Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2)-Related Illness in the United States During the 2021–2022 Influenza Season

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A(H3N2)-Related Illness in the United States During the 2021–2022 Influenza Season via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background In the United States, influenza activity during the 2021-2022 season was modest and sufficient enough to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated influenza vaccine effectiveness against lab-confirmed outpatient acute illness caused by predominant A(H3N2) viruses. Methods Between October 2021 and April 2022, research staff across 7 sites enrolled patients aged ≥6 months seeking outpatient care for acute respiratory illness with cough. Using a test-negative design, we assessed VE against influenza A(H3N2). Due to strong correlation between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were excluded from vaccine effectiveness estimations. Estimates were adjusted for site, age, month of illness, race/ethnicity and general health status. Results Among 6,260 participants, 468 (7%) tested positive for influenza only, including 440 (94%) for A(H3N2). All 206 sequenced A(H3N2) viruses were characterized as belonging to genetic group 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.2, which has antigenic differences from the 2021–2022 season A(H3N2) vaccine component that belongs to clade 3C.2a1b subclade 2a.1. After excluding 1,948 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 4,312 patients were included in analyses of influenza VE; 2,463 (57%) were vaccinated against influenza. Effectiveness against A(H3N2) for all ages was 36% (95%CI, 20-49%) overall. Conclusion Influenza vaccination in 2021–2022 provided protection against influenza A(H3N2)-related outpatient visits among young persons. View on Web

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State-of-the-art: septal perforation repair

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader State-of-the-art: septal perforation repair via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review To provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the different techniques described for the surgical repair of nasal septal perforation, and a surgical decision-making algorithm for its surgical treatment. Recent findings Septal perforation surgery has evolved and improved in recent years. It has gone from being an avoided or discouraged surgical procedure to a procedure with success rates of >90%. Nowadays, there is no standard approach or single technique. The different techniques described include unilateral random pattern flaps, interposition grafts, unilateral pedicle septal local flaps, free mucosal grafts and bilateral random patter flaps. The incidence of success is higher in pediculated septal flaps such as the anterior ethmoidal artery flap or the greater palatine artery pedicled flap combined with additional techniques. Summary Nowadays, surgical closure of septal perforation is possible and should be an option to consider in symptomatic patients without response to medical treatment. The surgical approach that we recommend when planning the surgical closure of nasal septum (or nasoseptal) perforation is based on the osseocartilaginous support and the location of the defect. View on Web

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The link between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The link between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis via Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery - Published Ahead-of-Print Purpose of review Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are common disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Although allergic rhinitis and CRS are distinct clinical entities, certain CRS endotypes share similar pathological mechanisms as those seen in patients with allergic rhinitis. This review assesses the literature behind the similarities and differences seen in patients with CRS and allergic rhinitis, and the role atopy might play in the pathophysiology of CRS. Recent findings In examining the associations between allergic rhinitis and CRS, most studies have focused primarily on CRS with nasal polyps and type 2 inflammation in CRS. Recent studies have demonstrated the similarities and differences in pathologic mechanisms behind allergic rhinitis and CRS, with an emphasis on patient endotypes, genetics, and the nasoepithelial immunologic barrier. Related immunopathology shared by allergic rhinitis and type 2 inflammation in CRS has allowed for therapeutic overlap with biologic treatments. Summary Allergic rhinitis and CRS often present as comorbid conditions, and understanding the relationship between allergic rhinitis and CRS is important when considering treatment options. Advances in understanding the genetics and immunology, as well as biologic and immunotherapeutic treatments have improved outcomes in patients with CRS, especially in the setting of atopy. View on Web

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