Clinicodemographic Predictors of Tracheotomy Tube Size and Decannulation: A Multiinstitutional Retrospective Cohort Study on Tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation. METHODS: We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and <8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060 per inch; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.1891.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Best Practices in Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Multidisciplinary Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common otolaryngologic diagnosis. Treatment of presumed LPR remains challenging, and limited frameworks exist to guide treatment. METHODS: Using RAND/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Methods, a modified Delphi approach identified consensus statements to guide LPR treatment. Experts independently and blindly scored proposed statements on importance, scientific acceptability, usability, and feasibility in a four-round iterative process. Accepted measures reached scores with ≥ 80% agreement in the 7-9 range (on a 9-point Likert scale) across all four categories. RESULTS: Fifteen experts rated 36 proposed initial statements. In round one, 10 (27.8%) statements were rated as valid. In round two, 8 statements were modified based on panel suggestions, and experts subsequently rated 5 of these statements as valid. Round three's discussion refined statements not yet accepted, and in round four, additional voting identified 2 additional statements as valid. In total, 17 (47.2%) best practice statements reached consensus, touching on topics as varied as role of empiric treatment, medication use, lifestyle modifications, and indications for laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Using a well-tested methodology, best practice statements in the treatment of LPR were identified. The statements serve to guide physicians on LPR treatment considerations.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Radiation Use and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Adult Modified Barium Swallow Studies.

The Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) is a videofluoroscopic examination of the anatomy and physiology involved in swallowing. Like other fluoroscopic examinations, the MBSS uses ionizing radiation with related radiation risks. Thus, the procedures and protocols related to MBSSs must balance the benefit of the diagnostic information gained with the risk of radiation exposure. This requires complex decision-making for any given clinician but becomes complicated due to the interprofessional nature of conducting MBSSs, namely the direct involvement of both the speech-language pathologist and radiologist with indirect involvement of the medical physicist and the referring physician. This editorial provides the perspectives of the various stakeholder groups related to radiation use in adult MBSSs, identifies barriers to conducting MBSSs in an evidence-based manner, and suggests areas for improvement.

Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy, or flexible or rigid septotomy for Zenker's diverticulum: a multicenter retrospective comparison.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of Zenker's diverticulum has evolved from open surgery to endoscopic techniques, including flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy, and more recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). This study compared the effectiveness of flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy with that of Z-POEM. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic septotomy (flexible/rigid) or Z-POEM for Zenker's diverticulum between 1/2016 and 9/2019 were included. Primary outcomes were clinical success (decrease in Dakkak and Bennett dysphagia score to ≤ 1), clinical failure, and clinical recurrence. Secondary outcomes included technical success and rate/severity of adverse events. RESULTS: 245 patients (110 females, mean age 72.63 years, standard deviation [SD] 12.37 years) from 12 centers were included. Z-POEM was the most common management modality (n = 119), followed by flexible (n = 86) and rigid (n = 40) endoscopic septotomy. Clinical success was 92.7 % for Z-POEM, 89.2 % for rigid septotomy, and 86.7 % for flexible septotomy (P = 0.26). Symptoms recurred in 24 patients (15 Z-POEM during a mean follow-up of 282.04 [SD 300.48] days, 6 flexible, 3 rigid [P = 0.47]). Adverse events occurred in 30.0 % rigid septotomy patients, 16.8 % Z-POEM patients, and 2.3 % flexible septotomy patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in outcomes between the three treatment approaches for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum. Rigid endoscopic septotomy was associated with the highest rate of complications, while flexible endoscopic septotomy appeared to be the safest. Recurrence following Z-POEM was similar to flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Moving Forward with Dysphagia Care: Implementing Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Growing numbers of SARS-CoV-2 cases coupled with limited understanding of transmissibility and virulence, have challenged the current workflow and clinical care pathways for the dysphagia provider. At the same time, the need for non-COVID-19-related dysphagia care persists. Increased awareness of asymptomatic virus carriers and variable expression of the disease have also focused attention to appropriate patient care in the context of protection for the healthcare workforce. The objective of this review was to create a clinical algorithm and reference for dysphagia clinicians across clinical settings to minimize spread of COVID-19 cases while providing optimal care to patients suffering from swallowing disorders. Every practitioner and healthcare system will likely have different constraints or preferences leading to the utilization of one technique over another. Knowledge about this pandemic increases every day, but the algorithms provided here will help in considering the best options for proceeding with safe and effective dysphagia care in this new era.

High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry and Impedance: Protocols and Metrics-Recommendations of a High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry International Working Group.

High-resolution manometry has traditionally been utilized in gastroenterology diagnostic clinical and research applications. Recently, it is also finding new and important applications in speech pathology and laryngology practices. A High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry International Working Group was formed as a grass roots effort to establish a consensus on methodology, protocol, and outcome metrics for high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) with consideration of impedance as an adjunct modality. The Working Group undertook three tasks (1) survey what experts were currently doing in their clinical and/or research practice; (2) perform a review of the literature underpinning the value of particular HRPM metrics for understanding swallowing physiology and pathophysiology; and (3) establish a core outcomes set of HRPM metrics via a Delphi consensus process. Expert survey results were used to create a recommended HRPM protocol addressing system configuration, catheter insertion, and bolus administration. Ninety two articles were included in the final literature review resulting in categorization of 22 HRPM-impedance metrics into three classes: pharyngeal lumen occlusive pressures, hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressures, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function. A stable Delphi consensus was achieved for 8 HRPM-Impedance metrics: pharyngeal contractile integral (CI), velopharyngeal CI, hypopharyngeal CI, hypopharyngeal pressure at nadir impedance, UES integrated relaxation pressure, relaxation time, and maximum admittance. While some important unanswered questions remain, our work represents the first step in standardization of high-resolution pharyngeal manometry acquisition, measurement, and reporting. This could potentially inform future proposals for an HRPM-based classification system specifically for pharyngeal swallowing disorders.

The effect of voluntary pharyngeal swallowing maneuvers on esophageal swallowing physiology.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether swallowing maneuvers designed to impact pharyngeal physiology would also impact esophageal physiology. Healthy volunteers underwent high-resolution manometry while performing three randomized swallowing maneuvers with and without a 5-ml bolus: normal swallowing, Mendelsohn maneuver, and effortful swallowing. We examined esophageal parameters of peristaltic swallows, hypotensive or failed swallows ("nonperistaltic swallows"), distal contractile integral (DCI), contractile front velocity (CFV), intrabolus pressure, and transition zone (TZ) defect. Four females and six males (median age 39 years; range 25-53) were included in the study. The overall number of nonperistaltic swallows was 21/40 (53 %) during normal swallowing, 27/40 (66 %) during the Mendelsohn maneuver, and 13/40 (33 %) during effortful swallowing. There were significantly more overall nonperistaltic swallows with the Mendelsohn maneuver compared with effortful swallowing (p = 0.003). While swallowing a 5-ml bolus, there were more nonperistaltic swallows during the Mendelsohn maneuver (12/20, 60 %) compared to that during normal swallowing (6/20, 30 %) (p = 0.05) and more peristaltic swallows during effortful swallowing as compared to Mendelsohn maneuver (p = 0.003). Intrabolus esophageal pressure was greater during the Mendelsohn maneuver swallows in the bolus-swallowing condition as compared to normal swallowing (p = 0.02). There was no statistical difference in DCI, CFV, or TZ defect between swallowing conditions. The Mendelsohn maneuver may result in decreased esophageal peristalsis while effortful swallowing may improve esophageal peristalsis. Because it is important to understand the implications for the entire swallowing mechanism when considering retraining techniques for our patients, further investigation is warranted.

Which Provider Specialties are Performing Diagnostic Procedures for Dysphagia in the United States?

OBJECTIVE: Care of patients with dysphagia occurs at the intersection of several different medical specialties. Otolaryngologists are uniquely equipped to diagnose dysphagia given their specialized training, yet the extent to which otolaryngologists perform diagnostic procedures for dysphagia is unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the specialty-level variation among providers performing diagnostic assessments for dysphagia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of dysphagia care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2021 using the CMS Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service dataset. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) data reports were used to determine the total number of providers per specialty. For each procedure and specialty, the percentage of providers performing >10 procedures annually and the average annual number of procedures per performing provider (non-radiology) were calculated. RESULTS: We analyzed nine common dysphagia diagnostic procedures, including manometry, 24-h pH testing, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and modified barium swallow study (MBSS). Mean 3.7 (SD 1.4) otolaryngologists (0.04% of practicing) performed manometry testing annually, compared to 493 (69.3) gastroenterologists (3.3%). Less than 1% of practicing otolaryngologists (37.8 (8.0) (0.04%)) and gastroenterologists (51.6 (8.4), 0.35%) performed 24-h pH testing annually. FEES testing was most commonly performed by otolaryngologists; however, only 48 (6.3) providers (0.51% of practicing) performed these procedures annually. For MBSS, fewer otolaryngologists (5.2 (1.0), 0.05%) perform these assessments than other medical specialties. Each otolaryngologist performed 110.7 (52.5) studies annually, compared to 200.1 (68.0) per gastroenterologist. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists represent a small fraction of providers performing dysphagia-related diagnostic procedures despite a unique training within our specialty to comprehensively diagnose and manage this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Normal Variations in Upper Esophageal Sphincter Function During Deglutition: A Secondary Analysis of Videofluoroscopic Data.

OBJECTIVE: Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is a common potential cause of pharyngoesophageal dysphagia. Contextual factors (i.e., personal demographics and bolus properties) appear to impact upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function but have yet to be assessed collectively in a large-scale study using psychometrically sound swallow task procedures. Using a standardized and validated videofluoroscopic approach, we investigated the collective effects of age, sex, and swallow task on UES opening duration (UESOdur) and UES maximum distension (UESmax) in a large sample of healthy adults. METHODS: UESOdur and UESmax data were analyzed from existing videofluoroscopic images of 195 healthy adults (21-89 years old) across seven swallow tasks (thin liquid to viscous liquids, puree, and a solid). Generalized estimating equation modeling captured the effects of the aforementioned contextual factors (α = 0.05). RESULTS: UESOdur significantly increased with age, while UESmax had an inverse relationship. Females had significantly wider UESmax. UESOdur of 5 mL thin liquid was significantly shorter than all other liquid swallow tasks, while solid had an inverse effect. Compared to 5 mL thin liquid, all other swallow tasks resulted in significantly wider UESmax. Mildly and moderately thick liquid significantly increased UESOdur when isolating viscosity. UESmax was significantly wider with mildly and moderately thick liquid and puree than thin liquid. When isolating volume, cup sip thin liquid increased both measures significantly relative to 5 mL. CONCLUSION: Age, sex, and swallow task can influence the normal timing and extent of UES movement. These collective effects contribute to normal variability in UES function and should be considered for clinical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2306-2315, 2024.

A Systematic Review of Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry Normative Data.

PURPOSE: The utilization of high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) in the evaluation of pharyngeal dysphagia has been increasing; however, standardization of its use has lagged behind. Without standardization using normative values, it is difficult for clinicians to adopt this emerging technology into meaningful use. Our goal is to map and compare the published normative values for common HRPM metrics in order to help establish consensus reference values. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted on prospective and retrospective studies that included HRPM metrics, defined by an international working group consensus, in healthy adult populations. Data on the following variables were extracted when available: contractile integrals of the pharynx (PhCI), velopharynx, mesopharynx, and hypopharynx, as well as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), relaxation time (RT), maximum admittance, and hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included. Significant variation existed in the technique and equipment used to perform procedures between the different studies. Lower PhCIs and UES IRPs were seen in younger compared to older individuals. Higher UES RTs were found in individuals in the upright position compared to the supine position and in those using larger boluses sizes or smaller catheters. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the wide variety of protocols, catheter configurations, manufacturers, and software used in the existing literature, it is difficult to formulate consensus on HPRM normative values using pooled data. Prospective studies adhering to standardized HRPM protocols for specific catheter configurations and manufacturers with larger cohorts of normal individuals are necessary to establish proper reference values for HRPM metrics. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24843753.

Adult Laryngomalacia: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: This review sought to determine the characteristics of adults diagnosed with new onset laryngomalacia including airway symptoms, laryngoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes. Moreover, we wanted to highlight suspected limitations in the literature. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified through CINAHL, Cochrane Review, PubMed, and Scopus published between 1966 and 2023. REVIEW METHODS: The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist by 2 independent investigators. A meta-analysis of proportions and continuous measures was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 1121 abstracts identified, 33 articles pertaining to laryngomalacia in the adult population were included. The most common presenting symptoms were stridor at rest (78.3%, 65.1-88.3) and dyspnea with exertion (83.8%, 64.8-96.3). The most suspected etiology was exercise-induced (86.0%, 69.4-95.5), and the most common description of laryngomalacia on visualization was collapse of supraglottic structures during exercise (93.3%, 79.0-99.1). Nonsurgical options were attempted in 87.0% (54.0-99.1), which included oral appliances, respiratory retraining, breathing techniques, and working with a speech pathologist. Surgical options were ultimately performed in 84.2% (75.0-91.0). Complete resolution of symptoms following therapy was seen in 61.9% (48.0-74.6). CONCLUSION: Adult onset laryngomalacia is difficult to characterize. It typically presents in patients during exercise, with neurological injury, or idiopathically. Surgical management can lead to improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The need for a universal nomenclature is highlighted in this review, as it is inconsistently classified.

Impact of Obesity on Timing of Tracheotomy: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on (1) tracheotomy timing and (2) short-term surgical complications requiring a return to the operating room and 30-day mortality utilizing data from the Multi-Institutional Study on Tracheotomy (MIST). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients from the MIST database who underwent surgical or percutaneous tracheotomy between 2013 and 2016 at eight institutions was completed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of obesity on tracheotomy timing and complications. RESULTS: Among the 3369 patients who underwent tracheotomy, 41.0% were obese and 21.6% were morbidly obese. BMI was associated with higher rates of prolonged intubation prior to tracheotomy accounting for comorbidities, indication for tracheotomy, institution, and type of tracheostomy (p = 0.001). Morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) experienced a longer duration of intubation compared with patients with a normal BMI (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 11.0 days [7-17 days] versus 9.0 days [5-14 days]; p < 0.001) but did not have statistically higher rates of return to the operating room within 30 days (p = 0.12) or mortality (p = 0.90) on multivariable analysis. This same finding of prolonged intubation was not seen in overweight, nonobese patients when compared with normal BMI patients (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 10.0 days [6-15 days] versus 10.0 days [6-15 days]; p = 0.36). CONCLUSION: BMI was associated with increased duration of intubation prior to tracheotomy. Although morbidly obese patients had a longer duration of intubation, there were no differences in return to the operating room or mortality within 30 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Laryngoscope, 2024.

The Dubai Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to gather an international consensus group to propose a global definition and diagnostic approach of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) to guide primary care and specialist physicians in the management of LPR. METHODS: Forty-eight international experts (otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and physiologists) were included in a modified Delphi process to revise 48 statements about definition, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to LPR. Three voting rounds determined a consensus statement to be acceptable when 80% of experts agreed with a rating of at least 8/10. Votes were anonymous and the analyses of voting rounds were performed by an independent statistician. RESULTS: After the third round, 79.2% of statements (N = 38/48) were approved. LPR was defined as a disease of the upper aerodigestive tract resulting from the direct and/or indirect effects of gastroduodenal content reflux, inducing morphological and/or neurological changes in the upper aerodigestive tract. LPR is associated with recognized non-specific laryngeal and extra-laryngeal symptoms and signs that can be evaluated with validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires and clinical instruments. The hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing can suggest the diagnosis of LPR when there is >1 acid, weakly acid or nonacid hypopharyngeal reflux event in 24 h. CONCLUSION: A global consensus definition for LPR is presented to improve detection and diagnosis of the disease for otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care practitioners. The approved statements are offered to improve collaborative research by adopting common and validated diagnostic approaches to LPR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 134:1614-1624, 2024.

Topical bethanechol for the improvement of esophageal dysmotility: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: We studied a case series to evaluate the effect of topical bethanechol chloride on esophageal function in individuals with ineffective esophageal motility. METHODS: Five subjects with ineffective esophageal motility underwent high resolution esophageal manometry. Ten 5 mL liquid swallows were performed to establish a baseline. Five milligrams of topical bethanechol was then administered. After 10 minutes, the subjects completed 10 additional liquid swallows. This procedure was repeated with 10 mg of bethanechol in 4 subjects. RESULTS: After administration of 5 mg of topical bethanechol, the mean (+/- SD) distal contractile integral, an index of esophageal contractility, increased from 178.3 +/- 83.1 mm Hg x s x cm to 272.3 +/- 216.9 mm Hg x s x cm (p = 0.69). The percentage of failed swallows decreased from 52.8% +/- 33.2% to 29.4% +/- 18.3% (p = 0.14). The percentage of peristaltic swallows increased from 28.0% +/- 26.8% to 67.2% +/- 15.3% (p = 0.04). The contractile front velocity was essentially unchanged. After administration of 10 mg of bethanechol,the distal contractile integral decreased from 349.3 +/- 371.0 mm Hg x s x cm to 261.8 +/- 293.5 mm Hg x s x cm (p = 0.72). The percentage of failed swallows increased from 57.5% +/- 37.7% to 66.8% +/- 24.9% (p = 0.46). The percentage of peristaltic swallows increased from 17.5% +/- 23.6% to 28.3% +/- 19.1% (p = 0.29). The contractile front velocity decreased from 11.6 +/- 5.2 cm/s to 4.9 +/- 3.0 cm/s (p = 0.32). No adverse side effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study support the need for further investigation with larger sample sizes and dose escalation.

High titers of IgE antibody to dust mite allergen and risk for wheezing among asthmatic children infected with rhinovirus.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of allergic sensitization, as judged by titers of serum IgE antibodies, to the risk of an asthma exacerbation caused by rhinovirus is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the prevalence of rhinovirus infections in relation to the atopic status of children treated for wheezing in Costa Rica, a country with an increased asthma burden. METHODS: The children enrolled (n= 287) were 7 through 12 years old. They included 96 with acute wheezing, 65 with stable asthma, and 126 nonasthmatic control subjects. PCR methods, including gene sequencing to identify rhinovirus strains, were used to identify viral pathogens in nasal washes. Results were examined in relation to wheezing, IgE, allergen-specific IgE antibody, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide levels. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of wheezing children compared with 13% of children with stable asthma and 13% of nonasthmatic control subjects had positive test results for rhinovirus (P< .001 for both comparisons). Among wheezing subjects, 75% of the rhinoviruses detected were group C strains. High titers of IgE antibodies to dust mite allergen (especially Dermatophagoides species) were common and correlated significantly with total IgE and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide levels. The greatest risk for wheezing was observed among children with titers of IgE antibodies to dust mite of 17.5 IU/mL or greater who tested positive for rhinovirus (odds ratio for wheezing, 31.5; 95% CI, 8.3-108; P< .001). CONCLUSIONS: High titers of IgE antibody to dust mite allergen were common and significantly increased the risk for acute wheezing provoked by rhinovirus among asthmatic children.

Supragastric belching and rumination syndrome: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article aims to discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis of rumination syndrome and supragastric belching, as well as treatment options for both diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as rumination syndrome and supragastric belching may be effectively treated using biofeedback. SUMMARY: A comprehensive approach that includes potential pharmacologic treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback should also be considered for optimal management of supragastric belching and rumination.

The Efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Neurogenic Cough: A Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic cough is a common and debilitating problem. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block for neurogenic cough through a placebo-controlled, prospective trial. METHODS: Patients were recruited in an outpatient tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria included a history consistent with neurogenic cough and age ≥ 18. Exclusion criteria included patients with untreated other etiologies of chronic cough (i.e., uncontrolled reflux) and current neuromodulating medication use. Patients were randomized into the treatment (1-2 mL of a 1:1 triamcinolone 40 mg: 1% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrines) or placebo (saline) group and received two unilateral injections at approximately 2-week intervals. Outcomes were measured primarily by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and a patient symptom log including a visual analog scale of cough severity. RESULTS: 17 patients completed the study, including 10 in the treatment group and seven in the placebo group. Eight (80%) patients in the treatment group reported improvement with at least one of the injections, whereas only 1 (14.3%) patient reported improvement in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Average total LCQ scores increased in the treatment group from 10.09 to 13.15 (p = 0.03), with the most change occurring in the social domain. There was no statistically significant change in LCQ scores for the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: An SLN block is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of neurogenic cough. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment protocol and assess long-term follow-up of patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:3068-3074, 2023.

Characterizing Swallowing Impairment in a Post-Lung Transplant Population.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplant recipients carry significant pre- and post-lung transplant dysphagia risk factors related to altered respiratory-swallow coordination as well as acute injury and decompensation resulting in the acute post-lung transplant recovery period. However, we are only beginning to understand the potential physiological contributors to altered swallowing in this population. METHOD: A retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study of post-lung transplant patients was performed. All participants received a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) as part of standard care during their acute hospitalization using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) protocol and scoring metric. A combination of MBSImP scores, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) scale levels, and the time from lung transplant to MBSS was collected, as well as measures of swallowing impairment and swallowing-related outcomes. Differences in swallowing physiology and swallowing-related outcomes between participants with typical versus atypical PAS were explored. RESULTS: Forty-two participants met our prespecified inclusion criteria. We identified atypical laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration in 52.4% of our post-lung transplant cohort. Silent aspiration occurred in 75% of those patients who aspirated. Comparing typical versus atypical PAS scores, we found statistically significant associations with laryngeal elevation (Component 8), p < .0001; anterior hyoid excursion (Component 9), p = .0046; epiglottic movement (Component 10), p = .0031; laryngeal vestibule closure (Component 11), p < .0001; pharyngeal stripping (Component 12), p = .0058; pharyngeal total scores, p = .0001; FOIS scores, p = .00264; and IDDSI liquid levels, p = .0009. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing impairment resulting in abnormal bolus invasion is prevalent in post-lung transplant patients. Airway invasion in this cohort was related to pharyngeal swallow impairment and resulted in modified oral intake. Our findings help expand upon prior literature, which only reported the incidence of aspiration and pathological laryngeal penetration. Our results suggest that the potential for aerodigestive system impairment and negative sequela should not be underestimated in the post-lung transplant population.

Diagnostic accuracy and management concordance of otorhinolaryngological diseases through telehealth or remote visits: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has led to delays in providing healthcare in both emergency and non-emergency settings, especially in surgical subspecialties which rely heavily on referrals and in-person visits. Without an established telehealth infrastructure, many otorhinolaryngological departments experienced decreases in consultations. Telemedicine has attempted to bridge the gap between pre- and post-pandemic periods by creating a safe avenue of communication between otorhinolaryngologists and patients. This review hopes to address the accuracy of telemedicine in patient diagnosis and management. METHODS: Searches were conducted since study conception until June 30, 2022, on multiple databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Diagnostic accuracy, management accuracy, kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were meta-analyzed by comparing virtual visits to in-person visits (gold standard). RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in this review. A total of 1518 patients were included across all studies. When comparing virtual visits against in-person visits, accurate diagnosis was made in 86.2% [82.1,89.9, I2 = 73.5%, P < 0.0001] of patients and management accuracy was 91.5% [86.1,95.7, I2 = 81.8%, P < 0.0001] when treating patients. Kappa value determining interrater reliability was 0.8 [0.7,0.9, I2 = 81.8%, P < 0.0001]. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that diagnostic and management concordance is above 80% when comparing diagnosis and management strategies in patients who underwent both telehealth and in-person visits with an otorhinolaryngologist. In uncomplicated patients, telehealth might be a reliable source for diagnosis and management however, in-person consultation is likely still required for pathologies in which physical exam, imaging or procedural elements represent a vital component of the work-up.