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Biomedical subjects

Antje Welge-Luessen

Publications and source records attributed to Antje Welge-Luessen.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The impact of postoperative nasal packing on sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal oxygen saturation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Nasal septum surgery is frequently performed to establish a functional nasal airway. In these patients obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is frequently present. Although patients with OSAS are at increased risk for hypoxemia, the impact of postoperative nasal packing (PNP) on sleep-disordered breathing and oxygen desaturations in patients with OSAS is unknown. We consecutively investigated 40 patients undergoing endonasal surgery receiving PNP. Fifteen of these patients had previously diagnosed OSAS (Group 2) and 25 did not (Group 1). In the control group, 12 healthy patients underwent elective ear or neck surgery without PNP. During the preoperative and postoperative nights, we continuously measured oronasal flow, thoracoabdominal movements, and oxygen saturation. We calculated the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the oxygen-desaturation index (ODI). Compared with the preoperative values, after the operation, neither AHI nor ODI changed in the control group. In contrast, in Group 1, AHI (from 11 [5-19] to 37 [22-49]) and ODI (from 4 [2-8] to 13 [6-21]) significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas in Group 2, only AHI significantly increased (from 14 [10-21] to 39 [26-50]); ODI remained similar (13 [8-27] versus 11 [4-37]). Because ODI did not increase in patients with OSAS and PNP who received postoperative oxygen overnight, postoperative intensive care monitoring might not be necessary on a routine basis for all patients with PNP and OSAS.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Testing the sense of smell using validated procedures].

There is a growing interest into the investigation of smell disorders in both research and clinical practice. For psychophysical ("subjective") investigations related to the sense of smell a variety of test kits are available, namely the various "Sniffin' Sticks" kits, the UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) or the CCSIT (Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test). Recording of olfactory evoked potentials (OEPs) and respiration olfactometry can be used for diagnosing smell dysfunctions in a more objective way.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

[Testing the sense of taste using validated procedures].

Psychophysical tests related to the sense of taste are usually less complex than those of the sense of smell. In addition to global tests a regional examination of the sense of taste might be indicated to search for nerve lesions. There are numerous validated psychophysical tests available based on the administration of liquid or solid substrates. The use of electrical currents (electrogustometry) is especially feasible for a rapid regional testing. The registration of gustatory event-related potentials to objectify results from psychophysical examination is possible although limited to a few centers world-wide.

Electrophysiology↗
PubMed2003

Reversible anosmia after amikacin therapy.

Olfactory disorders are among the rare adverse effects of antibiotic therapy. To date, olfactory losses or distortions have been reported after the use of doxycycline, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, kanamycin sulfate, and streptomycin sulfate. We describe what we believe to be the first case of transient anosmia associated with the use of intravenous amikacin sulfate. The appearance of the disorder and its subsequent resolution were demonstrated by psychometric testing as well as by chemosensory evoked potentials. Based on the well-documented temporal course of the anosmia, there is a probable causal correlation between the administration of amikacin and the appearance of the olfactory disturbance. However, the exact pathogenesis of the anosmia is still a matter of conjecture.

Amikacin↗
PubMed2003

Endonasal surgery for contact point headaches: a 10-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Some migraine and cluster headaches may be triggered by stimulation of intranasal contact points via the trigeminovascular system. Endonasal surgery is successful in some patients, but long-term outcomes have not been reported. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. METHODS: This investigation included 20 patients with a mean 18-year history of refractory cluster or migraine headaches who were selected for surgery. All had endoscopically visible endonasal contact as well as a positive preoperative cocaine test result. Changes in pain severity and frequency and duration of headache attacks were statistically rated using a MANOVA. Follow-up averaged 112 months. RESULTS: Almost 10 years after surgery, six patients remained completely free of pain, seven had significant symptom improvement, and seven received no benefit from surgery (65% improvement). Two patients had been free of all symptoms for 7 and 8 years, respectively, before complaints returned. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that some patients with refractory headaches and endonasal contact areas benefit from surgery, thereby supporting the existence of a connection between the two. Even though it is clear that surgery should be considered only if all other treatments have failed, a success rate of 65% over almost 10 years justifies evaluation of this option. Preoperative patient selection remains crucial and warrants further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

What is the correlation between ratings and measures of olfactory function in patients with olfactory loss?

BACKGROUND: Major complaints of many patients with olfactory dysfunction relate to the impairment of quality of life. Nevertheless, it is unclear to what extent there is a correlation between ratings of olfactory abilities/impairment and olfactory function. METHODS: Patients with olfactory dysfunction (n = 152) were examined psychometrically using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test battery. Ratings of olfactory function and ratings of impairment were recorded using visual analog scales. RESULTS: Following standardized olfactory testing, 78 of the 152 patients were categorized as functionally anosmic, 64 as hyposmic, and 10 as normosmic. Groups differed significantly with regard to ratings of olfactory function. Functionally anosmic patients rated impairment to be significantly higher compared with hyposmic and normosmic patients. Ratings of olfactory function correlated significantly with measured olfactory function (r = +0.57) and ratings of impairment (r = -0.30). CONCLUSION: There was a moderate correlation between ratings and measures of olfactory function. On average, functionally anosmic patients recognized their olfactory loss, although, on an individual basis, there were striking differences between measures and ratings of olfactory function.

Adolescent↗