The rheological characteristics of nasal mucus in patients with rhinitis

In this paper we have analyzed the physical properties of nasal mucus from 120 outpatients with rhinitis. We focused on the most relevant rheological features: viscosity, elasticity, adhesiveness, as well as ability to be spun (spinability) or poured (pourability). A double-capillary type viscometer was used to measure viscosity and elasticity and the platinum ring method to measure adhesiveness. Spinability was measured with an automatic apparatus (Filancemetre Sefam) and pourability was determined by describing flow under gravity. Efficacy of nasal clearance was analyzed by measuring mucociliary transport time with an inert tracer using vegetal charcoal powder. Results showed that impaired nasal mucosal function in patients with rhinitis could be determined by studying rheological features in addition to measuring mucociliary activity. Information provided proved invaluable when considering possible treatment with agents affecting kinesis of nasal mucus.     

Betahistine dihydrochloride in the treatment of peripheral vestibular vertigo

The present study compares the efficacy and safety of betahistine dihydrochloride to that of a placebo in recurrent vertigo resulting from Meniere's disease (MD) or in paroxysmal positional vertigo (PPV) of probable vascular origin. The design was double-blind, multicentre and parallel-group randomised. Eleven Italian centres enrolled 144 patients: 75 of the patients were treated with betahistine (41 MD/34 PPV) and 69 with placebos (40 MD/29 PPV). The betahistine dosage was 16 mg twice per day for 3 months. Compared to the placebo, betahistine had a significant effect on the frequency, intensity and duration of vertigo attacks. Associated symptoms and the quality of life also were significantly improved by betahistine. Both the physician's judgement and the patient's opinion on the efficacy and acceptability of the treatment were in agreement as to the superiority of betahistine. The effective and safe profile of betahistine in the treatment of vertigo due to peripheral vestibular disorders was confirmed.     

Short course therapy with cefitbuten versus azithromycin in pediatric streptococcal pharyngitis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of a short course (5 days) of ceftibuten vs. azithromycin for 3 days for treatment of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis in children. METHODS: A multicenter, open label, prospective, randomized trial in which patients > or =3 to < or =16 years of age with proven GABHS pharyngitis were randomized to receive either once daily ceftibuten for 5 days or azithromycin for 3 days. Patients were evaluated for clinical outcomes and/or for adverse events at days 6 to 8, 13 to 15 and 33 to 35 posttherapy. Microbiologic assessments (pharyngeal cultures) were conducted at baseline and at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients in the ceftibuten arm and 116 in the azithromycin arm were enrolled in the safety analysis, whereas 126 and 101, respectively, were enrolled for ceftibuten and azithromycin efficacy evaluation. Clinical success (cure or marked amelioration) at days 6 to 8 was recorded in 98 and 94% in the 2 groups, respectively. In the bacteriologic efficacy analysis at 6 to 8 days, the GABHS strain was eradicated in 76% of the patients treated with ceftibuten and in 76% of those receiving azithromycin. At 33 to 35 days, 84% of the patients in the ceftibuten arm and 71% in the azithromycin arm were GABHS-negative, and bacteriologic relapse was observed in 4 and 7% of the ceftibuten and azithromycin cases, respectively. Both treatments were well-tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftibuten and azithromycin allow simple treatment schedules (i.e. once daily administration, short duration of treatment). The somewhat higher eradication rate recorded after ceftibuten administration is consistent with the overall superior bactericidal activity of beta-lactams compared with macrolides vs. GABHS in vitro.     

International Consensus on Nasal Polyposis 2002–2004

Seventeen well-known experts in rhinosinusology from various countries tried to achieve consensus on the etiology, conservative approach and surgical approach to nasal polyposis. A Digi-Vote electronic system was used for an immediate computer analysis of expert answers to 23 questions related to the problem of nasal polyposis.This report is presented by the International Consensus on Nasal Polyposis, 2002–2004.