Comparison of Pneumotachometer and Portable Digital Turbine Spirometry for Field-Based Assessment: An Air Quality, Environment, and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Study.

Introduction: Data on the use of remote spirometry are limited in the pediatric population. We sought to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a digital turbine spirometer, Medical International Research (MIR) Spirobank Smart (MIR, New Berlin, WI, USA), compared with a pneumotachography spirometer, Pneumotrac (Vitalograph Inc., Lenexa, KS, USA), in field-based clinical research. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of a subgroup of school-aged participants enrolled in the Air quality, Environment, and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) study, who performed same-day paired coached baseline spirometry measurements from the Pneumotrac and MIR devices. Proportion of successful tests was estimated for each device and compared using McNemar's test. Correlation between devices forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was analyzed by Lin's concordance correlation, and Bland-Altman plots were generated. Results: Twenty-one participants with history of BPD completed home spirometry maneuvers on both devices. The mean age of participants was 8.7 years. The mean FEV1 and FVC measurement was 81% predicted and 90.4% predicted, respectively. The proportion of acceptable tests appeared higher using Pneumotrac (81%) than when using MIR (67%), although without evidence of discordance (P = 0.317). Among subjects with successful tests on both devices, Lin's concordance correlation demonstrated moderate agreement (FEV1 r = 0.955, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-0.98; FVC r = 0.971, CI: 0.91-0.99). The mean difference in FEV1 between Pneumotrac and MIR was 0.079 L (95% limits of agreement were -0.141 to 0.298 L) and FVC was 0.075 L (95% limits of agreement were -0.171 to 0.322 L). These were relatively small and without evidence of systematic or volume-dependent bias. Conclusions: Utilizing turbine spirometers may be a promising and feasible way to perform pulmonary function testing for field research in children.

Health-Related Qualities of Life in School-Aged Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of school-aged children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using the standardized Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessment tools. STUDY DESIGN: The Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Morbidity in Children with BPD Study is an ongoing observational study of school-aged children with BPD. HRQOL is assessed at enrollment by 3 PROMIS questionnaires, Parent Proxy Scale-Global Health 7, Parent Proxy Psychological Stress Experiences-Short Form, and the Parent Proxy Profile-Profile-25. PROMIS data were tested for significant deviation from the standardized T-Score references for normative populations of children. RESULTS: Eighty-nine subjects enrolled in the AERO-BPD study had complete outcome data for HRQOL. The mean age was 9 (±2) years and 43% were female. Mean days on respiratory support totaled 96 (±40). Across all domains, school-aged children with BPD reported similar or slightly better outcomes than the reference sample. Statistically significant findings of lower depression (P < .0001), fatigue (P < .0001), and pain (P < .0001) scores were found; there was no difference in psychological stress experiences (P = .87), global health (P = .06), anxiety (P = .08), relationships (P = .80), and mobility (P = .59) domains. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that children with BPD may have less depression, fatigue, and pain HRQL than the general population. Once validated, these findings may offer reassurance to parents and providers caring for children with BPD.

Effect of radon exposure on asthma morbidity in the School Inner-City Asthma study.

BACKGROUND: Radon may have a role in obstructive lung disease outside its known carcinogenicity. Little is known about radon's effects on asthma morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of radon on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE NO), asthma symptom-days, and lung function in inner-city asthmatic school children. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-nine school-aged asthmatic children enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study (SICAS-1) were followed. One and two-month averaged radon was assessed using a spatiotemporal model predicting zip code-specific monthly exposures. FE NO and spirometry were measured twice during the academic year. Asthma symptoms were assessed four times during the academic year. The interaction between indoor radon exposure (Bq/m3 ) and seasonality predicting log-transformed FE NO, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) % predicted, forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted, FEV1 /FVC, and asthma symptom-days was evaluated. RESULTS: Participants with high radon exposure had greater change in FE NO from warm to cold periods compared to low radon exposure (interaction p = 0.0013). Participants with >50th percentile radon exposure experience significant FE NO increase from warm to cold weather ( ß $\beta $ = 0.29 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.54], p = 0.0240). We report a positive association between radon 1-month moving average (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.01, p = 0.0273) and 2-month moving average (IRR = 1.01, p = 0.0286) with maximum asthma symptom-days (n = 299, obs = 1167). CONCLUSIONS: In asthmatic children, radon may be associated with increased asthma morbidity, suggesting radon may be a modifiable environmental risk factor for airway inflammation.

Environment and the development of severe asthma in inner city population.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Higher asthma prevalence and morbidity are seen in inner-city areas, disproportionately affecting low-income families living in substandard housing. Children within these families experience more frequent asthma exacerbations, acute care and emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, thus characterizing severe asthma. In this review, we assess recent published literature focused on indoor and outdoor exposures that contribute to the development and morbidity of asthma. RECENT FINDINGS: Many urban environmental exposures contribute to asthma burden, including tobacco/e-cigarette smoke, pest allergens, molds, and possibly synthetic chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A, radon, and volatile organic compounds. Individuals living in inner-city areas also experience higher levels of air pollutants and ambient heat, further perpetuating asthma incidence and severity. SUMMARY: This article summarizes the latest advances and provides direction for future research on risk factors, interventions, and public policy to help alleviate the burden of asthma due to urban environment exposures.

Air pollution and childhood asthma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Environmental exposures, such as allergens and pollutants, are ubiquitous factors associated with asthma development and asthma morbidity. In this review, we highlight the most recent studies relevant to childhood asthma risk, onset, and exacerbation related to air pollution exposure. RECENT FINDINGS: In this article, we review current research that has been published between 2021 and 2022, demonstrating the effects of early-life exposure to key air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and ground-level ozone (O 3 ), environmental tobacco smoke, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) on respiratory health. SUMMARY: Air pollution continues to be a global burden with serious consequences related to respiratory health. Interventions aimed at reducing air pollution in the environment must be achieved in an effort to improve asthma outcomes and pediatric health.

Defining and identifying early-onset lung disease in cystic fibrosis with cumulative clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Because of the heterogeneity in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease among young children, a clinical method to identify early-onset lung disease is needed. OBJECTIVE: To develop a CF early-onset lung disease (CFELD) scoring system by utilizing prospectively collected longitudinal data on manifestations in the first 3 years of life. DESIGN: We studied 145 infants born during 2012-2017, diagnosed through newborn screening by age 3 months, and followed to 36 months of age. Cough severity, pulmonary exacerbations (PEx), respiratory cultures, and hospitalizations were collected at each CF center visit (every 1-2 months in infancy and quarterly thereafter). These data were used to construct the CFELD system and to classify lung disease into five categories: asymptomatic, minimal, mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: The most frequent manifestation of CF early lung disease was MD-reported PEx episodes, PEx hospitalizations, and positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures. Parent-reported cough severity was correlated with the number of respiratory hospitalizations (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). The distribution of CFELD categories was 10% asymptomatic, 17% minimal, 29% mild, 33% moderate, and 12% severe. The moderate and severe categories occurred threefold higher in pancreatic insufficient (PI, 49%) versus sufficient subjects (16%), p < 0.0001. In addition to PI, gastrointestinal and nutrition-related hospitalizations, plasma cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, duration of CFTR modulator therapy, and type of health insurance were significant predictors of CFELD scores. CONCLUSION: The CFELD scoring system is novel, allows systematic evaluation of lung disease prognosis early, and may aid in therapeutic decision-making particularly in the initiation of CFTR modulator therapy.

Factors Influencing Classroom Exposures to Fine Particles, Black Carbon, and Nitrogen Dioxide in Inner-City Schools and Their Implications for Indoor Air Quality.

BACKGROUND: School classrooms, where students spend the majority of their time during the day, are the second most important indoor microenvironment for children. OBJECTIVE: We investigated factors influencing classroom exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in urban schools in the northeast United States. METHODS: Over the period of 10 y (2008-2013; 2015-2019) measurements were conducted in 309 classrooms of 74 inner-city schools during fall, winter, and spring of the academic period. The data were analyzed using adaptive mixed-effects least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models. The LASSO variables included meteorological-, school-, and classroom-based covariates. RESULTS: LASSO identified 10, 10, and 11 significant factors (p<0.05) that were associated with indoor PM2.5, BC, and NO2 exposures, respectively. The overall variability explained by these models was R2=0.679, 0.687, and 0.621 for PM2.5, BC, and NO2, respectively. Of the model's explained variability, outdoor air pollution was the most important predictor, accounting for 53.9%, 63.4%, and 34.1% of the indoor PM2.5, BC, and NO2 concentrations. School-based predictors included furnace servicing, presence of a basement, annual income, building type, building year of construction, number of classrooms, number of students, and type of ventilation that, in combination, explained 18.6%, 26.1%, and 34.2% of PM2.5, BC, and NO2 levels, whereas classroom-based predictors included classroom floor level, classroom proximity to cafeteria, number of windows, frequency of cleaning, and windows facing the bus area and jointly explained 24.0%, 4.2%, and 29.3% of PM2.5, BC, and NO2 concentrations, respectively. DISCUSSION: The adaptive LASSO technique identified significant regional-, school-, and classroom-based factors influencing classroom air pollutant levels and provided robust estimates that could potentially inform targeted interventions aiming at improving children's health and well-being during their early years of development. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10007.

The Role of Comorbidities in Difficult-to-Control Asthma in Adults and Children.

Assessment of asthma comorbidities, conditions that adversely affect the pathobiology of asthma or impair its response to therapies, is a fundamental step in the evaluation and management of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma. Identifying and effectively treating asthma comorbidities, such as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, may improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations. In addition, identifying comorbid T2 inflammatory conditions may help guide optimal selection of biologic therapies. Here, we describe common comorbid conditions found in adult and pediatric difficult-to-control asthma, discuss evidence for the association with asthma morbidity and treatment benefit, and provide information on how and when to assess comorbidities.

Issues affecting young people with asthma through the transition period to adult care.

Asthma is among the most common medical conditions affecting children and young people, with adolescence a recognised period of increased risk, overrepresented in analyses examining recent increasing asthma mortality rates. Asthma may change significantly during this period and management also occurs in the context of patients seeking increased autonomy and self-governance whilst navigating increasing academic and social demands. A number of disease factors can destabilise asthma during adolescence including: increased rates of anaphylaxis, anxiety, depression, obesity, and, in females, an emerging resistance to corticosteroids and the pro-inflammatory effects of oestrogen. Patient factors such as smoking, vaping, poor symptom recognition, treatment non-adherence and variable engagement with health services contribute to difficult to treat asthma. Significant deficiencies in the current approach to transition have been identified by a recent EAACI task force, and subsequent asthma-specific recommendations, published in 2020 provide an important framework moving forward. As with other chronic conditions, effective transition programmes plan ahead, engage with adolescents and their families to identify the patients' management priorities and the current challenges they are experiencing with treatment. Transition needs may vary significantly across asthma patients and for more complex asthma may include dedicated transition clinics involving multidisciplinary care requiring input including, amongst others, allergy and immunology, psychological medicine, respiratory physicians and scientists and nurse specialists. Across different global regions, barriers to treatment may vary but need to be elicited and an individualised approach taken to optimising asthma care which is sustainable within the local adult healthcare system.

Air quality, Environment and Respiratory Outcomes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, the AERO-BPD cohort study: design and adaptation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Almost half of all school-age children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have asthma-like symptoms and more suffer from lung function deficits. While air pollution and indoor respiratory irritants are known to affect high-risk populations of children, few studies have objectively evaluated environmental contributions to long-term respiratory morbidity in this population. This study aimed to examine the role of indoor environmental exposures on respiratory morbidity in children with BPD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Air quality, Environment and Respiratory Ouctomes in BPD (AERO-BPD) study is a prospective, single-centre observational study that will enrol a unique cohort of 240 children with BPD and carefully characterise participants and their indoor home environmental exposures. Measures of indoor air quality constituents will assess the relationship of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), nitric oxide (NO), temperature and humidity, as well as dust concentrations of allergens, with concurrently measured respiratory symptoms and lung function.Adaptations to the research protocol due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic included remote home environment and participant assessments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Study protocol was approved by the Boston Children's Hospital Committee on Clinical Investigation. Dissemination will be in the form of peer-reviewed publications and participant information products. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04107701.

Thoracic Multidetector Computed Tomography Findings of Dedicator of Cytokinesis 8 Deficiency in Children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristic thoracic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency, a rare autosomal recessive form of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All pediatric patients (age 18 y and below) with a known diagnosis of DOCK8 deficiency based on genetic testing who underwent thoracic MDCT studies from November 2004 to November 2020 were included. Two pediatric radiologists independently evaluated MDCT studies for the presence of thoracic abnormalities in the lung [ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, pulmonary nodule, mass, cyst, and bronchiectasis], pleura (pleural effusion and pneumothorax), and mediastinum (lymphadenopathy). When a lung abnormality was present, laterality, distribution (upper, middle, and lower lung zone), and extent were also evaluated. When a pleural abnormality was identified, laterality and size of the abnormality were also assessed. When mediastinal lymphadenopathy was present, its location and size were also evaluated. Interobserver agreement between two independent reviewers was evaluated with κ statistics. RESULTS: In all, 17 thoracic MDCT studies from 17 individual pediatric patients [5 males (29%) and 12 females (71%); mean age: 7.4 y; SD: 3.7; range: 1 to 13 y] comprised the final study population. Among 17 thoracic MDCT studies, 11 studies (65%) were performed with intravenous contrast (IV) and the remaining 6 MDCT studies (35%) were obtained without IV contrast. Bilateral bronchiectasis (11/17; 65%) with a middle lung zone predominance (8/11; 73%) was the most frequently detected lung abnormality, followed by GGO in 9/17 patients (53%). Among 11 contrast-enhanced MDCT studies, the majority (9 patients, 82%) had mediastinal lymphadenopathy. There was excellent interobserver κ agreement between 2 independent reviewers for detecting abnormalities on thoracic MDCT studies (κ>0.90). CONCLUSION: Children with DOCK8 deficiency have characteristic thoracic MDCT findings, including bilateral bronchiectasis with a middle lung zone predominance, GGO, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. When these characteristic thoracic MDCT findings are detected, although rare, DOCK8 deficiency should be considered as a possible underlying diagnosis in the pediatric population.

Lung function trajectories in children with post-prematurity respiratory disease: identifying risk factors for abnormal growth.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of prematurity are at risk for abnormal childhood lung function. Few studies have addressed trajectories of lung function and risk factors for abnormal growth in childhood. This study aims to describe changes in lung function in a contemporary cohort of children born preterm followed longitudinally in pulmonary clinic for post-prematurity respiratory disease and to assess maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with decreased lung function trajectories. METHODS: Observational cohort of 164 children born preterm ≤ 32 weeks gestation followed in pulmonary clinic at Boston Children's Hospital with pulmonary function testing. We collected demographics and neonatal history. We used multivariable linear regression to identify the impact of neonatal and maternal risk factors on lung function trajectories in childhood. RESULTS: We identified 264 studies from 82 subjects with acceptable longitudinal FEV1 data and 138 studies from 47 subjects with acceptable longitudinal FVC and FEV1/FVC data. FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC were reduced compared to childhood norms. Growth in FVC outpaced FEV1, resulting in an FEV1/FVC that declined over time. In multivariable analyses, longer duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with a lower rate of rise in FEV1% predicted and greater decline in FEV1/FVC, and postnatal steroid exposure in the NICU was associated with a lower rate of rise in FEV1 and FVC % predicted. Maternal atopy and asthma were associated with a lower rate of rise in FEV1% predicted. CONCLUSIONS: Children with post-prematurity respiratory disease demonstrate worsening obstruction in lung function throughout childhood. Neonatal risk factors including exposure to mechanical ventilation and postnatal steroids, as well as maternal atopy and asthma, were associated with diminished rate of rise in lung function. These results may have implications for lung function trajectories into adulthood.

Supernumerary intrathoracic rib, a rare congenital anomaly: Case report and review of the literature.

A 17-year-old female who presented with cough, chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis was found to have an intrathoracic rib. Patients who are diagnosed with intrathoracic ribs are most often asymptomatic and should undergo limited diagnostic workup. Intrathoracic ribs are rare congenital anomalies incidentally identified after chest radiography performed for another indication, as is the case with this patient. In this case, further evaluation was necessary due to persistent symptoms. Here, we used contrast-enhanced ultrasound after chest radiography and computed tomography to further evaluate the fatty intrathoracic mass and exclude vascular features suggestive of a tumor.

Proximity to major roadways and asthma symptoms in the School Inner-City Asthma Study.

BACKGROUND: Traffic proximity has been associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes. Less is known about the combined impact of residential and school exposures on pediatric asthma. OBJECTIVE: We sought to use spatial analysis methodology to analyze residential and school proximity to major roadways and pediatric asthma morbidity. METHODS: The School Inner-City Asthma Study (n = 350) recruited school-aged children with asthma. Each participant's school and home addresses were geocoded, and distances from major roadways were measured to calculate a composite measure accounting for both home and school traffic exposure. Generalized estimating equation models were clustered by subject and adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, environmental tobacco smoke, controller medication, upper respiratory tract infections, and seasonality. RESULTS: The majority of participants (62%) attended schools within 100 m from major roadways, and 40% also resided within 100 m of major roadways. In multivariate analyses major roadway proximity was independently associated with increased asthma symptom days. At greater than the threshold of 100 m, children had 29% less odds of a symptom day over the past 2 weeks for each 100-m increase in distance from a major roadway (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58-0.87; P < .01). Children farther from a major roadway also had significantly less reported health care use (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; P < .01) and were significantly less likely to have poor asthma control (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94; P < .01). There was not a meaningful association between distance to a major roadway and lung function outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Proximity to a major roadway, a composite measure of home and school exposure but primarily driven by home exposure, was associated with greater asthma morbidity. More studies are needed to evaluate the independent effect of school distance to a roadway on asthma morbidity.

Screening and Counseling for Alcohol Use in Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions in the Ambulatory Setting.

PURPOSE: We seek to determine how youth with chronic medical conditions experience alcohol screening and counseling. METHODS: Adolescents with type I diabetes, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, moderate persistent asthma, cystic fibrosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or inflammatory bowel disease were surveyed. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis quantified rates of asking and counseling about alcohol. RESULTS: Of 390 participants (75.1% white/non-Hispanic, 51.8% female, average age 16.4 years), 70% reported being asked about their alcohol use by a healthcare provider, and 76% reported receiving at least one message regarding alcohol and health. Of past year drinkers, 54% disclosed use to their provider. Only 2.0% of youth reported receiving the message "I should not drink." CONCLUSIONS: Most youth with chronic medical conditions were asked and counseled about alcohol use although few heard unambiguous recommendations to avoid alcohol consumption.

Association Between Allergen Exposure in Inner-City Schools and Asthma Morbidity Among Students.

Importance: Home aeroallergen exposure is associated with increased asthma morbidity in children, yet little is known about the contribution of school aeroallergen exposures to such morbidity. Objective: To evaluate the effect of school-specific aeroallergen exposures on asthma morbidity among students, adjusting for home exposures. Design, Setting, and Participants: The School Inner-City Asthma Study was a prospective cohort study evaluating 284 students aged 4 to 13 years with asthma who were enrolled from 37 inner-city elementary schools in the northeastern United States between March 1, 2008, and August 31, 2013. Enrolled students underwent baseline clinical evaluations before the school year started and were then observed clinically for 1 year. During that same school year, classroom and home dust samples linked to the students were collected and analyzed for common indoor aeroallergens. Associations between school aeroallergen exposure and asthma outcomes during the school year were assessed, adjusting for home exposures. Exposures: Indoor aeroallergens, including rat, mouse, cockroach, cat, dog, and dust mites, measured in dust samples collected from inner-city schools. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was maximum days in the past 2 weeks with asthma symptoms. Secondary outcomes included well-established markers of asthma morbidity, including asthma-associated health care use and lung function, measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Results: Among 284 students (median age, 8 years [interquartile range, 6-9 years]; 148 boys and 136 girls), exposure to mouse allergen was detected in 441 (99.5%) of 443 school dust samples, cat allergen in 420 samples (94.8%), and dog allergen in 366 samples (82.6%). Levels of mouse allergen in schools were significantly higher than in students' homes (median settled dust level, 0.90 vs 0.14 µg/g; P < .001). Exposure to higher levels of mouse allergen in school (comparing 75th with 25th percentile) was associated with increased odds of having an asthma symptom day (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54; P = .02) and 4.0 percentage points lower predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (95% CI, -6.6 to -1.5; P = .002). This effect was independent of allergic sensitization. None of the other indoor aeroallergens were associated with worsening asthma outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of inner-city students with asthma, exposure to mouse allergen in schools was associated with increased asthma symptoms and decreased lung function. These findings demonstrate that the school environment is an important contributor to childhood asthma morbidity. Future school-based environmental interventions may be beneficial for this important public health problem.

A Screening Tool for Assessing Alcohol Use Risk among Medically Vulnerable Youth.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to reduce barriers to screening for alcohol use in pediatric primary care, the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) developed a two-question Youth Alcohol Screening Tool derived from population-based survey data. It is unknown whether this screening tool, designed for use with general populations, accurately identifies risk among youth with chronic medical conditions (YCMC). This growing population, which comprises nearly one in four youth in the US, faces a unique constellation of drinking-related risks. METHOD: To validate the NIAAA Youth Alcohol Screening Tool in a population of YCMC, we performed a cross-sectional validation study with a sample of 388 youth ages 9-18 years presenting for routine subspecialty care at a large children's hospital for type 1 diabetes, persistent asthma, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Participants self-administered the NIAAA Youth Alcohol Screening Tool and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children as a criterion standard measure of alcohol use disorders (AUD). Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine cut points for identifying youth at moderate and highest risk for an AUD. RESULTS: Nearly one third of participants (n = 118; 30.4%) reported alcohol use in the past year; 86.4% (106) of past year drinkers did not endorse any AUD criteria, 6.8% (n = 8) of drinkers endorsed a single criterion, and 6.8% of drinkers met criteria for an AUD. Using the NIAAA tool, optimal cut points found to identify youth at moderate and highest risk for an AUD were ≥ 6 and ≥12 drinking days in the past year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The NIAAA Youth Alcohol Screening Tool is highly efficient for detecting alcohol use and discriminating disordered use among YCMC. This brief screen appears feasible for use in specialty care to ascertain alcohol-related risk that may impact adversely on health status and disease management.

Pediatric Rhinosinusitis.

Rhinosinusitis, is defined as an inflammation of the paranasal and nasal sinus mucosae. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)is a common problem in the pediatric age group and the diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to the chronicity and similarity of symptoms with allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy. Although it is less common than acute rhinosinusitis, CRS is becoming more frequent and significantly affects the quality of life in children and can substantially impair daily function. CRS is characterized by sinus symptoms lasting more than 3 months despite medical therapy. Many factors are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and include a primary insult with a virus followed bybacterial infection and mucosal inflammation, along with predisposition to allergies. The standard treatment of pediatricacute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is nasal irrigation and antibiotic use. Medical treatment of pediatric CRS includes avoidance of allergens in allergic patients (environmental or food) and therapy with nasal irrigation, nasal corticosteroids sprays, nasal decongestants, and antibiotics directed at the most common sinonasalorganisms (Haemophilusinfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis). Surgical therapy is rarely needed after appropriate medical therapy. Referral to an otolaryngologist and allergy specialist is recommended in case of failure of medical treatment.