding and operative interventions were evaluated using logistic regression, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Spearman rank correlation. ResultsOf the 181 patients, 75 (41.4%) were female. Forty-six of 181 (25.4%) had associated allergic symptoms. Twenty-six patients had allergy testing; 14/26 (53.8%) of these had positive results. Re-bleeding was more common in those with allergic symptoms (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.22–4.78, p = 0.01). Patients with re-bleeding lived in counties with more days with ozone over the US standard (median 5 days, range 0–32 days) compared with those with no re-bleeding (median 3 days, range 0–32 days, p = 0.007). There was also an association between the number of visits for re-bleed and percent below poverty level (ρ = 0.259, p = 0.03) as well as the number of days with particulate matter levels over the US standard (ρ = 0.343, p = 0.01). Coagulopathy was present in 9/54 (16.7%) patients, with the majority being Von Willebrand disease (5/54, 9.3%). Easy bruising was not significantly associated with positive lab results. ConclusionsEnvironmental pollution, living in a zip code with more residents below the poverty level, and allergic rhinitis were positively associated with recurrent epistaxis. Understanding the geographic background of presenting patients may help direct workup and treatment options.

Features and Associated Comorbidities of Laryngomalacia in Saudi Arabia.

Laryngomalacia (LM) is defined as the collapse of supraglottic structures during inspiration, resulting in intermittent airflow impedance and associated stridor. LM is the most prevalent cause of congenital stridor in newborns. The aim of this study is to determine the features and associated comorbidities of LM in Saudi Arabia and to delineate the diagnostic and therapeutic measures used, based on the severity of the case and related comorbidities. This is a three-year retrospective study of children diagnosed with LM and treated in the pediatric otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic at Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, between January 2018 and January 2022. The inclusion criteria were patients with signs and symptoms of LM who are younger than 14 years old. The diagnosis of LM was based on clinical evaluation and confirmed by nasopharyngolaryngoscopy in awake patients and/or direct laryngoscopy and scoping under general anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation for dynamic evaluation. The Olney classification was used for the morphological classification of LM. The exclusion criteria were patients lost to follow-ups. Follow-up duration was two years minimum. A total of 52 patients were included in the study. Among the participants, females accounted for 71% and males accounted for 29% of cases. Our results were in accordance with the relevant literature, except for the higher prevalence of LM in full-term neonates who were found to account for 69.2% of the cases. Understanding the patterns and characteristics of breathing may help clinicians distinguish the noisy breathing of LM from other illnesses because infants are frequently misdiagnosed with these conditions.

Surgeon Information-Sharing, Parent Verbal Engagement, and Parent Knowledge of Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy.

We characterize clinician information-sharing and parent verbal engagement during pediatric adenotonsillectomy consultations and evaluate whether these behaviors relate to disease-specific knowledge for parents of children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB). Mixed-methods sequential explanatory analysis. Outpatient otolaryngology clinics. We analyzed audio-recorded communication during outpatient encounters for children undergoing initial evaluation for adenotonsillectomy. We identified discrete triadic instances of clinician discussion of individual risks and benefits, parent verbal responses coded as passive ("Right") or active ("Would that repeat the recovery time?"), and corresponding parent answer (correct or incorrect) on a postconsult knowledge questionnaire. Primary outcomes included parent knowledge and decisional conflict. We qualitatively analyzed substantive questions asked by parents during the encounter. In 30 consults, clinicians (n = 8) provided 156 instances of discussion (101 risk, 55 benefit), to which parents provided 34% active responses. Clinician discussion of risks and benefits was associated with greater parent knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 3.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25-6.09; P < .001), however parent active engagement was not associated with greater parent knowledge (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.42-2.58, P = .93). Parents demonstrated greater knowledge of benefits than risks (χ2 = 23.16, V = 1.13; P < .001). Parents who responded actively (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.72; P = .010) or had greater knowledge (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.81; P = .010) had less decisional conflict. Clinician information-sharing was associated with greater parent knowledge about OSDB treatment. Greater parent engagement and knowledge were independently associated with less decisional conflict. These findings may inform clinicians' approaches to counseling and engaging parents in decisions for surgery.

Tragal Cartilage Versus Fascia Lata Implant for Treatment of Glottic Insufficiency: A Randomized Clinical Trial

40 patients with glottic insufficiency over the age of 18 years old who presented to the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic at (blinded for peer review) were the subjects of this prospective study. Two equal groups (A&B) of patients were randomly separated. For group (A), the tragal cartilage implants were used to enhance the vocal folds; for group (B), fascia lata implants were utilized. Auditory perceptual assessment of voice (APA), voice handicap index (VHI), and computerized speech lab (CSL) were used for voice assessment, penetration aspiration score (PAS), and dysphagia handicap index (DHI) for aspiration assessment during preoperative and postoperative evaluation. In both groups, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative subjective and objective parameters used for voice and aspiration assessment (APA, VHI, CSL, PAS, and DHI). There was a statistically non-significant difference between the two groups one and 12 months postoperatively except for only noise to the harmonic ratio (N/H ratio) in group A which showed more significant improvement than group B. Vocal fold augmentation using the tragal cartilage and fascia lata grafts in glottic insufficiency patients is effective in improving hoarseness of voice and aspiration. Both grafts result in long-term improvement (at least 12 months), however tragal cartilage graft is easier to implant and more stable postoperatively than the fascia lata graft.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients Attending an Outpatient Otolaryngology Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) involves retrograde movement of gastric contents to the larynx and pharynx. It is well known among laryngologists to cause various upper aerodigestive tract symptoms; however, it is misdiagnosed in general clinical practice. With very limited studies conducted on LPR in Saudi Arabia, data related to its prevalence and risk factors in Saudi Arabia are lacking. Hence, in this study, we used the validated Arabic version of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as a tool to diagnose and estimate the prevalence of LPR. Objective: The current study aimed to identify the risk factors and the prevalence of LPR in patients attending otolaryngology clinics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients attending the otolaryngology outpatient clinic. Participants completed a two-part questionnaire before entering the clinic. The first part was designed to collect demographic data, whereas the second part consisted of the validated Arabic version of the RSI questionnaire. A score of 13 or above was considered diagnostic for LPR. Results: A total of 166 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of LPR among the study population was 51.2%. LPR was detected more frequently in patients between 21 and 35 years old, and individuals over 65 years were found to have a lower incidence. Smoking and gastroesophageal reflux disease were associated with an increased risk of LPR (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: LPR is prevalent among patients attending otolaryngology clinics. Physicians should try to identify patients with risk factors and counsel them about lifestyle modifications, with an emphasis on weight reduction strategies and smoking cessation.

Concordance of the ACR TI-RADS Classification With Bethesda Scoring and Histopathology Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules

Although most thyroid nodules are benign, 10% to 15% of them harbor cancer. Thyroid ultrasonography is useful for risk stratification of nodules, and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) classification provides recommendations for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) based on objective ultrasonographic features of these nodules. To validate the concordance of ACR TI-RADS classification with Bethesda classification and histopathology. This retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the concordance of ACR TI-RADS classification with Bethesda classification and histopathology and was conducted in Singapore General Hospital Outpatient Otolaryngology clinic in March 2021 to May 2021. Data analysis was performed in May 2021. Results were deemed concordant when ACR TI-RADS recommendations aligned with Bethesda scores. Conversely, results were classified as nonconcordant with Bethesda scores and/or histopathology results when nodules that were recommended for FNAC yielded benign results or nodules that were not recommended for FNAC yielded malignant results. A total of 446 patients (370 women [83%]; mean [range] age, 60 [24-89] years) who underwent ultrasonography of the thyroid and ultrasonography-guided thyroid FNACs were identified. A total of 492 of 630 nodules (78.1%) were benign on FNAC (Bethesda II). Score 3 ACR TI-RADS nodules yielded the highest negative predictive values: 94.6% (95% CI, 92.9%-95.9%; P < .001) compared with Bethesda scoring and 100.0% (95% CI, 15.8%-100.0%; P = .003) compared with histopathology. Score 4 or 5 ACR TI-RADS nodules yielded positive predictive values of 2.8% and 16.2%, respectively, compared with Bethesda scoring and 6.1% and 66.7%, respectively, compared with histopathology. Small (<1.5 cm) ACR TI-RADS nodules of scores of 4 and 5 that were not recommended for FNAC yielded a malignant risk of 5.7% and 25.0% on Bethesda 5 and 6, respectively. On surgical excision, 5 of 46 (10.9%) ACR TI-RADS 4 nodules and 15 of 21 (71.4%) of ACR TI-RADS 5 nodules were confirmed to be malignant. Among nodules initially not recommended for FNAC, histopathology-proven cancer was found in 4 of 13 (30.7%) and 3 of 6 (50.0%) of nodules, respectively. These findings suggest that ACR TI-RADS score 3 nodules have a low risk of cancer and should be considered for FNAC only if nodules are 2.5 cm or larger. Patients with small (<1.5 cm) ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 nodules should be appropriately counseled for FNAC to exclude cancer.

Local and systemic side effects of the coronanovac vaccine

Objective: Vaccines are biological products that provide protection against diseases by stimulating the immune system. Our aim in this study is to examine local and systemic side effects after inactivated coronavirus vaccination. In addition, when these side effects started, how long they lasted and their effect on daily life were evaluated. Methods: 224 healthcare workers who met the study criteria and were vaccinated against coronavirus in Adana City Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared by us was filled in for these patients in which we inquired about the local and systemic side effects of the vaccine, the onset of side effects, their duration, whether they affect daily life, the need for drug use, and some demographic data. The survey results were evaluated with the SPSS statistical program. Local and systemic side effects were evaluated according to age, gender, allergy status, onset time, duration of effect, effect on daily life, and use of medical treatment. Results: At least one side effect was observed in 73.2% of 224 patients, while no side effects were observed in 26.8%. Being under the age of 35, being female, and being allergic increased the side effects (p:0.0027, p:0.001, p.0.031). In the logistic regression analysis, it was seen that being a woman was more effective (p.0.002). The most common local side effect was at the injection site pain was 76.2%, the most common systemic side effect was weakness 40.9%. 85.6% of local side effects and 70.4% of systemic side effects were seen in the first 24 hours. 71.3% of local side effects and 70.1% of systemic side effects lasted less than 24 hours. Conclusion: Inactivated covid-19 vaccine causes side effects in the majority of patients.In the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic, attention should be paid to the side effects of the coronovac vaccine in female patients under the age of 35 who have allergies.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

To determine if Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is associated with increased burden of dizziness and quality of life. Secondly, if this association is present, to determine if it can be explained by differences in anxiety and/or depression between patients with PPPD and dizzy patients without PPPD. Cross-sectional study performed in an outpatient otolaryngology clinic, including patients 18-67years referred from primary care for suspected vestibular disease with chronic dizziness. Patients underwent clinical examination and completed the following questionnaires: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), RAND-12 Health Status Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Scores in DHI and RAND-12 were compared between patients diagnosed with PPPD and patients without PPPD. 202 patients were included. 150 (74%) were women and 37 (18%) were diagnosed with PPPD. Patients in the PPPD group had increased burden of dizziness and reduced quality of life (QoL) as shown by a higher mean DHI score (49.2 vs. 30.8; p < 0.001) and reduced mean RAND-12 physical score (39.0 vs. 44.6; p = 0.004). After adjusting for age, gender and HADS, PPPD was associated with a 15.3 (p < 0.001) points increase in DHI score, and a 4.0 (p = 0.020) points decrease in RAND-12 physical score. Patients with PPPD have a higher burden of dizziness and a lower physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to other dizzy patients. The difference was evident also after adjusting for anxiety and depression, illustrating how PPPD is a different entity than these common psychiatric conditions.

The Trend of the Burden of Allergic Rhinitis Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic in the Urban Population of Perak, Malaysia.

This study aims to determine the trend of allergic rhinitis (AR) prevalence in a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2022, and to compare its prevalence pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study involving the extraction of all Malaysian patients' medical records who were diagnosed with AR and attended the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic of a government-funded tertiary hospital in Malaysia between 2017 and 2022. 3,744 cases out of the 57,968 first-encounter outpatient visits to the otorhinolaryngology clinic were extracted for analysis. Overall, the prevalence of AR cases ranged from 1.83 to 9.23% between 2017 and 2022. There was a significant drop of 21.38 to 70.22% between the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001). Males (0.34 to 1.60%) were more prevalent in the 6 to 18 year old than females (0.09 to 1.23%). The trend shifted with age, whereby females (0.50 to 2.45%) experienced a higher prevalence than males (0.21 to 1.77%) as they aged from 19 to 59. The Malay (1.01 to 4.59%) demonstrated a two-time higher prevalence than the Chinese (0.30 to 2.01%) and Indian (0.40 to 2.14%) ethnicities. After stratifying by gender and ethnicity, Indian women (0.17 to 1.09%) had a higher rate of AR than their Chinese counterparts (0.12 to 0.99%) across all years. The AR prevalence consistently ranged from 8.14 to 9.23% pre-pandemic. A remarkable drop was observed post-pandemic, ranging from 1.83 to 6.40%. A gender shift from male to female predominance as age progressed. The Malay had the highest prevalence of AR.

Early Diagnosis of Central Disorders Mimicking Horizontal Canal Cupulolithiasis

Horizontal Canal Cupulolithiasis (hc-BPPV-cu) can mimic a pathology of central origin, so a careful examination is essential to prevent misdiagnosis. Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study of 45 patients suffering from suspected hc-BPPV-cu. We recorded whether patients first presented through an ENT Emergency Department (ED) or through an Outpatient Otolaryngology Clinic (OC). We found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the OC versus the ED in relation to the time between symptom onset and first assessment (79.7 vs. 3.6 days, respectively), the number of therapeutic maneuvers (one maneuver in 62.5% vs. 75.9%, and more than one in 25.1% vs. 13.7%), and multi-canal BPPV rate (43.8% vs. 3.4%). hc-BPPV-cu did not resolve in 2 patients (12.5%) from the OC and in 3 (10.3%) from de ED, all of which showed central pathology. There are no prior studies that analyze the approach to hc-BPPV-cu in the ED. The benefits of early specialist input are early identification of central positional nystagmus, a decrease in symptom duration, reduced number of therapeutic maneuvers required for symptom resolution, and lower rates of iatrogenic multi-canal BPPV. A comprehensive approach to hc-BPPV-cu in the ED allows both more effective treatment and early identification of central disorder mimics.