Yeast colonization of voice prostheses: pilot study investigating effect of a bovine milk product containing anti-Candida albicans immunoglobulin A antibodies on yeast colonization and valve leakage.

OBJECTIVES: Our goals were to determine whether a bovine milk product containing anti-Candida albicans immunoglobulin A antibodies ("immune milk") could reduce the adherence of C albicans to voice prosthesis silicone in vitro, and whether administration of the milk could reduce C albicans colonization and voice prosthesis damage in vivo. METHODS: An in vitro assay of C albicans attachment to silicone was developed with radiolabeled C albicans. A pilot crossover in vivo trial, over 3 periods of 3 months, was also undertaken for 4 patients with voice prostheses, comparing daily administrations of immune milk and a control milk product. The prosthesis valves were replaced at each changeover and were assessed for wet weight of removable biofilm, yeast numbers in removable biofilm, valve leakage, and valve damage. RESULTS: Immune milk inhibited C albicans adherence to silicone in vitro. However, in a small clinical pilot study, this effect was not replicated. CONCLUSIONS: There is scope to further investigate the topical use of immune milk for management of voice prosthesis biofilms.

Worldwide, multicenter study of peristomal geometry and morphology in laryngectomees and its clinical effects.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to improve attachment of automatic tracheostoma valves, the knowledge on tracheostoma geometry, and its clinical influences preferred. This article investigates whether the number of removed trachea rings, incision of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, neck dissection, reconstruction, time after operation, and age have any effect on the (peri)stomal geometry of the patient. METHODS: (Peri)stomas of 191 patients from 10 institutes worldwide were photographed, measured, and compared. RESULTS: Paired comparisons between the number of trachea rings removed showed significant differences in horizontal and vertical trachea-opening diameters, but failed to demonstrate an effect in the depth of the stoma. T tests did not demonstrate significant differences in peristomal geometry between the sternocleidomastoid-cleaved and non-cleaved group. CONCLUSION: The number of removed tracheal rings during laryngectomy does not seem to influence stoma depth. However, this study does not demonstrate that cleaving the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) at the time of a laryngectomy will result in a geometrically flatter stoma.

Candida albicans binds to saliva proteins selectively adsorbed to silicone.

Explanted voice prostheses obtained from 5 patients at the time of prosthesis replacement were consistently colonized by yeast, in particular Candida albicans. A simple, reproducible, in vitro model of C. albicans adherence to saliva-coated voice prosthesis silicone was developed. Whole saliva promoted adherence of C. albicans to silicone in a dose-dependent manner. Saliva rinses from voice prosthesis patients also promoted binding of C. albicans to silicone in vitro (mean adherence 14.9% +/- 2.8% of input C. albicans cells). This was significantly higher than C. albicans adherence to silicone in the absence of saliva (P < .001) or adherence promoted by saliva rinses from healthy volunteers (P < .005). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and a blot overlay adherence assay revealed that certain salivary proteins were selectively adsorbed to silicone and that C. albicans yeast cells adhered specifically to the adsorbed salivary proteins.

Botulinum toxin type-A (Botox-A) injections for treatment of sialorrhoea in adults: a New Zealand study.

AIM: We report our initial experience using Botox-A injection to the salivary glands to control sialorrhoea. METHODS: Eight adult patients with significant sialorrhoea were referred from an inpatient rehabilitation unit, GP referral, and internal medicine department. All subjects underwent bilateral submandibular gland injections and, in addition, one patient (the first) also had intraparotid injections. Injections were performed with ultrasound guidance at Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand. Six patients received a total of 30 Units and two patients received 60 Units in the submandibular glands without any complications. Outcome was assessed using a drooling scale and VAS self report of sialorrhoea. RESULTS: Of the eight patients treated, six reported a marked reduction in salivation following treatment, and one patient improved partially. One patient did not find the Botox injection helpful in controlling sialorrhoea and was offered escalation of the Botox dose with a subsequent partial response. No serious adverse events occurred, and no procedure-related complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience suggests that injection of Botox-A injected at a relatively low dose to the submandibular glands can be used to achieve desired results for the treatment of sialorrhoea. This is an easily performed procedure with low morbidity and can be recommended as a first-line intervention in the treatment of adult sialorrhoea.