Tolerance of salivary gland botulinum toxin A injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of sialorrhea in children: An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to assess tolerance of botulinum toxin A injection into the salivary glands under local anesthesia in a pediatric population. Secondary endpoints comprised efficacy and side-effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study included children treated between January 2013 and March 2020 for sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion. Children were identified from the botulinum toxin A injection database. The study included 162 injection sessions in 55 children. Injections were performed under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, after clinical location of the site. Epidemiological and clinical data, injection tolerance on the FLACC scale, treatment response and complications were recorded. RESULTS: For submandibular gland injections, pain was absent in 81 cases, mild in 64, moderate in 4 and intense in 1. In parotid gland injections, pain was absent in 45 cases, mild in 89, moderate in 17 and intense in 1. Injection tolerance was significantly poorer (P<0.005) in parotid than submandibular glands. Seventy-seven percent of the injections had a positive effect on sialorrhea. Fifteen patients presented transient adverse events: mainly dysphagia and paradoxical increase in sialorrhea. CONCLUSION: Salivary gland botulinum toxin A injections in under local anesthesia were well-tolerated, safe and effective for children with sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion.

COVID-19 and ENT Pediatric otolaryngology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines of the French Association of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (AFOP) and French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL).

OBJECTIVE: Joint guidelines of the French Pediatric Otolaryngology Society (AFOP) and of the French Society of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (SFORL) on the management of paediatric otolaryngology patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A nation-wide workgroup drew guidelines based on clinical experience, national and local recommendations and scientific literature. Proposals may have to be updated on a day-to-day basis. RESULTS: In children, incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 (1-5%) is low and of good prognosis. The indications for nasal flexible endoscopy should be drastically limited. If undertaken, full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including FFP2 masks are required, as well as use of a sheath. Saline nose wash done by caregivers other than parents at home should require PPE. Unless foreign body tracheobronchial aspiration is clinically obvious, CT-scan should be performed to confirm indication of endoscopy. Surgical indications should be limited to emergencies and to cases that cannot be delayed beyond 2 months (especially endonasal, endopharyngeal laryngo-tracheobronchial procedures). Postponement should ideally be a group decision and recorded as such in the medical file. Surgical techniques should be adapted to limit the risk of viral dissemination in the air, avoiding the use of drills, microdebriders, monopolar cautery or lasers. Continuous suction should be placed near the operating field. In case of confirmed Covid-19 cases, or suspected cases (or in some centres systematically), PPE with FFP2 mask should be worn by all staff members present in the operating room.

Role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (POSAHS). Part 3: sleep recordings.

OBJECTIVES: The authors present the clinical practice guidelines of the French Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) concerning the role of the ENT specialist in the management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (POSAHS). Part 3 is dedicated to the place of sleep recordings in the diagnosis of POSAHS. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work group was commissioned to carry out a review of the scientific literature on the above topic. Based on the articles retrieved and the group members' individual experience, guidelines were drafted and graded as A, B or C or Expert Opinion by decreasing level of evidence, then reviewed by an editorial group independent of the work group. RESULTS: Sleep recordings are presented according to the American Sleep Disorders Association's classification as type 1, 2, 3 or 4. Their modalities, interpretation, indications, advantages and limitations are detailed.

Ibuprofen as risk-factor for complications of acute anterior sinusitis in children.

IMPORTANCE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to inhibit chemotaxis, oxidative burst and phagocytosis, bacterial killing in granulocytes as well as inhibiting neutrophil aggregation or degranulation, thereby interfering with the function of lymphocytes. On the other hand, ibuprofen is widely prescribed in pediatrics for its powerful analgesic and antipyretic effects. To our knowledge, no previous publication outlines the relationship between Ibuprofen therapy and an increased risk of intracranial and/or orbital complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in childhood. OBJECTIVE: To look for a relationship between ibuprofen and occurrence of intra-cranial and/or orbital complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in pediatrics. SETTING AND METHODS: The medical charts of patients younger than 18 years admitted into the E.N.T. departments of 4 academic care centers during 2 consecutive years for fronto ethmoidal sinusitis were reviewed retrospectively. The history of ibuprofen intake, the occurrence of complication (orbital or intracranial) as well as the usual demographic data were noted. A statistical analysis was performed in order to ascertain whether a relationship between taking NSAIDs and the onset of an intracranial and/or orbital complication exists. RESULTS: Intake of ibuprofen appeared to be a risk-factor of intracranial complications or associated orbital and intracranial complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in children. Neither gender nor age nor initial pain intensity were statistically related to the onset of complications. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This retrospective multicenter cohort study appears to suggest that ibuprofen increases the risk of orbital and/or intracranial complications of acute fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis in childhood. Therefore, we recommend not prescribing ibuprofen if one suspects an acute sinusitis in a child or adolescent.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis of childhood obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Part 1: Interview and physical examination.

OBJECTIVES: To present the 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology concerning the role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. This article focuses specifically on medical history and physical examination. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work-group drew up a first version of the guidelines, graded according to level of evidence following the GRADE grading system. The final version was obtained by including the suggestions and comments from the editorial group. RESULTS: At the end of the process, guidelines were established and graded regarding the following points: interview and analysis of the various interview scores recommended in the literature; clinical examination with awake upper-airway endoscopy; and indications for referral to non-ENT specialists.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children. Part 2: Diagnostic investigations apart from sleep studies.

OBJECTIVES: To present the 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology concerning the role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. This manuscript specifically focuses on diagnostic investigations apart from sleep studies. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work-group drew up a first version of the guidelines, graded according to level of evidence following the GRADE grading system. The final version was obtained by including the suggestions and comments from the editorial group. RESULTS: At the end of the process, guidelines were established and graded regarding diagnostic investigations apart from sleep studies, in particular respiratory functional tests, biological markers, and morphologic assessment under induced sleep (drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and cine-MRI).

Laryngeal lesion associated with epidermolysis bullosa secondary to congenital plectin deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a congenital disease characterized by fragility of epithelial structures. The skin is the organ primarily affected, resulting in the formation of skin blisters. Some forms of EB may also present mucosal lesions. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a girl with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) associated with muscular dystrophy secondary to congenital plectin deficiency. She presented severe respiratory tract lesions extending from the oral cavity to the larynx. In particular, we describe our medical and surgical management of the laryngeal lesions, responsible for several episodes of respiratory distress and feeding difficulties. DISCUSSION: Epidermolysis bullosa simplex associated with muscular dystrophy is a rare hereditary form of EB, as fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. This form is characterized by mucosal lesions involving the upper aerodigestive tract, with consequences for feeding, phonation and breathing. Special care must be taken when performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to avoid worsening the lesions of this very fragile mucosa. Tracheotomy is a harmful procedure in these patients and should only be considered as a last resort.

Guidelines (short version) of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) on cervical lymphatic malformation in adults and children: Diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) for the diagnosis of cervical lymphatic malformation in adults and children. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the above topic. Guidelines were drawn up, based on the articles retrieved and the group members' individual experience. They were then read over by an editorial group independent of the work group, and finalized in a coordination meeting. Guidelines were graded A, B, C or expert opinion, by decreasing level of evidence. RESULTS: The SFORL recommends that complete ENT examination should be performed to identify lesions at high risk of complication or associated with poor prognosis. In case of diagnostic doubt, especially in latero-cervical or oral floor lesions, fine-needle aspiration cytology should be performed before therapeutic decision-making. One or more validated classifications should be used to assess treatment efficacy and monitor progression. The reliability of antenatal diagnosis should be ensured by associating MRI to ultrasound. In antenatal diagnosis, the locoregional extension of the cervical lymphatic malformation should be evaluated accurately for prognosis, and associated malformations should be screened for, to guide treatment options.

French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) guidelines concerning the role of otorhinolaryngologists in the management of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: Follow-up protocol for treated children.

OBJECTIVES: The authors present the French Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) clinical practice guidelines concerning the role of otorhinolaryngologists in the management of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). This chapter is devoted to the follow-up protocol for children treated for OSAS. METHODS: A multidisciplinary task force was commissioned to carry out a review of the scientific literature on this topic. On the basis of the articles selected and the personal experience of each member of the task force, guidelines were drafted and graded as A, B or C or expert opinion according to a decreasing level of scientific evidence, and were then reviewed by a reading committee, independently of the task force. The final guidelines were established at a consensus meeting. RESULTS: Short-term, medium-term and long-term clinical follow-up and complementary investigations are necessary in view of the risk of residual OSAS, and the risk of recurrence of OSAS related to adenoid and tonsillar regrowth following adenotonsillectomy, the treatment most commonly performed. The modalities of follow-up after surgery, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation, orthodontic treatment, myofascial rehabilitation, and drug therapy are described. The indications for nasal endoscopy and sleep studies as part of follow-up are specified.

French Society of ENT (SFORL) guidelines (short version) on the roles of the various treatment options in childhood obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery (SFORL) on the role of the ENT physician in childhood obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This section of the guidelines concerns the roles of the various medical and surgical treatment options. METHOD: A multidisciplinary work-group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the topic. Based on the retrieved articles and the group members' own experience, guidelines were drawn up, then read over by a reading group independent of the work-group. An editorial meeting then produced the final text. RESULTS: Adenotonsillectomy is the reference treatment for childhood OSAHS with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Respiratory assistance is recommended in children with severe OSAHS without nasal and/or oropharyngeal obstacle, after surgery in case of persistent OSAHS, in case of contraindications to surgery, in complex obstruction related to pharyngolaryngeal or laryngeal pathology or comorbidity, or as an alternative to tracheotomy. Nasal route corticosteroids may be used in childhood OSAHS in with associated nasal obstruction.

Evaluation of the efficacy of tongue-lip adhesion in Pierre Robin sequence.

OBJECTIVE: Tongue-lip adhesion may be used to relieve obstructive sleep apnoea in infants with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), but only a few studies have objectively evaluated its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of tongue-lip adhesion by polysomnography. MATERIEL AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study was conducted in infants with PRS treated by tongue-lip adhesion from 2004 to 2015, in whom at least laryngotracheal endoscopy and polysomnography were performed. The variables collected were the syndromic diagnosis, demographic data, respiratory management before tongue-lip adhesion, symptoms, and additional airway interventions. Obstructive sleep apnoea was classified into 3 groups according to severity. Polysomnography was performed one month after tongue-lip adhesion. Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a limit of statistical significance of P<0.005. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects in whom tongue-lip adhesion was performed at a mean age of 45 days (8 to 210 days) were included. Thirty-one patients had isolated PRS and 6 patients had associated anomalies. All patients had confirmed severe obstructive sleep apnoea. All patients required respiratory support prior to surgery: 8 intubated patients, 15 patients with noninvasive ventilation and 14 patients with nasopharyngeal airways. Eight patients had bradycardia before tongue-lip adhesion. All parameters were improved on postoperative polysomnography: oxygen saturation, hypercapnia, apnoea-hypopnoea index, bradycardia (P<0.005). Only 8 patients had persistent severe obstructive sleep apnoea and required tracheostomy (n=5) or noninvasive ventilation (n=3). No significant correlation was observed between treatment success and any predictive variables. CONCLUSION: Tongue-lip adhesion improved airway obstruction in all infants with PRS and resolved obstructive sleep apnoea in 29 patients. However, 8 patients required additional airway interventions.

Desmoid tumours of the head and neck in children: Review of management.

OBJECTIVE: Desmoid tumours of the head and neck in children are rare, local invasive and potentially fatal tumours. The purpose of this review is to discuss the management of these tumours in the light of a case series and a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study summarised the medical data of children treated for desmoid tumours of the head and neck between 1976 and 2014. RESULTS: Five of the 6 children were treated by radical surgical resection, with positive surgical margins (R1) in 2 cases, followed by recurrence requiring further resection. One child with a very advanced lesion was treated by weekly methotrexate and vinorelbine chemotherapy for 18months, allowing 93% reduction of tumour volume without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Desmoid tumours of the head and neck in children are more aggressive than their adult counterparts and are associated with high morbidity and mortality and a high recurrence rate. CT and MRI imaging assessment should preferably be performed before biopsy. External beam radiotherapy must be avoided in children as it is less effective than in adults, and is responsible for long-term cosmetic and functional sequelae and even a risk of second tumours. Treatment is surgical whenever radical resection is possible. In patients presenting an excessive risk of morbidity and mortality, chemotherapy devoid of long-term adverse effects (such as methotrexate in combination with a Vinca alkaloid) can be proposed. Long-term follow-up must be ensured due to the risk of recurrence.

[Organization of collaborative deliberation for limiting or withholding treatments in children]. / Comment organiser la délibération collégiale pour limiter ou arrêter les traitements en pédiatrie?

In 2005, the French law on patients' rights at the end of life required that decisions to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments be made and carried out by the physician in charge of the patient, after obtaining advice from an independent consulting colleague and the caregiving team. The purpose of this study was to identify theoretical and practical obstacles to this collaborative deliberation and to propose practical guidelines to organize it.

Impact of modulating phase duration on electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses obtained during cochlear implantation.

Objective To investigate the effect of increasing phase duration (pulse width, T-pulse) using a biphasic pulse composed of an initial anodic active phase followed by a balancing cathodic phase on the electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABRs) recorded at the time of cochlear implantation. Design eABRs recorded during 188 surgeries for cochlear implantation from 1999 to 2006 in a single center were retrospectively reviewed by two independent observers. All patients were fitted with a NEURELEC cochlear implant (CI) device, initially DIGISONIC(®) then DIGISONIC SP(®) (2004-2006). Result Immediately following cochlear implantation, stimulation by the CI resulted in reliable wave III and V eABR waveforms (mean wave III latency 2.23 ± 0.38 ms SD and wave V latency 4.28 ± 0.42 ms SD). Latencies followed an apical to basal gradient (0.32 ms increase in mean eV latency and 0.12 ms for eIII latency). With increasing phase duration, wave III and wave V latencies significantly decreased in association with a shortening of the eIII-eV interwave gap, while amplitudes of both waves increased. Conclusion The impact of increasing phase duration on latency and amplitude of brainstem responses in a large set of patients implanted with NEURELEC CIs was reported.

How to replace codeine after tonsillectomy in children under 12 years of age? Guidelines of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL).

The authors present the guidelines of the French Oto-rhino-laryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) regarding pain management in children and adults following tonsillectomy. A multidisciplinary work group was entrusted with a literature review. Guidelines were drawn up based on the articles retrieved and the group members' experience. They were read over by an editorial group independent of the work group. A coordination meeting drew up the final version. Guidelines were graded A, B or C or as professional agreement in decreasing order of level of evidence. At home, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended in association with paracetamol in elevated respiratory risk and especially obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; in elevated hemorrhagic risk (hemostasis disorder, surgical problems, etc.), tramadol is recommended. Two other treatment schedules (modified NSAIDs and corticosteroids) have not undergone dedicated study and should be assessed. Management of post-tonsillectomy pain in children is founded on individual risk/benefit analysis.

Guidelines (short version) of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) for the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults.

OBJECTIVES: The present clinical practice guidelines cover the entire field of management of post-tonsillectomy pain. Given the French and European regulatory restrictions on the use of codeine, an update appears necessary to clarify the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults. METHOD: A work group approached the issue of pain management, following the chronological pathway from initial consultation to postoperative period. As exhaustive a study of the literature as possible assessed the pain impact of the various surgical techniques and the efficacy of the various analgesia schedules. RESULTS: Guidelines on the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults were drawn up and graded, based on the levels of evidence of selected articles and on work group consensus. The guidelines stress the importance of patient information and seek to harmonize practice, reduce the risk of postoperative complications and above all improve control of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults.

Non-pharmacological treatment of post-tonsillectomy pain.

UNLABELLED: Tonsillectomy is a very frequent procedure, particularly subject to postoperative pain that is considered long lasting and intense. Regulatory changes in the analgesic armamentarium, especially in children, are making the management of post-tonsillectomy pain more difficult. The present article provides an update on non-medical treatments that can be associated to classical analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review of all studies of non-medical management in tonsillectomy and postoperative analgesia, without restrictions of date, was performed on the Pubmed and Embase databases. RESULTS: The treatment modalities described in the 24 selected studies could be categorized as behavioral, local, acupuncture and general. CONCLUSION: Although most studies reported benefit in terms of post-tonsillectomy pain, the small number of studies per category precluded recommendations for current practice. It nevertheless seems useful to consider and assess these techniques, to determine whether they have a role to play in the post-tonsillectomy analgesic armamentarium.

Assessment of chronic childhood dysphonia.

Chronic childhood dysphonia is a common condition in the school-age period. Perceived functional disorder is subjective and the alert is usually given by a person not belonging to the child's immediate environment. History-taking often suggests a malformation or acquired lesion. Functional assessment helps measure and diagnose the vocal impairment. Physical and endoscopic assessment in consultation is the key examination: it is only rarely impossible in children and can often found diagnosis. Additional examinations are sometimes necessary.

[Congenital piriform aperture stenosis and odontogenic disorders]. / Sténose congénitale de l'orifice piriforme et troubles de l'odontogenèse.

PURPOSE: We had for objective to assess odontogenic disorders associated to a congenital piriform aperture stenosis and to study their various presentations. METHODS: Twelve patients presenting with a congenital piriform aperture stenosis, 1 week to 3 months of age, were retrospectively included from 1998 to 2008. All patients underwent an initial CT scan to evaluate the temporary dental germs. RESULTS: Deciduous dental germs were abnormal in 75% of the cases. Thirty-three percent had a single median maxillary central incisor. DISCUSSION: The concept of solitary median maxillary central incisor syndrome makes for a more pathophysiological approach of this type of disease, with various clinical presentations, corresponding to various levels of severity of a same pathological process.