Σφακιανάκης Αλέξανδρος
ΩτοΡινοΛαρυγγολόγος
Αναπαύσεως 5 Άγιος Νικόλαος
Κρήτη 72100
00302841026182
00306932607174
alsfakia@gmail.com

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Κυριακή 9 Ιανουαρίου 2022

Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy to Address Preventable Adverse Events in Inpatient and Home Health Postacute Care Settings: A Systematic Review

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Am J Occup Ther. 2022 Jan 1;76(1):7601180060. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2022.047589.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Practitioners need to be familiar with, and involved in, managing quality-related adverse events in postacute care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that address preventable adverse events in adult postacute inpatient and home health settings.

DATA SOURCES: Articles published from January 1995 through 2019 identified through sea rches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and Cochrane databases. Study Selection and Data Collection: Articles were collected, evaluated, and analyzed by two independent reviewers. They were assessed and synthesized with a goal of informing clinical practice.

FINDINGS: Twenty-four articles were included in the review. Of the 10 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services preventable adverse events, 6 were addressed: diabetes management (n = 2), dysphagia (n = 5), infection control (n = 1), pressure ulcers (n = 6), falls (n = 5), and discharge management (n = 5). There was strong strength of evidence that exercise programs should, when appropriate, be implemented in both inpatient and home health settings to decrease the risk of falls. There was moderate strength of evidence that practitioners could consider implementing a facility wide evidence-based pressure ulcer program; providing multidisciplinary rehabilitation and swallow strengthening exercises for dysphagia; impl ementing a multidisciplinary, multicomponent falls program; and using a manualized depression intervention in home health to decrease hospital readmission.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The review highlights the importance of preventable adverse events and of occupational therapy practitioners acknowledging and managing these events to enhance health outcomes and to control health care costs. What This Article Adds: Many interventions typically performed by occupational therapy practitioners address preventable adverse events. The review highlights the importance of practitioners being aware of this category of impairment or injury.

PMID:34990510 | DOI:10.5014/ajot.2022.047589

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Critical Quality and Readability Analysis of Online Patient Education Materials on Parotidectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2022 Jan 6:34894211066670. doi: 10.1177/00034894211066670. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Complications related to parotidectomy can cause significant morbidity, and thus, the decision to pursue this surgery needs to be well-informed. Given that information available online plays a critical role in patient education, this study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of online patient education materials (PEMs) regarding parotidectom y.

METHODS: A Google search was performed using the term "parotidectomy" and the first 10 pages of the search were analyzed. Quality and reliability of the online information was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch-Reading Ease Score (FRE) were used to evaluate readability.

RESULTS: Thirty-five PEMs met the inclusion criteria. The average FRE score was 59.3 and 16 (46%) of the online PEMs had FRE scores below 60 indicating that they were fairly difficult to very difficult to read. The average grade level of the PEMs was above the eighth grade when evaluated with the FKGL. The average DISCERN score was 41.7, which is indicative of fair quality. There were no significant differences between PEMs originating from medical institutions and PEMs originating from other sources in terms of quality or readability.

CONCLUSION: Online PEMs on parotidectomy may not be comprehensible to the average individual. This study highlight s the need for the development of more appropriate PEMs to inform patients about parotidectomy.

PMID:34991334 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211066670

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Metal Allergy in Tracheostomy Tube Placement Resulting in Complete Subglottic Stenosis: A Case Report

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2022 Jan 6:34894211070135. doi: 10.1177/00034894211070135. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Metal hypersensitivity reaction to surgical implants is a well- known phenomenon that is associated with pain, swelling, inflammation, and decreased efficacy of the implant. We present a unique case of a patient with placement a metal Jackson tracheostomy tube that led to expeditious total subglottic stenosis.

METHODS: The patient was a 33-ye ar old, severely atopic woman with history of asthma exacerbations requiring several intubations for acute respiratory failure with several subsequent tracheal dilations with steroid injections, and eventual tracheostomy placement with a metal Jackson tracheostomy tube that led to expeditious total subglottic stenosis.

RESULTS: Initial intervention included performing an airway evaluation, CO2 laser, and steroid injection of the area of complete subglottic stenosis. Follow up several months later revealed little improvement in level of tracheal narrowing proximal to the tracheostomy tube. Patient did not have shortness of breath but continued to be aphonic. Cricotracheal versus tracheal resection have been proposed but surgical morbidity was deemed too high due to patient's obesity.

CONCLUSIONS: Metal hypersensitivity reactions are well known phenomena as it relates to surgical implants in other surgical specialties but are seldom reported within the ear, nose and throat literature. Oftentimes, it takes astute observation to diagnose and establish a connection. Prompt recognition and treatment can be acquired from interdisciplinary collaboration with allergy.

PMID:34991357 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211070135

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Non‐Squamous Cell Malignancies of the Larynx

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Non-squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) malignancies are rare, but well described laryngeal pathologies. However, the epidemiology and clinical behavior of these tumors is not well studied.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with non-squamous cell larynx cancer from 2004 to 2017 in the National Cancer Database were selected. Demographic, clinicopathologic factors, treatments, and survival were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable cox regression were performed. Survival was compared with a propensity score-matched (PSM) population of laryngeal SCC patients.

Results

A total of 136,235 cases of larynx cancer were identified. After excluding SCC variants, 2,172 (1.6%) patients met inclusion criteria. The most common histology was chondrosarcoma (374, 17.2%), followed by small cell (345, 15.9%), and spindle cell carcinoma (268, 12.3%). The most common treatment was surgery (683, 31.4%) followed by chemoradiation (409, 18.8%) and surgery and adjuvant radiation (288, 13.3%). Overall, 3- and 5-year survival was 67.9% and 59.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis controlling for age, stage, comorbidity, histology, and treatment modality; chondrosarcoma had the best survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.11, confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.19, P < .001). In a PSM population, matched for age, stage, comorbidity, and treatments; non-SCC patients had significantly lower survival (51.5% vs. 59.9%, P < .001).

Conclusion

A diverse range of non-squamous cell malignancies occur in the larynx. In general, these tumors have poor survival, with few exceptions such as chondrosarcoma. While the majority of these histologies undergo surgical-based treatments in other sites, only 53% of patients underwent surgical-based treatment in the larynx. These data could guide clinicians in determining the outcome of treatment in these patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2022

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Evaluation of Hearing Loss in Congenital Hypothyroid Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India

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Abstract

Hearing loss has long been associated with congenital hypothyroidism and, if not noticed and treated early, may result in delayed language acquisition and difficulties in comprehension. In light of the implications of congenital hypothyroidism and its associated hearing loss, we decided to conduct this study. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of hearing loss in congenital hypothyroidism and its relation to the severity of the disease and age of initiation of treatment. This study was conducted from July 2016 to June 2021 at a tertiary care hospital in Bhopal. The hearing status of congenital hypothyroid children and matched controls was assessed by pure tone audiometry or free field audiometry and, in selected cases, with brainstem evoked response audiometry. Eight children (25%) with congenital hypothyroidism had hearing loss, compared to one (3.12%) in the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference has b een found in the gender, mean age of diagnosis, mean age of initiation of levothyroxine treatment, mean screening FT4 levels, and mean screening TSH levels between congenital hypothyroid children with and without hearing loss. Due to the high prevalence of hearing loss in congenital hypothyroidism and its impact on language and cognitive development, it is critical to create awareness among healthcare professionals that children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism must undergo audiological evaluation at the time of diagnosis and periodically thereafter. Alternatively, children with unexplained hearing loss must be screened for congenital hypothyroidism.

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Giant Facial Nerve Schwannoma with Extra-Temporal Involvement: A Series Of Two Cases

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Abstract

Facial nerve schwannoma is a rare benign tumor of temporal bone arising from the schwann cells with incidence of 0.8%. They can arise from any segment of facial nerve with geniculate ganglion being the most common and labyrinthine segment the second commonest site. Intra-temporal location is common while only 9% of the cases have extra-temporal or parotid gland involvement. Bony remodeling or scalloping of the facial canal and the surrounding bone is the classic radiological feature of schwannoma. However schwannomas of temporal bone location can show bony erosions. The management option depends on site, extent, facial nerve function and hearing status. Surgery is reserved for large tumors with poor facial functions, hearing loss and giddiness. Giant facial nerve schwannoma with extra-temporal involvement is a rare entity with only handful number of cases reported in the literature. We present a series of two cases of giant facial nerve schwannoma with parotid gl and involvement.

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Relation Between Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Vitamin D Deficiency

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to establish a relationship between vitamin D levels and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and its recurrence; and to evaluate the remedial effect of vitamin D on BPPV. In a pilot study, 40 patients with clinically diagnosed posterior canal BPPV were evaluated, treated and were followed up for a period of 6 months at ENT Department of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur. All the patients with clinical diagnosis of posterior canal BPPV were tested for 25(OH)D levels at their 1st visit. Patients were divided in two groups after appropriate matching. Group A was given vitamin D supplementation along with canal repositioning manoeuvre (CRM) and group B were only treated by canal repositioning manoeuvre. Patients underwent neuro-otological assessment during follow up visits and recurrent attacks were recorded. This study was conducted on 40 patients with BPPV (26 females and 14 males). The average age was 50 years. Avera ge serum of 25(OH)D at the first visit was (12.2 ng/ml) for group A, and (12.4 ng/ml) for group B, all patients had low serum level of 25(OH)D (below 20 ng/ml). Recurrent BPPV episodes, were significantly lower in group A than that of group B. We second the hypothesis that the patients with BPPV who have insufficient levels of Vitamin D may benefit from vitamin D supplementation and we suggest further epidemiological and pharmacological studies to detect the effect of vitamin D deficiency on development and recurrence of vertigo.

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Bhramari Pranayama

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Abstract

The study's aim was (1) To describe the acoustic characteristics of Bhramari pranayama, and (2) to compare the acoustic features of nasal consonant /m/ and the sound of Bhramari pranayama produced by yoga trainers. Cross-sectional study design. Thirty-three adult male yoga trainers performed five repeats of nasal consonant /m/ and Bhramari pranayama. These samples were recorded into Computerized Speech Lab, Kay Pentax model 4500b using a microphone (SM48). Formant frequencies (fF1, fF2, fF3, & fF4), formant bandwidths (BF1, BF2, BF3, & BF4), anti-formant, alpha and beta ratio were analyzed. Nasal consonant /m/ had higher fF2 and anti-formant compared to Bhramari pranayama. Statistical significant differences were noted in fF2, BF3, and anti-formant s. Bhramari pranayama revealed a low alpha ratio and a higher beta ratio than /m/. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Findings are discussed from acoustic and physiological perspectives. Bhramari pranayama was assumed to be produced with a larger pharyngeal cavity and narrower velar passage when compared to nasal consonant /m/. Verification at the level of the glottis and with aerodynamic parameters may ascertain the above propositions.

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Robotic system for top to bottom MRgFUS therapy of multiple cancer types

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ABSTRACT

Background

A robotic system for Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy of tumours in the breast, bone, thyroid, and abdomen was developed.

Methods

A special C-shaped structure was designed to be attached to the table of conventional MR imaging (MRI) systems carrying 4 computer-controlled motion stages dedicated to positioning a 2.75 MHz spherically focused transducer relative to a patient placed in the supine position. The developed system was evaluated for its MRI compatibility and heating abilities in agar-based phantoms and freshly excised tissue.

Results

Compatibility of the system with a clinical high-field MRI scanner was demonstrated. FUS heating in the phantom was successfully monitored by MR thermometry without any evidence of magnetically-induced phenomena. Cigar-shaped discrete lesions and well-defined areas of overlapping lesions were inflicted in excised tissue by robotic movement along grid patterns.

Conclusions

The developed MRgFUS robotic system was proven safe and efficient by ex-vivo feasibility studies.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Measuring functional outcome in upper extremity soft-tissue sarcoma: Validation of the Toronto extremity salvage score and the QuickDASH patient-reported outcome instruments

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Dec 1:S1748-6815(21)00625-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.081. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Interest in functional outcome (FO) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in extremity soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients has increased. The aim of this study was to validate two FO questionnaires for upper extremity STS patients: the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and short version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), based on Finnish population data. A multi-center study was conducted at two academic sarcoma centers. Surgically treated upper extremity STS patients were invited to participate. Patients completed the TESS and the QuickDASH with HRQL questionnaires the 15D and the QLQ-C30. The scores were analyzed and compared. Fifty-five patients with a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years were included. Mean age was 63 years (standard deviation [SD] 14.6). The mean score for TE SS was 88.5 (SD 15.1) and for QuickDASH 17.8 (SD 19.6). The QuickDASH had a statistically significantly better score coverage. A ceiling effect was noted, 27% and 20% for TESS and QuickDASH, respectively. The TESS and QuickDASH scores were strongly correlated (r= -0.89). The TESS score strongly correlated with the QLQ-C30 (r = 0.79) and the 15D score (r = 0.70). The QuickDASH score correlated strongly with the QLQ-C30 score (r=-0.71) and moderately with the 15D score (r= -0.56). The TESS score had a statistically significantly stronger correlation with the 15D score than QuickDASH (p<0.005). Both the TESS and the QuickDASH provide reliable scores for assessing FO in upper extremity STS patients. The QuickDASH has a better coverage, whereas TESS showed a stronger correlation to HRQL scores.

PMID:34996722 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.081

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Association between exposure to radioactive iodine after the Chernobyl accident and thyroid volume in Belarus 10-15 years later

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Environ Health. 2022 Jan 7;21(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12940-021-00820-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While there is a robust literature on environmental exposure to iodine-131 (131I) in childhood and adolescence and the risk of thyroid cancer and benign nodules, little is known about its effects on thyroid volume.

METHODS: To assess the effect of 131I dose to the thyroid on the volume of the thyroid gland, we examined the data from the baseline screening of the Bel arusian-American Cohort Study of residents of Belarus who were exposed to the Chernobyl fallout at ages ≤18 years. Thyroid dose estimates were based on individual thyroid activity measurements made shortly after the accident and dosimetric data from questionnaires obtained 10-15 years later at baseline screening. During baseline screening, thyroid gland volume was assessed from thyroid ultrasound measurements. The association between radiation dose and thyroid volume was modeled using linear regression where radiation dose was expressed with power terms to address non-linearity. The model was adjusted for attained age, sex, and place of residence, and their modifying effects were examined.

RESULTS: The analysis was based on 10,703 subjects. We found a statistically significant positive association between radiation dose and thyroid volume (P < 0.001). Heterogeneity of association was observed by attained age (P < 0.001) with statistically significant association remain ing only in the subgroup of ≥18 years at screening (P < 0.001). For this group, increase in dose from 0.0005 to 0.15 Gy was associated with a 1.27 ml (95% CI: 0.46, 2.07) increase in thyroid volume. The estimated effect did not change with increasing doses above 0.15 Gy.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to examine the association between 131I dose to the thyroid gland and thyroid volume in a population of individuals exposed during childhood and systematically screened 10-15 years later. It provides evidence for a moderate statistically significant increase in thyroid volume among those who were ≥ 18 years at screening. Given that this effect was observed at very low doses and was restricted to a narrow dose range, further studies are necessary to better understand the effect.

PMID:34996456 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-021-00820-0

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