The Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Secondary Health Outcomes.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder that can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an alternative therapy for OSA in patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure. Understanding the impact of HGNS on blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C (A1C), and body mass index (BMI) currently remains limited. Methods: A retrospective review study of HGNS outcomes at a single practice from January 2020 to November 2022 was conducted. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on HGNS eligibility and postoperative titration study. Statistical analysis and data management were performed using statistical software, R (v.4.2.1; R Core Team). Paired Student's T test, Fisher's exact test, and McNemar's exact test were utilized for statistical analysis. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in this study. A significant decrease in mean apnea-hypopnea index was noted following HGNS (mean change -28; P < .0001). Similar significant decreases were also seen in mean arterial pressures (mean change -8.4, P < .0001). There was a significant change in overall antihypertensive medication requirements and in requirements ≥3 medications (P < .0005, P = .03). There was a trend toward reduction in A1C; however, there was no change in BMI or number of diabetes medications taken. Conclusions: Our results reinforce previous findings that HGNS is an effective treatment option for carefully selected patients with OSA. In addition, our findings suggest that HGNS may improve patients' quality of life while minimizing OSA associated morbidity.

Factors affecting polysomnography compliance and delays to surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence to polysomnography in pediatric patients and determine if demographics, socioeconomic status, polysomnography indication, or prior otolaryngology intervention are associated with polysomnography adherence and time to definitive surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review study. SETTING: Tertiary-care children's hospital. METHODS: Electronic medical record was queried to identify patients ordered for a sleep study between January and May 2019. Demographic information, time to sleep study, and time to surgery were collected and calculated. RESULTS: 304 patients were recommended to obtain polysomnography, with adherence rate of 65.4%. There was no significant difference in adherence or loss to follow-up rates based on patient sex, age, language, socioeconomic status, state of residence, single-parent status, or polysomnography indication. There was no difference between time to surgery for patients who did or did not obtain polysomnography (181 vs. 161 days, P = .51). Patients with prior otolaryngology intervention were more likely to obtain polysomnography and less likely to be lost to follow-up (P < .05). Median household income demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with time to polysomnography (P < .05) as well as time to surgery (P < .05). Medically complex patients tended to experience longer time to surgery compared with non-complex patients. CONCLUSION: Families with lower socioeconomic status or medically complex children may require assistance to obtain polysomnography and pursue surgery for sleep-disordered breathing. Patients without prior otolaryngology intervention may be less likely to follow up and may need assistance with navigating the polysomnography process.

Postoperative opioid-prescribing practices in otolaryngology: Evidence-based guideline outcomes.

Objectives: We previously reported that >50% of postoperative opioids prescribed at our institution went unused for common otolaryngologic procedures. Based on these findings, we instituted multimodal, evidence-based guidelines for postoperative pain management. In the second part of our multiphasic study, we evaluated the effects of these guidelines on (1) quantity of unused opioids, (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) institutional perceptions toward the opioid epidemic and prescribing guidelines. Methods: Standardized, procedure-specific opioid prescription guidelines were created using prospective data from the first phase of our study and evidence from current literature. Again, we examined sialendoscopy, parotidectomy, parathyroidectomy/thyroidectomy, and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Patients were surveyed at their first postoperative appointment. Groups from Phases I and II were compared. Attending physicians were surveyed before the start of the multiphasic project and after prescribing guidelines were implemented. Results: Prescribing guidelines led to an average reduction in prescribed morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per patient by: 48% (sialendoscopy), 63% (parotidectomy), 60% (para/thyroidectomy), and 42% (TORS). Average used MME per patient for parotidectomy was significantly reduced (64%). The proportion of unused MME per patient and patient satisfaction scores did not significantly change after guidelines were implemented. Conclusion: Implementation of opioid-prescribing guidelines and the use of multimodal analgesia substantially reduced the amount of opioids prescribed across all procedures without impacting patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: 2.

Perioperative Hypercoagulability in Free Flap Reconstructions Performed for Intracranial Tumors.

OBJECTIVE(S): Patients with intracranial tumors have a higher risk of thromboembolic events. This risk increases at the time of surgical intervention. We have noted an anecdotal increase in perioperative flap thrombosis in patients undergoing free tissue transfer for intracranial tumor resection. This study aims to formally evaluate this risk. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent free tissue transfer for scalp/cranial reconstruction. Perioperative thrombosis and free flap outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The 209 patients who underwent 246 free tissue transfers were included in the study. The 28 free flap scalp reconstructions were associated with intracranial tumors, 19 were performed following composite cranial resections with associated dural resection/reconstruction, and 199 were performed in the absence of intracranial tumors (control group). There was a significantly higher incidence of perioperative flap thrombosis in the intracranial tumor group (11/28, 39%) when compared to controls (38/199, 19%) (p = 0.0287). This was not seen when scalp tumors extended to the dura alone (4/19, 21%, p = 0.83). Therapeutic anticoagulation used for perioperative thrombosis (defined as intraoperative or in the immediate postoperative phase up to 5 days) was associated with a lower risk of flap failure, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.148). Flap survival rates were equivalent between flaps performed for intracranial pathology (93.3%) and controls (95%). CONCLUSION: There is an increase in perioperative flap thrombosis in patients with intracranial tumors undergoing free tissue scalp reconstruction. Anticoagulation appears to mitigate this risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This recommendation is based on level 3 evidence (retrospective case-control studies, systematic review of retrospective studies, and case reports) Laryngoscope, 133:1103-1109, 2023.

Labial Frenotomy for Symptomatic Isolated Upper Lip Tie.

BACKGROUND: The benefits and challenges of successful breastfeeding for both mother and child have been well-established in the literature. While ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, alone or in combination with upper lip tie has been the focus of several previous studies, very few have directly addressed isolated symptomatic upper lip tie and the role of surgical correction for breastfeeding difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven infants with isolated upper lip tie and breastfeeding difficulty were taken to the operating room for labial frenotomy. These infants were assessed at their follow-up visits for their degree of weight gain since their procedure. Their mothers were surveyed regarding their experiences with breastfeeding since the frenotomy was performed. RESULTS: In this article, we present seven infants with isolated upper lip tie and breastfeeding difficulty who were treated with labial frenotomy. Subsequently, these infants demonstrated improved weight gain, and all mothers reported increased ease of breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: These findings implicate lip tie as an underrecognized cause of breastfeeding difficulty and suggest that labial frenotomy is an effective treatment in these patients. Larger-scale randomized controlled studies are necessary to further evaluate this topic.

Surgeon Preference on Sending Routine Tonsillectomy Specimens for Pathological Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the presence of a growing body of literature suggesting cost-ineffectiveness of routine pathologic analysis of tonsillectomy specimens, little is known about common institutional policies and practice patterns of pediatric otolaryngologists. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of routine pathological evaluation of tonsillectomy specimens for uncomplicated pediatric adenotonsillectomy procedures and to evaluate opinions regarding this controversy among board-certified pediatric otolaryngologists. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study sent to board-certified pediatric otolaryngologists currently practicing and registered with the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) assessing their institutions' or practices' current policies on sending routine tonsillectomy specimens for pathology, their experience with this practice, and their opinions on whether routine pathologic analysis should be employed. Basic statistical analysis was then conducted. RESULTS: Respondents mostly practiced in an academic setting (68.4%), with the next most common being academically affiliated private practice (21.8%), and private practice was the least common (9.8%). Most respondents (85.1%) did not agree with routine pathologic analysis of otherwise uncomplicated pediatric tonsillectomy specimens. CONCLUSION: Most pediatric otolaryngologists who responded to this survey do not support routine pathological analysis of otherwise uncomplicated pediatric tonsillectomy specimens. However, the results are likely biased and should be interpreted carefully, since only a small percentage of pediatric otolaryngologists responded to the survey. Potential cost savings could be seen by patients, payers, and hospital systems with judicious use of surgical pathology, specifically in cases with concurrent signs or symptoms suspicious for malignancy.

A Diagnostic Dilemma of Antiglutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65 (Anti-GAD 65) and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Antibodies in a Girl Presenting with Acute-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Acute-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder can be challenging, especially when triggered by an underlying disease process. Clinicians often turn to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), but it is important to consider a broad differential in these patients. We present a case of a 9-year-old girl with acute-onset obsessive-compulsive behavior likely triggered by a post-infectious phenomenon that ultimately resolved following treatment with plasmapheresis.

Enteral nutrition in patients with dementia and stroke.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Patients suffering from dementia or significant cognitive impairment (SCI) due to neurologic injury routinely receive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) due to swallowing difficulty or lack of appetite. This review discusses current data and opinion regarding the risks and benefits of PEG in these populations. RECENT FINDINGS: The current data regarding PEG placement in patients with dementia or SCI due to neurologic injury do not confirm either improvement or worsening of survival. Significant risk factors for poor prognosis after PEG include sex, hypoalbuminemia, age, chronic heart failure, and subtotal gastrectomy. Complications associated with enteral nutrition are minor and easily controlled when managed by a nutritional team. Alternative options for feeding elderly demented patients are available for family members considering PEG. SUMMARY: In contrast to previously published data regarding worse clinical outcomes in the dementia and SCI populations receiving PEG, recent data suggest that clinical outcomes in this population are no different than in other patient populations receiving PEG. A prospective, randomized study is needed to ascertain whether PEG is appropriate and beneficial in the dementia/SCI populations.

Accuracy of Vital Signs Measurements by a Smartwatch and a Portable Health Device: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: New consumer health devices are being developed to easily monitor multiple physiological parameters on a regular basis. Many of these vital sign measurement devices have yet to be formally studied in a clinical setting but have already spread widely throughout the consumer market. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and precision of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurements of 2 novel all-in-one monitoring devices, the BodiMetrics Performance Monitor and the Everlast smartwatch. METHODS: We enrolled 127 patients (>18 years) from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Preadmission Testing Center. SBP and HR were measured by both investigational devices. In addition, the Everlast watch was utilized to measure DBP, and the BodiMetrics Performance Monitor was utilized to measure SpO2. After 5 min of quiet sitting, four hospital-grade standard and three investigational vital sign measurements were taken, with 60 seconds in between each measurement. The reference vital sign measurements were calculated by determining the average of the two standard measurements that bounded each investigational measurement. Using this method, we determined three comparison pairs for each investigational device in each subject. After excluding data from 42 individuals because of excessive variation in sequential standard measurements per prespecified dropping rules, data from 85 subjects were used for final analysis. RESULTS: Of 85 participants, 36 (42%) were women, and the mean age was 53 (SD 21) years. The accuracy guidelines were only met for the HR measurements in both devices. SBP measurements deviated 16.9 (SD 13.5) mm Hg and 5.3 (SD 4.7) mm Hg from the reference values for the Everlast and BodiMetrics devices, respectively. The mean absolute difference in DBP measurements for the Everlast smartwatch was 8.3 (SD 6.1) mm Hg. The mean absolute difference between BodiMetrics and reference SpO2 measurements was 3.02%. CONCLUSIONS: Both devices we investigated met accuracy guidelines for HR measurements, but they failed to meet the predefined accuracy guidelines for other vital sign measurements. Continued sale of consumer physiological monitors without prior validation and approval procedures is a public health concern.

Small bowel endoscopic enteral access.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Small bowel endoscopic enteral access is perceived as difficult. However, small bowel access is necessary for patients who are unable to tolerate gastric feedings. This review discusses the successes and challenges involved with endoscopic small bowel tube placement in various populations using a variety of placement techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: In general, direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) is becoming a more common procedure performed to obtain small bowel enteral access. BMI may be a useful predictor of DPEJ tube placement success and complication rates. A retrospective review determined that DPEJ tube placement significantly decreased the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in patients with previous recurrent aspiration pneumonia episodes. DPEJ is an effective method of providing enteral nutrition for patients when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is not indicated because of anatomical or gastric function abnormalities. However, there are known complications of DPEJ, including small bowel volvulus. Nasojejunal tubes also can provide enteral access to the small intestine. Endoscopic insertion of nasojejunal tubes promotes decreased length of hospital stay and early initiation of enteral feedings as compared with bedside self-migrating jejunal tubes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Endoscopically placed small bowel feeding tubes can safely deliver enteral nutrition to patients when gastric feedings are not indicated. SUMMARY: Continued evaluation of endoscopic jejunal tube placement methods and associated clinical outcomes in assorted populations is necessary to determine the safest and most effective technique.

The accuracy of blood pressure measurement by a smartwatch and a portable health device.

Objectives: Handheld medical devices and smartwatches that measure BP without a cuff have recently become available. Since these measurements are relatively more user-friendly than conventional cuff-based measurements they may aid in more frequent BP monitoring. We investigated the accuracy and precision of two popular cuff-less devices: the Everlast smartwatch and the BodiMetrics Performance Monitor.Methods: We enrolled 127 patients from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Preadmission Testing Center. Research staff were trained to measure BP according to manufacturer guidelines for the investigational devices. The Everlast smartwatch provides measurements of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP, whereas the Bodimetrics only provides SBP. Reference BP measurements were obtained using a hospital-grade automated sphygmomanometer. After 5 minutes of quiet sitting, four standard and three investigational BP measurements were taken with sixty seconds in between each measurement. The reference BP value was calculated by determining the average of the 2 standard BP measurements that bounded the investigational measurements. We thus determined 3 comparison pairs for each investigational device in each subject. We calculated the mean (SD) of the absolute difference between the respective investigational devices and the reference for SBP and DBP.Results: Data from 42 individuals was excluded because of variation in standard BP measurements per prespecified rules. Of 85 participants used for analysis, 36 (42%) were women, the mean (SD) age was 53 (21) years, 32 (38%) self-reported hypertension, and 97% of these (n = 31) reported taking antihypertensive medications. The average differences between the Everlast watch and reference were 16.9 (13.5) mm Hg for SBP and 8.3 (6.1) mm Hg for DBP. The average difference between the Bodimetrics performance monitor and the reference was 5.3 (4.7) mm Hg for SBP.Conclusions: The Everlast smartwatch and the BodiMetrics Performance Monitor we tested are not accurate enough to be used as BP measurement devices.