Prognostic significance of hemorrhage requiring embolization in the setting of previously treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: The management of acute hemorrhage in patients with previously treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenging due to the lack of substantial evidence to guide clinical decision making. METHODS: A systematic review and retrospective chart review were performed to identify patients with a history of HNSCC who underwent either primary or adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and presented with hemorrhagic complications requiring embolization. Patient characteristics, history, presentation, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: The systematic review included a total of 182 patients. Heterogeneity existed in outcomes reporting; 1-year overall survival approached 50%. From the retrospective chart review, 51 patients were included. Median survival time following hemorrhage was 2.2 months (range 1.2-11.4 months). Patients with malignancy at time of hemorrhage were identified as having worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Acute hemorrhage in patients with a history of previously radiated HNSCC portends a high risk of mortality, with patients with active malignancy representing a worse prognostic group.

Development and Validation of The Activity-Based Checks (ABCs) of Pain: A Functional Pain Scale.

The Activity-Based-Checks of Pain (ABCs) is a pain assessment tool incorporating activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Unlike widely used pain scales which are oftentimes unidimensional and highly subjective, the ABCs was designed to focus on function capabilities and limitations of patients due to pain. This study sought out to validate the factorial structure of the ABCs and assess its use in participants with chronic pain. Participants were recruited in two phases from Prolific - an online service designed to identify research participant recruitment based on study criteria. Phase one optimized the design of the ABCs, with 297 subjects selecting their preferred icon for each function and rating its understandability. The most preferred and understandable icons were then used in phase two, where 304 chronic pain participants completed the ABCs, PROMIS-29, additional PROMIS items that were analogous to the ABCs functions but not represented in the PROMIS-29, and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrating four factor loadings: multi-planal activities, sitting/hip flexor pain, walking/ambulation, and pain interference with lightweight unilateral activities. High internal consistency was demonstrated with all four factor loadings. Correlations between items in the ABCs, PROMIS, and BPI resulted in moderate to strong correlations demonstrating strong evidence for the validity of the ABCs as a functional pain assessment tool.

Exposure to Otolaryngology: Impact on Female Students Considering Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Otolaryngology continues to be dominated by men. As of 2019, only 18.4% of practicing otolaryngologists were women. The goal of this project was to introduce female students to otolaryngology as a career. METHODS: A Women in Otolaryngology event was held in September 2021. Participants included undergraduate and first- or second-year medical students from the University at Buffalo. During the event, students rotated through three skills stations working with female otolaryngology residents and attending physicians. Participants completed pre-and post-course surveys regarding their attitudes toward women in surgery and their perceptions of surgery and otolaryngology. RESULTS: A total of 17 students that completed both the pre- and post-course surveys were included. The mean age was 22.6 years (range 18-25 yr). Specifically, 13 (76.5%) of the participants were Caucasian, three (17.6%) were Asian, and one (5.9%) was Hispanic, and 15 (88.2%) were medical students. On the pretest, 10 (55.6%) participants strongly agreed or agreed that otolaryngology as a career is open to females, while on the posttest, 16 (88.9%) participants strongly agreed or agreed (p=0.002). Nine (50.0%) participants strongly agreed or agreed that they have access to resources to help make a decision if they want to pursue a career in otolaryngology before the event, while, after the event, 16 (88.9%) participants strongly agreed or agreed (p=0.007). Five (27.8%) participants strongly agreed or agreed prior to the event that they felt confident in their knowledge of what otolaryngology includes, while afterward 15 (83.3%) strongly agreed or agreed (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The Women in Otolaryngology event increased participants' confidence in understanding otolaryngology, promoted understanding of resources available, and demonstrated the openness of the specialty to women.

Disentangling Social Determinants of Health and Rurality in Head and Neck Cancer 2-Year Mortality.

Social determinants of health (SDoH) and rurality are known factors that may influence outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients residing in remote locations or those with multiple SDoH may encounter barriers to initial diagnosis, adherence to multidisciplinary treatments, and posttreatment surveillance, which may impact their overall survival. However, previous studies have shown mixed results associated with rural residence. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of rurality and SDoH on 2-year survival in HNSCC. The study was conducted using a Head and Neck Cancer Registry at a single institution from June 2018 through July 2022. Rurality, defined by US census scores, and individual measures of SDoH were used. Our results indicate that each additional adverse SDoH factor results in 1.5 times the odds of mortality at 2 years. Individualized measures of SDoH, rather than rurality alone, better reflect patient prognosis in HNSCC.

Peritonsillar abscess on NSQIP: Safety of indicated quinsy tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes for children with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) who are taken to the operating room (OR) for incision and drainage (I&D) or quinsy tonsillectomy. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent I&D of a PTA between 2012 and 2017 included in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative events (reoperation, readmission, and complications) were assessed. RESULTS: 777 patients were identified (mean age of 10.7 years, 54% female). 656 (84%) were admitted through the emergency department, and 395 (51%) met criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis. Fifty-two (6.7%) had a quinsy tonsillectomy done at the time of incision and drainage. For quinsy tonsillectomy versus I&D alone, there was no statistically significant difference in length of stay (LOS) (1.9 v. 1.7 days, p = .523), readmission (17 v. 0, p = .265) or return to the OR (18 v. 1, p = .810). Patients younger than 5 years had a longer LOS (p < .001) while females (p = .003) and patients between 12 and 17 years of age (p = 0.021) were more likely to be readmitted. Of 725 patients treated with I&D alone, 10 (1.4%) patients required a repeat I&D and 6 (0.83%) went on to have an interval quinsy tonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of I&D and quinsy tonsillectomy for pediatric PTA in the operating room are the same. If tonsillectomy is indicated in the case of recurrent tonsillitis or PTA, a quinsy tonsillectomy is a good option.

Quantifying Faculty Perception of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Within Academic Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Departments.

OBJECTIVE: Investigating faculty perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) among academic otolaryngology programs. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative survey. SETTING: Academic otolaryngology departments. METHODS: The DEI Inventory was developed by a multi-institutional health equity consortium and disseminated within 16 academic otolaryngology programs. The inventory consisted of 25 items graded on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), 2 yes/no questions, and 5 items reflecting overall DEI, stress, and burnout among academic otolaryngologists. Validated imposter phenomenon and personality trait measures were also included. RESULTS: The inventory received 158 (31.0%) partial and 111 (21.8%) full responses. No significant differences were identified in DEI scores by race. Compared to males, females reported lower scores on the overall DEI Inventory (3.6 vs 4.3, p < .001). Female respondents also reported greater levels of imposter phenomenon than their male counterparts (53.2 vs 47.5, p = .049). CONCLUSION: Preliminary responses to our DEI Inventory suggest that faculty perception of DEI is not impacted by race. Female faculty report considerably lower perceptions of DEI than their male counterparts and experience greater levels of imposter phenomenon. The results of the DEI Inventory can help departments design meaningful interventions to improve levels of DEI among faculty.

Association of Social-Ecological Factors With Delay in Time to Initiation of Postoperative Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Importance: Timely initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) is associated with reduced recurrence rates and improved overall survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Measurement of the association of social-ecological variables with PORT delays is lacking. Objective: To assess individual and community-level factors associated with PORT delay among patients with HNSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study carried out between September 2018 and June 2022 included adults with untreated HNSCC who were enrolled in a prospective registry at a single academic tertiary medical center. Demographic information and validated self-reported measures of health literacy were obtained at baseline visits. Clinical data were recorded, and participant addresses were used to calculate the area deprivation index (ADI), a measure of community-level social vulnerability. Participants receiving primary surgery and PORT were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PORT delays. Exposures: Surgical treatment and PORT. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was PORT initiation delay (>42 days from surgery). Risk of PORT initiation delay was evaluated using individual-level (demographic, health literacy, and clinical data) and community-level information (ADI and rural-urban continuum codes). Results: Of 171 patients, 104 patients (60.8%) had PORT delays. Mean (SD) age of participants was 61.0 (11.2) years, 161 were White (94.2%), and 105 were men (61.4%). Insurance was employer-based or public among 65 (38.5%) and 75 (44.4%) participants, respectively. Mean (SD) ADI (national percentile) was 60.2 (24.4), and 71 (41.8%) resided in rural communities. Tumor sites were most commonly oral cavity (123 [71.9%]), with 108 (63.5%) classified as stage 4 at presentation. On multivariable analysis, a model incorporating individual-level factors with health literacy in addition to community-level factors was most predictive of PORT delay (AOC= 0.78; R2, 0.18). Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study provides a more comprehensive assessment of predictors of PORT delays that include health literacy and community-level measures. Predictive models that incorporate multilevel measures outperform models with individual-level factors alone and may guide precise interventions to decrease PORT delay for at-risk patients with HNSCC.

Assessing the Risk of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Initiation Delays With Social Support Surveys.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), initiating postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) greater than 42 days after surgery is associated with a higher risk of poor survival outcomes. Social support has been shown to modulate behaviors related to care-seeking and treatment adherence. In this study, we sought to determine the relationship between social support metrics and PORT delays. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single tertiary medical center. METHODS: Patients with HNSCC who underwent primary surgical excision requiring PORT were prospectively enrolled. Patient-perceived social support metrics were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) at initial presurgical evaluation. Associations with PORT delays were evaluated via univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. An additional 28 patients were recommended to receive PORT but did not initiate treatment and were included for secondary analysis. All four subscales of the MOS-SSS (positive social interaction, affectionate support, tangible support, and emotional/informational support) were significantly associated with PORT initiation delays on univariable analysis. On multivariable analysis, the overall MOS-SSS score (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 1.15-4.35, p = .028) was significantly associated with PORT initiation delays. On secondary analysis, lower tangible support was associated with a lack of PORT initiation (OR 1.63, 1.05-2.54, p = .028). CONCLUSION: Social support metrics were significantly associated with PORT delays, which may help promote tighter scheduling and closer monitoring of high-risk patients.

Long-term trends in body mass index throughout upper airway stimulation treatment: does body mass index matter?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Upper airway stimulation is a surgical option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who fail other forms of noninvasive treatment. Current guidelines recommend a baseline body mass index (BMI) below 32 kg/m2 for eligibility. In this study, we identify trends in BMI before and after upper airway stimulation to characterize the influence of BMI on treatment success. METHODS: Patients underwent upper airway stimulation implantation between 2016 and 2021. Sleep study data were collected from preoperative and most recent postoperative sleep study. BMI data were collected and compared across the following time points: preoperative sleep study (BMI-1), initial surgeon consultation (BMI-2), surgery (BMI-3), titration polysomnogram (BMI-4), and second postoperative sleep study (BMI-5). Patients were categorized into groups (BMI ≥32 [BMI32], 25 ≤ BMI <32 [BMI25], BMI <25 [BMI18]) based BMI-1, and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: 253 patients were included. The BMI32 group showed a significant decrease in BMI between BMI-1 and BMI-3 (33.9 vs 32.2; P < .001) and a significant increase in BMI between BMI-3 and BMI-5 (32.2 vs 33.0; P = .047). Apnea-hypopnea index improvement and treatment success rate were not significantly different between groups. On univariate and multivariable logistic regression, a lower BMI-5 was significantly predictive of treatment success (odds ratio: 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.79-0.97; P = .016). BMI-5 was also significantly associated with improvement in apnea-hypopnea index (P = .002). Other BMI time points were not associated with measures of treatment success. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced BMI after upper airway stimulation implantation, as opposed to baseline BMI, predicted treatment success. These findings may guide patient counseling, with implications for long-term adherence and therapy success. CITATION: Renslo B, Virgen CG, Sawaf T, et al. Long-term trends in body mass index throughout upper airway stimulation treatment: does body mass index matter? J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(6):1061-1071.

Team Consistency in Reducing Operative Time in Head and Neck Surgery with Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the impact of consistent surgical teams on procedure duration in head and neck free tissue transfer, and to evaluate the length of stay and readmission rates with consistent teams. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of head and neck microvascular reconstruction by a single surgeon between August 2017 and November 2021 was performed. Procedure duration, wound complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions were analyzed. One circulating nurse (CN) and surgical technologist (ST) were considered "consistent" due to their prior work with the primary surgeon. All others were considered "ad hoc." Teams were "Consistent CN + ST," "Consistent ST," "Consistent CN," or "Ad hoc." Procedure duration between groups was compared via analysis of variance. Multivariate linear regression was performed to predict procedure duration. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were included. Age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists status did not significantly differ across groups (p = 0.963; p = 0.467; p = 0.908, respectively). The mean procedure duration was 339.3 min and differed significantly across all groups (p = 0.006, Cohen d = 0.32). Compared to the Ad hoc group, consistent teams demonstrated significant reductions in mean procedure duration (Consistent CN + ST: 58.4 min, p = 0.001, Cohen d = 0.67; Consistent ST: 51.6 min, p = 0.013, Cohen d = 0.61; Consistent CN: 44.5 min, p = 0.031, Cohen d = 0.52). Controlling for other factors, the ad hoc team predicted increased procedure duration on multivariate analysis ( ß 57.38, 19.92-94.85, p < 0.003). Wound complications, length of stay, and readmission rates did not differ significantly across groups (p = 0.940; p = 0.174; p = 0.935, respectively). CONCLUSION: Consistent CN and ST improve operative efficiency in head and neck-free tissue transfer. Future studies may evaluate the impact of team consistency on complications, physician burnout, and health systems costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2154-2159, 2023.

Correlation Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Post-Operative Regret in Otolaryngology Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if intolerance of uncertainty, depression, anxiety, worry, or stress are related to post-op regret in otolaryngology patients. METHODS: Adult patients or parents giving consent for pediatric patients meeting criteria for otolaryngologic surgery were recruited and completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) preop and the Decisional Regret (DR) scale 1-month post-op. Pearson correlations were calculated. RESULTS: The cohort included 109 patients, 73 (67%) males and 36 (33.3%) females. 43 (39.5%) were college graduates and 66 (60.9%) were not. Mean IUS-12 score was 22.9 (95% CI 21.0-24.8), mean PSWQ score was 46.9 (95% CI 44.5-49.3). DASS-21 mean score was 11.9 (95% CI 9.6-14.3). Mean DR score was 11.1 (95% CI 8.6-13.6). IUS-12 subscales Prospective Anxiety mean score was 14.2 (95% CI 12.8-15.5) and Inhibitory Anxiety mean score was 16.5 (95% CI 14.5-18.6). The Pearson correlation coefficient for post-op DR and total preop IUS was .188 (P = .027) and the correlation coefficient for post-op DR and preop Prospective Anxiety subscale of IUS score was .174 (P = .037). Correlations with PSWQ and DASS-21 scores and DR were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Intolerance of uncertainty is a psychological construct that is associated with post-op DR. More work is needed to determine whether screening for IU and behavior modification directed at IU for those with high levels would improve post-op decisional regret.

Pharmacological management of cancer pain: Novel therapeutics.

Patients diagnosed with cancer often experience pain during their treatment course, making it difficult to care for themselves and continue with their activities of daily living. When cancer is found at later stages, the pain can become severe and constant; reducing their quality of life and significantly affecting mental and physical well-being. Despite opioids being known to provide adequate analgesia for higher pain levels, they are often the reason for under-dosing because of their adverse effects and concern for addiction. There are also patients who do not respond well to opioids because of genetic anomalies or personal preference. Therefore, there is a need for novel non-opioid cancer pain treatments. There are many new cancer pain treatments that are emerging. This manuscript discusses cancer pain, risk factors, epidemiology, guidelines for the treatment of cancer pain, personalization of cancer pain therapy, breakthrough pain, cancer-induced peripheral neuropathy, established cancer pain treatment options, and novel emerging cancer pain treatment options.

The Influence of Analgesic Modalities on Postoperative Cancer Recurrence.

The potential for cancer cells to grow and to metastasize depends on complex interactions between inflammatory signals and pathways, immune cells, and elements of the stromal tissue in which they invade. Related to the nature of many cancers, the probability of recurrence can potentially be quite high for some patients. Immunology, lifestyle modifications, timing of disease, genetics, age, gender, and race are only a handful of ways the likelihood of cancer recurrence can be influenced. The quantity, or density, of certain immunological cells or factors, plays a role in the propagation of cancer cells. Opioids are often used in cancer patients for acute postoperative and chronic pain management. While they can produce significant pain relief, the type of analgesic utilized is important, as it may influence cancer propagation. In this regard, certain opioids have been found to increase T regulatory cells while suppressing NK cell function. Morphine may promote tumor neovascularization and expansion. Fentanyl administration significantly diminishes NK-cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells. In a recent meta-analysis, propofol-based anesthesia improved both cancer-free survival and overall survival. COX inhibitors have also shown promise in persevering cancer immune function, as in literature involving ketorolac and celecoxib. In summary, inhaled anesthesia and opioids may contribute to a pro-tumor metastasis environment also known as cancer propagation; whereas propofol and COX inhibitors may provide a better alternative to reduce cancer recurrence and propagation.

Catatonia: Clinical Overview of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Challenges.

Catatonia is a syndrome that has been associated with several mental illness disorders but that has also presented as a result of other medical conditions. Schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders such as mania and depression are known to be associated with catatonia; however, several case reports have been published of certain medical conditions inducing catatonia, including hyponatremia, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and liver transplantation. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are also prominent causes of catatonia. Patients taking benzodiazepines or clozapine are also at risk of developing catatonia following the withdrawal of these medications-it is speculated that the prolonged use of these medications increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and that discontinuation may increase excitatory neurotransmission, leading to catatonia. The treatment of catatonia often involves the use of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, that can be used in combination therapy with antipsychotics. Definitive treatment may be found with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Aberrant neuronal activity in different motor pathways, defective neurotransmitter regulation, and impaired oligodendrocyte function have all been proposed as the pathophysiology behind catatonia. There are many clinical challenges that come with catatonia and, as early treatment is associated with better outcomes, it becomes imperative to understand these challenges. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of these challenges and to look at clinical studies regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of as well as the complications and risk factors associated with catatonia.

A Comprehensive Update of Lofexidine for the Management of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms.

Purpose of Review: This is a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the use of Lofexidine for opiate withdrawal symptoms. It covers the background and necessity of withdrawal programs and the management of withdrawal symptoms and then covers the existing evidence of the use of Lofexidine for this purpose. Recent Findings: Opiate abuse leads to significant pain and suffering. However, withdrawal is difficult and often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms and renewed cravings. These symptoms are driven mostly by signaling in the locus coeruleus and the mesolimbic system and a rebound increase in noradrenaline, producing symptoms such as anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, and tension. Lofexidine, an alpha-2 agonist, can be used to manage acute withdrawal symptoms before starting maintenance treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine. Lofexidine, if FDA approved for management of withdrawal symptoms and has been proved to be both effective and safe. Summary: Opiate addiction is increasing and plaguing the western world and specifically the U.S. It takes a large toll on both a personal and societal level and carries a high cost. Withdrawal is difficult, both related to withdrawal symptoms and renewed cravings. Lofexidine has been shown to be effective in reducing the former and could potentially aid in recovery and withdrawal.

A Comprehensive Review and Update of the Use of Dexmedetomidine for Regional Blocks.

Purpose of Review: This evidence-based systematic review will focus on the use of dexmedetomidine and its role as adjuvant anesthetics in regional blocks to help better guide physicians in their practice. This review will cover background and mechanism of dexmedetomidine as well as the use in various regional blocks. Recent Findings: Local anesthetics are preferred for nerve blocks over opioids; however, both due come with its own side effects. Local anesthetics may be toxic as they disrupt cell membrane and proteins, but by using adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine, that can prolong sensory and motor blocks can reduce total amount of local anesthetics needed. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used as additive for regional nerve block. It has a relatively low side effect profile and have been researched in various regional blocks (intrathecal, paravertebral, axillary, infraclavicular brachial plexus, interscalene). Dexmedetomidine shows promising results as adjuvant anesthetics in most regional blocks. Summary: Many studies have been done and many show promising results for the use of dexmedetomidine in regional blocks. It may significantly increase in duration of sensory and motor blocks that correlates with lower pain scores and less need of morphine in various regional blocks.