Management of Pediatric Foreign Body Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an International Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on daily life. In hospitals, the impact of the pandemic was observed in the diagnostic and therapeutic workflow. In this work, we explored potential changes in activities related to the treatment of foreign body injuries (FBIs) in children and the behavioral habits of physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among physicians of the Susy Safe network. The survey comprised items related to respondent information, reference center characteristics, the treatment of FBIs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a modified COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). The survey was distributed among the Susy Safe project international network surveillance registry for FBIs. A total of 58 physicians responded to the survey, including 18 (32%) from Europe and 16 (28%) from South America. The respondents indicated that the estimated number of aspirated foreign bodies during the pandemic was lower than or the same as that before the pandemic (43, 74%), and the same was observed for ingested foreign bodies (43, 74%). In univariable logistic regression, no single predictor was associated with a delay in routine care for children or an increasing tendency of medical personnel to avoid procedures. The workflow of physicians involved in the management of FBIs in children has not changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in emergency departments.

Neurofibromatosis laríngea pediátrica: reporte de localización atípica / Pediatric neurofibromatosis of the larynx: report of atypical location

Los neurofibromas laríngeos (NFL) son tumores benignos poco frecuentes de localización principalmente supraglótica. Se manifiestan con síntomas obstructivos de la vía aérea. El tratamiento es la resección completa del tumor mediante abordaje endoscópico; se reserva la cirugía abierta para tumores de gran extensión. Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico con localización atípica de NFL asociado a neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1). Se realizó resección endoscópica del tumor y la anatomía patológica informó neurofibroma plexiforme. Es importante sospechar de esta patología en todo niño con estridor inspiratorio atípico progresivo. Se sugiere seguimiento a largo plazo por la alta probabilidad de recidiva.

Laryngeal neurofibromas (LNFs) are rare benign tumors mainly located in the supraglottis. LNFs occur with airway obstruction symptoms. The treatment is complete resection via an endoscopic technique; the open approach is reserved for large tumors. Here we describe the case of a pediatric patient with LNF of atypical location associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). The tumor was resected with an endoscopic technique, and the pathological study reported a plexiform neurofibroma. It is important to suspect this condition in any child with atypical, progressive inspiratory stridor. Long-term follow-up is recommended due to the high rate of recurrence

Pediatric neurofibromatosis of the larynx: report ofatypical location. / Neurofibromatosis laríngea pediátrica: reporte de localización atípica.

Laryngeal neurofibromas (LNFs) are rare benign tumors mainly located in the supraglottis. LNFs occur with airway obstruction symptoms. The treatment is complete resection via an endoscopic technique; the open approach is reserved for large tumors. Here we describe the case of a pediatric patient with LNF of atypical location associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). The tumor was resected with an endoscopic technique, and the pathological study reported a plexiform neurofibroma. It is important to suspect this condition in any child with atypical, progressive inspiratory stridor. Long-term follow-up is recommended due to the high rate of recurrence.

Los neurofibromas laríngeos (NFL) son tumores benignos poco frecuentes de localización principalmente supraglótica. Se manifiestan con síntomas obstructivos de la vía aérea. El tratamiento es la resección completa del tumor mediante abordaje endoscópico; se reserva la cirugía abierta para tumores de gran extensión. Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico con localización atípica de NFL asociado a neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1). Se realizó resección endoscópica del tumor y la anatomía patológica informó neurofibroma plexiforme. Es importante sospechar de esta patología en todo niño con estridor inspiratorio atípico progresivo. Se sugiere seguimiento a largo plazo por la alta probabilidad de recidiva.

Congenital pyriform aperture stenosis: Ten years experience.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is an uncommon malformation and a rare cause of respiratory distress in neonates that may require early surgical intervention. The aim of this study is to report our experience in patients operated for CNPAS and present characteristics of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, analytical cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent surgical treatment for CNPAS in the Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan from May 2008 to May 2018. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent surgical treatment; 47.36% had some associated genetic syndrome. The surgical approach was sublabial. Follow-up was more than 45 days in 14 patients, 9 did not require additional treatment, and the remaining 5 required further surgical and/or medical treatment. Short-term post-surgical outcome was good in 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Better post-surgical results were obtained in patients in whom endonasal stenting was not used and who did not present associated craniofacial malformations.

Systemic Bevacizumab for Treatment of Respiratory Papillomatosis: International Consensus Statement.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to develop consensus on key points that would support the use of systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and to provide preliminary guidance surrounding the use of this treatment modality. STUDY DESIGN: Delphi method-based survey series. METHODS: A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional panel of physicians with experience using systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of RRP was established. The Delphi method was used to identify and obtain consensus on characteristics associated with systemic bevacizumab use across five domains: 1) patient characteristics; 2) disease characteristics; 3) treating center characteristics; 4) prior treatment characteristics; and 5) prior work-up. RESULTS: The international panel was composed of 70 experts from 12 countries, representing pediatric and adult otolaryngology, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, pediatric surgery, family medicine, and epidemiology. A total of 189 items were identified, of which consensus was achieved on Patient Characteristics (9), Disease Characteristics (10), Treatment Center Characteristics (22), and Prior Workup Characteristics (18). CONCLUSION: This consensus statement provides a useful starting point for clinicians and centers hoping to offer systemic bevacizumab for RRP and may serve as a framework to assess the components of practices and centers currently using this therapy. We hope to provide a strategy to offer the treatment and also to provide a springboard for bevacizumab's use in combination with other RRP treatment protocols. Standardized delivery systems may facilitate research efforts and provide dosing regimens to help shape best-practice applications of systemic bevacizumab for patients with early-onset or less-severe disease phenotypes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 131:E1941-E1949, 2021.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG): Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis consensus recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) in pediatric patients. METHODS: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. The consensus recommendations herein represent the first publication by the group. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations including diagnostic considerations, surgical management, systemic adjuvant therapies, postoperative management, surveillance, and voice evaluation. These recommendations are based on the collective opinion of the IPOG members and are targeted for otolaryngologists, primary care providers, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and any other health care providers that manage patients with JORRP. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric JORRP consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care and outcomes in this patient population.

Anillos vasculares: Serie de 28 pacientes atendidos en un Servicio de Endoscopía Respiratoria Pediátrica / Vascular rings: Series of 28 patients of a Pediatrie Respiratory Endoscopy Department

Los anillos vasculares tienen una incidencia del 1 % entre las enfermedades cardiovasculares congénitas. Constituyen una malformación embriológica en la que el arco aórtico, sus ramas o las arterias pulmonares provocan presión sobre la tráquea y/o el esófago. Anatómicamente, se dividen en dos grupos, dependiendo de cómo rodean la tráquea y el esófago: completo o incompleto. La sintomatología suele iniciarse en los primeros meses de vida con estridor bifásico o espiratorio que aumenta con el llanto y la alimentación, tos traqueal de tonalidad metálica, infecciones respiratorias recurrentes, episodios de apnea refleja y cianosis, sibilancias, hiperextensión cervical, retracción esternal e intercostal, y dificultad en la alimentación. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 28 pacientes con diagnóstico de anillo vascular que concurrieron a la consulta en el Servicio de Endoscopía Respiratoria del Hospital Garrahan entre enero de 2015 y septiembre de 2017.

Vascular rings account for 1 % of the congenital cardiovascular diseases. They constitute an embryological malformation in which the aortic arch, its branches, or the pulmonary arteries cause pressure on the trachea and/or oesophagus. Anatomically, they are divided into two groups -complete or incomplete- depending on how they surround the trachea and/or the oesophagus. Symptom onset is usually in the first months of life with biphasic or expiratory stridor that increases with crying and feeding, a metallic tracheal cough, recurrent respiratory infections, episodes of apnea and cyanosis, wheezing, cervical hyperextension, sternal and intercostal retraction, and feeding difficulties. A retrospective analysis of 28 patients with vascular rings seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy at Garrahan Paediatric Hospital between January 2015 and September 2017 is presented.

[Vascular rings. Series of 28 patients of a Pediatrie Respiratory Endoscopy Department]. / Anillos vasculares. Serie de 28 pacientes atendidos en un Servicio de Endoscopía Respiratoria Pediátrica.

Vascular rings account for 1 % of the congenital cardiovascular diseases. They constitute an embryological malformation in which the aortic arch, its branches, or the pulmonary arteries cause pressure on the trachea and/or oesophagus. Anatomically, they are divided into two groups -complete or incomplete- depending on how they surround the trachea and/or the oesophagus. Symptom onset is usually in the first months of life with biphasic or expiratory stridor that increases with crying and feeding, a metallic tracheal cough, recurrent respiratory infections, episodes of apnea and cyanosis, wheezing, cervical hyperextension, sternal and intercostal retraction, and feeding difficulties. A retrospective analysis of 28 patients with vascular rings seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy at Garrahan Paediatric Hospital between January 2015 and September 2017 is presented.

Los anillos vasculares tienen una incidencia del 1 % entre las enfermedades cardiovasculares congénitas. Constituyen una malformación embriológica en la que el arco aórtico, sus ramas o las arterias pulmonares provocan presión sobre la tráquea y/o el esófago. Anatómicamente, se dividen en dos grupos, dependiendo de cómo rodean la tráquea y el esófago: completo o incompleto. La sintomatología suele iniciarse en los primeros meses de vida con estridor bifásico o espiratorio que aumenta con el llanto y la alimentación, tos traqueal de tonalidad metálica, infecciones respiratorias recurrentes, episodios de apnea refleja y cianosis, sibilancias, hiperextensión cervical, retracción esternal e intercostal, y dificultad en la alimentación. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 28 pacientes con diagnóstico de anillo vascular que concurrieron a la consulta en el Servicio de Endoscopía Respiratoria del Hospital Garrahan entre enero de 2015 y septiembre de 2017.

Paediatric bilateral vocal cord paralysis: our experience. / Parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales en pediatría: nuestra experiencia.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is the second most common cause of neonatal stridor. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic features, aetiology, comorbidities, and management of our patients with BVCP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with BVCP seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: 47 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 1 month and male sex predominated (63%). The aetiology was congenital in 59% and acquired in 41% of the infants. The cause was most frequently idiopathic in the former group and secondary to postoperative injury in the latter. Overall, 42 patients (89%) required tracheostomy, without statistically significant differences between the causes. Of all the patients, 39% regained vocal-cord mobility; 44% of those with congenital BVCP, 31% of those with acquired BVCP and 62.5% with idiopathic BVCP. In five patients a laryngotracheoplasty was performed with a posterior costal cartilage graft and one underwent posterior cordectomy. All were decannulated. In one patient vocal-cord lateralization was performed, avoiding tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: BVCP was most commonly of congenital cause and was mainly idiopathic within this group of patients, with a slight male preponderance. A high percentage of patients required tracheostomy. A higher recovery rate of vocal-cord mobility was observed in idiopathic BVCP, which allowed for successful decannulation. In this series, decannulation was possible in all patients that underwent surgery; however, further studies with comparison of techniques and objective assessment of swallowing and phonation are necessary.

Complications in children from foreign bodies in the airway.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Foreign body aspiration in childhood is a common and potentially serious problem. Complications may be the result of the aspiration episode itself, delayed diagnosis or treatment. We describe our experience in a paediatric hospital in Argentina. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 56 patients with complications due to foreign body aspiration recorded in the Susy Safe Project between January 2010 and November 2013. The clinical variables analysed were sex, age at time of aspiration, foreign body location and type, time elapsed from the event until object removal, extraction technique, complications, need for hospitalisation and circumstances of the event. RESULTS: 58.9% of the cases described occurred in males, with high presence of adults (76.8%) at the time of aspiration. The incidence was slightly higher in children older than 3 years. In 37 cases (66.1%), the foreign body was located in bronchus; sunflower seeds and ballpoint caps were the most common foreign objects. Only in 10 cases (17.9%) was the object extracted within 24h of the event. The most common complications were pneumonia (18 cases), granuloma (15 cases) and mucosal erosion (9 cases). Hospitalisation was necessary for 41 patients. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and immediate control through specialised teams are essential to ensure proper treatment, usually endoscopic, without risk of complications.

Papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente. Caso dínico / Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Case report

La papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente es una enfermedad rara que se caracteriza por el desarrollo de papilomas en toda la vía aérea. Es causada por el virus del papiloma humano. Su incidencia es de 4 por 100 000 en niños. La forma de transmisión es vertical durante el embarazo o el parto. Hay 130 variedades de virus del papiloma humano, de los cuales los tipos 6 y 11 son los que producen papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente, y especialmente el tipo 11 es el que desarrolla enfermedad más agresiva con recurrencia y progresión en todo el tracto respiratorio y, con menos frecuencia, en la región nasofaríngea. Se presenta un paciente de 7 años de edad con diagnóstico de papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente basado en la radiología y la endoscopía respiratoria, que permitió aislar el virus del papiloma humano tipo 11 en papilomas en laringe y tráquea y en material de lavado broncoalveolar.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent growth of papilloma in the respiratory tract. RRP is caused by human papilloma virus. Its incidence is 4 per 100 000 children. Vertical transmission of the virus during gestation or during delivery is the major route of contracting the disease in children. One hundred and thirty different human papilloma virus types have been identified. Types 6 and 11 are involved in RRP and type 11 develops more aggressive disease with recurrence and progression to the respiratory tract and also nasopharyngeal surface. We present a 7 year old boy with diagnosis of RRP based on radiology and endoscopy.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric subglottic stenosis: experience in a tertiary care center]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las estenosis subglóticas en pediatría: experiencia en un hospital de alta complejidad.

Subglottic stenosis is among the most common causes of airway obstruction in children, 90% of which resulting from endotracheal intubation. The diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical, radiologic evaluation, flexible laryngoscopy and rigid airway endoscopy under general anesthesia. It must be suspected in children with respiratory distress after extubation. The therapeutic approach depends on the severity of the subglottic stenosis and the patient's symptoms. We describe our experience with the subglottic stenosis etiologies, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients with this condition.

[Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Case report]. / Papilomatosis respiratoria recurrente. Caso clinic.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent growth of papilloma in the respiratory tract. RRP is caused by human papilloma virus. Its incidence is 4 per 100,000 children. Vertical transmission of the virus during gestation or during delivery is the major route of contracting the disease in children. One hundred and thirty different human papilloma virus types have been identified. Types 6 and 11 are involved in RRP and type 11 develops more aggressive disease with recurrence and progression to the respiratory tract and also nasopharyngeal surface. We present a 7 year old boy with diagnosis of RRP based on radiology and endoscopy.

[Severe laryngitis associated to gastroesophageal reflux]. / Laringitis graves asociadas a reflujo gastroesofágico.

There is a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux and pharyngolaryngeal reflux as factors leading to respiratory disease, manifested as dysphonia, wheezing, coughing, recurrent laryngitis, bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm and apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs). These manifestations can be mild or severe and may sometimes put the patient's life at risk. We present two cases of patients with severe laryngitis who required endotracheal intubation, one of which underwent tracheostomy. The diagnostic methods and their limitations and the patients outcomes are described.

Laringitis graves asociadas a reflujo gastroesofágico / Severe laryngitis associated to gastroesophageal reflux

Está demostrado que hay una fuerte asociación entre el reflujo gastroesofágico y el reflujo faringolaríngeo como causantes de enfermedad respiratoria, que puede manifestarse como disfonía, estridor, tos, laringitis recurrente, obstrucción bronquial, laringoespasmo y eventos de aparente amenaza para la vida (ALTE). Estas manifestaciones pueden ser leves o graves y potencialmente mortales. Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes con laringitis grave que requirieron intubación endotraqueal, a uno de los cuales se le realizó una traqueotomía. Se describen los métodos diagnósticos, sus limitaciones y la evolución presentada por los pacientes

There is a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux and pharyngolaryngeal reflux as factors leading to respiratory disease, manifested as dysphonia, wheezing, coughing, recurrent laryngitis, bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm and apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs). These manifestations can be mild or severe and may sometimes put the patient’s life at risk. We present two cases of patients with severe laryngitis who required endotracheal intubation, one of which underwent tracheostomy. The diagnostic methods and their limitations and the patients outcomes are described.

Post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of moderate and severe stenosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Subglottic stenosis is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction. Almost 90% of them result from endotracheal intubation. Therapy depends on the degree of stenosis, among other factors. Therapeutic approaches range from watchful waiting, in mild stenosis, to complex surgery for severe cases. We report our experience on the surgical management of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in children, emphasising the need for recognition and prevention of predisposing factors of post-intubation stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 71 patients with moderate to severe post-intubation subglottic stenosis, operated in the Respiratory Endoscopy Service in a period of eight years. The clinical variables analysed were age at surgery, degree of stenosis, surgical technique, complications and outcome. RESULTS: In 84.5% of patients, only 1 surgical approach was required to achieve decannulation. Three surgical techniques were implemented as therapy: laryngotracheal reconstruction, partial cricotracheal resection and anterior cricoid split. Decannulation was achieved in 70 cases. In 71.8%, ventilation, swallowing and voice qualities were good; 23.9% presented dysphonia; and 2.8% presented a mild respiratory distress. One patient died. CONCLUSION: In patients with subglottic stenosis, selection of the most accurate treatment is the key to success, reducing the number of surgeries and preventing complications.

[Foreign bodies in esophagus in children: case series]. / Cuerpos extraños en el esófago en los niños: Serie de casos.

Ingestion of foreign bodies is an avoidable accident that is seen mainly in children under 3 years-old. Most of them pass through the digestive tract without causing clinical manifestations or complications, but a significant percentage is impacted in the esophagus causing vomiting, sore throat, dysphagia and drooling. The most common foreign bodies are coins. Complications usually occur when there is a delay in diagnosis or with large, sharp or potentially toxic objects, as the button battery. It is essential to make differential diagnosis between coin and button battery, since the latter requires urgent removal due to the earliness of the injury caused. We report 115 cases of foreign bodies in the esophagus, and we alert the pediatrician in recognizing and preventing this problem.

[Delayed diagnosis of foreign body in the airway in children: case series]. / Demora en el diagnóstico de un cuerpo extraño en la vía aérea en los niños: Serie de casos.

Aspiration of foreign bodies is an important and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. The early diagnosis and treatment are essential for risk of mortality in the acute and complications arising from the continuance of a foreign body in the airway. The clinical presentation may mimic different diseases, delaying the correct diagnosis. Pediatricians should be aware of the possibility of foreign body in children with persistent respiratory symptoms, even in the absence of a history of choking. Bronchoscopy is indicated in all patients with suspected aspiration, even when the physical and radiological examination is inconclusive. We evaluate in 90 cases the time between the aspiration of foreign body and the removal, and emphasize the need for preventive measures and greater dissemination of knowledge in the community and health professionals about this problem.