International pediatric otolaryngology group (IPOG) consensus on approach to aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations for a comprehensive management approach for infants and children presenting with symptoms or signs of aspiration. METHODS: Three rounds of surveys were sent to authors from 23 institutions worldwide. The threshold for the critical level of agreement among respondents was set at 80 %. To develop the definition of "intractable aspiration," each author was first asked to define the condition. Second, each author was asked to complete a 5-point Likert scale to specify the level of agreement with the definition derived in the first step. RESULTS: Recommendations by the authors regarding the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and medical and surgical management options for aspiration in children. CONCLUSION: Approach to pediatric aspiration is best achieved by implementing a multidisciplinary approach with a comprehensive investigation strategy and different treatment options.

Medical treatment does not reduce surgery rates in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to study adenoidectomy rates in children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) who were either treated with medical therapy or not during a 2-year follow-up period in a longitudinal population-based study. METHODS: We retrospectively identified healthy children aged 1-18 years between 2014 and 2020 with AH diagnosis from the Clalit Health Services database, the largest healthcare maintenance organization in Israel. The main outcome was adenoidectomy alone or in combination with other procedures performed within 2 years after diagnosis. The treatment group consisted of children who received medical therapy, defined as a pharmacy purchase of montelukast, nasal steroid sprays and/or antihistamines (medical therapy aimed to reduce AH) for ≥2 consecutive months, while the control group consisted of untreated children. RESULTS: We identified 68,356 unique children with AH, of them 56 % were boys, with a mean age of 4.9 ± 3.3 years. Of them, 5310 (7.7 %) received medical therapy. Overall, 6633 (9.7 %) underwent adenoidectomy within 2 years following diagnosis. There was no significant difference in surgery referral rates between the treatment and the control groups, 10 % vs. 9.7 %, respectively (p = 0.3). When adjusted for age and sex, the likelihood of undergoing adenoidectomy was similar in both groups (HR = 0.98, 95 % CI = 0.90-1.07, p = 0.6). Among operated children, the average time from diagnosis to surgery was statistically significantly longer in the treatment group than in the control group, 346 ± 180 vs 311 ± 175 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prescribing montelukast, nasal steroids and/or oral antihistamines was not associated with a reduction in adenoidectomy rates and was associated with an average surgery delay of 35 days.

Newborn Hearing Screening: Early Ear Examination Improves the Pass Rate.

BACKGROUND: Temporary conductive hearing loss due to vernix accumulation in the external ear canal may lead to a false-positive result in newborn hearing screening tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ear examination and intervention may reduce the false-positive rate prior to hospital discharge. METHODS: A case series of 42 newborns who failed initial otoacoustic emissions screening were studied in our institution between May and December 2020. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 735 neonates (1470 ears) were screened by otoacoustic emissions in our hospital. Forty-two newborns who failed otoacoustic emissions were included in our study. They constituted 3.9% (n=58 ears) of the total number of ears screened. Forty-four ears (75.9%) passed and 14 ears (24.1%) failed otoacoustic emissions rescreening performed shortly following vernix cleaning. Twelve of the remaining 14 ears passed at 10-day rescreening. The remaining 2 ears presented true bilateral hearing loss. During the study period, the general false-positive rate decreased from 56/735 (7.61%) to 12/735(1.63%) (P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Cleaning the vernix of infants who failed otoacoustic emissions prior to hospital discharge lowers the false-positive rate of universal neonatal hearing screening. We may assume that vernix cleaning will reduce significant healthcare workload, costs of unnecessary investigations, as well as parental anxiety.

Comprehensive management of anterior drooling: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance for the comprehensive management of children referred for anterior drooling. The mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. METHODS: Survey of expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The recommendations are derived from current expert consensus and critical review of the literature. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations include initial care and approach recommendations for health care providers who commonly evaluate children with drooling. This includes evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in drooling management, initial work-up of children referred for anterior drooling, treatment recommendations, indications and contra-indications for rehabilitation, medical, and surgical management, as well as pros and cons of different surgical procedures in the hands of drooling management experts. CONCLUSION: Anterior drooling consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in children referred for sialorrhea.

Trends in Pediatric Acute Otitis Media Burden During the First COVID-19 Year.

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in acute otitis media (AOM) pediatric emergency department (PED) visits and pediatric admission before and during the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) year. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Secondary care center. PATIENTS: Children younger than 18 years with all-cause and AOM-related PED visits and pediatric admissions for 3 years (March 1, 2018-January 28, 2021) were identified. Children were categorized according to age (0-2, 2-6, and 6-18 yr) and their date of presentation: pre-COVID-19 (yearly average of visits/admissions during the 2 prepandemic years: March 1, 2018-February 28, 2019 and March 1, 2019-February 29, 2020) or COVID-19 year (visits/admissions between March 1, 2020-February 28, 2021). INTERVENTION: Pre- and post-COVID-19 emergence, alternating lockdowns, kindergarten and school closures, and increased hygiene measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Post- versus pre-COVID-19 AOM PED visit and pediatric admission incidence rate ratios (IRRs), using a generalized estimating equation model with a negative binomial regression calculation, while controlling for monthly fluctuations. RESULTS: Annual AOM visits/admissions during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 years were 517 and 192 and 256 and 94, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). For children aged 0 to 2 years, AOM visits/admissions significantly decreased during the first COVID-19 year, compared with the pre-COVID years (ß = -1.11 [IRR, 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.42; p < 0.005] and ß = -1.12 [IRR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.25-0.42; p < 0.005]). Relatively to all-cause of children aged 0 to 2 years, AOM visits/admissions decreased during the first COVID-19 year versus the pre-COVID-19 years (ß = -2.14 [IRR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.08-0.17; p < 0.005] and ß = -1.36 [IRR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.23-0.29; p < 0.005]) and had monthly fluctuations coinciding with the lockdown/relaxation measures. For children aged 2 to 6 years, the reduction in AOM admissions was significant (ß = -1.70, IRR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.37; p < 0.005). No significant differences were observed for children aged 6 to 18 years because of the small sample size. CONCLUSION: Pediatric AOM burden substantially decreased during the first COVID-19 year.

[SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS AND VERTIGO DUE TO INTRA-COCHLEAR HEMORRHAGE].

INTRODUCTION: Intra-cochlear hemorrhage is a rare cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) which may be accompanied by diverse labyrinthine symptoms. In these cases, we expect magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to demonstrate a high signal intensity in the labyrinth on unenhanced T1-weighted images as well as in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. AIMS: To describe an experience with a case of intra-cochlear hemorrhage in a patient treated with anticoagulation, causing SSNHL and vertigo. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: An 85-year old patient treated with anticoagulation therapy presented with right SSNHL, tinnitus and vertigo. Physical examination revealed: bilateral normal otoscopic examination, lateralized left Weber tuning fork test and a spontaneous left horizontal nystagmus. MRI performed demonstrated a high signal intensity inside the cochlea on unenhanced T1-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS: Performing an MRI is necessary in order to rule out frequent causes of SSNHL including benign as well as malignant tumors, malformations, trauma and more. The finding of an intra-labyrinthine hemorrhage causing SSNHL is rare, and should be taken into consideration when treated by anticoagulation therapy.

The management of acute supraglottitis patients at the intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Acute supraglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that often necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) admission for airway monitoring. The objective of this study was to identify clinical criteria that predict a benign course for patients with acute supraglottitis. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed. Adult patients hospitalized in the ICU between 2007 and 2019 diagnosed with acute supraglottitis were included. All patients were treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids. Fiber optic laryngoscopy (FOL) was performed every 12 h, with each exam defined as "improving", "no change" or "deteriorating" based on the presence of airway edema. Need for airway intervention was correlated to changes in the FOL exam. RESULTS: Of 146 patients included, 14 (10%) required intubation, ten on admission, and four during the first 6 h of ICU admission. FOL follow-up was performed on 528 occasions-427 (81%) exams showed improvement, 16 (3%) deterioration, and 85 (16%) with no change. On no occasions was improvement in FOL followed by deterioration. The median ICU length of stay was 3 (IQR 2-3.5) vs. 1 (IQR 1.0-1.25) day for patients who did or did not require intubation (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Improvement in FOL exam accurately predicted the absence of need for intubation and might represent a criterion for early ICU discharge.

Pediatric Patient with Lemierre Syndrome of the External Jugular Vein: Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction Lemierre syndrome (LS) involving the external jugular vein (EJV) is rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Objectives To report a case of LS involving the external jugular vein as well as to make a review of the literature regarding both diagnosis and management strategies. Data Synthesis We describe a case of LS involving the EJV and review the literature of previously published articles to search for additional cases. A PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of science-based search was performed to determine the scope of coverage in well-reported articles in English. Twenty-one papers were retrieved and documented for age, incidence, pathogen, presenting symptoms, imaging, treatment, and outcome, which were noted for each of these cases. In our literature review of 21 papers, there were 16 patients (61%) in their 2nd and 3rd decades of life. Lemierre syndrome was shown to affect females and males equally. The presenting symptoms were a sore throat and fever. Treatment requires intravenous antibiotics, and there is no consensus regarding treatment with anticoagulation. Conclusions The present case report and review of the literature emphasize the importance of history taking as well as physical examination in what seems to be a case of simple tonsillitis.

Rh2-enriched Korean ginseng (Ginseng Rh2+) inhibits tumor growth and development of metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: While there are multiple studies on the anti-tumoral effects of Panax ginseng as active ingredients (one or more ginsenosides derived from the extract) or as a whole plant extract, there is a lack of studies to assess the effects Panax ginseng's of active ingredients combined with the whole plant extract. Our aim was to study the effect of whole ginseng, enriched in the anti-tumoral Rh2 component and other ginsenosides (Ginseng Rh2+), on the metastatic capacity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We evaluated the effects of Ginseng Rh2+ on survival, migration and motility, induction of apoptosis, and expression of its apoptosis-related proteins in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and on primary tumor growth and metastatic capacity in a syngeneic mouse lung cancer model in vivo. The effects of Ginseng Rh2+ on NSCLC cells were studied in vitro using: a colorimetric tetrazolium salt (XTT) assay, annexin V-FITC/PI, western blotting, wound healing motility assay, Transwell migration and cell adhesion assays. In vivo, mice were inoculated with Lewis mouse lung carcinoma cells subcutaneously to evaluate local tumor growth, or intravenously to evaluate the effects of Ginseng Rh2+ on development of experimental metastases. Mice were treated by intraperitoneal administration of Ginseng Rh2+ (0.005-0.5 g kg-1) on days 6, 10, and 14 after tumor injection. RESULTS: We found that Ginseng Rh2+ increased the apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro, demonstrating dose dependent down-regulation of the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene and concurrent up-regulation of the Bax pro-apoptotic gene. Ginseng Rh2+ inhibited the tumor cells' capacity to attach to the ECM-related matrix and reduced cell migration. In vivo, Ginseng Rh2+ inhibited local tumor growth and reduced the development of experimental lung metastases. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that Ginseng Rh2+ may potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of NSCLC.

Fiberoptic Bronchoscopic Submucosal Injection of Mitomycin C for Recurrent Bening Tracheal Stenosis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Benign tracheal stenosis has emerged as a therapeutic challenge for physicians involved in the care of survivors of critical care units. Although the traditional mainstay of open surgical reconstructive treatment is still considered the gold standard, endoscopic therapies such as laser re-canalization, balloon dilation, or stenting are commonly practiced in invasive bronchology. Recurrent obstructing granulomas pose a challenge for bronchoscopists. Mitomycin C (MyC) is a cytotoxic agent that is isolated from Streptomyces caespitosus and acts by inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis through alkylation and cross-linkages. Topical MyC is commonly used in indirect laryngoscopies for the treatment of granulation tissue in the trachea by using saturated pledgets. OBJECTIVES: To describe fiberoptic bronchoscopic submucosal injection of MyC as a treatment for recurrent bening tracheal stenosis. METHODS: The authors report their successful experience with submucosal intralesional injection of MyC in the management of recurrent obstructing granulomas/stenosis using the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in a series of 10 patients between 2005 and 2019. RESULTS: The results suggest that intralesional injection of MyC using the flexible bronchoscope after the endoscopic treatment of the stenotic lesion may reduce the rate of subsequent formation of granulation tissue and scarring without side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of MyC injection should be studied prospectively.

Retrieval of a Very Large Foreign Body From the Bronchial Tree in an Intubated Patient / Recuperación de un cuerpo extraño de gran tamaño del árbol bronquial de un paciente intubado

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NLRP3 inflammasome activity is upregulated in an in-vitro model of COPD exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease characterized by a progressive and irreversible deterioration of lung function. Exacerbations of COPD have prolonged negative effects on pulmonary function and a major impact on health status and outcomes. NLRP3 inflammasome is a cardinal component of the inflammatory response, with marked evidence in stable and exacerbations of COPD. The aim of our study was to evaluate the NLRP3 inflammasome activity during COPD exacerbation by using an in vitro model. METHODS: A549 cells were stimulated with different concentrations (10%, 4%, 2%) of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) with or without LPS (0.1µg/ml) for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed by using XTT test. Levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-1ß) were measured by ELISA and the activity level of NLRP-3 was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Cells exposed to CSE present an increase in inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) production in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with LPS to these cells results in higher levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 compared to stimulation of CSE alone. NLRP3 inflammasome activity and IL-1ß levels were significantly increased in cells exposed to both CSE and LPS compared to CSE alone. CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 inflammasome is upregulated in an in-vitro model of COPD and COPD exacerbation. Our findings provide novel biomarkers for COPD exacerbation and may present new targets for future research.

Nasal blowing induces subcutaneous emphysema post penetrating mastoid tip trauma.

We describe the case of a child with an isolated penetrating trauma to the mastoid tip. Nasal blowing consequently induced air bubbles coming through the mastoid cutaneous fistula and causing extensive subcutaneous neck emphysema. A computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a right mastoid tip bone fracture with extensive cervical subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was treated conservatively with antibiotics and did not require operative intervention. His subsequent course was uncomplicated. This case emphasizes the importance of taking seriously even what seems to be a minor skin laceration.

Non-invasive early detection of malignant pulmonary nodules by FISH-based sputum test.

BACKGROUND: Early detection decreases lung cancer mortality. The Target-FISH Lung Cancer Detection (LCD) Test is a non-invasive test designed to detect chromosomal changes (deletion or amplification) via Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) in sputum specimens from persons suspected of having lung cancer. We evaluated the performance of the LCD test in patients with highly suspicious pulmonary nodules who were scheduled for a biopsy procedure. METHODS: Induced sputum was collected from patients who were scheduled for biopsy of a solitary pulmonary nodule (0.8-3 cm) in one of 6 tertiary medical centers in the US and Israel. The lung cancer detection (LCD) Test combined sputum cytology and Target-FISH analysis on the same target cells and the results were compared to the pathology. Participants with non-surgical negative biopsy results were followed for 2 years to determine their final diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 173 participants who were evaluated, 112 were available for analysis. Overall, the LCD test had a sensitivity of 85.5% (95% CI, 76.1-92.3), specificity of 69% (95% CI, 49.2-84.7) and an accuracy of 81.3% (95% CI, 72.8-88). The positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were 88.8% and 62.5%, respectively. The LCD test was positive in 9 of 11 lung cancer patients who had an initial negative biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with highly suspicious lung nodules, the LCD test is a non-invasive option with good sensitivity and a high positive predictive value. A positive LCD test reinforces the need to aggressively pursue a definitive diagnosis of suspicious nodules.

The Evolutional History of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy: State of the Art.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) has come a long way from the early roots of electromagnetic theory. Current ENB devices have the potential to change the way lung cancer is detected and treated. This paper provides an overview of the history, current state, and future of ENB.

Sialendoscopy in treating pediatric salivary gland disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review in order to evaluate the use of sialendoscopy in treating pediatric salivary gland disorders. METHODS: Eligible articles were identified through a comprehensive search of electronic databases. Using predefined inclusion criteria, published articles on sialendoscopy in children were selected and reviewed. RESULTS: 17 articles including 323 pediatric patients and 424 salivary glands managed by sialendoscopy were identified. The most common salivary gland disorder affected was the parotid (83% of cases), followed by the submandibular gland (16.5% of cases). Juvenile recurrent parotitis (68.9%) was the most frequent diagnosis followed by sialolithiasis (14.7%). The most common complication was ductal perforation. During a pooled mean follow-up time of 18.3 months, recurrences were reported in 14.5% of patients mostly in patients diagnosed with juvenile recurrent parotitis. CONCLUSION: Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for inflammatory salivary gland disorders in pediatric patients. Based on the current review, sialendoscopy can be successfully implemented in cases of pediatric salivary gland disorders.

Newborn hearing screening failure and maternal factors during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Temporary conductive hearing loss due to amniotic fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity may lead to failure (false positive) in newborn hearing screening tests. The aim of this study was to identify whether amniotic fluid index has association with failure of the initial newborn otoacoustic emission (OAE) screening test. METHODS: A cohort study in a tertiary hospital center (Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal) was constructed from 70 newborns that failed the OAE test, but passed a subsequent auditory brainstem response (ABR) test, and 75 randomly selected newborns that passed initial otoacoustic emission testing. Maternal (including the amniotic fluid index in the third trimester) and newborn clinical data were extracted from medical records. Statistical association models were built to determine variables that influenced hearing screen passage or failure. RESULTS: The two arms of the cohort had no significant differences in maternal or child clinical indices, including in amniotic fluid index. Calculated as individual odds ratios, maternal tobacco [95% CI of odds ratio: 0.04, 0.59, p = 0.0078], and drug use [95% CI of odds ratio: 0.0065, 0.72, p = 0.058] [borderline significance] were associated with failing the otoacoustic emission testing. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid index was not found to be associated with failure of otoacoustic emission screening in newborns. However, our study unveiled an interesting unexpected association of OAE failure with maternal smoking and/or drug use. This finding can help alleviate some of the time, cost and parental anxiety related to failed OAE screening. In selected cases of maternal smoking or drug use we might want to replace or add OAE to the ABR test in newborn hearing screening protocols, that don't perform both tests before discharge.

Starplasty tracheostomy: case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: The starplasty tracheostomy (SPT) technique has been suggested to reduce the short-term complications of tracheostomy, including accidental decannulation and pneumothorax. The aim of the present study was to conduct a review of key parameters prior to and following treatment of neonates and children with the SPT technique, including indications, complications, perioperative department stay, and overall length of stay in one University-Affiliated Medical Center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all children under the age of 18 underwent SPT in a single center between February 2006 and January 2012. RESULTS: Among the 39 patients reviewed, the median age at the time of surgery was 14.5 months, ranging from 3 days to 8.8 years. The most common indication for SPT was respiratory insufficiency resulting from central nervous system disorders (15, 38.4%) followed by neuromuscular disorders (14, 35.9%). Ten (25.6%) operations were performed on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and 29 (74.4%) on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 19.5 days (range of 3-207 days); however, the median postoperative stay in the PICU was 13.5 days. There were no decannulations or any other short-term complications after SPT, and no SPT-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, pediatric SPT was not associated with any major complications. Therefore, we conclude that SPT should be considered as a safe and advantageous alternative for traditional tracheotomy, especially in patients with low probability of future decannulation, and, therefore, at low risk of a persistent tracheocutaneous fistula.