A novel approach to the treatment of sinusitis is the use of nasal stents. The stent is loaded with a corticosteroid, which prevents complications in the wound-healing process. The design is such that it will prevent the sinus from closing again. The stent is 3D printed using a fused deposition modeling printer, which enhances the customization. The polymer utilized for the purpose of 3D printing is polylactic acid (PLA). The compatibility between the drugs and polymers is confirmed by FT-IR and DSC. The drug is loaded onto the polymer by soaking the stent in the drug’s solvent, known as the solvent casting method. Using this method, approximately 68% of drug loading is found to be achieved onto the PLA filaments, and a total of 72.8% of drug loading is obtained in terms of the 3D-printed stent. Drug loading is confirmed by the morphological characteristics of the stent by SEM, where the loaded drug is clearly visible as white specks on the surface of the stent. Drug release characterization is conducted by dissolution studies, which also confirm drug loading. The dissolution studies show that the release of drugs from the stent is constant and not erratic. Biodegradation studies were conducted after increasing the rate of degradation of PLA by soaking it in PBS for a predetermined duration of time. The mechanical properties of the stent, such as stress factor and maximum displacement, are discussed. The stent has a hairpin-like mechanism for opening inside the nasal cavity.

This article presents a case study of a 4-month-old female baby with combined immunodeficiency syndrome complicated by bilateral otomastoiditis, right-sided parotitis, and facial nerve palsy. The patient presented with symptoms of fever, cold, earache, and ear discharge. Clinical examination revealed redness and swelling in the post-auricular region, along with bloody discharge from the right ear. Further investigations, including blood tests, culture sensitivity, ultrasound scans, and imaging studies, confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with appropriate antibiotics, antifungals, and supportive care. The article discusses the challenges in diagnosing and managing primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs), emphasising the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment. It also highlights the association between recurrent parotitis and immunological factors and the need for further investigations to study this condition. Additionally, the article emphasises the significance of Ig replacement therapy in managing PID patients with significant antibody production disorders. Otolaryngologists play a crucial role in identifying and managing PID patients, contributing to improved outcomes and quality of life for these individuals. Overall, this case underscores the importance of considering combined immunodeficiency syndromes in the differential diagnosis of paediatric patients presenting with recurrent infections, chronic otitis media, and parotitis, and highlights the need for further research in this area.