Immunizing adolescents: a selected review of recent literature and US recommendations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a clinically relevant synopsis of the latest research and recommendations regarding adolescent immunizations. RECENT FINDINGS: Immunization is an important and effective strategy for preventing morbidity and mortality in adolescents. Although there has been progress in recent years, coverage rates in the US remain suboptimal, particularly for the human papillomavirus vaccine. Much work has been done to better understand and address the barriers to adolescent immunization, so that all teens may be protected against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. In addition, several recent studies have focused on the effectiveness of current adolescent vaccines and the development of new vaccines to protect against additional types of human papillomavirus and serotype B Neisseria meningitidis. Decreased pertussis vaccine effectiveness has led to new recommendations for pregnant women, including adolescents, to protect them and their young infants. The present review highlights selected literature on acellular pertussis, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines. Research findings on various strategies to improve adolescent vaccine uptake are also discussed in this review. SUMMARY: Research on adolescent immunizations and their delivery continues to have an impact on clinical practice and will shape future guidelines. Through this work, we can learn how best to protect adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Implementation of an Online Multimedia Pediatric Tracheostomy Care Module for Healthcare Providers.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the effect of a multimedia educational module on provider attitudes toward pediatric tracheostomy care. We also describe the process of module development and dissemination at an academic children's hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: The pediatric airway committee at an urban tertiary care center developed a multimedia pediatric tracheostomy care module. Nurses, respiratory therapists, as well as resident, fellow, and attending physicians caring for pediatric patients with tracheostomies were eligible. Managers and clinical supervisors from various units recruited participants to complete the pediatric tracheostomy care electronic module and pre- and postassessment knowledge quizzes and surveys. Provider confidence was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis H-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, and paired t-test was used to compare pre- and postmodule quiz scores. RESULTS: A total of 422 participants completed the module. A total of 275 participants completed the premodule survey, 385 completed the premodule quiz, 253 completed the postmodule survey, and 233 completed the postmodule quiz. Participants included providers in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric emergency department, and pediatric wards. Postmodule surveys demonstrated a significant reduction in the average percentage of participants indicating lack of confidence with regards to changing an established tracheostomy, responding to accidental decannulation of established tracheostomy, and responding to accidental decannulation of fresh tracheostomy (P < .001). Average quiz scores increased by 5.6 points from 83.0% to 88.6% (P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: A multimedia educational module can improve provider perception of their knowledge and confidence surrounding pediatric tracheostomy management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1893-1901, 2021.

Bridging bronchus (pseudocarina) and left pulmonary artery sling: A case report and literature review.

Congenital airway malformations can present with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and difficulty feeding in the neonate or infant. Clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to fatal airway obstruction. They may exist in isolation or in association with vascular rings and slings, bronchopulmonary malformations, and/or syndromes. We present an unusual case of bridging bronchus, complete bronchial rings, and left pulmonary artery sling presenting with recurrent croup, highlighting the importance of bronchoscopy and CT imaging to achieve an accurate diagnosis in patients with recurrent croup and/or respiratory failure not responding to usual treatment measures and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Novel nitric oxide-generating platform using manuka honey as an anti-biofilm strategy in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial biofilms are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key immune effector with potent antimicrobial effects, but a short half-life limits achievement of therapeutic concentrations. We hypothesized that manuka honey (MH) could induce sustained reduction of nitrite to NO causing biofilm disruption and that this effect would be enhanced with the addition of a NO-releasing microparticle. METHODS: Porous organosilica microparticles containing nitrosylated thiol groups were formulated (SNO-MP). MH was combined with serial dilutions of nitrite. NO release was evaluated using a NO analyzer. The susceptibility of 2 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms to these NO-releasing platforms was evaluated using confocal microscopy. Cell viability and biofilm volume were quantified. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS software. RESULTS: MH with nitrite generated a linear increase in NO formation. SNO-MP induced a bolus release of NO within 5 minutes, followed by a sustained plateau phase. MH with nitrite combined with SNO-MP enhanced NO release during the plateau phase. MH with nitrite reduced biofilm live cells and volume by 88.5% to 96.9% and 95.1% to 95.6%, respectively, vs control (p < 0.0001). SNO-MP reduced live cells and volume by 61.0% to 98.5% and 74.7% to 85.7%, respectively, vs control (p < 0.0001). MH with nitrite combined with SNO-MP nearly eradicated biofilm, with a 98.3% to 99.8% (log 1.8-2.6) reduction in viability and a 91.4% to 97.7% decrease in volume (p < 0.0001 vs control). CONCLUSION: A novel platform that generates NO using MH and nitrite produces a potent anti-biofilm effect, which can be further enhanced with the addition of SNO-MP.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) for fetal neck masses: A tertiary center experience and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Currently no established criteria exist to guide use of ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) for fetal neck mass management. This study aims to correlate prenatal radiographic findings with incidence of ex utero intrapartum treatment and necessity of airway intervention at delivery. METHODS: We reviewed our EXIT experience between 2012 and 17. Furthermore, we performed a literature review of articles reporting incidences of fetal neck masses considered for EXIT. Articles that were included (1) discussed prenatal radiographic findings such as size, features, and evidence of compression and (2) reported extractable data on delivery outcomes and airway status. RESULTS: Ten cases at our institution were reviewed. Another 137 cases across 81 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies showed aerodigestive tract compression to be significantly associated with neck masses undergoing EXIT. Additionally, there was significantly higher incidence of airway intervention in cases where polyhydramnios, anatomic compression, and solid masses were seen on prenatal diagnostic imaging, while mass location and size did not correlate with airway intervention. CONCLUSION: With this data, we propose that any neck mass with anatomic compression on fetal imaging in the 3rd trimester should be considered for EXIT. When radiographic findings do not show compression but do display polyhydramnios or a solid neck mass (regardless of polyhydramnios), an airway surgeon should be available for perinatal airway assistance.