Risk of COVID-19 in pediatric population and the effects of COVID-19 vaccination: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of upper respiratory infections on the pediatric population, such as increased risk for acute otitis media (AOM). Other studies have noted decreased otitis media complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project aims to identify whether individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 at the Emergency Department (ED) visit had an increased risk of developing severe complications. Additionally, we will study whether vaccination helped decrease following COVID-19 complications. METHODS: Utilizing the TriNetX database, we obtained de-identified electronic medical records for children under five and 6-10 years old from 2020-2023 in the United States. The study population was propensity-matched for gender, index age, and comorbidities. Complications within eight weeks of the ED visit were compared between COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Risk ratio was used to measure associations between our groups. A p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: After propensity matching, a total of 211,138 children were identified. Within eight weeks after the ED visit, unvaccinated children <5 years old who tested negative for COVID-19 had a 30 % relative risk reduction for AOM, 52 % for sinusitis, 76 % for multisystem inflammatory system (MIS), 17 % for acute respiratory failure, and 37 % for septic shock when compared to those with a positive COVID-19 result (p ≤ 0.05). Unvaccinated 6-10 years old children who tested negative for COVID-19 had an 18 % risk reduction for AOM, 44 % reduction for sinusitis, 63 % reduction for MIS, and 42 % for acute respiratory failure (p ≤ 0.05) compared to those that tested positive for COVID-19. Vaccinated children with positive COVID-19 results have no significant risk of AOM or acute respiratory failure. Additionally, children 6-10 years old with positive COVID-19 results did not have a substantial risk of sinusitis. CONCLUSION: COVID-19's effects require continued investigation in children. This study showed that there are some increased risks of severe complications following this viral infection.

Two Stacked Coins Mimicking an Esophageal Button Battery: A Case Presentation and Review of the Literature.

As button battery (BB) ingestion has become a popular topic with growing public awareness in recent years, pediatric otolaryngologists maintain a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis. Several recent reports have revealed the possibility for benign objects to masquerade as BBs, such as two coins stacked together or a coin with different metals in concentric rings. A 4-year-old female presented to the ED after unwitnessed ingestion of a foreign body. The child was reportedly seen playing with her sister's coin collection prior to the acute onset of drooling and dysphagia. She was vitally stable and without any shortness of breath, stridor, or wheezing. Plain film X-ray revealed a round, metallic object with a double density on the frontal view and beveled step-off on the lateral view at the level of the thoracic inlet. Due to high radiographic concern for BB ingestion, the patient was taken emergently to the operating room for a rigid esophagoscopy. A metallic object was seen at the thoracic inlet and removed with Magill forceps. The object was found to be two coins stuck together, with a smaller coin in the center of a larger coin mimicking the shape of a BB. The patient was discharged the next day without complication. This case highlights stacked coins as a radiologic masquerade for BBs as well as the emphasis on prompt esophagoscopy for both identification and removal. Radiographic densities alone cannot be relied upon to distinguish BBs from more innocuous objects, and esophagoscopy remains the mainstay of management for pediatric esophageal foreign bodies.

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.

Surgical Management of Choanal Atresia: Two Classic Cases and Review of the Literature.

Choanal atresia is a rare congenital airway malformation that presents a unique surgical challenge for pediatric otolaryngologists. Here we report two classic cases of choanal atresia and examine the surgical approaches to this entity. The first case was a four-day-old female with a history of CHARGE syndrome and bilateral mixed membranous and bony choanal atresia confirmed by a CT scan. After undergoing transnasal endoscopic repair, choanal stents were placed for four weeks, and the patient was seen three months postoperatively and found to be doing well with no respiratory concerns. The second case involved a healthy three-year-old female presenting with unilateral combined membranous and bony atresia. Following successful endoscopic repair, she was seen at a three-month follow-up with no signs of restenosis. Additionally, a literature review was performed to evaluate updates since the 2012 Cochrane Review on surgical treatment of congenital choanal atresia.

Trending Tubes: A Social Media Analysis of Tympanostomy Tubes in Children.

Objective: To investigate the popular social media platforms Instagram and Facebook for public posts related to tympanostomy tubes in children, to discern attitudes and perceptions surrounding tympanostomy tubes, and to evaluate the content of social media posts related to tympanostomy tubes. Study Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Instagram and Facebook social media platforms. Methods: Instagram and Facebook were searched for public posts from 2018 and 2019 including the search terms "ear tubes,""ear tube surgery,""tympanostomy," and "myringotomy." Posts were excluded if they were unrelated to pediatric tympanostomy tubes or written in a non-English language. Relevant posts underwent subgroup analysis based on 6 domains: media type, perspective, topic, timeframe, popularity, and overall tone. Results: Of 1862 public social media posts, the majority (78.2%) were made by the patient's parents/caregivers and the rest by physicians (6.0%), hospitals (8.2%), and chiropractors (6.1%), with a few posts by the patients themselves (0.4%). The majority (79.3%) of posts portrayed tympanostomy tubes positively. Most negative posts were made by chiropractors (50.8%) and the patient's parents/caregivers (42.9%). The most common themes of posts were reassurance regarding surgery (74.9%), advertisements (12.5%), apprehension (12.4%), and education (10.3%). Conclusion: Most social media posts were made by parents/caregivers in the perioperative period, and there was a low percentage of educational posts. This information could be used by otolaryngologists to optimize their interactions with patients and parents and to potentially increase physician involvement and educational material related to tympanostomy tubes on social media.

Misophonia: An Underrecognized Disease in Pediatric Patients.

Misophonia is a chronic condition in which patients experience a strong negative, emotional, or psychologic reaction to specific sounds. These sounds cause the individual to have a sudden, uncontrolled, and disproportionate negative reaction affecting their daily activities. The literature describes several cases of misophonia in the adult population; however, only 2 pediatric case studies are reported. Herein, we present 2 additional cases. An exaggerated response to an auditory stimulus is observed in other disorders such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, migraines, and many psychiatric disorders. Sound aversion has a broad differential diagnosis and may require visits to numerous specialists, placing strain on the patient and the healthcare system. Furthermore, misophonia is underdiagnosed in the pediatric population as it requires self-reporting of symptoms. The pathophysiology, prevalence, and treatment of misophonia continue to be relatively unknown. We attempt to highlight this rarely reported pediatric diagnosis and elaborate on its clinical presentation to increase awareness among otolaryngologists.

Bilateral Cervical Pilomatricoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma for the Pediatric Otolaryngologist.

Pilomatricomas are benign skin tumors often encountered by otolaryngologists but frequently misdiagnosed. Although they can occur at any age, they commonly present in children as a discolored superficial lesion adhered to the overlying skin. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, which is surgical in most cases. Here, we present bilateral pilomatricomas mimicking features of several other diagnoses in a pediatric patient. The patient was successfully treated with surgical excision. This case presented a unique diagnostic challenge, as the lesions exhibited features of several common diagnoses. In general, surgical management of pilomatricoma is curative, and recurrence is rare.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Underweight Children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in underweight children and to describe the demographic, clinical, and polysomnographic characteristics of an ethnically diverse population of underweight children with OSA. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center of Dallas. METHODS: Underweight children aged 2 to 18 years who underwent a polysomnogram for suspected OSA between January 2014 and December 2020 were included. Underweight was defined as body mass index <5th percentile per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Children with apnea-hypopnea index <1.0 served as a control group. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of OSA. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: An overall 124 children met inclusion criteria: mean age, 6.4 years; 50% female; 44% Hispanic, 31% African American, and 18% Caucasian. A total of 83 children had OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥1.0). Height was negatively correlated with OSA (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99; P = .02) while allergic rhinitis (odds ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.24-7.08; P = .01) and tonsillar hypertrophy (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.42-8.02; P = .01) were predictors for the presence of OSA. No demographic or clinical characteristics were predictors for severe OSA. CONCLUSION: Underweight children with OSA, as compared with those without OSA, are more likely to have decreased height, tonsillar hypertrophy, and allergic rhinitis. There are no predictors of severe OSA in underweight children. We recommend polysomnography for the diagnosis of OSA in symptomatic underweight children with large tonsils, especially when they have a history of allergies.

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.

Apnea-hypopnea index severity as an independent predictor of post-tonsillectomy respiratory complications in pediatric patients: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the presence of clinical practice guidelines for overnight admission of pediatric patients following adenotonsillectomy, variance in practice patterns exists between pediatric otolaryngologists. The purpose of this study is to examine severity of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as an independent predictor of postoperative respiratory complications in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all children undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a large tertiary referral center between January 2015 and December 2019 who underwent preoperative polysomnography and were admitted for overnight observation. Charts were reviewed for total adverse events and respiratory events occurring during admission. RESULTS: Overall, respiratory events were seen in 50.6% of patients with AHI ≥10 and in 39.6% of patients with AHI <10. The overall mean AHI was 19.2, with a mean of 28.1 in the AHI ≥10 subgroup vs 4.6 in the AHI <10 subgroup. There was no statistical correlation or increased risk between an AHI ≥10 and having a pure respiratory event, with a relative risk of 1.19 (.77-1.83, P = .43). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean AHI of those with any adverse event and those without (21.6 vs 13.4, P = .008). There is additionally an increased risk of any event with an AHI over 10, with a relative risk of 1.51 (1.22-1.88, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative AHI of 10 events per hour was not a predictor of postoperative respiratory complications. However, there was a trend for those with a higher AHI requiring additional supportive measures or a prolonged stay. Practitioners should always use their best judgment in deciding whether a child warrants postoperative admission following adenotonsillectomy.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis: Analysis of twenty cases at a single institution.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of neonatal respiratory distress that is difficult to treat. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors that predict the need for initial and revision surgery for CNAPS. The secondary objective is to identify risk factors in maternal history associated with the development of CNPAS. METHODS: Infants with CNPAS between 2010 and 2017 were identified by ICD- 9 and 10 codes. Demographics, maternal history, anatomic features on imaging and medical and/or surgical management were reviewed. Frequencies, means and standard deviations were calculated. A p-value <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty infants were included. All underwent flexible nasal endoscopy with inability to pass the scope in either nostril in 65% of infants. Nineteen had a CT scan and 13 had a MRI with midline defects in 76.3% and 53.8%, respectively. Solitary central mega-incisor was present in 65%. Half underwent surgical intervention at a mean age of 74.8 days, with 90% requiring revision surgery. There was no difference in pyriform aperture distance in the surgical and non-surgical patient subgroups (5.4 mm and 5.2 mm, p = .6 respectively). No specific variables were predictive of need for initial or revision surgery. Maternal diabetes mellitus (MDM) was found in 55% of mothers of infants with CNPAS. CONCLUSION: Pyriform aperture distance was not a predictor of surgical intervention. MRI should be considered in all infants with CNPAS as the rate of intracranial complications is high. MDM may be a risk factor for CNPAS.

Patient Factors Associated With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Septic Arthritis in Children.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism in pediatric septic arthritis, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being responsible for a significant portion of these infections. Early identification and initiation of proper treatment may improve outcomes by minimizing potential morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify variables obtained on initial patient presentation associated with MRSA septic arthritis. Sixteen factors were retrospectively evaluated in 109 consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with culture-confirmed septic arthritis. Graphical and logistical regression analyses were employed to determine factors independently predictive of MRSA septic arthritis. Twenty-seven (25%) patients had MRSA and 82 (75%) had non-MRSA septic arthritis. C-reactive protein of 13.7 mg/L or greater, duration of symptoms of 4 days or more, heart rate of 126 beats per minute or greater, and absolute neutrophil count of 8.72×103 cells/µL or greater were associated with MRSA septic arthritis. Ultimately, 98% of patients with 1 or no risk factors had non-MRSA and 96% of patients with MRSA septic arthritis had 2 or more positive risk factors. Elevated C-reactive protein, duration of symptoms, heart rate, and absolute neutrophil count are predictive of MRSA infection in the setting of pediatric septic arthritis and can be obtained on initial evaluation. In patients for whom there is concern for MRSA infection, this may guide more expedient treatment, such as early initiation of contact precautions and appropriate antibiotic therapy before culture results become available. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e277-e282.].

Predicting the Presence of Adjacent Infections in Septic Arthritis in Children.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for treatment of septic arthritis is urgent surgical debridement. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may identify osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscesses, and intramuscular abscesses, which frequently occur with septic arthritis. If these adjacent infections are not recognized, initial treatment may be inadequate. The purpose of this study is to develop a prediction algorithm to distinguish septic arthritis with adjacent infections from isolated septic arthritis to determine which patients should undergo preoperative MRI. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review of 87 children treated for septic arthritis was performed. All patients underwent MRI. Sixteen variables (age, sex, temperature, WBC, CRP, ESR, ANC, hematocrit, platelet count, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, symptom duration, weight-bearing status, prior antibiotic therapy, and prior hospitalization) from admission were reviewed. Graphical and logistical regression analysis was used to determine variables independently predictive of adjacent infection. Optimal cutoff values were determined for each variable and a prediction algorithm was created. Finally, the model was applied to our patient database and each patient with isolated septic arthritis or adjacent infection was stratified based upon the number of positive predictive factors. RESULTS: A total of 36 (41%) patients had isolated septic arthritis and 51 (59%) had septic arthritis with adjacent foci. Five variables (age above 3.6 y, CRP>13.8 mg/L, duration of symptoms >3 d, platelets <314×10 cells/µL, and ANC>8.6×10 cells/µL) were found to be predictive of adjacent infection and were included in the algorithm. Patients with ≥3 risk factors were classified as high risk for septic arthritis with adjacent infection (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 67%, positive predictive value: 80%, negative predictive value: 83%). CONCLUSIONS: Age, CRP, duration of symptoms, platelet count, and ANC were predictive of adjacent infections. Patients who met ≥3 criteria are at high risk for adjacent infection and may benefit from preoperative MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III­retrospective comparative study.

Epidermoid cyst of the uvula in a child.

OBJECTIVE: Epidermoid cysts are rarely located in the uvula. To date, epidermoid cyst of the uvula has not been reported in a child at preschool age. We present clinical and histopathological characteristics of an epidermoid cyst in a child with uvula mass. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. RESULTS: A 5-year-old boy was seen in the pediatric otolaryngology clinic for assessment of a uvula mass. The mass was detected during a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy performed for sleep-related breathing disorder. The mass was completely removed and the final diagnosis was epidermoid cyst. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians, otolaryngologists, and pathologists should be cognizant of the occurrence of uvular epidermoid cyst in preschool children.

Noninvasive intraoperative angiography for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

Reconstruction of head and neck defects after cancer resection involves the use of local, pedicled musculocutaneous, and free flaps. Flap failure is often caused by vascular insufficiency, and it is associated with the presence of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease, a history of smoking, and previous radiation and/or surgery. Failure rates may be reduced by the use of indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence laser angiography, which detects perfusion deficits intraoperatively. Although this technology has been validated in other fields, there is limited experience in the head and neck region. We present 3 cases in which different head and neck flaps were used along with this technology in patients at high risk for flap failure. All flaps were successfully implanted without perioperative or long-term complications. The increasing complexity, age, and comorbidities of the head and neck cancer population pose significant reconstructive challenges. This report demonstrates the feasibility of employing intraoperative angiography for local, pedicled, and free flaps. This noninvasive tool optimizes intraoperative planning and assesses viability, potentially lowering failure rates in high-risk patients. Identification of patients who most benefit from this technology warrants further investigation.