Outcome of tonsillotomy in children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Most children treated for obstructive sleep disordered breathing (oSDB) are not systematically assessed by polysomnography (PSG) nor by structuredsymptom quantification before surgical treatment. The main objective of this study wasto investigate the effect of adeno-tonsillotomy (ATO) on symptom burden and PSGparameters. METHODS: Children aged 2-10 years with oSDB were selected for ATO based uponclinical findings according to current standards of care in Denmark. Each childunderwent standardized assessment before and 3 months after surgery, including aPSG, tonsil size assessment, and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire -Sleep RelatedBreathing Disorder (PSQ) to quantify symptom burden. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)was defined as an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) ≥2/h. Successfultreatment was defined as post-surgery oAHI ≤5/h, and complete cure as oAHI ≤2/h. RESULTS: Fifty-two children were included. Mean age was 5.0 years (SD ± 1.76). Thirteen children were identified with baseline oAHI <2/h. Significant improvement inOSA severity was observed in children with moderate-to-severe OSA, in whom oAHI decreased from 15.7/h to 2.6/h (p < 0.001). Treatment success was obtained in 85% and cure was obtained in 42% of children. PSQ-score significantly improved from 0.52 (CI 0.47-0.56) to 0.26 (CI 0.21-0.32) (p < 0.001). Baseline OSA severity was notcorrelated to baseline symptom burden nor to symptom relief after ATO. There were noserious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Adeno-tonsillotomy significantly reduced symptom burden in otherwise healthy children with oSDB symptoms. Significant improvement in oAHI was observedonly in children with moderate-to-severe OSA. We recommend combining clinicalevaluation with PSQ and oAHI.

Autofluorescence-guided hemithyroidectomy in a low-volume thyroid institution with no experience in parathyroid surgery: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that low-volume surgeons with no experience in parathyroid surgery are at increased risk of causing parathyroid gland damage during thyroid surgery. The aim of this RCT was to evaluate the impact of using autofluorescence in hemithyroidectomy on parathyroid gland identification and preservation in a low-volume institution with no experience in parathyroid surgery. METHODS: Patients referred for hemithyroidectomy were randomized 1 : 1 to either autofluorescence-guided hemithyroidectomy (the near-infrared autofluorescence group) or conventional hemithyroidectomy (the control group). The primary outcome was parathyroid gland identification rate. Secondary outcomes were the rate of parathyroid gland autotransplantation and the rate of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were randomized to either autofluorescence-guided hemithyroidectomy (84 patients) or conventional hemithyroidectomy (86 patients). In the near-infrared autofluorescence group, 81.0% of parathyroid glands were identified, compared with 57.0% in the control group (P < 0.001). Autofluorescence enabled parathyroid gland visualization before the naked eye in 46.3% of cases. Surgeons had lower confidence in the parathyroid gland identification process in the control group than in the near-infrared autofluorescence group (59.1% versus 87.5% respectively; P < 0.001). In the near-infrared autofluorescence group, the parathyroid gland autotransplantation rate was initially high, but declined over time. There was no difference in the rate of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision. CONCLUSION: Autofluorescence guidance significantly improved the parathyroid gland identification rate in hemithyroidectomy in a low-volume institution with no experience in parathyroid surgery and provided an increase in surgical confidence. The pattern of parathyroid gland autotransplantation in autofluorescence-guided surgery indicates the presence of a learning curve. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05044351 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Damage to the parathyroid glands is common during thyroid surgery. The main reason for that is that they can be difficult to see during surgery. The aim of this study was to see if the use of a new near-infrared camera during thyroid surgery could make it easier to see the parathyroid glands. Patients, where removal of part of their thyroid gland was planned, were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the first group, the near-infrared camera was used, whereas it was not used in the other group. When the near-infrared camera was used, more parathyroid glands were found and the surgeons felt more secure in their handling of parathyroid glands.

Hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy: high rates at a low-volume, non-parathyroid institution.

Background: Hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy is globally the most common complication to thyroid surgery. The reported complication rates vary widely and might be highly dependent on the surgical experience. In this study we aimed to evaluate the rate of hypoparathyroidism following primary total thyroidectomy at a low-volume institution that only performs thyroid surgery and does not have any experience with parathyroid surgery. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. All patients undergoing primary total thyroidectomy at the ENT-Department, Goedstrup Hospital, Denmark, over a 5-year period (2016-2020) were identified through the procedure codes for total thyroidectomy. Medical records, pathology reports, biochemical and medical histories were fully assessed for each patient. The primary endpoint was the rate of hypoparathyroidism- both immediate and permanent. Secondary outcomes were parathyroid gland identification rates, rates of parathyroid gland autotransplantation, and rates of inadvertent parathyroid gland excision. Results: A total of 89 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 33 patients (37.1%) experienced immediate hypoparathyroidism following surgery, while 30 patients (33.7%) still were on active vitamin D two months postoperatively. One year following surgery, 28 patients (31.5%) were still on active vitamin D and were considered as having permanent hypoparathyroidism. Sixty-one percent of the parathyroid glands were identified intraoperatively, and 19% of the patients experienced parathyroid autotransplantation. Inadvertent parathyroid gland excision occurred for 21% of the patients and was associated with a significantly increased risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism (RR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.36 - 6.62, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy at a low-volume, non-parathyroid institution occurred with much higher frequencies than previously reported. The elevated rates were most likely due to the low-volume, non-parathyroid nature of the surgeons which in part was mirrored in low parathyroid gland identifications rates, and high rates of autotransplantation and inadvertent parathyroid gland excision.

Graphene oxide-induced, reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis: high-dose toxicity in normal cells.

Aim: The cytotoxic effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) using MTT assays, observance of apoptotic markers, and oxidative stress were outlined. Materials & methods: Rat embryonic fibroblasts (REFs) and human epithelial breast cells (HBLs) were used at 250, 500 and 750 µg/ml concentrations. Results: Significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed. Analyses of CYP2E1 and malondialdehyde concentrations in REF and HBL-100 cell lines after exposing to GONPs confirmed the nanomaterials toxicity. However, the glutathione levels in REF and HBL-100 cell lines showed a substantial reduction compared with the control. The cytochrome CYP2E1, glutathione, malondialdehyde and caspase-3 alterations provided a plausible interlinked relationship. Conclusion: The study confirmed the GONPs cytotoxic effects on REF and HBL-100 cell lines. The outcome suggested caution in wide-spread applications of GONPs, which could have implications for occupational health also.

Pediatric type 1 tympanoplasty - Does age matter?

INTRODUCTION: Tympanic membrane perforations might have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life, especially in the pediatric population. Surgery is therefore often required. The most adequate age for surgery remains unclear and is debated in the current literature. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of type I tympanoplasty in children and examine the impact of age on surgical outcome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. All patients under the age of 18 undergoing type I tympanoplasty at Regional Hospital West Jutland, Denmark, from 1/1-2013 to 31/12-2017 had their medical files reviewed. The primary endpoint of interest was tympanic membrane closure rate six months following surgery, i.e. surgical success. Secondary outcomes were air-bone-gap reduction and the correlation between age and surgical success. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients undergoing 197 procedures met the predefined criteria. Age at the time of surgery ranged between five and 17 years. Mean age at the time of surgery was 10.1 years (95% CI 9.1-11.2). Surgical success was achieved in 91,3% of the cases. No correlation between age and surgical success was found. Mean air-bone gap was reduced from 19.8 dB (95% CI 18.5-21.0) preoperatively, to 6.9 dB (95% CI 6.1-7.7) at follow-up, p < 0.05. Air-bone gaps ≤10 dB at follow-up were achieved in 155 of the cases (78.6%). Postoperative infection seemed to increase the risk of surgical failure, RR 2.80 ((95% CI 1.06-7.38), p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Type 1 tympanoplasty in children is an effective treatment in terms of achieving an intact tympanic membrane and improved hearing. No correlation could be found between age and surgical success. Postoperative infection influences surgical outcome negatively.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To study pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in women with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and in controls. DESIGN: Register-based retrospective cohort study of women aged 16-44 years with a diagnosis of PHPT with age- and gender-matched non-exposed controls in Denmark. METHODS: The patients and controls were identified using the Danish National Hospital Discharge Register for the period 1977-2010. The outcomes were determined using the Birth Register, the Abortion Register and the LPR (National Hospital Discharge Register). The primary outcome was the relative risk of abortions in patients compared with controls. RESULTS: A total of 1057 women with PHPT and 3171 controls were identified. The number of women giving birth and experiencing abortions did not differ between the two groups (live births, P=0.21 and abortions, P=0.12). Also birth weight, length, Apgar score, and gestation length at abortion did not differ. Within the first year after the diagnosis was made, gestation length was lower in women with PHPT than that in controls. However, this was linked to more deliveries by caesarian sections. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of PHPT did not seem to increase the rate of abortions in our study. Reducing the abortion risk may therefore not be an indication for parathyroidectomy during pregnancy in patients with mild PHPT. The PHPT diagnosis does not seem to affect birth weight, length and Apgar score. The higher number of deliveries by cesarean section after the diagnosis was made may be associated with lower gestation age. The strategy for delivery should be carefully considered in pregnant women with PHPT.

Increasing incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in Denmark.

INTRODUCTION: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with different epidemiological patterns among countries. In Denmark, the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism was last described in 1999 when it was reported to follow an increasing trend. In the present study, we evaluated trends in the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in Denmark up to 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism from 1977 to 2010 were included. Annual incidence rates were calculated. RESULTS: The overall incidence was clearly increased at the end of 2010 with an annual rate of 16 per 100,000. Following a cyclic curve, year-to-year incidence rates were fluctuating. During the entire period, the incidence was higher in women than in men. Furthermore, in women above the age of 50 years, a five-fold increase in incidence was observed, while there was no difference in the increase among men above the age of 50 years compared with men under the age of 50 years. CONCLUSION: The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in Denmark continues its remarkable rise. The overall increase in incidence may be the result of more frequent plasma calcium measurements as well as the prevailing obesity epidemic. The dramatic increase in incidence observed among women over the age of 50 years requires further studies. The causes of the cyclic trend observed are uncertain, as no seasonal variation was seen. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.