Il Gyu Kang

Inverted papilloma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: A Korean multicenter study

The study group for sinonasal tumors at the Korean Rhinologic Society analyzed the results of the Korean multicenter experience for sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) surgeries.

The effect of high-dose topical corticosteroid therapy on prevention of recurrent nasal polyps after revision endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background Topical corticosteroid spray is widely used after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to reduce the recurrence of polyposis. However, it has not always shown satisfactory results in clinical practice. We compared the effects of topical spray and high-dose topical steroid gauze packing on the prevention of recurrent nasal polyps after ESS. Methods We selected 32 patients with recurrent nasal polyps after ESS. In group 1, 18 patients were treated with topical steroid spray and in group 2,14 patients were treated with triamcinolone acetonide–soaked (40 mg) gauze packing once a week for 2 months after revision ESS. We observed the recurrence of polyps between the two groups for 12 months. Results Polyps recurred in 8 of 18 patients in group 1 compared with 1 of 14 patients in group 2 (p = 0.044). Conclusion High-dose topical corticosteroid therapy may be more effective than low-dose topical therapy in preventing recurrent nasal polyps.

Comparison of 1-point fixation with 2-point fixation in treating tripod fractures of the zygoma.

PURPOSE Zygomatic tripod fracture is relatively common and generally requires open reduction-internal fixation through several incisions. However, lateral eyebrow incisions have sometimes left unsightly scars, and thus we have used 1-point fixation through a buccogingival incision so as not to leave scars in selected cases. The aim of this study was to compare 1-point fixation in the zygomaticomaxillary (ZM) area with 2-point fixation in the ZM and frontozygomatic (FZ) areas in tripod fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is retrospective and was approved by the institutional review board of our hospital. From November 2005 to March 2010, 30 patients were enrolled in this study. We investigated 14 patients with 1-point fixation in the ZM area (group 1), 1 of whom had bilateral tripod fractures, and 16 patients with 2-point fixation in the ZM and FZ area (group 2). We postoperatively checked for 1) unfavorable scars; 2) bony movement, pain, and palpability in the FZ area; 3) satisfaction with surgical outcomes; 4) presence or absence of surgeries for plate removal; and 5) anxiety about no fixation of the FZ area. RESULTS Of 16 patients in group 2, 10 (63%) complained of unsightly scars in the lateral eyebrow incision site, whereas none of the patients in group 1 complained of external scarring. None of the patients complained of bony movement and pain in the FZ area in either group. In group 2, 4 of 16 patients (25%) complained of palpability in the FZ area, whereas none in group 1 complained of palpability. The satisfaction score for surgery was 9.4 ± 1.6 in group 1 and 7.7 ± 2.6 in group 2 (P < .05). Two patients underwent surgery for plate removal in group 2. None of the patients in group 1 complained of any cosmetic problems, with no fixation in the FZ area. CONCLUSIONS One-point fixation in the ZM area in zygomatic tripod fractures can avoid unsightly scars and give high satisfaction with surgical outcomes in selected patients with tripod fractures.

The effect of Korean red ginseng on allergic inflammation in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is reported to have anti-allergic properties, including beneficial effects on asthma and atopic dermatitis. However, its effect on allergic rhinitis has not been studied extensively. This study examined how KRG affected allergic inflammation of the nasal cavity in an allergic mouse model. A total of 40 Balb/c female mice were divided into four experimental groups according to treatment and allergic state: group 1 (G1), saline only; group 2 (G2), ovalbumin (OVA); group 3 (G3), OVA+KRG; and group 4 (G4), OVA+dexamethasone. Serum IgE levels were significantly lower in the KRG treatment group (G3) than in the allergic group (G2). However, serum IgG1 levels did not differ between G2 and G3. In the nasal lavage fluid, IL-4 and IL-5 levels were significantly lower in G3 than in G2 (p<0.05). H&E and Luna staining revealed that the eosinophil count was lower in G3 and G4 than in G2 (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that there were fewer IL-4-, IL- 5-, and MUC5AC-positive cells in G3 and G4 than in G2 (p<0.05). These results indicate that KRG reduces the nasal allergic inflammatory reaction in an allergic murine model by reducing Th2 cytokines.

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with repeated hypoxia and re-oxygenation. This characteristic of OSAS may cause oxidative stress and DNA damage. However, the link of OSAS with oxidative stress and DNA damage is still controversial. In the current study, we investigated whether OSAS causes DNA damage using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) and measuring oxidative stress by monitoring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. METHODS From March 2009 to August 2010, 51 patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) during the night were enrolled in this study. We obtained serum from the patients at 6 AM. DNA damage and oxidative stress were evaluated using a comet assay and measuring serum MDA, respectively. We divided the patients into two groups according to the existence of comets appearing in the comet assay. Group 1 included 44 patients with negative assay results and group 2 consisted of seven patients with positive comet assay findings. We compared the age, gender proportion, PSG data (respiratory disturbance index [RDI], lowest O2 saturation level, and arousal index [AI]), time of disease onset, smoking habits, and serum MDA levels between the two groups. RESULTS The average age and gender proportion of the two groups were not statistically different (P>0.05). The average of RDI for group 1 was 30.4±18.4 and 8.0±7.7 (P<0.01) for group 2. The average of lowest O2 saturation level for group 1 was 81.2±7.2 and 87.4±6.5 (P<0.05) for group 2. The average AI for group 1 was 32.8±15.1 and 20.8±7.7 (P<0.05) for group 2. Similarly, serum MDA levels of the two groups were not statistically different (P>0.05). No relationship between positive comet assay results and OSAS severity was identified. CONCLUSION Results of the current study showed that OSAS was not associated with DNA damage as measured by comet assays or oxidative stress according to serum MDA levels.

Association of T cells and eosinophils with Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin A and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in nasal polyps.

Background Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins (SEs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between SEs and T cells in NPs. Methods After a nasal smear culture, the nasal lavage fluid and NP tissue were obtained from 30 CRS with NP (CRSwNP) patients. The control samples were taken from 10 normal individuals. The presence of S. aureus exotoxin A (SEA) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) was verified through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemical staining for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was performed, followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining for eosinophils. Results The PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining for SEA and TSST-1 showed a significantly higher expression in the NP group when compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, the number of T cells and eosinophils were notably increased in the NP group when compared with that in the control group. Significant correlation was observed between the results of the culture, PCR, and immunohistochemical staining in the NP group. Moreover, the number of T cells and eosinophils was significantly increased in the positive experimental groups, when compared with that in the control group. Conclusion Our results indicate that there was, indeed, some correlation between the expression of SE in the nasal cavity and the increased number of T cells and eosinophils in NPs.

Comparison of tonsillar biofilms between patients with recurrent tonsillitis and a control group

Abstract Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that biofilms play a causative role in recurrent tonsillitis. Objective: To analyze the association between tonsillar biofilms and recurrent tonsillitis. Methods: The recurrent tonsillitis group comprised patients with a history of at least five episodes of tonsillitis per year over the previous 2 years. The control group comprised volunteers scheduled for laryngeal microsurgery with no history of tonsillitis over the previous 2 years. Between October 2009 and August 2010, specimens were obtained from 20 patients with recurrent tonsillitis and 20 volunteers (controls). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the presence of biofilms. Biofilms were graded at a magnification of ×500 by SEM and classified into five grades. The percentages of subjects affected and biofilm grades were compared between the recurrent tonsillitis and control groups. Results: The two groups were matched for age and sex. SEM revealed that biofilms were significantly more prevalent in the recurrent tonsillitis group than in the control group. Furthermore, the biofilms in the recurrent tonsillitis group were of significantly higher grade than those in the control group.

Complications of Septal Extension Grafts in Asian Patients

IMPORTANCE Nasal tip-plasty is one of the most important and difficult parts of rhinoplasty. Three-dimensional positioning of the nasal tip is a vital component in the overall appearance of the tip. The use of a septal extension graft (SEG) is a versatile technique that can supply nasal tip support and aid in positioning of the tip, as well as provide projection and lengthening. However, complications with this method can occur, and the incidence of these issues has risen with the increased use of this technique. OBJECTIVE To investigate the problems resulting from nasal tip surgical procedures using an SEG. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This study involved a retrospective review of 44 consecutive patients who underwent nasal tip-plasty using an SEG. Patient results were analyzed with medical record review, patient questionnaires, and preoperative and postoperative photographs. Anthropometric measurements and analysis were performed for the pre- and postoperative tip projection and nasolabial angle. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence of different complications of SEGs in Asian patients. RESULTS Eighty-six percent of the patients who had SEGs were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their nasal tip. Septal cartilage was the most frequently used material for SEGs. Complications in patients who had SEGs included nasal tip stiffness (45.5%), a decrease of projection (45.5%), nasal tip deviation (11.4%), and infection (4.5%). The revision rate was 9.0%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Asian nasal tip-plasty using an SEG can result in successful outcomes, providing nasal tip support, projection, and length. However, care needs to be taken to prevent complications such as hardness, loss of projection, nasal tip deviation, and infection.

Asian Sand Dust Enhances Allergen-Induced Th2 Allergic Inflammatory Changes and Mucin Production in BALB/c Mouse Lungs

Purpose Recent studies have reported that Asian sand dust (ASD) has a potential risk of aggravating airway inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ASD on inflammation and mucin production in the airways of allergic mice. Methods Forty BALB/c female mice were divided into four groups: saline (group 1); ASD (group 2); ovalbumin (OVA) alone (group 3); and OVA+ASD (group 4). OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was performed on lung tissues. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for IL-4, IL-5, MUC5AC, and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) was conducted. Results Serum IgE levels were significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05). IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF were significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05, respectively). Based on H&E staining, inflammatory cell numbers were significantly greater in group 4 than in the other groups (P<0.05). The number of PAS-positive cells was also significantly greater in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The numbers of IL-4 and IL-5-positive cells were higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05). The number of MUC5AC and TGF-α-positive cells were also higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P<0.05). Conclusions Our data suggest that ASD increases cytokine expression and mucin production in an allergic murine model. The increased inflammatory reactions were related to cytokine production.

The effect of maxillary sinus irrigation on early prognostic factors after endoscopic sinus surgery: a preliminary study.

Background Sinus irrigation has been used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical and surgical treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maxillary sinus saline irrigation on the prevention of purulent rhinorrhea, extensive granulation formation, and polyp recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods This prospective, controlled study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Gachon University Gil Medical Center. Between August 1, 2011, and May 31, 2012, we recruited a total of 30 patients who underwent bilateral ESS. Group A was composed of 15 patients that were treated with bilateral maxillary sinus saline irrigation for 2 months after ESS. Group B was composed of 15 patients who were followed up during the same period after ESS. We checked for persistent purulent discharge, extensive granulation, and recurrent polyps in both groups to evaluate the effects of maxillary sinus irrigation on their prevention. Results Age, gender, and preoperative Lund-Mackay scores were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). In group A, one patient showed polyp recurrence. In group B, one patient showed extensive granulation tissue, two patients showed uncontrolled purulent discharge, three patients showed extensive granulation tissues and uncontrolled purulent discharge, and one patient showed recurrent polyps (p = 0.03). In addition, total endoscopic scores in the 3rd month were significantly different between groups A and B (p = 0.01). Conclusion Maxillary sinus saline irrigation may be effective in the prevention of poor prognostic factors, such as persistent purulent discharge, at the early stages after ESS.