Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 and 2 in patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis

PURPOSE

Chronic sinusitis can result from variable types of immune-mediated process, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 1 and 2 (TREM-1, TREM-2) are involved in myeloid cell activation enabling these cells to fine-tune the inflammatory response, which may have an impact on subsequent adaptive immunity and may be the key factor in pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to analyse soluble TREM-1 and TREM-2 molecules in maxillary sinus lavage fluid and compare the defined subgroups selected from patients with chronic sinusitis with/without nasal polyps and allergy (asthma and allergic rhinitis).

METHODS

The levels of soluble TREM-1 and TREM-2 were measured by Elisa test in a cohort of patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis (n=45). We compared subgroups of patients with nasal polyps (n=33) and allergy (n=25: inclusive of asthma (n=11) and allergic rhinitis (n=14)) with the control group of patients without nasal polyps (n=13), and without allergy (n=21).

RESULTS

The study did not prove the difference between subgroups with and without nasal polyps. The levels of soluble TREM-1 did not differ significantly between patients with allergy (asthma and allergic rhinitis) and the control group without allergy (p=0.4804). The levels of soluble TREM-2 were significantly higher in patients with allergy (p=0.0028), asthma (p=0.0103) and allergic rhinitis (p=0.0137) as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the role of TREM-2‑mediated activation of myeloid cells in chronic sinusitis accompanied by allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (Tab. 6, Ref. 25).

Union of the European Phoniatricians' position statement on the exit strategy of phoniatric and laryngological services: staying safe and getting back to normal after the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (issued on 25th May 2020)

BACKGROUND

The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services.

OBJECTIVES

This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures.

CONCLUSION

As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Validation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) in Slovak Language

PURPOSE

The objective of the study is to verify the psychometric properties of Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) in Slovak language.

METHODS

Original VHI-30 has been translated into the Slovak language. Fifty-two dysphonic individuals and 104 individuals of the control group without voice disorders were included in the study. Item to total correlation, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient α and split-half coefficient), test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient), and validity of VHI 30 (Kruskal-Wallis test) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Item analysis proved that questionnaire items have a good to excellent correlation to the total score (0.42-0.87, P < 0.05). Good internal consistency was proved by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.88, P < 0.05) and split-half correlation for the Total score in VHI (0.997, P < 0.05). Test-retest reliability was found to be strong (0.86, P < 0.05). Validity results of Slovak VHI suggests that total mean scores of control group were significantly lower than total mean scores of dysphonic groups (structural, neurogenic, inflammatory, functional, and nonspecified). Total mean scores indicated no statistically significant difference between dysphonic groups (P < 0.05). The cut-off value of 21 points was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study proved that the Slovak VHI-30 is a reliable and valid tool. It is useful for assessing disadvantage related to voice disorders from the patient's perspective.