Steroid-Eluting Implants: An Adjunctive Therapy After Double-Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to describe a case in which a steroid-eluting implant was utilized to help prevent postoperative granulation and restenosis in a patient who underwent double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (dsLTR) for subglottic stenosis. METHODS: This case presents a 3-year-old female who underwent dsLTR with anterior cartilage graft placement and posterior sagittal split for subglottic stenosis. A silicone stent was placed at the time of the dsLTR. After stent removal, direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) was performed at 4 to 5 week intervals. These visits revealed a significant amount of supraglottic and glottic edema, and granulation tissue at the proximal aspect of the graft contributing to airway obstruction and restenosis. This was treated twice with CO2 laser excision, balloon dilation, and triamcinolone injection. On the third treatment with these modalities, a mometasone furoate implant was inserted as an adjunctive therapy. The implant was inserted to lateralize the vocal folds, prevent webbing, and to extend to the narrowed area within the subglottis to prevent granulation and restenosis. These same treatments were repeated at the fourth visit with another mometasone furoate implant of a smaller size placed in the same location. RESULTS: Findings on DLB since treatment with the steroid-eluting implants have shown persistent granulation tissue limited to the tracheostomy stoma site. Treatments with CO2 laser, balloon dilation, and triamcinolone injection have continued, with occasional use of silver nitrate cautery at the external stoma site. There has not been any significant evidence of edema, granulation, or stenosis in the glottis or subglottis to require another steroid-eluting implant. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid-eluting implants appear to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy in the routine surveillance of pediatric patients with a tracheostomy who have undergone dsLTR. They may help combat granulation formation and restenosis seen in some dsLTR patients.

The effects of untreated reflux on the incidence of dysphagia, oral aversion, and feeding difficulty in the NICU population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether late-preterm and full-term neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) have an increased incidence of feeding difficulties, dysphagia, and oral aversion. To determine the incidence of reflux medication use in late-preterm and full-term neonates in the NICU. METHODS: Neonates greater than 34 weeks gestational age (GA) diagnosed with reflux, who were hospitalized for at least five days, were included in the study. Neonates with anatomical anomalies that interfere with feeding are excluded. The control group included neonates greater than 34 weeks GA not diagnosed with reflux. The key outcome variables were subjective ease of feeding, oral aversion, and placement on nasogastric (NG), orogastric (OG), or requirement of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and t-test to compare incidence of feeding difficulties between the groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In neonates with a diagnosis of reflux, 42.02% had feeding difficulties (66 patients). In the control group, 30.49% of neonates had feeding difficulties (218 patients). Feeding difficulties in neonates with reflux was 11.55% higher than in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Late-preterm and full-term neonates diagnosed with reflux have a higher incidence of feeding difficulties than those who did not have reflux. Only 0.86% of neonates diagnosed with reflux were treated with anti-reflux medications at this large tertiary care children's hospital.

Utilization of intranasal ipratropium bromide in the prevention of recurrent croup events: Is it effective?

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent croup (RC) is a common problem in the pediatric population. We theorize that reduced rhinorrhea and post-nasal drip as well as suppressed cough receptor activity by the anticholinergic, intranasal ipratropium bromide (IB), may lead to reduced inflammation and edema of the subglottis, decreasing RC symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of IB in improving symptoms of RC and in reducing the need for alternative forms of management. METHOD: A retrospective chart review combined with survey data of patients with RC was conducted to assess demographic data, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Pediatric patients less than 10 years of age diagnosed with RC through the department of pediatric otolaryngology between 2018 and 2020 were included. Results were compared between one group treated with IB for RC and a second group treated with medications other than IB. RESULTS: Among the 67 patients treated for RC, 34 completed survey data and were included in the study. Overall, patients who were treated with IB for RC had 1.83 less croup episodes per year (p = 0.046), a 0.5-point improvement in child symptoms (p = 0.017) and 1.3 fewer doses of steroids per year than the patients not treated with IB (p = 0.018). Patients treated with IB were significantly more likely to answer "yes," that the use of medication helped improve symptoms (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intranasal IB is a novel therapeutic option that may reduce RC events, improve patient symptoms and reduce steroid use. Further prospective studies are needed to definitively characterize the benefits of IB in the treatment of RC.

Outcomes Using a Postoperative Protocol in Pediatric Single-Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (ssLTR) outcomes before and after the implementation of a postoperative care protocol in pediatric patients. METHODS: A case-control study with chart review was conducted at 2 tertiary academic centers from 2010 to 2016. Pediatric patients who underwent ssLTR with a postoperative care protocol were compared with those who did not receive care under this protocol. Data regarding perioperative management were collected and compared using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank tests. Planned extubation, length of intubation in the intensive care unit, and complications were examined. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed ssLTR after the protocol was initiated, and 26 prior patients were used as control subjects. Planned extubation failed in 9 patients (35%) in the control group compared with 1 patient (5%) in the protocol group (P < .05). Using a structured protocol demonstrated a decrease in delayed extubation and intensive care unit stay (P < .05). Despite more postprotocol patients' requiring posterior graft placement, preprotocol patients were less likely to be extubated within 7 days (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose an intensive care unit protocol that uses a combination of pharmacologic agents to optimally reduce the risk for adverse events that delay time to extubation and thus decannulation. Timely extubation was more likely with the use of this postoperative care protocol using a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, pharmacists, intensivists, and anesthesiologists.

Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in Pediatric Patients: Is it Safe?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that balloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is safe and had limited complications in the pediatric patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: This study analyzed the medical records of 43 consecutive encounters of patients under the age of 18 years old who underwent attempted BET. Charts of patients' postoperative appointments and appointments 30 days following the procedure were reviewed. Any complications that were reported by the surgeons' operative report or documented postoperatively were stratified by the Classification of Surgical Complications as outlined by the American College of Surgeons. Additional data points that were analyzed included concomitant surgical procedures, estimated blood loss, and demographic information. RESULTS: A cohort of 43 pediatric patient encounters were investigated. There was a total of two complications from BET (4.7%) and one aborted case. The complications included epistaxis controlled with oxymetazoline and pressure, and vertigo that was later attributed to vestibular migraines. One case was aborted due to inadequate exposure. The average age of patients evaluated was 12.4 ± 3.2 years old with a range of 6.6 to 17.7 years old. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort, BET was demonstrated to be a relatively safe intervention with an overall complication rate of 4.7% in patients as young as 6.6 years old with recurrent or chronic eustachian tube dysfunction and/or related issues. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1657-1662, 2021.

The burden of laryngomalacia and its effects on caregivers: A support group survey evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which factors may affect anxiety and child's health perception of parents with children that have laryngomalacia. STUDY DESIGN: Survey Study. SETTING: "Coping with Laryngomalacia" - largest online laryngomalacia support group for parents with children who have laryngomalacia. SUBJECTS: and Methods: A survey was sent to support group member that gathered information regarding the patient's diagnosis and associated course of treatment and evaluated for parental anxiety and perceived health of their child. Analysis was performed to evaluate which variables are associated with increased parental anxiety and worsened perceived child's health. RESULTS: Data was gathered on 434 patients. All caregivers reported some level of anxiety due to the diagnosis and 64% felt completely anxious. Parents who saw an increased number of physicians prior to a pediatric ENT rated their child with poorer health (p < .05). Those that felt their concerns were brushed off initially reported increased anxiety (p < .05). If the child was admitted to the hospital, ICU, required intubation, had feeding troubles, required a feeding tube, or underwent pH monitoring, the patient was rated to have poorer health per the parents (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Laryngomalacia causes a significant burden on patients and their families due to the eating problems, feeding problems, hospital stay, and other various conditions associated with the disease. Caregivers should take a more modern and compassionate approach to management and diagnosis.

Pediatric acquired subglottic stenosis: Associated costs and comorbidities of 7,981 hospitalizations.

OBJECTIVES: Numerous risk factors have been characterized for acquired subglottic stenosis (ASGS) in the pediatric population. This analysis explores the comorbidities of hospitalized ASGS patients in the United States and associated costs and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from 2009 to 2012 for inpatients ≤ 20 years of age who were diagnosed with ASGS. International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, Version 9 diagnosis codes were used to extract diagnoses of interest from 14, 045, 425 weighted discharges across 4179 hospitals in the United States. An algorithm was created to identify the most common co-diagnoses and subsequently evaluated for total charges and LOS. RESULTS: ASGS was found in 7981 (0.06%) of total discharges. The mean LOS in discharges with ASGS is 13.11 days while the mean total charge in discharges with ASGS is $114,625; these values are significantly greater in discharges with ASGS than discharges without ASGS. Patients with ASGS have greater odds of being co-diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, Trisomy 21, other upper airway anomalies and asthma, while they have lower odds of being diagnosed with prematurity and dehydration. Aside from Trisomy 21 and asthma, hospitalizations of ASGS patients with the aforementioned comorbidities incurred a greater LOS and mean total charge. CONCLUSION: Our analysis identifies numerous comorbidities in children with ASGS that are associated with increased resource utilization amongst US hospitalizations. The practicing otolaryngologist should continue to advocate interdisciplinary care and be aware of the need for future controlled studies that investigate the management of such comorbidities.

Structured care to improve outcomes in primary single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To examine single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) care to reduce complication and failure rate. METHODS: Forty-five patients that underwent primary SSLTR were examined retrospectively. All had pre-operative direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy with biopsy and MRSA screening. Pre-operative subglottic stenosis (SGS) grade and associated comorbidities were recorded. Intraoperative graft location and type was documented. Hospital course and results were evaluated and compared to cited literature. RESULTS: The median age at reconstruction was 2 years (0-15 years). 42.2% were male. 66.7% had gastroesophageal disease and 24.4% a MRSA history. Grade 2 SGS was noted pre-operatively in 37.8% and grade 3 or 4 in 57.7% of patients. Post-surgical hospital course was examined. 77.8% of patients were extubated on planned date. 95.6% of patients had operation specific successful decannulation. Graft type and variations of graft placement as well as MRSA and GERD status didn't affect procedure success rate. Active GERD was related to failure of extubation on planned day (p = 0.02). An abnormal pre-operative swallowing examination was associated with higher complication rates (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Utilizing a more structured approach to SSLTR work-up and addressing potential SSLTR pitfalls may result in higher operation specific decannulation rates. Pre-operative GERD and swallowing dysfunction were associated with higher rates of adverse events.

Impact of Infant Supraglottoplasty on Quality of Life.

Objectives The objective of the present study is to examine the impact of supraglottoplasty on the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers and infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary children's hospital. Subjects and Methods Thirty-nine infants who underwent supraglottoplasty were examined. The primary caregiver answered the 47-item short form of the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire-47 pre- and postoperatively; the subsection scores were compared. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the effect of age and sex. A comparison was made between our cohort and a general population of healthy children. Results The average age at surgery was 4.0 months, and 53% of the patients were male. There was significant postoperative improvement in overall health, physical ability, growth and development, bodily pain, temperament, emotional impact on the caregiver, impact on caregiver's time, and family cohesion scores ( P < .05). The same subscale scores remained significantly improved postoperatively after age and sex were controlled. Preoperative QOL scores were significantly worse than those of the general population in nearly all categories. Postoperative physical ability ( P = .009) and temperament ( P = .011) QOL scores were higher than the those of the general population. Scores for growth and development ( P = .132), bodily pain ( P = .481), and family cohesion ( P = .717) were equivalent to those of the general population. Conclusion QOL was significantly improved after supraglottoplasty for infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties. After supraglottoplasty, QOL was similar to that of the general infant population in most categories.

Successful Placement of a BAHA Implant in a Patient With Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a spectrum of mechanobullous disorders characterized by blistering following minor trauma or traction to the skin. Hearing loss in this population is poorly described in the otolaryngology literature, and its treatment oftentimes results in external auditory canal skin irritation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 26-year-old female with EB and mixed hearing loss unable to wear conventional hearing aids due to sequelae of the external auditory canals. An osseointegrated implant was used as other hearing aids were deemed to be too destructive of the external auditory canal skin. Management and Outcome: Our patient underwent placement of a right bone-anchored hearing aid with minimal disruption of the surrounding skin using a minimally invasive punch technique. Over 1 year of follow-up, her course was complicated by 1 simple cellulitic infection at the surgical site treated successfully with oral antibiotics. DISCUSSION: The literature regarding the otolaryngologic manifestations of EB is sparse. The otologic sequelae are particularly overlooked in the workup and management. Based on the results of this case study, it appears that an osseointegrated implant can be safely utilized to treat significant mixed or conductive hearing loss in patients with EB.

Characterization of Sleep Architecture in Down Syndrome Patients Pre and Post Airway Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To define obstructive sleep architecture patterns in Down syndrome (DS) children as well as changes to sleep architecture patterns postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a retrospective review. METHODS: Forty-five pediatric DS patients who underwent airway surgery between 2003 and 2014 at a tertiary children's hospital for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were investigated. Postoperative changes in respiratory parameters and sleep architecture (SA) were assessed and compared to general pediatric normative data using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Twenty-two out of 45 of the participants were male. Thirty participants underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, four adenoidectomy, 10 tonsillectomy, and one base of tongue reduction. The patients were divided into two groups based on age (<6 years & >6 years) and compared to previously published age matched normative SA data. DS children in both age groups spent significantly less time than controls in rapid eye movement (REM) and N1 (p<0.02). Children younger than six spent significantly less time in N2 than previously published healthy controls (p<0.0001). Children six years of age or older spent more time than controls in N3 (p=0.003). Airway surgery did not significantly alter SA except for an increase in time spent in N1 (p=0.007). Surgery did significantly reduce median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (p=0.004), obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) (p=0.006), hypopneas (p=0.005), total apneas (p<0.001), and central apneas (p=0.02), and increased the lowest oxygen saturation (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: DS children are a unique population with different SA patterns than the general pediatric population. Airway intervention assists in normalizing both central and obstructive events as well as sleep architecture stages.

Novel Application of Steroid Eluting Stents in Choanal Atresia Repair: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe the application of mometasone furoate eluting sinus stent technology in the treatment of choanal atresia (CA) in the hopes of preventing postsurgical stenosis. METHODS: We analyzed 3 consecutive patients aged 4 days to 16 years undergoing repair of CA at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Mometasone furoate eluting sinus stents were placed intraoperatively. Postoperative need for revision surgery as well as routine surveillance endoscopy were used to determine success of surgery. RESULTS: Three patients of varying age and etiology underwent successful repair of choanal atresia/stenosis. The steroid eluting sinus stent was deployed successfully in all 3 cases. There was no identifiable restenosis in any of the 3 patients with 12-month follow-up. There were no complications noted throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Choanal atresia is a rare disorder that can prove difficult in postsurgical management. In our case series, mometasone furoate eluting stents were effective and safe for the management of this disease process. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the exact safety profile, long-term consequences, and efficacy of steroid eluting sinus stents in the pediatric population.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Versus Balloon Sinuplasty with Ethmoidectomy: A 2-year Analysis in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

To evaluate the 2-year post-operative outcomes of pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) treated with balloon catheter sinuplasty (BCS) and ethmoidectomy compared to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Two-group, retrospective cohort study of 28 children with CRS was performed. Of these 28 participants, 15 were treated with traditional FESS (53.6 %) and 13 (46.4 %) underwent traditional ethmoidectomy with balloon sinuplasty. Pre-operative and 2-year postoperative total symptom scores and medications were compared. To examine the potential long-term differences in surgical outcomes and surgical procedure on symptom outcome, one-tailed Chi square analyses were employed. The mean age of the children examined was 9.3 (SD = SD = 4.1; range 3-18) and 61.9 % were male. Pre-operative symptomatology, medication and Lund Mackay scores were evaluated for both groups and no significant differences were identified. Overall, 73.3 % of children that underwent traditional FESS and 76.9 % of those who had BCS with ethmoidectomy reported significant long-term improvement in at least one of their pre-operative sinus complaints. Our data suggests that both BCS with ethmoidectomy and traditional FESS are effective treatment options for uncomplicated CRS and result in long-term alleviation of core sinus complaints, as well as decreased sinus related medication use. Larger prospective studies are needed to further evaluate these procedures.

Outcomes and predictors of surgical management in type 1 laryngeal cleft swallowing dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the effect of and predict the success of type 1 laryngeal cleft (LC-1) augmentation through swallowing evaluations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart analysis. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with LC-1s underwent interarytenoid injection laryngoplasty (IL) and were examined. The median age at IL was 9 months. Swallowing evaluations were performed pre- and postoperatively using fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing or modified barium swallow. The presence of aspiration or penetrations at various consistencies was recorded. McNemar's tests were used to detect changes in swallowing pre- and postoperatively. Logistic regression was used to assess factors affecting the odds of postoperative success. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 89.7% of patients demonstrated penetration or aspiration. Post-IL, 69.1% were safe for thins, and 75% showed improvement in swallowing. Postoperatively, there was a significant reduction in patients experiencing problems with thin liquids (P < 0.001) and in those with frank or silent aspiration (P < 0.001). Patients with penetrations on thin liquids had higher likelihood of a successful IL (odds ratio [OR] = 3.68, P = 0.021). The probability of success with silent aspiration at any consistency was significantly decreased (OR = 0.26, P = 0.015). Fifteen patients underwent formal endoscopic surgical repair, and 90.0% were safe with thin consistencies postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients with LC-1 and associated swallowing dysfunctions respond favorably to IL and formal repair. Children who demonstrated penetration with thin liquids had a higher rate of swallowing dysfunction resolution post-IL; whereas patients demonstrating silent aspiration had poorer responses to IL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2838-2843, 2016.

Pediatric Atypical Mycobacterium Infection Presenting as Wheezing and Concern for Foreign Body Aspiration.

Atypical mycobacterium infection most commonly presents as asymptomatic cervical lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. Over the last several decades, rates of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection have been increasing in both number and severity, with more cases of pulmonary infection reported in healthy children. However, guidelines on how to treat children with these infections remain unclear. The presentation of this disease is variable and often presents with an indolent course of wheezing that is misdiagnosed as foreign body aspiration. Several case reports have described successful treatment of these children with surgical excision without the need for additional treatment with antimycobacterial agents. We present the case of a healthy 20-month old male with wheezing and concern for foreign body ingestion. Rigid bronchoscopy demonstrated a left bronchus mass. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with improvement in respiratory symptoms. Final pathology showed necrotizing granulomatous infection consistent with MAC. This report demonstrates the importance of keeping intrathoracic MAC infection in the differential when evaluating an immunocompetent child with wheezing or shortness of breath.

Clinical relevance of quality of life in laryngomalacia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine aspects of laryngomalacia and correlate findings with quality of life (QOL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with laryngomalacia were examined; the mean age was 8.8 weeks. Parents answered questions from the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire-47 (ITQOL-SF47). Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) were performed. The presence of laryngomalacia-associated characteristics and swallowing status were recorded. Patient age, sex, presence of reflux, clinical severity, anatomical findings, and swallowing results were evaluated through logistic regression. Independent sample t tests were used to compare responses on the ITQOL-SF47. Overall laryngomalacia ITQOL-SF47 scores were compared to the scores of a large healthy sample population. RESULTS: Forty-three (60%) patients had mild laryngomalacia, and 61 (85%) patients had findings suggesting gastroesophageal reflux disease. The most common abnormality was shortened aryepiglottic folds. Ten patients failed FEES. Patients with moderate laryngomalacia (χ = 7.62; P = .006) or prolapsing cuneiforms (χ = 4.79; P = .029) were more likely to fail FEES. Laryngomalacia severity impacted parental perception of their child's health (P < .05). Parents of children who demonstrated aspiration or penetration reported significant emotional impact (mean = 56.9; t = 2.74; P = .008). The mean ITQOL-SF47 scores of patients were significantly lower in certain sections than the reported general sample population. CONCLUSIONS: Epiglottal prolapse correlated with severity of laryngomalacia and cuneiform prolapse with swallowing dysfunction. Perceptions of worsening health and physical ability were related to severity of disease. Swallowing dysfunction had a significant emotional impact on parental daily life. Infants with laryngomalacia have a lower QOL LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 126:1232-1235, 2016.

Transoral robotic surgery for sleep apnea in children: Is it effective?

OBJECTIVES: Children with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) as a result of base of tongue (BOT) or lingual tonsillar hypertrophy do not improve following adenotonsillectomy. In adults, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) offers a means of treating such patients, however the efficacy of this technique for children is not known. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of TORS BOT reduction and lingual tonsillectomy for treatment of pediatric OSAHS. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of nine patients (5 non-syndromic; 4 syndromic) who underwent isolated BOT reduction and lingual tonsillectomy for OSAHS between 2012 and 2014 at a tertiary care pediatric medical center. Differences between pre and post surgical polysomnograms (PSGs) were utilized to measure the procedural effectiveness. Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), developmental status, and comorbid conditions were also examined. RESULTS: The average patient age was 10.5 years (range 5.2-18.5). There were 5 males and 4 females. The mean pre-operative obstructive AHI (O-AHI) was 27.1 compared to 10.9 post-operatively (mean difference=16.1, t=2.27, p≤0.05). Statistically significant reductions were also noted in hypopneic events (mean difference=61.3, t=2.64, p<0.05) and lowest oxygen saturation (mean difference=9.0, t=-3.29, p≤0.01). One patient developed a post-operative bleed that was controlled operatively. CONCLUSIONS: In children with airway obstruction associated with BOT and lingual tonsillar hypertrophy, TORS is a useful and effective tool. Patients' who underwent TORS demonstrated a significant decrease in obstructive events. All patients reviewed exhibited at least a 50% reduction in O-AHI.

Predictors of Airway Intervention in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema.

OBJECTIVES: Identify factors associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema (AIIA), including (1) time of presentation, (2) clinical symptoms, and (3) anatomical regions in the head and neck, that may indicate need for airway intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Three university tertiary care hospitals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records of adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) diagnosed with AIIA within a 3-year period were reviewed. Time at presentation, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, treatment, length of hospitalization, and outcomes were examined. Univariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: 311 patients were diagnosed with AIIA and evaluated with flexible laryngoscopy by an otolaryngologist. Patients requiring airway intervention most often presented within 4 hours of onset. Dysphagia, dysphonia, drooling, respiratory distress, and globus sensation were associated with airway intervention (χ(2) range, 9.1-47.1). Patients with edema of the face, lower lip, and upper lip were at low risk for airway intervention (odds ratio = 0.4, 0.3, and 0.4, respectively; all P values <.05), while those with involvement of the tongue, soft palate, vallecula, aryepiglottic folds, and true vocal cords were associated with highest risk (odds ratio = 11.1, 12.3, 9.9, 8.5, and 33.5, respectively; all P values < .001). CONCLUSION: This is the largest patient series to date of AIIA patients evaluated with flexible laryngoscopy. Physicians should be aware of certain risk factors that will require a higher acuity level of care, including (1) presentation within 4 hours of symptom onset, (2) symptoms such as drooling and respiratory distress, (3) and involvement of the tongue, soft palate, and larynx.

The Role of the Modified Barium Swallow Study and Esophagram in Patients with Globus Sensation.

Globus sensation (GS) is a common benign finding that is often associated with frequent throat clearing and is commonly a result of laryngopharyngeal reflux. The primary objective of this investigation was to examine the role of the modified barium swallow study (MBSS) with esophagram in the diagnosis and management patients who present with chief complaints of a GS. We hypothesize that these radiographic swallow studies do not add clinically significant information in the investigation of this common complaint. Retrospective chart review of patients with chief complaints of GS between 2000 and 2009 who underwent both MBSS and esophagram was conducted. Of the 380 patients who underwent MBSS, only 68 patients were eligible for this study. Over 70 % of patients were on reflux medicines, 81 % of the MBSS studies were normal, 62 % of the esophagram results were normal, 18 % of patients had a hiatal hernia, and 10 % exhibited signs of reflux. Esophagoscopy was performed in 45 % of patients, of which 35 % were normal. One patient initially had a normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy and then was subsequently diagnosed with gastric CA. Fifty-nine percent of patients underwent CT Neck with IV contrast, of which 67 % had minor findings. Positive findings are often benign and can be treated with reflux medications. Esophagoscopy was often normal and most sensitive only for hiatal hernia. No hypopharyngeal cancer was noted. Therefore, MBSS and esophagram for patients with GS are most often negative and fail to add significant diagnostic information.

Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Down Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and quantify changes in both central and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Down syndrome (DS) after adenotonsillectomy (AT). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of all patients with DS who underwent AT for sleep-disordered breathing between November 2008 and December 2014 were examined. In total, 113 patients were identified, and 36 of these patients had pre- and postoperative polysomnograms (PSGs) that were analyzed for obstructive and central components. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired t test, and McNemar test were used to examine pre- and postoperative PSG differences. Logistic regression and multivariate analysis of variance of patient characteristics (between subjects) and PSG results (within subjects) were conducted. RESULTS: The mean (SD) patient age was 5.5 (4.0) years (range, 0.9-15 years); 50.0% were male. After AT, significant reductions were identified in both obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (P < .001) and overall AHI (P < .001). Among the 15 patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea, 86.7% experienced a significant AHI reduction to moderate or mild disease (P < .001). In addition, of the 15 patients with central sleep apnea (central apnea index [CAI] >1), 66.7% had resolution of central sleep apnea postoperatively (P = .004). There was also a significant interaction identified between CAI reduction, preoperative CO2 retention, and adenoid size, F(2, 20) = 6.87, P = .05. CONCLUSION: Children with DS who underwent AT demonstrated significant reductions in both obstructive and central apneic indices on PSG. A significant number of patients with central sleep apnea demonstrated resolution postoperatively. Additional analysis demonstrated a significant interaction between CO2 retention, adenoid size, and postoperative CAI reduction.