Post-extubation laryngitis in children: diagnosis, management and follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of post-extubation laryngitis, analyze its one-year evolution, and correlate laryngeal lesions with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study including children up to 13 years old at a tertiary hospital between March 2020 and March 2022 with diagnosis of post-extubation laryngitis confirmed by endoscopic examination. Exclusion criteria were prior history of intubation or anatomical airway abnormalities. Medical records were reviewed to characterize patients, underlying diagnosis, laryngeal lesions, treatment, and outcomes at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 38 endoscopically confirmed post-extubation laryngitis cases, corresponding to 86.4% of suspected cases. The mean age was 13.24 months, and 60.5% were male. Acute respiratory failure was the leading cause of intubation. Initial treatment was clinical, and initial diagnosis was defined by nasopharynoglaryngoscopy and/or Microlaryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy (MLB) findings. Initial diagnostic MLB was performed in 65.7% of the patients. Approximately half (53%) of the patients exhibited moderate or severe laryngeal lesions. When compared to mild cases, these patients experienced a higher rate of extubation failures (mean of 1.95 vs. 0.72, p = 0.0013), underwent more endoscopic procedures, and faced worse outcomes, such as the increased need for tracheostomy (p = 0.0001) and the development of laryngeal stenosis (p = 0.0450). Tracheostomy was performed in 14 (36.8%) children. Patients undergoing tracheostomy presented more extubation failures and longer intubation periods. Eight (21%) developed laryngeal stenosis, and 17 (58.6%) had complete resolution on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Post-extubation laryngitis is a frequent diagnosis among patients with clinical symptoms or failed extubation. The severity of laryngeal lesions was linked to a less favorable prognosis observed at one-year follow-up. Otolaryngological evaluation, follow-up protocols, and increased access to therapeutic resources are essential to manage these children properly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Position paper of diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation laryngitis in children: a multidisciplinary expert-based opinion.

OBJECTIVES: To make recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation laryngitis (PEL) in children with or without other comorbidities. METHODS: A three-iterative modified Delphi method was applied. Specialists were recruited representing pediatric otolaryngologists, pediatric and neonatal intensivists. Questions and statements approached topics encompassing definition, diagnosis, endoscopic airway evaluation, risk factors, comorbidities, management, and follow-up. A consensus was defined as a supermajority >70%. RESULTS: Stridor was considered the most frequent symptom and airway endoscopy was recommended for definitive diagnosis. Gastroesophageal reflux and previous history of intubation were considered risk factors. Specific length of intubation did not achieve a consensus as a risk factor. Systemic corticosteroids should be part of the medical treatment and dexamethasone was the drug of choice. No consensus was achieved regarding dosage of corticosteroids, although endoscopic findings help defining dosage and length of treatment. Non-invasive ventilation, laryngeal rest, and use of comfort sedation scales were recommended. Indications for microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy under anesthesia were symptoms progression or failure to improve after the first 72-h of medical treatment post-extubation, after two failed extubations, and/or suspicion of severe lesions on flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Management of post-extubation laryngitis is challenging and can be facilitated by a multidisciplinary approach. Airway endoscopy is mandatory and impacts decision-making, although there is no consensus regarding dosage and length of treatment.

Laryngeal Mucosa Alterations in Mice Model of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Effects of Topical Protection.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objectives of this study were to evaluate laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity in a murine model of reflux disease and to assess the protective effects of topical agents including alginate, hyaluronic acid, and cashew gum. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: A surgical murine model of reflux disease was evaluated at 3 or 7 days postsurgery, and laryngeal samples were collected to measure inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase [MPO]) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER] and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Additional groups of animals were administered one of several topical agents (alginate, hyaluronic acid, or cashew gum) daily, and laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity were evaluated at 3 days postsurgery. RESULTS: At 3 days, and not 7 days postsurgery, we observed increased laryngeal wet weight and MPO, decreased laryngeal TER, and increased laryngeal mucosa permeability. Alginate partially decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and not MPO) and dramatically improved laryngeal mucosal integrity. Conversely, hyaluronic acid eliminated the inflammation; however, it had no effect on laryngeal mucosal integrity impairment. Cashew gum eliminated laryngeal inflammation as well as the impairment in laryngeal mucosal integrity. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a surgical model of reflux disease induced laryngeal inflammation and impairment in laryngeal barrier function. These observed alterations were partially attenuated by alginate and hyaluronic acid and completely reversed by cashew gum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2020.

Determinants of successful tracheostomy decannulation in children: a multicentric cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Determining prognostic factors for the probability of tracheostomy decannulation is key to an adequate therapeutic plan. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 160 paediatric patients undergoing tracheostomy was conducted. Associations between different parameters and eventual tracheostomy decannulation were assessed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 27.8 months (interquartile range = 25.5-30.2 months). Median age at tracheostomy was 6.96 months (interquartile range = 3.37-29.42 months), with median tracheostomy maintenance of 14.5 months (interquartile range = 3.7-21.5 months). The overall tracheostomy decannulation rate was 22.5 per cent. Factors associated with a higher probability of tracheostomy decannulation included age at tracheostomy (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.03-1.18) and post-intubation laryngitis as an indication for tracheostomy (hazard ratio = 2.25, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.09-4.62). Neurological (hazard ratio = 0.30, 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.12-0.80) and pulmonary (hazard ratio = 0.41, 95 per cent confidence interval = 0.18-0.91) co-morbidities were negatively associated with tracheostomy decannulation. The probability of tracheostomy decannulation decreased significantly with increasing numbers of co-morbidities (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Age, post-intubation laryngitis, and number and type of co-morbidities influence tracheostomy decannulation rate in the paediatric population.

[Severe laryngitis associated to gastroesophageal reflux]. / Laringitis graves asociadas a reflujo gastroesofágico.

There is a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux and pharyngolaryngeal reflux as factors leading to respiratory disease, manifested as dysphonia, wheezing, coughing, recurrent laryngitis, bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm and apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs). These manifestations can be mild or severe and may sometimes put the patient's life at risk. We present two cases of patients with severe laryngitis who required endotracheal intubation, one of which underwent tracheostomy. The diagnostic methods and their limitations and the patients outcomes are described.

Síntomas laríngeos y laringitis posterior: ¿siempre es secundario a reflujo gastroesofágico? / Association of gastroesophageal reflux with posterior laryngitis. study of 43 patients

El reflujo gastroesofágico (RGE) ha sido asociado como causa de laringitis posterior, sin embargo, la evidencia sobre esto es controversial. El objetivo principal es establecer si los pacientes con síntomas y diagnóstico de laringitis posterior, se correlacionan con la existencia de RGE ácido patológico. Objetivo secundario es el estudio del valor predictivo de cada síntoma laríngeo para reflujo ácido patológico...

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is syndicated as a cause of posterior laryngitis. However the evidence for the association is weak. Aim: To determine if the presence of posterior laryngitis is associated with GER.

Laringitis graves asociadas a reflujo gastroesofágico / Severe laryngitis associated to gastroesophageal reflux

Está demostrado que hay una fuerte asociación entre el reflujo gastroesofágico y el reflujo faringolaríngeo como causantes de enfermedad respiratoria, que puede manifestarse como disfonía, estridor, tos, laringitis recurrente, obstrucción bronquial, laringoespasmo y eventos de aparente amenaza para la vida (ALTE). Estas manifestaciones pueden ser leves o graves y potencialmente mortales. Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes con laringitis grave que requirieron intubación endotraqueal, a uno de los cuales se le realizó una traqueotomía. Se describen los métodos diagnósticos, sus limitaciones y la evolución presentada por los pacientes

There is a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux and pharyngolaryngeal reflux as factors leading to respiratory disease, manifested as dysphonia, wheezing, coughing, recurrent laryngitis, bronchial obstruction, laryngospasm and apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs). These manifestations can be mild or severe and may sometimes put the patient’s life at risk. We present two cases of patients with severe laryngitis who required endotracheal intubation, one of which underwent tracheostomy. The diagnostic methods and their limitations and the patients outcomes are described.

Potential anti-inflammatory effect of low-level laser therapy on the experimental reflux laryngitis: a preliminary study.

The most common cause of laryngitis is the laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. The symptoms of laryngitis can be hoarseness, globus, chronic cough, voice fatigue, throat pain, and dysphagia. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is beneficial to reduce the pain and inflammatory response without side effects. Therefore, LLLT may be a useful tool for the treatment of laryngitis. This study proposes to analyze the effect of laser therapy in a model of reflux-induced laryngitis. The animals were randomly put into three groups: control--non-intubated; nasogastric intubation--intubated; and nasogastric intubation with laser therapy-intubated treated with 105-J/cm(2) laser irradiation. For the induction of laryngitis, the animals were anesthetized and a nasogastric tube was inserted through the nasopharynx until it reached the stomach, for 1 week. Thereafter, measurement of myeloperoxidase activity and the histopathological procedures were performed. In conclusion, we observed in this study that 105-J/cm(2) infrared laser reduced the influx of neutrophils in rats, and it improved the reparative collagenization of the laryngeal tissues.

Laringitis aguda obstructiva o crup viral / Acute laryngotracheitis or viral croup

We present the problem of viral croup or acute laryngotracheitis as an important respiratory issue in children that often prompts parents to seek physician consultation. Despite its frequency, there is still controversy among the medical team regarding its treatment. The problem will be defined and analyzed in-depth in terms of pathogenesis, to finally suggest a simple, clinically effective treatment than can be applied in any emergency service. We highlight the importance of epinephrine and corticosteroids in the acute treatment of these patients...

Salivary concentration of epidermal growth factor in adults with reflux laryngitis before and after treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is controversial. There is no correlation between the number of reflux episodes and the severity of the inflammatory response at the esophagus or the laryngopharyngeal segment. Some authors have suggested that decreased salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and LPR point to a breakdown in the local defenses. Our objective was to establish whether treatment of the disease influences low salivary EGF concentrations. METHODS: The spontaneous whole saliva of 20 adults with LPR was sampled at a tertiary teaching hospital before and after a 16-week course of full-dose proton pump inhibitor and compared to that of 12 healthy controls. Salivary EGF concentrations were established with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Although the mean salivary EGF concentrations were higher before treatment than after treatment and control of the disease (25,083 versus 19,359 pg/mL), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065). The mean salivary EGF concentration of healthy control subjects was significantly higher (54,509 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Both before and after treatment, patients with reflux laryngitis present lower salivary EGF concentrations than healthy control subjects, suggesting a primary deficit in their protective mechanisms.

[Recurrent laryngitis in child: evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance]. / Laringitis recurrente de la infancia: evaluación con impedanciometría intraluminal multicanal (IIM).

BACKGROUND: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) is highly prevalent in children and there is a tendency to disappear or decrease its frequency in the first year. However, in certain circumstances this reflux can have adverse consequences and these cases are known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinical manifestations of GERD include typical and atypical or extra digestive symptoms. The association between GERD and chronic laryngeal symptoms may present clinically as recurrent croup, stridor, chronic or intermittent hoarseness, globus sensation, excessive chronic cough and posterior rhinorrhea. Multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH 24 hours (IIM-pH 24h) is the diagnostic method of choice for the study of this association. OBJECTIVE: To describe the behavior and characteristics of GERD in patients with recurrent laryngitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving pediatric patients with recurrent laryngitis (2 or more episodes in 6 months) referred for study of possible GERD. RESULTS: We evaluated 28 children. Only 7 of them had normal studies. CONCLUSION: There is a significant percentage of patients with normal 24 hour Ph monitoring that had not been diagnosed with GERD without IIM. There was not a characteristic pattern.

Laringitis herpética. A propósito de un caso clínico / Herpetic laryngitis. Apropos of a clinical case

La laringitis aguda en niños es una patología frecuente, autolimitada, de breve duración: 2 a 7 días, causada por virus como influenza A y B, parainfluenza 1, 2 y 3, virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) y adenovirus.Las infecciones prolongadas pueden involucrar otros patógenos; han sido reportados algunos casos de laringitis causadas por infecciones herpéticas, sobre todo por el virus herpes simple tipo 1 (VHS-1).Se sugiere la evaluación endoscópica de la vía aérea en casos de laringitis prolongadas para el diagnóstico e implementar medidas terapéuticas específicas para evitar complicaciones potencialmente graves. El uso de aciclovir ha demostrado ser efectivo en el tratamiento, siendo controvertido el uso de corticoides y antibióticos.Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 meses con laringitis por Herpes virus, tratado con aciclovir...

Laringitis herpética. A propósito de un caso clínico / Herpetic laryngitis. Apropos of a clinical case

La laringitis aguda en niños es una patología frecuente, autolimitada, de breve duración: 2 a 7 días, causada por virus como influenza A y B, parainfluenza 1, 2 y 3, virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) y adenovirus.Las infecciones prolongadas pueden involucrar otros patógenos; han sido reportados algunos casos de laringitis causadas por infecciones herpéticas, sobre todo por el virus herpes simple tipo 1 (VHS-1).Se sugiere la evaluación endoscópica de la vía aérea en casos de laringitis prolongadas para el diagnóstico e implementar medidas terapéuticas específicas para evitar complicaciones potencialmente graves. El uso de aciclovir ha demostrado ser efectivo en el tratamiento, siendo controvertido el uso de corticoides y antibióticos.Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 meses con laringitis por Herpes virus, tratado con aciclovir.

Laringitis recurrente de la infancia: evaluación con impedanciometría intraluminal multicanal (IIM). / [Recurrent laryngitis in child: evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance].

BACKGROUND: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) is highly prevalent in children and there is a tendency to disappear or decrease its frequency in the first year. However, in certain circumstances this reflux can have adverse consequences and these cases are known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinical manifestations of GERD include typical and atypical or extra digestive symptoms. The association between GERD and chronic laryngeal symptoms may present clinically as recurrent croup, stridor, chronic or intermittent hoarseness, globus sensation, excessive chronic cough and posterior rhinorrhea. Multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH 24 hours (IIM-pH 24h) is the diagnostic method of choice for the study of this association. OBJECTIVE: To describe the behavior and characteristics of GERD in patients with recurrent laryngitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving pediatric patients with recurrent laryngitis (2 or more episodes in 6 months) referred for study of possible GERD. RESULTS: We evaluated 28 children. Only 7 of them had normal studies. CONCLUSION: There is a significant percentage of patients with normal 24 hour Ph monitoring that had not been diagnosed with GERD without IIM. There was not a characteristic pattern.

Laringitis recurrente de la infancia: evaluación con impedanciometría intraluminal multicanal (IIM) / [Recurrent laryngitis in child: evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance].

BACKGROUND: Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) is highly prevalent in children and there is a tendency to disappear or decrease its frequency in the first year. However, in certain circumstances this reflux can have adverse consequences and these cases are known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The clinical manifestations of GERD include typical and atypical or extra digestive symptoms. The association between GERD and chronic laryngeal symptoms may present clinically as recurrent croup, stridor, chronic or intermittent hoarseness, globus sensation, excessive chronic cough and posterior rhinorrhea. Multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH 24 hours (IIM-pH 24h) is the diagnostic method of choice for the study of this association. OBJECTIVE: To describe the behavior and characteristics of GERD in patients with recurrent laryngitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving pediatric patients with recurrent laryngitis (2 or more episodes in 6 months) referred for study of possible GERD. RESULTS: We evaluated 28 children. Only 7 of them had normal studies. CONCLUSION: There is a significant percentage of patients with normal 24 hour Ph monitoring that had not been diagnosed with GERD without IIM. There was not a characteristic pattern.

Manifestações laríngeas do refluxo laringo-faríngeo e suas relações com hábitos alimentares / The laryngeal manifestations of laryngeal-pharynx reflux and its correlation with the population of Manaus city

É sabido que hábitos alimentares inadequados e diversos tipos de alimentos predispõem ao refluxo-gastroesofágico e consequentemente ao laringo-faríngeo. O presente trabalho justifica-se por não existirem dados locais a respeito do problema em questão e tem como objetivos: detectar as manifestações laríngeas do refluxo laringo-faríngeo com os hábitos alimentares da população manauense...

It is know that inadequate eating habits and diverse types of foods lead to gastroesophageal reflux and so to the pharyngolaryngeal. The present work is justified for the lack of local data regarding the problem and aims: to detecte the manifestations of laryngeal-pharynx: to determine eating habits of the manauenses (people from Manaus) which damage laryngeal-pharynx structure...

Salivary egf concentration in adults with reflux chronic laryngitis before and after treatment: preliminary results.

UNLABELLED: The Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) physiopathology is still unknown. The Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a biologically active salivary protein that aids in the rapid regeneration of the oropharyngeal and upper digestive tract mucosas. Salivary deficiency of this protein in patients with LPR has been demonstrated in previous studies. AIM: To compare salivary EGF concentration in patients with LPR before and after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study twelve patients with GERD and moderate LPR were studied. Whole saliva samples were collected before and after treatment and salivary EGF concentration was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit (Quantikine). RESULTS: There were eleven females and one male among the patients, the mean age was 49 years. The mean pre-treatment salivary EGF concentration was 2,867.6 pg/mL and the mean post treatment EGF concentration was 1,588.5 pg/mL. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.015). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although salivary EGF concentrations are higher before LPR treatment, the concentration is still much lower than the mean salivary EGF concentration in normal individuals without LPR, which suggests a primary disorder of this defense factor in individuals with LPR.

Estudo comparativo da concentração salivar do fator de crescimento epidérmico em indivíduos com laringite crônica por doença do refluxo gastroesofágica antes e após o tratamento: resultados preliminares / Salivary egf concentration in adults with reflux chronic laryngitis before and after treatment: preliminary results

Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos do refluxo laringofaríngeo (RLF) são pouco conhecidos. O Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico (EGF) é a proteína de produção salivar com maior ação na regeneração do epitélio da orofaringe e tubo digestivo alto, tendo sido demonstradas deficiências em sua concentração salivar em indivíduos com RLF. OBJETIVO: Comparar a concentração salivar de EGF em um mesmo indivíduo com RLF antes e após o tratamento. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Neste estudo prospectivo doze indivíduos com DRGE e RLF de moderada intensidade tiveram sua saliva espontânea coletada antes e após o tratamento e controle da doença. A concentração salivar de EGF foi estabelecida através de exame de ELISA (Quantikine ®). RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes eram do sexo feminino e um do sexo masculino, com idade média de 49 anos. A concentração salivar de EGF pré-tratamento foi de 2.867,6pg/mL e a pós-tratamento foi 1.588,5pg/mL, sendo esta diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,015). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de a concentração salivar de EGF ser maior nos indivíduos antes do tratamento, esta não consegue alcançar àquela de uma população normal (estabelecida previamente), o que sugere uma deficiência primária deste importante fator de defesa em indivíduos com RLF.

The Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) physiopathology is still unknown. The Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a biologically active salivary protein that aids in the rapid regeneration of the oropharyngeal and upper digestive tract mucosas. Salivary deficiency of this protein in patients with LPR has been demonstrated in previous studies. AIM: To compare salivary EGF concentration in patients with LPR before and after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study twelve patients with GERD and moderate LPR were studied. Whole saliva samples were collected before and after treatment and salivary EGF concentration was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit (Quantikine ®). RESULTS: There were eleven females and one male among the patients, the mean age was 49 years. The mean pre-treatment salivary EGF concentration was 2,867.6 pg/mL and the mean post treatment EGF concentration was 1,588.5 pg/mL. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.015). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although salivary EGF concentrations are higher before LPR treatment, the concentration is still much lower than the mean salivary EGF concentration in normal individuals without LPR, which suggests a primary disorder of this defense factor in individuals with LPR.

Comparative study of salivary pH and volume in adults with chronic laryngopharyngitis by gastroesophageal reflux disease before and after treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the most prevalent digestive disease of the modern society and has been associated with abnormalities in the larynx and pharynx (LPR). Nonetheless, little is known about the mechanisms involved in this atypical form of the disease. Contradictory clinical data suggest a defense deficit at this segment. Saliva with its organic and inorganic components is responsible for the homeostasis of the oral mucosa and the digestive tract. Salivary pH and volume abnormalities have been linked to laryngopharyngeal symptoms of GERD and LPR. In a recent study we demonstrated significant salivary pH reduction in patients with LPR. Another study found correlation between reduced salivary pH and volume directly related to esophageal pH-metry results. AIM: To evaluate salivary pH and volume before and after clinical treatment of LPR. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-three adults with LPR had total fasting saliva tested before and after a 12-week course of oral proton pump inhibitor. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in salivary pH before and after treatment with increase of pH values after control of the disease (p<0.001). Salivary volumes of treated patients were also significantly higher than in pre-treated patients (p=0.009). DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that salivary pH and volume are influenced by the presence of gastroesophageal contents and that salivary pH monitoring can potentially become a cost-effective method for diagnosing and controlling LPR.