RESUMO
Objective: To assess differences in otorrhea, tympanic membrane perforation, and time to extrusion in children receiving one of four commonly used, short-term ventilation tubes for the first time. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 2 years of postoperative follow-up to analyze patient outcomes after insertion of either a Paparella type-I Activent, Armstrong Beveled, Modified Armstrong, or Armstrong Microgel ventilation tube. Incidence of complications was determined by reviewing provider notes. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine odds ratios of complications among the four tube types. Results: A total of 387 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 2.4 years and 35.9% were female. Armstrong beveled tubes had the highest odds of otorrhea. Paparella type-I tube had the shortest time to extrusion of about 9 months, while Armstrong Beveled had the longest, at almost 19 months. When evaluating episodes of otorrhea each child experienced on average, per month, Armstrong beveled tubes had the highest monthly rate of otorrhea and Paparella type-I the least. No significant differences were found regarding tympanic membrane perforation. Conclusions: This retrospective chart review showed that no tube was clinically superior across all complications. The findings from this study may give otolaryngologists an opportunity to consider choosing a specific type of tube according to the clinical situation. The large variations in extrusion times should be considered in terms of patient age, seasonality, and desired duration of tube placement. Level of Evidence: 4.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pediatric otolaryngologists have seen an increased focus on upper lip frenum as a possible culprit for feeding difficulties and the development of maxillary midline diastema (MMD). This increase may be encouraged by parents' exposure to medical advice over the internet about breastfeeding and potential long-term aesthetic concerns for their children. Subsequently, there has been increased pressure on pediatric otolaryngologists to perform superior labial frenectomies. There has been a reported 10-fold increase in frenectomies since the year 2000. However, there is no consensus within the literature regarding the benefit of superior labial frenectomy in preventing midline diastema. OBJECTIVE: To provide physicians and parents with the most updated information by systematically reviewing the available literature for the association between superior labial frenum and midline diastema. METHODS: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Dental and Oral Sciences Source (DOSS). Using the Covidence platform, a systematic review was conducted. The initial 314 articles identified underwent systematic review and 11 studies were included in the final review. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Available data, primarily from the dental literature, showed that two subtypes of frenum: papillary and papillary penetrating frenum, are associated with maxillary midline diastema. Superior labial frenectomy should be delayed until permanent lateral incisors have erupted, as this can spontaneously close the physiological MMD. Current literature recommends against frenectomy before addressing the diastema with orthodontics, which helps to prevent diastema relapse. It is also imperative to rule out other odontogenic and oral cavity causes of diastema, such as thumb sucking, dental agenesis, and other causes. Online information may not always be fully representative and should be interpreted in the full context of the patient's medical history before referral for surgical intervention.