Noninvasive Management of Voice Disorders: An Umbrella Review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess published systematic reviews that discussed noninvasive management of voice disorders. An umbrella review was conducted to collect, organize, and summarize narratively all available pharmacologic and voice therapy interventions. STUDY DESIGN: Umbrella review of systematic reviews. METHODS: Pertinent systematic reviews were identified by searching Pubmed/Medline and Embase. A primary screen identified studies related to voice. The second round of screening focused on studies that involved noninvasive management of voice disorders such as pharmacologic or voice therapy interventions. Variables of interest included study design, number of studies included in the review, target population, method of intervention, and outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-three systematic reviews were eligible and included in the umbrella review. Ten studies focused on pharmacologic interventions, and 33 studies focused on voice therapy. Individual studies included in the systematic reviews ranged from 2-47, with a total of 601 studies overall. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a detailed review of all available systematic reviews on noninvasive management of voice disorders. Explored medications included proton pump inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and hormone replacement. Explored voice therapy techniques included hydration, vocal function exercises, laryngeal manual therapy, respiratory exercise, biofeedback, phonation, coping strategies, and others. This may be utilized to guide therapeutic decision-making and identify current gaps in the literature that may warrant future investigation.

Patients' Demographics and Risk Factors in Voice Disorders: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the systematic reviews that focus on the prevalence of voice disorders (VDs), associated risk factors, and the demographic characteristics of patients with dysphonia. An umbrella review was conducted to identify general research themes in voice literature that might guide future research initiatives and contribute to the classification of VDs as a worldwide health concern. STUDY DESIGN: Umbrella review of systematic reviews. METHODS: Pubmed/Medline and Embase were searched for eligible systematic reviews by two authors independently. Extracted data items included the study publication details, study design, characteristics of the target population, sample size, region/country, and incidence and/or prevalence of the VD(s) of interest. RESULTS: Forty systematic reviews were included. Sixteen reported a meta-analysis. Great heterogeneity in methods was found. A total of 277,035 patients across the included studies were included with a prevalence ranging from 0%-90%. The countries represented best were the United States and Brazil, with 13 studies each. Aging, occupational voice use, lifestyle choices, and specific comorbidities, such as obesity or hormonal disorders, seem to be associated with an increased prevalence of dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores the influence of VDs on distinct patient groups and the general population. A variety of modifiable or non-modifiable risk factors, having varied degrees of impact on voice qualities, have been identified. The overall effect of VDs is probably underestimated due to factors, such as sample size, patient selection, underreporting of symptoms, and asymptomatic cases. Employing systematic reviews with consistent methodologies and criteria for diagnosing VDs would enhance the ability to determine the prevalence of VDs and their impact.

Gluten Sensitivity Underlying Resistant "Laryngopharyngeal Reflux" Symptoms and Signs.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is one of the most common conditions encountered in otolaryngology. Gluten sensitivity may mimic the signs and symptoms of LPR or act as an aggravating cofactor with LPR. Gluten sensitivity and food intolerance also have been implicated as conditions that may be associated specifically with LPR symptoms and signs resistant to traditional medical treatment. Medical management of LPR may be insufficient to control symptoms and laryngeal signs of reflux, constituting resistant LPR. Eliminating gluten from the diet could provide symptomatic relief to patients with gluten sensitivity and LPR that is not controlled adequately by current regimens. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between gluten sensitivity and LPR. We aimed to evaluate reflux finding score (RFS) improvement following elimination of gluten from the diet in patients with resistant LPR who had positive blood tests associated with gluten sensitivity. Symptom improvement was also assessed following dietary gluten elimination. Lastly, we aimed to identify predictors for a positive response to a gluten-free diet. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent gluten sensitivity testing for treatment-resistant LPR symptoms and/or signs were included. Patients with ≥1 positive test were advised to begin a therapeutic trial of a gluten-free diet. Subjects who chose not to trial a gluten-free diet or tested negative for gluten sensitivity markers served as controls. RFS was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven patients were included; 81 trialed a gluten-free diet. Subjects who trialed the gluten-free diet were significantly more likely to demonstrate objective improvement in RFS (77.14% vs 43.88%), and report subjective improvement (55.41% vs 25.77%) than those who did not. RFS had decreased significantly from baseline at 1-3, 3-6, 6-12, and >12-month interval follow-up examinations in subjects who trialed a gluten-free diet. Comparison between subjects who trialed the gluten-free diet, tested positive for a gluten sensitivity marker but did not trial the gluten-free diet, and subjects who were negative for all gluten sensitivity markers revealed that a gluten-free diet was associated with a significantly greater percent improvement in RFS compared to controls at 1-3, 6-12, and >12-months. CONCLUSION: Gluten sensitivity can mimic or aggravate LPR. A gluten-free diet should be considered for patients with resistant LPR, especially if blood test abnormalities that suggest gluten sensitivity are identified. The diet should be maintained for a minimum of three months to demonstrate objective improvement using RFS.

A Novel Surgical Technique for Posterior Glottic Stenosis Using a Silastic Implant.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a novel surgical technique for the management of posterior glottic stenosis (PGS). METHODS: Literature review (PubMed 1973-2020) and case example of a patient treated with novel technique by principal investigator (R.T.S.) RESULTS: Numerous techniques for the treatment of PGS have had varying success. Our patient, a 67-year-old male with a 2-year history of posterior glottic stenosis secondary to multiple, prolonged intubations previously had been treated with several surgical and medical interventions. Three weeks following an additional endotracheal intubation, he presented to our office with PGS recurrence, exhibiting hoarseness, and shortness of breath with any physical activity. He was treated with a silastic sheet placed through a tunnel in the stenosis and sutured posteriorly as a stent. The stent was removed 3 weeks later and the remaining stenosis was divided, successfully treating our patient's PGS with long-term improvement in both respiratory and voice complaints. This led to the design of a stent to be used for this purpose. CONCLUSIONS: This new surgical technique addresses a complex clinical problem and provides otolaryngologists with a minimally invasive option for the surgical treatment of PGS that offers advantages over existing techniques. The two-stage procedure should reduce the risk of recurrence, but more experience is needed. This novel implant may be a valuable tool in the treatment of select patients with mild-moderate PGS.

Lateral Modified Brandt-Daroff Exercises: A Novel Home Treatment Technique for Horizontal Canal BPPV.

OBJECTIVES: Brandt-Daroff exercises (BDEs) are commonly used as an at-home treatment for posterior canalithiasis, but their efficacy in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal canal (HC-BPPV) has not been previously studied. Using biomechanical model simulation, we investigated modifications that may optimize BDE use for HC-BPPV treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The BPPV Viewer, a three-dimensional model of the human labyrinth, was used to analyze BDE for HC-BPPV treatment. While moving the model through sequential BDE positions, the expected position of otoliths was demonstrated. Treatment steps were adjusted to maximize otolith movement around the canal circumference without compromising otolith repositioning into the semicircular duct's anterior arm. All adjustments were integrated into lateral modified BDEs (LMBDEs) presented here. RESULTS: By implementing several modifications, BDE can effectively treat HC-BPPV. Model simulation indicates tilting the head 20° upward in the lateral position, instead of 45° specified by the original technique, which significantly increases displacement of otoliths originating from the horizontal duct's anterior and intermediate segments. LMBDE can be performed as a direct two-step sequence without pausing in the upright position before switching sides. If the affected ear is known, positioning the head 45° below horizontal on the unaffected side as a third treatment step can promote actual canal evacuation. These treatment enhancements increase circumferential otolith movement around the canal and may promote horizontal canal evacuation. CONCLUSION: LMBDEs are a modification of BDE that may increase their effectiveness for use in patients with HC-BPPV. This safe treatment adjunct between office visits may promote long-term symptom reduction.

Adult Maxillofacial Trauma Patterns in American Football.

INTRODUCTION: The authors aimed to identify and categorize adult maxillofacial trauma patterns in the setting of American football. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was accessed to identify adult patients presenting with football-related head and facial injuries from 2009 to 2018. Data surrounding each event were collected including age, injury type, injury location, and disposition of the patient. Chi-squared testing was performed to compare categorical variables, with a Bonferroni correction applied. RESULTS: During the study period, 1784 total patients (national estimate = 65,052) were identified. The average age for this cohort was 27.26 (SD ±â€Š8.49), with young adults (86.1%) and males (87.9%) sustaining the majority of injuries. Lacerations were the most common injury type (43.1%). Maxillofacial fractures comprised 15.8% of the sample, with nasal bone (52.8%) being the most common subtype. Female patients were significantly more likely to present with head injuries than men (46.8% versus 29.0%, P < 0.001). Young and middle-aged adults combined were more likely to be discharged from the emergency department, whereas the elderly were significantly less likely (P = 0.002). Patients with fractures were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to all other types of injuries (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of maxillofacial injuries while participating in American football is important in developing safety initiatives. To address these, it is crucial that providers understand the patterns of craniofacial injuries as they relate to American football trauma.

Hypogeusia as the initial presenting symptom of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which first arose in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since been declared a pandemic. The clinical sequelae vary from mild, self-limiting upper respiratory infection symptoms to severe respiratory distress, acute cardiopulmonary arrest and death. Otolaryngologists around the globe have reported a significant number of mild or otherwise asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 presenting with olfactory dysfunction. We present a case of COVID-19 resulting in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, presenting with the initial symptom of disrupted taste and flavour perception prior to respiratory involvement. After 4 days in the ICU and 6 days on the general medicine floor, our patient regained a majority of her sense of smell and was discharged with only lingering dysgeusia. In this paper, we review existing literature and the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to the reported symptoms of hyposmia, hypogeusia and dysgeusia.