Safety and Early Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation of Nucleus Devices in Infants: A Multi-Centre Study.

This multi-center study examined the safety and effectiveness of cochlear implantation of children between 9 and 11 months of age. The intended impact was to support practice regarding candidacy assessment and prognostic counseling of pediatric cochlear implant candidates. Data in the clinical chart of children implanted at 9-11 months of age with Cochlear Ltd devices at five cochlear implant centers in the United States and Canada were included in analyses. The study included data from two cohorts implanted with one or two Nucleus devices during the periods of January 1, 2012-December 31, 2017 (Cohort 1, n = 83) or between January 1, 2018 and May 15, 2020 (Cohort 2, n = 50). Major adverse events (requiring another procedure/hospitalization) and minor adverse events (managed with medication alone or underwent an expected course of treatment that did not require surgery or hospitalization) out to 2 years post-implant were monitored and outcomes measured by audiometric thresholds and parent-reports on the IT-MAIS and LittlEARS questionnaires were collected. Results revealed 60 adverse events in 41 children and 227 ears implanted (26%) of which 14 major events occurred in 11 children; all were transitory and resolved. Improved hearing with cochlear implant use was shown in all outcome measures. Findings reveal that the procedure is safe for infants and that they show clear benefits of cochlear implantation including increased audibility and hearing development.

Orbital complications associated with paranasal sinus infections - A 10-year experience in Israel.

OBJECTIVE: Orbital involvement is the most common complication of sinus infections. The epidemiology of the disease is continuously changing in the antibiotic era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on patients who were hospitalized due to acute sinusitis and orbital complications were retrospectively collected and analyzed from four medical centers in Israel during the years 2002-2012. RESULTS: 288 patients were included in the study, the average age was 14.4 years, 180 were males, and 220 were children. No significant annual increase in the number of patients was noted. The lowest number of patients was found during the summer 19.4%. A linear direct correlation was found between older age and prolonged hospital stay. Children were presented with a significantly higher Chandler score than adults. No patient had cavernous sinus thrombosis. 101 (35%) patients received antibiotics before hospital admission. Their average hospital stay was similar to those who were not treated prior to admission. 106 patients (39.8%) had fever. A direct correlation was found between older age and the presence of fever. 102 (35.4%) patients had leukocytosis. The difference in white blood cell count between patients younger than two years of age to the other groups was statistically significant. Forty four (15.3%) patients underwent surgical intervention. A direct correlation was found between leukocytosis and older age to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Periorbital cellulitis occurs mainly in children and males and is less frequent in the summer. Children tend to have worse orbital involvement with lower temperatures than adults. Older age and leukocytosis are associated with surgical intervention.

[CLINICAL APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC SEROUS OTITIS MEDIA].

Serous otitis media (also known as otitis media with effusion) is one of the most prevalent pediatric diagnoses. However, the recommended clinical approach and significance of this entity are controversial. Pathogenesis is usually based upon a combination of factors as overviewed in the body of the article. The cognitive and behavioral effects amongst children suffering serous otitis media were extensively studied and data points to little if any effects during long term follow-ups in otherwise healthy children. The therapeutic approach can be divided into watchful waiting, systemic drugs, topical drugs, mechanical therapies and surgical therapy (i.e. ventilation tube insertion). The reviewed literature mainly supports the effectiveness of the surgical approach in carefully selected cohorts of patients.