Tracheobronchial foreign bodies in infants

Objective

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of respiratory distress between 1 and 3 years of age. Literature on airway foreign bodies in this age group is abundant; however no study has addressed this problem in infants exclusively. This study aimed to review the clinical presentation, management and outcome of infants with tracheobronchial foreign bodies at a referral tertiary care hospital over a decade.

Methods

102 infants who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected FBA from 1997 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Details of demographic data, clinical features, radiologic and bronchoscopic findings, postbronchoscopy events and eventual outcome were analysed.

Results

The mean age was 10.5 months. 8 (7.8%) were 0-6 months of age, the youngest being 2 months. Males outnumbered (72:30) females. 10 (9.8%) presented secondarily after treatment elsewhere, 6 of them were initially misdiagnosed. The onset-presentation interval ranged from 1 day to 3 months, 41 (40.2%) reporting within a day and 19 (18.6%) a week after onset. 20 (19.6%) had no history suggestive of FBA but harboured airway FBs at bronchoscopy. The clinical triad of cough, respiratory distress and stridor was highly predictive of FBA. 8 (7.84%) had no abnormal physical findings while 8 (10.81%) had grossly normal chest radiographs. All the patients underwent emergency/elective rigid bronchoscopy (Karl Storz system) under general anesthesia as in-patients. The physical findings did not always correlate with radiology or bronchoscopic location of the FB. A peanut cotyledon was the commonest FB retrieved across infancy; in 5 (4.9%) no FB was found/identifiable. 2 required postbronchoscopy mechanical ventilation and 1 a repeat bronchoscopy. There were 6 complications but no mortality in the series. The average hospital stay was 1.4 days. At a week's follow-up, all were asymptomatic and well.

Conclusions

The clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of FBA in 102 infants are presented and certain peculiar features are described. A high index of suspicion coupled with a combination of history, physical signs and radiology is more conclusive than any of them in isolation. Availability of expertise and endoscopic equipment ensures a favourable outcome without significant morbidity and mortality.     

Questioning the legitimacy of rigid bronchoscopy as a tool for establishing the diagnosis of a bronchial foreign body

Objectives

Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is the principal method used for the extraction of a tracheo-bronchial foreign body (FB), but its use as a diagnostic tool implies a certain rate of negative exams, exposing the child to the risk of procedure and anesthesia-related complications. Technological progress has improved the accuracy and availability of non-invasive modalities, such as CT scan and fluoroscopy. Our aim is to review our experience in the routine use of bronchoscopy for a suspected FB aspiration, and evaluate the adequacy of our current attitude in light of these alternatives.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of cases where bronchoscopy was used in the management of a suspected airway FB, and analysis of the correlation between the clinical and radiological data and the bronchoscopy's results. In addition we reviewed the literature concerning the use of RB and alternative means of diagnosis such as CT scan, fluoroscopy and flexible bronchoscopy.

Results

Thirty-two patients underwent bronchoscopy to rule out a FB aspiration under general anesthesia. No FB was found in 8 cases (25%). Cough and a history of choking were the most sensitive parameters (sensitivity 100% and 80% respectively), but had a low specificity. Stridor was the most specific sign (88% specificity), but was not sensitive. Chest radiography had 25% sensitivity, and 62.5% specificity. Flexible bronchoscopy changed the management in 22% of cases, sparing RB.

Conclusions

Basing the decision to perform RB solely on the clinical findings and chest radiography entails a 25% rate or more of negative exams. CT scan appears to be the most accurate non-invasive tool for ruling out the presence of a FB but its use cannot be systematic due to its complexity and the risks of exposure to radiation. Digital substraction fluoroscopy is a safe and simple mean to confirm the presence of air trapping generated by a bronchial obstruction, but it is not sensitive enough to definitively rule out a FB. We propose a stepwise approach using fluoroscopy or possibly flexible bronchoscopy under sedation, in order to reduce the number of negative RBs while restricting the use of the CT scan.     

Foreign body aspiration in children: The value of diagnostic criteria

Objective

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a serious problem in children. While bronchoscopy should be performed in all patients with aspiration; patients without aspiration should be carefully excluded to avoid an unnecessary bronchoscopy. In this study we analyzed the details of our series, complication rates and compared the diagnostic findings between patients with an aspirated FB and those without. We also calculated the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of clinical history, symptoms, physical examination findings and radiological findings in patients with suspected FBA (sFBA). Finally, we evaluated the validity of our bronchoscopy indications in these patients.

Methods

We reviewed the data of 207 patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for sFBA. We used clinical history, symptoms, physical examination and radiological findings as diagnostic findings. Complication rates in addition to these four diagnostic criteria constitute our indications for performing a rigid bronchoscopy.

Results

After excluding 15 patients with radiopaque FB or previous fiberoptic bronchoscopy, 138 of 192 patients had an aspirated foreign body. The sensitivity and specificity of clinical history, symptoms, physical examination findings and radiological findings were 90.5% and 24.1%, 97.8% and 7.4%, 96.4% and 46.3, and 71.7% and 74.1% respectively. There was only one major complication which caused moderate neurological sequelae. There was no mortality and no thoracotomy or tracheotomy requirement in this group.

Conclusions

While symptoms, physical examination findings and clinical history had high sensitivities, radiological findings had the highest specificity. Low specificities of clinical history, symptoms and physical examination findings were due to our expanded bronchoscopy indication, which aimed to include all patients with foreign body aspiration. Our low complication rate facilitated the expansion of bronchoscopy indications, even for patients with slight clinical suspicion.     

Pediatric obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane--characteristics and management with flexible bronchoscopy

Objective

To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, flexible bronchoscopy (FB) findings, interventions and outcome of pediatric obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP) in our pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (ICUs).

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective study of medical and FB video records in a single tertiary university-affiliated teaching hospital over a ten-year period. Data was collected from patients who were admitted and extubated of endotracheal tube in the ICUs with a FB diagnosis of an OFTP-like lesion. The associated medical information, FB interventions and video records were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Eight patients with OFTP were enrolled, with an incidence rate of 1.48% in the postextubation respiratory distress patients. Mean age was 32 ± 32 months (range, 2 months to 13 years); mean body weight was 13.7 ± 8.1 kg (range, 4.3-45 kg); mean intubation period was 37.6 ± 12.3 h; mean time for symptoms to develop after extubation was 3.6 ± 1.4 h. Symptoms lasted for 20.8 ± 20.3 h before FB examination. All patients were accurately diagnosed with OFTP at the first postextubation FB examination and revealed various morphologies. The estimated cross-sectional tracheal lumen was reduced by 70-90% and the mean length of lesion was 18.1 ± 5.2 mm (range, 10-30 mm). All OFTP were successfully ablated immediately after the diagnosis in one FB session by using various techniques and without any complication. Total duration for both diagnostic and interventional FB was 19.4 ± 2.5 min. No recurrence was noted thereafter.

Conclusions

OFTP should always be considered in the event of postextubation respiratory distress, especially in the pediatric and neonatal ICUs. Early diagnosis and effective ablation can be achieved with aid of FB.     

Management of suspected foreign body aspiration in children

We aimed to establish prevailing consultant opinion on the management of children with a history suggestive of foreign body (FB) aspiration but no clinical or radiological findings. FB aspiration is a common problem in children. Most agree that bronchoscopy should be performed if a child has clinical or radiological signs. With suggestive history but no such signs, the decision is more difficult; both bronchoscopy and neglected FBs have the potential for serious consequences. A postal questionnaire was sent to all British Association of Otolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeon (BAO-HNS) consultants. The 563 questionnaires sent elicited a 63% reply rate. With suspected organic FBs, 52% would bronchoscope immediately, 38% would observe, and 10% would discharge. With suspected inorganic FBs, 35% would bronchoscope, 42% would observe, and 23% would discharge. Thus, the majority suggest admission, showing a preference for bronchoscopy with a history of organic FB, and observation if inorganic. Unless justified, it may be unacceptable to discharge these patients.     

Laryngotracheal separation surgery for intractable aspiration: our experience with 12 patients

Objective

Laryngotracheal separation surgery (LTS) was performed as a treatment for recurrent or intractable aspiration pneumonia in 12 pediatric patients. The effectiveness of LTS surgery for preventing aspiration pneumonia, and the complications of this procedure were investigated.

Methods

A retrospective chart review, conducted at a tertiary academic hospital in conjunction with a private practice, was used to identify children who underwent Laryngotracheal Separation Surgery (LTS) from September 2001 to July 2007. The main outcome measure was the number of hospital admissions for pneumonia in the pre LTS and post LTS period. A student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

LTS surgery decreased the frequency of pulmonary infections and respiratory events in all patients, resulting in far fewer hospitalizations. These patients experienced an average of 5 hospital admissions for pneumonia in the 2 years prior to LTS surgery, and an average of 1.1 hospital admissions for pneumonia after the LTS surgery. There were no major complications related to the surgery. Several minor complications following surgery were easily and effectively dealt with in the perioperative period.

Conclusions

LTS surgery is an effective and safe procedure in children with intractable aspiration. Parents do not perceive the care of the LTS stoma as burdensome. This procedure should be considered as an option in the surgical intervention for the management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in severely neurologically impaired children.     

Epstein-Barr virus infection as a cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in children

Objective

Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common pediatric problem; reactive hyperplasia, specific infective agents, and malignancy are mainly the differential diagnosis. The aim of our study was to detect the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection among children who complained of cervical lymphadenopathy and also to evaluate the clinical manifestations of the disease in pediatric patients.

Methods

One hundred and sixty children presented with cervical lymphadenopathy were subjected to Epestien-Barr Virus (EBV) serology testing. Cases that showed positivity to heterophile antibody test, and/or EBV-specific antibodies; IgM against viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgM) and IgG against viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgG) were evaluated clinically for manifestations of the disease.

Results

Twenty-four cases (15%) showed positivity to EBV serology, all of them had posterior cervical lymph nodes enlargement, 70.8% had fever, 66.6% had tonsillo-pharyngitis, 58.3% had splenomegaly, 25% had hepatomegaly, 41.6% had generalized lymphadenopathy, while skin rash was detected in 12.5%, and both palatal petechiae and palpebral edema were detected in 8.3%.

Conclusions

EBV infection is not a rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in children. Posterior cervical lymphadenopathy in pediatric age group may represent a password for suspicion of EBV infection, while other clinical manifestations of the disease may include hepato-splenomegaly, skin rash, palpebral edema and palatal petechiae.     

The development of auditory skills in infants with isolated Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome after cochlear implantation

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the auditory performance of infants with isolated Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (LVAS) after cochlear implantation, compare their performance with those of infants with a normal inner ear, and establish a database of auditory development.

Method

435 infants with congenital severe to profound hearing loss participated in this study. 62 infants in group A were diagnosed with isolated LVAS. 373 infants in group B had a normal inner ear. Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) was used to evaluate the development of auditory skills.

Results

The mean scores for auditory ability showed no significant difference between groups A and B. The mean scores for the three different auditory skills increased significantly over time. The differences were statistically significant in mean scores among the three different auditory skills for group B.

Conclusion

Auditory skills of infants with isolated LVAS developed rapidly after cochlear implantation, in a similar manner to those of infants with a normal inner ear. Cochlear implantation is an effective interventional approach and an established therapeutic option for infants with isolated LVAS.     

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach versus microscopic approach in children

Objectives

To confirm the efficacy and safeness of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (ETS) approach in the treatment of sellar and parasellar lesions in children compared with the conventional microscopic transsphenoidal approach (CTS).

Study design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

A. Gemelli - University Hospital - Catholic University of Sacred Heart - Rome.

Subject and methods

We retrospectively evaluate 21 children (mean age 8.3 years) affected by sellar/parasellar lesions: 11 were treated via microscopic sublabial approach between 1995 and 2005 and 10 were treated with ETS approach between 2006 and 2009.

Results

The past series (group A) comprised all sellar/suprasellar lesions and we observed: gross total surgical excision in 81.2% of cases, permanent morbidity in 1/11 patients, CSF fistula in 1/11 patients, mean hospitalization time of 5.8 days and PICU was required. The present series (group B) included 8 sellar/suprasellar and 2 clival lesions and we observed: GTS excision in 80% of the cases, no permanent morbidity, a mean hospitalization time of 4.1 days (P = 0.01), CSF fistula in 2/10 patients and the PICU was not required. 10/11 patient of group A underwent to blood transfusion vs 4/10 of the group B (P = 0.008). The mean pain score of group A was 5.8 ± 1.7 on the contrary in the group B it was 4.1 ± 1.5 (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The ETS approach to the sellar and parasellar region has proved its reliability and effectiveness in the adults. The minimal invasiveness makes it ideal for the treatment of pediatric lesion of this region, in which it is essential to preserve the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and of the naso-facial structures to assure the correct growth of the child.     

Flexible bronchoscopy as a valuable tool in the evaluation of persistent wheezing in children

Background

Persistent wheezing is a common problem in early childhood and leads to a diagnostic dilemma, excessive investigations, drug administration and additional cost.

Objective

To determine the efficacy and the safety of FOB in children with persistent wheezing despite bronchodilator and inhaled steroid therapy.

Methods

Patients with persistent wheezing that lasted at least 6 weeks and did not respond to bronchodilator and inhaled steroid therapy and to whom flexible bronchoscopy was performed were included to the study.

Results

Between 1997 and 2009; 113 patients were enrolled to the study. Sixty-three percent of the children were male. Median age was 14 months at presentation and median duration of symptoms was 5 months. Bronchoscopy revealed pathological findings in 48% of the patients. Thirty-eight patients had malacia disorders, 14 had foreign body aspiration and two had external compression of airways which were later diagnosed as vascular ring. Major and minor complications were not seen in 92% of the patients while transient hypoxia was seen in 6%, stridor in 1% and tachycardia in 1% of the patients.

Conclusion

Flexible bronchoscopy provided rapid and definitive diagnosis for our patients with persistent wheezing without any major complications. This study is one of the largest studies concerning persistent wheezing. Early bronchoscopic evaluation can reduce cost by providing rapid and accurate diagnosis and preventing unnecessary investigations and drug administration. Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe procedure and should be considered in the evaluation of children with persistent wheezing.     

Activity of soluble aminopeptidase A and dipeptidyl peptidase IV and membrane-bound aminopeptidase B and pyroglutamyl peptidase I in adenoid hyperplasia, tonsillar hyperplasia and chronic tonsillitis

Objective

To analyze soluble and membrane-bound peptidase activities in the tonsils and adenoids removed from patients with adenoid hyperplasia, tonsillar hyperplasia and chronic tonsillitis.

Methods

A total of 48 tissue samples from patients undergoing adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy for adenoid hyperplasia, tonsillar hyperplasia or chronic tonsillitis were analyzed. The catalytic activity of a pool of peptidases in the soluble (dipeptidyl peptidase IV, aminopeptidase A, aminopeptidase N and cystinyl aminopeptidase) and membrane-bound (prolyl endopeptidase, aspartyl aminopeptidase, aminopeptidase B and pyroglutamyl peptidase I) fractions was measured fluorometrically.

Results

The activity of membrane-bound aminopeptidase B was higher in cases of chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hyperplasia than in tonsillar hyperplasia, p = 0.004. Soluble dipeptidyl peptidase IV and membrane-bound pyroglutamyl peptidase I were found to be more active in tissues from male chronic tonsillitis tissues, p < 0.05, while membrane-bound aminopeptidase B activity was higher in tissues of females with tonsillar hyperplasia, p < 0.001. In the case of chronic tonsillitis, soluble aminopeptidase A was found to have a higher level of activity in tissues from children than those from adults, p = 0.005.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a potential role of soluble aminopeptidase A, soluble dipeptidyl peptidase IV, membrane-bound aminopeptidase B and membrane-bound pyroglutamyl peptidase I in the pathobiology of adenoid hyperplasia, tonsillar hyperplasia and chronic tonsillitis that is differently regulated as a function of gender. These finfings may modify in the future the clinical approach to these diseases.     

Intratympanic dexamethasone as initial therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Clinical evaluation and laboratory investigation

Objective

To evaluate the effect of intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) as initial therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) as well as to determine the concentration-dependent time course distribution of dexamethasone in the inner ear.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with profound ISSHL were included. Twenty-two were treated with ITD and the rest as control. Audiograms were performed before the treatment and one month afterwards. In the animal study, dexamethasone of different concentrations (5, 10 and 20 mg/ml) was injected into the tympanums of three groups of SD rats (Groups A, B and C), their inner ears dissected free at various postinjection survival intervals. Immunofluorescence was applied to detect the locations of dexamethasone.

Results

The overall rate of good prognosis was 77.27% in ITD group, which was not significantly different from 81.82% in the control group. In the animal study, the higher local concentration and longer lasting period was found in Groups B and C.

Conclusions

ITD at 5 mg/ml did not add effect to systemic steroids in improving hearing outcomes in patients with ISSHL. An increase in dexamethasone concentration led to large variations in pharmacokinetics in animal study, showing potential value in optimizing the drug delivery protocols and improving the therapeutic results.     

Microarray analysis of microRNA expression in LPS induced inflammation of human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs)

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between inflammatory response of human middle ear epithelial cell (HMEEC) and microRNA (miRNA).

Methods

In experimental group, cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 2 h. No LPS was treated in the control group. Total RNA was extractedand used for miRNA microarray analysis. The predicted targets of miRNA with significant change were obtained using miRBase. To assess the function of predicted target gene lists, we evaluated the frequency of specific gene ontology (GO) terms among the predicted target genes of the miRNA with significant change using DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery).

Results

After normalization, the number of the differentially expressed genes was 15. Among them, 5 miRNAs were up-regulated and 10 miRNAs were down-regulated in LPS group compared with control group. The most enriched GO terms in the predicted target genes of miRNA with increased expression were developmental process, response to biotic stimulus, acute inflammatory response, and regulation of cell growth. The most enriched GO terms in the predicted target genes of miRNA with decreased expression were developmental process, cell differentiation, endocytosis, cell communication, IκB kinase/NFκB cascade, complement activation, innate immune response and cell adhesion.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we identified the differentially expressed miRNA in LPS induced acute inflammation of HMEECs whose expression profile may provide a useful clue for the understanding of pathophysiology of otitis media. Our work indicates that miRNA play important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media.     

Surgical management with or without a nasogastric tube in esophageal repairs

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare surgical management with or without a nasogastric tube (NGT) to prevent anastomotic stricture that occurred following esophageal repairs (ERs).

Methods

Twelve New Zealand rabbits were divided equally into 2 m: with a NGT (experimental group) and without a NGT (control group). A 1-cm-length of the cervical esophagus was resected through a cervical incision and then anastomosis was performed using the NGT and keeping it in place for 6 days in the experimental group. The same procedures were performed in the control group. Both groups were fed parenterally for 6 days and orally after esophagography on postoperative day 7 as long as there was no esophageal leakage. The rabbits were sacrificed to evaluate diameter of the esophageal lumen (DOTEL), bursting pressure (BP), tissue hydroxyproline (HP) and wound healing scores (WHSs) in the anastomosis lines 8 weeks later.

Results

In the experimental group, DOTEL, BP, and HP were significantly lower than they were in the control group. WHSs in the experimental group were not higher than they were in the control group.

Conclusions

Surgical management without a NGT is more effective than management with a NGT in ERs as shown by increased DOTEL, BP, and HP levels.     

Efficacy of manual jet ventilation using Manujet III for bronchoscopic airway foreign body removal in children

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a manual jet ventilation device for bronchoscopic removal of foreign bodies in children.

Methods

360 children aged from 10 months to 12 years old undergoing rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body (FB) removal from February 2005 to June 2009 were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 120 patients per group (S, P and J). In group S, anesthesia was induced with propofol and γ-hydroxybutyrate sodium and maintained by intermittent bolus administration of propofol; the patients were breathing spontaneously throughout the procedure. In group P, anesthesia was induced with propofol (4-5 mg/kg), fentanyl (1-2 μg/kg) and succinylcholine (2 mg/kg). Mechanical ventilation was performed through the side arm of the rigid bronchoscope. In group J, the patient received propofol, fentanyl and succinylcholine as the same doses administered in group P, and manual jet ventilation was performed by using the Manujet III device. Condition for insertion of bronchoscope, occurrence of hypoxemia, successful rate of FB removal, the duration of the operation, the time of emergence and recovery from anesthesia, and perioperative complications (adverse events) were recorded.

Results

Groups P and J had significantly higher rates of successful bronchoscope insertion (P < 0.05), significantly higher success rates for FB removal (P < 0.05), and lower incidences of hypoxemia during intra- and post-operative periods when compared with group S. Perioperative complications were lower (P < 0.05), duration of operation was shorter, and emergence from anesthesia was faster (P < 0.05) in groups P and J when compared with group S. Incidences of hypoxemia were lower in Group J when compared with Group P (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study confirmed the safety and efficacy of performing manual jet ventilation with Manujet III in foreign body removal by rigid bronchoscopy in children.     

Long-term voice outcome following partial cricotracheal resection in children for severe subglottic stenosis

Objective

To correlate the postoperative voice outcome to preoperative glottic involvement, following partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) in children. The glottic involvement was analysed based on the extent of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in the endoscopic image and functional dynamic assessment using flexible endoscopy.

Methods

We conducted an interobserver study in which two ENT surgeons, blinded to one another's interpretation, independently rated the extent of SGS based on the endoscopic image along with the dynamic functional airway assessment, of 108 children who underwent PCTR for grade III or IV stenosis. Based on the observation, the glottic involvement was rated into 4 categories:

A.

SGS clear from vocal cords (3-4 mm below vocal cords).

B.

SGS reaching the free border of vocal cord and/or the posterior commissure with slightly limited abduction with no true posterior glottic stenosis (PGS).

C.

SGS with associated PGS or vocal cord fusion without cricoarytenoid ankylosis (CAA).

D.

Transglottic stenosis with/or without bilateral CAA.

Evaluation of the voice was based on a parent/patient proxy questionnaire sent in 2008 to assess the current functional status of the patient's voice.

Results

Among the 77 patients available for long-term outcome with a minimum 1-year follow-up, 31 patients had isolated SGS free from vocal cords (group A) and 30 had SGS reaching the under surface of vocal cords with partial or no impairment of abduction of vocal cords (group B). Twelve patients belonged to group C with posterior glottic stenosis and/or vocal cord fusion (without cricoarytenoid ankylosis) and 4 patients had transglottic stenosis and or/bilateral cricoarytenoid ankylosis (group D). The long-term voice outcome following PCTR as perceived by the parent or patient was normal in 18% (14 of 77 patients) and the remaining 63 patients demonstrated mild to severe dysphonia. Patients belonging to group A and B exhibited either normal voice or mild dysphonia. Patients in group C demonstrated dysphonia, which was moderate in severity in the majority (83%). All patients in group D with transglottic stenosis and/or CAA showed severe dysphonia.

Conclusion

Children with associated glottic involvement are at high risk for poor voice outcome following PCTR. The severity of dysphonia was found to be proportional to the preoperative glottic involvement. Preoperative rating of the extent of glottic involvement based on endoscopic image and dynamic assessment was found to be useful in prognosticating the voice outcome.     

Thin-plate spline analysis of craniofacial morphology in subjects with adenoid or tonsillar hypertrophy

Objective

To compare the skeletal features of subjects with adenoid hypertrophy with those of children with tonsillar hypertrophy using thin-plate spline (TPS) analysis.

Materials and methods

A group of 20 subjects (9 girls and 11 boys; mean age 8.4 ± 0.9 years) with adenoid hypertrophy (AG) was compared with a group of 20 subjects (10 girls and 10 boys; mean age 8.2 ± 1.1 years) with tonsillar hypertrophy (TG). Craniofacial morphology was analyzed on the lateral cephalograms of the subjects in both groups by means of TPS analysis. A cross-sectional comparison was performed on both size and shape differences between the two groups.

Results

AG exhibited statistically significant shape and size differences in craniofacial configuration with respect to TG. Subjects with adenoid hypertrophy showed an upward dislocation of the anterior region of the maxilla, a more downward/backward position of the anterior region of the mandibular body and an upward/backward displacement of the condylar region. Conversely, subjects with tonsillar hypertrophy showed a downward dislocation of the anterior region of the maxilla, a more upward/forward position of the anterior region of the mandibular body and a downward/forward displacement of the condylar region.

Conclusions

Subjects with adenoid hypertrophy exhibited features suggesting a more retrognathic mandible while subjects with tonsillar hypertrophy showed features suggesting a more prognathic mandible.     

Conscious sedation in pediatric speech endoscopy

Objective

Speech nasoendoscopy is one of the gold standards for evaluating velopharyngeal insufficiency. The vast majority of pediatric patients are able to tolerate this procedure within the clinic under local anesthetic. However, a select group of pediatric patients is unable to cooperate with the examination. Conscious sedation is commonly used in pediatrics to aid in patient tolerance and cooperating with selected procedures. Conscious sedation has never been reported in the literature for use in speech endoscopy. The purpose of this study is to describe a technique for performing sedated speech endoscopy and to review our experience with sedated speech endoscopy in a selected group of patients who were unable to cooperate with examination under local anesthesia alone.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of pediatric patients between the ages of 2 and 15 who underwent conscious sedation for the speech nasoendoscopy. All examinations were performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Sedation agent, tolerance of procedure, success of procedure, and complications associated with the procedure were recorded.

Results

Fifty-seven sedated speech endoscopies were evaluated. Adequate examinations were obtained in 93% of patients overall and 100% of the patients evaluated while sedated with nitrous oxide. Complication rates and post-endoscopy speech management are reported.

Conclusions

Sedated speech endoscopy is a promising modality for evaluating velopharyngeal insufficiency in the pediatric population that may not otherwise be able to cooperate with examination in the clinic.     

Somatoform disorders in vertiginous children and adolescents

Objective

To investigate the frequency and characteristics of psychiatric co morbidity in a group of vertiginous children.

Methods

A retrospective review of patient notes between years 2000 and 2006 in the ENT clinic of Helsinki University Hospital. Patients were identified from the clinic database, based on hospital discharge codes.

Results

119 children were examined because of vertigo. Nine vertiginous children had purely psychogenic vertigo. The main psychiatric diagnosis was depression. The prevalence of somatoform disorders was 2.5%. According to our study the main predictors of a psychogenic vertigo were constant or frequent vertigo usually with coexisting headaches, absence from school and problems with relationships at school or home.

Conclusion

Somatisation should always be kept in mind while dealing with vertiginous children. A thorough clinical work-up is needed to rule out potential illnesses, but as soon as the possibility of somatisation comes to mind, psychiatric consultation is recommended.     

Intended single-modality management of T1 and T2 tonsillar carcinomas: retrospective comparison of radical tonsillectomy vs radiation from a single institution

Background

T1 and T2 tonsillar squamous cell cancer with limited neck disease can be managed with single-modality radiation or surgery. Over 11 years, 17 patients underwent radical tonsillectomies; and 33 patients underwent radiation-based treatments for T1 and T2 and N0 to N2a tonsil cancer. Patients were intended to receive single-modality treatment based on presentation; however, some ultimately received adjuvant treatments.

Methods

A retrospective chart review to compare overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and locoregional control (LRC) between the groups was used.

Results

In surgical group, of 17 patients, 11 underwent surgery alone, 3 underwent surgery and radiation, and 3 underwent surgery with concurrent chemoradiation. Five-year OS for the surgical and radiation groups was 93% and 72%, respectively (no significance achieved). Five-year DSS rates (93% and 80%) and LRC (69% and 89%) similarly did not yield any significant difference.

Conclusion

Surgery remains a viable option in the management of T1 and T2 tonsillar cancers with comparable LRC, OS, and DSS.