Incidence and predictors of readmission following tonsillectomy in pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the pediatric population. This study aims to estimate the incidence rate of readmission post tonsillectomy in pediatrics and identify the causes and predictors contributing to the readmission post-surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 1280 pediatric patients (18 years or younger) who underwent tonsillectomy at a tertiary hospital in 2019 and 2020. The study sample was divided into two groups based on readmission and were compared using the appropriate statistical tests. Significant variables (p-value≤0.05) were included in the logistic regression model to determine the predictors of readmission following tonsillectomy in these patients. RESULTS: The readmission rate following tonsillectomy was 6.3 % (95 % confidence interval 5.1-7.9). The causes of readmission included poor oral intake followed by bleeding and vomiting, 55.6 %,49.4 %, and 13.6 %, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the only significant predictor of post-tonsillectomy readmission was the use of a single postoperative analgesia (OR: 57.27, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The readmission rate following tonsillectomy in this study was relatively high. The most common causes contributing to readmission post tonsillectomy were poor oral intake and hemorrhage. The study also revealed a significant association between the utilization of single postoperative analgesia and an increased likelihood of readmission.

The Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of DL-Lactic Acid Syrup (Tonsitin) in Children With Recurrent Tonsillitis: A Pilot Study.

To evaluate Tonsitin (10% DL-lactic acid) safety, tolerability, and efficacy, as a treatment for recurrent tonsillitis (RT) in children. This is a clinical prospective, randomized, double blind pilot study, to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Tonsitin in healthy children with RT. Safety evaluated in terms of adverse events (AEs), tolerability in terms of compliance, and efficacy in terms of tonsils' size and frequency of tonsillitis, and quality of life. The study included 51 children. The treatment regimen was tolerable among the participants. Six children experienced AEs, but mostly mild. Tonsil size declined in both groups, but these results did not reach statistical significance. Tonsillitis episodes' frequencies were random and not significant. Tonsitin treatment was found to be feasible in the clinical setup and was well tolerated, and appears to be safe. Study efficacy results did not reach statistical significance.

Antibiotics or Tonsillectomy for Adult Recurrent Tonsillitis: Analyzing the Lesser of Two Evils.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best timing for surgical intervention for adults with recurrent tonsillitis (RT). METHODS: A Markov model was constructed using variables and ranges based upon a literature review. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the number of yearly bouts at which each algorithm (antibiotics or tonsillectomy) would be favored. A Monte-Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis was calculated for gains and cost. Model outcomes were measured with quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for tonsillectomy versus repeat antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Patients expected to sustain a single annual tonsillitis event will have a negative QALY of 0.02 if treated with surgery and those with 2 annual events will have a QALY gain from undergoing tonsillectomy of 0.01, 3 events = 0.03, 4 events = 0.05, 5 events = 0.07, 6 events = 0.09, 7 events = 0.1, and 8 events = 0.11. These gains became meaningful only after 2 years of recurrent bouts. The average cost of tonsillectomy was 3,238 USD, and the overall average cost of RT was 7,069 USD (an incremental cost of 3,831 USD). The ICER of tonsillectomy over antibiotic treatment for 1 QALY gain was 44,741 USD. CONCLUSION: Adult patients who sustain more than 3 annual bouts of tonsillitis over a period of at least 2 years will gain QALY after tonsillectomy. These gains increase proportionally to the number of yearly events and perennial episodes. The incremental costs of tonsillectomy fail to meet the NICE guidelines but are within other acceptable reference ranges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 2023.

Assessing the Relationship Between Infection Frequency and Risk of Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between frequency of tonsillitis and the risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis. METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval from Nationwide Children's Hospital, charts for all patients who underwent a total tonsillectomy in 2017 for recurrent or chronic tonsillitis were retrospectively reviewed (n = 424). Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on the frequency of tonsillitis prior to surgery: those meeting the 1-year criteria with 7 or more infections in the past year (n = 100), and those who did not meet criteria defined as those with fewer than 7 infections in the past year (n = 324). The primary outcome of interest was PTH. Comparison of cohorts and frequency of PTH were assessed using bivariate analyses. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare time to onset of hemorrhage between primary vs. secondary PTH. Generalized mixed and logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk of hemorrhage following tonsillectomy. RESULTS: Among a total cohort of 424 patients undergoing tonsillectomy, 23.58% (n = 100) met criteria while 76.42% (n = 324) did not. A total of 8.73% (n = 37) patients experienced PTH. Compared to those who did not meet criteria, those who met criteria had a higher odds of developing PTH; however, this was not significant (OR: 1.42 [95% CI: 0.67, 2.98], P = .3582). Estimated probability of developing PTH for those who met criteria was 11% [95% CI: 6.19, 18.81] compared to 8.03% [95% CI: 5.52, 11.54] for those who did not meet criteria. Among all PTH cases, 5.41% (n = 2) were primary hemorrhage while 94.59% (n = 35) were secondary hemorrhage with 50% of those with secondary PTH having experienced hemorrhage within 6 days [95% CI: 5, 7] of tonsillectomy. Patients with neuromuscular conditions had significantly higher odds of PTH (OR: 4.75 [95% CI: 1.19, 18.97], P = .0276). CONCLUSION: Patients who met the 1-year criteria for tonsillectomy did not have a significantly higher odds of PTH. Further research is needed to better evaluate the relationship between infection frequency and risk of PTH.

Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Recurrent Tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillitis is defined as an inflammation of the tonsils characterized by signs of tonsillar erythema and exudates and recurrent tonsillitis is at least 7 episodes of acute tonsillitis in a year, or a minimum of 5 episodes in a year for 2 consecutive years, or at least 3 episodes in a year for 3 consecutive years. There are many research that have hypothesized the association of low level of Vitamin D and recurrent attacks of acute tonsillitis. METHODS: A single centre prospective, cross sectional analytical study was conducted from 2021 June to 2022 March in Department of ENT and Head and Neck surgery in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. The study participants were recruited from ENT Head and Neck OPD and the data on number of episodes of recurrent attacks of tonsillitis and serum level of Vitamin D were collected. RESULTS: 78.8% of patients with tonsillitis had low level of serum Vitamin D (less than 30ng/ml) and 21.2% had optimal level of serum Vitamin D (more than 30ng/ml). The incidence of recurrent tonsillitis was 40.9% in patients with low level of Vitamin D where as the incidence of recurrent tonsillitis was 18.1% in patients with optimal level of Vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: The low serum level of Vitamin D was found to be associated with recurrent episodes of tonsillitis.

Estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, sobre la eficacia del tratamiento homeopático en niños con amigdalitis recurrente / Randomized, double-blind study on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis

La eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento homeopático fueron investigadas en niños con amigdalitis recurrente para la que se indicaba cirugía. Métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, que incluyó 40 niños de entre 3 y 7 años de edad; 20 niños fueron tratados con medicación homeopática y otros 20 niños, con placebo. El seguimiento fue de 4 meses por niño. La evaluación de los resultados fue clínica mediante un cuestionario estándar y examen clínico el primer y último día de tratamiento. La amigdalitis recurrente se definió como ocurrencia de 5 a 7 episodios de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda al año. Resultados: Del grupo de 18 niños que completó el tratamiento homeopático, 14 no presentó episodio alguno de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda; del grupo de 15 niños que recibió placebo, 5 pacientes no presentaron amigdalitis. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,015). Ninguno de los pacientes presentó efectos secundarios. Conclusiones: El tratamiento homeopático fue efectivo en niños con amigdalitis recurrente, en comparación con el placebo; a 14 niños (78%) ya no se les indicó cirugía. El tratamiento homeopático no se asoció con eventos adversos.

The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated on children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized,double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of a standard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment.Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children whoreceived placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions: Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared to placebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events.

Does a tonsillectomy indicated according to the German S2k guideline affect short-term quality of life in adults?

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy (TE) for recurrent tonsillitis (RT) is one of the most common surgical interventions. Since 2015, the indication criteria for TE have become much stricter (German S2k guideline). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of short-term quality of life (QoL) after TE have not yet been investigated. PURPOSE: To clarify if stringent indication for TE will better identify patients worthy of surgery and patients' QoL. METHODS: We prospectively studied the Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory 14 (TOI-14) responses of 38 RT-patients recruited according to the S2k guideline in 2020 and compared their TOI-14 scores with those of a historical RT cohort from 2006 to 2008 and with a healthy middle-European cohort. New RT patients were assessed before, 2, 4, and 14 days and 6 months after TE. TOI-14 was measured as total and as disease-specific score. RESULTS: From pre- to 6-month postoperative, patients' QoL was significantly different, measured by TOI-14 (49.92 vs. 6.35; p < 0.001) and disease-specific score (60.35 vs. 9.9; p < 0.001). Preoperative disease-specific score was not different from that of the 2nd and 4th postoperative days but from the 14th postoperative day (60.35 vs. 29.26; p < 0.001). The historical cohort had significantly less RT complaints than the new cohort beforehand, but more dissatisfaction in QoL after TE. New TE patients had worse QoL pre- (49.92 vs. 11.78; p < 0.001) but more QoL postoperatively (6.34 vs. 11.78; p = 0.004) than healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the tightening of the indication criteria for TE was justified and that TE patients significantly benefit from this surgery from day 14.

Paediatric Adenotonsillectomy: Its Safety and Outcome in a Malaysian Tertiary Medical Center.

Adenotonsillectomy is the commonest otorhinolaryngology surgery for paediatrics. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and outcome of adenotonsillectomy in a tertiary center in Malaysia. This was achieved by studying the demographics, indications, co-morbidities of patients and its association with the complications of the procedure. This retrospective study was conducted from November 2011 until October 2016. Medical records of patients aged 2-12 years old who had adenotonsillectomy done in our center were retrieved for data collection. A total of 143 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Median age was 7.52 (± 2.98 SD) years old. Allergic rhinitis was the commonest co-morbidity (40%). Recurrent tonsillitis was the main indication (60%), followed by sleep disordered breathing (SDB) without apnea (29%), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (7%) and other indications (4%). Post-operative paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission was very low (1.4%) and was reserved for those with severe OSA with complications. None of the patients admitted to PICU post-operative had respiratory complications. The prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding was only  2.1%. There was no significant association between patient's co-morbidity with operative complications (p = 0.269). Adenotonsillectomy is indicated for children with recurrent tonsillitis and paediatric SDB. The two most severe complications, namely post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage and respiratory complications occurred but incidence was low. Criteria of post-operative PICU or paediatric high dependency unit admission for paediatric SDB has to be based on multiple clinical and logistics factors and not only patients co-morbidity and indication of surgery.

The Effect of Amoxicillin with Clavulanate on the Microbiota of Tonsillar Tissue in Disease: a Randomized Control Trial.

Despite antibiotics being the primary medical treatment for recurrent tonsillitis, the impact of antibiotics on the tonsillar microbiome is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of amoxicillin with clavulanate on the composition and quantity of bacteria in the tonsils of children with recurrent tonsillitis. A multicenter randomized clinical trial in Auckland, New Zealand was undertaken between August 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. Sixty children undergoing tonsillectomy for the indication of recurrent tonsillitis were recruited for this study. Following random allocation, 30 participants were prescribed amoxicillin with clavulanate for the week before surgery. The remaining 30 received no antibiotics. Immediately following surgery, the crypts of the right and left tonsils were swabbed. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene-targeted amplicon sequencing and histological techniques were utilized. In the control group, there were significantly higher relative abundances of Haemophilus, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Porphyromonas. Members from the genera Fusobacterium and Treponema were found to be significantly more abundant in the antibiotic group. There were no significant differences in the absolute quantities of bacteria between the groups. Microscopic examination found fewer bacterial microcolonies present in the tonsillar crypts of participants in the antibiotic group. Streptococcus pyogenes was not present in these bacterial microcolonies. These results suggest that a single course of antibiotics has a significant impact on the tonsil microbiota composition. The duration of this effect and the effect that the altered microbiome has on the course of the condition need to be determined. IMPORTANCE Several studies have identified the presence of multiple pathogenic bacteria in hyperplastic adenoids and palatine tonsils. However, there are currently no studies that utilize this technology to investigate the effect of oral antibiotics in children with recurrent tonsillitis on the tonsillar microbiome. This is the first study to investigate the effect of antibiotics on the microbiome of tonsillar tissue in children with recurrent tonsillitis using molecular techniques. This study has shown that participants who received amoxicillin with clavulanate immediately before tonsillectomy had a significantly reduced number of bacterial taxa commonly associated with recurrent tonsillitis, as well as the number of bacterial microcolonies observed in the tonsillar crypts. This novel finding suggests that either the effect of antibiotics is not sustained or that they are not an effective treatment for recurrent tonsillitis.

Analysis of Microorganism Colonization, Biofilm Production, and Antibacterial Susceptibility in Recurrent Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess Patients.

Background: Despite the widespread use of antibiotics to treat infected tonsils, episodes of tonsillitis tend to recur and turn into recurrent tonsillitis (RT) or are complicated by peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs). The treatment of RT and PTAs remains surgical, and tonsillectomies are still relevant. Materials and methods: In a prospective, controlled study, we analyzed the bacteria of the tonsillar crypts of 99 patients with RT and 29 patients with a PTA. We performed the biofilm formation and antibacterial susceptibility testing of strains isolated from study patients. We compared the results obtained between patient groups with the aim to identify any differences that may contribute to ongoing symptoms of RT or that may play a role in developing PTAs. Results: The greatest diversity of microorganisms was found in patients with RT. Gram-positive bacteria were predominant in both groups. Candida species were predominant in patients with a PTA (48.3% of cases). Irrespective of patient group, the most commonly isolated pathogenic bacterium was S. aureus (in 33.3% of RT cases and in 24.14% of PTA cases). The most prevalent Gram-negative bacterium was K. pneumoniae (in 10.1% of RT cases and in 13.4% of PTA cases). At least one biofilm-producing strain was found in 37.4% of RT cases and in 27.6% of PTA cases. Moderate or strong biofilm producers were detected in 16 out of 37 cases of RT and in 2 out of 8 PTA cases. There was a statistically significant association found between the presence of Gram-positive bacteria and a biofilm-formation phenotype in the RT group and PTA group (Pearson χ2 test, p < 0.001). S. aureus and K. pneumoniae strains were sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. One S. aureus isolate was identified as MRSA. Conclusions: S. aureus is the most common pathogen isolated from patients with RT, and Candida spp. are the most common pathogens isolated from patients with a PTA. S. aureus isolates are susceptible to most antibiotics. Patients with RT more commonly have biofilm-producing strains, but patients with a PTA more commonly have biofilm non-producer strains. K. pneumoniae does not play a major role in biofilm production.

Vitamin D Levels in Children with Recurrent Acute Tonsillitis in Jordan: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Vitamin D is essential for many functions of the body. In addition to its primary function of regulating the absorption of calcium in the small intestine, its role in the immune system has recently been studied. The current study aimed to test the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the rate of recurrent acute tonsillitis in children. Methods: According to Paradise criteria, two hundred forty-two children with recurrent acute tonsillitis were recruited. A group of healthy children (n = 262) was also recruited as controls. Poisson regression was run to predict the number of tonsillitis episodes per year based on vitamin D levels. The mean vitamin D level in the study group was lower than in the control group (p < 0.0001). Poisson regression of the rate of recurrent tonsillitis and vitamin D level (OR = 0.969 (95% CI, 0.962−0.975)) showed that for every single unit increase in vitamin D level, there was a 3.1% decrease in the number of tonsillitis episodes per year (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher rates of recurrent acute tonsillitis. Future controlled trials should investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the rate of recurrent tonsillitis.

The histological and microbiological characteristics of bacterial microcolonies in paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia (TH) is associated with a spectrum of presentations ranging from recurrent tonsillitis (RT) to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The underlying pathogenesis of tonsillar hyperplasia remains poorly understood. Previous studies have implicated bacterial microcolonies as targets of host inflammatory cells and as a potential driver of the chronic inflammation seen in TH. The role of atopy in tonsillar hyperplasia is also largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the allergic responses and microbial factors that may influence TH in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paired tonsils and a serum sample were collected from 21 children undergoing tonsillectomy for RT or SDB in the Auckland region. The disposition of immunoglobulin isotypes (IgG, A, M and E) and local inflammatory cells on histological sections of tonsil tissue were determined using immunohistochemistry techniques. Aeroallergen specific IgE (sIgE) and Staphylococcal enterotoxin C specific IgE (SEC-specific IgE) were measured in serum and tonsil tissue using the ImmunoCAP® system. Finally, tonsil bacterial microcolonies were then excised from histological slides using laser microdissection techniques, before undergoing bacterial and fungal amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in any of the measured variables between children with RT and SDB symptoms. IgE staining was not associated with increased levels of mast cells, leukocytes or plasma cells. However, sIgE positivity was more frequently found in local tissue than in serum (p = 0.025). A significant association was observed between tissue sIgE levels and tissue SEC-specific IgE levels (r2 = 0.95, p = 0.0001). The most abundant bacterial and fungal genera identified in the microcolonies were Fusobacterium, Sphingomonas, Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Malassezia. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that there is a local IgE response in children with TH. Local IgE production is unrelated to systemic atopy and may play a key role in the pathogenesis of TH. This is the first study to determine the microbial composition of microcolonies in tonsil tissue. These findings enhance current understanding of the microbiology of tonsils in children with TH and have important implications for antibiotic strategies.

Evaluation of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Adult Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy for Recurrent Tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is often recovered from the pharynx. However, the role of this pathogen in the etiology of tonsillar inflammation is still unclear and complicated due to frequent carriage of S. aureus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and the clinical importance of S. aureus colonization and biofilm production ability in patients with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) using patient samples from tonsillar crypts during tonsillectomy, and from the throat, nasal cavity, and armpits after tonsillectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series study was carried out at a tertiary referral center among 16 patients diagnosed with RT who were undergoing tonsillectomy. Samples from tonsillar crypts were obtained during tonsillectomy, and samples from the throat, nasal cavity, and armpit were obtained a year after surgery. An evaluation of S. aureus incidence, biofilm formation, and antibacterial susceptibility was performed. RESULTS: During tonsillectomy, 16 strains of S. aureus were isolated from 16 patients, while 15/16 S. aureus strains were biofilm producers. A year after tonsillectomy, 8 S. aureus strains were isolated from 6 out of 16 patients, while 6/8 S. aureus strains were biofilm producers. After tonsillectomy, 3 patients showed S. aureus in throat culture. CONCLUSIONS: In 10/16 cases S. aureus was the causative agent of RT, in 4/16 cases patients had a predisposition to colonization of S. aureus, and in 2/16 cases S. aureus was a part of the patients` oral microbiome. Tonsillectomy results in less frequent isolation of S. aureus strains.

Sleep Disordered Breathing and Recurrent Tonsillitis Are Associated With Polymicrobial Bacterial Biofilm Infections Suggesting a Role for Anti-Biofilm Therapies.

Background: The underlying pathogenesis of pediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and recurrent tonsillitis (RT) are poorly understood but need to be elucidated to develop less invasive treatment and prevention strategies. Methods: Children aged between 1- and 16-years undergoing adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy for SDB (n=40), RT alone (n=18), or both SDB and RT (SDB+RT) (n=17) were recruited with age-matched healthy controls (n=33). Total bacterial load and species-specific densities of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were measured by qPCR in nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, adenoid and tonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT, and in naso- and oro- pharyngeal swabs from healthy children. A subset of tonsil biopsies were examined for biofilms using 16S rRNA FISH (n=3/group). Results: The 5 bacterial species were detected in naso- and oro- pharyngeal samples from all children. These species were frequently detected in adenotonsillar tissue (except S. aureus, which was absent in adenoids) from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT. NTHi and S. aureus were observed in tonsils from 66.7-88.2% and 33.3-58.8% of children respectively. Similar total and species-specific bacterial densities were observed in adenotonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT or RT. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were more likely to have multiple bacterial species co-detected than adenotonsillar tissue where one or two targeted species predominated. Polymicrobial biofilms and intracellular bacteria were observed in tonsils from children with adenotonsillar disease. Conclusions: Antimicrobials, particularly anti-biofilm therapies, may be a strategy for managing children with SDB.

Evaluation of Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D as a Risk Factor in Adult Recurrent Tonsillitis.

Background Studies have reported that the rate of upper respiratory tract infections in children and adults is inversely related to serum vitamin D levels and supplementation with vitamin D reduces the incidence of this infection. This study aimed to examine if vitamin D serum levels were a risk factor for recurrent tonsillitis among adult patients. Methods Retrospective comparative analysis was carried out on 100 patients diagnosed with recurrent tonsillitis with 100 age- and sex-matched individuals as controls between June 2016 and May 2022. Tonsillar size was assessed based on Brodsky grading system. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy (25(OH)) vitamin D, total calcium, iron, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were analyzed. Results There was a statistically significant low vitamin D levels in tonsil size grades III+IV compared to grade I+II (p <0.001) among cases. There was a significantly lower serum value for 25(OH) vitamin D in the cases as compared to the control group (p <0.001). A high percentage (68%) of cases had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and this was statistically significant (p <0.001). There were statistically significant higher values of CRP and ESR among cases compared to the control group (p <0.001). At a cut off (≤21.2), serum vitamin D levels achieved 78% sensitivity, 65% specificity (p <0.001) to differentiate cases from controls. Following logistic regression analysis, the level of vitamin D was the only significant risk factor. Conclusion Findings from our study also suggest an association between recurrent tonsillitis among our adult cohorts and low serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels. Therefore, we opine that serum vitamin D levels should be considered in the management of adult patients with tonsillitis.

Tonsillotomy by a Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser: A New Technique in the Treatment of Chronic Tonsillitis.

Introduction: Chronic tonsillitis has a global prevalence, ranging from 5% to 12%. Its clinical manifestations, like recurrent acute tonsillitis, tonsils hypertrophy, caseum and halitosis, can lead adult patients to be submitted to palatine tonsillectomy, surgery that has morbidity and the potential risk of complications, including severe bleeding. This article proposes a new therapy for chronic tonsillitis in adult patients using a fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which is a fast, minimally invasive procedure capable of removing the need for the traditional tonsillectomy in many patients. The present research aimed to verify the efficacy of tonsillotomy by fractional ablation using the CO2 laser by comparing the number of bacterial infections, tonsils hypertrophy, halitosis and caseum; it is also aimed at analyzing the benefits, risks and complications of the technique. Methods: In this clinical prospective study, 20 patients were subjected to one session of tonsillotomy by fractional ablation and were followed up for a year. The control group was formed by the same patients in the pre-procedure period (one year) without treatment. Statistical analysis: The Wilcoxon paired test, Friedman tests, and multiple non-parametric comparisons were utilized to analyze the data (significance level of 5%). Results: No complications occurred, and the procedure was fast (30 seconds), safe and tolerated well without general anesthesia. After 1 year, there was a total remission of recurrent acute tonsillitis in 95% of the patients, and after 6 months there was a statistically significant improvement in halitosis and caseum, and tonsils size reduction (P<0.05). The level of satisfaction average was 10 after 3 months and 8 after one year. Conclusion: tonsillotomy by fractional ablation using the CO2 laser is a safe, efficient procedure for chronic tonsillitis in adults, and it can be incorporated into daily clinical practice.

Bilateral Tonsillitis With Peritonsillar Abscess.

The authors present a case of an adolescent female who presented to the emergency department with a second case of tonsillitis in the span of two weeks. The patient recovered after treatment with a broader-spectrum antibiotic and was discharged home. The authors highlight the importance of weighing the costs and benefits of tonsillectomy with the potential that additional antibiotics may be enough in cases of recurrent tonsillitis.

Total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy) to change the quality of life for adults with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillar surgery has been used for decades to treat recurrent and chronic tonsillitis in adults. Recurrent and chronic tonsillitis result in disturbing symptoms, treatment costs, sick leave, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Theoretically, removing all or part of the altered pathological palatal lymphoid tissue alleviates the symptoms and enhances the QoL. Whether this is true with total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT), respectively) has not been reported in a randomised trial yet. METHODS: We conduct a multicentre, partly blinded, randomised, 6-month, parallel-group clinical study including 285 adult participants referred to surgical treatment for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. The participants will either have TE, TT or watchful waiting (WW). The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean disease-specific Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory-14 (QoL questionnaire) scores at 6 months. Comparison is made firstly between the combined TE+TT and WW groups (superiority analysis), and secondly between the TE and TT groups (non-inferiority analysis). DISCUSSION: This study will add significant new information to the effects and harms of TE and TT procedures in the treatment of adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04657549.

Increased levels of S100A8/A9, IL-1ß and IL-18 as a novel biomarker for recurrent tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute tonsillitis represents one of the most frequent reasons patients seek primary medical care and otorhinolaryngology consultation. Therefore, recurrent episodes of acute tonsillitis (RAT), also called chronic tonsillitis, exhaust a substantial amount of medical and financial resources. Diagnosis of tonsillitis depends on a physical examination, which therefore does not allow for a reliable differentiation between viral and bacterial infection. However, the frequency of bacterial infections during the previous three years is currently being used as the major deciding factor in patient selection for tonsillectomy. The aim of the present study was to determine an objective biomarker to help in the identification of patients suffering from recurrent tonsillitis. RESULTS: By analyzing a panel of cytokines and chemokines in serum and saliva of patients with RAT compared to healthy controls, increased levels of IL-1ß (153.7 ± 48.5 pg/ml vs 23.3 ± 6.6 pg/ml, p = 0.021), IL-18 (120.2 ± 16.5 vs 50.6 ± 9.3 pg/ml, p = 0.007) and/or S100A8/A9 (996 ± 102 ng/ml vs 546 ± 86 ng/ml, p = 0.042) could be observed in patients suffering from RAT. Cut-off values of these parameters were determined and combined to a new RAT-score allowing for reliable identification of patients suffering from recurrent tonsillitis with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: The RAT-score represents the first objective criterion as a tool for the diagnosis of recurrent tonsillitis and it also improves patient selection for tonsillectomy.

Adenotonsillectomy in high risk patients: Hematologic abnormalities and COVID-19 considerations.

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologists. It is vital that surgeons are aware of the risks in performing this surgery especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and in children with hematologic disorders. In this review we describe common hematologic disorders often noted in pediatric patients undergoing this procedure, as well as proper screening and management of these patients. In addition, we also address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and some measures to help mitigate the risks of this procedure during this time.