Which are the best murine models to study Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis? A contemporary review

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

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on masticatory and swallowing functions in children with posterior crossbite

Objective: Investigate the influence of posterior crossbite on masticatory and swallowing functions by videofluoroscopy examination and to analyze the effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) on the same functions. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 32 children, 21 of them with posterior crossbite (10 girls and 11 boys, mean age 9.2 years, study group) and 11 children with no occlusal changes (6 girls and 5 boys, mean age 9.3 years, control group). The children were evaluated by an orthodontist for diagnosis, group characterization and occlusal treatment, by the otorhinolaryngology team for the assessment of respiratory symptoms, and by a speech therapist for videofluoroscopic evaluation of masticatory and swallowing parameters. The children with posterior crossbite were treated orthodontic ally using the Haas disjunctor for approximately six months and re-evaluated 5-months after removal of the appliance. Data were analyzed statistically by the Studentt-test for independent samples for comparison of the crossbite and control groups before and after treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in oral preparatory and oral transit times, nor in cycles and masticatory frequency, between the pre and post orthodontic treatment groups and the control group. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion did not influence the masticatory and swallowing variables studied by videofluoroscopy. However, the data require caution in interpretation

Revisiting the orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis

Objective: The present study revisited three classification systems of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (Chandler, Mortimore &amp; Wormald, and Velasco e Cruz &amp; Anselmo-Lima) and observed which of them presented the best clinical applicability. Methods: Clinical data and CT scan findings of patients with orbital infection were retrospectively collected. To compare the three classification systems, we revised and graded all CT images accordingly, and divided the patients into four groups: Eyelid cellulitis (EC), orbital cellulitis (OC), subperiosteal abscess (SA), and orbital abscess (OA). The groups were compared regarding the presence of sinus opacification, the need for hospitalization and/or surgical treatment, and the presence of further complications/sequelae. Results: 143 patients were included. The median number of sinuses involved in patients in the OC, SA, and OA groups was 2.0. ARS was rarely associated with signs of EC (present in both Chandler’s and Mortimore &amp; Wormald’s classifications. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the EC group compared to the other three groups. Surgery was performed in all cases in the OA group, in 58.1% in the SA group, 19.4% in the OC group, and 12.5% in the EC group (p-value < 0.0001). Complications were present at higher rates in the OA group compared to the other three groups. Conclusions: ARS was rarely associated with Eyelid Cellulitis. The stratification in the other three groups showed to be clinically relevant. Velasco e Cruz &amp; Anselmo-Lima’s classification system proved valid, simple, and effective for categorizing orbital complications of ARS. Level of evidence: 3

The importance of clinical monitoring for compliance with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently a public health problem of great importance. When misdiagnosed or improperly treated, it can lead to serious consequences on patients' quality of life. The gold standard treatment for cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, especially in mild to severe and symptomatic cases, is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is directly dependent on the active participation of the patient, which can be influenced by several factors. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and to analyze which associated factors directly influence the efficiency of the treatment. Methods: Patients who received continuous positive airway pressure therapy through the Municipal Health Department of the city of Ribeirão Preto were recruited. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy was assessed by average hours of continuous positive airway pressure therapy usage per night. Patients with good compliance (patients using continuous positive airway pressure therapy ≥4 h/night) were compared to those with poor compliance (patients using <4 h/night). Results: 138 patients were analyzed: 77 (55.8%) were considered compliant while 61 (44.2%) were non-compliant. The comparison between the two groups showed that regular monitoring by a specialist considerably improved compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (odds ratio, OR = 2.62). Conclusion: Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is related to educational components, which can be enhanced with continuous and individualized care to patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Brazilian guideline for the use of immunobiologicals in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ‒ 2024 update

Introduction: Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation have revolutionized the way we treat patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Particularly in severe and difficult-to-control cases, these drugs have provided a new reality for these patients, allowing for the effective and safe treatment of extensive diseases that were not completely managed with the typical strategy of surgery and topical medications. Objectives: The experience achieved with the approval of these medications by ANVISA for use in CRSwNP and the knowledge obtained regarding outcomes, adverse effects, and the ideal patient profile prompted the update of the previously published guideline, with a detailed review of the most recent scientific literature, the personal experiences of experts, and the adaptation to the reality of the Brazilian healthcare system, both public and private. Results: We proposed a new eligibility criterion for biologics in patients with CRSwNP based on four pillars of indication: the impact of the disease on the patient’s life, whether in the presence of specific symptoms or in overall quality of life; the extent of sinonasal disease; the presence of type 2 comorbidities, considering other associated diseases that may also benefit from anti-T2 biologics, and the presence of biomarkers to define type 2 inflammation, especially those associated with worse disease prognoses. Conclusions: This innovative and pioneering method has two major advantages. First, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation of patients; second, it is flexible, as advancements in our understanding of the disease and changes in cost-effectiveness can be addressed by simply adjusting the required score for indication, without the need to modify the entire evaluation scheme