Evaluating the Need for Intensive Care Admission After Supraglottoplasty for Severe Laryngomalacia.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative airway concerns persist despite a low rate of post-supraglottoplasty complications for children with laryngomalacia. The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission following supraglottoplasty. METHODS: A 7-year retrospective cohort analysis was conducted between 2014 and 2021. A patient requiring ICU level of care was defined as the use of respiratory support such as intubation, positive pressure ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, or multiple doses of nebulized epinephrine. RESULTS: About 134 medical charts were reviewed; 12 patients were excluded because of concurrent surgery. Age at the time of surgery was 2.8 (4.3) months (median [interquartile range]). About 33 (27.0%) ultimately required ICU-level care. Prematurity (odds ratio [OR] 13.8), neurological condition (OR ∞), American Society of Anesthesiology class 3-4 (OR 6.5), and younger age (OR 1.8) were more likely to require ICU admission. No patient above 10 months of age needed ICU monitoring. The use of respiratory support justifying ICU was known within the first 4 h after surgery for almost all (32/33, 97%) of these patients. 4/33 (12.1%) were kept intubated and the remaining needed non-invasive ventilation. Only one patient (1/122, 0.8%) was reintubated 12 h after surgery for progressive respiratory distress. CONCLUSION: Approximately a quarter of patients required ICU-level care after supraglottoplasty. For nearly all patients without comorbidities requiring ICU, this can be safely predicted within the first 4 h after surgery. Our data suggest that selected patients undergoing supraglottoplasty may be safely monitored outside of an ICU setting after an observation period in the post-anesthesia care unit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:466-470, 2024.

Comparison of Tympanostomy Tubes Under Local Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia for Children.

OBJECTIVE: Tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) is typically accomplished under general anesthesia (GA) in the operating room. We aimed to compare pain between GA and local anesthesia (LA) in surgically naïve children undergoing TTI. Secondary objectives examined patient's quality of life (QoL) and parent's satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective single-center study. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric academic center. METHODS: Consecutive children who underwent TTI under GA were compared to patients under LA. Pain standardized observational pain scales (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale [FLACC], Children's hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale [CHEOPS]) were completed pre-procedure, during the first tympanostomy and second tympanostomy, and post-procedure, as well as 1 week postoperatively. General health-related QoL (PedsQL) and QoL specific to otitis media (OM-6) were measured before insertion and 1 month postoperatively. Parental satisfaction was also evaluated using a qualitative scale. RESULTS: LA group had statistically significant higher pain levels at the beginning (7.3 vs. 0), during the first tympanostomy (7.8 vs. 0), during the second tympanostomy (7.7 vs. 0), and at end of the procedure (6.9 vs. 0) with the FLACC scale (all p < 0.01). Results were similar with the CHEOPS scale. No pain was noted 1 week after surgery in either group. Both groups had similar improvement in their QoL (p > 0.05). Minor complication occurred at a similar rate (p > 0.05). Parents were equally satisfied with their choice of anesthesia in both groups when initially questioned after the procedure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children experienced significantly less pain under GA than LA. If LA is to be used, pain and distress-reducing strategies are critical. Shared decision-making with families is essential. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2422-2429, 2024.

Tympanostomy Tubes Under Local Versus General Anesthesia for Children: A Prospective Long-Term Study.

OBJECTIVES: Tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) under local anesthesia (LA) is gaining popularity but literature comparing long-term outcomes for children undergoing TTI under LA versus general anesthesia (GA) is limited. This study compares the long-term quality of life (QoL) between LA and GA in children undergoing TTI. Secondary objectives included long-term behavioral changes, parental satisfaction, tube durability, and postoperative complications. METHODS: We prospectively followed children aged under 6 who underwent TTI, under LA or GA, 2 years prior. We assessed QoL using validated scales (OM6, PedsQL), analyzed behavioral changes and parental satisfaction through qualitative scales, and retrieved data on tube durability and non-immediate complications. RESULTS: A total of 84 children (LA = 42; GA = 42) had complete data and a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. Demographic data were similar, except for younger patients in the LA group (1.4 vs. 1.9 years, p = 0.02). LA group exhibited increased fear of health care professionals following TTI (LA: Likert scale 2.1/5, GA: 1.5/5, p = 0.04). Tube retention rate was shorter in the LA group (at 15 months: GA:72%, LA:50%, p = 0.039). Two years post-TTI, there were no differences regarding QoL (OM-6 score; LA: 15.2/100, GA: 21.4/100, p = 0.18, and PedsQL score; LA: 84.3/100, GA: 83.8/100, p = 0.90), parental satisfaction with anesthesia (GA: 4.5/5, LA: 4.6/5, p = 0.56), and postoperative complications (GA: 3/42, LA: 7/42, p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: TTI under LA in children is associated with an increased fear of health care professionals and shorter functionality of tympanostomy tubes as compared to GA. No difference was observed in long-term QoL, parental satisfaction, and complications rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Pediatric Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an expert consensus statement regarding persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) focused on quality improvement and clarification of controversies. Persistent OSA was defined as OSA after adenotonsillectomy or OSA after tonsillectomy when adenoids are not enlarged. METHODS: An expert panel of clinicians, nominated by stakeholder organizations, used the published consensus statement methodology from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery to develop statements for a target population of children aged 2-18 years. A medical librarian systematically searched the literature used as a basis for the clinical statements. A modified Delphi method was used to distill expert opinion and compose statements that met a standardized definition of consensus. Duplicate statements were combined prior to the final Delphi survey. RESULTS: After 3 iterative Delphi surveys, 34 statements met the criteria for consensus, while 18 statements did not. The clinical statements were grouped into 7 categories: general, patient assessment, management of patients with obesity, medical management, drug-induced sleep endoscopy, surgical management, and postoperative care. CONCLUSION: The panel reached a consensus for 34 statements related to the assessment, management and postoperative care of children with persistent OSA. These statements can be used to establish care algorithms, improve clinical care, and identify areas that would benefit from future research.

Rule 3,000: a more reliable precursor to perceive vestibular schwannoma on MRI in screened asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

Nine different definitions of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) have been reported in literature. The objectives of this study are to: (1) compare all these definitions of asymmetric SNHL; (2) measure the agreement between these definitions in detecting vestibular schwannoma (VS); and (3) determine the strongest association between an asymmetric SNHL definition and positive VS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study is a retrospective chart review in a tertiary care center. Cases were included if they were evaluated by an audiometric assessment and a posterior fossa MRI. Definitions of asymmetric SNHL reported in literature were applied to request for a further MRI investigation. The likelihood ratio (LR) for a positive test result (LR+) was the highest for the Rule 3,000 (2.91). On comparing all the other definitions with Rule 3,000, seven of the eight existing definitions have a kappa under the clinical usefulness threshold (Kappa < 0.6). When specification tests were applied, the Chi-square test identified Rule 3,000 with a highly significant P value (P < 0.0001). Rule 3,000, defined as asymmetric SNHL of 15 dB or more at the frequency 3,000 Hz, could serve as a universal referral guide for further MRI investigation. Results show that Rule 3,000 is more reliable to detect VS on MRI, a very simple rule that covers all the eight definitions of asymmetric SNHL reported in literature. This would help to reduce the number of negative MRI and to save time and money. If asymmetric SNHL is less than 15 dB, a biannual audiometry testing follow-up could be done.

Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea Burden on Family Finances and Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: We previously found that financial concerns negatively affect the quality of life of families of children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after tonsillectomy. The goal is to quantify the financial impact on families of children with persistent OSA and assess contributing factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study with comparison group. SETTING: Upper airway center at a tertiary pediatric hospital. METHODS: Participants included consecutive children with persistent OSA from September to October 2017. Healthy children seen in a general otolaryngology clinic served as controls. Families of both groups completed the Family Impact Questionnaire and the modified Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). RESULTS: Families of the 50 patients (25 study and 25 control) completed the surveys: the mean age was 6.4 years (95% CI, 5.0-7.8), and 19 (38%) were female. There were no differences in age, sex, race, or insurance status between groups (P > .05). The mean apnea-hypopnea index for the study group was 7.9 events/h (range, 5.5-10.3), and 40% (10/25) had Down syndrome. Positive airway pressure and/or oxygen were used by 72% (18/25). The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity for study patients (21.9; 95% CI, 14.8-26.0) was significantly lower than for controls (30.2; 95% CI, 26.6-30.8; P = .003), reflecting elevated financial toxicity. Study families reported greater financial impact on the Family Impact Questionnaire (8.4; 95% CI, 6.1-10.7) versus controls (3.6; 95% CI, 1.8-5.4; P = .002); concerns regarding missed days of work and school were common (30.7%). CONCLUSION: Families of children with persistent OSA reported a high financial burden related to their children's disease and were more likely to report financial toxicity than families of controls. Concern regarding missed work and school associated with appointments and treatment was a significant factor.

Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation for Post-Airway Reconstruction Dysphonia: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Post airway reconstruction dysphonia (PARD) is common and has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients. Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFIA) is one treatment that can be used to improve glottic insufficiency in some patients. The goal of this study was to characterize the use and outcomes of VFIA for PARD. METHODS: Retrospective chart review from January 2007 to July 2018 at a tertiary pediatric care center. Consecutive patients with PARD who underwent VFIA, who had a preoperative voice evaluation and a follow-up evaluation within 3 months after VFIA (fat, carboxymethylcellulose gel, hyaluronic acid). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (20 female) underwent VFIA. The mean age at the time of the injection was 13.6 years (SD 6.1). Twenty patients (58.8%) had a history of prematurity and a mean of 1.8 open airway surgeries. After injection, 29/34 patients (85.3%) noted a subjective voice improvement. The baseline Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) overall severity score decreased by a mean of 5.7 (SD = 19.6) points, P = .12. Total pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) improved by 6.0 (SD = 19.5) points, from 57.4 (SD = 20.0) to 51.4 (SD = 17.2), P = .09. Functional pVHI subscore demonstrated a significant improvement, with a decrease of 3.4 (SD = 7.3) points, P = .02. All procedures were performed as an overnight observation and no complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Patients with PARD represent a complex subset of patients. VFIA is a straightforward intervention that may improve voice perception. Many patients reported subjective improvement despite minimal objective measurement. Further work is warranted to elucidate the role of injection in management of PARD.

Management of A-Frame Tracheal Deformity in Children With Endoscopic Resection Tracheoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheal A-frame deformity is a known consequence of tracheostomy that may lead to obstruction after decannulation. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and success of endoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser-assisted tracheoplasty of tracheal A-frame deformity in children. METHODS: Retrospective case series of symptomatic children with tracheal A-frame deformity with no other site of airway obstruction (2016-2018). All patients underwent CO2 -laser assisted endoscopic resection tracheoplasty. RESULTS: Eight patients (six male) were included with a median age of 15.4 (IQR 12.3-17.9) years. Patients had a median of two previous open airway surgeries (IQR 1-2.5) and all patients had a history of tracheostomy with successful decannulation. Tracheal A-frame deformity presented as dyspnea on exertion for all patients (n = 8, 100%). Obstructive sleep apnea was confirmed for all patients who underwent polysomnography (4/4, 100%). Median interval from decannulation to development of symptoms was 8.7 years (IQR 5.8-9.3). All patients sized with an age-appropriate endotracheal tube despite the deformity. Endoscopic A-frame tracheoplasty was successful for 7/8 (87.5%) patients and was performed with overnight observation for these patients (8/8, 100%). Unilateral A-frame tracheoplasty was performed successfully for five patients (62.5%), bilateral A-frame tracheoplasty was performed successfully for two patients (25.0%), and one patient (12.5%) did not have complete resolution of symptoms after bilateral A-frame tracheoplasty due to multi-level airway obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser-assisted tracheoplasty is an innovative endoscopic technique to relieve symptoms of airway obstruction for selected patients with tracheal A-frame deformity although avoiding the morbidity and hospital stay duration associated with tracheal resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E719-E723, 2021.

Cornelia de lange manifestations in otolaryngology: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder. Our goal was to systematically review the literature regarding otolaryngology manifestations of CdLS. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for original articles of otolaryngology manifestations for patients with CdLS. These articles were analyzed, and pooled prevalence was calculated. RESULTS: We analyzed 1,310 patients included in 35 case series and 34 case reports. Hearing loss was present for many patients (27 studies), with sensorineural hearing loss affecting 40.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.3-63.4) and conductive affecting 22.7% (95% CI: 5.7-39.7). Recurrent acute otitis media was the most frequent infectious manifestation, with 56.5% (95% CI: 34.1-78.4) in seven studies, followed by recurrent airway infections with 44.1% (95% CI: 11.0-87.1) in five studies. Forty-nine (49.7%) percent of patients (95% CI: 25.9-73.6) in nine studies had dysphagia, and 76.6% (95% CI: 59.8-93.3) in four studies had some degree of dysphonia. Craniofacial anomalies were reported in 30 studies, with micrognathia (53.1%; 95% CI: 34.1-72.1) and high arched palate (70.6%; 95% CI: 56.5-84.8) commonly reported. Additional physical exam abnormalities reported included those involving: lips (76.8%; 95% CI: 65.3-88.4), dentition (65.1%; 95% CI: 27.2-100), mouth (85.5%; 95% CI: 76.2-93.8), and eyelashes (87.1%; 95% CI: 77.2-96.9). Sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea affected 25.8% (95% CI: 11.4-40.2) of patients (7 studies). Airway anomalies were reported in 11 case reports. CONCLUSION: This is the first comprehensive evaluation of otolaryngologic manifestations in the CdLS literature. Most reported hearing loss and craniofacial anomalies. Sleep disorders occurred in a minority of patients, whereas airway disorders were primarily reported in case reports. These conditions should be further examined given their potential life-threatening implications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3a Laryngoscope, 130:E122-E133, 2020.

The impact of persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea on the Quality of Life of Patients' families.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) quantify the quality of life (QOL) for families of children affected by persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and (2) assess factors contributing to the negative impact of OSA on families. METHODS: Prospective case series in a multidisciplinary upper airway center at a tertiary pediatric institution. Our study included patients with persistent OSA referred to our clinic from 2014 to 2016. Both patients and their families completed validated questionnaires assessing QOL and OSA symptoms, including the Family Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, the OSA-18, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Families of 67 patients were included. The mean patient age was 12.5 (95%CI 11.9-13.1); 23 (34.3%) were female, and the mean BMI percentile was 80.2 (95%CI 73.6-86.8). The single most common comorbidity was Down syndrome (45.6%). The mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 9.7 ±â€¯10.3 events/hour. A significant association exists between OSA severity and 18 FIQ negative subscore (P < 0.001). Financial impact was the primary negative concern for parents of patients with OSA compared to those without OSA (P = 0.03). There were no other significant differences between those with and without OSA. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between persistent OSA severity and the FIQ negative impact of disease score on patients' families. Concern regarding financial burden was more common for families of children with OSA than for those without OSA. This suggests that targeted interventions, particularly regarding the financial burden of persistent OSA diagnosis and management, may provide some relief to families.

Safety and cost of drug-induced sleep endoscopy outside the operating room.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is used to assess site of obstruction for patients in a pharmacologically induced sleep-like state. It is traditionally performed in the operating room (OR), however, no data exists regarding the feasibility of this intervention outside the OR in children. The objective is to compare the safety of DISE performed in the MRI induction room to those performed in the OR. METHODS: Prospective case-series of patients undergoing DISE in the MRI induction room (study group) to those assessed in the OR (controls) in a single-institution pediatric tertiary care center. Consecutive patients undergoing DISE examination for persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy from September 2016 to September 2017 were included. RESULTS: Overall, 118 patients (38 study patients, 80 controls) with a mean age of 10.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.3-11.9) underwent DISE; 39.8% (47/118) were female. The most frequent comorbidity was cardiac disease (22.0%, 26/118). The mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 12.2 events/hour (95% CI, 8.8-15.6) for controls and 13.5 events/hour (95% CI, 8.7-18.3) for study patients (P = .76). No major complication or unplanned admissions occurred in either group. Induction time was similar (12 vs. 13 minutes, P = .7) as was total procedure time (12 vs. 14 minutes, P = .3) for procedures performed in both settings. CONCLUSION: There were no significant complications for DISE performed in the OR or the MRI induction room and procedure times were similar. Further assessment of patient outcomes and resource utilization is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130: 2076-2080, 2020.

Clinical outcomes after shared decision-making tools with families of children with obstructive sleep apnea without tonsillar hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if shared decision-making tools (SDMTs) improve clinical outcomes for these children. Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process in which patients and clinicians jointly establish treatment plans that integrate clinical evidence and patient values/preferences. We previously reported less decisional conflict using a SDMT for families of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without tonsillar hypertrophyl; however, the clinical impact of this finding is unknown. METHODS: Prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial for consecutive patients referred to a multidisciplinary upper airway center. The study group used a SDMT, whereas the control group did not; all were followed until their next appointment and polysomnogram. RESULTS: We assessed 50 families (24 study, 26 controls); mean age of patients was 8.8 (95% confidence interval 6.9-10.6) years, and 44% were female. After their initial visit, there was agreement between families and providers on the best treatment option for 22 of 24 (91.7%) study patients and 12 of 26 (46.2%) controls (P < 0.001). Before the first follow-up, four control families (15.4%) modified their treatment plan, whereas none of the study families did so (P = 0.04). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance was 27% (3 of 11) for controls and 57% (5 of 8) for study patients (P = 0.11). The median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index significantly improved in study patients from 13.4 (range, 20.0-57.2) to 3.5 (range 0.4-45.5, P = 0.01] events per hour, but not in controls, with 9.4 (range, 0.9-76.2) to 4.9 (range, 0-116, P = 0.10) events per hour. CONCLUSION: Families of children with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy who were counseled regarding treatment options using SMDTs were more likely to undergo agreed upon treatment and had higher CPAP compliance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b. Laryngoscope, 129:2646-2651, 2019.

Factors associated with epiglottic petiole prolapse repositioning success.

OBJECTIVE: Epiglottic petiole prolapse is an overlooked entity that could lead to supraglottic airway obstruction for patients with complex airway history. Classical symptoms include exercise intolerance, obstructive sleep apnea, and difficulty with decannulation. The goal of this project was to evaluate the factors associated with epiglottic petiole repositioning success. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients with a complex history of airway reconstruction evaluated by the aerodigestive team at a tertiary pediatric hospital from May 2003 to August 2017. All patients underwent repositioning for petiole prolapse. RESULTS: We had a total of 59 patients (14 females, 23.7%) with complex airway anomalies with petiole prolapse noted during a microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Mean age was 12.9 ± 6.1 year old (range 1.3-35.9). Patients had a history of 2.2 (1-5) open airway surgeries, and 51 of 58 (87.9%) of them had a prior complete laryngofissure. Laryngotracheoplasty and petiole repositioning were performed as a double-stage surgery for 54 of 58 (91.5%) patients. Epiglottic petiole prolapse was persistent in 20 patients (33.9%) and became symptomatic for 14 of them (23.7%). The main preventive factor of petiole prolapse recurrence was pre-epiglottic fat debulking at the time of the repositioning, with an odds ratio of 0.06 (95% confidence interval 0.007-0.6, P = 0.01). Stent placement, longer duration of stent placement, and double-stage procedure also increased the likelihood of success (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with petiole prolapse have a history of complete laryngofissure and multiple open airway surgeries. Pre-epiglottic fat debulking and longer stent placement at the time of the repositioning surgery appear to significantly increase the long-term success rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1984-1988, 2019.

Outcomes of Prophylactic Epiglottic Petiole Suspension at the Time of Complete Laryngofissure.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with prophylactic petiole suspension (PPS) at the time of laryngofissure and patients without PPS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric hospital from May 2003 to August 2017. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients included those undergoing airway reconstruction with complete laryngofissure. Patients in the study group had PPS at the time of laryngofissure, while control group patients did not. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients underwent complete laryngofissure (22 study patients, 59 controls) at a median age of 4.8 years (interquartile range, 2.1-9.7). Patients in the control group were younger at the time of the surgery (3.7 vs 6.5 years, P = .04). Other demographic and clinical data, including subglottic stenosis (SGS) grades, were similar. For patients with SGS, 53.8% and 46.2% in the study group had a grade 1-2 and 3-4 SGS, respectively, as compared with 46.2% and 53.8% in the control group (P = .65). Manifestations of petiole prolapse included failure of decannulation (8.6%), exercise intolerance (16.0%), and obstructive sleep apnea (11.1%). After 4 years of follow-up, 4.5% of the study group versus 27.1% of the control group had prolapse of the petiole (P = .04). Petiole prolapsed affected >50% of patients with no PPS after 10 years of follow-up. Patients with petiole prolapse at the first surveillance microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy after stent removal had an odds ratio of 10.2 (95% CI, 1.1-94.8; P = .04) of becoming symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Patients with PPS had significantly fewer symptoms after complete laryngofissure as compared with patients without PPS. PPS should be considered when a complete laryngofissure is being performed during airway reconstruction.

The Effect of Cleft Palate Repair on Polysomnography Results.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In view of the risk that surgical repair of cleft palate may induce or worsen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the goal of this study was to assess presurgical and postsurgical polysomnography (PSG) results for children who underwent primary palatoplasty. METHODS: Retrospective case-control series for children with cleft palate repair performed between January 2008 and December 2016 at a tertiary pediatric center. Children underwent PSG before and after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-four children (53.1% female) with a mean age of 2.0 ± 2.8 years (range 0.6-16.4) were included in the study. Pierre-Robin sequence was the most common comorbidity (67%). Before palatal repair, the mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) was 3.4 ± 3.9 (range 0-17.9) events/h; this did not significantly change, with 5.9 ± 14.5 (range 0-105.7) events/h after surgery (P = 0.30). However, 34.4% of patients had a worsening of more than 1 obstructive event/h and 18.9% had a worsening of 5 or more obstructive events/h. The presence of a concomitant syndrome (eg, Treacher Collins) was a risk factor for postoperative OSA (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-15.8, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: OSA did not develop or worsen following primary palatoplasty. However, the oAHI increased by 5 or more events/h in approximately 20% of study participants. The presence of a syndrome was the only factor predictive of worsening OSA after palatoplasty. These findings suggest that palatoplasty does not worsen or cause OSA in most patients, and that nonsyndromic children are at low risk for the development or worsening of OSA.

The Value of Dynamic Voice CT Scan for Complex Airway Patients Undergoing Voice Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Dynamic voice computerized tomography (DVCT) is a novel technique that provides additional information to characterize laryngeal function for patients with complex airway history that may alter surgical decisions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of DVCT on decision making for reconstructive voice surgery for a cohort of post-airway reconstruction dysphonia patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review at a pediatric tertiary care center for patients with history of complex airway surgery and subsequent reconstructive voice surgery for dysphonia between 2010 and 2016. The study group had a DVCT prior to surgery while the control group underwent surgery without a DVCT. Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) scores were evaluated by the voice clinic team (otolaryngologist, speech therapist) before and after voice surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were analyzed (14 female, 67%) with a mean age (SD) of 14 (4.5) years old. Ninety percent (17/21) had a prior tracheostomy and a mean (SD) of 2.6 (1.3) airway surgeries. Twelve patients (57%) underwent DVCT prior to reconstructive voice surgery. CAPE-V baseline scores were similar between study and controls (means [SE] = 49 [4.6] and 57 [6.0], P = .72). However, scores significantly improved for the study group after voice surgery (mean [SE] = 31 (4.7), P < .0001) while controls did not improve (58 [5.7], P = .99). Baseline VHI scores were similar between both groups: mean (SE) = 54 (5.4) versus 52 (6.2), respectively, P = .99. Postsurgically, VHI scores were also similar between both groups (means [SE]: 46 [7.1] vs 47 [4.5], P = .99). Reconstructive voice surgery for study patients included posterior cricoid reduction (46%), vocal fold medialization/augmentation (46%), and laryngeal reinnervation (7.7%) while all controls underwent a single treatment (vocal fold medialization/augmentation). CONCLUSION: Patients with preoperative DVCT were more likely to have improvement. DVCT appeared to have altered surgical decision making and has allowed tailoring of reconstructive surgery to specific patients' needs. DVCT could represent an important tool prior to reconstructive surgery to guide the choice of surgical procedures for complex airway patients.

Feasibility of shotgun metagenomics to assess microbial ecology of pediatric tracheostomy tubes.

OBJECTIVE: Biofilm formation on medical devices such as tracheostomy tubes (TTs) is a serious problem. The clinical impact of biofilms on the airway is still unclear. Biofilms may play a role in granulation tissue development, recurrent airway infections, and failure of laryngotracheal reconstructions. The microbial ecology on TTs has yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of shotgun metagenomics to assess the biodistribution of microorganisms on TTs. METHODS: Four TTs were collected from pediatric patients (1.4-10.2 years) with (n = 2) and without (n = 2) granulation tissue formation. Duration of TT placement prior to retrieval from patients ranged from 5 to 365 days. DNA extraction was performed using the MO BIO UltraClean Microbial Isolation (Mo Bio Laboratories, Carlsbad, CA). Library generation using Nextera XT adapters (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA) and metagenomic shotgun sequencing was performed using the Illumina NextSeq500 (Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA). Salinibacter ruber, a species not found in mammalian microbiome communities, was used as a DNA standard and represented 0.7% to 5.7% of the microbiome, ensuring good quality and abundance of sample DNA. RESULTS: Metagenomic shotgun sequencing was successful for all patients. In TTs associated with granuloma, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were predominant, most of which are considered pathogens. From TTs without granulomas, Neisseria mucosa, Neisseria sicca, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae were identified, primarily consistent with respiratory microbiome. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that metagenomic shotgun sequencing of biofilms formed on pediatric TTs is feasible with an apparent difference in microbiome for patients with granulation tissue. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the pathogenesis of microbial ecology and its role in airway disease in patients with TTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 129:317-323, 2019.

Comparison of Patient- and Parent-Reported Quality of Life for Patients Treated for Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of the treatment of persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on quality of life (QOL) with patient-reported outcomes tools and to compare parent- and self-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores. Study Design Prospective case series. Setting Multidisciplinary upper airway center at a tertiary pediatric institution. Subjects and Methods Children with persistent OSA referred to our multidisciplinary upper airway center from 2014 to 2016. Patients and their families completed validated questionnaires for QOL, including the Family Impact Questionnaire, the Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18, the PedsQL, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents. They completed the same surveys after treatment. Results Twenty-three children (7 females) and their families were included in the study. Patients had a mean age of 12.7 years. Pretreatment, the mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 15.0 events/hour (95% CI, 8.7-21.3); after treatment, the mean was 3.9 events/hour ( P = .003). The mean PedsQL score for children improved from 60.5 to 74.2 ( P = .04). The PedsQL score for parents did not significantly improve (61.6 to 63.8, P = .39). There was a significant though weak association between OSA severity ( R2 = 0.25, P = .03) and PedsQL scores. The Family Impact Questionnaire negative subscore and Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents scores did not change with treatment. Conclusions For children treated for persistent OSA, we found that self-reported QOL significantly improved after treatment; however, parent-reported QOL did not significantly change. It is unclear if parents underestimate or patients overestimate QOL after treatment. We suggest that patient-reported outcomes be obtained when feasible.

Influence of preoperative voice assessment on treatment plan prior to airway surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Voice quality has emerged as an additional long-term outcome measure for patients with a history of airway surgery. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative voice assessment on the surgical management of patients who required complex airway surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: We analyzed clinical data for all patients who underwent an airway reconstruction procedure from September 1, 2012 to September 1, 2017 and had a voice clinic evaluation prior to surgery at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Each participant underwent a full clinical voice evaluation that yielded acoustic, imaging, perceptual, and handicapping index data. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-three patients underwent 831 airway surgeries (laryngotracheoplasty, cricotracheal resection, slide tracheoplasty, laryngeal cleft repair). Ninety-one (14.2%) of the 643 patients underwent a formal voice clinic evaluation prior to airway surgery; 39/91 (42.9%) were female. The mean age was 10.4 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.2-11.6) with 31/91 (32.9%) participants demonstrating vocal fold immobility and 33/91 (36.3%) vocal fold hypomobility. A voice clinic evaluation provided new information for 62/91 (68.1%) patients, mainly for laryngeal dynamic components (vocal fold motion, source of phonation, arytenoid prolapse) and confirmed suspected disorders for the remaining patients. The average baseline Pediatric Voice Handicap Index overall score was 38.9 (95% CI: 33.3-44.5), and the average overall severity rating of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice was 54 (95% CI: 45.2-62.8). A voice clinic evaluation influenced management of 56/91 (61.5%) patients either by modification of the surgical plan (26/56, 46%) and/or adjusting voice therapy (21/56, 37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Voice evaluation prior to airway reconstruction provided key information that influenced the management for most of the patients. Formal voice evaluation should be considered prior to complex airway surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2858-2863, 2018.