Evaluation of nasal symptoms and mucociliary function in patients with allergic rhinitis treated with chemosurgery using trichloroacetic acid

Interrupting aerosol spread and nasal acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 with topical trichloroacetic acid

The devastating effects of the coronavirus designated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have merited many approaches to combat COVID-19. Since it is transmitted largely by fine droplets and aerosols, air defense with suitable ventilation and mask use might be enhanced by attacking the virus and its likely main point of invasion, the nasal mucosa. We recommend formal clinical trials employing topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which successfully blocks the nasal entry point for airborne allergens and to be curative for the early stages of viral infections of the oral mucosa. TCA chemically redesigns the nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia to in effect remove receptors and cell, allowing SARS-CoV-2 viral attachment. TCA fits the ideal category for medication, being inexpensive, readily available, easy-to-use, and proven to be safe for suggested use. We postulate its potential efficacy in SARS-CoV-2 infection and urge consideration of clinical trials. Local delivery of TCA in the form of contact application directly to the nasal cavity may have a preventive effect, potentially neutralizing virus entry and subsequential virus spread to the lower respiratory tract, especially for those at high risk. In addition, TCA may diminish the local viral load and its replication potential in those newly infected.

COVID-19: Topical agents and therapeutic prevention of nasal viral acquisition

Since the spread of SARS-CoV-2 became a pandemic, the number of cases has been continuously growing worldwide. Numerous recommendations and suggestions have been published to prevent the acquisition and spread of the SARS-CoV-2, especially to protect health workers and front-line caregivers. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by aerosol, rendering air defense with suitable ventilation and adequate mask use pivotal. Recently, locally applied antiseptic, antiviral, or structure competitive receptor blockers were suggested to attack the virus at its main point of invasion, the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx. We discuss the most plausible and safe ideas to reduce viral load at the point of entry, and subsequently the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to the lower respiratory tract, lungs, and other organs. In addition, we analyze the value and recommend clinical trials employing topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a substance well known from dermatologic and cosmetic procedures. It has been proven to successfully block the nasal entry for airborne allergens, preventing the development of allergic rhinitis and asthma, and to be curative for early stages of viral infections entering through the oral mucosa. For SARS-CoV-2, TCA in a single, short-time application is expected to remodel the nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia, eliminating both the receptors and cells responsible for viral entry and subsequent viral spread to the lower respiratory tract. Moreover, this may have therapeutic benefits for those recently infected by reducing local viral replication. Such procedures are cheap, safe, and can be conducted in almost every setting, especially in regions with inadequate financial and logistic resources.

Cryosurgery Vs Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Cautery for the Treatment of Hypertrophied Nasal Turbinate: A Comparative Study

Introduction:

The Study Aimed To Compare The Results of Cryosurgery With Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical (TCA) Cautery For The Treatment of Hypertrophied Nasal Turbinates.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study of 70 patients with nasal obstruction due to hypertrophied nasal turbinates who were randomly divided in 2 groups of 35 each. In group 1, patients underwent inferior nasal turbinate reduction by cryosurgery and in group 2 patients with cautery by 50 % TCA. The patients were evaluated using SNOT-20 score pre and postoperatively on 6th month.

Results:

Significant improvement in symptoms was seen in 28 patients (80 %) in group 1 and in 10 patients (28.57%) in group 2..Improvement in average SNOT Score after cauterization of hypertrophied nasal turbinates by cryosurgery was from 55(severe) to 16(mild) and by TCA was from 54(severe) to 32(mod) in 6 months and this was statistically significant (P<0.001). Complications like bleeding, scarring, infection and adhesion formation were more with TCA than that of cryosurgery group and among these complications scarring was statistically significant (P =0.003).

Conclusion:

The use of cryosurgical treatment for hypertrophied nasal turbinates is a safe, curative method as compared to that of TCA cautery which is less curative and with more complications.

Particularities and Clinical Applicability of Saccharin Transit Time Test

Introduction  The importance of mucociliary clearance (MCC) for the respiratory system homeostasis is clear. Therefore, evaluating this defense mechanism is fundamental in scientific research and in the clinical practice of pulmonology and of associated areas. However, MCC evaluation has not been so usual due to the complexity of methods that use radiolabeled particles. Nevertheless, as an interesting alternative, there is the saccharin transit time (STT) test. This method is reproducible, simple to perform, noninvasive, does not demand high costs, and has been widely used in studies of nasal MCC. Although the STT test is widely used, there is still lack of a detailed description of its realization. Objective  The present literature review aims to provide basic information related to the STT test and to present the findings of the previous studies that used this method, discussing variations in its execution, possible influences on the obtained results and limitations of the method, as well as to relate our experience with the use of STT in researches. Data Synthesis  There are several factors that can alter the results obtained from STT tests, which would raise difficulties with proper interpretation and with the discussion of the results among different studies. Conclusions  Saccharin transit time is a widely used method for the evaluation of nasal MCC, and therefore, the standardization related to the previous and concurrent to test orientations, and also its execution, become essential to improve its accuracy, and allow comparisons among different studies.

Topical Corticosteroid Pretreatment Mitigates Cellular Damage After Caustic Injury to the Nasal Upper Airway Epithelium

BACKGROUND

Topical corticosteroids are currently employed to reduce established airway inflammation; their prophylactic use might help limit cellular damage against harmful stimuli.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of a prophylactic topical application of budesonide (BD) on an in vivo nasal epithelium injury model induced by trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

METHODS

C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to intranasal TCA topical application. Three groups received topical intranasal BD, saline solution, or no intervention prior to a single topical exposure to TCA. Controls were not exposed to TCA. Whole nasal cavity coronal sections were analyzed at 1, 3, and 6 days postinjury at tissue and cellular levels using histopathological analysis, immunofluorescent staining, and fresh tissue RNA microarray analysis.

RESULTS

Prophylactic topical corticosteroid exposure protected the nasal epithelium from acute damage, maintaining epithelial thickness and cell survival. Six days following TCA exposure, epithelial and cellular changes were less pronounced on the BD-treated group compared to all exposure groups. The microarray analysis was used to evaluate the gene transcripts in all treatment groups. Ciliary tip protein, Sentan, and submucosal protein S100b were identified as potential factors in epithelial airway protection; immunofluorescent staining corroborated their presence and location within the respiratory epithelium.

CONCLUSION

Topical corticosteroid treatment to the nasal epithelium can mitigate several of the early deleterious effects of acute epithelial damage in experimental airway injuries caused by TCA. These findings suggest a novel, direct cytoprotective effect of corticosteroids on the nasal epithelium, and the potential of expanding the use of prophylactic periprocedural topical corticosteroids for respiratory epithelial tissues.

Endoscopic chemocauterization for pyriform sinus fistula in children

BACKGROUND

Although complete excision is the standard treatment for pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), it has recently been suggested that chemocauterization via the internal orifice of the fistula could be an effective non-invasive treatment for the condition. The present report describes the details of our experience with and the efficacy of endoscopic chemocauterization for pediatric PSF.

METHOD

Between January 2010 and June 2015, four patients were diagnosed with PSF and scheduled to undergo endoscopic chemocauterization. Under general anesthesia, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution was endoscopically injected through the opening of the fistula using a fine plastic tube. Esophagogram was obtained at 3 weeks after the procedure to search for recurrence. Complete closure of the fistula was confirmed on endoscopy at 2-3 months after chemocauterization.

RESULTS

Two of the four patients were treated once, and the remaining patients required further chemocauterization procedures. No recurrence developed in any patient after it had been confirmed that the fistula's internal orifice had been obliterated. Some transient complications, such as sore throat, nausea or temporary vocal fold paresis, occurred.

CONCLUSION

Chemocauterization with TCA seems to be a useful first-choice treatment for PSF.

High-intensity focused ultrasound leads to histopathologic changes of the inferior turbinate mucosa with allergic inflammation

This study was aimed at understanding the histopathologic changes that occur in the nasal mucosa of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment. Biopsy specimens of the inferior turbinate mucosa were taken from 11 PAR patients before, immediately after and 1 y after HIFU treatment. Morphometric analysis revealed that the density of eosinophils and other inflammatory cells increased immediately after treatment and then were decreased significantly 1 y post-treatment. Submucosal glands were swollen and venous sinusoids were dilated, but there was no statistically significant change in their density, immediately after treatment. However, both glands and venous sinusoids significantly decreased in number 1 y after HIFU treatment. The ciliated epithelium or basement membrane of the nasal mucosa was well preserved at all stages. In conclusion, HIFU is a tolerable and effective treatment to reduce inflammation of the inferior turbinate mucosa in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

Higher dosage of HIFU treatment may lead to higher and longer efficacy for moderate to severe perennial allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

This study was to compare the efficacies and side effects of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) with regular and increased dosage.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospectively assembled cohort was retrospectively analyzed through visual analogue scale (VAS).

METHODS

Regular dosage of HIFU treatment was applied to 56 PAR patients in group A. An increased dosage as twice as the regular one was applied to 48 patients in group B. Nasal obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea and rhinocnesmus, which were recognized as the four main symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), were evaluated before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 1 year after treatment. The satisfaction of patients was also evaluated at 1 year postoperatively. Biopsy of the inferior turbinate and morphometric analysis were applied to 11 patients in group A and 10 in group B before HIFU treatment and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Comparing the AR symptoms before treatment, There is no statistical difference observed between group A and B (p>0.05). The four main symptoms at 3 months and 1 year after treatment were all significantly improved (p<0.01) in both group A and B. The VAS scores of AR symptoms in Group B were lower than those in Group A at the same stage after treatment, especially at 1 year after treatment (p<0.05). Comparing the results at 3 months and 1 year after treatment, a tendency of recurrence of these symptoms was observed statistically in group A (p<0.05), but not in group B (p>0.05). More cases of nasal dryness and perirhinal swelling were found in group B than those in group A (p<0.05), while all side effects were mild and temporary. Patients in group B were more satisfied than those in group A (p=0.0866 >0.05), though not statistically significant. More reduction of the eosinophils, other inflammatory cells, and the submucosal glands was observed after HIFU treatment in group B than that in group A (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A proper increment of HIFU dosage may be recommended to meet the needs of more improvement of AR symptoms and less recurrence.