Effectiveness of Tonsillectomy vs Modified Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Patients With Tonsillar Hypertrophy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The TEAMUP Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mUPPP) is a surgical treatment for selected adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Tonsillectomy (TE) alone is a less extensive alternative treatment. Objective: To investigate whether mUPPP is more effective than TE alone in treating adult patients with tonsillar hypertrophy and moderate to severe OSA. Design, Setting, and Participants: This blinded randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of mUPPP with TE alone before surgery and 6 months postsurgery in adults with tonsillar hypertrophy (sizes 2, 3, or 4 according to the Friedman staging) and moderate to severe OSA in a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants underwent surgery from January 2016 to February 2021; the last postsurgery follow-up was completed in September 2021. Data analyses were performed from January to September 2022. Interventions: mUPPP vs TE alone. Main Outcomes and Measures: Between-group differences on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Results: The study cohort comprised 93 patients (mean [SD] age, 41.6 [9.4] years; 80 [86%] men; race/ethnicity were not considered) with a mean (SD) body mass index of 29.0 (2.8), calculated as weight in kg divided by height in m2. Of these, 90 participants (97%) completed the protocol (mUPPP, n = 45; TE, n = 45). The mean (SD) AHI score (number of events per hour [events/h]) for the mUPPP group decreased by 43%, from 51.0 (22.6) to 28.0 (20.0) events/h; and for the TE group, 56%, from 56.9 (25.1) to 24.7 (22.6) events/h. The mean between-group difference in AHI score was 9.2 events/h (95% CI, 0.5 to 17.9), with a small effect size (Cohen d = 0.44) in favor of TE. For ESS scores, the between-group difference was also small, only 1.1 (95% CI, -1.3 to 3.4; Cohen d = 0.21). Neither difference was considered to be clinically relevant. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial demonstrated that mUPPP was not more effective than TE alone in treating patients with tonsillar hypertrophy and moderate to severe OSA. However, there was a small difference in favor of TE. Because TE alone is less extensive, it could be considered as an alternative to mUPPP in this selected group of patients with OSA. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02523248.

Identification of resident memory CD8+ T cells with functional specificity for SARS-CoV-2 in unexposed oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue.

Cross-reactive CD4+ T cells that recognize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are more commonly detected in the peripheral blood of unexposed individuals compared with SARS-CoV-2­reactive CD8+ T cells. However, large numbers of memory CD8+ T cells reside in tissues, feasibly harboring localized SARS-CoV-2­specific immune responses. To test this idea, we performed a comprehensive functional and phenotypic analysis of virus-specific T cells in tonsils, a major lymphoid tissue site in the upper respiratory tract, and matched peripheral blood samples obtained from children and adults before the emergence of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). We found that SARS-CoV-2­specific memory CD4+ T cells could be found at similar frequencies in the tonsils and peripheral blood in unexposed individuals, whereas functional SARS-CoV-2­specific memory CD8+ T cells were almost only detectable in the tonsils. Tonsillar SARS-CoV-2­specific memory CD8+ T cells displayed a follicular homing and tissue-resident memory phenotype, similar to tonsillar Epstein-Barr virus­specific memory CD8+ T cells, but were functionally less potent than other virus-specific memory CD8+ T cell responses. The presence of preexisting tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells in unexposed individuals could potentially enable rapid sentinel immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.

Eight-Year Follow-up of Modified Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remained effective after 8 years. METHODS: Prospective intervention study. Sixty-five patients with OSA were offered re-evaluation with polysomnography and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) 8 years after UPPP. Results were compared with baseline and with a previous 2-year follow-up. Baseline predictors were analyzed with regression analyses. RESULTS: The dropout rate at the 8-year follow-up was 28%. The mean decrease in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between baseline and the 8-year follow-up was significant, 14.0 events/hour (from 52.9 to 38.9), 27% (P < .001). The mean increase in AHI between the 2-year and the 8-year follow-up was significant, 14.7 events/hour (from 24.2 to 38.9), 61% (P < .0001). Overweight at baseline predicted an AHI at the 8-year follow-up that was 22.9 events higher compared to patients with normal weight (P = .015). An increase in body mass index (BMI) of 1 kg/m2 between baseline and the 8-year follow-up predicted a mean AHI increase of 3.8 events/hour (P = .015). The median decrease in ESS between baseline and the 8-year follow-up was significant, 7 (from 13.0 to 6.0), 54% (P < .0001). The median increase in ESS between the 2-year and the 8-year follow-up was not significant, 1.0 (from 5.0 to 6.0), 20%. CONCLUSION: Modified UPPP was effective as a long-term treatment for OSA in selected patients, although the effect on AHI decreased over time. Daytime sleepiness remained improved even in the long term. High BMI at baseline and an increase in BMI predicted a reduced long-term respiratory outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E307-E313, 2021.

Long-term evaluation of satisfaction and side effects after modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: We have previously shown that modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is effective to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and that the effect is stable after 24 months. This continuous report includes questionnaires and phone interviews. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective intervention study. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score ≥ 15, body mass index <36 kg/m2 , and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥ 8 underwent modified UPPP after failing nonsurgical treatment. The results from a patient questionnaire at 6 and 24 months after surgery were correlated with age, body mass index, and ESS and AHI scores. Patients reporting side effects and/or regretting the surgery after 24 months were selected for phone interviews 9 years after surgery. RESULTS: The response rate was 80% and 74% at the 6- and 24-month follow-ups, respectively. Of those who responded to the questionnaire, 96% and 83% were satisfied after 6 and 24 months, respectively; 98% and 92% recommended the surgery. Side effects (globus, mucus, and voice and swallowing disorders) occurred in 38% and 31%, respectively. Dissatisfaction correlated significantly with high postoperative AHI and ESS scores, but not with occurrence of side effects. Younger subjects had a higher rate of recommendation and lower rate of side effects than did older subjects. Phone interviews after 9 years were responded to by 14 of 16 selected patients, and the responders reported minor or no side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the OSA patients were satisfied 24 months after surgery, even though a third of them were experiencing side effects. Younger patients had fewer side effects than did older patients. Patients with better OSA outcomes were also more satisfied. After 9 years the side effects were no longer problematic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b Laryngoscope, 130:263-268, 2020.

Adenopharyngoplasty vs Adenotonsillectomy in Children With Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Adenotonsillectomy (ATE) is the primary surgical method for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. However, children with severe OSA have an increased risk for residual OSA after ATE. Previous studies indicate that adenopharyngoplasty (APP), a modified ATE with closure of the tonsillar pillars, might improve the surgical outcome, but the overall evidence is weak. Objective: To determine whether APP is more effective than ATE for treating severe OSA in otherwise healthy children. Design, Setting, and Participants: A blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at the otorhinolaryngology department at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Eighty-three children, aged 2 to 4 years, with an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) score of 10 or higher, were randomized to APP (n = 36) or ATE (n = 47). Participants were recruited from December 1, 2014, through November 31, 2016. Interventions: Adenotonsillectomy was performed in all 83 patients in both groups by the cold steel technique. The APP group also underwent closure of the tonsillar pillars with 2 inverted sutures on each side. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the difference between the groups in OAHI score change before and after surgery. A higher score indicates worse problems and a score of 10 or higher is defined as severe OSA. The outcome was evaluated per protocol and with intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcomes were other polysomnography variables and the Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (OSA-18) questionnaire (possible total symptom score range, 18-126; higher scores indicate worse quality of life). Polysomnography was performed and the OSA-18 questionnaire was completed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 83 children (49 [59%] boys; mean [SD] age, 36.6 [9.2] months) were included in the study. Of these, 74 (89%) (APP, n = 30; ATE, n = 44) completed the study. The mean (SD) preoperative OAHI score was 23.8 (11.8) for APP and 23.8 (11.5) for ATE. Both the APP and ATE groups had a significant decrease in mean OAHI score after surgery (-21.7; 95% CI, -26.3 to -17.2; and -21.1; 95% CI, -24.5 to -17.7, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the groups (0.7; 95% CI, -4.8 to 6.1). Furthermore, no significant differences between the groups were seen regarding other polysomnography variables (eg, respiratory distress index: mean, 0.6; 95% CI, -5.0 to 6.3) or the OSA-18 questionnaire (eg, total symptom score: -0.5; 95% CI, -13 to 12). One patient from each group was readmitted owing to postoperative bleeding, but no other complications were seen. Conclusions and Relevance: This trial did not show that APP was more effective than ATE alone to treat otherwise healthy children with severe OSA. This finding suggests that ATE should continue to be the primary treatment for OSA in children. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02315911.

Low inter-examiner agreement of the Friedman staging system indicating limited value in patient selection.

PURPOSE: The Friedman staging system is a clinical method for selecting patients with obstructive sleep apnoea who are likely to benefit from uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The objective of this study was to evaluate the system by determining its inter-examiner agreement. METHODS: Twelve patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were examined by 14 doctors. The Friedman stage was derived from tonsil size and tongue position, and a Cohen's kappa analysis was performed to assess inter-examiner agreement. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-eight ratings were performed. The median kappa for tongue position was 0.32 (first and third quartiles: 0.21 and 0.44) and was 0.62 (0.50 and 0.63) for tonsil size. The median kappa for the Friedman stage was 0.38 (0.24 and 0.55), which corresponds to only a slight or fair agreement. CONCLUSION: The Friedman staging system demonstrated a low inter-examiner agreement, indicating that the system is an uncertain method for selecting patients for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B.

Poor interexaminer agreement on Friedman tongue position.

CONCLUSION: The Friedman tongue position demonstrated only a slight inter-examiner agreement among 15 medical doctors, indicating that the method is difficult to perform and could be an uncertain method to select patients for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. OBJECTIVE: The Friedman staging system is a clinical tool for selecting patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are appropriate for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The objective of this study was to evaluate the staging system by determining the inter-examiner agreement of one of its key components, the Friedman tongue position. METHODS: Eleven residents and four specialists in Otorhinolaryngology were recruited from a course in surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea. They examined each other's tongue positions, resulting in a total of 210 evaluations. Cohen's kappa analysis was performed to assess the inter-examiner agreement. The range of kappa is usually between 0-1, where 0 is complete disagreement and 1 is complete agreement. RESULTS: The median kappa was 0.36 (1st and 3rd quartile, 0.23 and 0.42), corresponding to only a slight agreement.

Surgical decision-making in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions. Among other parameters, the decision to perform surgical exploration in suspected appendicitis involves diagnostic accuracy, patient age and co-morbidity, patient's own wishes, the surgeon's core medical values, expected natural course of non-operative treatment and priority considerations regarding the use of limited resources. Do objective clinical findings, such as radiology and laboratory results, have greater impact on decision-making than "soft" clinical variables? In this study we investigate the parameters that surgeons consider significant in decision-making in cases of suspected appendicitis; specifically we describe the process leading to surgical intervention in real settings. The purpose of the study was to explore the process behind the decision to undertake surgery on a patient with suspected appendicitis as a model for decision-making in surgery. METHODS: All appendectomy procedures (n = 201) at the Department of Surgery at Karolinska University Hospital performed in 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Every two consecutive patients seeking for abdominal pain after each case undergoing surgery were included as controls. Signs and symptoms documented in the medical records were registered according to a standardized protocol. The outcome of this retrospective review formed the basis of a prospective registration of patients undergoing appendectomy. During a three- month period in 2011, the surgeons who made the decision to perform acute appendectomy on 117 consecutive appendectomized patients at the Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, and Södersjukhuset, were asked to answer a questionnaire about symptoms, signs and diagnostic measures considered in their treatment decision. They were also asked which three symptoms, signs and diagnostic measures had the greatest impact on their decision to perform appendectomy. RESULTS: In the retrospective review, tenderness in the right fossa had the greatest impact (OR 76) on treatment decision. In the prospective registration, the most frequent symptom present at treatment decision was pain in the right fossa (94 %). Tenderness in the right fossa (69 %) was also most important for the decision to perform surgery. Apart from local status, image diagnostics and blood sample results had the greatest impact. CONCLUSION: Local tenderness in the right fossa, lab results and the results of radiological investigations had the greatest impact on treatment decision.