Paula Mackers Iglesias

Dr. Paula Mackers Iglesias

orcid
ENT Department. Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Carlos O'Connor-ReinaCarlos O'Connor-Reina
Carlos O'Connor-Reina
LALaura Rodriguez Alcala
Laura Rodriguez Alcala
GBGabriela Bosco
Gabriela Bosco
PAPaula Martínez Ruiz de Apodaca
Paula Martínez Ruiz de Apodaca
PIPaula Mackers Iglesias
Paula Mackers Iglesias
GPGuillermo Plaza
Guillermo Plaza
Ankyloglossia causes impairment of normal tongue motility and disrupts the average balance of the muscle forces that form the orofacial complex. Inadequate swallowing from birth can cause long-term anatomical and functional consequences in adult life. Using the video presented herein, we describe the current knowledge about the long-term implications of ankyloglossia. After a literature review of the Medline, Google Scholar, and Embase databases on the relations between ankyloglossia and sleep-disordered breathing, we designed and created a three-dimensional (3D) video using Adobe After Effects based on the anatomical and functional changes produced by repeated deglutition, with and without ankyloglossia, from childhood to adulthood. The animated video (Blender 3D, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2024) presented herein was based on the most recent literature review of dentition, breathing, posture, and abnormal swallowing, emphasizing the importance of the potential consequences of sleep-disordered breathing. The resulting animated 3D video includes dynamic sequences of a growing child, demonstrating the anatomy and physiology of deglutition with and without ankyloglossia, and its potential consequences for the surrounding structures during growth due to untreated ankyloglossia. This visual instructional video regarding the impacts of ankyloglossia on deglutition/swallowing may help motivate early childhood diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia. This instrument addresses the main myofunctional aspects of normal deglutition based on the importance of free tongue motion and can be used by students or professionals training in myofunctional disorders.

31 March 2026 in Sinusitis
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FFFelipe Castillo Farias
Felipe Castillo Farias
JLJavier Durán Lange
Javier Durán Lange
PBPamela Bustos
Pamela Bustos
PFPilar Fernandez
Pilar Fernandez
FBFrancisca Becker
Francisca Becker
PIPaula Mackers Iglesias
Paula Mackers Iglesias
Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently coexist, sharing inflammatory and anatomical pathways consistent with the “United Airway”. This review examines the synergistic dysfunction linking these conditions. Methods: We conducted a narrative review synthesizing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology—including cytokine cascades and microbiome dysbiosis—and therapeutic outcomes of surgical and medical interventions for comorbid CRS and OSA. Results: Large-scale datasets confirm CRS as an independent risk factor for OSA. Pathophysiologically, the disorders are linked by mechanical obstruction, systemic cytokine spillover (IL-6, TNF-a), and nasopharyngeal microbiome dysbiosis (e.g., S. aureus biofilms). Therapeutically, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) significantly improves subjective sleep quality (SNOT-22) and reduces CPAP pressure requirements, although it yields only trivial reductions in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Biologics like Dupilumab demonstrate rapid efficacy in improving sleep domains for CRS with nasal polyps. Conclusions: CRS and OSA are inextricably linked via mechanical and inflammatory mechanisms. A holistic “United Airway” management approach—optimizing nasal patency to facilitate CPAP adherence and reduce systemic inflammatory burden—is critical for improving patient outcomes.

21 January 2026
Verified
Book Chapter
Closed access
PDF file
PIPaula Mackers Iglesias
Paula Mackers Iglesias
PAPaula Martínez Ruiz de Apodaca
Paula Martínez Ruiz de Apodaca
GBGabriela Bosco
Gabriela Bosco