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What is known and objective: Prior to nasotracheal intubation (NTI), topical nasal vasoconstrictors are used to prevent NTI‐related epistaxis (NTIRE). Since we learned that there is no significant increase in NTIRE among hypertensive patients undergoing NTI with adequate lubrication but without vasoconstrictors, we initiated this randomized controlled study to assess the necessity of vasoconstrictor use in reducing NTIRE. Methods: Patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification 1 and normal coagulation function, planned to undergo maxillofacial surgery with NTI were enrolled. Patients were randomly (1:1) assigned to each of the treatment groups: nasal treatment using pure oxybuprocaine gel with adequate lubrication (group G) or 1% ephedrine in addition to oxybuprocaine gel with adequate lubrication (group EG). In addition, the incidence and severity of NTIRE and intubation adjustments were studied. Results: A total of 844 patients, 429 and 415 (groups G and EG, respectively), were included in the analysis. No significant differences were observed in the NTIRE incidence rates in groups G (28%) and EG (27%; p = 0.75, relative risk [RR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.29). No significant differences in the NTIRE incidence rates between the two nostrils were observed in both groups (group G: left, 27.9% vs. right, 28% [p = 0.98, RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.67–1.51]; group EG: left, 25.8% vs. right, 27.9% [p = 0.63, RR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.72–1.73]. No significant difference was observed in the severity of NTIRE (p = 0.74). In case of difficult advancement of the endotracheal tube, NTIRE incidence was 71% vs. 12% with smooth intubation (p < 0.01, RR = 18.33, 95% CI 12.55–26.77). What is new and conclusion: Well‐lubricated nasotracheal intubation does not require pretreatment with ephedrine to reduce NTIRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This meta-analysis investigated the association between functional COX-2 gene polymorphisms and the risk of oral cancer. Methods. Several electronic databases were searched for published studies using combinations of keywords related to COX-2 gene polymorphisms and oral cancer. After selection of relevant studies, following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, data was performed using STATA 12.0 software. Results. We retrieved 83 studies from database search using specific search terms. After multiple rounds of selection and elimination, 7 studies were finally identified as suitable to be included in our present meta-analysis, based on their relevance and data integrity. These 7 studies contained a combined total of 2,296 oral cancer patients and 3,647 healthy controls. Our findings demonstrated that +837 T > C (rs5275) polymorphism in COX-2 showed statistically significant differences in gene frequencies in case and control groups in allele model and dominant model. Similar results were obtained with COX-2 gene polymorphism 765 G > C (rs20417). On the other hand, 1195 A > G (rs689466) polymorphism in COX-2 did not confer susceptibility to oral cancers. Conclusion. Based on our results, COX-2 gene polymorphisms, +837 T > C (rs5275) and −765G > C (rs20417), showed clear links with oral cancer susceptibility, and the 1195A > G (rs689466) polymorphism did not show such a correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]