Marcin Durko

Patient-Related Benefits for Adults with Cochlear Implantation: A Multicultural Longitudinal Observational Study

Objectives: To assess subjectively perceived, real-world benefits longitudinally for unilateral cochlear implant (CI) recipients in a multinational population treated routinely. To identify possible predictors of self-reported benefits. Design: This was a prospective, multicenter, repeated-measures study. Self-assessment of performance at preimplantation and postimplantation at 1, 2, and 3 years using standardized, validated, local language versions of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ), and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) was performed. Outcomes were analyzed using a longitudinal mixed-effects model incorporating country effect. Patient demographics were explored for associations with change over time. Subjects: Two hundred ninety-one routinely treated, unilateral CI recipients, aged 13-81 years, from 9 clinics across 4 countries. Results: Highly significant improvements were observed for all outcome measures (p < 0.0001). Postimplantation, mean outcome scores remained stable beyond 1 year, with notable individual variability. A significant association for one or more outcomes with preimplantation contralateral hearing aid use, telephone use, age at implantation, implantation side, preimplantation comorbidities, dizziness, and tinnitus was observed (p < 0.004). Conclusions: Longitudinal benefits of CI treatment can be measured using clinically standardized self-assessment tools to provide a holistic view of patient-related benefits in routine clinical practice for aggregated data from multinational populations. Self-reported outcomes can provide medical-based evidence regarding CI treatment to support decision-making by health service providers.

Angiofibroma jamy nosa i komórek sitowych przednich u kobiety – problemy diagnostyki różnicowej ☆ ☆☆

Summary Background Nasal angiofibromas are commonly called juvenile nasal angiofibromas (JNA) because of the almost exclusive occurrence in adolescent males. It is a relatively rare benign fibrovascular tumor originating in the posterior lateral wall of the nasopharynx with only a very few cases diagnosed in females. Case report Authors present a case of a 26 y.o. woman with JNA in left nasal cavity with extension to the anterior left ethmoid cells diagnosed and surgically treated at the ENT Department, Medical University of Lodz. Patient presented in past medical history: lymphoma malignum – abdominal location – surgical treatment and chemotherapy (1986) with no clinical signs of recurrence. Diagnosis based on histopathologic examination with immunochemical staining (vimentin, actin, desmin, S–100 protein). CT of paranasal sinuses in frontal and axial plains – left nasal cavity filled with a solid pathologic tissue. In the left anterior ethmoid cells extension of the tumor could be seen. Surgical treatment – tumor has been surgically resected with no complications. In a 12 month follow up patient shows no signs of recurrence. Conclusion Although angiofibroma in females is an extremely rare tumor of a sinonasal tract it should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of all nasal cavity tumors (especially solitary fibrous tumor). It is not possible to make differential diagnosis on physical examination. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is histopathologic examination with immunochemical staining.

Revision Stapes Surgery – Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Findings in a Series of 21 Otosclerosis Patients

AIM Retrospective analysis of surgical findings in revision stapes surgery in a group of 21 otosclerosis patients qualified for the secondary procedure at the Otosurgery Department of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, from 1980 to 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS 21 cases of revision stapes surgery out of a total of 350 surgically treated otosclerosis cases are discussed. Group A consisted of 17 cases of revision surgery out of 274 patients who had undergone total stapedectomy (1980-1995) and group B consisted of 4 cases out of 76 patients after stapedotomy (1996-2002). RESULTS In group A, 17 patients underwent revision surgery, corresponding to 6.2% out of 274 total stapedectomy cases. Among the indications for the secondary surgical procedure in this group of patients were: (a) platinum wire prosthesis displacement with ossicular chain discontinuity (n = 12); (b) perichondrium or adipose tissue atrophy (n = 3), and (c) incudostapedial joint luxation (n = 2). Group B was composed of 4 cases, i.e. 5.3% out of 76 stapedotomy patients (Teflon piston operation, 0.6 mm). For both groups, the mean percentage of revision cases was 6% of all patients operated for otosclerosis. Time from the initial surgical procedure to reoperation varied from 1 to 8 years. CONCLUSIONS (1) The most common indication for revision stapes surgery in patients after total stapedectomy was prosthesis displacement and necrosis of the long crus of the incus. (2) Obliteration of the stapes footplate after small fenestra operation was observed to be the most frequent indication for the secondary stapes procedure in our patient groups.

Quality of life and hearing after cochlear implant placement in patients over 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE Multicenter evaluation of the quality of life and quality of hearing after Nucleus® cochlear implant placement in patients over 60 years of age. REFERENCE AND METHOD Evaluation was performed in patients receiving cochlear implants after the age of 60 years as a part of the Cochlear-Implanted Recipient Observational Study (Cochlear-IROS). This study is a prospective, international and long-term assessment which enables observation of recipients for up to three years after implantation. Data regarding subjective evaluation of the quality of life and quality of hearing were gathered before the first switch-on of the sound processor and one year afterwards. Standardized questionnaires were used in this evaluation, including Health Utility Index (HUI mk. III) and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing (SSQ) Scale. Data were also gathered regarding the aetiology of hearing loss, hearing aid usage, tinnitus and vertigo, as well as on the telephone usage and the professional status of recipients. RESULTS Included in the evaluation, were 20 subjects who were over 60 years old at the moment of the cochlear implant surgery. The study group consisted of 12 men and 8 female patients. The average age of CI recipients at the moment of implantation was 67.8 years (min. 60, max. 80 years). The SSQ questionnaire outcomes regarding self-assessment in the field of ability to hear in everyday situations one year after the surgery indicate that speech understanding increased by 180%, spatial hearing increased by 135 % and quality of hearing increased by 98%. Overall quality of life before the first sound processor switch-on as assessed using the HUI questionnaire was at the level of 0.38 (on 0-1 scale, where 0 equals death, and 1 equals full health). One year after the implantation, this assessment increased by 33% (up to 0.5 on the scale). CONCLUSION The effectiveness of the cochlear implantation in patients with severe hearing loss after 60 years of age with respect to the quality of life and hearing was confirmed. Statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in the self-assessment of patients in relation to the speech understanding, spatial hearing and quality of hearing, as well as quality of life.

Subiektywna śródoperacyjna poprawa słuchu u chorych po stapedotomiach w porównaniu z wynikiem kontrolnego badania słuchu w audiometrii tonalnej progowej

Summary In otosclerosis patients the most common procedure followed at Otosurgical Dept. Medical University of Lodz is stapedotomy with insertion of teflon-piston prosthesis. When surgery is finished a whisper hearing test is done from the 1 meter distance for brief intraoperative hearing improvement assessment. There is a number of patient who report subjective intraoperative hearing improvement which is not confirmed by postoperative pure-tone audiometry (2-3rd post-op day). The aim of the study was the analysis of factors influencing stapedotomy (teflon-piston procedure) patients in which intraoperative hearing improvement was not confirmed by postoperative pure-tone audiometry. Material and method Retrospective analysis of postoperative hearing results in patients who underwent stapedotomy (teflon-piston operation) at the Otosurgical Dept. Medical University of Lodz from 2005 to 2009. Results The total number of 142 stapedotomies were analyzed. In 27 ears no hearing improvement was reported (19.1%). Among them 18 reported intraoperative hearing improvement not confirmed on postoperative pure-tone audiometry and 9 cases intraopertively reported no hearing improvement. Patients in Group A (hearing improvement 1–2 month post stapedotomy) – 12 cases (44.4%) with hearing improvement confirmed by pure-tone audiometry and Group B – 15 cases (55.6%) in which no sign of hearing improvement in pure-tone audiometry was reported. Conclusion In patients who intraopertively reported hearing improvement not supported by the pure-tone audiometry the following factors seem to play a vital role: a) strong suggestion and willingness of improvement after surgical treatment, b) specific condition of the whisper hearing test at the operating room environment, c) patients stress during the surgery and strong fear of possible revision surgery.UNLABELLED In otosclerosis patients the most common procedure followed at Otosurgical Dept. Medical University of Lodz is stapedotomy with insertion of teflon-piston prosthesis. When surgery is finished a whisper hearing test is done from the 1 meter distance for brief intraoperative hearing improvement assessment. There is a number of patient who report subjective intraoperative hearing improvement which is not confirmed by postoperative pure-tone audiometry (2-3rd post-op day). THE AIM OF THE STUDY was the analysis of factors influencing stapedotomy (teflon-piston procedure) patients in which intraoperative hearing improvement was not confirmed by postoperative pure-tone audiometry. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective analysis of postoperative hearing results in patients who underwent stapedotomy (teflon-piston operation) at the Otosurgical Dept. Medical University of Lodz from 2005 to 2009. RESULTS The total number of 142 stapedotomies were analyzed. In 27 ears no hearing improvement was reported (19.1%). Among them 18 reported intraoperative hearing improvement not confirmed on postoperative pure-tone audiometry and 9 cases intraopertively reported no hearing improvement. Patients in Group A (hearing improvement 1-2 month post stapedotomy)--12 cases (44.4%) with hearing improvement confirmed by pure-tone audiometry and Group B--5 cases (55.6%) in which no sign of hearing improvement in pure-tone audiometry was reported. CONCLUSION In patients who intraopertively reported hearing improvement not supported by the pure-tone audiometry the following factors seem to play a vital role: a) strong suggestion and willingness of improvement after surgical treatment, b) specific condition of the whisper hearing test at the operating room environment, c) patients stress during the surgery and strong fear of possible revision surgery.

Kliniczna ocena zaburzeń ruchowych gałek ocznych w stwardnieniu rozsianym

Summary Otoneurologic bedside examination with testing eye movements gives valuable information about static and dynamic properties of balance system and may give topodiagnostic information about the side of lesion in patients with vertigo, dizziness and disequilibrium. The aim of the study was to present the scheme of otoneurological bedside examination and usefulness of ocular motor disturbances index in evaluation of Multiple Sclerosis patients status. Material and methods Sixty patients with diagnosis of MS, seen in outpatient neurology clinic, Medical University of Lodz, from 2002 to 2004, were enrolled into the study. Patients history of vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss and vision disturbances were evaluated. The clinical bedside ocularmotor examination was performed in all patients. It was composed of seven tests on the basis on which we introduce ocular motor disturbances index – IRZ. Results The most frequent abnormalities were found in clinical saccadic test in 30% and smooth pursuit in 22%. MS patients who had in clinical eye movements examination IRZ bigger than 3 point formed the abnormal clinical examination group’ (ACE) – 31,7%. In u 68,3% the index was less than normal clinical examination group’ (NCE). The longer duration of the disease was observed in ACE group. Comparisons of functional neurological score EDSS and for cerebellar and brainstem subscale were significantly greater in ACE group. Conclusion Otoneurological bedside examinations with dynamic tests and introducing quantitative the ocular motor disturbances index is a valuable method of evaluation of visual-ocularmotor reflex and may be used in monitoring MS course of disease.

Wpływ rodzaju protezki strzemiączka na stopień poprawy słuchu w chirurgii strzemiączka – analiza retrospektywna 350 przypadków

Summary Aim Retrospective analysis of the post-op hearing results in stapes surgery using different types of materials for stapes prosthesis after 12 months follow up. Material and methods The total number of 350 otosclerosis patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Otosurgery Department, Medical University of Lodz from 1980–2002. All patients included in the study were divided into 4 groups: group 1 (N = 54) – Portmanns method interposition, group 2 (N = 160) – stapes replaced with the Shea – type prosthesis, group 3 (N = 60) – platinum wire prosthesis (Zini – type), group 4 (N = 76) – teflon-piston operation (Fisch – type). Results The 12 months post-op mean value for air-bone gap (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) presented the following values: group 1–19 dB, group 2–15.9 dB, group 3–18.4 dB, group 4–13.5 dB. The percentage of patients with the mean air-bone gap value of 15 dB or less (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) has the following values in each group: group 1–75%, group 2–81.3%, group 3–83%, group 4–85%. Conclusions 12 months post-op hearing results compared between the 4 studied groups showed statistically not significant differences. Our experience with teflon-piston prosthesis shows the lowest postop mean value of the air-bone gap.

Morphological tumor front grading and matrix metalloproteinases type I expression as a prognostic parameter of the presence of lymph node micrometastases in laryngeal carcinoma

Summary Introduction Occult foci of neoplasm cells in lymph nodes (referred to as micrometastases) in various squamous cell carcinomas may be discovered by immunohistochemistry by using anti-CKs (cytokeratine filaments) policlonal antibodies which reactive with epithelial cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic family enzymes represent a group of endopeptidases which are capable to degrading components of the extracellular matrix and have been implicated as playing an important role in cancer invasion and metastases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological parameters and to investigate MT1-MMP expression in laryngeal carcinoma to relate the expression to CKs in pN0 lymph nodes. Materials and methods To presented the direct correlation between the morphological features of tumor front and the probability of micrometastases and prediction of prognosis we have analyzed 22 patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The total score of TFG classification, tumor clinicomorphological features and grade of matrix metalloproteinase membrane type 1 staining in tumor front were analyzed to predict the presence of micrometastases and prognosis. Immunohistochemical methods with a panel of CKs antigens in lymph nodes and MT1-MMP expression in tumor tissue were performed. Results Our study showed that the total morphologic score TFG is very useful in the prediction of micrometastases in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The statistical analysis has revealed a significant correlation between the total TFG score and the depth of invasion and the presence of micrometastases. Positive MT1-MMP expression in 68,2% cases was observed. There was no significant relationship for immunoexpression of MT1-MMP in examined group of patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma and positive poliCKs stain in lymph nodes. Conclusions The results of study suggest that extended traditional pathologic evaluation by features from the TFG classification, especially the depth of invasion, could aid in diagnosis of micrometastases. The positive expression of poliCKs in the conventional pathological examination of pN0 lymph nodes appears to play an important role in determining prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the larynx.INTRODUCTION Occult foci of neoplasm cells in lymph nodes (referred to as micrometastases) in various squamous cell carcinomas may be discovered by immunohistochemistry by using anti-CKs (cytokeratine filaments) policlonal antibodies which reactive with epithelial cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic family enzymes represent a group of endopeptidases which are capable to degrading components of the extracellular matrix and have been implicated as playing an important role in cancer invasion and metastases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological parameters and to investigate MT1-MMP expression in laryngeal carcinoma to relate the expression to CKs in pN0 lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS To presented the direct correlation between the morphological features of tumor front and the probability of micrometastases and prediction of prognosis we have analyzed 22 patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The total score of TFG classification, tumor clinicomorphological features and grade of matrix metalloproteinase membrane type 1 staining in tumor front were analyzed to predict the presence of micrometastases and prognosis. Immunohistochemical methods with a panel of CKs antigens in lymph nodes and MT1-MMP expression in tumor tissue were performed. RESULTS Our study showed that the total morphologic score TFG is very useful in the prediction of micrometastases in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The statistical analysis has revealed a significant correlation between the total TFG score and the depth of invasion and the presence of micrometastases. Positive MT1-MMP expression in 68.2% cases was observed. There was no significant relationship for immunoexpression of MT1-MMP in examined group of patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma and positive poliCKs stain in lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS The results of study suggest that extended traditional pathologic evaluation by features from the TFG classification, especially the depth of invasion, could aid in diagnosis of micrometastases. The positive expression of poliCKs in the conventional pathological examination of pN0 lymph nodes appears to play an important role in determining prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the larynx.

[Expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in patients with nasal polyps].

Summary Introduction Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. The prevalence of nasal polyps seems to vary between 1 and 4% of the population. The pathogenesis of nasal polyps is still not entirely known and has been debated for many years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in patients with nasal polyps. Materials and methods 53 patients with nasal polyposis were selected and divided into two groups – allergic and non-allergic. Patients with allergy were distinguished from those without allergy on the basis of positive allergy skin tests to dust and serum levels of IgE. Immunohistochemical studies with monoclonal antibody against ICAM-1 antigen (NCL-CD54, Novocastra) using immunoperoxidase method were performed to evaluate expression of ICAM-1. Results Immunoexpression of ICAM-1 was present on some epithelial cells and on fibroblast, inflammatory cells and endothelium in the submucosa. The mean ±SD values of the immunoexpression of ICAM-1 were significantly increased in dust-sensitive patients compared with dust-tolerant patients (1,93 ± 0,83 vs 0,83 ± 0,73 (p Conclusions This research suggests that ICAM-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and the allergic mechanism may play a fundamental role in this process. However, further examinations to confirm this need to be undertaken.INTRODUCTION Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. The prevalence of nasal polyps seems to vary between 1 and 4% of the population. The pathogenesis of nasal polyps is still not entirely known and has been debated for many years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in patients with nasal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS 53 patients with nasal polyposis were selected and divided into two groups--allergic and non-allergic. Patients with allergy were distinguished from those without allergy on the basis of positive allergy skin tests to dust and serum levels of IgE. Immunohistochemical studies with monoclonal antibody against ICAM-1 antigen (NCL-CD54, Novocastra) using immunoperoxidase method were performed to evaluate expression of ICAM-1. RESULTS Immunoexpression of ICAM-1 was present on some epithelial cells and on fibroblast, inflammatory cells and endothelium in the submucosa. The mean +/-SD values of the immunoexpression of ICAM-1 were significantly increased in dust-sensitive patients compared with dust-tolerant patients (1.93 +/- 0.83 vs 0.83 +/- 0.73 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that ICAM-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and the allergic mechanism may play a fundamental role in this process. However, further examinations to confirm this need to be undertaken.

Zaburzenia białek regulatorowych cyklu komórkowego: Rb, p21 i p16 w raku krtani ☆ ☆☆ ◊

Summary In cell cycle, most of the regulatory actions occur at the so-called restriction point (R) in the late G1 phase. Tumor suppressor genes; Rb, p53 and p21 are among the most important of the agents suppressing transition through R point. Changes in the expression of Rb (retinoblastoma) gene correlate with the presence of Rb protein and they are believed to be an early event in carcinogenesis. This issue seems to be not plainly defined in laryngeal cancer. P21 with p16, cyclin D1 and Rb genes that play a critical role in the regulation of the G1-S transition of the cell cycle, are frequently altered in several neoplastic entities. Our purpose was to investigate the possible prognostic value of p21, p16 and Rb proteins in patients with laryngeal cancer. 67 patients with laryngeal cancer were multi-variously analysed. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal antibody raised against p21, p16 and Rb proteins using standard immunohistochemistry techniques. Low intensity (≤ 10%, 7/67) of p21 protein expression was significantly correlated with histological grading (p 0,05). Our study has identified p21 protein expression as important biological marker which may indicate the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. P16 protein has a prognostic value in assessment of disease free survival. Based on this finding it can be deduced that investigation of Rb, p16 and p21 proteins makes it easier to understand the process of cancerogenesis in laryngeal cancer and to establish its prognostic value further research and observations need to be attempted.In cell cycle, most of the regulatory actions occur at the so-called restriction point (R) in the late G1 phase. Tumor suppressor genes; Rb, p53 and p21 are among the most important of the agents suppressing transition through R point. Changes in the expression of Rb (retinoblastoma) gene correlate with the presence of Rb protein and they are believed to be an early event in carcinogenesis. This issue seems to be not plainly defined in laryngeal cancer. P21 with p16, cyclin D1 and Rb genes that play a critical role in the regulation of the G1-S transition of the cell cycle, are frequently altered in several neoplastic entities. Our purpose was to investigate the possible prognostic value of p21, p16 and Rb proteins in patients with laryngeal cancer. 67 patients with laryngeal cancer was multi-variously analysed. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal antibody raised against p21, p16 and Rb proteins using standard immunohistochemistry techniques. Low intensity (< or = 10%, 7/67) of p21 protein expression was significantly correlated with histological grading (p < 0,01) and overall and disease free survival (p < 0,05). We did not observed any correlation between p21 expression and T, N and M status and local or nodal recurrences. Absence of p16 protein expression was observed in 35/67 (52,2%) cases and was significantly correlated with N status (p = 0,03) and nodal recurrences (p = < 0,01). By univariate analysis expression of p16 protein was related with quicker relapse. Rb protein was absent in 7/67 cases (10,4%) and was related to T3 and T4 primary tumour size (p < 0,05). We did not observed any correlation between Rb and other clinocopathological features (p > 0,05). Our study has identified p21 protein expression as important biological marker which may indicate the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. P16 protein has a prognostic value in assessment of disease free survival. Based on this findings it can be deduced that investigation of Rb, p16 and p21 proteins makes it easier to understand the process of cancerogenesis in laryngeal cancer and to establish its prognostic value further research and observations need to be attempted.