Economic Burden of the Inadequate Management of Allergic Rhinitis and Urticaria in Asian Countries Based on the GA²LEN Model.

Purpose: Across Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, (referred to as Asia) approximately 30-53 million individuals of the 151 million employed suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria. It is estimated that approximately 90% of patients with these allergic conditions are insufficiently treated, impacting the socioeconomic burden in terms of absence from work and decreased productivity. This study aims to estimate the socioeconomic burden of allergies in Asia and the cost savings that their adequate management can provide.

Role of bilastine in the management of allergic rhinitis and urticaria: an Asia-Pacific consensus statement.

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing globally, most particularly in middle- to low-income countries. This article examines the burden of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria in the Asia-Pacific region, unmet clinical needs, and the potential role of bilastine in the management of these conditions. An International Advisory Group meeting was convened in association with the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology Annual Congress in November 2014, followed by a literature review, and consensus-based outcomes from the meeting and literature review are described.

Current evidence for endolymphatic sac surgery in the treatment of Meniere's disease: a systematic review.

This paper aims to identify emerging evidence for endolymphatic sac surgery (ESS) in the treatment of Meniere's disease since the landmark study by Thomsen et al, published in 1998 (conducted from 1981 to 1989). Using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), a systematic review of the literature published from January 1990 to June 2014 was performed. We included all English-language, peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled studies.

Frequently asked questions in allergy practice.

Background: Over the last 10-20 years, international guidelines and consensus statements for the management of common allergic diseases (e.g. allergic rhinitis and asthma) have been developed and disseminated worldwide.

Topical antimicrobials in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that can significantly impact health. The mainstay of medical treatment is topical steroids and oral antibiotics, but little is known about the efficacy of topical antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to identify evidence for the use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of CRS and exacerbations of CRS.

Prospective analysis of epicutaneous testing for inhalant allergy: comparison of arm and back subsites with mRAST.

Objectives: 1) To compare epicutaneous testing (ET) from four skin subsites (forearm, upper arm, upper back, lower back) and 2) to compare ET to modified RAST (mRAST) for inhalant allergens.

Study Design: Prospective clinical trial.

Subjects And Methods: Fifty one patients underwent ET at four skin subsites and mRAST to six antigens and positive and negative controls.

Reconstruction of skull base defects after minimally invasive endoscopic resection of anterior skull base neoplasms.

Background: The endoscopic resection of the cribriform plate during minimally invasive endoscopic resection (MIER) of the anterior skull base neoplasms may result in large anterior skull base defects. The objective of this study is to describe techniques for the management of skull base defects after MIER.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing MIER and skull base reconstruction between April 2000 and August 2005.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery has definite advantages over the traditional method using the operating microscope. Improved visualization, angled view, and a wider panoramic perspective of the important anatomic relationships of the sphenoid and the sella turcica were the obvious advantages. The direct endonasal transsphenoidal approach is the most minimally invasive.

CT-MR image fusion for the management of skull base lesions.

Objective: Image fusion software creates composite images from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Study Design And Setting: CT-MR fusion studies between August 2004 to July 2005 were reviewed. CT scan images (1-mm axial) were obtained on a multi-detector CT scanner.

Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography of the internal carotid artery for preoperative evaluation of sinonasal lesions and intraoperative surgical navigation.

Introduction: Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3DCTA) demonstrates the spatial relationships of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and adjacent skull base. This imaging modality may be incorporated into intraoperative surgical navigation during endoscopic skull base surgery.

Methods: The charts of patients who had undergone 3DCTA imaging between July 2002 and February 2005 were reviewed.

Insular carcinoma of the thyroid with jugular vein invasion.

Background: Gross angioinvasion with intraluminal tumor thrombus is rarely seen in thyroid cancer, with few cases reported in the literature.

Methods: We report an insular carcinoma of the thyroid displaying this aggressive local invasion and angioinvasion of the internal jugular chain. Complete surgical removal of the intraluminal disease, regional metastasis, and primary tumor was carried out.

Epidermal growth factor receptor in undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx.

Objectives: To determine the expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its prognostic value in undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) of the nasopharynx.

Study Design: A prospective study of 75 patients diagnosed with UC over a 4-year period in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials And Methods: Postnasal space biopsies were obtained and processed, and immunohistochemical staining was performed.

Hazardous foreign bodies: complications and management of button batteries in nose.

Miniature batteries are easily available in our domestic environment, powering many electronic devices and toys. Despite improvement in the safety standards, children are able to remove the batteries from these devices. These batteries pose a hazard to children, as they are small and easily inserted into the nose or ears or even swallowed.