Background: Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic condition characterized by mucosal atrophy, crusting, and impaired mucociliary clearance. Current treatments are palliative and do not focus on tissue regeneration. Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained attention for its regenerative properties, evidence supporting its effectiveness in AR remains limited. Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PRP in the treatment of AR, focusing on nasal symptom relief, mucociliary clearance, and tissue repair biomarkers. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library from database inception to September 2024 for randomized clinical trials, prospective trials, and case series evaluating PRP for AR. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: PRP treatment resulted in significant improvements in nasal symptoms, with sino-nasal outcome test scores decreasing from 22.4 to 12.7. Four studies demonstrate enhanced mucociliary clearance, including a reduction in saccharin transit time from 420 s to 220 s in 1 study. Biochemical analyses revealed elevated levels of nitric oxide synthase and arginase, suggesting tissue regeneration. Improvements in anosmia and nasal obstruction symptom scores were also reported. No severe adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: While PRP shows promise for AR, current evidence is compromised by diagnostic uncertainty, methodological inconsistencies, and potential commercial bias. Significant demographic variations suggest different patient populations were evaluated. Rigorous, independently funded trials with standardized protocols are essential before clinical recommendations.
24 October 2024 in Saudi Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Spontaneous nasal septal abscess (NSA) is a relatively uncommon medical condition associated with a heightened risk of severe complications and unfavorable outcomes. Despite only a limited number of the reported cases involving immunocompetent individuals, we present a unique instance involving a 34-year-old healthy male. Following diagnosis, the patient received prompt treatment resulting in excellent outcomes during subsequent follow-ups. Our case report includes a comprehensive analysis of published cases in the literature pertaining to spontaneous nasal septal hematoma and abscess. It is noteworthy that even individuals without preexisting risk factors or a history of trauma can develop a spontaneous NSA or hematoma. Recognizing the condition early and intervening promptly are crucial factors in mitigating potentially serious risks associated with this condition.
Background: Cochlear implantation (CI) has revolutionized auditory rehabilitation for patients with severe to profound hearing loss secondary to bacterial meningitis. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on CI outcomes in this patient population. Demographic characteristics, surgical techniques, and audiometric outcomes across studies published from 1993 to 2024 are highlighted. Methodology: In a systematic search of electronic databases, 19 eligible studies from Europe, North America, China, and Turkey were identified. These studies included retrospective cohort designs, prospective cohorts, and case series that assessed various aspects of CI outcomes. Data extraction was focused on patient demographics, preimplantation characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Results: The studies reported heterogeneous but positive audiological outcomes following CI. Significant improvements in speech perception and quality-of-life metrics were observed across different patient subgroups. This review identified variability in surgical approaches (eg, cochleostomy and circumodiolar drill-out), implant devices (eg, nucleus and advanced bionics), and speech processing strategies (eg, SPEAK and ACE). Audiological gains were influenced by factors such as age at implantation, duration of deafness, and presence of cochlear ossification. Conclusion: CI offers significant benefits for patients with postmeningitis hearing loss, although the outcomes vary based on patient-specific factors and surgical techniques. The findings from this review underscore the importance of personalized treatment approaches and highlight areas for future research, including standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up, to optimize patient outcomes and refine clinical protocols.
19 September 2026 in European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology