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Enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) can act as super-antigens and thus influence the course of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP). The aim of this study was to determine if antibiotic treatment administered after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for NP can positively influence the course of the disease compared to placebo. After ESS, 23 patients who tested positive, in a perioperative culture, for SA strains producing enterotoxins A-E and TSST-1, were randomized into two groups. Group A which in addition to standard treatment received oral anti-staphylococcal antibiotics for 3 weeks. Group B received a placebo. Both groups were compared preoperatively, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery using a symptom-specific score, an endoscopic score and the SNOT-22 quality of life questionnaire. Slightly better results were achieved in patients who received antibiotic therapy. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Regardless of post-operative treatment, approximately 30% of patients had a SA-negative culture 6 months after surgery.

Background The SARS-COV-2 virus has more than just an infectious role to play in the society. The rapid spread has also led to significant personal, professional, financial and economic recession globally. Health care professionals are getting seriously compromised due to these issues. No published data are available on the indirect effects of COVID-19 on highrisk medical specialties. Otorhinolaryngology is considered as one such specialty. Hence, we designed a national survey to address these issues. Materials and methods A google questionnaire was sent to all the otorhinolaryngologists in Czech Republic with the help of the Czech Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery to evaluate the problems they encountered during the first wave of COVID-19. Personal, professional and financial losses were also addressed. Online access to the survey was from 15th April 2020 to 26th April 2020. Results The psychosomatic indirect impact of the disease affected female doctors than males. Burnout syndrome was the most commonly reported problem. Around 44.75% of all doctors had a combination of health, financial and economic as well as professional development and educational issues. Doctors from private practices faced higher financial losses. Conclusions Our study showed that personal, professional and financial disturbances amongst doctors can lead to more serious consequences. With the lack of drastic measures in improving the support system for healthcare workers, the healthcare systems will fail quickly. Adequate support should be made mandatory by health authorities.

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