Risk factors for recurrent acute mastoiditis in pediatric patients: a registry-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of pediatric patients with recurrent acute mastoiditis, and to identify risk factors for this condition. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Data based on electronic medical records of the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel. METHODS: Children hospitalized due to acute mastoiditis during the years 2008-2018 were identified, and their diagnosis was verified. Patients with recurrent acute mastoiditis were identified and grouped, and their characteristics were outlined and compared to those of the original group to identify risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: During the 11-year period, a total of 1115 cases of children hospitalized due to acute mastoiditis were identified with a weighted incidence rate of 7.8/100,000. Of this group, 57 patients were diagnosed with recurrence following a full clinical recovery. The incidence proportion of recurrent acute mastoiditis was 5.1% (57/1115), male-to-female ratio was 27:30, 73.4% were younger than 24 months, the median period from the first episode was 3.4 months (IQR 2.0;10.0), and 82.5% of the patients (n = 47) had a single recurrence, whereas 18.5% (n = 10) had two recurrences or more. Mastoidectomy and swelling over the mastoid area during the first episode were identified as the main risk factors for recurrent mastoiditis HR = 4.7 [(2.7-8.2), p < 0.001] and HR = 2.55 [(1.4-4.8), p = 0.003], respectively. Mastoidectomy was the only independent significant risk factor for recurrence in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoidectomy and swelling over the mastoid area during the first episode of acute mastoiditis were found strongly related independent risk factor for future recurrent episodes of acute mastoiditis.

[OTOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD AND NECK SURGERY - VARIETY OF PATHOLOGIES AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS].

INTRODUCTION: The field of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery faces a wide range of medical conditions, starting with upper airway morbidity, head and neck tumors, hearing loss and deafness, ear diseases, nose, sinuses, and anterior skull base conditions, pediatric otolaryngology, laryngology and facial and reconstructive plastic surgery. The current issue of this journal presents a variety of manuscripts that are in the forefront of our specialty in Israel and around the world. The management of laryngeal tumors is undergoing thorough modification aiming to preserve the organ while early tumors are treated endoscopically using laser technology. The human papilloma virus is one of the major changes that recently emerged as an important etiologic factor for oropharyngeal carcinoma in young nonsmokers. Hearing loss and deafness are negative contributors to the quality of life. Congenital hearing loss has a major effect on brain development, and speech and language development, therefore, early cochlear implantation is beneficial for well child development. Different aspects associated with cochlear implantation are discussed in this issue. Many fields that are associated with our specialty are gradually utilized by otolaryngologists, for example the utilization of ultrasound by surgeons. The field of otolaryngology head and neck surgery is dynamic and abundant with innovative technologies that are presented in this article, starting with cochlear implants, robotic surgery, and the utilization of 3D printers for complicated facial reconstructions. We are in the midst of a journey and we may assume that the future holds great promise both for our patients and for us as health care providers.

Adenoid Obstruction Assessment in Children: Clinical Evaluation Versus Endoscopy and Radiography.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophy of the adenoids is common in children. However, the anatomical site makes the adenoids difficult to assess, and studies evaluating the subject are ambiguous, especially with regard to the use of X-ray as an evaluation tool. OBJECTIVES: To compare medical history with clinical, radiological, and endoscopic evaluations of the adenoids and compare obstructed and non-obstructed children relative to the assessment methods. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted with children who were suspected of having enlarged adenoids. All parents completed a medical history questionnaire and patients underwent clinical evaluation based on Nasal Obstruction Index (NOI) scores, radiological assessment based on the lateral neck X-ray adenoid-nasopharynx (A/N( ratio, and endoscopic evaluation based on anatomical relations. Spearman correlations were used for comparison between methods. RESULTS: We evaluated 36 patients, median age 5.33 years. Correlation measurements for clinical assessment and questionnaire (r = 0.582, P < 0.0001), questionnaire and endoscopy (r = 0.462, P = 0.005), and clinical assessment and nasal endoscopy (r = 0.621, P < 0.0001) were statistically significant. None of the parameters correlated with the radiological findings. A statistically significant difference was found between the obstructed and non-obstructed groups in both questionnaire (P = 0.004) and clinical assessment (P < 0.0001). However, no difference was found in X-ray measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral neck X-ray measurements were not correlated to symptoms, signs, or endoscopic findings. Therefore, medical professionals should use lateral neck radiography when considering adenoidectomy only on a highly selective basis.

[CLINICAL APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC SEROUS OTITIS MEDIA].

Serous otitis media (also known as otitis media with effusion) is one of the most prevalent pediatric diagnoses. However, the recommended clinical approach and significance of this entity are controversial. Pathogenesis is usually based upon a combination of factors as overviewed in the body of the article. The cognitive and behavioral effects amongst children suffering serous otitis media were extensively studied and data points to little if any effects during long term follow-ups in otherwise healthy children. The therapeutic approach can be divided into watchful waiting, systemic drugs, topical drugs, mechanical therapies and surgical therapy (i.e. ventilation tube insertion). The reviewed literature mainly supports the effectiveness of the surgical approach in carefully selected cohorts of patients.

Emerging Clinical Features of Acute Mastoiditis in Israel: A Registry Based Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a severe infection in the young population, with possible life-threatening complications. This study aimed to characterize AM presentation, symptoms and signs, complications, and management, over a period of 10 years. METHODS: This large-scale population-based cohort studied "Clalit Health Care" records, to include patients <18 years diagnosed with AM, hospitalized between the years 2008-2018. After validation, we investigated clinical symptoms and signs, pneumococcal vaccination status, complications, laboratory and microbiological parameters, imaging, antibiotic treatment and surgical interventions. RESULTS: AM was diagnosed in 1189 patients, mean age of 2.71 years and 591 (49.71%) were female. Most presented with protrusion of pinna (83.1%), retro auricular redness (73.5%) and fever (71.8%). Patients <2 years of age had more symptoms (3.8 ± 1.4, opposed to 3.6 ± 1.5, P = 0.006) and showed higher white blood cell count and C-reactive protein values. Local and intracranial complications occurred in 233 (20.8%) and 75 (6.5%) patients, respectively. Complications were associated with increased white blood cell count and C-reactive protein and related to bacterial type, specifically Fusobacterium necrophorum ( P < 0.0001), for which 50% had an intracranial complication. Between the years 2008-2018, Streptococcus pneumoniae -positive cultures decreased (30.9% to 10.3%, P > 0.0001) as opposed to group-A Streptococcus (10.9% to 30.9%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a difference in AM appearance in the <2 years population and the association between white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and microbiology results with the occurrence of a complication. This may play a role in the management process, such as imaging and intervention needs. Although performed during the pneumococcal vaccine era, the disease microbiology was shown to change significantly throughout the study.

Xylitol nasal spray for prevention of recurrent acute otitis media in children: A prospective two-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of xylitol nasal spray as a prophylactic treatment for children with recurrent acute otitis media (AOM). METHODS: This is a prospective pilot study of children aged 1-4 years, diagnosed with recurrent AOM (at least three episodes in the three months before recruitment) between December 1, 2019 and January 31, 2023. Children were treated with nasal xylitol spray 2-3 times daily for 3 months. The number of AOM episodes and treatments administered were compared within 3-month intervals: before recruitment, during xylitol use, and during the three subsequent months. RESULTS: Of 68 children enrolled, 66 (97%) completed the follow-up, until July 2023. Thirty-eight (58%) were males. Sixty-three children (95%) were 12-24-months old. The mean number of AOM episodes during xylitol use, 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.39), was lower than in the 3-month previous interval, 4.12 (95% CI: 3.89-4.40), p < 0.001; and similar to that in the subsequent 3-month interval, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.49-1.08), p = 0.082. A similar pattern was observed in an analysis of the number of AOM episodes per patient month. The data were similar during spring and summer months as during autumn and winter months. Across the consecutive three-month intervals, decreases were observed in the mean number of AOM episodes treated with systemic antibiotics (3.35, 0.65, and 0.41), p < 0.001; and with topical antibiotics (1.38, 0.55, and 0.32), p < 0.001. No major side effects were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the effectiveness and safety of nasal xylitol spray, for preventing recurrent AOM in children aged 1-4 years.

Rhinitis medicamentosa - comparing two treatment strategies: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rhinitis medicamentosa poses a therapeutic challenge for both patients and physicians. Treatment strategies vary, starting with avoidance of decongestants, followed by medications or surgical intervention. This study aimed to compare two treatment strategies for this condition. METHODS: A review was conducted of patients diagnosed with rhinitis medicamentosa from 2013 to 2021, who were managed conservatively with medications or surgically by inferior turbinate reduction. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included: 21 patients were treated conservatively and 26 underwent turbinate reduction. Following surgical therapy, the frequency of using decongestants was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), with a significant improvement in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores (p < 0.001). The conservative treatment group was significantly older with more co-morbidities. Following medical therapy, the conservative treatment group had a significant decrease in the frequency of decongestant use, but there was no significant improvement in their Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores. CONCLUSION: Compared to conservative treatment, inferior turbinate reduction for rhinitis medicamentosa resulted in reduced decongestant use and improved quality of life.

Vertigo in children and adolescents: characteristics and outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics and outcome of vertigo in a pediatric population. PATIENTS: All children and adolescents presenting with vertigo to a tertiary otoneurology clinic between the years 2003-2010 were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with a mean age of 14 years were evaluated. The most common etiology was migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) followed by acute labyrinthitis/neuritis and psychogenic dizziness. Ten patients (27%) had pathological findings on the otoneurological examination. Abnormal findings were documented in sixteen of the twenty-three (70%) completed electronystagmography evaluations. Twenty patients (54%) were referred to treatment by other disciplines than otology/otoneurology. A follow-up questionnaire was filled by twenty six (70%) of the study participants. While all patients diagnosed with MAV had continuous symptoms, most other patients had complete resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Various etiologies of vertigo may present with similar symptoms and signs in the pediatric patient. Yet, variable clinical courses should be anticipated, depending on the specific etiology. This is the reason why treatment and follow up should be specifically tailored for each case according to the diagnosis. Close collaboration with other medical disciplines is often required to reach the correct diagnosis and treatment while avoiding unnecessary laboratory examinations.

Epidemiology of pediatric acute mastoiditis in Israel: A National Registry 10-year perspective.

Background and Objectives: Previous small studies have proposed a higher incidence of acute mastoiditis in Israeli pediatric patients than in other Western countries. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of acute mastoiditis and its epidemiological features over a decade, in order to identify variables that could possibly affect the incidence. Methods: All admitted patients aged <18 years diagnosed with acute mastoiditis between 2008 and 2018 at Clalit Healthcare Services were identified and a database was generated. Results: A total of 1189 and 1115 patients met the inclusion criteria, respectively. Acute mastoiditis diagnosis was confirmed in 95.2% of the patients. The incidence was 7.78 cases per 100,000 children-years but was significantly higher in children under 2 years of age (average of 38.31 per 100,000 children-years). No specific pattern was observed in the annualized incidence rate during the study period. Acute mastoiditis was significantly more common in children of Jewish descent than non-Jewish (10.4 vs. 3.03 per 100,000 children-years, P < 0.001) and of high socioeconomic status and is more common in the winter. The prevalence of household parental smoking (52%) was more than double that previously reported in the Israeli population. Conclusions: A higher incidence of acute mastoiditis was observed in the Israeli population than in other reports. The age-dependent rate was identified along with unique epidemiological features such as seasonality, higher incidence in patients of Jewish descent, or high socioeconomic status. Related parental smoking habits lend further support against the exposure of young children to household smoking.Level of evidence: Individual retrospective cohort study.

Laboratory and imaging findings of necrotizing otitis externa are associated with pathogen type and disease outcome: A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of laboratory and imaging data with diagnostic parameters of necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) and its severity, and to compare between bacterial and fungal infections. METHODS: Records of patients diagnosed with NOE during 2010-2018 at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery were reviewed retrospectively for demographics; disease characteristics; and laboratory, scintigraphy, and imaging results. RESULTS: Of 48 patients with NOE, the mean age is 73±11.6 years; 32 (67%) were males; 83% had diabetes mellitus. Common pathogens were pseudomonas (49%) and fungi (33%). Sensitivities of the technetium-scan (SPECT ratio ≥1.5), temporal bone computed tomography (CT), and gallium-scan (SPECT ratio ≥1.3) were: 78.7%, 48.8%, and 31.4%, respectively. Gallium-scan results correlated positively with CT bone involvement (p=0.002) and hospital length of stay (p=0.0014). C-reactive protein (CRP) level correlated with hospital length of stay (p=0.028) and positive technetium-scan results (p=0.012). Fungal infection had a higher technetium SPECT ratio (2.16 vs. 1.77, p=0.04), gallium SPECT ratio (1.4 vs. 1.2, p=0.02), longer duration of systemic treatment (87.4 vs. 37.9 days, p=0.014), and longer hospital length of stay (31.6 vs. 15.2 days, p=0.004) compared to non-fungal infection. Eight (17%) patients had responded poorly to treatment. Fungal pathogens, facial nerve paresis, extra-auricular, and bilateral disease were more prevalent among the non-responders. CONCLUSION: The technetium scan has higher sensitivity than temporal bone CT for diagnosing NOE. The gallium scan and CRP correlated well with hospital length of stay. A high rate of fungal infection was found, with significantly higher technetium and gallium SPECT ratios and worse outcome compared to bacterial infection. Fungal NOE remains therapeutically challenging.

[Chronic rhinitis--clinical guidelines 2010].

Chronic rhinitis (CR) affects large populations worldwide, diagnosed in 40% of the population and is often associated with co-morbidities, such as asthma, sinusitis, rhinoconjunctivitis cognitive dysfunction, and leads to loss of work and school days. Recently, global clinical guidelines were proposed for allergic rhinitis (AR). Similarly, an Israeli expert panel, consisting of ENT and Allergy/Immunology specialists, was delegated to discuss the current approaches to CR (including allergic and non-allergic rhinitis) and to submit a consensus paper. The guidelines, briefly presented herein, describe the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities and clinical-management algorithms. It is adapted to the Israeli health system and will be distributed to all physicians by the Israel Medical Association. The new clinical guidelines are expected to update current knowledge, improve communication between medical disciplines, provide medico-legal support and improve the management of CR.

Is Nasal Endoscopy of Diagnostic Value in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps?

Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity is an integral part of the assessment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the benefit gained by performing endoscopy with respect to the patient's medical condition has not been completely assessed. We conducted a prospective cohort in an academic medical center. Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, without polyps, whose ailment was managed conservatively with no surgical intervention. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy, a computed tomography (CT) scan rated for Lund-MacKay score, and completed a sino nasal outcome test (SNOT)-20 questionnaire. This same evaluation was repeated 6 weeks following medical treatment. The CT scan and SNOT-20 questionnaire were independent parameters to evaluate the endoscopy score in each nasal passage. Thirty-nine (28 females) patients completed the follow-up period. A total of 156 endoscopic evaluations were performed, in which 74 nasal cavities were found to have significant pathology and 82 were either normal or displayed mild pathology. The correlation with the Lund-MacKay score was poor with a positive predictive value of 68.9% (31.1% false positive and 28% false negative). However, while looking at the SNOT-20 score, corrected for repeated measures, a higher endoscopy score was associated with a higher SNOT-20 score (odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.54-8.09, P = .003). Patients with higher endoscopy scores had a greater probability for exhibiting severe symptoms. However, we could not demonstrate a strong correlation between nasal endoscopy findings and CT scan scores. Therefore, with respect to patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps, nasal endoscopy could be utilized as a beneficial objective tool.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the head and neck in pediatric patients: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) of the head and neck as seen at a tertiary care center. DESIGN: A case series. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with aneurysmal bone cyst of the head and neck treated at the Hospital for Sick Children during the years 1994-2006 was carried out. RESULTS: Nine patients with ABC were treated. The average age at diagnosis was 9.3 years (range: 5 months-15 years), six males and three females. Four cysts originated in the paranasal sinuses, two in the mandible, one in the zygoma, one in the mastoid and one in the parietal bone. Two cases were associated with a previous localized trauma (mandible, zygoma). 5/9 presented with pain, 4/9 presented as an asymptomatic mass, 2/9 were associated with proptosis and nasal obstruction, 2/9 with nasal obstruction and 1/9 presented with an aural polyp. Seven cysts were successfully excised while one (in the pterygomaxillary fossa) is being followed conservatively. In one case the ABC was found to be secondary to an extensive osteoblastoma and this child continuous to be problematic. Follow-up time ranged from 2 years and 6 months to 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: ABC of the head and neck may vary in presentation and severity. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice at our institution and may provide a satisfying outcome. ABC may be secondary to an underlying bone pathology (e.g., osteoblastoma) which may make it refractory to treatment.

The role of surgery in necrotizing otitis externa.

This retrospective case review describes a subset of 5 patients with necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) with a refractory disease course who underwent surgery as part of their management plan between 2008 and 2013. Surgery promoted the cure of 4 of the 5 patients, and a fungal pathogen was recovered in 4 of 5 surgical samples. We conclude that surgery may be a necessary diagnostic and treatment adjunct in selective cases of NOE, especially in patients with a refractory disease course or with a suspected fungal etiology.

Diagnostic radiation in pregnancy: perception versus true risks.

Significant numbers of therapeutic abortions are performed for radiation-exposed pregnant women because of concerns about the teratogenic risk. However, available data suggest that current diagnostic radiation procedures are not teratogenic.

Partial neurolysis of the hypoglossal nerve for selective lingual atrophy in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea in children is most commonly treated with adenotonsillectomy; however, in cases of significant tongue base prolapse, this may prove inadequate. Surgical procedures used to increase the retroglossal airway have significant morbidities and low patient acceptability. We theorized that effective reduction of the tongue base can be achieved through partial denervation of the hypoglossal nerve, which is easily accessed in the submandibular space with minimal morbidity. METHODS: We performed a prospective, experimental study in which topographic innervation maps of porcine tongue were generated by stimulating the hypoglossal main trunk and peripheral branches. The effects of complete unilateral nerve sectioning on tongue base volume and linear dimensions were measured and compared to the contralateral control side. In the final stage, only the peripheral nerve that was determined as the main supply to the tongue base was sectioned, and the results were compared to those in the matched controls. RESULTS: A medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve was consistently identified as the main motor supply to the tongue base. Complete denervation resulted in a measurable decrease in the volume of the tongue base as compared to that of controls. Partial neurolysis produced inconsistent changes in 2 subjects, with decreases in linear dimensions that were not proportional to the decrease in volume. Histologically, complete denervation was followed by a significantly greater replacement of muscle with fat and connective tissue as compared with partial neurolysis. CONCLUSIONS: There were inconsistent changes in volume and linear dimensions of the tongue base following partial neurolysis of the hypoglossal nerve over the 3-month experimental period.

Hemifacial spasm associated with otitis media with effusion: a first reported case.

Hemifacial spasm is a condition consisting of unilateral paroxysmal involuntary contractions of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. The most common etiology is a vascular loop compression at the root exit zone of the nerve. We present here a first reported case of hemifacial spasm associated with otitis media with effusion, in a 6-year-old girl, which was relieved immediately following ventilation tubes insertion. A proposed mechanism is described.

The attitude of physicians toward cold remedies for upper respiratory infection in infants and children: a questionnaire survey.

Over-the-counter cold remedies are widely used for symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections. The safety of these drugs is not well established in infants and their efficacy is questionable. Our aim was to study the attitude of family physicians and pediatricians toward the use of cold remedies in infants and children. A questionnaire was sent to 400 family physicians and 100 pediatricians randomly selected across Ontario. The overall response rate was 53.2%. Sixteen percent of family physicians recommended cold remedies for infants 0 to 6 months of age compared to 4% of the pediatricians (P = 0.01). For infants 6 to 12 months of age, the difference between pediatricians and family physicians persisted (14% and 38% of, respectively; P < 0.001). Despite that cold remedies are not proven to be effective and some safety issues are associated with their use in the pediatric age group, physicians still recommend them. Continuing medical education programs should address the issue.

Pregnancy outcome following non-obstetric surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of non-obstetric surgical procedures on maternal and fetal outcome. METHODS: A systematic review of all English language literature. RESULTS: Fifty-four papers met the inclusion criteria. The overall number of patients reported was 12,452. Reported maternal death was rare at .006%. The miscarriage rate was 5.8%; however, this number is difficult to interpret since matched controls were not available. The rate of elective termination of pregnancy following non-obstetric surgery was 1.3%. The rate of premature labor induced by non-obstetric surgical intervention was 3.5% and this was noted specifically following appendectomy versus other types of interventions (P<.001). A total of 2.5% of pregnancies resulted in fetal loss. The prematurity rate was 8.2%. The rate of major birth defects among women who underwent non-obstetric surgical intervention in the first trimester was 3.9%. Sub-analysis of papers reporting on appendectomy during pregnancy revealed a high rate (4.6%) of surgery-induced labor. Fetal loss associated with appendectomy was 2.6%; however, this rate was increased when peritonitis was present (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Modern surgical and anesthesia techniques appear to diminish the rate of maternal death. Surgery in the first trimester does not appear to increase major birth defects and should not be delayed when indicated. Acute appendicitis with peritonitis is associated with higher risk to the mother and fetus.