Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Reconstruction in Children: Part I.

BACKGROUND: Limited outcome data exist regarding the survival of microvascular free flaps for head and neck reconstruction in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis comparing the survival of the most commonly used free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction in children. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using various keywords up to January 1, 2015. Meta-analysis was used to compare the survival of the most commonly used free flaps. The primary predictor variable was free flap type. The primary outcome variable was flap failure. The pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was estimated using a Mantel-Haenszel, fixed-effects model. RESULTS: The authors reviewed 25,303 abstracts. Five studies met inclusion criteria. A total of 646 children received a total of 694 free flaps. The pooled survival rate among all free flaps was 96.4%. The fibula free flap (fibula) and subscapular system free flaps (scapula) were the most commonly used flaps. There was no difference in survival when comparing the scapula (RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.26, 1.56, P = 0.29), or fibula (RR = 1.91, 95% CI: 0.55, 6.65, P = 0.31) to other free flaps, or when comparing the scapula to the fibula (RR = 2.29; 95% CI: 0.40, 13.08, P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer is highly successful in children. Although data are limited, there appears to be no difference in survival among various free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction in children.

Safety of Adenosine for the Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with pulmonary involvement and cardiac arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Adenosine is commonly used to treat SVT and is generally safe, but is rarely associated with bronchospasm. There are no data regarding the safety of adenosine use in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and physicians may hesitate to use it in such patients. We surveyed resident physicians and cardiology attendings regarding their level of comfort in administering adenosine to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We compared a study group of 42 COVID-19 hospitalized patients who received adenosine for SVT to a matched (for age, sex, and co-morbidities) control group of 42 non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients during the same period, all of whom received IV adenosine for SVT. Escalation of care following intravenous adenosine administration was defined as increased/new pressor requirement, need for higher O2 flow rates, need for endotracheal intubation, new nebulizer therapy, or transfer to intensive care unit within 2 h of adenosine administration. Survey results showed that 82% (59/72) of residents and 62% (16/26) of cardiologists expressed hesitation/significant concerns regarding administering adenosine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Adenosine use was associated with escalation of care in 47.6% (20/42) COVID-19 as compared to 50% (21/42) non-COVID-19 patients (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.45-2.01, p = NS). Escalation of care was more likely in patients who were on higher FiO2, on prior nebulizer therapy, required supplemental oxygen, or were already on a ventilator. In conclusion, we identified significant hesitation among physicians regarding the use of adenosine for SVT in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this study, there was no evidence of increased harm from administering adenosine to patients with SVT and COVID-19. This finding needs to be confirmed in larger studies. Based on the current evidence, adenosine for treatment of SVT in this setting should not be avoided. Key Points: Question: Given the known bronchospastic effects of adenosine, is the use of adenosine safe for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19? Findings: A survey of residents and cardiology attending identified that a majority expressed some level of apprehension in using adenosine for SVT in COVID-19 patients. In our matched cohort study, we found adenosine use to be comparably safe in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Meaning: Based on current evidence, adenosine for treatment of SVT in this setting should not be avoided.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children.

Distraction osteogenesis is currently considered a useful treatment option for the correction of specific facial skeletal deformities. Although it is apparent that distraction may have significant potential and broader application in the management of maxillofacial problems, very few comprehensive scientific data exist, making it difficult to describe its exact role in the reconstructive oral and maxillofacial surgeon's armamentarium. This article reviews the biological basis for distraction osteogenesis, potential applications, and current surgical approaches for mandibular distraction in children.

Positional plagiocephaly: evaluation and management.

Positional plagiocephaly is a cranial vault deformation in the presence of open cranial vault sutures with no negative neurologic consequences. A distinct morphologic pattern and patent cranial sutures noted on confirmatory radiographic studies distinguish positional plagiocephaly from abnormal head shapes secondary to craniosynostosis. Management consists of conservative (nonsurgical) means, depending on the extent of the cranial asymmetry and any contributing etiologic factors. Clinicians must be well versed in the differential diagnosis of plagiocephaly to determine if treatment should be surgical or nonsurgical. Positional plagiocephaly is a nonsynostotic condition in which there is a deformation of the cranial vault in the presence of otherwise open, normally functioning sutures. The reported incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased with the implementation of "Back to Sleep" guidelines for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome. Pediatricians also have maintained an increased awareness of the importance of early referral for evaluation of abnormal head shape during infancy.

Craniofacial dysostosis syndromes: stages of reconstruction.

The term "craniofacial dysostosis" is used in a general way to describe syndromal forms of craniosynostosis. These disorders are characterized by sutural involvement that not only includes the cranial vault but also extends into the skull base and midfacial skeletal structures. Craniofacial dysostosis syndromes have been described by Carpenter, Apert, Crouzon, Sathre-Chotzen, and Pfeiffer. Although the cranial vault and cranial base are believed to be the regions of primary involvement, there is also significant impact on midfacial growth and development. In addition to cranial vault dysmorphology, patients with these inherited conditions exhibit a characteristic "total midface" deficiency that is syndrome specific and must be addressed as part of the staged reconstructive approach.

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: diagnosis and contemporary surgical management.

Contemporary surgical management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis requires the combined expertise of a pediatric craniofacial surgeon and pediatric neurosurgeon. The goals of surgical intervention are the release of the affected suture, which allows for unrestricted development of the visceral components (eg, brain, eyes) and three-dimensional reconstruction of the skeletal components, which establishes a more normal anatomic position and contour. Surgeon who care for infants with these cranial and orbital malformations must maintain a thorough understanding of the three-dimensional anatomy, characteristic dysmorphology associated with the different types of synostosis, and the complex interplay that exists between surgical intervention and ongoing skeletal growth.

Management of cleft lip and palate and cleft orthognathic considerations.

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital anomalies in humans. The treatment of this group of patients is best conducted by a multidisciplinary team approach. This article discusses the accepted treatment algorithm and timeline, as well as special considerations for this patient group when performing orthognathic surgery. Patients with cleft lip and palate often present with significantly more technical and challenging procedures, so clinicians should familiarize themselves with these special considerations before attempting to care for these individuals.

Craniofacial and orbital dermoids in children.

Dermoid cysts are congenital lesions that commonly arise from nondisjunction of surface ectoderm from deeper neuroectodermal structures. They tend to be found along planes of embryonic closure. Classification by site is helpful for diagnostic planning and surgical treatment. A distinction can be made between frontotemporal, orbital, frontoethmoidal, and calvarial lesions. The risk of extension into deeper tissues must be determined before surgical intervention. Simple lesions are amenable to direct excision. Deeper lesions often require a coordinated surgical approach between a neurosurgeon and craniofacial surgeon after thorough radiographic imaging. Follow-up through the developmental years is recommended for complex dermoid lesions.

Cleft lip and palate surgery: an update of clinical outcomes for primary repair.

The comprehensive management of cleft lip and palate has received significant attention in the surgical literature over the last half century. It is the most common congenital facial malformation and has a significant developmental, physical, and psychological impact on those with the deformity and their families. In the United States, current estimates place the prevalence of cleft lip and palate or isolated cleft lip at approximately 1 in 600. There is significant phenotypic variation in the specific presentation of facial clefts. Understanding outcome data is important when making clinical decisions for patients with clefts. This article provides an update on current primary cleft lip and palate outcome data.

Temporary skeletal anchorage devices for orthodontics.

This article discusses the recent advances and basic concepts of skeletal anchorage devices of various types and reviews the current literature on their use. Temporary skeletal anchorage devices allow orthodontic movements that were previously thought to be difficult if not impossible. Much like the concepts introduced during the beginnings of orthognathic dentofacial teams, treatment that uses skeletal anchorage requires interdisciplinary collaboration and planning with regular interaction, continuing education, and a regular review of the latest relevant literature.

Developmental aspects of the upper airway: report from an NHLBI Workshop, March 5-6, 2009.

The upper airway serves three important functions: respiration, swallowing, and speech. During development it undergoes significant structural and functional changes that affect its size, shape, and mechanical properties. Abnormalities of the upper airway require prompt attention, because these often alter ventilatory patterns and gas exchange, particularly during sleep when upper airway motor tone and ventilatory drive are diminished. Recognizing the relationship of early life events to lung health and disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), with cofunding from the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD), convened a workshop of extramural experts, from many disciplines. The objective of the workshop was: (1) to review the state of science in pediatric upper airway disorders; (2) to make recommendations to the Institute to fill knowledge gaps; (3) to prioritize new research directions; and (4) to capitalize on scientific opportunities. This report provides recommendations that could facilitate translation of basic research findings into practice to better diagnose, treat, and prevent airway compromise in children.