Use of temporary tracheostomy occlusion to reduce the risk of sternal wound infection after sternotomy in congenital cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method of reducing the risk of sternal wound infection after sternotomy in children with a pre-existing tracheostomy. To report our outcomes using this method from 1 January, 2013 to 31 August, 2023. METHODS: We describe a method for temporarily occluding the tracheal stoma with a removable implant with the primary goal of reducing the risk of sternotomy wound infection by preventing soilage due to tracheostomal secretions. We then performed a retrospective review of all children who underwent temporary tracheostomal occlusion between 1 January, 2013 and 31 August, 2023 at our quaternary care children's hospital. Clinical variables were extracted from the hospital medical records. The rates of antibiotic use and minor and major complications during the period when the stoma plug was in place were recorded. RESULTS: Totally, 19 patients underwent tracheal stoma plugging prior to sternotomy and were included in our analysis. There were two cases of sternal wound infection; one case occurred while the stoma plug was in place, and one developed four days following plug removal. There was one minor complication, with one patient requiring stoma revision via serial dilation at bedside at the time of recannulation. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Temporary occlusion of the tracheal stoma with an impermeable plug is a viable option for reducing the risk of sternal wound infection in children with a pre-existing tracheostomy who are undergoing sternotomy.

Airway Characteristics of Patients With 22q11 Deletion Undergoing Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Surgery: Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: We have previously shown that patients with a chromosome 22q11 microdeletion are at risk for prolonged respiratory failure after pulmonary artery reconstruction surgery compared with those with normal genotype. We sought to describe preexisting airway abnormalities in this patient population and examine relationships between airway abnormalities and outcomes. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective chart review from Society of Thoracic Surgery and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium databases and the electronic medical record. SETTING: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford from September 2017 to February 2019. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing pulmonary artery reconstruction surgery were considered for inclusion. INTERVENTIONS: We identified 127 patients meeting study inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine patients met specific criteria and underwent screening preoperative bronchoscopy including microdirect laryngoscopy and lower airway examination. Postoperative bronchoscopy was performed at the discretion of the intensive care team. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Airway abnormalities were detected in 25/26 of children (96%) with a chromosome 22q11 deletion who underwent preoperative bronchoscopy. Upper and lower airway pathologies were found in 19/25 (73%) and 21/25 (81%) patients, respectively, and it was common for patients to have more than one abnormality. Presence of 22q11 deletion was associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation (9.1 vs 4.3 d; p = 0.001), use of noninvasive positive pressure support (13 vs 6 d; p = 0.001), and longer hospital stays (30 vs 14 d; p = 0.002). These outcomes were worse when compared with patients with known airway abnormalities who did not have 22q11 deletion. CONCLUSIONS: Preexisting upper and lower airway pathologies are common in patients with a chromosome 22q11 deletion who undergo pulmonary artery reconstruction surgery. Despite similar postoperative hemodynamics and outcomes as their counterparts without 22q11 deletion, 22q11 deletion is associated with more postoperative respiratory complications not entirely explained by preexisting airway abnormalities.

Laryngeal Ultrasound Detects Vocal Fold Immobility in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Laryngeal ultrasound (US) is becoming widely accepted for assessing true vocal fold immobility (TVFI), a potential complication of laryngeal and thyroid surgery. The objective of this project is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled evidence surrounding laryngeal US as a modality for diagnosing TVFI in adults at risk for the condition in comparison to laryngoscopy as a gold standard. Medical subject heading terms were used to search MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant citations from January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2020. Studies were included if they involved patients 16 years and older, where laryngeal US was compared to laryngoscopy for TVFI. Studies were excluded if there were insufficient data to compute a sensitivity/specificity table after attempting to contact the authors. Case reports, and case series were also excluded. The initial search returned 1357 citations. Of these, 109 were selected for review utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirty citations describing 6033 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. A bivariate random effects meta-analysis was performed, revealing a pooled sensitivity for laryngeal US of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.98), a specificity of 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-0.99), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 1328.2 (95% CI 294.0-5996.5). The area under the curve of the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-1.00). Laryngeal US demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detecting VFI in the hands of clinicians directly providing care to patients.

Assessment of Vocal Cord Motion Using Laryngeal Ultrasound in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal ultrasound is a nonirradiating, noninvasive method for assessing the upper airway in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine available evidence for accuracy of laryngeal ultrasound in diagnosing vocal cord immobility in infants and children after surgery and trauma affecting the vocal cords. DESIGN: Medical subject heading terms were used to search MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant citations. Publications from January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2020 were included in the search strategy. Study inclusion criteria consisted of randomized control trials and nonrandomized retrospective or prospective observational studies where vocal cord motion was evaluated by laryngeal ultrasound and compared with a reference test. Studies were excluded if there was insufficient data to compute a sensitivity/specificity table. Case reports, case series less than 10, and manuscripts not published in English were also excluded. PATIENTS: Studies which included subjects younger than or equal to 18 years were considered for full article review. SETTINGS: No restrictions on study settings were imposed in this systematic review. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The initial search returned 1,357 citations. After de-duplication, abstract, and full review, eight citations were included in the final meta-analysis. A bivariate random-effects meta-analysis was performed, which revealed a pooled sensitivity for laryngeal ultrasound in detecting vocal cord immobility of 91% (95% CI, 83-95%), specificity of 97% (95% CI, 82-100%), diagnostic odds ratio 333.56 (95% CI, 34.00-3,248.71), positive likelihood ratio 31.58 (95% CI, 4.50-222.05), and negative likelihood ratio 0.09 (95% CI, 0.05-0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detecting vocal cord motion in children in a wide range of clinical settings. Laryngeal ultrasound offers a low-risk imaging option for assessing vocal cord function in children compared with the current gold standard of laryngoscopy.

Assessment of airway abnormalities in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals.

BACKGROUND: Children with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals (TOF/MAPCAs) are at risk for post-operative respiratory complications after undergoing unifocalisation surgery. Thus, we assessed and further defined the incidence of airway abnormalities in our series of over 500 children with TOF/MAPCAs as determined by direct laryngoscopy, chest computed tomography (CT), and/or bronchoscopy. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with TOF/MAPCAs who underwent unifocalisation or pulmonary artery reconstruction surgery from March, 2002 to June, 2018 were reviewed. Anaesthesia records, peri-operative bronchoscopy, and/or chest CT reports were reviewed to assess for diagnoses of abnormal or difficult airway. Associations between chromosomal anomalies and airway abnormalities - difficult anaesthetic airway, bronchoscopy, and/or CT findings - were defined. RESULTS: Of the 564 patients with TOF/MAPCAs who underwent unifocalisation or pulmonary artery reconstruction surgery at our institution, 211 (37%) had a documented chromosome 22q11 microdeletion and 28 (5%) had a difficult airway/intubation reported at the time of surgery. Chest CT and/or peri-operative bronchoscopy were performed in 234 (41%) of these patients. Abnormalities related to malacia or compression were common. In total 35 patients had both CT and bronchoscopy within 3 months of each other, with concordant findings in 32 (91%) and partially concordant findings in the other 3. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series of detailed airway findings (direct laryngoscopy, CT, and bronchoscopy) in TOF/MAPCAS patients. Although these findings are specific to an at-risk population for airway abnormalities, they support the utility of CT and /or bronchoscopy in detecting airway abnormalities in patients with TOF/MAPCAs.

Postoperative feeding problems in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals undergoing unifocalisation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals are at risk for prolonged hospitalisation after unifocalisation. Feeding problems after congenital heart surgery are associated with longer hospital stay. We sought to determine the impact of baseline, intra-operative, and postoperative factors on the need for feeding tube use at the time of discharge. METHODS: We included patients with the aforementioned diagnosis undergoing unifocalisation from ages 3 months to 4 years from 2010 to 2016. We excluded patients with a pre-existing feeding tube. Patients discharged with an enteric tube were included in the feeding tube group. We compared the feeding tube group with the non-feeding-tube group by univariable and multi-variable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients studied, 41% used tube feeding. Median age and weight z-score were similar in the two groups. A chromosome 22q11 deletion was associated with the need for a feeding tube (22q11 deletion in 39% versus 15%, p=0.05). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time in the feeding tube group was longer (335 versus 244 minutes, p=0.04). Prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with feeding tube use (48 versus 3%, p=0.001). On multi-variable analysis, prolonged mechanical ventilation was associated with feeding tube use (odds ratio 10.2, 95% confidence intervals 1.6; 63.8). CONCLUSION: Among patients with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collaterals who were feeding by mouth before surgery, prolonged mechanical ventilation after unifocalisation surgery was associated with feeding tube use at discharge. Anticipation of feeding problems in this population and earlier feeding tube placement may reduce hospital length of stay.

Surgical management of posterior glottic diastasis in children.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to report our clinical experience in the surgical management of patients with posterior glottic diastasis (PGD) secondary to prolonged intubation and/or laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) during childhood. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of patients with a history of prolonged intubation and/or LTP who had undergone surgical correction for PGD at our institution between 2010 and 2014. We documented demographic data and pertinent information regarding medical and surgical histories. The Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) and/or the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) were used to assess patients both before and after undergoing treatment for voice disorders. RESULTS: Six patients met our inclusion criteria. With 1 exception, all patients with complete voice data demonstrated improvements in perceptual, patient-reported, and acoustic voice measures. There were no perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Our case series demonstrates that operative intervention can lead to improved voice in carefully selected patients with PGD secondary to prolonged intubation and/or LTP during childhood. Patients exhibited postoperative improvement in loudness and vocal endurance; however, they also exhibited a degree of compromise in voice quality.

Role of obesity in otitis media in children.

The ongoing childhood obesity epidemic has garnered significant attention among healthcare providers due to its short- and long-term sequelae. Multiple diseases have been associated with obesity, not limited to hypertension, diabetes, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Over the past decade, the relationships between obesity and otologic conditions have been investigated. In this setting, otitis media has remained the focus of research, representing one of the most common pediatric illnesses. Initial studies suggesting a relationship between the two conditions have been supported with epidemiological studies controlling for socioeconomic factors. The purpose of this article is to review our current understanding of the relationship between otitis media and obesity and to discuss the healthcare implications of this association. In addition, several identifiable factors associated with each condition are discussed, as are potential pathophysiologic mechanisms that may help to elucidate the complex and multifactorial relationship between the two disease entities.

High-dose sublesional bevacizumab (avastin) for pediatric recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

OBJECTIVES: We review and report the use of high-dose bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in pediatric patients. METHODS: We included all patients with pediatric-onset RRP who underwent bevacizumab (25 mg/mL) injections by a single practitioner. A series of 5 consecutive subepithelial injections were administered at 4- to 6-week intervals with concomitant 532 nm KTP laser ablation. The lesions were staged according to the Derkay staging system. The outcomes included pretreatment and posttreatment Derkay scores, the time interval between procedures, and voice outcomes. The demographic data extracted included sex, age at diagnosis, and current age. RESULTS: Nine patients were included in this study, with 1 patient lost to follow-up; their median age was 8 years (range, 3 to 21 years). The mean bevacizumab dose was 14.25 mg (range, 5 to 45 mg). There was a median Derkay score of 11.5 (range, 4 to 23) at the time of diagnosis and a median 58% improvement following therapy. All patients demonstrated an increased time interval between injections, for a median improvement of 2.05× (range, 1.6× to 3.25×). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence exists in support of vascular endothelial growth factor as an important factor in the development of RRP. Although some variability in response is demonstrated by this study, high-dose bevacizumab appears to yield promising results for pediatric patients with RRP.

Risk of Aspiration Increased by Post-swallow Residue in Infant Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of aspiration associated with post-swallow residue subsites in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in bottle-fed infants <1 year of age. METHODS: This is a retrospective matched-pairs cohort study at an academic tertiary children's hospital. FEES and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) trials performed within the same infant <5 days apart were paired by matching bolus consistency and bottle flow rate. Positive aspiration was defined by the "or rule" in which aspiration is positive when either FEES or VFSS within a matched pair is positive. RESULTS: Eighty-seven FEES-VFSS matched pairs from 29 patients (16 males; mean [SD] age, 2.9 [2.8] months) were included. The rate of positive aspiration, as defined by the "or rule", was 59% (51/87). In FEES, post-swallow pyriform sinus residue was present in 16% (14/87) and anterior commissure residue 27% (31/87). Risk of positive aspiration was increased by pyriform sinus residue (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-19.3, p < 0.01) and anterior commissure residue in FEES (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1, p = 0.03). In the neonate subgroup, <1 month of age, multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that anterior commissure residue had better diagnostic accuracy for aspiration than in older infants (overall 70% vs. 42%, p < 0.01; sensitivity 60% vs. 10%, p < 0.01), whereas pyriform sinus residue had worse accuracy (overall 41% vs. 70%, p = 0.02; sensitivity 13% vs. 43%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pyriform sinus and anterior commissure residue during infant FEES were associated with fivefold and twofold increased risk of aspiration, respectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: Using a retrospective matched-pairs cohort, this study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of post-swallow residue in FEES for predicting aspiration. Laryngoscope, 134:1431-1436, 2024.

Environmental Risk Factors for Pediatric Epistaxis vary by Climate Zone.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have provided variable results regarding environmental risk factors for epistaxis. These studies were conducted in varying climate zones, which may explain discrepancies in results. The objective of this study is to investigate correlations between season, temperature, and humidity on frequency of pediatric epistaxis across climate zones. METHODS: Children seen in the outpatient setting for epistaxis were identified from the 2007-2010 IBM MarketScan database. Climate zones were assigned according to International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) classification, where temperature zones in the United States and territories were assigned on an ordinal scale from 1 (tropical) to 8 (subarctic), and humidity zones were categorized as moist, dry, or marine. The control population was a sample of all well-child visits matched by age and county. RESULTS: We identified 184,846 unique children seen for epistaxis and 1,897,012 matched controls. Moderate temperature zones were associated with lower odds of epistaxis compared with the hottest and coldest zones. Humidity was associated inversely with epistaxis rates in moderate temperature zones but was not a significant predictor of epistaxis in climates with extreme heat. Additionally, summer was associated with lower odds of epistaxis compared to winter. Interestingly, however, there were significantly higher rates of cautery procedures during summer months, driven largely by increased procedures performed in clinic, as opposed to the operating room or emergency room. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental risk factors for epistaxis vary by climate zone. The model presented reconciles prior reports and may allow for more personalized clinical management based on regional climate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1450-1456, 2024.

Nonsurgical improvement of severe upper airway obstruction in infants with Robin sequence and cleft palate using Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate treatment.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Severe respiratory distress of neonates with Robin sequence (RS) is traditionally managed by surgery. Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate treatment (SOAP) is a nonsurgical option. The study aimed to determine if SOAP can improve polysomnography (PSG) parameters of neonates with RS. METHODS: PSG of neonates with RS treated with SOAP at a single hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients without PSG at all 4 time points (pre-, start of-, mid-, and post-treatment) were excluded. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included. All patients had cleft palate (CP). The median age (min, max) at the start of treatment was 1.1 months (0.5, 2.3) with the treatment duration of 4.5 months (3.5, 6.0). The mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (95% confidence interval) decreased from 39.3 events/hour (32.9, 45.7) to 12.2 events/hour (6.7, 17.7) (P < 0.001), obstructive apnea index decreased from 14.1 (11.2, 17.0) events/hour to 1.0 (-1.5, 3.5) events/hour (P < 0.001), and oxygen nadir increased from 79.9% (77.4, 82.5) to 88.2% (85.5, 90.8) (P < 0.001) between pre- and start of treatment. Respiratory improvements were sustained during and after the treatment. All patients avoided mandibular distraction osteogenesis or tracheostomy following SOAP. CONCLUSIONS: As being a rare diagnosis, the number of participants was, as expected, low. However, the current study demonstrates that SOAP can improve PSG parameters, demonstrating its potential utility before surgical interventions for neonates with RS and CP experiencing severe respiratory distress.

Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks and Opioid Requirements in Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Pain management following pediatric adenotonsillectomies is opioid-inclusive, leading to potential complications. Objective: To investigate the use of suprazygomatic maxillary nerve (SZMN) blocks to reduce pain and opioid use after pediatric intracapsular adenotonsillectomy and to measure recovery duration and incidence of complications. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a randomized, blinded, prospective single-center tertiary pediatric hospital that included 60 pediatric patients (2-14 years old) scheduled for intracapsular adenotonsillectomy from November 2021 to March 2023. Patients were excluded for having combined surgical procedures, developmental delay, coagulopathy, chronic pain history, known or predicted difficult airway, or unrepaired congenital heart disease. Participants were randomized to receive bilateral SZMN blocks (block group) or not (control group). Intervention: SZMN block administered bilaterally under general anesthesia for intracapsular adenotonsillectomy. Primary Outcomes and Measures: Opioid consumption, FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scores, and rates of opioid-free postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay. Secondary outcomes were recovery duration and incidence of adverse effects, ie, nausea, vomiting, block site bleeding, and emergency delirium. Results: The study population included 53 pediatric patients (mean [SD] age, 6.5 [3.6] years; 29 [55%] females; 24 [45%] males); 26 were randomly assigned to the SZMN block group and 27 to the control group. The mean (SD) opioid morphine equivalent consumption during PACU stay was 0.15 (0.14) mg/kg for the 27 patients in the control group compared with 0.07 (0.11) mg/kg for the 26 patients in the block group (mean difference, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.15; Cohen d, 0.64). The block group had a higher incidence of opioid-free PACU stays (n = 7 patients; 58%) compared with the control group (n = 15 patients; 26%) (mean difference, 32%; 95% CI, 5%-53%). Patients in the block group experienced lower FLACC scores (0.7 vs 1.6; mean difference, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.2-1.6; Cohen d, 0.7). The overall occurrence of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups, with no reported nerve block-related complications. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of the randomized clinical trial indicate that SZMN blocks are a useful adjunct tool for managing postoperative pain in pediatric intracapsular adenotonsillectomy. Use of these blocks during adenotonsillectomy provided clinically meaningful reductions of postoperative opioid consumption with a low risk of complications. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04797559.

Consensus on intake questionnaire data elements in the development of an aerodigestive registry.

OBJECTIVE: To define the essential elements of the intake questionnaire that will be a part of a larger multicenter registry for aerodigestive patients. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was utilized to obtain consensus on the data elements that should warrant inclusion in the final research database. Patient questionnaires from the eight participating institutions were reviewed and individual elements were aggregated into 14 categories. RESULTS: A total of 198 initial elements were voted on for inclusion. The categories included demographics, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, ear nose and throat symptoms, feeding, birth history, medical history, surgical history, family history, social history, medications prior to evaluation, devices used prior to evaluation, prior diagnostic evaluations, and prior evaluation by aerodigestive team members. 83 of the 198 elements met consensus for inclusion in the final registry for an inclusion rate of 41.9 %. Three separate rounds of ranking were required to obtain consensus. CONCLUSION: The aerodigestive registry is an important initiative that will help foster research and help guide future management. The intake questionnaire of the registry is a critical component of this project, and the consensus obtained during this study should help create a streamlined and efficient registry that will help all aerodigestive patients on a national level.

Safety and effectiveness of vocal fold injection laryngoplasty in infants less than one year of age.

INTRODUCTION: Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is commonly performed for unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). However, the safety and efficacy in patients <1 year of age are not widely recognized. This study analyzes the safety and swallow outcomes in a cohort of patients <1 year who underwent IL. METHODS: This retrospective analysis evaluated patients at a tertiary children's institution between 2015 and 2022. Patients were eligible if they underwent IL for UVFI and were <1 year at time of injection. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data, oral diet tolerance, and preoperative and postoperative swallow data were collected. RESULTS: 49 patients were included, 12 (24%) of whom were premature. The average age at injection was 3.9 months (SD 3.8), time from UVFI onset to injection 1.3 months (2.0), and weight at injection 4.8 kg (2.1). The baseline American Association of Anesthesiologists physical status classification scores were 2 (14%), 3 (61%), and 4 (24%). 89% of patients had improvements in objective swallow function postoperatively. Of the 35 patients who were preoperatively enterally-dependent and did not have medical circumstances precluding advancement to oral feeds, 32 (n = 91%) tolerated an oral diet postoperatively. There were no long-term sequelae. Two patients had intraoperative laryngospasm, one intraoperative bronchospasm, and one with subglottic and posterior glottic stenosis was intubated for <12 h for increased work of breathing. CONCLUSIONS: IL is a safe and effective intervention that can reduce aspiration and improve diet in patients <1 year old. This procedure can be considered at institutions with the appropriate personnel, resources, and infrastructure.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group: Consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis.

INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection commonly manifests as subacute or chronic cervicofacial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. The optimal management of this pathology remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This international consensus guideline aims to understand the practice patterns for NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis and to address the primary diagnostic and management challenges. METHODS: A modified three-iterative Delphi method was used to establish expert recommendations on the diagnostic considerations, expectant or medical management, and operative considerations. The recommendations herein are derived from current expert consensus and critical review of the literature. SETTING: Multinational, multi-institutional, tertiary pediatric hospitals. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations include diagnostic work-up, goals of treatment and management options including surgery, prolonged antibiotic therapy and observation. CONCLUSION: The recommendations formulated in this International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of patients with NTM lymphadenitis are aimed at improving patient care and promoting future hypothesis generation.

Consensus on Triple Endoscopy Data Elements Preparatory to Development of an Aerodigestive Registry.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study defines essential data elements to be recorded during an aerodigestive "triple endoscopy" to form the foundation of a standardized multicenter registry and to clearly define measurement of each consensus item. STUDY DESIGN: Modified Delphi process. METHODS: Modified Delphi consensus with six survey rounds. Twenty-four expert pediatric otolaryngology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology aerodigestive clinicians from eight large academic pediatric aerodigestive programs formed the Delphi panel. After achieving consensus through the Delphi process, outside validation was performed at 2019 national Aerodigestive Society conference. Consensus, near-consensus, or exclusion was obtained for each proposed data element. Concordance was then measured between expert panel conclusions and validation group conclusions. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 94.4%. 73/167 proposed items reached consensus in six domains (flexible bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, microdirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies, and esophageal impedance and pH probe). Measurement of all items was defined; classification/grading systems were selected for 11 items. Validation group endorsed importance of 82/167 data items; compared to expert consensus, overall, inclusion, and exclusion concordance rates were 94.5%, 98.7%, and 90.9%. CONCLUSION: Triple endoscopy is a central component of aerodigestive care. This study identifies and defines data elements to be recorded for all triple endoscopy procedures. The list is of usable length, and clear definitions were created for all items, with explicit classification/grading systems selected for 11 items. Face validity was confirmed with an independent multispecialty sample of aerodigestive providers. This consensus provides the foundation for a triple endoscopy registry but also is immediately applicable to standardize clinical documentation in aerodigestive care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 132:2251-2258, 2022.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Evaluation and management of congenital tracheal stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To outline an expert-based consensus of recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with congenital tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Expert opinions were sought from members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) via completion of an 18-item survey utilizing an iterative Delphi method and review of the literature. RESULTS: Forty-three members completed the survey providing recommendations regarding the initial history, clinical evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, temporizing measures, definitive repair, and post-repair care of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. CONCLUSION: These recommendations are intended to be used to support clinical decision-making regarding the evaluation and management of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Responses highlight the diverse management strategies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care of these patients.

Management and outcomes of laryngeal injuries in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric laryngeal trauma is an uncommon event. The purpose of this study was to identify outcomes following surgical procedures for pediatric laryngeal trauma, and to provide an in-depth review of the literature. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank was utilized to identify pediatric laryngeal trauma incidents with admission years 2002 through 2006. Patient demographics, injury type, surgical procedures, hospital and intensive care unit durations, ventilator duration, and discharge disposition were abstracted. RESULTS: There were 69 laryngeal trauma incidents identified, with a median patient age of 12.8 years and an overall mortality rate of 8.7%. Laryngeal injury was frequently blunt-force in nature (82.8%) and often occurred in conjunction with trauma to multiple organ systems (76.8%). Tracheotomy (16 procedures), laryngeal suturing (13 procedures), and laryngeal fracture repair (10 procedures) were the most frequent procedures identified. Laryngeal fracture repair was noted to increase the overall hospital duration (p = 0.040). The communication scores were affected only by tracheotomy (p = 0.013). Surgical intervention did not significantly affect the frequency of home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric laryngeal trauma is an uncommon event that can be evaluated with the National Trauma Data Bank. Although patients who undergo laryngeal fracture repair appear to have an increased duration of hospitalization, patients who undergo tracheotomy or laryngeal suturing do not have increased durations of ventilator dependence, stay in an intensive care unit, or hospitalization.

Risk Assessment and Early Mobilization Pathway Following Pediatric Tracheostomy: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To confirm the standard of care pertaining to postoperative mobilization practices following initial tracheostomy, to establish face validity of novel early mobilization tools, and to conduct a safety and feasibility pilot study. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional survey and prospective cohort study. METHODS: Experts at our tertiary-care children's hospital developed an Early Pediatric Mobility Pathway for tracheostomy patients utilizing a novel risk-assessment tool. Surveys were distributed to professional colleagues in similar children's hospitals to establish face validity and incorporate respondent feedback. Additional surveys were disseminated to tertiary-care children's hospitals across the country to establish the current standard of care, and a pilot study was conducted. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of respondents from tertiary hospitals across the country confirmed the standard of care to defer mobilization until the first trach change. Greater than 83% of the respondents used to establish face validity of the tools agreed with the clinical components and scoring structure. The safety and feasibility of early mobilization prior to initial trach change was confirmed with a pilot of 10 pediatric patients without any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Mobilization of pediatric patients prior to initial trach change is feasible and can be safe when risk factors are assessed by a multidisciplinary team. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E653-E658, 2021.