Reliability and validity of the Japanese translation of the DN4 Diagnostic Questionnaire in patients with neuropathic pain

Abstract

Background

The Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4) is a simple and objective tool developed by the French Neuropathic Pain Group to screen for neuropathic pain.

Methods

This prospective observational study was undertaken in three hospitals to assess the validity of a Japanese translation of the DN4. We first translated the DN4 into Japanese using a forward–backward method. Pain specialists then examined patients independently and diagnosed them with neuropathic or non-neuropathic pain, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain definitions. The Japanese version of the DN4 questionnaire was then given to each patient.

Results

Of 187 patients that met our inclusion criteria, 100 and 87 were diagnosed with neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain, respectively. The test–retest intra-class correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) was 0.827 (0.769–0.870). Among patients with identical diagnoses of neuropathic or non-neuropathic pain, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.89. A cut-off point of equal or greater than 4 resulted in a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 92%.

Conclusion

The Japanese version of the DN4 was found to be a helpful tool for discriminating between neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain.

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Treatment of Tympanic Membrane Retraction Pockets by Excision and Cartilage Tympanoplasty: A Prospective Study

Abstract

To assess the role of cartilage tympanoplasty in management of retraction pockets of the pars flaccida. This was a prospective study at a tertiary care centre. Twenty patients having grade III or grade IV retraction pockets were included in the study. Retraction pockets were treated by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty. Findings noted on follow-up were recorded and analysed. Graft was taken up in 18 (90%) cases with residual perforation in 2 (10%) cases. Recurrence of retraction pockets was observed in 6 (30%) cases. Hearing was improved up to 15 dB in 16 (80%) cases. It is concluded that grade III and IV retraction pockets can be well managed by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty.

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Diagnostic Evaluation of Chronic Nasal Obstruction Based on Nasal Endoscopy and CT Scan Paranasal Sinus

Abstract

Evaluation of the accuracy of objective diagnostic modalities for nasal obstruction and their comparison to each other to reach the correct diagnosis with minimum cost and highest accuracy. This study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal from August 2016 to September 2017. A total of 50 patients from age group 1–70 years irrespective of sex with complaints of chronic nasal obstruction, which were unresponsive to routine appropriate medical therapy, were selected for this study. Comparative study among findings of nasal endoscopy and CT scan of the paranasal sinuses done. After clinical examination, patients were subjected to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of paranasal sinuses and diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE). The diagnostic results of both modalities were compared. The most common symptoms were nasal obstruction and nasal discharge 100%, followed by post nasal drip 62%. The complaints related to eye and ears were less frequent, found in 4% only. CRS (Chronic Rhinosinusitis) was most common pathology of nose for nasal obstruction which is in 72% cases. Sinonasal polyp is present in 20% of cases. Inverted papilloma in 4% cases. Granulomatous disease (Rhinosporidiosis) in 2% cases. Malignancy in 2% cases. In this series of 50 cases, nasal endoscopy revealed various pathological abnormalities mainly in the osteomeatal area. These include mucopurulent discharge in middle meatus seen in 100% of cases (50 patients). This could not be revealed in HRCT. Oedematous and polypoid infundibular mucosa/polyp in nasal cavity in 28% cases (14 patients) where it was not diagnosed in HRCT in three patients. Hence DNE proved superior to HRCT. Other abnormalities detected on nasal endoscopy were septal deviation 80% of cases (40 patients), inferior turbinate hypertrophy 66% of cases (33 patients), middle turbinate hypertrophy/concha bullosa in 48% of cases (24 patients). DNS was diagnosed in 42 patients in HRCT other causes of nasal obstruction such as Agar nasi cell is detected in 16% (8 patients), medialised uncinate process in 16% (8 patients), paradoxical MT in 30% cases were diagnosed more accurately in nasal endoscopy than HRCT. So nasal endoscopy proved better than CT scan. Nasal obstruction is the most common presenting complaint in day to day otolaryngology practice. Nobody would disagree with the role of CT scan and diagnostic nasal endoscopy in diagnosing the nasal and paranasal pathologies. But as a treating physician we are always concerned about early diagnosis and cost effectiveness. At the same time we also have to consider about patient waiting and work load. In this study we attempted to find out whether diagnostic nasal endoscopy can be better then CT scan, so that we can treat our patient appropriately. Though there has been an increased demand for imaging the paranasal sinuses with coronal CT because of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal endoscopy is a better option in diagnosing and assessing the extent of disease and anatomy.

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Does the association of blood-derived growth factors to nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite contributes to the maxillary sinus floor elevation? A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective

The combination of calcium phosphate with blood-derived growth factors (BDGF) has been widely used in bone regeneration procedures although its benefits are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether or not BDGF improves the efficacy of a modified carbonated calcium phosphate biomaterial in sinus floor augmentation.

Material and methods

Ten patients underwent 20 sinus floor augmentation procedures using nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHA) microspheres alone or associated with BDGF in a randomized controlled clinical trial. The in vitro release of growth factors was assessed by an elution assay. Bone grafts were randomly implanted in the right and left maxillary sinuses of each participant, associated either with a 0.9% saline solution or BDGF. Bone gain was evaluated through cone beam tomography after 180 days.

Results

Nine women and one man composed the sample. The blood-derived concentrates were able to release high levels of growth factors and cytokines. A significant clinical advantage was observed in the use of the BDGF after fibrin polymerization around the biomaterial microspheres, optimizing the surgical procedures, thereby reducing the time and displacement, and improving the adaptation of the biomaterial in the maxillary sinus. No synergistic effect was observed in bone formation when cHA was associated with BDGF (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Equivalent new bone formation was observed for cHA in the presence or absence of the BDGF concentrate in bilateral sinus floor elevation after 6 months. Blood-derived growth factors did not improve bone repair when associated with calcium phosphate in sinus lift procedures.

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Evaluation of the low-level laser therapy application parameters for skin burn treatment in experimental model: a systematic review

Abstract

Burn is defined as a traumatic injury of thermal origin, which affects the organic tissue. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has gained great prominence as a treatment in this type of injury; however, the application parameters are still controversial in the literature. The aims of this study were to review the literature studies that use LLLT as a treatment in burns conducted in an experimental model, discuss the main parameters used, and highlight the benefits found in order to choose an appropriate therapeutic window to be applied in this type of injury. The selection of the studies related to the theme was carried out in the main databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus in the period from 2001 to 2017). Subsequently, the articles were then chosen that fell within the inclusion criteria previously established. In the end, 22 were evaluated, and the main parameters were presented. The analyzed studies presented both LLLT use in continuous and pulsed mode. Differences between the parameters used (power, fluence, and total energy) were observed. In addition, the protocols are distinct as to the type of injury and the number of treatment sessions. Among the results obtained by the authors are the improvements in the local microcirculation and cellular proliferation; however, a study reported no effects with LLLT as a treatment. LLLT is effective in accelerating the healing process. However, there is immense difficulty in establishing the most adequate protocol, due to the great discrepancy found in the applied dosimetry values.

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Treatment of Tympanic Membrane Retraction Pockets by Excision and Cartilage Tympanoplasty: A Prospective Study

Abstract

To assess the role of cartilage tympanoplasty in management of retraction pockets of the pars flaccida. This was a prospective study at a tertiary care centre. Twenty patients having grade III or grade IV retraction pockets were included in the study. Retraction pockets were treated by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty. Findings noted on follow-up were recorded and analysed. Graft was taken up in 18 (90%) cases with residual perforation in 2 (10%) cases. Recurrence of retraction pockets was observed in 6 (30%) cases. Hearing was improved up to 15 dB in 16 (80%) cases. It is concluded that grade III and IV retraction pockets can be well managed by excision and cartilage tympanoplasty.

https://ift.tt/2jveMyY

How Best to Manage Facial Synkinesis?

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Facial synkinesis is a sequela of facial nerve injury that results in involuntary facial movement occurring simultaneously with volitional facial movement. Inability to control facial movement has functional and psychological consequences and can be socially isolating. This review discusses the involved facial nerves and musculature, evaluation of the synkinetic face, and different treatment options.

Recent Findings

We reviewed the literature for advancements and outcomes in assessment, rehabilitation, and non-surgical and surgical treatments for facial synkinesis while highlighting anatomical correlates and movement patterns of commonly affected facial musculature.

Summary

Understanding facial muscular anatomy, including the intended vectors of movement, guides appropriate therapeutic intervention and improves outcomes. Chemodenervation and rehabilitation continue to be the main treatment strategy for facial synkinesis. In select cases, other techniques, such as selective neurolysis, selective myectomy, nerve grafting, or free muscle transfer, are also available.

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