Equal Access to Telemedicine during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pediatric Otolaryngology Perspective.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for direct-to-home telemedicine services has risen to an unprecedented level. Equal access to specialty care was assessed to identify potential barriers that may negatively impact telemedicine utilization. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: We examined the 6-week period between March and May 2020 when the only access to nonurgent pediatric otolaryngology service was through telemedicine and compared it to in-person visits during the same period in 2019. We compared patient demographics, including age, gender, preferred language, zip code of residence, and primary insurance plan. RESULTS: A total of 1,495 visits were conducted through telemedicine from March 23, 2020 to May 1, 2020, and 1983 in-person visits were completed in 2019. There was no difference in patient age and gender. The proportions of Spanish-speaking families were similar (15.8% in 2019 vs. 14.4% in 2020, P = .96). The percentage of Medi-Cal-insured patients (51.4% in 2019 vs. 49.8% in 2020, P = .73) and the mean poverty level (12.6% in 2019 vs. 12.2% in 2020, P = .38) also remained the same. Spanish-speaking families were statistically more likely to require rescheduling of their telemedicine visits (17.2%) when compared to the overall rescheduling rate of 11.9% (P = .0083). CONCLUSIONS: We were able to successfully provide access to telemedicine services to our vulnerable populations during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine is likely to remain an essential mode of delivering patient care going forward. It is important to evaluate and identify potential disparities to telemedicine access and proactively implement changes to address these barriers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 131:1175-1179, 2021.

A survey of adult preferences regarding recruitment for pediatric research.

OBJECTIVE: Although subject recruitment is one of the most critical aspects of human subject research, there is a lack of studies prospectively examining the recruitment preferences of adults for research involving children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adults accompanying patients at an otolaryngology clinic in a pediatric medical center. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed in English and Spanish to one adult for every patient. Questions assessed the respondent's preferences for research recruitment including contact method preferences, contact preferences for medical profession type, and whether they would expect a child to receive a small gift for participating in a research study. Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the association between the primary predictor, language, and each outcome. RESULTS: 566 surveys were collected. 505 (89.1%) were completed in English and 61 (10.7%) were completed in Spanish. Spanish-speaking respondents were more likely to prefer talking to a doctor (76.7%) than English-speaking respondents (40.1%, p < 0.05). Spanish-speaking respondents were more likely to prefer talking over the phone (48.3%) than English-speaking respondents (17.3%, p < 0.05). Spanish-speaking respondents were more likely to prefer communicating via text messaging (41.7%) than English-speaking respondents (16.3%, p < 0.05). English-speaking respondents were more likely to prefer communicating through the patient portal of an electronic health record (EHR) (19%) than Spanish-speaking respondents(3.3%, p < 0.05). Mothers were more likely to prefer talking to a nurse/physician's assistant (20%) than fathers (10%, p < 0.05). Mothers were more likely to prefer talking to research staff (20%) than fathers (9%, p < 0.05). Mothers were more likely to prefer communication via text-message (22%) than fathers (6%, p < 0.05). Spanish-speaking respondents were more likely to prefer pediatric patients receiving a small monetary gift for participating in clinical research (70%) than English-speaking respondents (30%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between preference for recruitment method and primary language spoken by the respondent. Further inquiry is required to understand these differences between English and Spanish speakers.

The role of tonsillectomy in reducing recurrent pharyngitis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the evidence for efficacy of tonsillectomy in reducing the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis. DATA SOURCES: Literature databases consisting of PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINHAL AND OVID EMBASE including all languages. REVIEW METHODS: Literature search of database by 2 authors with structured criteria using an online database. Selected studies evaluated with meta-analysis. RESULTS: In four randomized, controlled trials tonsillectomy was favored over medical therapy in reducing pharyngitis. The difference was statistically significant in only one study. Overall meta-analysis results were significant, indicating that tonsillectomy results in a reduction of about 43% in the incidence of pharyngitis. The number needed to treat with tonsillectomy to prevent one sore throat per month for the first year after surgery was 11 (95% CI; 7-23). CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy reduces the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis to a modest degree.

Plain Language Summary: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction)

This plain language summary serves as an overview in explaining earwax (cerumen). The summary applies to patients older than 6 months with a clinical diagnosis of earwax impaction and is based on the 2017 update of the Clinical Practice Guideline: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction). The evidence-based guideline includes research that supports diagnosis and treatment of earwax impaction. The guideline was developed to improve care by health care providers for managing earwax impaction by creating clear recommendations to use in medical practice.

Clinical Practice Guideline (Update): Earwax (Cerumen Impaction)

Objective This update of the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation cerumen impaction clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on managing cerumen impaction. Cerumen impaction is defined as an accumulation of cerumen that causes symptoms, prevents assessment of the ear, or both. Changes from the prior guideline include a consumer added to the development group; new evidence (3 guidelines, 5 systematic reviews, and 6 randomized controlled trials); enhanced information on patient education and counseling; a new algorithm to clarify action statement relationships; expanded action statement profiles to explicitly state quality improvement opportunities, confidence in the evidence, intentional vagueness, and differences of opinion; an enhanced external review process to include public comment and journal peer review; and 3 new key action statements on managing cerumen impaction that focus on primary prevention, contraindicated intervention, and referral and coordination of care. Purpose The primary purpose of this guideline is to help clinicians identify patients with cerumen impaction who may benefit from intervention and to promote evidence-based management. Another purpose of the guideline is to highlight needs and management options in special populations or in patients who have modifying factors. The guideline is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage patients with cerumen impaction, and it applies to any setting in which cerumen impaction would be identified, monitored, or managed. The guideline does not apply to patients with cerumen impaction associated with the following conditions: dermatologic diseases of the ear canal; recurrent otitis externa; keratosis obturans; prior radiation therapy affecting the ear; previous tympanoplasty/myringoplasty, canal wall down mastoidectomy, or other surgery affecting the ear canal. Key Action Statements The panel made a strong recommendation that clinicians should treat, or refer to a clinician who can treat, cerumen impaction, defined as an accumulation of cerumen that is associated with symptoms, prevents needed assessment of the ear, or both. The panel made the following recommendations: (1) Clinicians should explain proper ear hygiene to prevent cerumen impaction when patients have an accumulation of cerumen. (2) Clinicians should diagnose cerumen impaction when an accumulation of cerumen, as seen on otoscopy, is associated with symptoms, prevents needed assessment of the ear, or both. (3) Clinicians should assess the patient with cerumen impaction by history and/or physical examination for factors that modify management, such as ≥1 of the following: anticoagulant therapy, immunocompromised state, diabetes mellitus, prior radiation therapy to the head and neck, ear canal stenosis, exostoses, and nonintact tympanic membrane. (4) Clinicians should not routinely treat cerumen in patients who are asymptomatic and whose ears can be adequately examined. (5) Clinicians should identify patients with obstructing cerumen in the ear canal who may not be able to express symptoms (young children and cognitively impaired children and adults), and they should promptly evaluate the need for intervention. (6) Clinicians should perform otoscopy to detect the presence of cerumen in patients with hearing aids during a health care encounter. (7) Clinicians should treat, or refer to a clinician who can treat, the patient with cerumen impaction with an appropriate intervention, which may include ≥1 of the following: cerumenolytic agents, irrigation, or manual removal requiring instrumentation. (8) Clinicians should recommend against ear candling for treating or preventing cerumen impaction. (9) Clinicians should assess patients at the conclusion of in-office treatment of cerumen impaction and document the resolution of impaction. If the impaction is not resolved, the clinician should use additional treatment. If full or partial symptoms persist despite resolution of impaction, the clinician should evaluate the patient for alternative diagnoses. (10) Finally, if initial management is unsuccessful, clinicians should refer patients with persistent cerumen impaction to clinicians who have specialized equipment and training to clean and evaluate ear canals and tympanic membranes. The panel offered the following as options: (1) Clinicians may use cerumenolytic agents (including water or saline solution) in the management of cerumen impaction. (2) Clinicians may use irrigation in the management of cerumen impaction. (3) Clinicians may use manual removal requiring instrumentation in the management of cerumen impaction. (4) Last, clinicians may educate/counsel patients with cerumen impaction or excessive cerumen regarding control measures.

Clinical Practice Guideline (Update): Earwax (Cerumen Impaction) Executive Summary

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery featuring the updated Clinical Practice Guideline: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction). To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 11 recommendations emphasize proper ear hygiene, diagnosis of cerumen impaction, factors that modify management, evaluating the need for intervention, and proper treatment. An updated guideline is needed due to new evidence (3 guidelines, 5 systematic reviews, and 6 randomized controlled trials) and the need to add statements on managing cerumen impaction that focus on primary prevention, contraindicated intervention, and referral and coordination of care.

Olfactory dysfunction: a sequela of pediatric blunt head trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate olfactory function in children with blunt head trauma. METHODS: Eligible subjects were consecutive children presenting at San Diego Children's Hospital Emergency Department or Trauma Service with blunt head trauma. Thirty-seven head injured children mean age 10.11+/-2.74 were evaluated; 36 healthy age and gender matched community children, mean age 10.08+/-2.99, served as controls. The medical record was reviewed for clinical measures related to head injury (HI). All children underwent olfactory assessment with the San Diego Children's Odor Identification Test (SDOIT). Olfactory event-related potentials were recorded on a subset of head injured and control children. RESULTS: Three of 37 head injured children had olfactory dysfunction. The head injured hyposmics had signs of more severe head injury represented by lower Glasgow Coma Scores (GCS), 10.33+/-5.51, when compared to their normosmic counterparts with mean GCS of 14.06+/-2.82. When stratifying the head injured children by clinical measures, lower Glasgow Coma Score, and abnormalities on head CT scan were associated with poorer olfactory performance. CONCLUSION: Children with blunt head injury may suffer post-traumatic olfactory impairment. More severe head injuries are more likely to produce olfactory deficits. In cases of significant head injury, cranial nerve I evaluation is imperative.

Long-term follow-up of pediatric recurrent respiratory papillomatosis managed with intralesional cidofovir.

OBJECTIVE: Cidofovir is an acyclic nucleotide phosphonate antiviral medication that has been used intralesionally for the treatment of severe respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in pediatric patients. The long-term efficacy of this medication was assessed in 11 children with severe RRP who previously required operative debulking every 2 to 6 weeks to maintain airway patency. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case series. RESULTS: Ten of these children have completed therapy. Five are disease free over a mean follow-up period of 51.6 months. Five other patients with active RRP decreased their mean severity scores from 17.8 (range 11-26) to 4.0 (range 2-6) and no longer require cidofovir. One patient continues to receive cidofovir for recurrent disease after an initial favorable response. Throughout the 6-year observational period, no patients demonstrated any adverse effects, laboratory abnormalities, or evidence of carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Intralesional cidofovir is a useful adjunct for managing children with tenuous airways caused by previously uncontrolled papilloma.

Primary surgery vs primary sclerotherapy for head and neck lymphatic malformations.

IMPORTANCE: The optimal treatment for head and neck lymphatic malformations (LMs) is unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first head-to-head comparison of primary surgery and sclerotherapy for this condition. OBJECTIVE: To compare surgery and sclerotherapy as initial treatment for head and neck LMs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study including patients in 2 pediatric vascular anomaly programs receiving treatment for head and neck LMs. INTERVENTIONS: Primary surgery or primary sclerotherapy and any subsequent therapy within 1 year. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Treatment effectiveness was measured by (1) need for further therapy after first treatment and within 1 year and (2) change in Cologne Disease Score (CDS). Resource utilization was reflected by total intervention number, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) days, and tracheostomy placement. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were studied. Their mean (SD) age at presentation was 4.2 (4.7) years; 45.1% were female. The initial treatment was surgery in 55.8%, sclerotherapy in 35.1%, and other interventions in 9.1%. The LM stage ranged from 1 to 5, with similar distributions (P = .15) across initial treatment types; 31.2% of LMs were macrocystic, 34.8% were microcystic, and 33.9% were mixed, with similar distributions across treatment types. Patients receiving sclerotherapy had worse pretreatment CDS subscores for respiration, nutrition, and speech (all P ≤ .02). In univariate analysis, initial surgery and initial sclerotherapy had similar effectiveness after the first intervention (P = .21) and at 1 year (P = .30). In multivariate analysis controlling for lesion stage and type, initial surgery and sclerotherapy did not differ in effectiveness after the first intervention (P = .28) or at 1 year (P = .97). Total CDS and subscale changes were similar between treatment types except for the nutrition subscale. Treatment type did not predict total number of interventions (P = .64), total hospital days (P = .34), total ICU days (P = .59), or higher likelihood of subsequent tracheostomy (P = .36). Higher LM stage predicted more hospital and ICU days and higher likelihood of tracheostomy (all P ≤ .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this multisite comparison, initial surgery and sclerotherapy for head and neck LMs were similar in effectiveness and resource utilization. Higher stage predicted greater resource utilization.

Impact of incision and drainage of infected thyroglossal duct cyst on recurrence after Sistrunk procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether incision and drainage of infected thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) is associated with increased risk of recurrence after Sistrunk procedure when compared with antibiotic treatment alone. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral practice. PATIENTS: Patients treated for thyroglossal duct remnants in a tertiary care pediatric center from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2008. Study subjects were identified using the diagnosis code for TGDC or the procedure code for excision of thyroglossal duct cyst or sinus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence of infection, treatment of infected TGDCs, and relationship between infection, treatment of infection, and recurrence. RESULTS: We identified 120 patients from 2002 through 2008 who met the search criteria. The mean age at the time of presentation was 5.1 years; at the time of surgery, 5.4 years. More than half the patients (58.2%) were male, and the most common presentation was an asymptomatic midline neck mass. Forty-nine of our patients (40.8%) had a history of infection and 6 of these (12%) required incision and drainage. The overall recurrence rate was 10.8%. Ten of the patients with preoperative infection (20%) had a recurrence compared with 3 of the 71 patients (4%) without preoperative infection (P = .002). Of all patients with recurrences, only 1 had undergone incision and drainage. CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that preoperative infection is associated with an increased recurrence rate. Incision and drainage of an infected TGDC may not increase the risk of postoperative recurrence. The results of this case series may assist in preoperative counseling and management of infected TGDC prior to definitive surgery.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: impact on health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Upper airway obstruction in children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) may be severe enough to require surgical intervention. Although many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in relieving airway obstruction, no study has reported health-related quality of life (QOL) outcomes. The objective of the present study was to conduct the first health-related QOL assessment post-MDO. METHODS: The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) questionnaire was distributed in a retrospective manner to the caregivers of all children who had undergone MDO at the authors' institutions between January 2007 and December 2010. Patients who had other major surgical procedures were excluded. RESULTS: The response rate was 84% (21 of 25 questionnaires completed). The total mean GCBI score was +54 (SD, 19.5), which demonstrated a subjective overall benefit in health-related QOL post-MDO. All of the domains within the GCBI also scored in the positive range, indicating domain specific improvements in health-related QOL. There were no significant differences in the GCBI scores between syndromic-PRS patients and isolated PRS patients; similar results were observed between tracheostomy patients and no tracheostomy patients. SUMMARY: In treating children with PRS and severe upper airway obstruction, MDO resulted in a subjective overall benefit in health-related QOL in our study population.

Feeding and mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: a case series of functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to upper airway obstruction, many patients with micrognathia and Pierre Robin sequence also have swallowing abnormalities and reflux. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness in alleviating the airway symptoms with mandibular distraction osteogenesis, but very few studies have focused on feeding and reflux outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis with completed pre- and post-operative upper gastroesophageal series and videofluoroscopic swallow assessments. RESULTS: All six children in our series demonstrated significant improvements in both airway obstructive symptoms and feeding abnormalities. More specifically, all patients showed clinical and objective improvements in reflux and swallowing function after distraction surgery. CONCLUSION: Objective and symptomatic improvements in swallowing function and reflux disease can be seen after mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence.

Defining ankyloglossia: a case series of anterior and posterior tongue ties.

INTRODUCTION: Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition in which tongue mobility is limited due to an abnormality of the lingual frenulum. The impact of ankyloglossia on breastfeeding is poorly understood but there is a recent trend toward more recognition of this condition and early intervention when needed. Currently, there lacks clear definition of ankyloglossia and different subtypes have been proposed with no clinical correlation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of anterior versus posterior ankyloglossia in a large series of consecutive patients and to assess clinical outcomes after frenotomy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients from July 2007 to July 2009 who were diagnosed with ankyloglossia and underwent office frenotomy. Baseline characteristics, specific feeding issues, type of ankyloglossia, and clinical outcomes after frenotomy were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 341 total patients, 322 (94%) had anterior ankyloglossia and 19 (6%) had posterior ankyloglossia. Median age at presentation was 2.7 weeks (range 1 day of life to 24 weeks); 227 were males and 114 were females. Revision frenotomy rates were significantly higher for the posterior ankyloglossia group (3.7% anterior and 21.1% posterior, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: Anterior ankyloglossia is much more common and readily managed when compared to posterior ankyloglossia. Posterior ankyloglossia is a poorly recognized condition that may contribute to breastfeeding difficulties. The diagnosis is difficult due to the subtle clinical findings but relevant health care providers should be aware of this condition. Frenotomy is a simple, safe, and effective intervention for ankyloglossia which improves breastfeeding.

A practical guide to understanding systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

A systematic review is a transparent and unbiased review of available information. The published systematic review must report the details of the conduct of the review as one might report the details of a primary research project. A meta-analysis is a powerful and rigorous statistical approach to synthesize data from multiple studies, preferably obtained from a systematic review, in order to enlarge the sample size from smaller studies to test the original hypothesis and/or to generate new ones. The objective of this article is to serve as an easy to read practical guide to understand systematic reviews and meta-analyses for those reading them and for those who might plan to prepare them.

Otitis media with effusion in infants and children.

Preview A crabby infant or a toddler pulling at his or her ears is a fairly common sight in a primary care office, and a 10-day course of antibiotics often does the trick. But what should you do when this doesn't work? And what if symptoms seem to resolve but effusion continues? The authors describe acute and chronic otitis media, explain how to diagnose and treat patients to avoid lifelong problems, and suggest when to call in an otolaryngologist.