Search

Deep neck infections (DNI) spread along fascial planes and involve neck spaces. Very few studies have investigated potentially prognostic factors using multivariate statistical models. Our aim was to analyze 282 consecutive cases of DNI using multivariate (logistic) statistical models to identify independent significant factors influencing prognosis in terms of complications and long-term hospitalization (>6 days). In our series, only involvement of more than one neck space was independently significant in prognosticating complications of DNI (odds ratio [OR] 2.46). The presence of comorbidities (OR 2.13), non-odontogenic sites of origin (OR 1.88), leukocyte counts above 11.0 cells × 10/L at presentation (OR 3.57), and the need for both medical and surgical treatments (OR 4.66) was significantly and independently prognostic of long hospital stays. Multivariate analysis can distinguish between risk factors and their relative contribution to outcome. The few published studies using multivariate models to analyze DNI prognosis considered quite large cohorts, but no clinical variables persistently revealed an independent significant prognostic role. This evidence seems to underscore the complex interdependence of several clinical variables in contributing to DNI prognosis, and the heterogeneity of the diagnostic/therapeutic approaches adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the vestibular system, aging is associated with degenerated otoconia and loss of hair cells, vestibular afferents, and cells in the vestibular nuclei. Further neurodegenerative processes involve cortical, extrapyramidal motor, and cerebellar structures. Dizziness is quite common in the elderly, limiting their mobility and activities. The role of vestibular rehabilitation in these patients is controversial. The present prospective, randomized, preliminary investigation aimed to compare the effect of a 6-week posturography-assisted vestibular rehabilitation protocol (30 min a week) combined with a home-based exercise program (group A, 14 randomly assigned elderly patients) with the same home-based exercise program alone (group B, 14 randomly assigned elderly patients) for treating dizziness due to central vestibular dysfunction in elderly patients. The outcomes were analyzed using the 25-item Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and computerized posturography. After rehabilitation, group A scored significantly better in the DHI for the functional ( p = 0.0016) and emotional ( p = 0.01) domains and total score ( p = 0.001); only the emotional domain improved significantly in group B ( p = 0.038). Group A improved significantly in some posturographic parameters in the motor tests (reaction time, movement velocity, and endpoint excursion), while group B experienced more limited improvements. Our preliminary results with a program of posturography-assisted vestibular rehabilitation, and home-based exercises are more promising than with home-based exercises alone. A new study on a larger series of elderly patients with central vestibular dysfunctions is currently underway at Padova University, considering the effect of a protocol involving rehabilitation with computerized posturography alone and the relationship between outcomes and the duration of rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) respond very differently to radiotherapy (RT). Since clinical factors cannot accurately predict its effects, biological parameters have been investigated, including tumor hypoxia. CD105 is a hypoxia-inducible glycoprotein emerging as a potential prognostic indicator for several solid malignancies. Angiogenin is upregulated under hypoxic conditions and supports primary and metastatic tumor growth. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation stimulates tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the prognostic importance of hypoxia-inducible factors (CD105, angiogenin) and EGFR in a series of patients who underwent primary surgery followed by RT for laryngeal SCC. 25 consecutive patients with laryngeal SCC given postoperative RT have been investigated. CD105, angiogenin, and EGFR immunohistochemical expressions in primary laryngeal SCCs have been evaluated also with image analysis. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in SCC patients with a CD105 expression >10.0% ( P = 0.012) and their disease-free survival (DFS) was shorter ( P = 0.044). Neither angiogenin (in the carcinoma cells or endothelial cells) nor EGFR expression were associated with the prognosis in our patients after primary surgery followed by RT for laryngeal SCC. CD105 should be studied as a potentially predictive biomarker for identifying laryngeal SCCs at higher risk of early recurrence after postoperative RT. Targeted anti-CD105 therapy associated with RT should also be investigated in patients with laryngeal SCCs characterized by high CD105 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]