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Introduction: Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is rare but has high mortality. It is more frequent in immunocompromised patients with multiple comorbidities, which make their management more difficult. The aim of this study is to describe a cohort of patients operated due to AIFRS, their clinical characteristics, mortality, aetiological agent and efficacy of diagnostic tests., Material and Method: Non-concurrent prospective study of patients with AIFRS who were operated between 2005 and 2015 in our centre., Results: Thirty-two patients were included, 62.5% (20/32) men, with an average age of 39.4 years (16-65 years). Overall mortality was 71.9%; acute mortality 46.9% and late mortality 25%. Haematological malignancies were the most common underlying disease, present in 84.4% (27/32) of cases, followed by diabetes mellitus in 9.4% (3/32). On diagnosis, 62.5% (20/32) of patients were neutropenic, 80% (16/20) of them with febrile neutropenia. Fever was the most frequent symptom, present in 65.6% (21/32) of patients, followed by facial pain or headache in 53.1% (17/32). Aspergillus was identified in 37.5% (12/32) of cases and Rhizopus in 31.3% (10/32). There was no association between the analysed variables and increased risk of mortality., Conclusions: AIFRS is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate, therefore a timely diagnosis is fundamental. It is necessary to optimise suspicion criteria for an early diagnosis in order to improve the prognosis., (Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: There is evidence of the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for different pathologies. Objective: To determine the prescription patterns and indications for the use of fluoroquinolones in a group of outpatients in Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive pharmaco-epidemiological study on prescription-indication using a population database where patients with outpatient fluoroquinolone prescriptions were included from May to October, 2018. We obtained the information on sociodemographic, pharmacological, and clinical variables, as well as on the diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases, version 10, and we established if the use was approved by the regulatory agencies or if it was off-label. Results: A total of 23,373 patients were identified who were using fluoroquinolones; their mean age was 47.9 ± 18.1 years and women predominated (n=15,767, 67.5%). Ciprofloxacin was the medication most commonly prescribed (n=19,328, 82.7%), followed by norfloxacin (n=3076, 13.2%), levofloxacin (n=573, 2.5%), and moxifloxacin (n=394; 1.7%). The main indications were urinary tract infection in unspecified site (n=10,777, 46.1%), diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin (n=3077, 13.2%), and acute cystitis (n=956; 4.2%). The prescriptions followed approved indications in 76% (n=17,759) of cases while the rest were used off-label or without indication for nasopharyngitis or soft-tissue infections, for example. Being male (OR=1.26, 95%CI:1.18-1.34) and under 35 years of age (OR=1.92, 95%CI:1.48-1.50) were associated with a greater probability of using fluoroquinolones in unapproved indications. Conclusions: Fluoroquinolones, particularly ciprofloxacin, are being prescribed especially to women with urinary tract infections, but up to a quarter of the patients received them for unapproved indications by regulatory agencies.

Background: The link between upper and lower airways is recognized clinically as a “unique airway”. Subclinical spirometric abnormalities have been observed in patients with rhinitis without asthma, which could be proportional to rhinitis severity., Objectives: To investigate possible subclinical alterations in lung function and bronchodilator reversibility in children and adolescents with allergic (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) without asthma, according to the clinical grade of rhinitis classified by ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma)., Methods: In a cross-sectional analytical study, we included patients aged 5 to 18 years with symptoms of AR and NAR without asthma. Spirometry was performed by flow-volume curve and we analyzed the abnormalities in respiratory function and bronchodilator response in relation to clinical grade of rhinitis by ARIA using an adjusted logistic model., Results: We studied 193 patients; 42 (21.7%) had some spirometric abnormalities. Patients with moderate-severe persistent rhinitis had greater impairment of lung function compared to the other grades of rhinitis (p=0.009). This defect was associated with both frequency (p=0.03) and severity of rhinitis (p=0.04) but not with atopic status (p=0.28). A positive bronchodilator response was more frequent in grades moderate-severe of rhinitis than in mild forms (p=0.04)., Conclusion: Abnormalities of lung function was more prevalent in moderate-severe persistent rhinitis and was associated with the frequency and severity of rhinitis but not to atopic status. The bronchodilator reversibility was observed in patients with intermittent and persistent moderate-severe rhinitis., (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba)

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a high prevalence chronic inflammatory disease that involves nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Immunoglobulin E is an inflammatory mediator that plays an etiopathogenic role in this condition, so omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, might be a therapeutic alternative., Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach., Results and Conclusions: We identified five systematic reviews that included five primary studies overall, of which two correspond to randomized trials. We concluded it is not clear whether omalizumab leads to an improvement in the nasal polyps scale, quality of life, general well-being or nasal symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, because the certainty of the evidence is very low. On the other hand, omalizumab is probably associated with frequent adverse effects.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis is the inflammation of sinonasal mucosa lasting longer than 12 weeks. Two clinical forms are distinguished: chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps and without polyps. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps exhibit high levels of interleukin 5, which promotes differentiation and survival of eosinophils. So, minimizing their circulation has been proposed as a new treatment strategy. However, there is no clarity regarding its real effectiveness., Methods: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach., Results and Conclusions: We identified three systematic reviews included three primary studies overall, all corresponding to randomized trials. We concluded inhibitors of interleukin 5 might decrease nasal polyps score. Although they might be associated with adverse effects, these would be infrequent and of low severity. However, the certainty of the evidence is low.

Introduction and Objectives: Endoscopic sinus surgery is currently the surgical procedure chosen in cases of sinonasal polyposis refractory to medical treatment. The aim of this study was to show our experience in managing such patients operated using endoscopic sinus surgery., Method: A retrospective study of 246 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps who were operated by endoscopic surgery. We studied the characteristics of the population, symptoms, grade of affectation, complications and recurrences., Results: The most frequent comorbidity was asthma (34.6%) and its relationship with Samter's triad (16.3%). Grades 2 and 3 polyposis prevailed according to Lildholdt staging by nasofibroscopy, coinciding with the radiological preoperative staging. The microdebrider did not shorten surgical time but it lowered complications. Reducing the average stay with the use of absorbable haemostatic agents and their effectiveness in controlling hemostasis were statistically significant. We found 23.2% complications, with only one (.4%) being a major complication; the rest were minor complications, with synechiae as the most frequent (16.3%)., Conclusion: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive and safe technique. Absorbable haemostatic agents are an effective alternative to get complete and stable hemostasis, reducing mean hospital stay. Synechiae continue being the most frequent complication. The fact that many patients recurred but without complications speaks in favour of a natural evolution of the disease and not of the influence of technique., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. All rights reserved.)

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common source of antibiotic prescriptions. Acute pharyngitis is caused mainly by viruses, viral cases can be distinguished from acute streptococcal pharyngitis using Centor clinical epidemiological criteria, by rapid antigen tests or throat culture. Treatment of choice for streptococcal infection is penicillin V given in two daily doses. In children, acute otitis media (AOM) is the infection for which antibiotics are most often prescribed. Predominant causative pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae non-type b and Moraxella catarrhalis. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and otoscopic exam. Antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly in all children<2 years of age, and in older children presenting bilateral AOM, otorrhoea, co-morbidities or severe illness. In Argentina, amoxicillin is the drug of choice given the low penicillin resistance rates for S. pneumoniae. In children who fail amoxicillin therapy, amoxicillin/clavulanate provides better coverage against beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Rhinosinusitis is caused mainly by viruses, secondary bacterial complication occurs in less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and additional studies are not usually required. Acute bacterial sinusitis is caused by the same pathogens that cause AOM and amoxicillin is the drug of choice.

Background and Objectives: Rhinitis and asthma are linked by common epidemiological, clinical and inflammatory features. The objective of the AIR study was to understand the prevalence and characteristics of rhinitis in adult asthmatic patients who were seen in either primary or secondary care (Allergy or Pulmonology) in Spain., Patients and Methods: This was a prospective epidemiological study with the participation of 1,369 randomly selected physicians. Five thousand six hundred sixteen asthmatic patients older than 18 years of age were selected and the study was carried out between February-September 2006. Demographic data, rhinitis prevalence, pulmonary function, allergy tests and treatments were analyzed., Results: Some 75% (N=4,212) of the asthmatic patients presented with additional rhinitis and these were characterised as being both younger (41.3 vs 50.4 years; p<0.0001) and with less severe asthma (FEV(1)=86.6 vs 79.3%, p<0.0001) than asthmatic patients without rhinitis. A positive correlation was found between asthma and rhinitis severity (p<0.0001) whilst atopy was significantly associated with the presence of rhinitis (81 vs 48%; OR: 4.80; CI 95%: 4.2-5.5). The presence of co-morbid rhinitis was associated with a higher number of asthma exacerbations (p<0.001)., Conclusions: Some 75% of our asthmatic patients had associated rhinitis and this association was more frequent in atopic subjects. There is a positive correlation between the severity of rhinitis and asthma and between the number of asthma exacerbations and the presence of rhinitis. These results support the main message of ARIA and GEMA recommendations regarding the integral management of airways to improve the control of asthma., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi of the Mucorales order. It has a low incidence and is a potentially lethal infection which generally affects patients who are immunocompromised due to systemic disease. We report 7 cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a retrospective study of 8 years (2000-2008) in haematological patients. An early diagnosis is essential, and therefore there must be a high level of clinical suspicion in patients with predisposing factors. Certainty diagnosis requires fungal cultures or biopsies of the affected areas which prove an invasion of the tissues by the characteristic hyphae. The key to treatment is early and aggressive surgical treatment, together with high intravenous doses of amphotericin B. Despite this, prognosis is poor and mortality is about 70-80%., (2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Adverse reactions to nonsteroidal antinflammatory drugs are the second cause of reactions to drugs after beta-lactams. Prevalence of these reactions among general population is between 0.1-0.3%, and prevalence of nonsteroidal antinflammatory drug-induced anaphylaxis is 0.01%. Acetylsalicylic acid or nonsteroidal antinflammatory drug sensitivity can be manifested as acute urticaria, angioedema, acute asthma, acetylsalicylic acid exacerbated respiratory disease and anaphylaxis. An updated review based on three cases of patientes with acetylsalicylic acid or nonsteroidal antinflammatory drug intolerance is presented in which, because of their concomitant diseases, permanent treatment with acetylsalicylic acid was required. After undergoing a fast acetylsalicylic acid desentization protocol in an intensive care unit, these patients were able to receive daily acetylsalicylic acid doses without any adverse effects.

The publication of different studies, articles and documents over recent years greatly justifies the revision of the year 2003 Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of rhinosinusitis made jointly by the Spanish Society of Chemotherapy and the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Cervical Facial Pathology. The most significant features to be analyzed consider a new classification, the accumulated evidence on the role of first line of nasal corticosteroids, the demonstration of the utility of different antimicrobial agents with wide clinical experiences and the appearance of clinical studies with new antimicrobial agents that support their utility. Due to its evolution, rhinosinusitis is considered to be acute (viral or non-viral origin) if it lasts less than 12 weeks, chronic when it exceeds this time period and recurrent acute when three or more acute episodes are suffered in one year. Based on its severity, rhinosinusitis can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Rhinosinusitis may present without or with complications. Rhinosinusitis symptoms resolve spontaneously in 40% of the patients. However, medical treatment is indicated to provide symptomatic relief, accelerate the resolution of the clinical picture, prevent possible complications and avoid evolution to chronicity. Antimicrobial agents and topical nasal corticosteroids (used alone or in combination with antimicrobial agents) are the treatments that have demonstrated therapeutical utility in rigorous and controlled clinical trials. In mild acute maxillary rhinosinusitis without previous antibiotic treatment, the treatment of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate or cefditoren, while when it is moderate or mild in patients previously treated with antibiotics, levofloxacin or moxifloxacin are preferable, the amoxicillin/clavulanate or cefditoren drugs remaining as good alternatives. In the severe forms, third generation cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime or ceftriaxone, are indicated and amoxicillin/clavulanate or ertapenem are good options in the non-polypoidal chronic forms.

Introduction: Rhinosinusitis is one of the more common diseases encountered in outpatient visits to health care. The objective of this study was to determine the most cost-effective antibiotic treatment for patients with acute (RSA) and chronic rhinosinusitis (RSC) that is available at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)., Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis of RSA and RSC treatment from an institutional perspective. Effectiveness outcome was defined as the percentage of cure. A decision tree with a Bayesian approach included the following therapeutic alternatives: ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol (TMP/SMX), amoxicilin/clavulanic acid (AAC) and clindamicin., Results: Treatment for RSA with AAC showed a mean cost per cured patient of $ 878 pesos. The remaining antibiotics had a higher cost per unit of success, and therefore the results showed that AAC was the best alternative considering this criterion. The therapy that showed a larger percentage of cured patients in RSC was clindamicin; however, the therapeutic alternative with the lowest cost per successful unit was the one based on ciprofloxacin, which dominates gatifloxacin and AAC., Conclusions: The most cost-effective alternative in the antibiotic treatment of patients with RSA was ACC while for RSC it was ciprofloxacin; sensitivity analysis showed the strength of the base study results.

The objectives of this study are: 1) to assess the anatomical distribution of a topical liquid nasal gel in patients with and without rhinitis using a metered dose nasal pump, and 2) to determine whether the distribution pattern is influenced by dosage and delivery technique. Thirty-nine volunteers were evaluated, 26 without nasal inflammation and 13 with rhinitis. Patients self-administered the nasal spray according to the specifications in one fossa and incorrectly in the other one (sniffing and double doses). The findings showed that the nasal gel delivered by spray did not penetrate beyond the inferior part of the middle turbinate, regardless of delivery technique (double dose with sniffing or single dose without sniffing) and the presence or absence of inflammation.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of mequitazina in the relieve of symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis., Patients and Methods: An open, non comparative, national multicenter study (performed by pediatricians, oto-rhino-laryngologists and allergists of different states of Mexico), in order to describe the clinical experience related to treatmente efficacy with oral mequitazina in pediatric formulation about diminished characteristic symptoms of allergic rhinitis, assessed by the physician and patient., Results: Physicians considered that efficacy was excellent in 42% of patients, very good in 38%, good in 16%, regular in 3% and bad in 0.2%. Patients assessed as: excellent in 47% of patients, very good in 35%, good in 15%, regular in 2% and bad in 1%. Only 5% of patients experienced adverse effects, which were transient and did not need treatment withdrawal., Conclusions: Mequitazina is an option to relieve symptoms of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Background: Rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory response affecting mucosa membrane of nasal cavity of one or more paranasal sinus. Its prevalence is of 14 and 5-13% in adults and children, respectively. Rhinosinusitis causes high rate of scholar and labor absenteeism., Objective: To know diagnostic and treatment criteria of rhinosinusitis in units of familial medicine, otolaryngology and allergy., Material and Methods: A series of 25 patients randomly obtained from familial medicine units 21 and 28 of the IMSS, was studied. Diagnosis was assessed according to 1998 Consensus and computed tomography was considered the gold standard. It was performed to all patients and evaluated by a study-blind radiologist., Results: Diagnosis of rhinosinusitis was done by familial medicine unit in 68%, otolaryngology service in 40% and allergy service in 64%. Clinical criteria most used were nasal congestion and anterior and posterior nasal discharge. The more requested examination was computed tomography (38.7%) and in 30% of cases, medical treatment was not prescribed., Conclusions: Familial physicians, otolaryngologists and allergists use, with low frequency, international criteria for diagnosis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngologists perform other differential diagnosis.

There is enough evidence of an epidemiological, etiological and physiopathological link between chronic rhinitis (usually allergic) and asthma, and also between chronic sinusitis (generally bacterial) and this disease. Allergic inflammation of nasal mucosa could favor the development of chronic sinusitis. Indeed, some authors believe that the term "rhinosinusitis" should be used as nasal and sinus mucosa are one and the same thing. Some studies have demonstrated that treatment of chronic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis produces a benefit in the evolution of asthma when both diseases co-occur in the same patient, which suggests a therapeutic link. However, there is insufficient evidence that adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy worsen the evolution of asthma. When managing the asthmatic child, physicians should not forget to pay attention to the upper respiratory tract, evaluating and treating diseases in this area if necessary, as such therapeutic measures will also benefit asthma control.

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a bacterial pharyngeal pathogen that predominantly infects adolescents and young adults. It rarely causes severe infection. A case of sinusitis in an 18-year-old female patient with a skin rash is presented. The strain was susceptible to erythromicin, ampicilin, vancomicin, cephalotin, clindamicin, rifampicin and penicillin. Erythromicin has been proposed as first-line therapy.

Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the lining of the nose, characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing and itching. Modifications of nose secretion and of the blood supply of the nasal mucosa are responsible for development of rhinitis. Cholinergic and adrenergic agents as well as histamine, 5-hydroxytriptamine, kallidin and substance P are mediators of inflammation in rhinitis. The topical pharmacological principles we have today for management of rhinitis include: antihistamines, corticosteroids, anticholinergic agents, decongestants, sodium cromoglycate, nasal douching and aromatic inhalations.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of levocabastine nasal spray asid cetirizine oral for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis in children., Material and Methods: In this randomized, prospective experimental, open clinical trial. We studied 30 children with ages between 6 and 16 years with perennial allergic rhinitis. Group 1, 17 subjects (7 female, 10 male) received cetirizine once daily, 5 mg children weientig less dian 30 k asid 10 mg in children weighing more trw' 30 k during 15 days. Group 2, 13 subjects (7 male, 6 female) received levocabastine 2 puffs BID on each nostril during tbe same time. A nasal symptoms score, nasal peal: flow vid eosinophils in a nasal smear were performed before and after treatment., Results: There were no statistical differences in age, weight, height and arid duration of symptoms. Both groups showed improvement of symptoms via nasal peak flow with no differences between them (intergroup); nasal eosinophils remained unchanged. We for third statistical differences pre vid postreatment in each group (intragroup): Group 1, nasal congestion p = 0.002, ocular itch p = 0.01, sneezing p = 0.007, nasal secretion p = 0.01, nasal itch O = 0.009, total points O = 0.0005. Group 2, nasal congestion O = 0.02, ocular itch p = 0.05, sneezing p = 0.01, nasal secretion p = 0.01, nasal itch p = 0.04, total points p = 0.005. Significant differences were found in nasal peal' flow in Group 1 (p = 0.01) but no differences in eosinophils between file two groups. Side effects: 3 subjects in Group 1 (drowsiness, 1 appetite increase said 1 rhinorrea with epistaxis) vide 1 in Group 2 sensation of facial edema., Conclusion: Bofil drugs are effective the clinical relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in children vied levocabastine has less side effects.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of astemizole-pseudoephedrine solution compared to loratadine-pseudoephedrine syrup in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Fifty children (34 boys and 16 girls) ages between 2 and 7 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to each group. Patients were evaluated before treatment and on the third and seventh days of therapy. Children treated with astemizole-pseudoephedrine had better results with an average effectiveness of 84% compared to 64% for children treated with loratadine-pseudoephedrine. Differences were significant for eye symptoms by medical evaluation and for blocked nose, sneezing and itchy nose according to the patients diary. Both treatment groups started action within 30 minutes after drug intake. 4 hours later, 38% of the patients in the astemizole-pseudoephedrine group and 16% in the loratadine-pseudoephedrine groups had experienced improvement. One patient in the former and three in the latter showed adverse effects.

Thirty four patients with allergic rhinitis were included in two randomized groups and treated with Cetirizine and Astemizole respectively, 10 mg/day in oral administration during 15 days. This study was designed in order to compare the efficacy and tolerance of Cetirizine versus Astemizole, with special reference on the collateral effects on the central nervous system. Although both drugs showed good results. Cetirizine had a statistically significant better outcome in the evolution of symptoms, above all at the second day of treatment. Also it showed superior results, based on a subjective approach, related to the rapidity, power and efficacy of its action.

This study included the review of 1000 clinical histories of allergic diseases, in a retrospective way, that was seeing in the Service of Allergy of the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría in Mexico city. All the patients were previously diagnosed with several allergic pathologiest like: bronchial asthma, rhinitis, asthma and rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, etc. All the patients received as main therapeutic treatment ketotifen at least during 3 months to 12 months. Global improvement in all patients with the use of ketotifen, reach 84%, including all the pathologiest studied. The tolerance of the drug specially in children was very good.

Is a brief review of the allergic rhinosinusitis, the role of the immunology in the etiopathogenesis, remarking the importance of the good clinical study which is the corner stone of the diagnosis and which what others diseases make a differential diagnosis. We present also some of the ways to treat the rhinosinusitis including preventive drugs, hyposensitivity and symptomatic medications.