Objective To assess the value of several diagnostic methods of nutritional status during the initial management of a head and neck cancer. Study Design Single-center prospective study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods Ninety patients with head and neck cancer participated in the study. Assessment of their nutritional status was made with anthropometric, biological, body, and muscle measurements (the last by computed tomography: L3 muscle mass index [L3MMI]). Assessment of muscle performance (functional reflection of nutritional status) was made via the Short Physical Performance Battery test. The malnutrition thresholds were set according to the literature. Results Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.6 ± 5.4 kg/m. Mean weight loss and albumin levels were -4.5 ± 10.5 kg and 37.1 ± 5.2 g/L, respectively. Fourteen percent of patients were diagnosed as malnourished on the basis of BMI, 54% according to the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), and 58% by L3MMI. There was 64% agreement between NRI and L3MMI ( P < .001). All patients identified as malnourished by BMI were considered as such by the other assessment methods; however, many malnourished patients had normal or high BMI. The Short Physical Performance Battery score was low particularly among patients considered to be the most undernourished by the other methods. Conclusion NRI and L3MMI are the best methods to identify patients as being malnourished. Functional muscle assessment can determine the severity of malnutrition.
Gerhardt syndrome comprises inspiratory dyspnoea without dysphonia. It used to be mainly due to syphilis, but is now mostly observed in the setting of neurodegenerative disease. The authors report a case of Gerhardt syndrome occurring after an episode of primary herpes simplex infection with the presence of herpes simplex virus in the CSF. Treatment by intravenous antiviral drugs allowed rapid resolution of the symptoms. The pathophysiology of Gerhardt syndrome remains unexplained, but the possible role of herpes simplex infection should be considered in cases of laryngeal palsy.
This study demonstrates a priming state of circulating eosinophils in CRSwNP patients when compared with healthy controls, as evidenced by the extent of oxidative metabolism, with increased sensitivity to IL-5 and by the observed variations of percent and MFI of CD49d, CCR3, and CD25. This priming is thus found at the peripheral level and occurs before the migration of eosinophils to polyps, reflecting the systemic and not just local nature of abnormalities in CRSwNP.
Evaluation of endoscopic ethmoidectomy performed as a day-case in terms of security, quality, and satisfaction of the patient. This prospective observatory bi-centric study over 1 year included 74 patients undergoing an ethmoidectomy respecting the eligibility criteria of ambulatory care. We recorded patients' demographic data, operative details, satisfaction, postoperative course, and follow-up results. Nasal symptoms were evaluated by SNOT-22 on preoperative appointment and postoperatively at D30. No non-absorbable nasal packing was used, eventually in the case of preoperative-bleeding absorbable gelatine packing. The postoperative follow-up took place at D1 by phone call and at D10 and D30 to assess complications, Visual Analogue Scale, and state of ethmoidal corridors by endoscopic exam. Patients benefited of bilateral ethmoidectomy in 82.4 % cases associated with septoplasty in 42 %. The majority (95 %) was discharged on the same day. Only one patient had bleeding at D0 and was kept in standard hospitalization, such as three other patients for medical or organizational reasons not related to surgery. At D1, 23 % described postoperative light bleeding but needed no revisit and pain was estimated at 1.3 (VAS). No readmission was observed, and no major complication was noted. SNOT-22 decreased successfully by 56 %, statistically related to postoperative treatment of corticosteroids and in the case of Samter triad. 97 % of patients were satisfied of the ambulatory care. These results suggest that within an experienced and dedicated day-case medical and paramedical team, ethmoidectomy can be safely performed on a day-case basis with high quality of taking care and satisfaction of patients.
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