The histological and microbiological characteristics of bacterial microcolonies in paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia.

Introduction: Paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia (TH) is associated with a spectrum of presentations ranging from recurrent tonsillitis (RT) to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The underlying pathogenesis of tonsillar hyperplasia remains poorly understood. Previous studies have implicated bacterial microcolonies as targets of host inflammatory cells and as a potential driver of the chronic inflammation seen in TH.

Comparison of Sinus Deposition from an Aqueous Nasal Spray and Pressurised MDI in a Post-Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Nasal Replica.

Background: Optimising intranasal distribution and retention of topical therapy is essential for effectively managing patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, including those that have had functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This study presents a new technique for quantifying in vitro experiments of fluticasone propionate deposition within the sinuses of a 3D-printed model from a post-FESS patient.

Methods: Circular filter papers were placed on the sinus surfaces of the model.

Sinonasal and gastrointestinal bacterial composition and abundance are stable after 1 week of once-daily oral antibiotic treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: Despite the widespread prescription of antibiotics for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), their efficacy remains uncertain. Limited penetration of systemic antibiotics into the sinonasal mucosa has been reported previously by this group. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of antibiotics on the sinus and gut microbiota as well as any relationships these had with drug distribution.

Nasal air conditioning following total inferior turbinectomy compared to inferior turbinoplasty - A computational fluid dynamics study.

Background: The aim of this study was to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the effects on nasal heat exchange and humidification of two different surgical techniques for reducing the inferior turbinate under different environmental conditions.

Methods: Virtual surgery using two techniques of turbinate reduction was performed in eight nasal airway obstruction patients. Bilateral nasal airway models for each patient were compared: 1) Pre-operative 2) Post inferior turbinoplasty 3) Post total inferior turbinate resection (ITR).

Effect of tonsillectomy on antibiotic prescribing in children.

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed in pediatric otolaryngology. Multiple courses of antibiotics are usually prescribed prior to surgical intervention. Surgery is indicated when patients reach a certain number of infective episodes, or their obstructive symptoms warrant intervention.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the distribution of spray and irrigation devices within the sinonasal cavities.

Background: Optimizing intranasal distribution and retention of nasal sprays is essential in the management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), including those that have had functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Despite multiple existing distribution studies, there remains a need for a technique that allows regionalization of particle deposition within a patient's unique 3-dimensional (3D) geometry without exposing the patient to radiation.

Methods: Seven participants delivered normal saline containing a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) by either saline irrigation or nasal sprays on 1 side of the nasal cavity.

Are biofilms associated with an inflammatory response in chronic rhinosinusitis?

Background: Bacterial biofilms have been identified on the sinonasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) but also on control samples. Their role in the disease pathogenesis is unproven. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the role of biofilms in CRS by assessing whether they are associated with an inflammatory response.

Is chronic rhinosinusitis caused by persistent respiratory virus infection?

Background: Many chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients recall an upper respiratory tract infection as the inciting event of their chronic illness. Viral infections have been shown to cause obstruction of the osteomeatal complex, which is likely to be a critical step in the development of CRS. There is clear overlap between the pathogenesis of CRS and asthma.

Bacterial microcolonies exist within the sphenoid bone in chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy controls.

Background: Some patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) exhibit thickening of the sinus bones that has been termed osteitis. The histopathology and microbiology of these changes have not been fully described. The aim of this study was to look for the presence of bacteria and immune cells within samples of bone from patients with and without CRS and correlate these findings to radiological findings.

The prevalence of atopic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Study Design: A validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with OME undergoing ventilation tube insertion, and the results were compared with a large reference group of school children of the same age.