Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS)-a prospectively validated algorithm for the management and prediction of foreign body aspiration in children.

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of pediatric morbidity, but a standardized protocol to guide decision-making about bronchoscopy is lacking. We aimed to validate a new Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) for the pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients aged 0-18 years referred to the ED for suspected FBA were prospectively enrolled. FOBAS was calculated according to clinical features of a choking episode, sudden cough, exposure to nuts, absence of fever and rhinitis, stridor, and unilateral auscultatory and radiological findings. FBA risk was evaluated based on the total score (low, 1-3; moderate, 4-6; high, 7-10). Low-risk children were discharged from the ED and followed clinically. Moderate-risk children were hospitalized and evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist, and high-risk children were referred directly for therapeutic bronchoscopy. Among the 100 enrolled children (59% males; median age 20 [interquartile range 11-39] months), a foreign body was diagnosed in 1/49 (2%), 14/41 (34.1%), and 9/10 (90%) with low, moderate, and high FOBAS, respectively (P < .001). Logistic regression indicated a higher risk for FBA with higher scores. The odds ratio for each additional point was 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.78-4.24), and FOBAS showed a high predictive value for FBA (area under the curve 0.89). FOBAS implementation significantly reduced the rate of negative bronchoscopies, from 67.4% annually during 2016-2019 to 50% in 2020 (P = .042). CONCLUSION: FOBAS reliably predicts FBA in cases of suspected FBA and improves management and in-hospital decision-making. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Foreign body aspiration is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. • Currently, there is no unified protocol for children referred to the emergency department for suspected FBA, therefore, a well-defined algorithm is needed to improve the decision-making process. WHAT IS NEW: • The pediatric Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) is a new, prospectively validated clinical score that shows high sensitivity and specificity for the presence of FBA in children. • FOBAS reduces unnecessary admissions and invasive procedures and leads to better clinical outcomes.

Foreign body aspiration in children: our pediatric tertiary care experience.

PURPOSE: Inhalation of a foreign body is a real emergency in pediatric age and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze clinical and radiological details, types, and localization of foreign bodies in patients conducted or to our hospital with suspected inhalation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of foreign body inhalation admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Room between January 2009 and June 2022. RESULTS: 171 patients were included in the study. In 83 patients, the FB was detected. The mean age of presentation was 2.3 years (SD: ± 2). Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sound (51%) were the most common clinical symptom and clinical sign. The most frequent localization was the right main bronchus (43%). The foreign bodies retrieved were vegetable (83%), of which peanut was the most common. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days (± 2.9). Complications such as pneumothorax were seen in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign body inhalation represents a true pediatric emergency and still a challenge in clinical practice. The best way to manage it is an early diagnosis and removal by fully trained staff.

American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline was developed to assist primary care clinicians and other health practitioners with the care of head and neck cancer survivors, including monitoring for recurrence, screening for second primary cancers, assessment and management of long-term and late effects, health promotion, and care coordination. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed through April 2015, and a multidisciplinary expert workgroup with expertise in primary care, dentistry, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, the patient perspective, and nursing was assembled. While the guideline is based on a systematic review of the current literature, most evidence is not sufficient to warrant a strong recommendation. Therefore, recommendations should be viewed as consensus-based management strategies for assisting patients with physical and psychosocial effects of head and neck cancer and its treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:203-239. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION AND INGESTION IN CHILDREN.

Aspiration and ingestion of a foreign body is most frequently seen in children younger than 3 years. Foreign body aspiration is always a life-threatening, urgent state demanding quick recognition and treatment to avoid potentially lethal complications. Most foreign bodies that are ingested pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract without complications, however, some could lead to problems if they become lodged. A literature review was performed via MEDLINE database using key terms. Primary care providers should be trained to give proper initial care. Aspirated/ingested foreign bodies in children removed by rigid or flexible bronchoscopy/gastroscopy always are challenging procedures that require well-planned anesthesia management and excellent intercommunication between anesthesiologists and surgeons. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used as a rescue mode of support in children with life-threatening foreign body aspiration for stabilization before, during and after removal of the aspirated foreign body. It is of utmost importance that all foreign body extractions, if possible, be done in centers supplied with all the necessary equipment and trained personnel. However, prevention of foreign body aspiration and ingestion is still the best therapy.

Foreign body aspiration in a pregnant woman: successfully removed roasted chickpea.

Foreign body aspiration is a serious health problem in all age groups, and in pregnancy it may cause serious complications for the fetus as well as the pregnant woman. Here we present our case of a 36 years old 22 weeks pregnant woman, accidentally aspirating roasted chickpea upon laughing. She had the complaints of coughing and shortness of breath on admission, bronchoscopy was performed, and the roasted chickpea blocking the entrance of right lower lobe bronchus was removed without any complications. For foreign body aspiration in pregnancy, bronchoscopy is a rather safer procedure when performed by an experienced team.

[Management of suspected foreign body aspiration in children. 10-year experience in a single center]. / Sospecha de aspiración de cuerpos extraños en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestra experiencia en 10 años.

INTRODUCTION: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a potentially life-threatening event, and is the leading cause of death in children after road traffic injuries. If suspected, a prompt exploration of the airway should be performed. We present our experience in FBA treatment in the last 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients admitted in our center with suspected FBA between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Clinical history, physical findings, radiologic imaging, treatment and evolution were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 115 children (70 M/45 F) with a median age of 2 years old (8 months-13 years), presented with a clinical history of FBA. All of them suffered a choking event and the most frequent symptoms were persistent cough (88.3%) and respiratory distress (46.8%). Pathologic physical examination was registered in 75% and an abnormal chest X-ray was seen in 72%. Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) was performed in 100% based on compatible history, regardless of physical and radiologic exams. A foreign body was found during RB in 78 patients (68.1%) and the most frequent were seeds and nuts (63.4%), located mainly in the right bronchus (46.8%). If the criteria for RB had been based on a compatible history along with clinical findings and abnormal chest X-ray, 21 foreign bodies (26.9%) would have been missed, with the subsequent risk of sudden death. All the foreign bodies were removed with success, without any immediate complication during the procedure. CONCLUSION: FBA is a frequent accident among children. The history, clinical findings and imaging cannot always concur. In case of a positive history of FBA an examination of the tracheobronchial tree must be done.

OBJETIVOS: La aspiración de cuerpos extraños (ACE) es una urgencia pediátrica frecuente, descrita como segunda causa de muerte infantil tras los accidentes de tráfico. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de la ACE en los últimos 10 años. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes atendidos por sospecha de ACE entre los años 2005-2015, describiendo historia clínica, sintomatología, pruebas de imagen, procedimiento y evolución. RESULTADOS: Un total de 115 pacientes (70 V/45 M), con una mediana de 2 años (8 meses-13 años), presentaron historia sugestiva de ACE. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: tos (88,3%) y dificultad respiratoria (46,8%). El 75% presentaban exploración física patológica y un 72% presentaban alteraciones en la radiografía de tórax. Se realizó broncoscopia rígida (BR) en el 100% de los pacientes con historia compatible, sin importar los resultados de la exploración física o las pruebas de imagen. En 78 pacientes (68,1%) se encontró un cuerpo extraño (CE) durante la BR, siendo los más frecuentes semillas y frutos secos (63,4%); localizándose sobre todo en el bronquio derecho (46,8%). Si el criterio para realizar una BR se hubiese basado en la historia compatible, junto con alteraciones en la exploración física y pruebas de imagen, 21 CE (26,9%) no habrían sido diagnosticados con el consiguiente riesgo de muerte. Todos los CE se extrajeron con éxito, sin ninguna complicación inmediata. CONCLUSIONES: La ACE es frecuente en la infancia. La historia y los hallazgos clínico-radiológicos pueden no concordar, por lo que ante historia sugestiva de ACE es recomendable una exploración de la vía aérea, dado el bajo riesgo que asocia.

Prehospital removal improves neurological outcomes in elderly patient with foreign body airway obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: In Japan, the number of patients with foreign body airway obstruction by food is rapidly increasing with the increase in the population of the elderly and a leading cause of unexpected death. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence prognosis of these patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective single institutional study. A total of 155 patients were included. We collected the variables from the medical records and analyzed them to determine the factors associated with patient outcome. Patient outcomes were evaluated using cerebral performance categories (CPCs) when patients were discharged or transferred to other hospitals. A favorable outcome was defined as CPC 1 or 2, and an unfavorable outcome was defined as CPC 3, 4, or 5. RESULTS: A higher proportion of patients with favorable outcomes than unfavorable outcomes had a witness present at the accident scene (68.8% vs. 44.7%, P=0.0154). Patients whose foreign body were removed by a bystander at the accident scene had a significantly high rate of favorable outcome than those whose foreign body were removed by emergency medical technicians or emergency physician at the scene (73.7% vs. 31.8%, P<0.0075) and at the hospital after transfer (73.7% vs. 9.6%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a witness to the aspiration and removal of the airway obstruction of patients by bystanders at the accident scene improves outcomes in patients with foreign body airway obstruction. When airway obstruction occurs, bystanders should remove foreign bodies immediately.

Oral Feeding Reduces Hospitalizations Compared with Gastrostomy Feeding in Infants and Children Who Aspirate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of hospitalization rates between patients with aspiration treated with gastrostomy vs those fed oral thickened liquids. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of patients with an abnormal videofluoroscopic swallow study between February 2006 and August 2013; 114 patients at Boston Children's Hospital were included. Frequency, length, and type of hospitalizations within 1 year of abnormal swallow study or gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement were analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. RESULTS: Patients fed by g-tube had a median of 2 (IQR 1, 3) admissions per year compared with patients fed orally who had a 1 (IQR 0, 1) admissions per year, P < .0001. Patients fed by gastrostomy were hospitalized for more days (median 24 [IQR 6, 53] days) vs patients fed orally (median 2 [IQR 1, 4] days, [P < .001]). Despite the potential risk of feeding patients orally, no differences in total pulmonary admissions (incidence rate ratio 1.65; 95% CI [0.70, 3.84]) between the 2 groups were found, except patients fed by g-tube had 2.58 times (95% CI [1.02, 6.49]) more urgent pulmonary admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent g-tube placement for the treatment of aspiration had 2 times as many admissions compared with patients with aspiration who were fed orally. We recommend a trial of oral feeding in all children cleared to take nectar or honey thickened liquids prior to g-tube placement.

Risk Factors and In-Hospital Outcomes following Tracheostomy in Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes of tracheostomy in infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed electronic medical records from 348 neonatal intensive care units for the period 1997 to 2012, and evaluated the associations among infant demographics, diagnoses, and pretracheostomy cardiopulmonary support with in-hospital mortality. We also determined the trends in use of infant tracheostomy over time. RESULTS: We identified 885 of 887 910 infants (0.1%) who underwent tracheostomy at a median postnatal age of 72 days (IQR, 27-119 days) and a median postmenstrual age of 42 weeks (IQR, 39-46 weeks). The most common diagnoses associated with tracheostomy were bronchopulmonary dysplasia (396 of 885; 45%), other upper airway anomalies (202 of 885; 23%), and laryngeal anomalies (115 of 885; 13%). In-hospital mortality after tracheostomy was 14% (125 of 885). On adjusted analysis, near-term gestational age (GA), small for GA status, pulmonary diagnoses, number of days of forced fraction of inspired oxygen >0.4, and inotropic support before tracheostomy were associated with increased in-hospital mortality. The proportion of infants requiring tracheostomy increased from 0.01% in 1997 to 0.1% in 2005 (P < .001), but has remained stable since. CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy is not commonly performed in hospitalized infants, but the associated mortality is high. Risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality after tracheostomy include near-term GA, small for GA status, and pulmonary diagnoses.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Burden, Even in Children That Aspirate, Does Not Increase Pediatric Hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: Gastroesophageal reflux is common but remains a controversial disease to diagnose and treat and little is known about the role of reflux testing in predicting clinical outcomes, particularly in children at risk for extraesophageal reflux complications. The aim of this study was to determine if rates of hospitalization were affected by reflux burden even after adjusting for aspiration risk. METHODS: We prospectively recruited, between 2009 and 2014, a cohort of pediatric patients with suspected extraesophageal reflux disease who were referred for reflux testing and underwent both multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (pH-MII) and modified barium swallow studies. A subset of patients also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage with pepsin analysis. We determined their rates of hospitalization for a minimum of 1 year following pH-MII testing. RESULTS: We prospectively enrolled 116 pediatric patients who presented for care at Boston Children's Hospital and underwent both pH-MII and modified barium swallow studies. There was no statistically significant relationship between reflux burden measured by pH-MII or bronchoalveolar pepsin and total number of admissions or number of admission nights even after adjusting for aspiration status (P > 0.2). There were no statistically significant relationships between reflux burden by any method and the number or nights of urgent pulmonary admissions before or after adjusting for aspiration risk (P > 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Even in aspirating children, reflux burden did not increase the risk of hospitalization. Based on these results, routine reflux testing cannot be recommended even in aspirating children, because the results do not impact clinically significant outcomes.

Respiratory Care of Infants and Children with Congenital Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula and Oesophageal Atresia.

Despite acute respiratory and chronic respiratory and gastro-intestinal complications, most infants and children with a history of oesophageal atresia / trachea-oesophageal fistula [OA/TOF] can expect to live a fairly normal life. Close multidisciplinary medical and surgical follow-up can identify important co-morbidities whose treatment can improve symptoms and optimize pulmonary and nutritional outcomes. This article will discuss the aetiology, classification, diagnosis and treatment of congenital TOF, with an emphasis on post-surgical respiratory management, recognition of early and late onset complications, and long-term clinical outcomes.

Positive Pressure Bronchoscopy Technique: Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Foreign body aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree continues to be a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. This is especially true in patients with poor pulmonary reserve. METHODS: We describe a novel technique in which an endotracheal sheathed bronchoscope is used as a means to provide positive pressure ventilation simultaneously during foreign body extraction. RESULTS: This new technique afforded the bronchoscopist more time during retrieval of the foreign body where previous attempts were limited by rapid desaturations and the overall nature of the foreign body. CONCLUSION: The endotracheal sheathed bronchoscope is a safe and efficacious technique for challenging airway foreign bodies complicated by a patient's limited pulmonary reserve.

[FEES in Infants with Swallowing Disorders - A Feasible Procedure?]. / FEES bei Säuglingen mit Schluckstörungen - wie sinnvoll ist die Untersuchung?

BACKGROUND: Although FEES has been established as a valid procedure in instrumental evaluation of swallowing even in young children, the significance of the endoscopic method on infants has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing in infants by focusing on its feasibility and limits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 11/2011 to 3/2015 27 infants from a neuropediatric hospital presented for fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing. Compared with Langmore standard FEES was carried out in a modified algorithm. RESULTS: In 24 of the 27 infants information about swallowing pathology could be obtained. Silent aspiration of saliva (Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) level 8) or silent deep penetration of test diets to the level of the glottis (PAS level 5) presented in 10 children and overt deep penetration of test diets in 3 children. In no case a sufficient insight into the subglottis or trachea could be obtained. Therefore a differentiation of silent deep penetration and aspiration of test diets was impossible. As a consequence of the FEES results, probe and diet management was changed in 7 children. CONCLUSIONS: In this study fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in a modified algorithm turned out to be a feasible tool for the diagnostics of swallowing disorders in about 89 percent of the infants. The procedure was limited in terms of providing direct evidence on aspiration in cases of deep penetrations of test diets.

Accidental Ingestion of a Foreign Body of Orthodontic Origin - A Review of Risks, Complications and Clinical Recommendations.

Ingestion/aspiration episodes of foreign bodies are potential complications in almost all branches of dentistry. Occasionally, orthodontic appliances or small orthodontic components are accidentally swallowed and have caused problems with either the airway or the gastrointestinal tract, especially where the patient is supine or semi-recumbent. Despite their rare occurrence, the morbidity from a single incident and the level of specialized medical care that may be needed on emergency basis to manage such incidents is too high to ignore. Moreover, there is also the related risk of malpractice litigation given the fact that these incidents are preventable and increasing awareness among people. This article attempts to review potential risks and complications of ingestion/aspiration episodes based on relevant literature and describe the type of appliances and their parts most likely to cause problems. Certain recommendations based on best available evidence to minimize the incidence of such events are proposed, and strategies to aid the clinician in the event of such an emergency are also formulated.

Is partial laryngectomy safe forever?

OBJECTIVES: Over past decades, function-preserving surgery has been oncologically effective for specific types of laryngeal cancer. Although safe short-term swallow function has been reported, swallow safety during long-term survival has received less attention. The purpose of this report is to highlight potential consequences of late dysphagia and chronic aspiration after partial laryngectomy. METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed. The head and neck cancer database from Yale-New Haven Hospital identified 3 patients requiring completion laryngectomy due to chronic aspiration 11-15 years after oncologically successful partial laryngectomy. Demographics, presentation, treatment, and course are included. RESULTS: Primary treatment was open supraglottic laryngectomy with adjuvant radiation therapy (n=2) and vertical hemilaryngectomy (n=1). All patients demonstrated locoregional control and preservation of swallow function for >10 years postoperatively. Due to late dysphagia and chronic aspiration, two patients required completion laryngectomy 11 and 15 years postoperatively and the third patient will require this 14 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Successful swallowing after function-preserving laryngeal surgery may not last forever despite adequate control of cancer. Three patients presented with aspiration 11-15 years after partial laryngectomy and required definitive completion laryngectomy. This observation may affect preoperative counseling and consideration for longer post-operative follow-up. The data encourage a larger sample size.

Incidence, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic approaches of capsule endoscopy-related adverse events in a large study population.

INTRODUCTION: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a first-line tool for small bowel (SB) examination. However, adverse events (AEs), such as CE retention or aspiration, may occur. The aims of this study were to evaluate incidence, clinical outcomes and therapeutic approaches of CE-related AEs in the largest series published to date. METHODS: Data from 5428 procedures performed at 12 institutions between August 2001 and January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics; procedure; type, localization and symptoms before/after AEs; previous patency tests performed; therapeutic management and patient's outcome were recorded. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CE-related AEs was 1.9%: 2.0% for SB, 0.9% for esophageal and 0.5% for colon CE. The incidence of capsule retention was significantly higher than capsule aspiration (1.87% vs. 0.003%; p < 0.05), in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in obscure GI bleeding (OGIB) (3.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.05) and in patients with the combination of nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain and distension. The SB was the most frequent localization of retention (88.2%). The use of patency tests -except for Patency© capsule- before CE was not a good predictor for AEs. Most of the patients with AEs developed no or mild symptoms (97%) and were managed by non-surgical methods (64.4%). CONCLUSIONS: CE-related AEs are uncommon and difficult to predict by imagiological examinations. SB retention, that is usually asymptomatic, is the most frequent AE. In absence of symptoms, non-surgical management of CE-related AEs is recommended.

A custom device for managing recurrent tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis dislodgement and aspiration due to treatment refractory, severely enlarged puncture: A video case report.

We report the case of a laryngectomized patient with an enlarged tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) that is refractory to standard treatments and culminating in life-threatening recurrent dislodgement and aspiration of custom fabricated dual extra-large flange voice prostheses (VP). The fabrication and use of a novel intraluminal prosthetic device to prevent dislodgement, lessen aspiration, and preserve TE voice is described. A custom device insetting a commercial VP into the posterior wall of a LaryTube (coined "inset-VP") was devised with the primary goal of eliminating chronic VP dislodgement and lessening aspiration while maintaining TE voice. Tools required to fabricate the device included a commercial laryngectomy tube, standard-flanged commercial indwelling voice prosthesis, felt-tip marker, 6 mm biopsy punch, and silk suture. After 7 months of using an inset-VP LaryTube device, the patient has experienced zero episodes of VP aspiration. Thin liquid aspiration control is equivalent or better than prior management with custom 24-30 mm dual collar prostheses. TEP voice is fluent and functional with device in place. Novel strategies are needed to manage the rare but devastating effects of a severely enlarged TEP. Solutions to manage symptoms need to be patient-specific, aligning with their anatomy, physiology, psychosocial needs, and goals. The inset-VP device described in this report may offer improved prosthetic retention in select patients with enlarged TE puncture and frequent VP dislodgements.