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Audag N, Dubus JC, Combret Y. [Respiratory physiotherapy in pediatric practice]. Rev Mal Respir 2022; 39:547-560. [PMID: 35738979 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Congestion of the upper (URT) and lower respiratory tracts (LRT) is a common symptom in several acute and chronic respiratory diseases that occur in childhood. To eliminate these secretions, airway clearance techniques (ACT) directed to the URT and LRT are frequently prescribed. The rationale for the application of these techniques is the same as in adults, but they need to be adapted to be transposed to children. The physiotherapist will be able to choose among a wide range of techniques, of which the most adequate will depend not only on the age of the child and the indication, but also on the basis of his preferences or habits, as well as those of the child. Upper airway clearance, including nasal irrigation, is now recommended for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in children. It is also one of the symptomatic treatments recommended for infants with acute bronchiolitis. For LRT clearance, several indications, such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and neuromuscular disease, are now widely advocated. Conversely, other indications, such as for infants with acute viral bronchiolitis, are highly controversial. Thoughtful application of these techniques is lacking in robust and precise tools to objectively assess the presence of bronchial congestion, and to treat it accordingly. Similarly, no precise and reliable evaluation of the effectiveness of these ACTs is available to date. This review is designed to explore the ACTs used by physiotherapists, to provide an overview of their current indications, and to consider complementary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Audag
- Institut de recherche expérimentale et clinique, pôle de pneumologie, ORL & dermatologie, groupe recherche en kinésithérapie respiratoire, université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgique; Secteur de kinésithérapie et ergothérapie, cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, avenue Hippocrate 10, Bruxelles 1200, Belgique.
| | - J-C Dubus
- Service de médecine infantile et pneumologie pédiatrique, CHU Timone-Enfants, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée-infection, Marseille, France
| | - Y Combret
- Secteur de kinésithérapie, Groupe Hospitalier du Havre, 76600 Le Havre, France
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Pediatric chronic sinusitis: diagnosis and management. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 30:68-77. [PMID: 34958324 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review the diagnosis and management of pediatric chronic sinusitis given recent advances in both surgical and medical management. RECENT FINDINGS Balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of the sinuses has been used as an adjunct to adenoidectomy or in lieu of traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. BCD has been shown to be a safe technique in children although its efficacy compared to maxillary sinus irrigation or traditional sinus surgery cannot be determined based on current studies. SUMMARY New advances in BCD and biologics may serve as useful adjuncts in surgical and medical therapy respectively with additional research needed to better delineate the optimal indications for each in the treatment continuum.
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Abstract
Paediatric rhinosinusitis (PDRS) is commonly used as a synonym for rhinitis within healthcare. Although they may share common symptoms, the pathophysiology does differ; PDRS is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa in addition to the sinuses whereas rhinitis is the inflammation of just nasal mucosa. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of PDRS. There is a greater emphasis on the diagnosis and management of PDRS within this review due to a lack of clear guidelines, which can lead to the common misconception that PDRS can be treated indifferently to rhinitis and other upper respiratory conditions. PDRS has detrimental effects on children's current health, long-term health into adulthood and education. Therefore, having a comprehensive guide of PDRS would provide a greater understanding of the condition as well as improved diagnosis and management. This article primarily focuses on the position of Europe and the United Kingdom; however, the recommendations can be applied to other countries as the causes and treatments would not differ significantly.
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Mirza AA, Shawli HY, Alandejani TA, Aljuaid SM, Alreefi M, Basonbul RA, Alhomaiani SK, Althobaity BA, Alhumaidi DA, Zawawi F. Efficacy and safety of paranasal sinus balloon catheter dilation in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 49:69. [PMID: 32993786 PMCID: PMC7523047 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-020-00463-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) negatively affects quality of life (QoL), and balloon catheter sinuplasty (BCS) has shown good outcomes in adult patients. However, there has not been much research on the effects of BCS on pediatric patients. The objective of this review is to systematically assess the literature for studies demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of BCS in pediatric CRS patients. Data sources PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Study selection We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis recommendations (PRISMA) to conduct our study. Observational- and interventional-based studies reporting efficacy and/or side effects of BCS among pediatric populations were included. Efficacy was evaluated by clinically reliable measures including Sino-Nasal 5 (SN-5) QoL scale. Antibiotic usage and revision surgery were also evaluated. Data extraction Articles were screened, and data were obtained. Study design, sample size and demographics, treated sinuses, criteria of inclusion, adjunct procedure(s), follow-up time, and outcomes measured were reported. Main findings Out of 112 articles identified, 10 articles were included: two interventional controlled trials and eight observational studies. All studies evaluating QoL by SN-5 showed a remarkable reduction in SN-5 score postoperatively. Improvement in the computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic findings for up to 1 year after operation was reported. Furthermore, the majority of patinets treated with BCS did not recieve any course of sinusitis-indicated antibiotics during long-term follow-up, and they had low surgical revision rates. Minor side effects were reported, most commonly synechia. Conclusion Available evidence suggests that BCS is safe and effective for the treatment of CRS in pediatric patients. Future randomized controlled studies with large sample size are warranted. Such studies can further determine the efficacy of BCS in managing children with CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A Mirza
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80205, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hatim Y Shawli
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talal A Alandejani
- Department of Surgery-Division of Otolaryngology, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Surgery-Division of Otolaryngology, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sattam M Aljuaid
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Alreefi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80205, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan A Basonbul
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80205, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Faisal Zawawi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Alvarado J, Stolovitzky P. Management of Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ALLERGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40521-020-00268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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London NR, Rangel GG, Walz PC. The expanded endonasal approach in pediatric skull base surgery: A review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2020; 5:313-325. [PMID: 32337363 PMCID: PMC7178460 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgery of the pediatric skull base has multiple unique challenges and has seen recent rapid advances. The objective of this review is to assess key issues in pediatric skull base surgery (SBS), including anatomic limitations, surgical approaches, reconstruction techniques, postoperative care, complications, and outcomes. DATA SOURCES PubMed literature review. REVIEW METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to assess the challenges, recent advances, and reported outcomes in pediatric SBS. RESULTS The pediatric skull base presents multiple anatomic challenges, including variable patterns of pneumatization, narrow piriform aperture width, and narrow intercarotid distance at the level of the cavernous sinus but not the superior clivus. These issues may be particularly challenging in patients less than 2 years of age. Endoscopic endonasal approaches in the sagittal and coronal plane have been applied to the pediatric skull base while open approaches may still be necessary in the setting of extensive intracranial or orbital disease, as well as disease lateral to critical neurovascular structures. While the nasoseptal flap was initially called into question for pediatric cases, it has been shown through multiple reports to be a feasible and robust reconstructive option. Complications and outcomes often depend upon the pathology. In children, response to noxious stimuli, ability to avoid Valsalva, and adherence to nasal precautions is variable. The use of lumbar drains is more common in pediatric than adult patients. CONCLUSION While the pediatric skull base presents unique challenges, outcomes data support that endoscopic endonasal approaches are a pertinent surgical technique in appropriately selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyall R. London
- Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersNIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Gustavo G. Rangel
- Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Pediatric Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryNationwide Children's HospitalColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Patrick C. Walz
- Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Pediatric Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryNationwide Children's HospitalColumbusOhioUSA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent problem that can elude diagnosis. In addition, given the burgeoning interest in pediatric sinonasal disease, treatment modalities are constantly evolving. RECENT FINDINGS The diagnosis of pediatric CRS is primarily based on clinical history and signs supported by objective findings (i.e., nasal endoscopy and/or computed tomography (CT) imaging). Cultures are indicated in patients who have not responded to medical therapy or have significant comorbidities. Nasal saline irrigation, nasal saline spray, and oral antibiotics are currently recommended for initial medical management. In children with CRS who have failed medical therapy, a stepwise approach to surgical intervention can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. This review provides an overview of the current guidelines and recent literature regarding the diagnosis, microbiology, and treatment options of CRS in the pediatric population.
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Gallant JN, Basem JI, Turner JH, Shannon CN, Virgin FW. Nasal saline irrigation in pediatric rhinosinusitis: A systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 108:155-162. [PMID: 29605346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of nasal saline irrigation (NSI) in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in pediatric patients with acute (ARS) or chronic (CRS) rhinosinusitis. DATA SOURCES We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases (indexed January, 1950 through April, 2017). REVIEW METHODS Studies assessing the efficacy of NSI in pediatric patients with ARS or CRS were selected for analysis. Outcome measures, including symptom scores and parental surveys, were analyzed. Two independent reviewers evaluated each abstract and article. RESULTS Of the 272 articles identified using our search strategy, only 1 study, focusing on the use of NSI in pediatric ARS, met all inclusion criteria. No studies investigating NSI in pediatric CRS were included for analysis. In general, studies demonstrated significant improvement of symptom scores with the use of NSI in pediatric rhinosinusitis; but, the use of varied outcome measures, control treatments, and NSI delivery made including studies and drawing conclusions difficult. No quantitative meta-analysis could be performed. CONCLUSION NSI may provide benefit for ARS in children; however, additional high-quality studies with defined outcome measures are needed to determine the quantitative efficacy of this therapy in the pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis-especially in pediatric CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jade I Basem
- Department of Neurological Surgery, United States
| | - Justin H Turner
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Frank W Virgin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
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Yoo F, Ference EH, Kuan EC, Lee JT, Wang MB, Suh JD. Evaluation of patient nasal saline irrigation practices following endoscopic sinus surgery. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2017; 8:32-40. [DOI: 10.1002/alr.22034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Yoo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
| | - Elisabeth H. Ference
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
| | - Edward C. Kuan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
| | - Jivianne T. Lee
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
| | - Marilene B. Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
| | - Jeffrey D. Suh
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery; University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA
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Beswick DM, Ramadan H, Baroody FM, Hwang PH. Practice patterns in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis: A survey of the American Rhinologic Society. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2017; 30:418-423. [PMID: 28124653 DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2016.30.4373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) is evolving. OBJECTIVE To assess current practice patterns of members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) in managing PCRS. METHODS A 27-item Web-based survey on treatment of PCRS was electronically distributed to the ARS membership. RESULTS The survey was completed by 67 members, 40% of whom had completed a rhinology fellowship. The most frequently used medical therapies as part of initial treatment for PCRS were nasal saline solution irrigation, (90%), topical nasal steroids (93%), oral antibiotics (52%), and oral steroids (20%). For initial surgical therapy, 90% performed adenoidectomy; in addition, 31% also performed sinus lavage, 17% performed balloon catheter dilation (BCD), and 17% performed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Sixty percent performed adenoidectomy before obtaining computed tomography imaging. When initial surgical treatment failed, 85% performed traditional ESS. In patients with pansinusitis, 50% of the respondents performed frontal sinusotomy and 70% performed sphenoidotomy. BCD was not frequently used; overall, 66% never or rarely used it, 20% sometimes used it, 12% usually used it, and 3% always or almost always used BCD. CONCLUSIONS Most aspects of PCRS management among ARS members were aligned with published consensus statements. Adenoidectomy was almost always included as part of first-line surgical treatment but was also combined with adjunctive surgical procedures with moderate frequency. ESS was performed by a minority of rhinologists as a primary procedure for medically refractory PCRS but was favored when previous surgery failed. BCD was uncommonly used in PCRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Beswick
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Ordemann AG, Stanford JK, Sullivan DC, Reed JM. Can contaminated water be rendered safe for nasal saline irrigations? Laryngoscope 2017; 127:1513-1519. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.26538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allison G. Ordemann
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences; University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson Mississippi U.S.A
| | - James K. Stanford
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences; University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson Mississippi U.S.A
| | - Donna C. Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology; University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson Mississippi U.S.A
| | - J. Mark Reed
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences; University of Mississippi Medical Center; Jackson Mississippi U.S.A
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Lin SY, Baugher KM, Brown DJ, Ishman SL. Effects of nasal saline lavage on pediatric sinusitis symptoms and disease-specific quality of life: a case series of 10 patients. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2016; 94:E13-8. [PMID: 25651352 DOI: 10.1177/014556131509400212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a prospective study to assess (1) the effects of daily nasal irrigation in children with chronic sinonasal symptoms and (2) the impact that treatment had on disease-specific quality of life as assessed by a validated instrument, the five-item Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN-5), and by an overall nasal quality-of-life (NQL) score based on a 10-point faces scale. Our patient population was made up of 10 children-7 girls and 3 boys, aged 3 to 9 years (mean: 6.1)-who had presented with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis for more than 3 months and who had not responded to previous medical management. Patients were administered nasal saline lavage daily for 1 month. These patients and/or their caregivers completed an SN-5 questionnaire upon entry into the study and at the completion of treatment. At study's end, a comparison of pre- and post-treatment scores with paired Student t tests showed that the mean total SN-5 score improved significantly over baseline, falling 45% from 21.4 to 11.7 (p = 0.0002). Moreover, significant overall improvement was seen in each of the five subcategories of the SN-5 survey (p = 0.0009 to 0.038). The NQL scores also improved significantly from 4.7 to 7.7 (p = 0.0034). Compliance with nasal lavage was generally good among the 10 patients, as 8 of them used at least 75% of the recommended quantity of saline at least once a day. During a follow-up period that ranged from 2 to 23 months (mean: 10.4), only 1 patient required an adenoidectomy for symptom control. The results of this pilot study suggest that nasal saline lavage may significantly alleviate chronic sinonasal symptoms and improve disease-specific quality of life in children with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Y Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline St., #6254, Baltimore, MD 21287.
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Abstract
Rhinosinusitis, is defined as an inflammation of the paranasal and nasal sinus mucosae. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)is a common problem in the pediatric age group and the diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to the chronicity and similarity of symptoms with allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy. Although it is less common than acute rhinosinusitis, CRS is becoming more frequent and significantly affects the quality of life in children and can substantially impair daily function. CRS is characterized by sinus symptoms lasting more than 3 months despite medical therapy. Many factors are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and include a primary insult with a virus followed bybacterial infection and mucosal inflammation, along with predisposition to allergies. The standard treatment of pediatricacute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is nasal irrigation and antibiotic use. Medical treatment of pediatric CRS includes avoidance of allergens in allergic patients (environmental or food) and therapy with nasal irrigation, nasal corticosteroids sprays, nasal decongestants, and antibiotics directed at the most common sinonasalorganisms (Haemophilusinfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis). Surgical therapy is rarely needed after appropriate medical therapy. Referral to an otolaryngologist and allergy specialist is recommended in case of failure of medical treatment.
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Marchisio P, Picca M, Torretta S, Baggi E, Pasinato A, Bianchini S, Nazzari E, Esposito S, Principi N. Nasal saline irrigation in preschool children: a survey of attitudes and prescribing habits of primary care pediatricians working in northern Italy. Ital J Pediatr 2014; 40:47. [PMID: 24887239 PMCID: PMC4041066 DOI: 10.1186/1824-7288-40-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been shown that nasal saline irrigation (NSI) alone can be effective in children with infectious and/or allergic respiratory problems, but no study has assessed the awareness or clinical use of NSI among practising pediatricians. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the use of NSI in pre-school children by primary care pediatricians working in northern Italy. Methods Nine hundred randomly selected National Health Service primary care pediatricians with an e-mail address were sent an e-mail asking whether they were willing to respond to a questionnaire regarding the use of NSI. The 870 who answered positively were sent an anonymous questionnaire by post and e-mail that had 17 multiple-choice items. Results Completed questionnaires were received from 860 of the 870 primary care pediatricians (98.8%). NSI was used by almost all the respondents (99.3%), although with significant differences in frequency. It was considered both a prophylactic and a therapeutic measure by most of the respondents (60.3%), who prescribed it every day for healthy children and more frequently when they were ill. Most of the primary care pediatricians (87%) indicated an isotonic solution as the preferred solution, and the most frequently recommended administration devices were a nasal spray (67.7%) and bulb syringe (20.6%). Most of the pediatricians (75.6%) convinced parents to use NSI by explaining it could have various beneficial effects, and two-thirds (527/854; 61.7%) thought that most of the parents agreed about the importance of NSI. Analysis of possible associations between NSI prescribing behaviour and the demographic data revealed an associations with age and gender, with pediatricians aged <50 years prescribing NSI more frequently than their older counterparts (p < 0.01), and females prescribing NSI more frequently than males (p < 0.01). Conclusions In Northern Italy, most primary care pediatricians prescribe NSI for both the prophylaxis and therapy of upper respiratory tract problems in pre-school children. However, many aspects of the procedure are not clarified, and this reduces parental compliance. Given the medical and economic advantages of NSI, this situation should be changed as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Marchisio
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 9, 20122 Milano, Italy.
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