Ji Heui Kim

Compliance with Positive Airway Pressure Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objectives Positive airway pressure (PAP) is considered a standard treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, compliance with PAP treatment is suboptimal because of several types of discomfort experienced by patients. This study investigated compliance with PAP therapy, and affecting factors for such compliance, in OSA patients. Methods We performed a survey on 69 patients who engaged in PAP therapy between December 2006 and November 2007. After diagnostic polysomnography and manual titration, patients trialed PAP using the ResMed instrument and explored autoadjusting PAP (APAP), continuous PAP (CPAP), and flexible PAP (using expiratory pressure relief [EPR]) at least once every week for 1 month. Compliance measures were mean daily use (hr), percentage of days on which PAP was used, and percentage of days on which PAP was used for >4 hr. Data were obtained at night using the software Autoscan version 5.7® of the ResMed Inc. We obtained data on anthropometric (age, BMI, neck circumflex, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, hypertension, alcohol intake), polysomnographic data (severity of apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], proportion of nonsupine sleep time, position dependence of sleep), PAP mode and AHI during PAP use for affecting factors. Results After 1 month, 41 of the 69 patients (59.4%) were pleased with PAP therapy and purchased instruments. Twenty-four patients (34.7%) used PAP for more than 3 months. The percentage of days on which PAP was used was statistically higher in patients with hypertension than in normotensive patients (P=0.003). There were negative correlations 1) between nonsupine position sleep time and percentage of days on which PAP was used (r=-0.424, P=0.039), and 2) between the AHI during PAP use and the percentage of days on which PAP was used for >4 hr (r=-0.443, P=0.030). There were no statistical differences between AHI, BMI, PAP pressure, or other measured parameters, on the one hand, and compliance, on the other. Conclusion The affecting factors for PAP use were hypertension history, sleep posture (shorter nonsupine sleep time), and lower AHI during PAP use.

The prognostic value of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) and offer recommendations for determining surgical extent based on loss of contrast enhancement (LoCE), which reveals tissue ischemia from fungal invasion. METHODS Preoperative and postoperative Gd-enhanced MRI was evaluated in 21 patients with confirmed AIFRS who underwent wide debridement and antifungal therapy. Patients were subdivided by AIFRS-specific survival. LoCE and contrast enhancement (CE) of intrasinonasal and extrasinonasal sites in preoperative and postoperative MRI were compared between the two groups. RESULTS All patients had preoperative intrasinonasal LoCE and CE lesions, which did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. Bone destruction on CT was detected in 8 of 16 survivors (50%) and 4 of 5 non-survivors (80%). Intrasinonasal LoCE lesions were completely removed by surgery in all cases. Postoperative extrasinonasal LoCE lesions were found in all non-survivors but no survivors (p < 0.001). However, postoperative intrasinonasal and extrasinonasal CE lesions were detected in both survivors and non-survivors (p = 0.119 and p = 0.111, respectively). In addition, remission of hematologic diseases at the time of diagnosis of AIFRS and blood sugar control in diabetic patients were significantly associated with AIFRS-specific survival (p = 0.028 and p = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS LoCE lesions, which have to be surgically removed, should be screened using Gd-enhanced MRI for an earlier diagnosis of AIFRS, determination of surgical extent, and management of follow-up. Remnant LoCE lesions after surgery, active hematologic diseases, and poorly controlled blood sugar adversely affect the AIFRS-survival.

Natural killer cells regulate eosinophilic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis

Eosinophils play a major pathologic role in the pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory diseases including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Dysregulated production of prostaglandin (PG), particularly PGD2, is considered to be an important contributing factor to eosinophilic inflammation in CRS primarily through proinflammatory and chemotactic effects on eosinophils. Here, we provide evidence that PGD2 can promote eosinophilic inflammation through a suppression of Natural killer (NK) cell effector function and NK cell-mediated eosinophil regulation. Eosinophil apoptosis mediated by NK cells was significantly decreased in CRS patients compared with healthy controls. This decrease was associated with NK cell dysfunction and eosinophilic inflammation. Tissue eosinophils were positively correlated with blood eosinophils in CRS patients. In a murine model of CRS, NK cell depletion caused an exacerbation of blood eosinophilia and eosinophilic inflammation in the sinonasal tissue. PGD2 and its metabolite, but not PGE2 and a panel of cytokines including TGF-β, were increased in CRS patients compared with controls. Effector functions of NK cells were potently suppressed by PGD2-dependent, rather than PGE2-dependent, pathway in controls and CRS patients. Thus, our results suggest decreased NK cell-mediated eosinophil regulation, possibly through an increased level of PGD2, as a previously unrecognized link between PG dysregulation and eosinophilic inflammation in CRS.

Human Rhinovirus-induced Proinflammatory Cytokine and Interferon-β Responses in Nasal Epithelial Cells From Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Purpose Asthma exacerbation from human rhinovirus (HRV) infection is associated with deficient antiviral interferon (IFN) secretion. Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), an inflammatory upper airway disease, is closely linked to asthma, IFN-β responses to HRV infections in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from CRS patients remain to be studied. We evaluated inflammatory and antiviral responses to HRV infection in HNECs from CRS patients. Methods HNECs, isolated from turbinate tissue of 13 patients with CRS and 14 non-CRS controls, were infected with HRV16 for 4 hours. The HRV titer, LDH activity, production of proinflammatory cytokines and IFN-β proteins, and expression levels of RIG-I and MDA5 mRNA were assessed at 8, 24, and 48 hours after HRV16 infection. Results The reduction in viral titer was slightly delayed in the CRS group compared to the non-CRS control group. IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased to a similar extent in both groups after HRV infection. In the control group, IFN-β production and MDA5 mRNA expression were significantly increased at 8 and 24 hours after HRV16 infection, respectively. By contrast, in the CRS group, IFN-β was not induced by HRV infection; however, HRV-induced MDA5 mRNA expression was increased, but the increase was slightly delayed compared to the non-CRS control group. The RIG-I mRNA level was not significantly increased by HRV16 infection in either group. Conclusions HRV-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in CRS patients was not different from that in the non-CRS controls. However, reductions in viral titer, IFN-β secretion, and MDA5 mRNA expression in response to HRV infection in CRS patients were slightly impaired compared to those in the controls, suggesting that HRV clearance in CRS patients might be slightly deficient.

Natural Killer Cell Deficits Aggravate Allergic Rhinosinusitis in a Murine Model

Objective: Defective innate immune functions can contribute to chronic rhinosinusitis (RS). Recently, it has been reported that chronic RS patients show impaired function of natural killer (NK) cells. We investigated the role of NK cells in eosinophilic inflammation in an allergic RS mouse model. Methods: Mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection received nasal challenges with OVA for 5 weeks. NK cell depletion was achieved by intraperitoneal injections of anti-asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide (ASGM1) antibodies 10 days before OVA sensitization and every 5 days thereafter until sacrifice. Sinonasal complex samples were evaluated histologically, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, MIP-2, and eotaxin levels were measured in the nasal lavage fluid. Differential white blood cell counts were also obtained. Results: Allergic RS mice showed significantly more eosinophilic inflammation in the sinonasal mucosa, elevated levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin in the nasal lavage fluid, and peripheral blood eosinophilia compared to control mice. The depletion of NK cells by anti-ASGM1 treatment induced more prominent eosinophilic inflammation and increased secretion of IL-5 and peripheral blood eosinophilia in allergic RS mice. Conclusion: The depletion of NK cells aggravates allergen-induced sinonasal eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting that impaired NK cell activity may be an exacerbating factor in eosinophilic chronic RS.

Excision of a Nasal Dermoid Sinus Cyst via Open Rhinoplasty Approach and Primary Reconstruction Using Tutoplast-Processed Fascia Lata.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts are the most common congenital midline nasal lesion, accounting for 1% to 3% of all dermoid cysts, and 4% to 12% of all head and neck dermoids. Selection of the appropriate reconstruction technique, after dermoid resection, is important for treatment. Here we describe the successful management of a case with a nasal dermoid sinus cyst using an open rhinoplasty approach, and primary reconstruction using Tutoplast-processed fascia lata and crushed septal cartilage.

Aesthetic Motivation of Geriatric Rhinoplasty The Surgical Outcome.

Background: Rhinoplasty in the elderly population has recently emerged as an issue in terms of rejuvenation. There, however, is a paucity of published data on geriatric rhinoplasty in Asian patients. The aims of this study were to investigate the motivation of aged Korean patients to undergo the procedure, and to demonstrate our experience of rhinoplasty in patients of 60 years of age and older. Methods: A total of 20 patients, 11 men and 9 women, underwent rhinoplasty between December 2003 and September 2012 at the Asan Medical Center. Anthropometric measurements were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Two independent ENT surgeons viewed photographs to assess the surgical outcomes. Patient satisfaction was graded using a visual analogue scale (from 1 = dissatisfied, to 4 = satisfied) by telephone interview. Results: The rhinoplasty performed in our patient cohort aimed to address deviated nose (30%), postinfectious deformed nose (15%), flat nose (15%), saddle nose (10%), and additional cosmetic rhinoplasty for planned septoplasty (10%). Anthropometric measurements showed statistically significant improvements in nasal tip projection, nasal length, dorsal height, and radix height. The mean satisfaction scores were 2.9 for physicians and 2.5 for patients. Three patients (15%) experienced incomplete improvement of nasal obstruction, and 7 patients (35%) expressed aesthetic dissatisfaction about tip shape or dorsal deviation after rhinoplasty. Three patients (15%) underwent revision rhinoplasty. Conclusions: The aged patients in this study received rhinoplasty to resolve their long-cherished desires. If elderly patients have no risk of general condition, surgeons do not need to discourage a patients wish to improve their appearance.

Treatment outcomes of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: A single-institution study

Abstract Conclusions: CCRT is a potential treatment option for locally advanced sinonasal SCC in terms of organ preservation. Objectives: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is increasingly used for patients with advanced head and neck cancer to preserve organ function and improve survival. In the present study, treatment outcomes were compared between surgery and post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) and CCRT in patients with locally advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods: The records of 30 patients with non-metastatic stage III and IV sinonasal SCC were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients were treated with CCRT and 15 patients underwent PORT. Results: The locoregional recurrence-free, distant metastasis-free, disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates did not differ between PORT and CCRT groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in incidence rates of acute and chronic toxicities between the two groups.

Role of Natural Killer Cells in Airway Inflammation

Natural killer (NK) cells have an immune regulatory function as well as cytotoxicity against tumor or infected cells. In the airway, although NK cells constitute a small proportion of the resident lymphocytes, they play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory airway diseases by modulating immune responses. NK cells can promote allergic airway inflammation by increasing the production of type 2 cytokines and inducing eosinophil migration. The increased activity of NK cells can develop or aggravate the destruction of lung parenchymal cells. On the other hand, decreased apoptotic activity of NK cells in eosinophils can serve as an aggravating factor for allergic airway inflammation. The increase in interferon-γ-producing NK cells and the inhibition of type 2 immune response by NK cells can alleviate allergic airway inflammation. This review aims to define the roles of NK cells in chronic inflammatory diseases of lower and upper airways.