European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Feb 2017
Review Comparative Study Clinical TrialDrug-induced sleep endoscopy in the obstructive sleep apnea: comparison between NOHL and VOTE classifications.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete collapse of the pharynx that result in a decrease in oxyhemoglobin saturation. Nasofibrolaryngoscopy under induced sleep is a promising alternative for identifying sites of upper airway obstruction in patients with OSA. This study aimed to compare the obstruction sites screened by drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) using the Nose oropharynx hypopharynx and larynx (NOHL) and Velum oropharynx tongue base epiglottis (VOTE) classifications. ⋯ Similar minimum SaO2 values were observed in DISE and PSG. The VOTE classification was more comprehensive in the analysis of the epiglottis and pharynx by DISE and the relationship between OSA severity and number of affected sites was also established by VOTE. The use of BIS associated with DISE is a reliable tool for the assessment of OSA patients.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Feb 2017
ReviewThe possible mechanisms of the human microbiome in allergic diseases.
In the present paper, we discuss the importance of the microbiome in allergic disease. In this review paper, the data from the Medline (PubMed) and search engine of Kirikkale University were systematically searched for all relevant articles in June 15th, 2015 for the past 30 years. The keywords of "microbiome", "dysbiosis", "allergy", "allergic rhinitis", "allergic disease", "mechanisms" and "treatment" were used alone or together. ⋯ The nature of microbial exposure early in life appears to be important for the development of robust immune regulation; disruption of either the microbiota or the host response can trigger chronic inflammation. Dysbiosis is also an important clinical entity. Antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and dietary factors contribute to intestinal dysbiosis.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · May 2016
ReviewA novel distending laryngoscope: implications in transoral surgery.
The objective is to describe an innovative laryngoscope developed to improve visualization, provide greater exposure, and enhance precision and success during transoral procedures. A retrospective review of 170 patients who underwent transoral surgery with a new distending laryngoscope was conducted. We compared and contrasted our exposure within the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx using the laryngoscope with that of currently available instrumentation. ⋯ Direct laryngoscopic technique and instrumentation have continued to evolve. Over the last two decades, there has been a significant movement towards minimally invasive transoral surgical techniques fueling innovative concepts and advancement in laryngoscopic design and application. We present our experience with an innovative laryngoscope allowing for improved visualization, greater exposure, and enhanced proficiency with transoral technique.
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The letter to the editor plays a dual role in the literature. It serves a corrective critical function but also has the capacity to spread and share knowledge. We sought to identify the role and theme of letters to the editor published in four leading otorhinolaryngology journals, to elicit how well this form of communication is being utilised. ⋯ Letters to the editor serve two main purposes; post-publication peer review and sharing experiences with fellow readers. Both are equally important in maintaining journals' high standards. Indexing needs to be improved otherwise valuable comment does not endure while the original manuscript's message lives on.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Feb 2015
ReviewSmell and taste in palliative care: a systematic analysis of literature.
Little is known on the role of the senses smell and taste in end-of-life care. The presented systematic literature analysis investigates the significance of smell and taste in palliative care. The online databases PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Deutsche Nationalbibliothek and British National Library were searched for English and German literature published between 1970 and April 2013 containing any kind of original data on the impact of smell and taste in patients in a palliative care situation. ⋯ Prevalence of smell and taste alterations in palliative care is high. However, in palliative care literature concepts for the assessment and fostering of subjective significance of smell and taste and the individual impact of significant smells and tastes are predominantly neglected. Available instruments should be characterized, validated and adapted for the use for palliative care patients.