Zhou B

Overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) played an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and can be regarded a potential therapeutic target for the management of AR. Objective. To evaluate the possible role of TSLP in the pathogenesis of AR. Patients and methods. We enrolled 16 patients of AR to investigate the expression of TSLP in nasal mucosa and evaluate the link of TSLP and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Expression of TSLP was detected by immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and concentrations of TSLP and IL-4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. TSLP was detected in all samples and the mRNA and protein expression of TSLP is increased significantly in AR nasal mucosa compared with normal control (P<0.05). TSLP production is tightly correlated with IL-4 and severity of AR (P<0.05).

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for recurrent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Abstract Conclusions: CT and MRI are helpful to detect the precise site of the fistula, which is crucial for carrying out the repair, and transnasal endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Objective: To discuss the cause and treatment of recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics of 32 patients with recurrent CSF rhinorrhea. After detailed examination and radiological evaluation by CT and MRI, all of them underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery. Results: Six patients presented a leakage at the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, 12 at the ethmoid roof, and 14 at the sphenoid roof. Four cases with a defect in the frontal sinus and frontal recess were repaired with the DRAF III procedure, four cases with a defect in the sphenoid lateral recess were repaired through transpterygoid intervention and under an image-guided navigation system, while the others were operated by routine endoscopic sinus surgery. No recurrence was found during the follow-up for 14–60 months (mean 36.8) in 31 cases, and 1 case with recurrence recovered well after further surgery.

P38 MAP-kinase pathway is involved in the production of CLC-3 in nasal epithelial cells with allergic rhinitis induced by interleukin-4.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of p38 MAP‐kinase (MAPK) pathway on CLC‐3 expression after interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) induction in primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Moxifloxacin in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis: Results of a multicenter, non-interventional study

Abstract Conclusion: Moxifloxacin was generally well tolerated and highly effective in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABS). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was low. The effectiveness, safety, and tolerability information collected in this study confirm the clinical safety profile of moxifloxacin and its benefit as a treatment option for ABS. Objective: To assess the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of moxifloxacin under daily life treatment conditions in patients with ABS. Methods: The study was carried out in China between September 2005 and May 2007. Patients with ABS were treated with moxifloxacin tablets 400 mg once daily for a duration that was left to the physicians discretion. Data were collected on demography, diagnosis of infection, pretreatment, concomitant diseases and medications, moxifloxacin therapy, course of symptoms during investigations, and final assessment of therapy. Results: In all, 578 patients with ABS treated with moxifloxacin were valid for effectiveness analysis. An improvement was observed in 98.8% (n = 571/578) of the patients. Cure was documented in 89.4% (n = 517/578) of the patients. The physicians overall tolerability rating was ‘very good’ or ‘good’ in 92.9% (n = 537/578) of patients. The incidence rates of AEs and ADRs were 1.5% (n = 10/681) and 0.6% (n = 4/681), respectively. No serious AE was reported.