Mid-term effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on clinical and polysomnography findings of patients with Robin sequence

The study aimed to evaluate the mid-term effect of MDO in children with Robin sequence (RS). In this case series, 13 patients with RS who underwent MDO were followed up for more than 5 years. Data were collected using clinical history and physical examination. Polysomnography was performed and endoscopic evaluations of the airway was performed if patients still presented obstructive signs of upper airways and/or dysphagia. The patients' clinical signs improved in the mid-term after versus before MDO (inspiratory noise, 92,3% vs 30,8%; apnea, 84,6% vs 7,7%; cyanosis, 76,9% vs 0%; desaturations, 69,2% vs 0%; and suprasternal/intercostal retractions, 61,5% vs 0%; p < 0.05). Statistically significant improvement was noted in the following polysomnographic parameters evaluated in the pre and postoperative mid-term: apnea-hypopnea index, total sleep time and desaturation index (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of the study it seems that MDO is an effective surgical option for children with RS, not only in the short term as previously demonstrated, but also in the mid-term.

Endoscopic evaluation of neonates with signs of upper airway obstruction in the neonatal unit of a tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study is to evaluate major causes of upper airway obstruction in newborns receiving healthcare at our institution, their method of endoscopic assessment and the rate of complications related to these procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a case series study of patients from institutional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presenting signs of ventilatory dysfunction for whom an endoscopic airway assessment was warranted. Information of interest was collected from medical records according to a Clinical and Endoscopic Assessment Protocol created for the study. The protocol included clinical manifestations needing ENT evaluation, clinical signs of ventilatory dysfunction, comorbidities (pulmonary, cardiac, neurological, and gastrointestinal), examination method (airway endoscopy under general anesthesia or awake), exam complications, and final diagnosis.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-nine newborn patients who underwent airway endoscopy (awake bedside flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) or direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) in the surgical ward) were included. Thirty-nine patients (23.07%) underwent bedside FFL. For the remaining 130 who underwent DLB under general anesthesia, the median procedure time was 30 min (20-44). Only 9 (5.32%) patients presented complications: desaturation (4), laryngospasm without desaturation with spontaneous resolution (2), apnea with resolution after stimulation (1), seizures (1), nasal bleeding (1). The most frequent diagnoses found were glossoptosis, posterior laryngeal edema, and laryngomalacia.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective case series describes the prevalence of different pathologies that cause upper airway obstruction in neonates. Airway endoscopy seems an effective and safe diagnostic tool in neonatal airway obstruction. Glossoptosis was the most prevalent cause of obstruction in our center.

Tracheostomized children tracheal colonization and antibiotic resistance profile - A STROBE analysis

AIMS

To verify the prevalence of Potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) and their antimicrobial resistance profile in tracheal aspirates of children with tracheostomy and compare it to clinical data.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients aged 0-18 years who all underwent tracheostomy cannula change (TCC) performed by the Otolaryngology Unit at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between October, 2017 and December, 2018. Patients were submitted, at the time of TCC, to a tracheal aspirate through the tracheostomy and secretion was sent to microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Clinical data were evaluated through available patients' electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients had their tracheostomy aspirate cultured and all but one presented PPB growth (97.7%). Median age was 3 years-old. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent bacteria (56.9%) and it was resistant to gentamycin, amikacin and cefepime in 36%, 28% and 12% of the culture tests, respectively. P. aeruginosa resistance to gentamycin and to cefepime suggested an association with the number of antibiotic classes used in the 12 months before enrollment (both p=0.04) and with 2 or more hospital admissions in the same period (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 9.1% and there was no MRSA.

CONCLUSION

It was found a 97.7% prevalence of PPB in the cultured aspirates; the most prevalent bacterium was P. aeruginosa and there was no MRSA identification. Data suggest an association between P. aeruginosa antimicrobial resistance with previous use of antibiotic therapy.

High microbiome variability in pediatric tracheostomy cannulas in patients with similar clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the bacterial microbiome found in tracheostomy cannulas of a group of children diagnosed with glossoptosis secondary to Robin Sequence (RS), and its clinical implications.

METHODS

Pediatric patients were enrolled in the study at the time of the cannula change in the hospital. During this procedure, the removed cannula was collected and stored for amplicon sequencing of 16s rRNA. DNA extraction was performed using DNeasy PowerBiofilm Kit (QIAGEN® ‒ Cat nº 24000-50) while sequencing was performed with the S5 (Ion S5™ System, Thermo Fisher Scientific), following Brazilian Microbiome Project (BMP) protocol.

RESULTS

All 12 patients included in the study were using tracheostomy uncuffed cannulas of the same brand, had tracheostomy performed for over 1-year and had used the removed cannula for approximately 3-months. Most abundant genera found were Aggregatibacter, Pseudomonas, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Alloiococcus, and Capnocytophaga. Individual microbiome of each individual was highly variable, not correlating to any particular clinical characteristic.

CONCLUSION

The microbiome of tracheostomy cannulas is highly variable, even among patients with similar clinical characteristics, making it challenging to determine a standard for normality.

The role of upper airway endoscopy in craniofacial malformations

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of upper airway endoscopy (UAE) in craniofacial malformations in all different management approaches described in the literature.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed, based on a search in pubmed.

RESULTS

UAE use was reviewed over five domains: 1) Diagnosis of glossoptosis and endoscopic classification: drug-induced sleep endoscopy is recommended to graduate tongue base obstruction; there is still no consensus on the graduation system to be used. 2) Airway abnormalities: there is a high incidence of additional lesions in conjunction with glossoptosis. 3) Swallowing evaluation: a formal comparison with fluoroscopy (gold standard) has not yet been performed in this population. 4) Intubation: thin bronchoscopes allow intubation of small babies; moreover, intubation with rigid video-assisted laryngoscopes show a high success rate in this population. 5) Treatment outcome monitoring: there is no consensus on the ideal parameters to be checked.

CONCLUSION

Some approaches have already been well established in the management of patients with craniofacial malformations, e.g. the endocopic evaluation of glossoptosis and associated lesions and its role as an intubation assistance tool, while others need to be subject of further research, e.g. its role in swallowing investigation and as a postoperative success control predictor.

Instrumental Swallowing Assessments in the Neonatal and Pediatric Populations: A Systematic Review

The scientific scope of swallowing disorders in the neonatal and pediatric populations is growing exponentially; however, the preponderance of evidence for evaluation protocols has been concentrated in non-instrumental evaluations creating a lack of research about protocols for instrumental swallowing assessment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify and to report protocols used in instrumental assessments through videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in the neonatal and pediatric populations to support clinical decision making. The search strategy was applied in five online databases, no filters were applied to restrict languages or publication dates and the gray literature was reviewed. PRISMA statement was used to guide the construction of this review. The studies included validated and unvalidated protocols, the validated protocols had their risk of bias estimated using the QUADAS-2. In total, 13 studies were included in the final review, of these eleven assessed through QUADAS-2, and two classified with low risk of bias. One study is in the process of standardization and validation of an instrumental assessment protocol for swallowing in bottle-fed infants through VFSS. Information about validity and reliability of published protocols for instrumental evaluation in the neonatal and pediatric populations is limited. Therefore, further research is needs to development studies aiming to standardize and validate protocols for instrumental assessments in these populations.

Predictors of Respiratory Dysfunction at Diagnosis of Robin Sequence

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Robin sequence (RS) consists of associated micrognathia, glossoptosis, and respiratory dysfunction, with or without cleft palate. Studies on how different patient characteristics impact the severity of respiratory dysfunction are scarce and contradictory; this study investigates how different features affect respiratory obstruction severity at diagnosis of RS in controlled analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study that enrolled 71 RS patients under 90 days old who received care in our institution from 2009 to 2020.

METHODS

The primary outcome, respiratory dysfunction, was categorized into four severity groups and analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model that considered age, sex, mandible length, cleft palate, syndromic diagnosis, other airway anomalies, and degree of glossoptosis.

RESULTS

Mandible length, syndromic diagnosis, and Yellon grade 3 glossoptosis were related to poorer respiratory outcomes (need for respiratory support). In univariate analysis, for each additional 1 mm of mandible length at diagnosis, a mean reduction of 28% in the risk of needing respiratory support was observed (OR = 0.72; 0.58-0.89); syndromic diagnosis and grade 3 glossoptosis also raised the risk (OR = 6.50; 1.59-26.51 and OR = 12.75; 1.03-157.14, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only mandible length significantly maintained its effects (OR = 0.73; 0.56-0.96), a 27% reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandible length was an independent predictor for more severe respiratory dysfunction in RS patients, with larger mandibles showing protective effects. Syndromic diagnosis and Yellon grade 3 glossoptosis are also likely to be associated with poorer respiratory outcomes, although this was not demonstrated in multivariate analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Acute laryngeal lesions following endotracheal intubation: Risk factors, classification and treatment

Laryngeal stenosis is certainly one of the most severe complications of airway intubation in children, eventually leading to tracheostomy and sometimes to additional surgical procedures. Primary prophylaxis through modification of its risk factors and secondary prophylaxis through the management of post-extubation laryngeal acute lesions seem to be key to avoidance of this fearful complication. The present article addresses known risk factors for the development of laryngeal acute lesions with emphasis on sedation level and intubation time. It also discusses available classification systems proposed in medical literature, especially the Classification of Acute Laryngeal Injuries (CALI) conceived by our research group, and its positive predictive value for the development of chronic lesions. Finally, debate focuses on treatment of each individual lesion. Despite excellent results observed with endoscopic methods for treating these lesions, there is still doubts pending over their management, and there is need for further studies to define adequate treatment for each patient and for each type of lesion.

Translation and validation of the drooling impact scale questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese

Introduction

Inadequate drooling can cause serious clinical, functional and social problems. Validated questionnaires to evaluate drooling impact on quality of life are lacking in Brazilian Portuguese.

Objectives

To translate and validate the drooling impact scale to Brazilian Portuguese.

Methods

The drooling impact scale was translated to Brazilian Portuguese and back- translated to English to assess potential conceptual differences. Brazilian Portuguese version of drooling impact scale was applied to a 40 patients’ sample of sialorrhea presenting pediatric patients (up to 20 years of age). Chronbach’s alpha, exploratory factorial analysis and confirmatory factorial analysis were then proceeded with data collected.

Results

The mean drooling impact scale value for the whole population was 51.77 (SD = 16.13). The internal consistency obtained with Cronbach’s alpha indicated a value of 0.72 for the entire sample. The Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p <  0.0001), confirming correlation among variables tested. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy revealed a value of 0.72, indicating that the correlation matrix was reasonably suitable for factor analysis. Regarding exploratory factorial analysis, parallel analysis suggested a two-factor solution that was used for confirmatory factorial analysis. The first factor was responsible for 33.78% of the variance with an Eigenvalue of 3.38. The second factor explained 16.1% of the variance with an Eigenvalue of 1.61. At confirmatory factorial analysis, the two-factor model showed consistently better adjustments parameters than the one-factor model.

Conclusion

The drooling impact scale has been successfully translated to Brazilian Portuguese language, showing adequate internal validity. Validation of this instrument allows physicians and other personnel involved in the care of these patients to perform a better management of patients experiencing drooling. With this tool, we are now able to guide routines and provide guidelines both before and after the different kinds of treatments in order to improve the general well-being of the patient and his family.

Ongoing Laryngeal Stenosis: Conservative Management and Alternatives to Tracheostomy

Background: Following tracheal intubation, some children may develop stridor, which is an indication of an obstructive lesion in the airway, such as an ongoing laryngeal stenosis (LS). This review focuses on evaluation of stridor and possible endoscopic predictors of progression to LS and, once post-intubation acute lesions are established, therapeutic choices to manage this disorder in avoidance of tracheostomy. Tracheostomy, due to its inherent increased morbidity, mortality and influence on social stigma, should be viewed only as a last resort. In this article, available conservative and alternative therapies for ongoing LS are thoroughly reviewed. Methods: A systematic review concerning randomized clinical trials and prospective studies on treatment modalities for LS was performed. A search strategy was developed for MEDLINE comprising terms related to disease, intervention and population. Title and abstract from captured references were peer-reviewed for eligibility. Selected studies full-texts were peer-reviewed and the results were compiled in a structured and narrative review. Stridor evaluation and post-extubation acute lesion classification were studied. Treatments such as balloon dilation, rigid dilation, corticosteroid-coated small tube intubation, and corticosteroid nebulization were described and evidence supporting their usage was discussed.

Efficacy of bilevel ventilatory support in the treatment of stable patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effects of bilevel ventilatory support (BVS) in patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS).

METHODS

A search of databases (MEDLINE accessed by PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS) was conducted from inception to June 2018. Randomized trials comparing BVS to other therapeutic modalities such as lifestyle counseling, continuous positive airway pressure (PAP) or BVS with average volume assured pressure support for the treatment of patients with OHS were included. The primary outcome was a change in daytime arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO₂). Secondary outcome measures included arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), blood bicarbonate (HCO₃), percentage of total sleep time (TST) with oxygen saturation <90%, transcutaneous pressure of carbon dioxide (PtcCO₂), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form (SF36), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire (SRI), compliance with treatment, and weight loss.

RESULTS

Of 176 articles identified, seven studies were included. When BVS was compared to lifestyle counseling, the intervention was superior in improving PaCO₂ (-2.90 mmHg; 95%CI -4.28 to -1.52), PaO₂ (2.89 mmHg; 95%CI 0.33 to 5.46), HCO₃ (-2.55 mmol/L; 95%CI -3.28 to -1.81), percentage of TST<90% (-30.55%; 95%CI -37.98 to -23.12), ESS (-2.52; 95%CI -4.16 to -0.88) and FOSQ (6.33; 95%CI 1.78 to 10.88). However, when BVS was compared to other PAP modalities, there was no difference in any of the outcomes evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment using BVS therapy is superior to lifestyle counseling. Different PAP modalities appear to be equally effective in improving outcomes. CRD42017065326.

Sinonasal computed tomography in pediatric cystic fibrosis: do we know the indications?

OBJECTIVES

To investigated the correlation between sinonasal computed tomography (SNCT) findings and sinonasal symptoms, genotype, chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI), Shwachman-Kulczycki (SK) score, and Bhalla score in patients with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 61 patients aged 2-16 years who received care at the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center of our institution over a 10-year period. SNCT findings were graded using the Lund-Mackay scoring system. For patients who had SNCT scans performed at two different time points, the findings from both examinations were compared.

RESULTS

Patients with chronic P. aeruginosa colonization and patients with atelectasis had higher Lund-Mackay scores (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). There was no difference in Lund-Mackay scores between sinonasal symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (p = 0.45). Among patients who had two SNCT scans available (n = 11), those with no evidence of bronchiectasis on chest CT had decreased Lund-Mackay scores compared to those with evidence of bronchiectasis, who had an increase in their scores (p = 0.03). Variations in the Bhalla score were positively and variations in the SK score were negatively correlated with variations in the Lund-Mackay score (r = 0.74, p = 0.01; and r = -0.85, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between SNCT findings, chronic P. aeruginosa colonization, SK score, and chest CT findings were demonstrated. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate patient follow-up and assess the benefits of the sinonasal treatment strategy adopted for patients who exhibit pulmonary deterioration despite controlling for other factors associated with exacerbation.

Frontline treatment for transplant-eligible multiple myeloma: A 6474 patients network meta-analysis

Autologous transplantation continues to be the cornerstone of younger and fit multiple myeloma patients. It is known that frontline induction therapy before transplantation can influence post-transplant results. Therefore, best frontline treatment for transplant-eligible patients should be based on best available evidence to guide therapy. Furthermore, until now due to data scarcity, it was not possible to thoroughly compare lenalidomide to other regimens in this setting. We performed a systematic review and network (mixed treatment comparison) meta-analysis of 21 clinical trial publications, enrolling 6474 patients and comparing 11 different treatment frontline setting regimens regarding survival, response, and safety outcomes. OS analysis showed superiority of CRD (cyclophosphamide-lenalidomide-dexamethasone) over TD-based (thalidomide-dexamethasone, HR = 0.76,0.62-0.90), VAD-based (HR = 0.71,0.52-0.90), and Z-Dex (idarubicin-dexamethasone, HR = 0.37,0.17-0.76) regimens. Concerning PFS, VTD (bortezomib-thalidomide-dexametasone) showed superior results when compared with TD-based (HR = 0.66,0.51-0.84), VAD-based (HR = 0.61,0.46-0.82), Z-Dex (HR = 0.42,0.22-0.78), and high dose dexamethasone (Dex, HR = 0.62,0.41-0.90) regimens. Bortezomib/thalidomide regimens were not superior to lenalidomide, considering these outcomes. Also, concerning complete and overall response, VTD ranked first among other regimens, showing clear superiority over thalidomide-only containing protocols. Safety outcome evaluated infectious, cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurological, thrombotic, and hematological grade 3 to 4 adverse events. Risk of thrombotic events was higher with TAD (thalidomide-doxorubicin-dexamethasone), neurological with PAD (bortezomib-doxorubicin-dexamethasone), infectious with Dex, hematological with Z-Dex, gastrointestinal with VTD, and cardiac with PAD regimens. Our study endorses current recommendations on combined immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors frontline regimens (in triplets) in transplant-eligible multiple myeloma patients, but also formally demonstrates the favorable performance of lenalidomide in overall and progression-free survival, when compared with bortezomib/thalidomide protocols.

Impact of balloon laryngoplasty on management of acute subglottic stenosis

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of balloon laryngoplasty on clinical and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with acute subglottic stenosis.

METHODS

Two case series were included and compared. The first group included patients treated initially either with tracheostomy (if severe symptoms) or with close follow-up (if mild symptoms). Those children underwent re-evaluation and specific treatment of their stenosis with laser incisions or open surgeries some weeks later. The other group included children treated initially with balloon laryngoplasty, reflecting a shift in surgical practice after 2009. Data as success of the procedure, mean hospital stay, mean pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, post-procedure fever, need of antibiotics, procedure-related complications, and deaths were assessed and compared between both cohorts.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 38 pediatric patients aged 0-5 years. Fifteen children were treated before 2009, of who 10 (66.7%) required tracheostomy soon after the diagnosis. Ultimately, 13 (86.6%) underwent laryngotracheal reconstruction. Twenty-three children were treated after 2009 and the success rate in these patients treated primarily with balloon laryngoplasty was 82.6%. Of these, only 3 (13%) required tracheostomy and 1 (4.3%) required further open laryngotracheal reconstruction. Patients treated by balloon laryngoplasty underwent fewer procedures under general anesthesia and had a lower burden of treatment-related morbidity, as denoted by shorter PICU stay, less antibiotic use, earlier postoperative resumption of oral feeding, and a lower incidence of postoperative complications and fever.

CONCLUSION

When used for management of acute laryngeal stenosis, balloon laryngoplasty is associated with a high success rate, presenting lower morbidity than open surgery.

The effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on airway obstruction and polysomnographic parameters in children with Robin sequence

INTRODUCTION

The optimal surgical technique for the management of patients with Robin Sequence (RS) has not been established. One of the most commonly used surgical techniques, mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), is still controversial because of its potential risks and the lack of clear evidence of its efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess variations in airway patency, clinical symptoms, and polysomnographic parameters in children with RS who underwent MDO.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 38 patients with RS were evaluated before and after MDO. Symptom severity was classified using a grading scale for RS clinical manifestations. Patients underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and the images were classified by a blinded examiner using two validated grading scales for airway obstruction. Patients not requiring ventilatory support underwent a polysomnography.

RESULTS

Patients' symptoms significantly improved after MDO, as shown by a decreased score in the grading scale for RS clinical manifestations (preoperative score of 2.20 vs. postoperative score of 0.81; P < 0.001). The two endoscopic grading scales also showed a statistically significant postoperative improvement in airway obstruction (first scale: preoperative score of 1.56 vs. postoperative score of 0.92; second scale: preoperative score of 2.19 vs. postoperative score of 1.16; P < 0.001 for both). Moreover, there was a statistically significant variation in the following polysomnographic parameters evaluated pre- and postoperatively: apnea-hypopnea index, total sleep time, oxygen desaturation nadir, and oxygen desaturation index (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MDO seems to be an effective surgical option for children, as shown by postoperative improvements in clinical symptoms, endoscopic grading scales, and polysomnographic parameters.

Undersedation is a risk factor for the development of subglottic stenosis in intubated children

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the level of sedation in intubated children as a risk factor for the development of subglottic stenosis.

METHODS

All patients between 30 days and 5 years of age who required endotracheal intubation in the pediatric intensive care unit between 2013 and 2014 were included in this prospective study. They were monitored daily and COMFORT-B scores were obtained. Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy was performed within eight hours of extubation, and repeated seven to ten days later if the first examination showed moderate to severe laryngeal injuries. If these lesions persisted and/or if the child developed symptoms in the follow-up period, microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia was performed to evaluate for subglottic stenosis.

RESULTS

The study included 36 children. Incidence of subglottic stenosis was 11.1%. Children with subglottic stenosis had a higher percentage of COMFORT-B scores between 23 and 30 (undersedated) than those who did not develop subglottic stenosis (15.8% vs. 3.65%, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Children who developed subglottic stenosis were less sedated than children who did not develop subglottic stenosis.

Association of endotracheal tube repositioning and acute laryngeal lesions during mechanical ventilation in children

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of post-extubation acute laryngeal lesions in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and potential risk factors. Children, aged 28 days to 5 years, admitted to the PICU who required endotracheal intubation for at least 24 h were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were a previous intubation, history of laryngeal disease, current or past tracheostomy, the presence of craniofacial malformations and patients considered on palliative care. All patients underwent flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy (FFL) not later than 8 h after extubation. A blinded researcher identified and classified laryngeal lesions based on recorded media. 231 children were enrolled between November 2005 and December 2015. At FFL examination, 102 children (44.15%) presented moderate to severe laryngeal lesions. On a multivariable analysis, we found that for each additional day with repositioning of the endotracheal tube, there was an increase of 7.3% (RR 95% CI 1.012-1.137; P = 0.018) on the baseline risk of developing moderate to severe acute laryngeal lesions. Furthermore, for each additional dose of sedation per day of intubation, there was also an increase of 3.5% on the same baseline risk (RR 95% CI 1.001-1.070; P = 0.041). The amount of tube repositioning episodes and the need for extra doses of sedation (as a proxy for possible agitation) were found to be associated with acute laryngeal lesions. Adequate sedation and minimized tube repositioning should be pursued to possibly prevent the development of post-extubation airway compromise.

Influence of dietary and physical activity restriction on pediatric adenotonsillectomy postoperative care in Brazil: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction

Although culturally food and physical activity restriction are part of the routine postoperative care of many Brazilian surgeons, current evidences from other countries support no such recommendations.

Objective

To determine whether dietary and physical restriction effectively lead to a decrease on postoperative complications of adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to no restriction.

Methods

We have designed a randomized clinical trial comparing two intervention: no specific counseling on diet or activity (Group A), and restriction recommendations on diet and physical activities (Group B). Caregivers completed a questionnaire on observed pain, diet and activity patterns, and medications administered. Parameters were compared at the 3rd and at the 7th postoperative day between intervention groups.

Results

We have enrolled a total of 95 patients, 50 in Group A and 45 in Group B. Fourteen patients were lost to follow up. Eventually, 41 patients in group A and 40 in Group B were available for final analysis. Mean age in months (A = 79.5; SD = 33.9/B = 81.1; SD = 32.6) and sex (A = 58% male; B = 64.4% male) were equivalent between groups. Pain, evaluated through visual analog scale in the 3rd (A = 2.0; IQR 1–6/B = 4.5; IQR 2–6; p = 0.18) and in the 7th (A = 1.0; IQR 1.0–4.5/B = 2.0; IQR 1.0–4.7; p = 0.29) postoperative days, was not different between groups, as was the amount of analgesics administered. Dietary and physical activity patterns also showed no statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

Dietary and activity restriction after adenotonsillectomy does not seem to affect patients’ recovery. Such information may impact considerably on the social aspects that involve a tonsillectomy, reducing the working days lost by parents and accelerating the return of children to school.

Accuracy of clinical swallowing evaluation for diagnosis of dysphagia in children with laryngomalacia or glossoptosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy of clinical evaluation of swallowing in a sample of children with laryngomalacia or glossoptosis and describe the prevalence of dysphagia in each of these diseases, as well as characterize the swallow response to speech and language therapy interventions.

STUDY DESIGN

Children aged 1 month to 11 years receiving care at the Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, were evaluated in a cross-sectional design. Evaluation of swallowing was performed at two time points by two blinded speech-language pathologists, one responsible for clinical evaluation and the other for videofluoroscopic study. The protocols employed were based on the instruments proposed by DeMatteo et al. (DeMatteo C, Matovich D, Hjartarson A. Comparison of clinical and videofluoroscopic evaluation of children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Dev Med Child Neurol 2005;47:149-157.).

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 29 patients: 10 patients with laryngomalacia and 19 patients with glossoptosis. The sensitivity of clinical evaluation did not exceed 50% in any of the evaluations, but specificity reached 100% in some cases, using thickened liquids. The prevalence of dysphagia was 100%, and the use of thickened liquids significantly reduced tracheal aspiration.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphagia was highly prevalent in this sample. The sensitivity of clinical evaluation to detect laryngeal penetration and tracheal aspiration was low, as the majority of aspiration events were silent. The videofluoroscopic study is important in order to determine a safest method to feed the patient. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:41-47. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Severity of clinical manifestations and laryngeal exposure difficulty predicted by glossoptosis endoscopic grades in Robin sequence patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of two glossoptosis airway obstruction classifications in predicting symptom severity and laryngeal exposure difficulty in Robin Sequence (RS) patients.

SETTING

Public tertiary hospital otolaryngology section (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA).

PATIENTS

All RS patients diagnosed at HCPA from October 2012 to February 2015 were enrolled, a total of 58 individuals. They were classified in isolated RS, RS-Plus and syndromic RS.

INTERVENTION

Patients were submitted to sleep endoscopy and a score was attributed according to Yellon and de Sousa by a blinded researcher. Symptom severity evaluation was performed as defined by Cole classification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Association between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms severity and laryngeal exposure difficulty.

RESULTS

Twenty four patients were identified as isolated RS (41.4%), 19 patients presented as RS-Plus (32.7%) and 15 patients had well defined diagnosed syndromes (25.9%). Concomitant airway anomalies were found in 18 patients (31%). Specifically 17.4% in isolated RS, 55.6% in RS- Plus and 28.6% in the syndromic group had such anomalies (P = 0,03). Probability of presenting severe clinical symptoms as graded by Cole was higher in grade 3 Yellon classification (68.4%, P = 0.012) and in moderate and severe de Sousa classification (61.5% and 62.5%, respectively, P = 0.015) than in milder grades of obstruction. This findings were considered significant even after controlling for patient age. Laryngeal exposure difficulty was correlated with de Sousa and Yellon (Rho = 0,41 and Rho = 0,43, respectively; P < 0,05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with higher degrees of obstruction in sleep endoscopy had a higher probability of presenting a more severe clinical manifestation and a more difficult laryngeal exposure. Since the number of patients included in this study was small for subgroup analyses, it is not clear if this association is restricted to a specific group of RS.

Incidence and endoscopic characteristics of acute laryngeal lesions in children undergoing endotracheal intubation

Introduction

Acute laryngeal lesions after intubation appear to be precursors of chronic lesions.

Objective

To describe the incidence and type of acute laryngeal lesions after extubation in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods

A cohort study involving children from birth to <5 years, submitted to intubation for more than 24 h in the PICU of an university hospital. In the first eight hours after extubation, a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) was performed at the bedside. Those with moderate to severe abnormalities underwent a second examination seven to ten days later.

Results

177 patients were included, with a median age of 2.46 months. The mean intubation time was 8.19 days. Seventy-three (41.2%) patients had moderate or severe alterations at the FFL, with the remaining showing only minor alterations or normal results. During follow-up, 16 children from the group with moderate to severe lesions developed subglottic stenosis. One patient from the normal FFL group had subglottic stenosis, resulting in an incidence of 9.6% of chronic lesions.

Conclusion

Most children in the study developed mild acute laryngeal lesions caused by endotracheal intubation, which improved in a few days after extubation.

Tracheostomy in children: a ten-year experience from a tertiary center in southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Children may require tracheostomy due to many different health conditions. Over the last 40 years, indications of tracheostomy have endorsed substantial modifications.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pediatric patients warranted tracheostomy at our Hospital, in regard to their indications, associated comorbidities, complications and decannulation rates.

METHODS

Retrospective study concerning patients under 18 years of age undergoing tracheostomy in a tertiary health care center, from January 2006 to November 2015.

RESULTS

123 children required a tracheostomy after ENT evaluation during the study period. A proportion of 63% was male, and 56% was under one year of age. Glossoptosis was the most common indication (30%), followed by subglottic stenosis (16%) and pharyngomalacia (11%). The mortality rate was 31%. By the end of this review, 35 children (28.4%) had been decannulated, and the fewer the number of comorbidities, the greater the decannulation rate (0.77±0.84 vs. 1.7±1.00 comorbidities; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tracheostomy in children is a relatively frequent procedure at our hospital. The most common indications are glossoptosis and subglottic stenosis. A high mortality rate was found, potentially substantiated by the high number of critical care patients with chronic neurological conditions in this cohort. Our decannulation rate is slightly below other series, probably because of the greater amount of patients with comorbidities.

Post-intubation acute laryngeal injuries in infants and children: A new classification system

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Classification of Acute Laryngeal Injuries (CALI) with other classifications to determine which of these offers the greatest sensitivity and specificity in predicting the development of subglottic stenosis.

METHODS

All children intubated for the first time in the pediatric intensive care unit were included and subjected to flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy (FFL) within 8 h of extubation. Their injuries were categorized using the CALI, as well as adapted classifications from Lindholm, Colice and Benjamin. The children were followed up to determine who developed subglottic stenosis.

RESULTS

This study included 194 children, with a median age of 2.67 months. The sensitivity and specificity of the CALI were 90% and 73%, respectively. The CALI showed greater specificity than the adapted classifications from Colice and Benjamin (p < 0.001 for both), and greater sensitivity than the adapted classification from Lindholm (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the CALI, 90% of children who developed subglottic stenosis had moderate to severe injuries on the initial FFL. The CALI includes all injury types described by Benjamin, as well as a proposed severity scale for these lesions, and was predictive of the development of chronic laryngeal injury.

Glossoptosis

Glossoptosis causes varying degrees of airway obstruction and feeding difficulties. It can occur as a consequence of micrognathia in Robin Sequence, but can also occur in children with hypotonia. Despite several attempts to classify severity in Robin Sequence patients, taking into account symptoms, presence of concomitant syndromes or malformations, and even endoscopic findings, there is still no general consensus. Furthermore, several management recommendations have been reported without an agreement about indications, efficacy, or risks of each treatment option. The present article provides an overview of clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with glossoptosis.

Dermoid of the nasopharynx causing neonatal respiratory distress

The dermoid is a rare and benign malformation of bigerminal origin. It is seen frequently in the neonatal period, and the clinical presentation depends on the site and on the size of the lesion, and the classical clinical picture is of a tumor derived from the naso- or oropharynx, leading to respiratory distress and/or feeding disorders. A female newborn was born cyanotic requiring intubation. The oroscopy revealed a large smooth mass. Transoral surgery was performed with successful extubation. Seven months after, there are no signs of recurrence of the lesion. This report adds another case of this rare pathology that can be life-threatening condition in the neonate. It emphasizes the importance of dermoid in the differential diagnosis of the naso- or oropharyngeal lesions, especially in neonates.

Retrospective study of a series of choanal atresia patients

Introduction Although it has been more than 250 years since the first description of choanal atresia (CA), there are still doubts about this abnormality. The differences between unilateral and bilateral forms are seldom discussed.

Objectives Aggregate data from patients diagnosed with CA, grouping patients with unilateral and bilateral forms.

Methods Retrospective study.

Results Eighteen patients were included: 12 (66.6%) presented bilateral atresia, of which 77.8% were mixed bony-membranous type and 22.2% were pure bony type. From the 12 patients with bilateral atresia, 10 presented related malformations, 3 of whom had CHARGE syndrome (coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia, retardation of growth and development, genitourinary problems, ear abnormalities). From the remaining 6 patients with unilateral atresia, only 2 showed malformations, 1 renal and 1 cardiac. All patients with unilateral atresia needed only 1 surgical procedure, and patients with the bilateral form needed a median of 2.85 interventions (p = 0.003). The median age of surgical procedure in the unilateral group was 6 years, ranging from 6 months to 18 years, and in the bilateral group was 25 days, ranging from 6 days to 6 years (p = 0.003). The median interval between diagnosis and surgery was 9 months in the unilateral group, ranging from 1 month to 18 years, and in the bilateral group was 1 day, ranging from 1 day to 2 months (p = 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions Success rates with the endoscopic approach vary from 62 to 100%. Nonetheless, most of these reports present results without considering the number of compromised sides. In our opinion, unilateral and bilateral cases involve distinct patients (taking into account the related malformations), have diverging clinical presentations, and show discrepant restenosis rates and therefore could be considered in different groups of analysis.

The use of high-frequency audiometry increases the diagnosis of asymptomatic hearing loss in pediatric patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin may cause permanent cochlear damage by changing cochlear frequency selectivity and can lead to irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. High-frequency audiometry (HFA) is able to assess hearing frequencies above 8,000 Hz; hence, it has been considered a high-quality method to monitor and diagnose early and asymptomatic signs of ototoxicity in patients receiving cisplatin.

PROCEDURE

Forty-two pediatric patients were evaluated for hearing loss induced by cisplatin utilizing HFA, and its diagnostic efficacy was compared to that of standard pure-tone audiometry and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The patient population consisted of those who signed an informed consent form and had received cisplatin chemotherapy between 1991 and 2008 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Pediatric Unit, Brazil.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were evaluated. The median age at study assessment was 14.5 years (range 4-37 years). Hearing loss was detected in 24 patients (57%) at conventional frequencies. Alterations of DPOAEs were found in 64% of evaluated patients and hearing loss was observed in 36 patients (86%) when high-frequency test was added. The mean cisplatin dose was significantly higher (P = 0.046) for patients with hearing impairment at conventional frequencies.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that HFA is more effective than pure-tone audiometry and DPOAEs in detecting hearing loss, particularly at higher frequencies. It may be a useful tool for testing new otoprotective agents, beside serving as an early diagnostic method for detecting hearing impairment.

Single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction for the treatment of subglottic stenosis in children

Introduction: In recent decades, airway reconstruction has become the treatment of choice for subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children, which is performed in either single or multiple stages. However, there is evidence in the literature that single-stage surgery is more effective.

Objective: To evaluate the success rate of single-stage laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) and cricotracheal resection (CTR) in patients that were treated in our hospital.

Materials and Method: We performed a retrospective study of children undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Results: Twenty-four children were included. The etiology of SGS was postintubation in 91.6% and congenital in 8.3%. One patient (4.2%) had grade 4 SGS, 17 (70.8%) presented with grade 3 SGS, 4 (16.6%) had grade 2 SGS, 1 (4.2%) had grade 3 SGS associated with glottic stenosis, and 1 (4.2%) had grade 3 SGS with tracheal stenosis. We performed 26 LTPs and 3 CTRs. Decannulation rates were 66% in the CTR procedures and 85.7% in the LTP procedures; the overall decannulation rate was 83.3%. All children presented with fever in the postoperative period, but were afebrile after the tube was removed.

Conclusion: Our series showed a decannulation rate of 83.3%.

Prevalence of Profound Hearing Loss and Cophosis in 1015 Patients from the Chronic Otitis Media Outpatient Clinic in Brazil

Objective: An issue that has recently gained attention is, in addition to conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to chronic otitis media (COM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of profound hearing loss and cophosis in chronic otitis media patients with or without cholesteatoma.

Method: Transversal study. We studied 1015 patients from the Chronic Otitis Media Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas in Porto Alegre, evaluated between August 2000 and January 2011. The inclusion criterion was presence of COM, with or without cholesteatoma. The main outcome was the presence of profound hearing loss and cophosis.

Results: A total of 1015 patients were evaluated. Ages varied between 2 and 87 years, with an average age of 28.36 ± 18.85 years; 50% of them were females, and 371 had cholesteatoma. Of all samples, 16 had profound hearing loss or cophosis (1.57%). Considering only our deaf samples, ages varied between 10 and 74 years, with an average age of 44.23 ± 19.20 years; 11 patients (68.8%) were females, and 7 had cholesteatoma. The prevalence of profound hearing loss or cophosis in patients with and without cholesteatoma was 1.3 and 2.2%, respectively. Cholesteatoma determined an estimated risk of 1.69 for very significant hearing loss.

Conclusion: COM can affect round and oval windows and others sites of the inner ear. The prevalence of profound hearing loss and cophosis strongly associated with COM was only 1.4% in our sample. Patients with cholesteatoma have 1.7 times more chance of profound deafness/cophosis due to COM than patients without cholesteatoma.

Hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in resident physicians of a general hospital in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in resident physicians of a general hospital in southern Brazil and identify associated factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

POPULATION

Resident physicians of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventythree subjects age 26.4+/-1.9.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum PTH, 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were measured. In addition calcium, creatinine, and magnesium were measured in urine. Fractional excretion of calcium and magnesium were calculated. Calcium intake was estimated by a food intake questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean serum levels of 25(OH)D were 17.9+/-8.0 ng/ml and 57.4% presented 25(OH)D below 20 ng/ml. Secondary hyperparathyroidism, defined as serum PTH > or =48 pg/ml and normal or low serum calcium, was identified in 39.7% of the individuals. Mean serum levels of magnesium were higher (p=0.02) and the fractional excretion of calcium was lower (p<0.001) in individuals with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Serum PTH levels were positively correlated with body mass index (r=0.33 and p=0.006) and serum magnesium levels (r=0.33 and p=0.02) and negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels (r=-0.33 and p=0.008), estimated calcium intake (r=-0.25 and p=0.04), and fractional excretion of calcium (r=-0.34 and p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism was very common in resident physicians. Therefore, measures to prevent this situation should be recommended.

Thyroid volume is associated with family history of thyroid disease in pregnant women with adequate iodine intake: a cross-sectional study in southern Brazil

Maternal euthyroidism is important for fetal neural development. For this reason, adequate iodine nutrition during pregnancy is an important public health objective and should be periodically revised. The objective of this study was to measure urinary iodine (UI) excretion and the factors associated with thyroid volume (TV), in a group of healthy pregnant women in southern Brazil, to evaluate iodine nutrition. The median UI of the 147 women was 224 microg/l (P25=164 microg/l and P75=286 microg/l). Serum levels of free T4 and thyroglobulin did not correlate with UI, but there was a weak inverse correlation between serum TSH levels and UI (r=-0.200; p=0.02). TV, calculated through ultrasound in 57 women, was significantly associated with family history of thyroid diseases (p=0.002) and BMI (p=0.03), but there was no association with UI, corrected or not for creatinine, serum free T4, TSH or thyroglobulin, current or past smoking, gestational age, parity or oral contraceptive.

CONCLUSIONS

The healthy pregnant women studied had adequate iodine intake. In this situation, the main thyroid size determinants are probably genetic factors.