Obstructive sleep apnea for the rhinologist.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a ubiquitous disease defined by repetitive partial or complete cessation of airflow during sleep caused by upper airway collapse. Otolaryngologists play a crucial role in the management of OSA, which is rapidly evolving with the advent of new surgical techniques and medical devices. Here we review the medical and surgical treatment options for OSA with a focus on unique considerations for patients with OSA who undergo nasal, sinus, and skull base surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Treatment of OSA includes both nonsurgical and surgical options. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the first-line medical treatment for OSA, but alternatives such as oral appliance and positional therapy are viable alternatives. Surgical treatments include pharyngeal and tongue base surgery, hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy, and skeletal surgery. Nasal surgery has been shown to improve sleep quality and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) tolerance and usage. Sinus and skull base patients with comorbid OSA have special perioperative considerations for the rhinologist to consider such as the need for overnight observation and timing of CPAP therapy resumption. SUMMARY: OSA patients present with special considerations for the rhinologist. Patients with moderate to severe OSA may benefit from overnight observation after ambulatory surgery, especially those with an elevated BMI, cardiopulmonary comorbidities, and those who are not using CPAP regularly at home. Though CPAP may be safely resumed in the perioperative setting of nasal, sinus, and skull base surgery, the exact timing depends on patient, surgeon, and systemic factors such as severity of OSA, CPAP pressures required, extent of surgery, and the postoperative monitoring setting. Lastly, nasal and sinus surgery can improve sleep quality and CPAP tolerance and compliance in patients with OSA.

The Effect of Nasoseptal Flap Elevation on Post-Operative Olfaction and Sinonasal Quality of Life: A Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of nasoseptal flaps (NSF) for defect reconstruction in endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) to cranial base pathology has markedly reduced rates of cerebrospinal fluid leak. However, the effect of NSF use on post-operative olfaction remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NSF use during EEA on binarial and uninarial olfaction, and sinonasal quality of life (QOL). METHODS: This was a prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing EEA for sellar pathology were recruited from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from December 2014 to May 2017. Subjects were randomized pre-operatively to a side of NSF harvest. Olfaction and QOL were assessed pre-operatively and 6 to 12 months post-operatively using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, "Sniffin' Sticks," and Sinonasal Outcomes Test 22. The side of dominant uninarial olfaction was determined using "Sniffin' Sticks." RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Sixteen underwent EEA without NSF (control group) and 15 with NSF. A dominant side of olfaction was identified in 14 patients with NSF; 8 patients were randomized to NSF harvest on the dominant side and the remaining 6 on the non-dominant side. NSF elevation resulted in a 4% decrease in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test scores, but was not statistically significant compared to controls. Similarly, NSF elevation on the side of dominant olfaction resulted in a 6% decrease, but was not statistically significant when compared to the non-dominant elevation group. Change in rhinologic QOL as determined by the Sinonasal Outcomes Test 22 was not significantly different between any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NSF during EEA for sellar pathology does not have a significant effect on olfaction or rhinologic QOL. The presence of a dominant side of olfaction is not a primary consideration when deciding the side of NSF harvest.

Catastrophic Hemorrhage After Chemoradiation for Advanced Stage Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: We have seen several incidences of catastrophic bleeding in patients with advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated nonoperatively. Aside from advanced disease, these patients have not had traditional risk factors for major hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Patients treated nonoperatively for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were compared to determine characteristics that may predisposed to bleeding. Five patients with bleeding were identified and compared with a cohort of stage- and treatment-matched patients without bleeding. Blinded imaging review was performed to characterize the tumor site and its relationship to vasculature using standardized systems. RESULTS: Comparing the bleeder versus nonbleeder groups pre-treatment, the bleeder group had larger tumors (15.4 vs. 8.3 cm2 ), greater rates of parapharyngeal fat effacement (80% vs. 20%), and always involved the facial artery. Post-treatment, endophytic ulcerated tumor beds occurred in 100% of bleeders versus 0% of nonbleeders. CONCLUSIONS: Catastrophic oropharyngeal bleeding may be encountered after cytoreductive therapy. Large deeply invasive tumors seem to set the necessary circumstances. Rapid vascular control with interventional radiology has been largely effective therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1049-1052, 2021.

Stridor and apnea as the initial presentation of primary hypoparathyroidism.

We present a previously undescribed case of stridor and apnea as the initial presentation of primary hypoparathyroidism. A neonate presenting with these symptoms was initially diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux and laryngomalacia. After failing medical management, she underwent supraglottoplasty with improvement of stridor, but persistent apneic events. Further work-up showed severe hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a diagnosis of Bartter Syndrome Type V, a rare cause of primary hypoparathyroidism. Although uncommon, hypocalcemic tetany can present as apneic episodes in the setting of unrecognized primary hypoparathyroidism. Electrolyte abnormalities should be explored in neonates with recurrent apnea of unknown etiology.