Allergic sensitization does not influence advancement or survival in oral cancer.

A history of allergies has been said to be associated with a lower risk of head and neck cancer compared to the general population. However, it is not known whether having an allergic sensitization influences the prognosis and advancement of cancer disease. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between allergic sensitization and oral cancer advancement and patient survival. Allergen-specific IgE antibodies were investigated by ImmunoCAP™ Rapid in consecutive 80 patients with oral cancer. ImmunoCAP Rapid system tests a mix of representative inhalant allergens such as birch, timothy grass, mugwort, house dust mite, cat, dog, cockroach, olive (pollen), wall pellitory and mold. Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Fifteen patients (19%) had positive ImmunoCAP test. There was no statistically significant difference in primary tumour size (T-stage) between groups (60% in allergy vs 68% in non-allergy had T1-T2 stage and 40% vs 32% T3-T4, respectively, p = 0.570). 27% of patients with allergy had nodal metastases compared with 37% of patients without allergy (p = 0.557). Both groups had comparable short-term survival. In conclusion, allergic sensitization does not seem to influence either the advancement or the short-term survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

A Novel Method Using Fine Needle Aspiration from Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes Could Enable the Discovery of New Prognostic Markers in Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell cancer (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most cSCCs are curable. About 5 percent of the cSCC cases have advanced to such an extent, generally metastatic, that they are far more dangerous, with very poor prognosis and challenging to treat. All efforts to find biomarkers, in blood or in the tumor itself, for early identification of patients with a risk for metastasis have so far failed. The present study describes a novel method that enables the identification of lymphocyte markers in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Six patients with advanced cSCC were analyzed using a combination of a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) protocol, fine needle aspiration (FNA), and flow cytometry. Immunological results from the sentinel nodes were combined with corresponding data from peripheral blood and unfixed tumor tissues. The result demonstrates a striking difference between the subsets of T-cells from the three compartments. Our interpretation of this first pilot study is that the ability to follow specific immunological markers on lymphocytes in tumor-draining lymph nodes will enable the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers not detectable in material from blood and tumor tissues.

Regulatory B cells producing IL-10 are increased in human tumor draining lymph nodes.

The contribution of different immune cell subsets, especially T cells, in anti-tumor immune response is well established. In contrast to T cells, the anti-tumor contribution of B cells has been scarcely investigated. B-cells are often overlooked, even though they are important players in a fully integrated immune response and constitute a substantial fraction of tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) known also as Sentinel Nodes. In this project, samples including TDLNs, non-TDLNs (nTDLNs) and metastatic lymph nodes from 21 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed by flow cytometry. TDLNs were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of B cells compared with nTDLNs (P = .0127). TDLNs-associated B cells contained high percentages of naïve B cells, in contrary to nTDLNs which contained significantly higher percentages of memory B cells. Patients having metastases in TDLNs showed a significantly higher presence of immunosuppressive B regulatory cells compared with metastasis-free patients (P = .0008). Elevated levels of regulatory B cells in TDLNs were associated with the advancement of the disease. B cells in TDLNs were characterized by significantly higher expression of an immunosuppressive cytokine-IL-10 compared with nTDLNs (P = .0077). Our data indicate that B cells in human TDLNs differ from B cells in nTDLNs and exhibit more naïve and immunosuppressive phenotypes. We identified a high accumulation of regulatory B cells within TDLNs which may be a potential obstacle in achieving response to novel cancer immunotherapies (ICIs) in head and neck cancer.

Sentinel node-assisted neck dissection in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma-A new protocol for staging and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to improve the staging of and guide treatment in patients with early-stage T1-T2 N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role of sentinel nodes (SNs) and the use of SN-technique in advanced OSCC (T3-T4 and/or N+) remain to be evaluated. This study investigates the nodal drainage and the rate of positive SNs (SNs+) in all stages of OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 85 patients with T1-T4 OSCC diagnosed 2019-2021 were included. We used a prolonged interval between peritumoral injection of radionuclide and SPECT-CT to include all SNs. RESULTS: Patients with advanced OSCC presented a higher proportion of contralateral lymphatic drainage and a higher rate of SN+ compared to patients with early-stage disease. T3-T4 and N+ tumors presented a tendency for a higher rate of contralateral lymphatic drainage compared to T1-T2 and N0 tumors (p = 0.1). The prevalence of positive nodes (SNs+) was higher among patients with advanced disease, T3-T4 versus T1-T2 (p = 0.0398). CONCLUSION: SN-assisted ND enables identification and removal of all SNs + and has the potential for more accurate staging and could possibly give prognostic advantages regarding regional recurrence for all OSCC patients, especially among those with advanced disease. The precise localization of the SNs + also suggests that a more individualized ND approach might be possible in the future even for patients with advanced OSCC.

Increased IL-26 associates with markers of hyperinflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19.

Interleukin-26 (IL-26) is released by several immune and structural cells following stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), whereupon it can directly inhibit viral replication and enhance neutrophil chemotaxis. Given these unique properties, IL-26 has emerged as an intriguing mediator of host defense in the lungs. However, the role of IL-26 in COVID-19 has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we characterized the involvement of IL-26 in the hyperinflammation and tissue damage that occurs in patients with acute COVID-19. We found that IL-26 is markedly increased in blood samples from these patients, and that the concentration of IL-26 correlates with those of the neutrophil-mobilizing cytokines IL-8 and TNFα, respectively. Moreover, the increase in blood IL-26 correlates with enhanced surface expression of the "don't eat me" signal CD47 on blood neutrophils isolated from patients with acute COVID-19. Finally, we found that the blood concentration of IL-26 correlates with that of increased lactate dehydrogenase, an established marker of tissue damage, and decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), a previously verified hematological aberration in COVID-19, both of which are associated with severe disease. Thus, our findings indicate that increased systemic IL-26 associates with markers of hyperinflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19, thereby forwarding the kinocidin IL-26 as a potential target for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy in this deadly disease.

Tumour-draining lymph nodes in head and neck cancer are characterized by accumulation of CTLA-4 and PD-1 expressing Treg cells.

INTRODUCTION: High Tregs infiltration within the tumour microenvironment (TME) of various cancers shows a positive correlation with poor prognosis. Despite the fact that tumour draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are recognized as key organs playing a crucial role in response to immunotherapy and modulating anti-cancer immunity, the distribution of Tregs and their role in TDLNs remain uncertain thus far. The purpose of this project is to investigate the density of Tregs in TDLNs and non-TDLNs and their expression of immune checkpoint molecules - PD-1 and CTLA-4. METHODS: Samples including TDLNs, non-TDLNs and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) from 23 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were analyzed by multicolour flow cytometry with a focus on Tregs population and expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1. RESULTS: TDLNs and metastatic LNs were characterized by a significantly higher infiltration of Tregs defined as CD4+FoxP3+CD25highCD127low cells and significantly higher expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1 on Tregs compared with non-TDLNs. Tregs in TDLNs and metastatic LNs co-expressed CTLA-4 and PD-1 abundantly. High expression of these immune check-point molecules correlated with positive N-stage but not with T-stage. CONCLUSION: TDLNs and metastatic LNs are characterized by a high accumulation of Tregs expressing high levels of CTLA-4 and PD-1. High infiltration of Tregs can be a potential driver of an immunosuppressive milieu in TDLNs that can, in turn, favour cancer progression. High accumulation of Tregs expressing CTLA-4 and PD-1 in TDLNs is associated with lymph node involvement, but not with the size of the primary tumour.

A prolonged innate systemic immune response in COVID-19.

Despite the introduction of vaccines, COVID-19 still affects millions of people worldwide. A better understanding of pathophysiology and the discovery of novel therapies are needed. One of the cells of interest in COVID-19 is the neutrophil. This cell type is being recruited to a site of inflammation as one of the first immune cells. In this project, we investigated a variety of neutrophils phenotypes during COVID-19 by measuring the expression of markers for migration, maturity, activation, gelatinase granules and secondary granules using flow cytometry. We show that neutrophils during COVID-19 exhibit altered phenotypes compared to healthy individuals. The activation level including NETs production and maturity of neutrophils seem to last longer during COVID-19 than expected for innate immunity. Neutrophils as one of the drivers of severe cases of COVID-19 are considered as potential treatment targets. However, for a successful implementation of treatment, there is a need for a better understanding of neutrophil functions and phenotypes in COVID-19. Our study answers some of those questions.

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus status on laryngeal cancer survival and locoregional control.

OBJECTIVES: To compare long-term outcomes of laryngeal cancer (LC) in people living with HIV (PLWH) versus uninfected individuals and determine how clinical and viral factors-such as demographics, cancer stage, HIV viral load, and CD4 nadir-contribute to these outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study of 749 patients seen for LC at a single tertiary care center between 2003 and 2017. Of these, 22 had HIV at the time of LC diagnosis, and they were matched in a 1:4 ratio to uninfected controls based on sex, presence of smoking history, and age at cancer diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to identify overall and disease-free survival differences based on HIV status, as well as other clinical and viral factors. RESULTS: Compared to all uninfected individuals, PLWH were diagnosed with LC approximately 6 years younger (p = .013). 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival for PLWH were 86.4% (63.4%-95.4%), 77.3% (53.7%-89.9%), and 65.8% (40.8%-82.2%), respectively following LC diagnosis, and HIV was not significantly associated with overall (HR = 3.34 [0.59-18.79]) or disease-free survival (HR = 2.12 [0.71-6.36]). The incidence rate of locoregional recurrence among PLWH was 541 compared to 371 per 10,000 person-years in controls, which were not significantly different (p = .420). Furthermore, among PLWH, peak viral load and CD4 nadir were not associated with overall or disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: While previous work has shown that HIV is associated with elevated risk of LC, survival did not differ significantly between PLWH and uninfected individuals in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Acute odynophagia: A new symptom of COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant wave in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to present a novel clinical manifestation of infection with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus affecting mainly young, vaccinated, and healthy adults. We describe a new group of COVID-19 patients seeking emergency care with symptoms similar to the life-threatening condition epiglottitis. Here, we present a case series and discuss management. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center case study of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were referred to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Emergency Department (ENT ED) between January 1 and January 23, 2022 with clinical symptoms such as acute odynophagia, severe sore throat, and fever. Ethical approval was obtained from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (2020-02579). Informed consent was obtained from all patients included in the study. RESULTS: Twenty patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Fifteen patients were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Four patients needed a short hospitalization for their symptoms. The most common diagnoses were COVID-19-associated acute viral laryngotracheitis and/or viral pharyngitis. Six patients presented with signs of secondary bacterial infection and were put on antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Previous variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection affected predominantly the lower respiratory tract and were associated with loss of smell and taste in many patients. The Omicron variant seems to affect predominantly the upper airways and cause acute laryngitis without olfactory dysfunction. In some patients, the clinical manifestation is similar to the symptoms of epiglottitis. In such a case, a prompt examination of the larynx is the gold standard to exclude inflammatory edema in the upper airways. None of the patients described in this study developed epiglottitis. In this study, we discuss the management of acute odynophagia in COVID-19 patients.

The holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy-a non-invasive tool for removal of midsize stones of major salivary glands.

Incorporeal lithotripsy by using holmium:YAG laser has been recently successfully spread and used in the treatment of urolithiasis. Although this method is not as common in salivary gland surgery, it is also recommended for endoscopic treatment of sialolithiasis. In this study, we decided to analyse effectiveness of holmium:YAG laser method among patients with midsize stones as the treatment in this particular population is still not determined and remains in dispute. Thus, the primary aim of the study is a prospective, complex analysis of incorporeal holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy effectiveness and safety in patients suffering from sialolithiasis. The examined group consisted of 32 consecutive patients, 17 female (53%) and 15 male (47%). The average age was 42 (age range 22-70). In our series, sialoendoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy was performed in patients with wide range of stone's diameter (3 to 10 mm). The calculi were removed with foreign body forceps or retrieval basket, after stone fragmentation with holmium:YAG laser. The power of the laser during surgery was set at 2.5 to 3.5 W. One shot energy equalled 0.5-0.7 J with frequency of 5 Hz. The bivariate Pearson Correlation and a point-biserial correlation were used to analyse the data. Total success rate of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in this consecutive group was equal to 90% and efficacy in the group with excluded cases when endoscopic approach difficulties were experienced (stone not visible) reached 93%. The long-term follow-up revealed that in 26 patients (84%), complete recovery was achieved. Two patients developed Wharton's duct stenosis and one Stensen's duct orifice stenosis (9.5%), of whom one required reoperation. Two patients eventually underwent total excision of submandibular gland. Sialoendoscopy combined with incorporeal laser-assisted lithotripsy proved to be effective and safe method for treatment of sialothiasis with midsize stones (4-8 mm) in population of clinic. Even taking into account the prevalence of complications associated with holmium:YAG laser, it is still safer alternative compared to open surgery where there is a significant risk of the bleeding, wound infection or injury of the facial nerve.

Laryngeal disorders in people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown that HIV infected individuals are at higher risk compared to the general population of developing non-AIDS defining conditions such as some types of cancer, kidney disease, liver disease and others. In this case-control study, we compared the incidence of laryngeal disorders between a treatment-seeking HIV-positive population and uninfected controls. We aimed to investigate whether there are any laryngeal disorders that are overrepresented in HIV-positive individuals. METHODS: This was a case-control study based on retrospective chart review, comparing the incidence of laryngeal, airway, and swallowing disorders in sixty-nine HIV positive individuals and 4178 HIV negative controls treated between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, at the Johns Hopkins Voice Center. RESULTS: A majority of HIV-infected patients (59.4%) had at least one diagnosis belonging to the Vocal cord pathology category compared to 48.2% of controls (OR 1.57, p = 0.065). Compared to the entire treatment-seeking population, HIV patients were more likely to present with laryngeal cancer (15.9% vs. 3.4% in controls, OR 5.43, p < 0.001) and chronic laryngitis (17.4% vs. 4.2%, OR 4.79, p < 0.001). Fungal and ulcerative laryngitis were also overrepresented in HIV-positive individuals (OR 9.45, p < 0.001 and 6.29, p < 0.001, respectively). None of the diagnoses categorized as functional voice disorders, swallowing, or airway problems showed a significant difference between groups. Laryngeal papillomatosis, which is an HPV-dependent disease, had similar prevalence in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment-seeking HIV-positive patients presenting to a laryngology clinic suffer significantly more often from laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma as well as chronic, fungal, and ulcerative laryngitis compared to HIV-negative individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Complex Involvement of Interleukin-26 in Bacterial Lung Infection.

Pneumonia is a global cause of mortality, and this provides a strong incentive to improve the mechanistic understanding of innate immune responses in the lungs. Here, we characterized the involvement of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-26 in bacterial lung infection. We observed markedly increased concentrations of IL-26 in lower airway samples from patients with bacterial pneumonia and these correlated with blood neutrophil concentrations. Moreover, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from both Gram-negative and -positive bacteria increased extracellular IL-26 concentrations in conditioned media from human models of alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in vitro. Stimulation with IL-26 inhibited the inherent release of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase in unexposed neutrophils. This stimulation also inhibited the expression of activity makers in neutrophils exposed to Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, priming of human lung tissue ex vivo with exogenous IL-26 potentiated the endotoxin-induced increase in mRNA for other cytokines involved in the innate immune response, including the master Th17-regulator IL-23 and the archetype inhibitory cytokine IL-10. Finally, neutralization of endogenous IL-26 clearly increased the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the macrophage culture. These findings suggest that IL-26 is involved in bacterial lung infection in a complex manner, by modulating critical aspects of innate immune responses locally and systemically in a seemingly purposeful manner and by contributing to the killing of bacteria in a way that resembles an antimicrobial peptide. Thus, IL-26 displays both diagnostic and therapeutic potential in pneumonia and deserves to be further evaluated in these respects.

An Incidental Finding of a Double-Lumen Trachea.

The aim of this case report is to present an incidental finding of a firm tracheal septum in a 61-year-old woman. The patient was admitted to the hospital with mild dyspnea and a preliminary diagnosis of a tracheal subglottic stenosis. During microlaryngoscopy, just below the subglottic stenosis, a firm, vertical symphysis (septum), forming a double-lumen trachea was found. There was no record of any previous difficulties with intubation. A computed tomography scan performed after the microlaryngoscopy revealed an airway branch arising from the trachea at the level of thyroid gland and joining its lumen below. The radiological and endoscopic findings in the presented case hardly resemble the conditions described in the literature, as the discovered septum does not have a pseudomembranous nature, nor does it form a tracheal bronchus. Therefore, the finding is thought to be an unusual complication of multiple intubations in the past. This is an extremely rare finding and it is important to share our experience in managing a patient with the aforementioned post-intubation complications.

O objetivo deste relato de caso é apresentar um achado incidental de um septo traqueal numa mulher de 61 anos. A paciente foi internada no hospital com dispneia leve e diagnóstico preliminar de estenose subglótica traqueal. A microlaringoscopia realizada mostrou uma sínfise vertical firme (septo) logo abaixo da estenose subglótica, formando uma traqueia de duplo lúmen. Não houve registo de qualquer dificuldade prévia com a intubação. A tomografia computadorizada realizada após a microlaringoscopia revelou um ramo da via aérea originando-se a partir da traquéia ao nível da glândula tiróide e unindo-se ao seu lúmen em baixo. Os achados radiológicos e endoscópicos do caso apresentado dificilmente se assemelham aos descritos na literatura, pois o septo descoberto não é pseudomembranoso, nem forma um brônquio traqueal. Assim, julga-se que o achado seja uma complicação pouco comum no contexto de múltiplas intubações no passado. Este é um achado extremamente raro pelo que é importante partilhar a nossa experiência no tratamento de um doente com as complicações pós-intubação supra-citadas.

Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement.

PURPOSE: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available. METHODS: A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience. RESULTS: Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination. CONCLUSION: Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.

Association Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Media Otitis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and recurrent (ROM) or chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). DATABASES: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. METHODS: Three authors searched articles published between January 1980 and September 2020 about the association between LPR and the development of recurrent or chronic otitis media. Inclusion, exclusion, diagnostic criteria, and clinical outcome evaluation of included studies were analyzed using PRISMA criteria. The bias analysis of included studies was evaluated with the Tool to assess Risk of Bias of the CLARITY group. RESULTS: Twenty-six clinical and three experimental articles met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 1,624 children and 144 adults with COME or ROM. According to the pH study type, the prevalence of LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in OM patients were 28.7% (range, 8-100%) and 40.7 (range, 18-64%), respectively. The majority of studies identified pepsin or pepsinogen in middle ear effusion, with a range of mean concentrations depending on the technique used to measure pepsin. There was an important heterogeneity between studies regarding definition of COME, ROM, and LPR, exclusion criteria, methods used to measure pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear secretions and outcome assessments. CONCLUSION: The association between LPR and OM is still unclear. Future clinical and experimental studies are needed to investigate the association between LPR and OM in both children and adults through extensive gastric content analysis in middle ear suppurations and impedance-pH monitoring considering acid, weakly acid, and alkaline reflux events.

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in sentinel nodes exhibit distinct pattern of PD-1, CD69, and HLA-DR expression compared to tumor tissue in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Anticancer immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer management, yet the effect of systemic anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment is predominantly studied in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Its impact on PD-1 expressing cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) is not well understood and yet to be explored. Thus, further research aiming for better understanding of the PD-1 pathway not only in tumor tissue but also in TDLNs is warranted. In this study, we investigated the expression of PD-1, CD69, and HLA-DR on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), TDLNs, and tumor samples from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our data showed that both helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in OSCC tissue were highly activated and expressed high level of PD-1 (over 70% positivity). Lymphocytes in TDLNs and peripheral blood expressed significantly lower levels of PD-1 and other activation markers compared to TILs. Moreover, we demonstrated that a significant fraction of PD-1 negative TILs expressed high levels of human leukocyte antigen - DR isotype and CD69. In contrast, PD-1 negative cells in TDLNs and PBMCs scarcely expressed the aforementioned activation markers. Furthermore, we proved that patients with a high percentage of CD3+ PD-1+ cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes had significantly lower disease-free and overall survival rates (log-rank test P = .0272 and P = .0276, respectively). Taken together, we proved that flow cytometry of lymph nodes in OSCC is feasible and may be used to investigate whether PD-1 levels in TDLNs correspond with survival and potentially with response to anti-PD-1 therapy. Such knowledge may ultimately help guide anti-PD-1 treatment.

Laryngeal Pathologies and Their Associations With Mental Health Disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Mental health disorders are very common. Understanding their clinical manifestations in terms of voice and laryngeal disorders (VLD) is important because they constitute a significant proportion of all patients seen by otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. In this study, we examine different mental disorders (MDs) and their presenting symptoms and diagnoses of VLD. METHODS: Case series study, retrospective chart review of patients seen between January 2016 and December 2017 at the Johns Hopkins Voice Center. Diagnoses, demographic data, and comorbidities were collected. VLD were grouped into categories (laryngeal pathology, functional voice disorders, airway, swallowing, other) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of a total 4,249 patients, 836 patients (19.7%) suffered from at least one MD. Those patients presented more frequently with swallowing problems (24.9% of all diagnoses in MD compared to 21.2% in control group; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.280, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.107-1.480, P = .001) and less frequently with vocal cord pathology (30.9% of all diagnoses in MD compared to 33.9% in control group, aOR 0.793, 95% CI 0.694-0.907, P = .001). Patients suffering from depression had significantly increased odds for dysphagia (aOR 1.570, 95% CI 1.216-2.026, P = .001). VLD clinical presentation profile was created for every MD studied. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from mental health disorders present more frequently with swallowing complaints, in particular for dysphagia. Awareness of this can guide appropriate referrals. Objective laryngeal findings are common in patients with substance abuse disorders. They should be screened with careful diagnostic laryngoscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E231-E239, 2021.

Dysphonia and dysphagia as early manifestations of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy.

PURPOSE: While dysphagia is a recognized manifestation of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy, a relationship between myositis and dysphonia or laryngeal pathology is not well-documented. We therefore sought to describe the spectrum of laryngeal disorders present in myositis patients, evaluate whether any specific conditions are overrepresented among these patients compared to a large treatment-seeking population, and examine the clinical course and outcomes of these symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review, including all patients seen at the Johns Hopkins Voice Center between January 2016 and December 2017. Demographic data, comorbidities, and laryngeal diagnoses were extracted from the electronic medical record. The charts of patients with myositis were reviewed further to ascertain details of their laryngeal symptoms and myositis disease course. Associations between myositis and dysphonia/dysphagia were evaluated using binary regression and multinomial logistic regression models to adjust for age, sex, race, and smoking status. RESULTS: Of 4252 patients, sixteen had myositis. Compared to 4236 controls, these patients had significantly higher odds of presenting with muscular voice disorders (adjusted odds ratio (OR*) = 4.503, p* = 0.005) and dysphagia (OR* = 6.823, p* < 0.001). A majority (64.3%, CI:35.6-93.0%) of myositis patients had laryngeal pathology among the presenting symptoms of their myositis. Across all diagnostic categories, there was a non-significant trend towards better outcomes in patients receiving specific interventions for their laryngeal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular voice disorders and dysphagia are significantly overrepresented in myositis patients presenting to a laryngology clinic, and in these patients, both are frequently among the presenting symptoms of myositis.