Abdullah Dalgic

Does iron deficiency anemia affect olfactory function

Abstract Conclusion This study found a negative effect of IDA on olfactory function. IDA leads to a reduction in olfactory function, and decreases in hemoglobin levels result in further reduction in olfactory function. Objective This study examined the effects of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) on olfactory function. Method The study enrolled 50 IDA patients and 50 healthy subjects. Olfactory function was evaluated using the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test. The diagnosis of IDA was made according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results Patients with IDA had a significantly lower threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) value, and a lower threshold compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of smell selectivity values.

Effects of Use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device on Glaucoma

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of glaucoma in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to determine the efficacy of the equipment used in the treatment of this disease. Material/Methods In this cross-sectional study, 38 patients with OSAS used the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device (Group 1) and 32 patients with OSAS refused CPAP device (Group 2). Thirty-six patients did not have OSAS (Group 3). Results Patient age, gender, height, weight, and neck circumference did not differ among groups (p>0.05); and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) values did not differ between Groups 1 and 2 (p>0.05). Vision and pachymetric values did not differ among groups (p>0.05). The IOP was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p<0.05) but did not differ between Groups 1 and 3 (p>0.05). The fundus C/D ratio was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Group 2 than in the other groups but did not differ between Groups 1 and 3 (p>0.05). In Group 1, 2, and 3, 5.2%, 12.5%, and 0%, respectively, of patients had glaucoma. Conclusions OSAS should be considered a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Eye tests may help to identify individuals with undiagnosed OSAS, and such testing of patients with diagnosed OSAS may allow early detection of glaucoma and referral of such patients for CPAP therapy to prevent development of complications.

The Effects of Nasal Packing and Transseptal Suturing After Septoplasty on Olfactory Function, Patient Comfort, and Mucociliary Clearance.

Background:This study compared the effects of nasal packing and transseptal suturing after septoplasty by evaluating olfactory function, pain, and mucociliary clearance. Methods:The study enrolled 39 patients diagnosed with isolated septal deviation. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In Group A (n = 21), transseptal sutures were placed for septal stabilization after the septoplasty. In Group B (n = 18), both nasal passages were packed with Merocel tampons after the septoplasty. It was made Sniffin Sticks test, sacchranirine test, and pain and discomfort scales preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively and 3 months postoperatively on all patients. Results:There was no postoperative bleeding, submucoperichondrial haematoma, or abscess formation in either group. The postoperative discomfort and pain scores were increased in Group B (the packing group) in our study, the mucociliary clearance improved after septoplasty in both groups, and there was no significant difference in mucociliary clearance between the 2 groups. The odor threshold, odor identification, and odor discrimination were significantly increased 3 months postoperatively, but not 1 week postoperatively. Conclusions:Nasal packing causes more discomfort and pain than transseptal suturing, while there was no significant difference in olfactory functions or the mucociliary clearance after septoplasty between nasal packing and transseptal suturing.

Modified Mallampati Score Improves Specificity of STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background: An accurate, clinical screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that identifies patients for further diagnostic testing would assist in the diagnosis of this comorbidity. One example, the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ), has been validated as a screening tool with high sensitivity. However, its specificity may result in a high false-positive rate. The aim of this study to determine if addition of the Modified Mallampati score to the SBQ improves its specificity. Methods: The authors studied 162 patients referred to the Sleep Disorders Clinic at Yedikule Chest Disease Education and Research Hospital. All patients were prospectively screened for risk of OSA using the SBQ, their oral anatomy was assessed by Modified Mallampati scoring, and sleep quality characterized by polysomnography. Polysomnography results were reviewed when available and the predictive performance of the SBQ and the modified SBQ scoring models were compared. Results: In the authors’ study an SBQ score ≥3 yielded sensitivities of 0.85, 0.86, and 0.91 for Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h, respectively, and specificities of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.18. The modified SBQ with a cutoff of ≥4 (>3) points for AHI levels of >5, >15, and >30 yielded respective sensitivities of 0.84, 0.86, and 0.91 and specificities of 0.25, 0.26, and 0.27. Conclusions: The authors results from indicated the modified SBQ with a cutoff of >3 points in this study was more specific than the standard SBQ but no less sensitive, and may be used in identifying OSA patients for further diagnostic evaluation or avoiding unnecessary testing.

Evaluation of the articulatory characteristics of voice in cochlear implanted children

Objective: To investigate the effect of cochlear implantation on articulation by using voice- onset time (VOT). Methods: At the first phase of this study, a total of 25 children without hearing loss were examined. VOT values of Turkish plosive consonants of /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/ specific to this age group were estimated, and their standardization was achieved. To this end, Kay Elemetrics CSL 4400 software (Key Elemetrics Ltd, Lincoln Park, NJ, USA) was used. Referencing these VOT values, 40 children ages ranging between 4 and 11 years who underwent cochlear implantation in our clinic were divided into six groups based on the duration of cochlear implantation, and VOT values were determined in these groups. These groups were compared within themselves, and with healthy children. Results: VOT values of consonants increased as the duration of cochlear implantation increased and approached to those of the children with normal hearing, and at the end of four years of cochlear implant use, they caught up with those of the normal hearing group. Conclusion: Our results have shown that early stage implantation, and use of implant for an adequate time period have a favorable impact on articulation in other words on comprehensibility of speech. We thought that VOT can be use in the evaluation of the effect of cochlear implant on the development of speech.