Position paper of diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation laryngitis in 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.

Initial evaluation of a multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive program in a Brazilian hospital: challenges and mitigation strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children evaluated by the pediatric aerodigestive program at the beginning of its activity, describe challenges in follow-up, and suggest mitigation strategies. METHODS: A case series was conducted describing the first 25 patients discussed by the aerodigestive team from a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital between April 2019 and October 2020. The median follow-up was 37 months. RESULTS: During the study period 25 children were seen by the group and the median age at first assessment was 45.7 months old. Eight children had a primary airway abnormality, five had a tracheostomy. Nine children had genetic disorders and one had esophageal atresia. Dysphagia was present in 80% of the patients, 68% had a history of chronic or recurrent lung disease, 64% had a gastroenterological diagnosis and 56% had neurological impairment. Moderate to severe dysphagia was identified in 12 children and 7 of these had an exclusive oral diet at the time. The majority of children (72%) had 3 or more comorbidities. Following team discussion, a change in feeding strategy was suggested in 56% of the children. The most frequently ordered exam was pHmetry (44%) and gastrostomy was the surgical procedure with the longest waiting list. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia was the most frequent issue encountered in this initial group of aerodigestive patients. Pediatricians caring for these children must be involved in aerodigestive team discussions and hospital policies must be revised to facilitate access to exams and procedures needed for this population.

Oral Teratoma with Hairy Polyp-Like Features: A Brief Report of a Rare Presentation.

We present a 21-day-old female child presenting with a large oral epithelialized tumor implanted at the rhinopharynx and ethmoid plate through a cleft palate, associated with feeding and respiratory difficulties. The histopathological exam showed mature central adipose tissue, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and neurovascular structures, lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Proliferative cartilaginous, glandular, lymphatic, bony, and immature myxoid tissue was seen at the posterior region and insertion. Despite the characterization of the tumor as a teratoma containing structures derived from the three embryonic leaflets, the anterior portion presented a microscopic bigeminal pattern fully compatible with hairy polyp.

Initial evaluation of a multidisciplinary pediatric aerodigestive program in a Brazilian hospital: challenges and mitigation strategies

Abstract Objective: To identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children evaluated by the pediatric aerodigestive program at the beginning of its activity, describe challenges in followup, and suggest mitigation strategies. Methods: A case series was conducted describing the first 25 patients discussed by the aerodigestive team from a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital between April 2019 and October 2020. The median follow-up was 37 months. Results: During the study period 25 children were seen by the group and the median age at first assessment was 45.7 months old. Eight children had a primary airway abnormality, five had a tracheostomy. Nine children had genetic disorders and one had esophageal atresia. Dysphagia was present in 80% of the patients, 68% had a history of chronic or recurrent lung disease, 64% had a gastroenterological diagnosis and 56% had neurological impairment. Moderate to severe dysphagia was identified in 12 children and 7 of these had an exclusive oral diet at the time. The majority of children (72%) had 3 or more comorbidities. Following team discussion, a change in feeding strategy was suggested in 56% of the children. The most frequently ordered exam was pHmetry (44%) and gastrostomy was the surgical procedure with the longest waiting list. Conclusions: Dysphagia was the most frequent issue encountered in this initial group of aerodigestive patients. Pediatricians caring for these children must be involved in aerodigestive team discussions and hospital policies must be revised to facilitate access to exams and procedures needed for this population.

Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in Brazil: a national surveys / Manejo do refluxo laringofaríngeo no Brasil: pesquisa nacional

Abstract Introduction: Studies assessing the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux by otolaryngologists have reported an important heterogeneity regarding the definition, diagnosis, and treatment, which leads to discrepancies in the management of the patient. Information about the current knowledge and practices of Brazilian otolaryngologists in laryngopharyngeal reflux is lacking. Objective: To investigate the trends in management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Brazilian otolaryngologists. Methods: A survey was sent by email to the members of the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery. This survey has initially been conducted by the laryngopharyngeal reflux study group of young otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies. Results: According to the survey responders, the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was estimated to be 26.8% of patients consulting in otolaryngology and the most common symptoms were globus sensation, throat clearing, cough and stomach acid reflux. Nasal obstruction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute and chronic otitis media, vocal fold nodules and hemorrhage were considered not associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux by the majority of responders. About 2/3 of Brazilian otolaryngologists based the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the assessment of both symptoms and findings and a positive response to empiric therapeutic trials. Proton pump inhibitor utilized once or twice daily, was the most commonly used therapeutic scheme. Only 21.4% of Brazilian otolaryngologists have heard about nonacid and mixed laryngopharyngeal reflux and the awareness about the usefulness of multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) was minimal; 30.5% of responders did not consider themselves as well-informed about laryngopharyngeal reflux. Conclusion: Although the laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms, main diagnostic and treatment approaches referred by Brazilian otolaryngologists are consistent with the literature, the survey identified some limitations, such as the insufficient awareness of the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in many otolaryngological conditions and of the possibility of non-acid or mixed reflux in refractory cases. Future studies are needed to establish international recommendations for the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

Resumo Introdução: Estudos que avaliaram o manejo do refluxo laringofaríngeo por otorrinolaringologistas mostraram uma importante heterogeneidade em relação à definição, diagnóstico e tratamento, o que leva a discrepâncias no tratamento do paciente. Faltam informações sobre o conhecimento e as práticas atuais dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros sobre o refluxo laringofaríngeo. Objetivo: Investigar as tendências no manejo da doença do refluxo laringofaríngeo entre os otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros. Método: O questionário foi enviado por e-mail aos membros da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia-Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço. Esta pesquisa foi inicialmente conduzida pelo LPR Study Group of Young Otolaryngologists da International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies. Resultados: De acordo com os respondentes da pesquisa, a prevalência de refluxo laringofaríngeo foi estimada em 26,8% dos pacientes consultados e os sintomas mais comuns foram sensação de globus, pigarro, tosse e refluxo de ácido estomacal. Obstrução nasal, disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio, otite média aguda e crônica, nódulos nas pregas vocais e hemorragia foram considerados como não associados ao refluxo laringofaríngeo pela maioria dos respondentes. Cerca de 2/3 dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros basearam o diagnóstico de refluxo laringofaríngeo na avaliação dos sintomas e achados e na resposta positiva a testes terapêuticos empíricos. Inibidores de bomba de prótons uma ou duas vezes ao dia foi o esquema terapêutico mais usado. Somente 21,4% dos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros já ouviram falar sobre refluxo laringofaríngeo não ácido e misto e o conhecimento sobre a utilidade do monitoramento de pH por impedância intraluminal multicanal foi mínimo; 30,5% dos respondentes não se consideraram tão bem informados sobre o refluxo laringofaríngeo. Conclusão: Embora os sintomas relacionados ao refluxo laringofaríngeo e as principais abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas referidas pelos otorrinolaringologistas brasileiros sejam consistentes com a literatura, a pesquisa identificou algumas limitações, como o conhecimento insuficiente do papel do refluxo laringofaríngeo em diversas condições otorrinolaringológicas e da possibilidade de refluxo não ácido ou misto em casos refratários. Estudos futuros são necessários para estabelecer recomendações internacionais para o manejo de doença do refluxo laringofaríngeo.

Congenital laryngeal webs: from diagnosis to surgical outcomes / Membranas laríngeas congênitas: do diagnóstico aos resultados cirúrgicos

Abstract Introduction: Congenital laryngeal webs are rare, may be associated with other airway abnormalities and be one of many features of microdeletion 22q11. Meticulous evaluation is imperative when deciding which surgical technique to use. The choice of appropriate stenting may be decisive to avoid persistent anterior commissure synechia and poor voice results. Objective: To report outcomes for endoscopic and open surgical approaches in the treatment of congenital laryngeal webs and the challenges one may encounter while applying the current classification and deciding for the best treatment option. Methods: Retrospective review of medical and surgical charts for congenital laryngeal webs treated in two tertiary university centers. Results: Seven patients were included; following Cohen's classification there were: three type II webs, one of them with an atypical posterior synechia, two type III webs and two type IV webs. Six patients were submitted to laryngotracheal reconstruction and one was treated with an endoscopic approach. Description of precise glottic and subglottic involvement and tailored surgical options are presented. The LT mold® stent was used for long-term stenting that varied between 40 to 60 days. All patients were successfully decannulated with good voice quality and after follow-up of over one year, there were no complications associated with the surgeries. Conclusion: Congenital laryngeal webs should be suspected and thoroughly evaluated in the presence of neonatal dysphonia and early onset of laryngitis. Otolaryngologists must be familiar with associated lesions and genetic conditions that may be associated to congenital laryngeal webs. Congenital laryngeal webs may be successfully treated at an early age. The correct choice of surgical technique after meticulous evaluation of glottic and subglottic components of the web, presence of concomitant lesions and appropriate stenting, is imperative to avoid persistent scarring and poor voice quality.

Resumo Introdução: As membranas laríngeas congênitas são raras, podem estar associadas a outras anormalidades das vias aéreas e ser uma das muitas características da microdeleção 22q11. A avaliação cuidadosa é imprescindível na decisão de qual técnica cirúrgica deve ser usada. A escolha do stent apropriado pode ser decisiva para evitar sinéquia persistente da comissura anterior e maus resultados vocais. Objetivo: Relatar os resultados das abordagens cirúrgicas abertas e endoscópicas no tratamento das membranas laríngeas congênitas e os desafios que podem ser encontrados ao aplicar a classificação atual e decidir a melhor opção de tratamento. Método: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários médicos e cirúrgicos de membranas laríngeas congênitas tratadas em dois centros universitários terciários. Resultados: Sete pacientes foram incluídos, de acordo com a classificação de Cohen: três membranas do tipo II, uma delas com sinéquia posterior atípica, duas membranas do tipo III e duas membranas do tipo IV. Seis pacientes foram submetidos à reconstrução laringotraqueal e um foi tratado por abordagem endoscópica. Descrição precisa do envolvimento glótico e subglótico e opções cirúrgicas personalizadas são apresentadas. O stent utilizado foi o LT mold® e o período variou entre 40 e 60 dias. Todos os pacientes foram decanulados com boa qualidade de voz e o seguimento foi superior a um ano, não houve complicações associadas às cirurgias. Conclusão: As membranas laríngeas congênitas devem ser suspeitadas e avaliadas minuciosamente na presença de disfonia neonatal e laringite de início precoce. Os otorrinolaringologistas devem estar familiarizados com lesões associadas e condições genéticas que podem estar associadas a membranas laríngeas congênitas. As membranas laríngeas congênitas são tratadas com sucesso em idades precoces. A escolha da técnica cirúrgica após avaliação meticulosa dos componentes glóticos e subglóticos da membrana, presença de lesões concomitantes e uso do stent adequado é imprescindível para evitar cicatrizes persistentes e má qualidade da voz.

Evaluation of Voice After Open Airway Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review.

Objective: This review aims to describe the methods used to assess the vocal quality and quality of life of children after airway reconstruction and their limitations. Data Sources: A systematic review was carried out in 10 databases for articles published between 2000 and 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Review Methods: Articles were included that described perceptual voice assessment with or without acoustic measures and/or voice quality impact questionnaires. Articles with no description of a specific voice assessment were excluded. Results: A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 263 patients. The mean age at evaluation was 9 years. Follow-up varied from 5 months to 20 years with most patients being evaluated at least a year after surgery. Methods used to evaluate voice were perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic analysis and quality of life questionnaires. CAPE-V (Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation-Voice) was the most used auditory-perceptual instrument (72.7%). Of the acoustic parameters, fundamental frequency and maximum phonation time were the most described (58.3%), and among the quality of life assessment questionnaires, pVHI (Pediatric Voice Handicap Index) was the most used (54.5%). Conclusion: Multidimensional evaluations tailored to the individual child can be recommended after open airway surgery. CAPE-V scale, fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, and pVHI are the most frequently used methods; therefore, their use may help broaden communication among authors. In the multitude of methods available, cognitive ability and degree of voice disturbance should be considered since they are the most important limiting factors in this population.

Voice outcomes and its impact on quality of life after open airway surgery in children.

INTRODUCTION: Open airway surgery is used to treat severe grades of laryngotracheal stenosis in children. Scarring of the airway following these procedures may lead to voice impairment and impact quality of life. This study was designed to characterize vocal outcome in children submitted reconstructive airway surgery and verify how this correlates to voice related quality of life in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children submitted to open airway surgery that had been decannulated for a minimum of 30 days and had functional speech were invited to participate. Pediatric Voice-Related Quality-of-Life survey (PVRQoL) was applied, consensus auditory perceptive of voice (CAPE-V) protocol was used for perceptual voice evaluation and acoustic analysis was performed using Praat software. RESULTS: Twenty children were enrolled in the study with an average age of 4 years and 8 months. Averages for PVRQoL exceeded normative values in 80% of the children. Half of the children had normal voice or mild dysphonia and half had moderate dysphonia, according to perceptual evaluation. Measures of F0, jitter and particularly shimmer were abnormal in most of the children. CONCLUSION: Voice quality varies from normal to moderately impaired in children following reconstructive airway surgery. Voice quality impacts quality of life in the majority of cases and the degree of dysphonia does not always correlate with voice related quality of life scores.

Congenital laryngeal webs: from diagnosis to surgical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital laryngeal webs are rare, may be associated with other airway abnormalities and be one of many features of microdeletion 22q11. Meticulous evaluation is imperative when deciding which surgical technique to use. The choice of appropriate stenting may be decisive to avoid persistent anterior commissure synechia and poor voice results. OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes for endoscopic and open surgical approaches in the treatment of congenital laryngeal webs and the challenges one may encounter while applying the current classification and deciding for the best treatment option. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical and surgical charts for congenital laryngeal webs treated in two tertiary university centers. RESULTS: Seven patients were included; following Cohen's classification there were: three type II webs, one of them with an atypical posterior synechia, two type III webs and two type IV webs. Six patients were submitted to laryngotracheal reconstruction and one was treated with an endoscopic approach. Description of precise glottic and subglottic involvement and tailored surgical options are presented. The LT mold® stent was used for long-term stenting that varied between 40 to 60 days. All patients were successfully decannulated with good voice quality and after follow-up of over one year, there were no complications associated with the surgeries. CONCLUSION: Congenital laryngeal webs should be suspected and thoroughly evaluated in the presence of neonatal dysphonia and early onset of laryngitis. Otolaryngologists must be familiar with associated lesions and genetic conditions that may be associated to congenital laryngeal webs. Congenital laryngeal webs may be successfully treated at an early age. The correct choice of surgical technique after meticulous evaluation of glottic and subglottic components of the web, presence of concomitant lesions and appropriate stenting, is imperative to avoid persistent scarring and poor voice quality.

Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in Brazil: a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: Studies assessing the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux by otolaryngologists have reported an important heterogeneity regarding the definition, diagnosis, and treatment, which leads to discrepancies in the management of the patient. Information about the current knowledge and practices of Brazilian otolaryngologists in laryngopharyngeal reflux is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the trends in management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Brazilian otolaryngologists. METHODS: A survey was sent by email to the members of the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery. This survey has initially been conducted by the laryngopharyngeal reflux study group of young otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies. RESULTS: According to the survey responders, the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux was estimated to be 26.8% of patients consulting in otolaryngology and the most common symptoms were globus sensation, throat clearing, cough and stomach acid reflux. Nasal obstruction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute and chronic otitis media, vocal fold nodules and hemorrhage were considered not associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux by the majority of responders. About 2/3 of Brazilian otolaryngologists based the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the assessment of both symptoms and findings and a positive response to empiric therapeutic trials. Proton pump inhibitor utilized once or twice daily, was the most commonly used therapeutic scheme. Only 21.4% of Brazilian otolaryngologists have heard about nonacid and mixed laryngopharyngeal reflux and the awareness about the usefulness of multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) was minimal; 30.5% of responders did not consider themselves as well-informed about laryngopharyngeal reflux. CONCLUSION: Although the laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms, main diagnostic and treatment approaches referred by Brazilian otolaryngologists are consistent with the literature, the survey identified some limitations, such as the insufficient awareness of the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux in many otolaryngological conditions and of the possibility of non-acid or mixed reflux in refractory cases. Future studies are needed to establish international recommendations for the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

IVORY Guidelines (Instructional Videos in Otorhinolaryngology by YO-IFOS): A Consensus on Surgical Videos in Ear, Nose, and Throat.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Otolaryngology instructional videos available online are often of poor quality. The objective of this article was to establish international consensus recommendations for the production of educational surgical videos in otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: DELPHI survey. METHODS: Twenty-seven international respondents participated in this study from 12 countries. Consensus was reached after three rounds of questionnaires following the Delphi methodology. The proposals having reached the 80% agreement threshold in the third round were retained. RESULTS: The main recommendations are as follows: 1) Ethics: patients must be anonymized and unrecognizable (apart from plastic surgery if necessary). A signed authorization must be obtained if the person is recognizable. 2) Technical aspects: videos should be edited and in high-definition (HD) quality if possible. Narration or subtitles and didactic illustrations are recommended. 3) Case presentation: name of pathology and procedure must be specified; the case should be presented with relevant workup. 4) Surgery: surgical procedures should be divided into several distinct stages and include tips and pitfalls. Pathology should be shown if relevant. Key points should be detailed at the end of the procedure. 5) Organ-specific: type of approach and bilateral audiometry should be specified in otology. Coronal plane computed tomography scans should be shown in endonasal surgery. It is recommended to show pre- and postoperative videos in voice surgery and preoperative drawings and photos of scars in plastic surgery, as well as the ventilation method in airway surgery. CONCLUSIONS: International recommendations have been determined to assist in the creation and standardization of educational surgical videos in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 131:E732-E737, 2021.

International registry of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: It has become clear that healthcare workers are at high risk, and otolaryngology has been theorized to be among the highest risk specialties for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to detail the international impact of COVID-19 among otolaryngologists, and to identify instructional cases. METHODS: Country representatives of the Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otolaryngologic Societies (YO-IFOS) surveyed otolaryngologists through various channels. Nationwide surveys were distributed in 19 countries. The gray literature and social media channels were searched to identify reported deaths of otolaryngologists from COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 361 otolaryngologists were identified to have had COVID-19, and data for 325 surgeons was available for analysis. The age range was 25 to 84 years, with one-half under the age of 44 years. There were 24 deaths in the study period, with 83% over age 55 years. Source of infection was likely clinical activity in 175 (54%) cases. Prolonged exposure to a colleague was the source for 37 (11%) surgeons. Six instructional cases were identified where infections occurred during the performance of aerosol-generating operations (tracheostomy, mastoidectomy, epistaxis control, dacryocystorhinostomy, and translabyrinthine resection). In 3 of these cases, multiple operating room attendees were infected, and in 2, the surgeon succumbed to complications of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The etiology of reported cases within the otolaryngology community appear to stem equally from clinical activity and community spread. Multiple procedures performed by otolaryngologists are aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and great care should be taken to protect the surgical team before, during, and after these operations.

Processamento auditivo central em crianças com disfonia: avaliação comportamental e eletrofisiológica / Central auditory processing in children with dysphonia: behavioral and electrophysiological assessment / Procesamiento auditivo central en niños com disfonía: evaluación comportamental y electrofisiológica

Introdução: O transtorno do processamento auditivo central pode ocorrer em concomitância com outras alterações, assim como a disfonia. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados obtidos na avaliação do processamento auditivo central em crianças com disfonia. Método: Estudo comparativo e de coorte transversal, constituído por 16 crianças de oito a 11 anos reunidas em dois grupos: o Grupo Estudo composto por sete crianças com disfonia funcional ou organofuncional, e o Grupo Controle por nove crianças sem queixas e alterações vocais. Foram realizados os seguintes procedimentos: anamnese, gravação vocal, avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz, laringoscopia, avaliação audiológica básica, avaliação do processamento auditivo por meio de testes comportamentais e eletrofisiológicos. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos para as etapas de atenção direcionada no teste Dicótico não verbal, etapa de humming no Padrão de frequência, limiar de detecção de gap e porcentagem de acertos no Gaps in Noise e para a latência do P300. Conclusão: A partir da análise dos resultados verificou-se que o grupo com disfonia apresentou transtorno do processamento auditivo central com alteração nas habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo para sons não verbais, ordenação e resolução temporal e latência do P300 prolongada, sugerindo também um déficit no processamento cognitivo da informação acústica.

Introduction: Central auditory processing disorder may occur in parallel with other dysfunctions, such as dysphonia. Objective: To investigate auditory processing results in children with dysphonia. Methods: Comparative and cross-sectional study of 16 children aged 8 to 11 years old, who were divided into two groups: a study group of 7 children with functional or organic and functional dysphonia; and a control group of 9 children with no vocal complaints or disorders. After clinical assessment voices were recorded and children underwent perceptive voice evaluation, audiogram, and auditory processing with behavioral and electrophysiological tests. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups with regard to dichotic nonverbal listening tests, humming in the frequency pattern test, and gap detection threshold, in addition to the percentage of correct answers in gap-in-noise test and for the P300 latency. Conclusion: Children with dysphonia had central auditory processing disorder with changes in listening skills for figure-ground to nonverbal sounds, ordering and temporal resolution and P300 latency suggesting a concomitant impairment in cognitive processing of acoustic information.

Introducción: El trastorno de procesamiento auditivo central puede estar en comorbilidad con otras alteraciones como la disfonía. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación del procesamiento auditivo central en niños con disfonía. Métodos: Estudio comparativo y de corte transversal, constituido por 16 niños entre 8 y 11 años de edad reunidos en dos grupos: el Grupo de Estudio compuesto por siete niños con disfonía funcional u orgánico funcional y el Grupo Control compuesto por nueve niños sin quejas ni alteraciones vocales. Fueron realizados los siguientes procedimientos: Anamnesis, grabación vocal, evaluación perceptivo auditiva de la voz, laringoscopia, evaluación audiológica básica, evaluación del procesamiento auditivo por medio de tests comportamentales y electrofisiológicos. Resultados: Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos para las etapas de atención direccionada en el test Dicótico no verbal, etapa de humming en el Patrón de frecuencia, limiar de detección de gap y porcentaje de aciertos en el Gaps in Noise y para la latencia del P300. Conclusión: A partir del análisis de los resultados se verificó que el grupo con disfonía presentó trastorno de procesamiento auditivo central con alteración en las habilidades auditivas de figura-fondo para los sonidos no verbales, ordenamiento, resolución temporal y latencia del P300 prolongada; sugiriendo también un déficit en el procesamiento cognitivo de la información acústica.

An update on COVID-19 for the otorhinolaryngologist - a Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery (ABORL-CCF) Position Statement / Atualização sobre o COVID-19 para o otorrinolaringologista - um documento sobre a posição da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial (ABORL-CCF)

Abstract Introduction: We are facing a pandemic with a great impact worldwide, as a result of the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The medical community is still getting to know behavior of this virus and the consequences from a population point of view. All this knowledge is extremely dynamic, so some behaviors are still not well established. Otorhinolaryngologists have a central role in the management of this situation, in which they must assess the patient, avoid contamination to and by health professionals and other patients. Thus, the recommendations of the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervical-Facial Surgery (ABORL-CCF) have the main objective of reducing the spread of the new coronavirus during otorhinolaryngological care and assisting in the management of these patients. Methods: Review of the main recommendations of national and international scientific societies, decisions by government agencies and class councils. The topics will be related to the general aspects of COVID-19, personal protective equipment, care in patient assistance, endoscopic exam routines and the management of sinonasal, otological and pediatric evaluations related to COVID-19. Results: The use of personal protective equipment is considered crucial in routine ENT care. We recommend postponing appointments, exams and elective surgeries to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Similarly, we recommend changing routines in several areas of otolaryngology. Additionally, guidance is provided on the use of telemedicine resources during the pandemic period. Conclusions: We are still at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and scientific evidence is still scarce and incomplete, so these ABORL-CCF recommendations for otorhinolaryngologists may be updated based on new knowledge and the pattern of the new coronavirus spread.

Resumo: Introdução: Estamos diante de uma pandemia de grande impacto mundial como resultado da rápida propagação do novo coronavírus, COVID-19. A comunidade médica está ainda conhecendo o comportamento desse vírus e as repercussões do ponto de vista populacional. Todo esse conhecimento é extremamente dinâmico, por isso algumas condutas ainda não estão bem estabelecidas. O otorrinolaringologista tem um papel central no manejo dessa situação em que deve avaliar o paciente e evitar a contaminação dos profissionais da saúde e dos demais pacientes. Dessa forma, as recomendações da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial (ABORL-CCF) têm por objetivo principal reduzir a propagação do novo coronavírus durante o atendimento otorrinolaringológico e auxiliar no manejo desses pacientes. Método: Revisão das principais recomendações das sociedades científicas nacionais, internacionais, decisões de órgãos governamentais e de conselhos de classe. Os tópicos serão relativos aos aspectos gerais do COVID-19, equipamentos de proteção individual, cuidados no atendimento ao paciente, as rotinas dos exames endoscópicos e o manejo de aspectos nasossinusais, otológicos e pediátricos relacionados ao COVID-19. Resultados: É considerado crucial o uso de equipamento de proteção individual no atendimento otorrinolaringológico de rotina. Recomendamos postergar atendimentos, exames e cirurgias eletivas para diminuir a propagação do COVID-19. Da mesma forma, recomendamos mudança de rotinas em diversas áreas da otorrinolaringologia. Além disso, orientações sobre o uso do recurso da telemedicina durante o período de vigência da pandemia. Conclusões: Estamos ainda no início da pandemia do COVID-19 e as evidências científicas são ainda escassas, por isso essas recomendações da ABORL-CCF para os otorrinolaringologistas podem sofrer atualizações baseadas nos novos conhecimentos e no padrão de disseminação do novo coronavírus.

An update on COVID-19 for the otorhinolaryngologist - a Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery (ABORL-CCF) Position Statement.

INTRODUCTION: We are facing a pandemic with a great impact worldwide, as a result of the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The medical community is still getting to know behavior of this virus and the consequences from a population point of view. All this knowledge is extremely dynamic, so some behaviors are still not well established. Otorhinolaryngologists have a central role in the management of this situation, in which they must assess the patient, avoid contamination to and by health professionals and other patients. Thus, the recommendations of the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervical-Facial Surgery (ABORL-CCF) have the main objective of reducing the spread of the new coronavirus during otorhinolaryngological care and assisting in the management of these patients. METHODS: Review of the main recommendations of national and international scientific societies, decisions by government agencies and class councils. The topics will be related to the general aspects of COVID-19, personal protective equipment, care in patient assistance, endoscopic exam routines and the management of sinonasal, otological and pediatric evaluations related to COVID-19. RESULTS: The use of personal protective equipment is considered crucial in routine ENT care. We recommend postponing appointments, exams and elective surgeries to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Similarly, we recommend changing routines in several areas of otolaryngology. Additionally, guidance is provided on the use of telemedicine resources during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: We are still at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and scientific evidence is still scarce and incomplete, so these ABORL-CCF recommendations for otorhinolaryngologists may be updated based on new knowledge and the pattern of the new coronavirus spread.

Pediatric airway reconstruction: results after implementation of an airway team in Brazil / Reconstrução de vias aéreas pediátricas: resultados após a implantação de uma equipe de vias aéreas no Brasil

Abstract Introduction Since development of pediatric intensive care units, children have increasingly and appropriately been treated for complex surgical conditions such as laryngotracheal stenosis. Building coordinated airway teams to achieve acceptable results is still a challenge. Objective To describe patient demographics and surgical outcomes during the first 8 years of a pediatric airway reconstruction team. Methods Retrospective chart review of children submitted to open airway reconstruction in a tertiary university healthcare facility during the first eight years of an airway team formation. Results In the past 8 years 43 children underwent 52 open airway reconstructions. The median age at surgery was 4.1 years of age. Over half of the children (55.8%) had at least one comorbidity and over 80% presented Grade III and Grade IV subglottic stenosis. Other airway anomalies occurred in 34.8% of the cases. Surgeries performed were: partial and extended cricotracheal resections in 50% and laryngotracheoplasty with anterior and/or posterior grafts in 50%. Postoperative dilatation was needed in 34.15% of the patients. Total decannulation rate in this population during the 8-year period was 86% with 72% being decannulated after the first procedure. Average follow-up was 13.6 months. Initial grade of stenosis was predictive of success for the first surgery (p = 0.0085), 7 children were submitted to salvage surgeries. Children with comorbidities had 2.5 greater odds (95% CI 1.2-4.9, p = 0.0067) of unsuccessful surgery. Age at first surgery and presence of other airway anomalies were not significantly associated with success. Conclusions The overall success rate was 86%. Failures were associated with higher grades of stenosis and presence of comorbidities, but not with patient age or concomitant airway anomalies.

Resumo Introdução: Com o desenvolvimento de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica, o tratamento de crianças para situações cirúrgicas complexas, como a estenose laringotraqueal, tem sido cada vez mais adequado. Montar equipes coordenadas de via aérea para alcançar resultados aceitáveis ainda é um desafio. Objetivo: Descrever os dados demográficos e os resultados cirúrgicos dos pacientes durante os primeiros oito anos de uma equipe de reconstrução de via aérea pediátrica. Método: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de crianças submetidas à reconstrução aberta de via aérea em uma unidade de saúde universitária de nível terciário durante os primeiros oito anos de desenvolvimento de uma equipe de vias aéreas. Resultados: Nos últimos 8 anos, 43 crianças foram submetidas a 52 reconstruções abertas de vias aéreas. A mediana de idade na cirurgia foi de 4,1 anos. Mais da metade das crianças (55,8%) apresentavam pelo menos uma comorbidade e mais de 80% apresentavam estenose subglótica Grau III e Grau IV. Outras anomalias das vias aéreas ocorreram em 34,8% dos casos. As cirurgias feitas foram: ressecções cricotraqueais parciais e estendidas em 50% e laringotraqueoplastia com enxertos anterior e/ou posterior em 50%. A dilatação pós-operatória foi necessária em 34,15% dos pacientes. A taxa de decanulação total nesta população durante o período de 8 anos foi de 86%, com 72% dos pacientes decanulados após o primeiro procedimento. O seguimento médio foi de 13,6 meses. O grau inicial de estenose foi preditivo de sucesso para a primeira cirurgia (p = 0,0085), 7 crianças foram submetidas a cirurgias de resgate. Crianças com comorbidades apresentaram uma probabilidade 2,5 vezes maior (IC95% 1,2-4,9, p = 0,0067) de cirurgias sem sucesso. A idade na primeira cirurgia e a presença de outras anomalias das vias aéreas não foram significantemente associadas ao sucesso. Conclusões: A taxa global de sucesso foi de 86%. As falhas foram associadas a graus maiores de estenose e a presença de comorbidades, mas não com a idade do paciente ou anomalias concomitantes das vias aéreas.

Pediatric airway tumors: A report from the International Network of Pediatric Airway Teams (INPAT).

OBJECTIVE: Primary tracheobronchial tumors (PTTs) are rare heterogeneous lesions arising from any part of the tracheobronchial tree. Nonspecific symptoms may lead to delayed diagnosis that requires more aggressive surgical treatment. An analysis of cases collected by the International Network of Pediatric Airway Team was undertaken to ensure proper insight into the behavior and management of PTTs. METHODS: Patients <18 years of age with a histological confirmation of PTT diagnosed from 2000 to 2015 were included in this multicenter international retrospective study. Medical records, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. The patient presentation, tumor management, and clinical course were compared between malignant and benign histotypes. Clinical and surgical variables that might influence event-free survival were considered. RESULTS: Among the 78 children identified, PTTs were more likely to be malignant than benign; bronchial carcinoid tumor (n = 31; 40%) was the most common histological subtype, followed by inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (n = 19; 25%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 15; 19%). Regarding symptoms at presentation, wheezing (P = 0.001) and dyspnea (P = 0.03) were more often associated with benign growth, whereas hemoptysis was more frequently associated with malignancy (P = 0.042). Factors that significantly worsened event-free survival were age at diagnosis earlier than 112 months (P = 0.0035) and duration of symptoms lasting more than 2 months (P = 0.0029). CONCLUSION: The results of this international study provide important information regarding the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of PTTs in children, casting new light on the biological behavior of PTTs to ensure appropriate treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 130:E243-E251, 2020.