Outcomes in Pediatric Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Stratified by the Use of Image Guidance: An Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database from 1997 to 2016.

Background To evaluate the utilization of image guidance technology for pediatric transsphenoidal pituitary resection (TSPR) and analyze the complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and total cost for such surgeries as function of time and utilization of image guidance. Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was queried for all cases of TSPR between 1997 and 2016. Factors extracted included patient demographics, use of image guidance, LOS, total cost, and complications, including panhypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus (DI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, and cranial nerve (CN) III, IV, and VI palsies. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine the odds ratio of developing panhypopituitarism, DI, CSF rhinorrhea, and CN palsies for image-guided versus nonimage-guided cases. A generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of image guidance on inflation-adjusted total cost and LOS. Results A total of 1,297 cases of TSPR were included in the KID over this time period. The majority were female, Caucasian, and older than 15 years. Utilization of image guidance has rapidly increased since 2006. Complication rates were comparable, but when controlling for other factors, the use of image guidance showed a lower risk of postoperative DI ( p = 0.05). The use of image guidance also resulted in a shorter LOS by 2.84 days ( p < 0.001) with no associated increase in total cost ( p = 0.663). Conclusion The use of imaging guidance for pediatric TSPR has precipitously increased in recent years, as it is cost-effective, decreases LOS, and may lead to lower complication rates, such as DI.

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Outcomes and Cost: Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database.

OBJECTIVE: To report trends in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) hospitalizations and identify key factors affecting treatment outcomes and cost of care in JNA patients. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Database was queried for all cases of JNA between the years of 1997 and 2016. Key factors extracted were patient demographics, geographic region, hospital size, teaching status, elective admissions, and number of diagnoses and procedures performed during the hospitalization. These elements were correlated to length of stay (LOS) and cost-per-day (CPD) using a multiple linear regression (MLR). Regional variation in JNA diagnosis and changes in LOS and CPD trends over time were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 614 JNA patients were hospitalized in this time period, with a majority of patients identifying as male (98%) and Caucasian/White (55%). The average LOS has decreased by 0.14 day per year since 1997 (P = .0034) whereas the CPD has steadily increased by $2 380 per year (P < .001). MLR analysis revealed that while holding all other factors constant, patients who stayed at teaching hospitals had an increased LOS of 1.7 days (P = .026), but paid $11 961 less per day (P = .05). Regional variation in CPD was found in the Northeast region, where hospitalizations were more expensive by $9 801 per day compared to the South (P = .017). CONCLUSION: These results indicate hospital characteristics, such as teaching status and geographic region, may predict differences in JNA outcomes and cost. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of these variations to ensure optimal patient outcomes and expenditures.

Advanced practice providers and children's hospital-based pediatric otolarynology practices.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, have been deployed in children's hospital-based academic pediatric otolaryngology practices for many years. However, this relationship in terms of prevalence, roles, financial consequences and satisfaction has not been examined. The objective of this study is to explore how APPs impact healthcare delivery in this setting. METHODS: Pediatric otolaryngology chiefs of all academic children's hospitals in the US were electronically surveyed about the ways APPs intersected clinically and financially in their respective practice. RESULTS: A total of 29 of 36 children's hospital-based pediatric otolaryngology practices completed the survey, of which 26 practices (90%) utilized APP. There were large variances within the APP practice cohort in faculty size (mean/median/range = 9.4/8.5/3-29); annual patient visits (mean/median = 18,373/17,600); number of practice site (mean/median/range = 4.3/4/2-9) and number of outpatient APP (mean/median/range = 6.3/5/1-30). No factors (faculty size, annual visits and number of practice sites) differentiated between the APP and non-APP practices. Among APP practices, significant correlation (p<.00001) was observed between size of APP cohort to faculty size and annual visits. 69% of the practices did not differentiate job functions of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. 85% of the practices utilized APPs in all practice sites and 19% utilized APPs in the operating room. 77% of APPs billed independently and 46% had on-site supervision. The most prevalent APP salary bracket based on 0-5, 6-10 and > 11 years of tenure were $76-100K (65%), $100-150K (77%) and $100-150K (86%), respectively. In 46% of the practices, APPs were able to generate enough revenue to cover more than 75% of their salary and 23% of practices generated a profit. 81% of the chiefs ranked the effectiveness of APPs as high (4 and 5) on a 5-point Likert scale. DISCUSSION: The majority of academic pediatric otolaryngology practices employed APPs. Despite the diversity seen in practice complexity, APP functionality and financial impact, most found the APP model to be beneficial in improving patient care, patient access and faculty productivity.

Protocol incorporating airway CT decreases negative bronchoscopy rates for suspected foreign bodies in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is the 4th leading cause of death in children between the ages 1-5. Although direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DL&B) is the reference standard for diagnosis of pediatric airway foreign bodies, there is a high negative bronchoscopy rate, exposing patients to unnecessary operative and anesthetic risks and costs. METHODS: A clinical care protocol entailing the selective use of low-dose non-contrast airway computed tomography (CT) for children with an intermediate risk for FBA on the basis of clinical exam and chest radiography was implemented to decrease the negative DL&B rate. A retrospective review was conducted to compare negative bronchoscopy rates before and after implementation of the new protocol and the diagnostic performance characteristics of airway CT for airway foreign bodies were analyzed. RESULTS: After implementation of the airway FB clinical care protocol entailing selective airway CT, the overall negative bronchoscopy rate decreased from an institutional historical rate of 37% (54/145) to 17% (10/56) (p = .06). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of airway CT for FB was 91%, 100%, 100%, and 97% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose non-contrast airway CT is highly sensitive and specific for airway foreign bodies, and its selective use in a clinical care protocol for children with suspected foreign body aspiration could greatly reduce the negative bronchoscopy rate, thereby decreasing operative risks and costs.

Pediatric lymphedema caused by diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy: A case report and review of the literature.

Pediatric head and neck lymphedema is rare and there have not been any reported cases in children. Here we discuss severe, diffuse head and neck lymphedema in a child caused by compression of the internal jugular veins by lymphadenopathy from Kawasaki's disease. With steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, the lymphadenopathy improved and facial edema slowly resolved. In review of the literature, complications of head and neck lymphedema including airway obstruction and blindness are discussed. This case highlights the importance of the pediatric otolaryngologist considering lymphedema as a cause for facial swelling and monitoring for complications of lymphedema.

Endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy in a child with chronic type 3 atlantoaxial rotatory fixation: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Although the transoral transpharyngeal approach has been the standard approach to decompress the odontoid process, it bears some disadvantages including risk of infection, prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, need for nasogastric tube feeding, extended hospitalization, and possible effects of phonation. The endoscopic transnasal approach is a viable alternative, managing to avoid some of the pitfalls of the more accepted transoral transpharyngeal approach. However, there have only been a handful of adult cases and only three pediatric cases. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with a chronic type 3 atlantoaxial rotator fixation and significant spinal cord compression from basilar invagination and a displaced odontoid process. We performed an endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy prior to posterior occiptocervical fusion on the patient. She was neurologically intact with a well-healed wound at 7-month follow-up.

Postoperative analgesic and behavioral effects of intranasal fentanyl, intravenous morphine, and intramuscular morphine in pediatric patients undergoing bilateral myringotomy and placement of ventilating tubes.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral myringotomy and placement of ventilating tubes (BMT) is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures in the United States. Many children who undergo BMT develop behavioral changes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and require rescue pain medication. The incidence of these changes is lower in children receiving intraoperative opioids by the nasal, IM, or IV route compared with placebo. However, there are no data to indicate which route of administration is better. Our study was designed to compare the immediate postoperative analgesic and behavioral effects of 3 frequently used intraoperative techniques of postoperative pain control for patients undergoing BMT under general anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred seventy-one ASA physical status I and II children scheduled for BMT were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: group 1-nasal fentanyl 2 µg/kg with IV and IM saline placebo; group 2-IV morphine 0.1 mg/kg with nasal and IM placebo; or group 3-IM morphine 0.1 mg/kg with nasal and IV placebo. All subjects received a standardized general anesthetic with sevoflurane, N(2)O, and O(2) and similar postoperative care. The primary end point of the study was the pain scores measured by the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale in the PACU. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peak FLACC pain among the 3 groups (mean [95% CI] 2.0 [1.2-2.8] for intranasal fentanyl, 2.7 [1.7-3.6] for IV morphine, and 2.9 [2.1-3.7] for IM morphine, respectively). There were no differences in the scores on the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale, incidence of postoperative emergence delirium (PAED score ≥ 12), emesis, perioperative hypoxemia, or need for airway intervention, and postoperative rescue analgesia. There were also no differences in the duration of PACU stay or parental satisfaction among the groups. CONCLUSION: In this double-blind, double-dummy study, there was no difference in the efficacy of intranasal fentanyl, IM and IV morphine in controlling postoperative pain and emergence delirium in children undergoing BMT placement. The IM route is the simplest and avoids the potential for delays to establish vascular access for IV therapy and the risks of laryngospasm if intranasal drugs pass through the posterior nasopharynx and irritate the vocal cords.

Intraorbital and intracranial extension of sinusitis: comparative morbidity.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that intracranial extension of sinusitis carries greater morbidity than extension confined to the orbit and that presenting features can raise suspicion for intracranial extension. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review (1997 to 2006) identified 118 children with sinusitis complicated by intracranial extension or intraorbital extension. Presenting features and infecting organisms were compared using χ(2) or Fisher exact tests. Outcomes included duration of hospitalization, length of therapy and sequelae. RESULTS: Thirty-three children had intracranial extension and 85 had intraorbital extension. Children with intracranial extension were older (11.4 versus 7.6 years; P ≤ .001), had more preadmission encounters (1.9 versus 1.3; P = .012), longer headache duration (9.5 versus 2.8 days; P = .009), and presented more often with vomiting (73% versus 28%; P < .001) than those with intraorbital extension. Children with intracranial extension also were hospitalized (26 versus 10 days; P < .001) and treated (36 versus 24 days; P = .001) longer. Four children (3%) had persistent sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Children with intracranial extension are hospitalized and treated longer than those with intraorbital extension of sinusitis but persistent sequelae are uncommon. Prolonged headache and protracted vomiting at presentation should alert caregivers to consider intracranial extension.

Tonsillectomy in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in children.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review the role of tonsillectomy in diagnosis and management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). STUDY DESIGN: Case series using a retrospective chart review. METHODS: A retrospective review of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2004 to April 2008. Data extracted includes patients' gender, age at transplantation, year of transplantation and tonsillectomy, type of transplant, presenting symptoms, type of immunosuppression, and outcome. RESULTS: Six out of 25 (24%) patients who underwent tonsillectomy were found to have PTLD. The patient's characteristics, gender, age at transplantation, year of transplantation and tonsillectomy, type of transplant, presenting symptoms, type of immunosuppression, and outcomes are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, tonsillar hypertrophy, male gender, young age at transplantation, and liver transplantation were associated with higher rates of PTLD. Given the devastating nature of PTLD, early detection with tonsillectomy and institution of treatment is critical.

Optimal utilization of histopathologic analysis of tonsil and adenoid specimens in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the optimal utilization of histopathologic analysis of tonsil and adenoid specimens in the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 7837 tonsil and adenoid specimens submitted from January 2004 to April 2008. The records were reviewed for the patients' age, sex, and pathologic analysis. The time and cost per analysis of each specimen were determined. RESULTS: Histopathology was performed on 347 specimens based on clinical suspicion by the surgeon, a difference of 0.5 cm or more among tonsils, gross abnormalities, and history of malignancy, transplant, or immunocompromise. Malignancy was diagnosed in 0.026% of patients. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease was diagnosed in 6 of 24 immunocompromised patients. The use of these criteria resulted in a savings of $518,088.47 and 461 h of dedicated technician time per year. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic examinations in selected specimens should be based on specific criteria that should be determined by each hospital based on hospital size, finances and input from their pathologists and otolaryngogists. Storage of a representative specimen for possible retrospective review may be useful.

Cervical thymic anomalies--the Texas Children's Hospital experience.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review the presentation and management of cervical thymic cysts and ectopic thymic tissue at Texas Children's Hospital over the last 25 years. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and case series using retrospective chart review. METHODS: A case report is presented of a recently diagnosed thymic cyst highlighting diagnostic, management, and treatment strategies available for optimizing management of patients with significant mediastinal extension. We then present a retrospective review of cervical thymic anomalies at a tertiary academic medical center over a 25-year span (1983-present). Data extracted include patients' characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical management, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were found to have a pathological diagnosis of cervical thymic cyst, and 10 patients had a diagnosis of ectopic thymic tissue in the neck. This is the largest case series of cervical thymic anomalies presented in the literature to date. Patients' characteristics, diagnostic techniques, and treatment strategies are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical thymic anomalies are a rare but necessary part of the differential diagnosis of a cervical mass. Computed tomography scan can both narrow the preoperative differential diagnosis and aid in surgical planning for thymic cyst excision. A full discussion of the embryology, clinical presentation, and management of cervical thymic cysts and a review of the current literature is presented.

Advanced pediatric mastoiditis with and without intracranial complications.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Recently, several groups have noticed an increase in cases of advanced pediatric mastoiditis and intracranial complications. The objective of this study was to review the bacteriology of advanced mastoiditis in pediatric patients, with the hypothesis that a difference in bacteriology might explain the development of an intracranial complication. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: All pediatric patients with coalescent mastoiditis requiring surgery treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed. Every patient included was treated either with mastoidectomy alone (for coalescent mastoiditis without an intracranial complication) or with transtemporal craniotomy (for coalescent mastoiditis with an intracranial complication). All patients had surgical specimens sent for pathology, Gram stain, and aerobic and anaerobic cultures. RESULTS: One hundred eight pediatric patients with coalescent mastoiditis were identified: 58 (53%) presented with coalescent mastoiditis alone, 17 (16%) presented with coalescent mastoiditis and an intracranial complication, and 33 (31%) were excluded because they were treated with myringotomy and tubes alone, had incomplete data, or had an unclear diagnosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most commonly cultured organism in patients with and without intracranial complications. Anaerobic isolates were present in 29.4% of patients with intracranial complications and 5.7% of patients without intracranial complications (P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly a quarter of pediatric patients with coalescent mastoiditis presented with a simultaneous intracranial complication. There was an increased incidence of anaerobic organisms in patients with intracranial complications compared to those without, indicating the importance of culture and antibiotic coverage appropriate for anaerobes. This series demonstrates the role of aggressive surgical management and close collaboration with the infectious disease service for long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy in treating pediatric patients with advanced mastoiditis.

Multimodality imaging of tracheobronchial disorders in children.

The trachea and bronchial airways in children are subject to compromise by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic conditions, including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, and neoplastic processes. Stridor, wheezing, and respiratory distress are the most common indications for imaging of the airway in children. Frontal and lateral chest and/or neck radiography constitute the initial investigations of choice in most cases. Options for additional imaging include airway fluoroscopy, contrast esophagography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as dynamic airway CT, CT angiography, MR angiography, and cine MR imaging are valuable for providing relevant vascular and functional information in certain settings. Postprocessing techniques such as multiplanar reformatting, volume rendering, and virtual bronchoscopy assist in surgical planning by providing a better representation of three-dimensional anatomy. A systematic approach to imaging the airway based on clinical symptoms and signs is essential for the prompt, safe, and accurate diagnosis of tracheobronchial disorders in children.

Airway foreign bodies and brain abscesses: report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report two cases of intracranial abscess in pediatric patients secondary to aspirated foreign bodies. Although foreign bodies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, only four previous cases have been reported that resulted in a brain abscess. Our patients presented with neurological symptoms, and both were found to have a sharp foreign body in the bronchus. Both had brain abscesses caused by bacteria that normally colonize the aerodigestive tract with no other source of bacterial foci. When respiratory flora are isolated from brain abscesses in the absence of other possible sources, intrabronchial foreign body should be considered in evaluation of the etiology.

Clinical predictors for hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical risk factors that predict a higher incidence of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis, to determine the overall incidence of hearing loss in a large group of children proven by culture findings to have bacterial meningitis, and to compare clinical characteristics among patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis and Neisseria meningitidis meningitis. DESIGN: Retrospective review SETTING: Tertiary pediatric hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 171 children identified with bacterial meningitis who met inclusion criteria over a consecutive 10-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: Of 134 patients who underwent audiologic testing during their initial hospitalization, 41 (30.6%) were found to have at least a unilateral mild sensorineural hearing loss. The incidence of hearing loss was greater in patients with S pneumoniae meningitis than in patients with N meningitidis meningitis (35.9% and 23.9%, respectively). Length of hospitalization, development of seizures, elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, and decreased cerebrospinal fluid glucose were significant predictors for hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis. These factors were not found to be as strong a predictor for hearing loss in patients with N meningitidis meningitis. Stability of hearing was demonstrated with limited follow-up audiometry. CONCLUSIONS: Sensorineural hearing loss is a common sequela in children with bacterial meningitis. Identification of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis and early rehabilitation will lessen the long-term educational and social difficulties these children may experience.

Opening plugged tympanostomy tubes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective solvents for dissolving plugged tympanostomy tubes. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve solvents (including ototopical antibiotics and water) were applied to fluoroplastic tympanostomy tubes (n = 260) plugged with dried mucoid middle ear effusion in an ear canal-tympanic membrane model. Time to clearance of the tympanostomy tubes was both visually and tympanometrically determined. RESULTS: Vinegar (P =.0030) and hyaluronidase solutions (P =.0030) were significantly better solvents than water. CONCLUSION: Vinegar and hyaluronidase solutions are more likely to clear plugged tympanostomy tubes than water and ototopical antibiotics, but vinegar is the preferred solution because of its known relative safety for use in the ear.