Nasal Mucus Cytokines Are Correlated with Spirometry Measures in CRS Patients with Comorbid Asthma.

CRS patients with asthma show differential nasal mucus cytokine signatures based on endotype. IL-7 concentration is positively associated with higher %FEV1 and %FVC in CRS patients with asthma.

Real-world predictors of dupilumab prescription in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Background: Despite increasing dupilumab use for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), little is known about the factors influencing its use in real-world practice. We aimed to identify factors that may predict dupilumab prescription in CRSwNP patients who have undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods: A single-institution, retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ESS for CRSwNP between 2015 and 2023 was conducted.

Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative rescue medication use after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Introduction: The modified five-item frailty index (mFI-5) is a validated risk stratification tool with the ability to predict adverse outcomes following surgery. In this study, we sought to use mFI-5 to assess the potential relationship between unhealthy aging and postoperative endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) outcomes.

Methods: Patients who underwent sinus surgery at Vanderbilt between 2014 and 2018 were identified and assessed using the mFI-5, which is calculated based on the presence of five comorbidities: diabetes mellitus, hypertension requiring medication, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and non-independent functional status.

Particulate matter exposure is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines and eosinophils in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thought to result from complex interactions between the host immune system, microbiota, and environmental exposures. Currently, there is limited data regarding the impact of ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM) in the pathogenesis of CRS, despite evidence linking PM to other respiratory diseases.

Inflammatory characteristics of central compartment atopic disease.

Background: Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is an emerging phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) characterized by prominent central nasal inflammatory changes. This study compares the inflammatory characteristics of CCAD relative to other phenotypes of CRSwNP.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective clinical study was performed on patients with CRSwNP who were undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Intracochlear New Fibro-Ossification and Neuronal Degeneration Following Cochlear Implant Electrode Translocation: Long-Term Histopathological Findings in Humans.

Objective: We aim to assess the histopathology of human temporal bones (TBs) with evidence of cochlear implantation (CI) electrode scalar translocation.

Study Design: Otopathology study.

Setting: Otopathology laboratory.

Transcanal Computed Tomography Views for Transcanal Endoscopic Lateral Skull Base Surgery: Pilot Cadaveric Study.

 Transcanal endoscopic operative approaches provide for a minimally invasive surgical portal to the lateral skull base. Traditional preoperative imaging evaluation involves computed tomography (CT) acquisition in the axial and coronal planes that are not optimized for the transcanal surgical corridor. Herein, we describe a novel CT-based "transcanal view" for preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative navigation.

Hearing Vital Signs: Mobile Audiometry in the Emergency Department for Evaluation of Sudden Hearing Loss.

Emergency departments (EDs) are a common location for patients to present with sudden hearing loss (SHL). Unfortunately, high-quality, rapid quantitative measurement of hearing loss is challenging. Herein, we aim to evaluate the accuracy of tablet-based audiometry in patients complaining of SHL.

Auditory Quality-of-Life Measures in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury and Normal Pure Tone Audiometry.

Auditory complaints are commonly reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined patient-reported auditory symptomatology and quality-of-life metrics in individuals with TBI. We hypothesize that following TBI, individuals can experience auditory symptoms even with hearing thresholds in the normal range.

Long-term cochlear implantation outcomes in patients following head injury.

Objective: In cases of a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss following head injury, the cochlear implant (CI) is the primary option for auditory rehabilitation. Few studies, however, have investigated long-term CI outcomes in patients following head trauma, including those without temporal bone fracture (TBF). Herein, the aim of this study is to examine CI outcomes following cases of head injury with and without TBF.

A 3D printed suturing trainer for medical students.

Background: Medical students must be able to suture competently upon graduation. To learn suturing technique, students must have access to practice materials. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop a novel suturing trainer and to evaluate its ability to provide realistic and accessible suturing practice.

Review of Audiovestibular Symptoms Following Exposure to Acoustic and Electromagnetic Energy Outside Conventional Human Hearing.

We aim to examine the existing literature on, and identify knowledge gaps in, the study of adverse animal and human audiovestibular effects from exposure to acoustic or electromagnetic waves that are outside of conventional human hearing. A review was performed, which included searches of relevant MeSH terms using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Primary outcomes included documented auditory and/or vestibular signs or symptoms in animals or humans exposed to infrasound, ultrasound, radiofrequency, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Labyrinthine concussion: Historic otopathologic antecedents of a challenging diagnosis.

Objective: The term "labyrinthine concussion" has evolved to mean audiovestibular dysfunction in the absence of a temporal bone fracture (TBF). Despite a multitude of case descriptions of labyrinthine concussion, the precise pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Herein, we explore the historical otopathologic underpinnings of the diagnosis of labyrinthine concussion with a focus on the auditory pathway during the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries and conclude with a discussion of its contemporary relevance.

Histopathological changes to the peripheral vestibular system following meningitic labyrinthitis.

Objective: While cochlear ossification is a common sequalae of meningitic labyrinthitis, less is known about the effects of meningitis on peripheral vestibular end organs. Herein, we investigate histopathologic changes in the peripheral vestibular system and cochlea in patients with a history of meningitic labyrinthitis.

Methods: Temporal bone (TB) specimens from patients with a history of meningitis were evaluated and compared to age-matched controls.

Peripheral Vestibular Organ Degeneration After Temporal Bone Fracture: A Human Otopathology Study.

Objectives/hypothesis: Vestibular symptoms are a common sequela of temporal bone fractures (TBFs). The mechanisms of injury to the peripheral vestibular system following TBF, however, are not well described. Herein, we aimed to investigate the histopathology of the peripheral vestibular system in patients who sustained TBFs.

Patient-reported auditory handicap measures following mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives/hypothesis: Few studies have specifically addressed auditory complaints in patients with nonblast mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Herein, we aimed to investigate auditory symptoms in patients following mTBI using patient-reported outcome measures.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a tertiary-care hospital.