Long-term morbidities associated with vocal cord paralysis after surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants

Diagnostic Accuracy of Laryngeal Ultrasound for Evaluating Vocal Fold Movement Impairment in Children

PURPOSE

Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a common source of morbidity after pediatric cervical, thoracic, and cardiac procedures. Flexible laryngoscopy (FL) is the gold standard to diagnose VFMI yet can be challenging to perform and/or risks possible clinical decompensation in some children and is an aerosolizing procedure. Laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) is a potential non-invasive alternative, but limited data exists in the pediatric surgical population regarding its efficacy. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS compared to FL in evaluating VFMI.

METHODS

A prospective, single-center, single-blinded (rater) cohort study was undertaken on perioperative pediatric patients at risk for RLN injury. Patients underwent FL and LUS. Cohen's kappa was used to determine chance-corrected agreement.

RESULTS

Between 2021 and 2023, 85 paired evaluations were performed with patients having a median (IQR) age of 10 (4, 42) months and weight of 7.5 (5.4, 13.4) kilograms. The prevalence of VFMI was 27.1%. Absolute agreement between evaluations was 98.8% (kappa 0.97, 95% CI: 0.91-1.00, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of LUS in detecting VFMI was 95.7% and 100%, yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4% (95% CI: 90-100%). Diagnostic accuracy was 98.8% (95% CI: 93-100%).

CONCLUSION

LUS is a highly accurate modality in evaluating VFMI in children. While FL remains the gold standard for diagnosis, LUS offers a low-risk screening modality for children at risk for VFMI such that only those with an abnormal LUS or presence of clinical symptoms discordant with LUS findings should undergo FL.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective, single-center, single blinded (rater), cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Screening for Vocal Fold Movement Impairment in Children Undergoing Esophageal and Airway Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Children undergoing cervical and/or thoracic operations are at risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, resulting in vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI). Screening for VFMI is often reserved for symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE

Identify the prevalence of VFMI in screened preoperative patients prior to an at-risk operation to evaluate the value of screening all patients at-risk for VFMI, regardless of symptoms.

METHODS

A single center, retrospective review of all patients undergoing a preoperative flexible nasolaryngoscopy between 2017 and 2021, examining the presence of VFMI and associated symptoms.

RESULTS

We evaluated 297 patients with a median (IQR) age of 18 (7.8, 56.3) months and a weight of 11.3 (7.8, 17.7) kilograms. Most had a history of esophageal atresia (EA, 60%), and a prior at-risk cervical or thoracic operation (73%). Overall, 72 (24%) patients presented with VFMI (51% left, 26% right, and 22% bilateral). Of patients with VFMI, 47% did not exhibit the classic symptoms (stridor, dysphonia, and aspiration) of VFMI. Dysphonia was the most prevalent classic VFMI symptom, yet only present in 18 (25%) patients. Patients presenting with a history of at-risk surgery (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1, 4.8, p = 0.03), presence of a tracheostomy (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.0, 10.0, p = 0.04), or presence of a surgical feeding tube (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.6, 6.2, p = 0.001) were more likely to present with VFMI.

CONCLUSION

Routine screening for VFMI should be considered in all at-risk patients, regardless of symptoms or prior operations, particularly in those with a history of an at-risk surgery, presence of tracheostomy, or a surgical feeding tube.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3564-3570, 2023.

[The consensus among experts on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric vocal cord paralysis]

Pediatric vocal ford paralysis is a vocal cord movement disorder caused by damage to the pediatric laryngeal motor nerves.It is mainly characterized by voice, breathing,and swallowing difficulties,and in severe cases,it can lead to choking in affected children. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of this condition pose a significant challenge for pediatric otolaryngologists, as the goal is to minimize damage to the vocal folds and laryngeal framework.In order to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric vocal cord paralysis, the Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee of the Chinese Medical Association,in collaboration with multiple children's medical centers nationwide, have formulated this consensus document.

Safety and effectiveness of vocal fold injection laryngoplasty in infants less than one year of age

INTRODUCTION

Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is commonly performed for unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). However, the safety and efficacy in patients <1 year of age are not widely recognized. This study analyzes the safety and swallow outcomes in a cohort of patients <1 year who underwent IL.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis evaluated patients at a tertiary children's institution between 2015 and 2022. Patients were eligible if they underwent IL for UVFI and were <1 year at time of injection. Baseline characteristics, perioperative data, oral diet tolerance, and preoperative and postoperative swallow data were collected.

RESULTS

49 patients were included, 12 (24%) of whom were premature. The average age at injection was 3.9 months (SD 3.8), time from UVFI onset to injection 1.3 months (2.0), and weight at injection 4.8 kg (2.1). The baseline American Association of Anesthesiologists physical status classification scores were 2 (14%), 3 (61%), and 4 (24%). 89% of patients had improvements in objective swallow function postoperatively. Of the 35 patients who were preoperatively enterally-dependent and did not have medical circumstances precluding advancement to oral feeds, 32 (n = 91%) tolerated an oral diet postoperatively. There were no long-term sequelae. Two patients had intraoperative laryngospasm, one intraoperative bronchospasm, and one with subglottic and posterior glottic stenosis was intubated for <12 h for increased work of breathing.

CONCLUSIONS

IL is a safe and effective intervention that can reduce aspiration and improve diet in patients <1 year old. This procedure can be considered at institutions with the appropriate personnel, resources, and infrastructure.

Assessment and management of feeding difficulties for infants with complex CHD

Early surgical intervention in infants with complex CHD results in significant disruptions to their respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, which are all instrumental to the development of safe and efficient oral feeding skills. Standardised assessments or treatment protocols are not currently available for this unique population, requiring the clinician to rely on knowledge based on neonatal literature. Clinicians need to be skilled at evaluating and analysing these systems to develop an appropriate treatment plan to improve oral feeding skill and safety, while considering post-operative recovery in the infant with complex CHD. Supporting the family to re-establish their parental role during the hospitalisation and upon discharge is critical to reducing parental stress and oral feeding success.

Vocal cord dysfunction after pediatric cardiac surgery: A prospective implementation study

Objective

To determine the incidence, outcomes, and evaluate diagnostic modalities for postoperative vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) following cardiothoracic surgery in children.

Methods

A prospective mixed-methods study using principles of implementation science was completed. All patients undergoing surgery involving the aortic arch, ductus, or ligamentum arteriosum and vascular rings from September 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled. Patients underwent speech pathology assessment, laryngeal ultrasound, and flexible direct laryngoscopy.

Results

Ninety-five patients were eligible for inclusion. The incidence of VCD ranged from 18% to 56% and varied according to procedure group. VCD occurred in 42% of neonates. Repair of hypoplastic aortic arch was associated with increased risk of VCD (57%; P = .002). There was no significant difference in duration of intubation, pediatric intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay. Forty percent children were able to achieve full oral feeding. Children with VCD were more likely to require nasogastric supplementary feeding at discharge (60% vs 36%; P = .044). Sixty-eight percent of patients demonstrated complete resolution of VCD at a median of 97 days postoperatively. Laryngeal ultrasound and speech pathology assessment combined had a sensitivity of 91% in comparison to flexible direct laryngoscopy.

Conclusions

VCD occurred in one-third and resolved in two-thirds of patients at a median of 3 months following cardiac surgery. Aortic arch repair carried the highest risk of VCD. VCD adversely influenced feeding. Forty percent of patients achieved full oral feeding before discharge. VCD did not delay intensive care unit or hospital discharge. Speech pathology assessment and laryngeal ultrasound combined was reliable for diagnosis in most patients and was more patient friendly than flexible direct laryngoscopy.

Long term outcome of laryngeal mobility disorder and quality of life after pediatric cardiac surgery

INTRODUCTION

Laryngeal mobility disorder after a pediatric heart surgery is common (between 5 and 10% of cases), and has important consequences on swallowing, breathing and speaking. After reviewing the literature, the recovery rate is variable and the postoperative follow-up is often done on a short time frame. The primary objective of the study is to describe the recovery from laryngeal mobility disorder with a follow-up time of at least 5 years. The secondary objective is to describe of the quality of life of the child in terms of phonation and swallowing, and to identify potential risk factors for a lasting laryngeal mobility disorder.

METHODS

We collected data (morphological characteristics and details of the procedures and medical care) on children who had undergone a heart surgery with risks of complications, between 2010 and 2015, and with a laryngeal mobility disorder detected after the surgery through nasal flexible laryngoscopy. During a follow-up consultation, carried at least 5 years after the surgery, we performed a nasal flexible laryngoscopy to assess whether or not the patient had recovered a full mobility of the larynx. Two questionnaires were also given to the patients, the pVHI and the PEDI EAT-10, to assess respectively the quality of their speech and of their swallowing function.

RESULTS

The recovery rate for a laryngeal mobility disorder more than 5 years after surgery was found to be 65% (9 children out of the 14 included in the study). We identified a risk factor for the persistence of a laryngeal mobility disorder after surgery: the presence of an associated genetic syndrome, p = 0.025. Children with persistent laryngeal mobility disorder have an impaired quality of life score, using the pVHI scale, which correlates well with the flexible laryngoscopy findings, p = 0.033.

CONCLUSION

Children with a lasting laryngeal mobility disorder have disabling respiratory and vocal symptoms in their daily lives. Nasal flexible laryngoscopy should therefore be systematically performed postoperatively after a surgery carrying risks. For improved patient management, early detection of these disorders by pharyngolaryngeal nasal flexible laryngoscopy in the aftermath of high-risk cardiac surgery is strongly advised, with prolonged follow-up.

Feeding Therapy Treatments for Infants With Unilateral Vocal Cord Paresis

IMPORTANCE

No evidence-based treatment protocol currently exists for infants with vocal cord paresis (VCP).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of feeding position on feeding success among infants with unilateral VCP and examine other variables that may be associated with feeding success.

DESIGN

Retrospective descriptive study.

SETTING

Midwestern pediatric hospital serving rural and urban populations.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-seven infants age <1 yr diagnosed with unilateral VCP by otolaryngologist while inpatient.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Bottle or breastfeeding without the use of a thickening agent at discharge and without readmission for feeding difficulties ≤3 mo of discharge was considered feeding success.

RESULTS

Chart review was completed for 67 infants with unilateral VCP. Infants fed in side lying were more likely to feed without use of a thickened liquid than infants fed in upright (70% vs. 17%; p = .01). Infants who had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and infants who were premature were more likely to need thickener and to be readmitted for feeding difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Further study is required to investigate the use of side-lying position versus upright position for feeding infants with VCP. Using the side-lying position allowed more infants to feed without thickener agents, and patient characteristics, including history of PDA ligation and prematurity, correlated with the need for thickened liquids and readmission. Consensus on the safety and efficacy of thickening breast milk is limited, so this information may allow more infants to breastfeed or drink expressed breast milk safely by bottle. It also provides medical providers information that can possibly prevent readmissions. What This Article Adds: The results of this study can inform occupational therapy feeding practice through use of the side-lying position, as well as being aware of patient characteristics that are correlated with increased feeding difficulties.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Percutaneous-based patent ductus arteriosus closure is technically feasible among infants less than 1.5 kg. However, marked heterogeneity in the type and nature of adverse events obscures current safety profile assessments. Although data on the risks of postdevice closure syndrome remain promising, a lack of comparative trials of surgical ductal ligation and inconsistent surveillance across published studies obscure confidence in present estimates of safety and efficacy. To minimize risk and yield the greatest benefits, clinical studies of patent ductus arteriosus treatment should consider incorporating more robust assessments to ensure that infants at greatest risk for adverse ductal consequences are included.

Surgically Acquired Vocal Cord Palsy in Infants and Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Description of Feeding Outcomes

Impaired swallowing in infants can impact upon the ability to feed orally, often resulting in dependency on supplementary feeding. Such difficulties can lead to an increased burden of care and associated costs. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vocal cord palsy (VCP), acquired intraoperatively during cardiac surgery, on the feeding outcomes of infants at a tertiary metropolitan children's hospital. An additional aim was to obtain preliminary information on the impact of feeding difficulties in this group on the quality of life of parents and families. A review of 48 patients who had been referred to the speech pathology service was undertaken. Participants presented with heterogeneous cardiac diagnoses, and had an initial Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) at a median corrected age of 3.6 weeks. Sixty percent of participants presented with silent aspiration on VFSS. Thirty percent of participants required supplementary tube feeding more than 6 months post-surgery. Six percent of participants with poor feeding progress and persistent aspiration required further surgical intervention to support nutrition. Findings revealed no significant relationship between participant factors and the presence of feeding difficulties, however, infants with concomitant genetic and syndromic conditions were found to be most at-risk for long-term feeding difficulties. Analysis of informal parent questionnaire responses indicated parents experienced stress and anxiety after their child's discharge. This was noted in regard to their child's feeding, which impacts quality of life across a number of domains. Findings of this study highlight the importance of communicating the potential feeding difficulties to parents of at-risk infants prior to cardiac surgery. This study further highlighted the importance of routine post-operative otorhinolaryngology examinations following high-risk surgeries, as well as speech pathology management for all infants and children identified with VCP. Post-operative input from appropriately trained Speech Pathologists is vital in assisting parents to support and mitigate their child's difficulties through the provision of early intervention for feeding difficulties.

Outpatient Respiratory Management of Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Post-Prematurity Respiratory Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Background: Premature birth affects millions of neonates each year, placing them at risk for respiratory disease due to prematurity. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common chronic lung disease of infancy, but recent data suggest that even premature infants who do not meet the strict definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia can develop adverse pulmonary outcomes later in life. This post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD) manifests as chronic respiratory symptoms, including cough, recurrent wheezing, exercise limitation, and reduced pulmonary function. This document provides an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the outpatient management of infants, children, and adolescents with PPRD. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts posed questions regarding the outpatient management of PPRD. We conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence and the strength of the clinical recommendations. Results: The panel members considered the strength of each recommendation and evaluated the benefits and risks of applying the intervention. In formulating the recommendations, the panel considered patient and caregiver values, the cost of care, and feasibility. Recommendations were developed for or against three common medical therapies and four diagnostic evaluations in the context of the outpatient management of PPRD. Conclusions: The panel developed recommendations for the outpatient management of patients with PPRD on the basis of limited evidence and expert opinion. Important areas for future research were identified.

Vocal cord palsy as a sequela of paediatric cardiac surgery - a review

BACKGROUND

Vocal cord palsy is one of the recognised complications of complex cardiac surgery in the paediatric population. While there is an abundance of literature highlighting the presence of this complication, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available for children affected by vocal cord palsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic searches were conducted using the search terms: "Vocal Cord Palsy," "VCP," "Vocal Cord Injury," "Paediatric Heart Surgery," "Congenital Heart Surgery," "Pediatric Heart Surgery," "Vocal Fold Movement Impairment," "VFMI," "Vocal Fold Palsy," "PDA Ligation." The inclusion criteria were any articles discussing the outcomes of vocal cord palsy following paediatric cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

The two main populations affected by vocal cord palsy are children undergoing aortic arch surgery or those undergoing PDA ligation. There is paucity of prospective follow-up studies; it is therefore difficult to reliably assess the current approaches and the long-term implications of management options.

CONCLUSION

Vocal cord palsy can be a devastating complication following cardiac surgery, which if left untreated, could potentially result in debilitation of quality of life and in severe circumstances could even lead to death. Currently, there is not enough high-quality evidence in the literature to aid recognition, diagnosis, and management leaving clinicians to extrapolate evidence from adult studies to make clinical judgements. Future research with a focus on the paediatric perspective is necessary in providing evidence for good standards of care.

Patent ductus arteriosus: From pharmacology to surgery

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may be found in 0.1-0.2% of term infants, but the average incidence is at least five-fold higher in premature infants, correlating inversely with birth weight and gestational age. While not all patients with a PDA require treatment, the deleterious effects of persistent left-to-right shunting across the ductus can have important short- and long-term consequences. Medical and interventional approaches to PDA closure have evolved greatly in the past decade and add to the decision-making pathways. This article summarizes the pathophysiology of PDA and characterizes the medical, surgical and endovascular treatment approaches.

Central airway issues in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

While there is a very large focus on the abnormalities of parenchymal lung development and extensive efforts to minimize alveolar damage with "gentle ventilation" and noninvasive respiratory support for neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), there is relatively little consideration for the implications of central airway disease in this patient population. There are significant changes in the structure and conformation of the central airway during the last half of gestation, and premature birth disrupts this natural developmental process. The arrest of maturation results in a smaller airway that is more compliant, easier to deform, and more susceptible to damage. Consequently, neonates with BPD are prone to developing central airway pathology, particularly for patients who require intubation and positive pressure ventilation. Central airway disease can be divided into dynamic and fixed airway obstruction and results in increased respiratory morbidity in neonates with chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Trends in patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates and changes in outcomes: A 10-year multicenter experience

RATIONALE

The management of neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has changed over time.

METHODS

We conducted a single-city, retrospective review of neonates who underwent PDA ligation over a 10-year time period and compared infants from the first 5 years to the second 5 years to evaluate how clinical characteristics changed over this time.

RESULTS

Infants from the second 5-year epoch were older at time of ligation (38 vs. 30 days), had a higher ligation weight (1432 vs. 1121 g) and a lower incidence of postligation cardiac syndrome (1.9% vs. 11.5%). No differences in mortality, length of hospital-stay or major morbidities were seen. Compared to neonates who underwent PDA ligation at ≤28 days of life, those with a ligation age >28 days had a higher ligation weight (1421 vs. 1039 g), a higher proportion of COX inhibitor use (92.5% vs. 83.8%), and a higher incidence of moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (60.4% vs. 44.4%). Only 10.7% (25/233) patients were evaluated by laryngoscopy, in which the incidence of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) was 36.0%; 2 patients were clinically diagnosed with VCP for a total 4.7% incidence of VCP (11/233).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the 10 years examined, neonates underwent PDA ligation at an older age in the second 5-year time period; this change was not associated with a change in the incidence of major morbidities. Ligation age >28 days was associated with an increase incidence of moderate-severe BPD. The overall incidence of documented VCP post-PDA ligation was relatively low but was seen in over 1/3 who were evaluated by laryngoscopy.

The utility of handheld ultrasound as a point-of-care screening tool to assess vocal fold impairment following congenital heart surgery

INTRODUCTION

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a known potential complication of congenital heart surgery (CHS). Flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) is the gold standard for evaluation of vocal fold movement but has risks, including epistaxis, desaturation, and changes in heart rate. Laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) has begun to emerge as a diagnostic tool and has been shown to have high accuracy in the evaluation of VFMI. We sought to assess the utility of hand-held LUS as a point-of-care screening tool to assess VFMI in pediatric patients following congenital heart surgery.

METHODS

Using a prospective cohort design, children under 18 years who were undergoing congenital heart surgery at a tertiary care pediatric hospital were enrolled. All patients underwent postoperative LUS and FNL. All studies were reviewed by two otolaryngology reviewers blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Higher quality studies were reviewed by two cardiology reviewers also blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Accuracy and inter-rater reliability were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty-two children were screened. Fourteen children with VFMI were identified via FNL. When comparing LUS and FNL, both individual accuracy (90.3% and 75.8%) and interrater agreement (79% overall, 96% for high quality videos) were high for the otolaryngology reviewers. The cardiology reviewers were able to obtain 100% accuracy for high quality videos.

CONCLUSION

Handheld LUS has utility as a point-of-care screening tool to assess VFMI. This may have benefit in low-resource settings, for universal screening in cardiac intensive care units, or in settings where otolaryngology consultation may be difficult to obtain.

Percutaneous Closure of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very-Low-Weight Infants

In view of the known complications of drug therapy and open surgical ligation, and the potential for prolonged patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) exposure to be harmful, health care practitioners have sought new approaches to achieve definitive ductal closure. Interest in percutaneous (catheter-based) PDA closure has emerged within the neonatal community as a viable treatment option, because it has been fueled by recent procedural and device modifications, as well as mounting feasibility and safety data. Herein, we provide a contemporary review of percutaneous PDA closure among infants at the crux of the medical debate-very-low-weight infants (≤1,500 g), including: 1) characterization of traditional PDA treatments (drug therapy, open surgical ligation) and conservative (nonintervention) management options; 2) a general overview of the major procedural steps of percutaneous ductal closure, including efforts to reduce thrombotic complications and the emergence of a novel US Food and Drug Administration-approved device; 3) a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand risk profiles of percutaneous PDA closure in this population; and 4) discussion of current gaps in our understanding of optimal PDA care, including the critical need for well-designed, randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Recovery of Vocal Cord Motion Among Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVES

Patients with vocal cord paralysis can experience feeding, respiratory, and vocal problems leading to disability and decreased quality of life. Current evidence suggests waiting a period of 12 months for spontaneous recovery before permanent interventions. This study aims to determine the time to recover spontaneously and vocal cord movement in a pediatric population and create a model for evidence-based patient counseling.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

The report is a single institution longitudinal study on vocal cord paralysis recovery. Patients were categorized based on spontaneous recovery with vocal cord movement or no recovery. Recovery rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Of 158 cases of vocal cord paralysis over a 4-year period, 36 had spontaneous recovery with symptom improvement and motion return. The average recovery was 8.8 months for those who recovered, and 78% recovered within 9 months. Two groups emerged from the data: an early recovery group with spontaneous recovery before 12 months and a late recovery group after 12 months. Children with dysphonia and paralysis due to cardiac surgery were less likely to recover, and children with aspiration were more likely to recover. Children with gastrointestinal comorbidities were less likely to recover; however, those who did recover were more likely to have recovered after 12 months. Based on our model, there is about a 3% chance of recovery between 9 and 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients should be counseled about earlier interventions. Waiting the conventional 12 months for only a 3% chance of spontaneous recovery without intervention or laryngeal EMG may not be the preferred option for some patients and their families.

Respiratory Trajectory after Invasive Interventions for Patent Ductus Arteriosus of Preterm Infants

Invasive interventions have been conducted in preterm infants with significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) when medical treatment has failed, and methods of invasive intervention have been reported. Surgical ligation via lateral thoracotomy has been a well-established procedure for decades. Recently, transcatheter occlusion has been safely and feasibly applied to the premature population. However, little research has been conducted on the benefits of transcatheter occlusion in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants compared to surgical ligation. This study compared transcatheter and surgical techniques in VLBW infants in terms of short-term respiratory outcomes. The medical records of 401 VLBW infants admitted to a tertiary hospital between September 2014 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were diagnosed with a congenital anomaly, a chromosomal anomaly, or congenital heart disease, except for an inter-atrial shunt, were excluded. The perinatal conditions, neonatal morbidities, periprocedural vital signs, and respiratory support trajectories were compared between the transcatheter-treated and surgically ligated group. A total of 31 eligible VLBW infants received invasive intervention: 14 were treated with transcatheter occlusion (Group A), and 17 infants were treated with surgical ligation (Group B). Respiratory outcomes were not statistically significant between the two groups, despite Group A showing a trend toward early improvement in post-intervention respiratory trajectory. In this small case study, a different trend in post-intervention respiratory trajectories was observed. Future research with larger case numbers should be conducted to address our preliminary observations in more detail.

Short-Term Complications Associated with Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in ELBW Infants: A 25-Year Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to determine the incidence of short-term complications of surgical patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligations, the factors associated with those complications, and whether complications are associated with poor long-term outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of all extremely low birth weight (ELBW, < 1,000 g) infants who underwent surgical PDA ligation at a single-center neonatal intensive care unit from 1989 to 2015. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were reviewed. The primary outcome was development of a short-term (< 2 weeks from ligation) surgical complication. Secondary outcomes include bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 180 ELBW infants were included; median gestational age and birth weight was 24 weeks and 683 g, respectively, and 44% of infants had at least one short-term complication. Need for vasopressors (33%) was the most common medical complication and vocal cord paralysis (9%) was the most common surgical complication. Younger corrected gestational age at time of repair was associated with increased risk for complications. Mortality, length of stay, and BPD rates were similar between infants with and without complications.

CONCLUSION

Serious complications were seen in a minority of infants. Additional research is needed to determine if short-term complications are associated with long-term adverse outcomes.

Clinical and Financial Outcomes Associated With Vocal Fold Paralysis in Congenital Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) has proven to increase resource use in several surgical fields. However, its burden in congenital cardiac surgery, a specialty known to be associated with high resource use, has not yet been examined. The authors aimed to assess the impact of VFP on costs, lengths of stay, and readmissions following congenital cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of administrative data.

SETTING

The 2010-2017 National Readmissions Database.

PARTICIPANTS

All pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Vocal fold paralysis was defined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions, diagnosis codes. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day nonelective readmissions and 90-day readmissions; costs, length of stay, and discharge status also were considered. Of an estimated 124,486 patients meeting study criteria, 2,868 (2.3%) were identified with VFP. Incidence of VFP increased during the study period (0.7% in 2010 to 3.2% in 2017, nptrend < 0.001). Rates of nonhome discharge (30.0% v 16.4%, p < 0.001), 30-day readmission (23.9% v 12.4%, p < 0.001), and 90-day readmission (8.3% v 4.4%, p = 0.03) were increased in the VFP cohort, as were lengths of stay (42.1 v 27.0 days, p < 0.001) and costs ($196,000 v $128,000, p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient and hospital factors, VFP was independently associated with greater odds of nonhome discharge (adjusted odds ratios [AOR], 1.66, 95% CI, 1.14-2.40), 30-day readmission (AOR, 1.58, 95% CI, 1.03-2.42), 90-day readmission (AOR, 2.07, 95% CI, 1.22-3.52), longer lengths of stay (+ 6.1 days, 95% CI, 1.3-10.8), and higher hospitalization costs (+$22,000, 95% CI, 3,000-39,000).

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission rates after congenital cardiac surgery are significantly greater among those with VFP, as are costs, lengths of stay, and nonhome discharges. Therefore, further efforts are necessary to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of VFP in this vulnerable population to minimize the financial burden of congenital cardiac surgery on the US medical system.

Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants in 2020

The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most commonly found cardiac condition in neonates. While there have been several studies and thousands of publications on the topic, the decision to treat the PDA is still strongly debated among cardiologists, surgeons, and neonatologists. This is in part due to the shortage of long-term benefits with the interventions studied. Practice variations still exist within sub-specialties and centers. This article briefly summarizes the history, embryology and histology of the PDA. It also succinctly discusses the hemodynamic significance of a PDA which builds the framework to review all the available literature on PDA closure in premature infants, though not a paradigm shift just yet; it introduces transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) as a possible armament to the clinician for this age-old problem.

Left Vocal Cord Paralysis, Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in Young Adults Born Extremely Preterm With a History of Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus Surgery-A National Cohort Study

Background: Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) is a known complication of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) surgery in extremely preterm (EP) born neonates; however, consequences of LVCP beyond the first year of life are insufficiently described. Both voice problems and breathing difficulties during physical activity could be expected with an impaired laryngeal inlet. More knowledge may improve the follow-up of EP-born subjects who underwent PDA surgery and prevent confusion between LVCP and other diagnoses. Objectives: Examine the prevalence of LVCP in a nationwide cohort of adults born EP with a history of PDA surgery, and compare symptoms, lung function, and exercise capacity between groups with and without LVCP, and vs. controls born EP and at term. Methods: Adults born EP (<28 weeks' gestation or birth weight <1,000 g) in Norway during 1999-2000 who underwent neonatal PDA surgery and controls born EP and at term were invited to complete questionnaires mapping voice-and respiratory symptoms, and to perform spirometry and maximal treadmill exercise testing. In the PDA-surgery group, exercise tests were performed with a laryngoscope positioned to evaluate laryngeal function. Results: Thirty out of 48 (63%) eligible PDA-surgery subjects were examined at mean (standard deviation) age 19.4 (0.8) years, sixteen (53%) had LVCP. LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, not with lung function or peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak). In the PDA-surgery group, forced expiratory volume in 1 second z-score (z-FEV₁) was reduced compared to EP-born controls (n = 30) and term-born controls (n = 36); mean (95% confidence interval) z-FEV₁ was -1.8 (-2.3, -1.2), -0.7 (-1.1, -0.3) and -0.3 (-0.5, -0.0), respectively. For VO₂peak, corresponding figures were 37.5 (34.9, 40.2), 38.1 (35.1, 41.1), and 43.6 (41.0, 46.5) ml/kg/min, respectively. Conclusions: LVCP was common in EP-born young adults who had undergone neonatal PDA surgery. Within the PDA-surgery group, LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, however we did not find an association with lung function or exercise capacity. Overall, the PDA-surgery group had reduced lung function compared to EP-born and term-born controls, whereas exercise capacity was similarly reduced for both the PDA-surgery and EP-born control groups when compared to term-born controls.

Recorded Flexible Nasolaryngoscopy for Neonatal Vocal Cord Assessment in a Prospective Cohort

OBJECTIVE

Assessing vocal cord mobility by flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) can be difficult in neonates. To date, prospective studies evaluating the incidence and diagnostic accuracy of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) after surgical patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation are limited. It is unknown whether video FNL improves diagnosis in this population. This study compared video recordings with bedside evaluation for diagnosis of VCP and determined inter-rater reliability of the diagnosis of VCP in preterm infants after PDA ligation.

METHODS

Prospective cohort of preterm neonates undergoing bedside FNL within two weeks of extubation following PDA ligation. In a subset, FNL was recorded. Two pediatric otolaryngologists, blinded to the initial diagnosis, reviewed the FNL video recordings.

RESULTS

Eighty infants were enrolled and 37 with a recorded FNL were included in the cohort. Average gestational age at birth was 25.2 weeks (SD: 1.2) and postmenstrual age at FNL was 37.0 weeks (SD: 4.5), which was 9.5 days (SD: 14.7) after extubation following PDA repair. There were 6 diagnosed with left VCP (16.2%; 95% CI: 4.3-28.1%) at bedside, and 9 diagnosed by video review (24.3%; 95% CI: 10.5-38.1%) (P = .56). Videos confirmed all 6 VCP diagnosed initially, but also identified 3 additional cases. Though imperfect, reviewing FNL by video showed substantial reliability (kappa = .75), with 91.9% agreement.

CONCLUSION

Video recorded FNL most often confirms a bedside diagnosis of VCP, but may also identify discrepancies. Physicians should consider the limitations of diagnosis especially when infants persist with symptoms such as weak voice or signs of postoperative aspiration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b.

Neonatal Aerodigestive Disorders: Epidemiology and Economic Burden

Aerodigestive disorders, those affecting the upper and lower airway or upper gastrointestinal tract, are interrelated anatomically during fetal development and functionally after birth. Successful respiration and feeding requires careful coordination to promote effective swallowing and prevent aspiration. I describe the epidemiology, including the prevalence of the most common aerodigestive disorders. The ability of an infant to feed by mouth at discharge, without a surgically placed feeding tube, is an important neurodevelopmental marker. Therefore, aerodigestive disorders have a high potential for lifelong morbidities and health care expenditures. When available, published research on related medical costs for these disorders is provided.

Neonatal Vocal Fold Paralysis

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is an important cause of respiratory and feeding compromise in infants. The causes of neonatal VFP are varied and include central nervous system disorders, birth-related trauma, mediastinal masses, iatrogenic injuries, and idiopathic cases. Bilateral VFP often presents with stridor or respiratory distress and can require rapid intervention to stabilize an adequate airway. Unilateral VFP presents more subtly with a weak cry, swallowing dysfunction, and less frequently respiratory distress. The etiology and type of VFP is important for management. Evaluation involves direct visualization of the vocal folds, with additional imaging and testing in select cases. Swallowing dysfunction, also known as dysphagia, is very common in infants with VFP. A clinical assessment of swallowing function is necessary in all cases of VFP, with some patients also requiring an instrumental swallow assessment. Modification of feeding techniques and enteral access for feedings may be necessary. Airway management can vary from close monitoring to noninvasive ventilation, tracheostomy, and laryngeal surgery. Long-term follow-up with otolaryngology and speech-language pathology service is necessary for all children with VFP to ensure adequate breathing, swallowing, and phonation. The short- and long-term health and quality-of-life consequences of VFP can be substantial, especially if not managed early.

Swallow Safety is Determined by Bolus Volume During Infant Feeding in an Animal Model

Feeding difficulties are especially prevalent in preterm infants, although the mechanisms driving these difficulties are poorly understood due to a lack of data on healthy infants. One potential mechanism of dysphagia in adults is correlated with bolus volume. Yet, whether and how bolus volume impacts swallow safety in infant feeding is unknown. A further complication for safe infant swallowing is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury due to patent ductus arteriosus surgery, which exacerbates the issues that preterm infants face and can increase the risk of dysphagia. Here, we used a validated animal model feeding freely to test the effect of preterm birth, postnatal maturation and RLN lesion and their interactions on swallow safety. We also tested whether bolus size differed with lesion or birth status, and the relationship between bolus size and swallow safety. We found very little effect of lesion on swallow safety, and preterm infants did not experience more penetration or aspiration than term infants. However, term infants swallowed larger boluses than preterm infants, even after correcting for body size. Bolus size was the primary predictor of penetration or aspiration, with larger boluses being more likely to result in greater degrees of dysphagia irrespective of age or lesion status. These results highlight that penetration and aspiration are likely normal occurrences in infant feeding. Further, when comorbidities, such as RLN lesion or preterm birth are present, limiting bolus size may be an effective means to reduce incidences of penetration and aspiration.

The effect of preterm birth, recurrent laryngeal nerve lesion, and postnatal maturation on hyoid and thyroid movements, and their coordination in infant feeding

Movements of the hyoid and thyroid are critical for feeding. These structures are often assumed to move in synchrony, despite evidence that neurologically compromised populations exhibit altered kinematics. Preterm infants are widely considered to be a neurologically compromised population and often experience feeding difficulties, yet measuring performance, and how performance matures in pediatric populations is challenging. Feeding problems are often compounded by complications arising from surgical procedures performed to ensure the survival of preterm infants, such as damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during patent ductus arteriosus correction surgery. Here, we used a validated infant pig model for infant feeding to test how preterm birth, postnatal maturation, and RLN lesion interact to impact hyoid and thyroid excursion and their coordination. We filmed infant pigs when feeding using videofluorscopy at seven days old (1-2 months human equivalent) and 17 days old (6-9 months human equivalent) and tracked movements of the hyoid and thyroid on both days. We found that preterm birth impacted the coordination between hyoid and thyroid movements, but not their actual excursion. In contrast, excursion of the two structures increased with postnatal age in term and preterm pigs. RLN lesion decreased thyroid excursion, and primarily impacted hyoid movements by increasing variation in hyoid excursion. This work demonstrates that RLN lesion and preterm birth have distinct, but pervasive effects on feeding performance in infants, and suggest that interventions targeted towards reducing dysphagia should be prescribed based off the etiology driving dysphagia, rather than the prognosis of dysphagia.

Point of care, clinician-performed laryngeal ultrasound and pediatric vocal fold movement impairment

INTRODUCTION

Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) is a well-known sequela of cervical and thoracic procedures performed in the vicinity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Interpretation of flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) can be difficult in young children due to crying, secretions, and obstructing supraglottic structures. We have previously published on the use of radiologist performed and interpreted, laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) to evaluate vocal fold mobility with substantial agreement with FNL in infants in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate point of care, clinician performed, LUS for vocal fold mobility in a pediatric voice clinic.

METHODS

LUS and FNL were performed and recorded on 30 consecutive patients (11 with a clinical diagnosis of VFMI and 19 with clinically normal mobility) in a pediatric voice clinic. All LUS was performed by a single clinician (reviewer 1) with a GE logiq P9 and 12 MHz linear probe. Deidentified recordings of the LUS and FNL (without sound) were reviewed in random order by 2 fellowship trained pediatric otolaryngologists who were blinded to the vocal fold mobility. Cohen's kappa was used to determine agreement.

RESULTS

There was substantial agreement (κ  = 0.7) between the reviewers regarding interpretation of LUS as well as regarding interpretation of FNL κ  = 0.7802. In addition, each reviewer had near perfect to substantial agreement between their interpretation of the LUS and FNL (reviewer 1 κ  = 0.9294 and reviewer 2 κ  = 0.8413).

CONCLUSION

Point of care, clinician performed, LUS can be used for the identification of VFMI with substantial agreement with FNL with good inter-rater reliability. This provides clinicians with another tool in their armamentarium for the evaluation of challenging larynges.

Voice and Exercise Related Respiratory Symptoms in Extremely Preterm Born Children After Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Objective: To investigate voice characteristics and exercise related respiratory symptoms in extremely preterm born 11-year-old children, focusing particularly on associations with management of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Study design: Prospective follow-up of all children born in Norway during 1999-2000 at gestational age <28 weeks or with birthweight <1,000 g. Neonatal data were obtained prospectively on custom-made registration forms completed by neonatologists. Voice characteristics and exercise related respiratory symptoms were obtained at 11 years by parental questionnaires. Result: Questionnaires were returned for 228/372 (61%) eligible children, of whom 137 had no history of PDA. PDA had been noted in 91 participants, of whom 36 had been treated conservatively, 21 with indomethacin, and 34 with surgery. Compared to the children treated with indomethacin or conservatively, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the surgically treated children were 3.4 (1.3; 9.2) for having breathing problems during exercise, 16.9 (2.0; 143.0) for having a hoarse voice, 4.7 (1.3; 16.7) for a voice that breaks when shouting, 4.6 (1.1; 19.1) for a voice that disturbs singing, and 3.7 (1.1; 12.3) for problems shouting or speaking loudly. The significance of surgery per se was uncertain since the duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with the same outcomes. Conclusion: Extremely preterm born children with a neonatal history of PDA surgery had more problems with voice and breathing during exercise in mid-childhood than those whose PDA had been handled otherwise. The study underlines the causal heterogeneity of exercise related respiratory symptoms in preterm born children.

Analysis of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment in Neonates Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery

Importance

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a known risk factor following congenital heart surgery (CHS). The impact of this diagnosis on utilization and outcomes is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the cost, postprocedure length of stay (PPLOS), and outcomes for neonates with VFMI after CHS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) of neonates who underwent CHS was carried out. The KID is an administrative data set of patients, aged 20 years or younger, and contains data on more than 10 million hospitalizations from 44 states. The KID is limited to inpatient hospitalization and contains discharge summary level of data. Patients were limited to those who were born during the hospitalization and those who were aged 28 days or younger at the time of admission for CHS. A weighted total of 4139 neonates who underwent CHS were identified, of which 3725 survived. The proportion of neonates diagnosed with VFMI was 264 (6.92%) of 3725.

Exposures

Congenital heart surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cost of inpatient hospital stay, postprocedure length of stay, odds of pneumonia, gastrostomy tube placement, and tracheostomy tube placement. Risk-adjusted generalized linear models examined differences in cost and PPLOS between neonates who underwent CHS and were diagnosed with VFMI and those who were not. Risk-adjusted logistic regression compared the odds of selected outcomes (gastrostomy, tracheostomy, pneumonia). Models were weighted to provide national estimates.

Results

Of 3725 neonates (aged 0-28 days), 2203 (59.1%) were male and 1517 (40.7%) were female. Neonates diagnosed with VFMI had significantly higher total cost by $34 000 (95% CI, 2200-65 000) and PPLOS by 9.1 days (95% CI, 4.6-13.7) compared with those who did not. When PPLOS was included as a covariate in the model for cost, presence of VFMI was no longer significant. There were no differences in odds of pneumonia, gastrostomy, or tracheostomy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Vocal fold motion impairment after CHS was associated with significant increases in cost owing to increased PPLOS. These findings provide a foundation to further investigate standardized screening for VFMI following CHS; early identification and treatment may decrease cost and PPLOS.

Early prediction of spontaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) closure and PDA-associated outcomes: a prospective cohort investigation

BACKGROUND

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the most commonly diagnosed cardiovascular condition in preterm infants, is associated with increased mortality and harmful long-term outcomes (chronic lung disease, neurodevelopmental delay). Although pharmacologic and/or interventional treatments to close PDA likely benefit some infants, widespread routine treatment of all preterm infants with PDA may not improve outcomes. Most PDAs close spontaneously by 44-weeks postmenstrual age; treatment is increasingly controversial, varying markedly between institutions and providers. Because treatment detriments may outweigh benefits, especially in infants destined for early, spontaneous PDA closure, the relevant unanswered clinical question is not whether to treat all preterm infants with PDA, but whom to treat (and when). Clinicians cannot currently predict in the first month which infants are at highest risk for persistent PDA, nor which combination of clinical risk factors, echocardiographic measurements, and biomarkers best predict PDA-associated harm.

METHODS

Prospective cohort of untreated infants with PDA (n=450) will be used to predict spontaneous ductal closure timing. Clinical measures, serum (brain natriuretic peptide, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) and urine (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein) biomarkers, and echocardiographic variables collected during each of first 4 postnatal weeks will be analyzed to identify those associated with long-term impairment. Myocardial deformation imaging and tissue Doppler imaging, innovative echocardiographic techniques, will facilitate quantitative evaluation of myocardial performance. Aim1 will estimate probability of spontaneous PDA closure and predict timing of ductal closure using echocardiographic, biomarker, and clinical predictors. Aim2 will specify which echocardiographic predictors and biomarkers are associated with mortality and respiratory illness severity at 36-weeks postmenstrual age. Aim3 will identify which echocardiographic predictors and biomarkers are associated with 22 to 26-month neurodevelopmental delay. Models will be validated in a separate cohort of infants (n=225) enrolled subsequent to primary study cohort.

DISCUSSION

The current study will make significant contributions to scientific knowledge and effective PDA management. Study results will reduce unnecessary and harmful overtreatment of infants with a high probability of early spontaneous PDA closure and facilitate development of outcomes-focused trials to examine effectiveness of PDA closure in "high-risk" infants most likely to receive benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03782610. Registered 20 December 2018.

Outcomes of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment and Dysphagia after Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Objective

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI), respiratory outcomes, and swallowing outcomes in children following congenital heart surgery (CHS).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL databases.

Review Methods

Data sources were searched from inception to November 30, 2018. Studies that described recovery of VFMI and swallowing function following CHS were included, and a qualitative analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 1371 studies were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria for VFMI and 5 met inclusion criteria for swallowing outcomes. Studies including patients who underwent isolate patent ductus arteriosus ligation were excluded. VFMI was present in 8% to 59% of subjects, and rates of recovery ranged from 9% to 96% at 6 months to 6 years of follow-up. Inability to maintain an oral diet occurred in 14% to 100% of subjects with VFMI and 11% to 61% without VFMI following surgery. Tolerance of an oral diet without tube feeding was present in 66% to 75% of subjects with VFMI and 88% to 100% without VFMI at 24 days to 3.2 years of follow-up. Limited data suggest that time to extubation is longer in VFMI subjects, but overall hospital length of stay and mortality may not be affected by VFMI status.

Conclusions

Data evaluating dysphagia and VFMI after CHS are limited. Most studies suggest significant improvement in swallowing function, while rate of recovery of VFMI is variable. Future prospective studies with standardized screening and follow-up are needed to better elucidate outcomes to help develop algorithms for identification and management of VFMI after CHS.

Neonatal vocal fold motion impairment after complex aortic arch reconstruction: What should parents expect after diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES

To study the incidence, sequelae, follow up, and recovery rate of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) after complex aortic arch reconstruction in neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 105 neonates who underwent complex aortic arch reconstruction from 2014 to 2016. We compared patients that did have VFMI compared to a control group of patients with normal vocal fold movement. Descriptive statistics were computed for all demographic and clinical variables by treatment group.

RESULTS

36% of patients were evaluated for VFMI (n = 38) by an otolaryngologist. The incidence of VFMI was 22% (n = 23). Females were more likely to have VFMI (p = 0.02). Aspiration was more common in patients with VFMI (p = 0.006). The difference in age, weight, incidence of pneumonia, nasogastric tube, gastrostomy, total length of stay, genetic anomaly, and reintubation was not significant between the VFMI group and control group (p > 0.05). Tracheostomy was not performed in any patients with unilateral paralysis. Only 61% of patients followed up in clinic (n = 14). 64% of patients showed improvement or resolution (n = 9). Average time to improvement was 4.8 months. Average time to complete resolution was 10.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

VFMI after complex aortic arch reconstruction is relatively common. Despite increased aspiration in patients with VFMI, pneumonia did not occur at all in either group. Tracheostomy was not necessary in any patients with a unilateral paralysis. Most patients showed an improvement in the VFMI within 5 months of surgery. Our data support the need for otolaryngology follow-up after the diagnosis of VFMI.

Injection laryngoplasty in neonates and young children with unilateral vocal fold immobility

INTRODUCTION

Although injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a well-accepted treatment strategy in older children and adults with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI), its efficacy and safety have not been well studied in neonates and young children.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic effects of IL on aspiration & dysphagia in neonates and young children with UVFI.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of infants and children who underwent IL at a tertiary children's hospital. The primary endpoints were improved aspiration and avoidance of gastrostomy tube placement. Additional endpoints included adverse airway and swallowing effects of IL.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included in this case series. A total of 10 injection laryngoplasties were performed. Average corrected age of patients undergoing IL was 1.22 years(range 0.5-3.6 y). Seven out of 8 patients had preoperative modified barium swallow (MBS). Five out of seven showed improvement in aspiration. Three out of six (50%) patients who did not have gastrostomy tube preoperatively, were able to avoid gastrostomy tube. No adverse effects were noted following IL. One patient with severe tracheomalacia ultimately required tracheostomy 5 months after IL.

CONCLUSION

Injection laryngoplasty appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option in neonates and young children with unilateral vocal cord immobility and associated aspiration. It may be an effective treatment to improve aspiration and avoid gastrostomy tube placement. Further investigation is warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities of Vocal Cord Paralysis After Surgical Closure of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Meta-analysis

Surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is considered standard treatment for symptomatic neonates refractory to medical therapy. Sometimes, iatrogenic injury to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during the procedure can result in vocal cord paralysis (VCP). This study aimed to estimate the incidence of VCP in patients after surgical PDA closure and to identify any associated risk factors and morbidities associated with VCP in the preterm infant population. A thorough search of the major electronic databases was conducted to identify studies eligible for inclusion into this meta-analysis. Studies reporting data on the incidence of VCP (primary outcomes) or risk factors and morbidities associated with VCP in premature infant population (secondary outcomes) were included. A total of 33 studies (n = 4887 patients) were included into the analysis. Overall pooled incidence estimate of VCP was 7.9% (95%CI 5.3-10.9). The incidence of VCP after PDA closure was significantly much higher in premature infants (11.2% [95%CI 7.0-16.3]) than in non-premature patients (3.0% [95%CI 1.5-4.9]). The data showed that VCP was most common after surgical ligation and in studies conducting universal laryngoscopy scoping. The risk factors for postoperative VCP in preterm infants included birth weight and gestational age. In addition, VCP was significantly associated with the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastrostomy tube insertion, and increased duration of mechanical ventilation. Vocal cord paralysis remains a frequent complication of surgical closure of a PDA, especially in premature neonates, and is associated with significant post-procedural complications.

Management strategies for the preemie ductus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) remains the most common cardiovascular condition afflicting neonates. Despite 5 decades of scientific inquiry pediatric cardiologists and neonatologists still cannot answer the simple question of which PDAs should be treated.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the volume of the shunt is difficult to calculate, echocardiography, biochemical markers, and clinical exam can provide clues to the magnitude and physiologic consequences of the shunt. Epidemiologic data exists showing a positive relationship between a PDA and numerous morbidities. As a result, for most of the 20th and early 21st century, nearly all PDAs where indiscriminately considered to be hemodynamically significant and attempts to close it where initiated shortly after birth. However, no randomized trials of PDA closure have been able to show significant differences between affected and unaffected groups. In fact, surgical ligation has repeatedly been associated with increased morbidities and worse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. As a result, most clinicians favor a strategy of watchful waiting.

SUMMARY

In this review, we aim to summarize the scientific literature, along with some of the contemporary biases, that exist with regards to the pathophysiology, genetics, and treatment strategies for the neonatal PDA.

Surgical management of a patent ductus arteriosus: Is this still an option?

The evolution of neonatal intensive care over the past decade has seen the role of surgical patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants both decrease in scope and become laden with uncertainty. Associations of ligation with adverse neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes have rendered the ligation decision more challenging for clinicians and have been associated with a decline in surgical treatment, but these findings may be due to bias from confounding by indication in observational studies rather than a causal detrimental effect of ligation. Accordingly, ligation may still be indicated for infants with large ductal shunts and moderate-severe respiratory insufficiency in whom the prospect of timely spontaneous closure appears low. Ultimately a randomized trial of surgical ligation versus conservative management is necessary to assess the efficacy of this invasive intervention in a population of extremely preterm infants with large ductal shunts. Simultaneously, the transcatheter approach to ductal closure in the very immature infant represents an exciting therapeutic alternative but which is still in its infancy. Insights into the pathophysiology of postoperative cardiorespiratory deterioration, including the importance of left ventricular afterload, may help clinicians avoid instability and mitigate a potentially injurious aspect of surgical treatment. This review examines the evidence regarding the benefits and risks of PDA surgery in preterm neonates and provides a pathophysiology-based management paradigm to guide perioperative care in high-risk infants.

Left vocal cord paralysis after patent ductus arteriosus ligation: A systematic review

CONTEXT

Extremely premature (EP) infants are at increased risk of left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) following surgery for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

OBJECTIVE

A Systematical Review was conducted to investigate the incidence and outcomes of LVCP after PDA ligation in EP born infants.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were performed in Cochrane, Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsycInfo.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies describing EP infants undergoing PDA surgery and reporting incidence of LVCP were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Study details, demographics, incidence of LVCP, diagnostic method and reported outcomes were extracted. DerSimonian and Laird random effect models with inverse variance weighting were used for all analyses.

STUDY APPRAISAL

The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies was used for quality assessment.

RESULTS

21 publications including 2067 infants were studied. The overall pooled summary estimate of LVCP incidence was 9.0% (95% CI 5.0, 15.0). However, the pooled incidence increased to 32% when only infants examined with laryngoscopy were included. The overall risk ratio for negative outcomes was higher in the LVCP group (2.20, 95% CI 1.69, 2.88, p = 0.01) compared to the non-LVCP-group.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported incidence of LVCP varies widely. This may be explained by differences in study designs and lack of routine vocal cords postoperative assessment. LVCP is associated with negative outcomes in EP infants. The understanding of long-term outcomes is scarce. Routine laryngoscopy may be necessary to identify all cases of LVCP, and to provide correct handling for infants with LVCP.

Catheter-based closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in lower weight infants

Risks associated with drug therapy and surgical ligation have led health care providers to consider alternative strategies for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. Catheter-based PDA closure is the procedure of choice for ductal closure in adults, children, and infants ≥6kg. Given evidence among older counterparts, interest in catheter-based closure of the PDA in lower weight (<6kg) infants is growing. Among these smaller infants, the goals of this review are to: (1) provide an overview of the procedure; (2) review the types of PDA closure devices; (3) review the technical success (feasibility); (4) review the risks (safety profile); (5) discuss the quality of evidence on procedural efficacy; (6) consider areas for future research. The review provided herein suggests that catheter-based PDA closure is technically feasible, but the lack of comparative trials precludes determination of the optimal strategy for ductal closure in this subgroup of infants.

Maturation of the Coordination Between Respiration and Deglutition with and Without Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Lesion in an Animal Model

The timing of the occurrence of a swallow in a respiratory cycle is critical for safe swallowing, and changes with infant development. Infants with damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which receives sensory information from the larynx and supplies the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, experience a significant incidence of dysphagia. Using our validated infant pig model, we determined the interaction between this nerve damage and the coordination between respiration and swallowing during postnatal development. We recorded 23 infant pigs at two ages (neonatal and older, pre-weaning) feeding on milk with barium using simultaneous high-speed videofluoroscopy and measurements of thoracic movement. With a complete linear model, we tested for changes with maturation, and whether these changes are the same in control and lesioned individuals. We found (1) the timing of swallowing and respiration coordination changes with maturation; (2) no overall effect of RLN lesion on the timing of coordination, but (3) a greater magnitude of maturational change occurs with RLN injury. We also determined that animals with no surgical intervention did not differ from animals that had surgery for marker placement and a sham procedure for nerve lesion. The coordination between respiration and swallowing changes in normal, intact individuals to provide increased airway protection prior to weaning. Further, in animals with an RLN lesion, the maturation process has a larger effect. Finally, these results suggest a high level of brainstem sensorimotor interactions with respect to these two functions.

Surgical Ligation Versus Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low-Weight Preterm Infants: Which are the Real Benefits of the Percutaneous Approach?

Percutaneous treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extreme premature infants is technically difficult, and therefore, often not consider as an alternative to surgery. The main objective of our work was to compare respiratory status prior and post ductal closure and morbi-mortality, in our series of preterm infants with percutaneous PDA closure versus surgical ligation in the same time-period. Retrospective review of all premature infants submitted to percutaneous and surgical PDA closure from January 2011 to December 2016. All the antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal characteristics were collected. The main outcome was the assessment of the pulmonary status before and after ductal closure using a pulmonary score. Secondary outcomes included moderate-severe disability in neurodevelopment, death before discharge, moderate-severe chronic lung disease, and morbidity at discharge. 25 patients with a mean weight of 1330 g (± 280) underwent percutaneous closure of PDA with ADO-II-AS, and a total of 53 underwent surgical ligation. 28/53 with similar gestational age, birth weight, and procedure weight to those in the percutaneous group, were selected to perform the comparative study. Ductal closure (percutaneous and surgical) resulted in improved respiratory status. However, percutaneous group achieved a fastest respiratory improvement, than surgical group. The surgical closure group associated higher morbidity among survivors (HIV, number of sepsis, need, and duration of inotropics post-interventionism). The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy among the surgical group was 17%. Percutaneous closure of PDA in carefully selected low-weight preterm infants is a safe and reliable alternative to surgical ligation.

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis after surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants

AIM

Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) is variably reported post ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Our objective was to determine the incidence of LVCP and identify predictive factors and associated morbidities in preterm infants post PDA ligation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of infants less than 29 weeks gestational age from 2006 to 2014 who underwent PDA ligation. Infants with laryngeal symptoms underwent flexible fibreoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to evaluate vocal cord function. We compared short- and long-term morbidities among infants with and without symptomatic LVCP.

RESULTS

A total of 35 infants underwent PDA ligation in the study period, of which 11 infants (31%) developed symptomatic LVCP. Dysphonia was the presenting symptom in all neonates with LVCP and stridor was present in 46% (5/11) of them. The median (interquartile range) gestation (25 weeks (24-27) vs. 25 weeks (23-28)), birthweight (810 g (550-1180) vs. 825 g (550-1220)) and age at surgery (19 days (9-27) vs. 20 (5-69)) were similar in infants with and without LVCP, respectively. Infants with LVCP took significantly longer to reach suck feeds (128 vs. 90 days, P = <0.001), stayed longer in hospital (119 vs. 95 days, P = 0.01) and were more likely to go home on oxygen (73 vs. 27%; P = 0.024). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LVCP was noted in 31% of infants post PDA ligation and was associated with prolonged hospital stay, a longer time to reach suck feeds and a need for home oxygen. No predictive factors for development of LVCP were identified.

Resolution of vocal fold immobility in preterm infants

INTRODUCTION

Vocal fold immobility (VFI) is an important sequela of preterm birth due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and invasive ventilation. A minority of these patients experience VFI resolution. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with VFI resolution in preterm infants.

METHODS

This is a case control study of preterm (<37 weeks gestation) infants admitted to a metropolitan Level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2006 to 2012. All patients diagnosed with VFI by flexible nasolaryngoscopy were divided into 2 cohorts: those with and without laryngoscopic resolution of VFI during follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with VFI resolution.

RESULTS

Of 71 patients with VFI and adequate follow-up, 17 (23.9%) experienced resolution. Median (range) follow-up was 25.7 (0.4-91.3) months and time to resolution 4.4 (0.4-38.8) months. Compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort, those who experienced resolution had higher median gestational age (31 vs 25 weeks, p = 0.006) and birth weight (1550 vs 765 g, p = 0.02), and lower likelihood of undergoing PDA ligation (47.1% vs 77.8%, p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, history of PDA ligation remained independently associated with a lower likelihood of VFI resolution (p = 0.02, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.8). Among PDA ligation patients, birth weight >1000 g was more common in the resolution cohort compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort (62.5% vs 24.4%, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

While lower birth weight and gestational age are known risk factors for VFI following PDA ligation, in this study, these factors were also associated with a decreased likelihood of VFI resolution. Furthermore, PDA ligation appears to be a risk for both the development and persistence of VFI. This evidence should inform prognosis and intervention decisions for preterm infants with VFI.

Use of Audiometric Measurement for Assessment of Vocal-Fold Function in Postextubation Infants

Importance

Infants with vocal-fold motion impairment (VFMI) have an increased risk of aspiration and pulmonary complications. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) is the gold standard for evaluation of vocal-fold mobility. Although safe, FNL causes measurable physiologic changes. Noxious stimuli, especially in neonates in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, may cause imbalance between the pulmonary and systemic circulations and potentially circulatory collapse.

Objective

To examine whether bedside measurement of infant cry volume using a smartphone application can be a screening tool for vocal-fold movement in FNL.

Design, Study, and Participants

This case-control study performed from December 1, 2013, through January 31, 2015, included 42 infants in the intensive care unit at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient cry volume in decibels was recorded using a smartphone application placed 12 in from their mouth.

Results

Forty-two infants were identified at the intensive care unit (median age, 33 days; 20 [48%] female and 22 [52%] male), 21 with VFMI and 21 without, based on FNL findings. A statistically significant difference was found in the mean cry volume of infants with (76.60 dB) and without (85.72 dB) VFMI. The absolute difference in the mean cry volume was 9.12 dB (95% CI, 2.74-15.50 dB). A cry volume of 90 dB or greater had a sensitivity of 90.4% (95% CI, 71%-97%) for identification of normal vocal-fold mobility. A cry volume of 75 dB or less had a specificity of 90.5% (95% CI, 71%-97%) for the identification of VFMI. The mean (SE) area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.721 (0.080) (95% CI, 0.565-0.877). The cry volume, however, was not a good screen for aspiration.

Conclusions and Relevance

Bedside measurement of the cry volume with a smartphone application can be used by untrained health care professionals to screen patients for further evaluation of vocal-fold mobility using FNL.