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Summary: Rationale: In children with thick cortical bone, surgical exposure for cochlear implant fixation is difficult when using a minimal access technique. We report our experience in these children using the Mitek QuickAnchor® system. Methods: A retrospective review of all children undergoing cochlear implantation over a 12-month period was performed to identify those children in which a Mitek QuickAnchor® was used. Measurements of cortical bone thickness at the receiver-stimulator well site were obtained from pre-operative CT scans of temporal bones of all children. The application of the Mitek QuickAnchor® system was also reviewed. Results: Cochlear implant fixation using the Mitek QuickAnchor® system was performed in 14 children (mean age 12 years) during the study period. The mean cortical bone thickness was 5.6mm in patients receiving the Mitek QuickAnchor® system and 3.2mm in patients undergoing conventional fixation. The difference in cortical thickness was highly statistically significant. Successful secure fixation was obtained in all cases. Conclusions: The Mitek QuickAnchor® system provides an effective method of cochlear implant fixation when using a minimal access technique in children with thick cortical bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: First branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital head and neck lesions. Literature pertaining to classification, work up and surgical treatment of these lesions is limited and, in some instances, contradictory. The goal of this work is to provide refinement of the classification system of these lesions and to provide guidance for clinicians to aid in the comprehensive management of children with first branchial cleft anomalies., Materials and Methods: Delphi method survey of expert opinion under the direction of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) was conducted to generate recommendations for the definition and management of first branchial cleft anomalies. The recommendations are the result of expert consensus and critical review of the literature., Results: Consensus recommendations include evaluation and diagnostic considerations for children with first branchial cleft anomalies as well as recommendations for surgical management. The current Work classification system was reviewed, and modifications were made to it to provide a more cogent categorization of these lesions., Conclusion: The mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations based on review of the literature for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders. These consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care of children presenting with first branchial cleft anomalies. Here we present a revised classification system based on parotid gland involvement, with a focus on avoiding stratification based on germ layer, in addition to guidelines for management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Below we have listed any relevant disclosures or conflicts of interest among the authors of our manuscript, “Comprehensive management and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement.” Daniel Chelius, MD: Leadership role and stipend as AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Coordinator, 2021–2024. Steven Goudy, MD, MBA: Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Dr. Noze Best. Kris Jatana, MD, FACS, FAAP: Royalties (Marpac Inc.), Shareholder (Tivic Health Systems), Officer/Shareholder (Zotarix LLC, in collaboration with Grace Medical). For all remaining authors of this work, there are no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to report., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: Pediatric tonsillitis is encountered frequently across specialties, and while high quality guidelines exist, there is persistent evidence of care which is not evidence based, including antibiotic overprescribing and surgical practice variability. Quality indicators (QIs) can be utilized for initiatives to improve the quality of care and subsequent patient outcomes. We sought to develop pediatric tonsillitis QIs that are applicable across specialties and that cover aspects of both diagnosis and the spectrum of management options., Methods: A guideline-based approach to QI development was employed. Candidate indicators (CIs) were extracted from international guidelines deemed high quality by two reviewers and evaluated by an eleven-member expert panel consisting of otolaryngology - head & neck surgeons, a pediatrician and a family physician. The final QIs were selected utilizing a modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology., Results: Twenty-six CIs were identified after initial literature review. After the first round of evaluations, the panel agreed on thirteen candidate indicators as appropriate QIs. A subsequent expert panel meeting provided a platform to discuss areas of disagreement, discuss any recently published research, and to brainstorm additional CIs not identified from the guideline extraction. Following the second round of evaluations, the expert panel agreed upon sixteen QIs as appropriate measures of high-quality care., Conclusions: This study proposes sixteen QIs developed through a multidisciplinary lens to guide practitioners in the diagnosis and management of pediatric tonsillitis. These QIs can be used to improve transparency, accountability, and provide objective data to assist future quality improvement initiatives., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To develop consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) in pediatric patients., Methods: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. The consensus recommendations herein represent the first publication by the group., Results: Consensus recommendations including diagnostic considerations, surgical management, systemic adjuvant therapies, postoperative management, surveillance, and voice evaluation. These recommendations are based on the collective opinion of the IPOG members and are targeted for otolaryngologists, primary care providers, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and any other health care providers that manage patients with JORRP., Conclusions: Pediatric JORRP consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care and outcomes in this patient population., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) affects 2-3% of the general population and 5.1% of elite athletes. Symptoms arise during high-intensity exercise and resolve at rest. EILO is often misdiagnosed as exercise-induced asthma as both conditions can present with dyspnea, chest tightness and cough. The purpose of this quality initiative was to identify patient characteristics that predict a higher likelihood of EILO, streamline referrals for exercise-endoscopy testing and avoid unnecessary medications., Methods: A retrospective chart review included patients referred to a pediatric tertiary center between 2013 and 2018 for suspected EILO requesting exercise endoscopy. Data was collected from the patient chart and referral letters included age, sex, physical activity, medications, symptoms, and results of pulmonary and cardiac function tests., Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 35 patients (9 males and 26 females, aged 5-18 years) were referred. Only 18 patients developed symptoms during an exercise endoscopy test. The majority were female (15/18), older than 10 years (18/18) and were involved in competitive sports (16/18). Stridor was the most common complaint among all patients referred (24/35) and many reported anxiety and high stress (15/35). The majority (63%) were previously treated with asthma medication. Pulmonary and cardiac function testing was not predictive of EILO., Conclusion: EILO is typically present in adolescent females involved in competitive sports. Anxiety and high stress was commonly noted. The majority were treated with asthma medication even though pulmonary function testing was normal. Recognition of this patient profile should improve timely access to appropriate diagnostic assessments, avoid unnecessary medical treatment, and promote a return to optimal athletic performance., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Pulmonary aspiration is a common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care setting. Current bench and animal models of aspiration are based on the qualitative assessments. The purpose of the present study was to develop a porcine model for the real-time quantitative assessment of aspiration., Methods: Five sus scrofa piglets were anaesthetized and underwent placement of a pH probe through the endotracheal tube so that the distal tip of the probe resided at the carina. The pH probe was sutured to the posterior tracheal wall via an open approach and the position of the probe tip was verified by flexible endoscopy. 10 mL of acidic solution (pH = 2.7) was delivered through a catheter attached to the outside of the endotracheal tube so that the solution remained between the endotracheal tube and trachea proximal to the inflated endotracheal tube cuff. The pH probe was connected to a pH metre, a multifunctional data acquisition device with an analogue output signal measuring the voltage generated, and a computer for analysis. Leakage of fluid past the endotracheal tube cuff (aspiration) was therefore continuously assessed quantitatively by detecting voltage changes over a period of time., Results: The mean voltage of the tracheal mucosa at the beginning of the experiment (maximum voltage) was 916.6 mV ± 24.5 mV (range 891.0-945.7 mV). There was a slight drop in voltage at the end of the 2 h period to 840.8 ± 22.6 mV (range = 812.3-867.3 mV). After deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff, the mean voltage dropped to 497.3 mV ± 24.8 mV (range 435.7-567.1 mV) with a mean drop in voltage of 419.3 mV ± 32.6 mV (range 368.9-455.3 mV)., Conclusions: This porcine model allows for the continuous quantitative assessment of aspiration over time. Such a model may be of value for the evaluation of techniques for reducing aspiration., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Impacted cerumen in the ear canal is a common problem that can cause discomfort or prevent assessment. Cerumen removal can have deleterious side effects if performed improperly. We created an aural irrigation system which is currently not available on the market to provide a continuous flow of water at a regulated pressure and temperature. The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the safety and efficacy of this aural irrigation system in children and (2) determine the success rate of cerumen disimpaction when used by an allied health professional., Methods: The following were evaluated in a nurse-run clinic: (1) referral patterns; (2) extent of canal occlusion; (3) cerumen consistency; (4) peak water pressure used; (5) patient discomfort; (6) efficacy of removal. Each ear was recorded as a separate event., Results: 302 procedures were performed on 244 children (mean age 7.6 ± 4.1 years (range 0.5-18.3 years)). Patients were most commonly referred by an Otolaryngologist (63%), parent (17%), hearing aid provider (10%) or audiologist (9%). The most common reasons for referral were difficulty seeing the tympanic membrane (42%), fitting a hearing aid (20%) or performing an audiogram (11%). Prior to irrigation, 98% of canals were partially or fully occluded. After irrigation (mean peak pressure=488.21 ± 18.61 mm Hg (range 390-590 mm Hg), 92% of canals were completely free of cerumen (99% clear enough for evaluation or treatment). There was mild or no discomfort in 99% of patients and there were no incidences of trauma., Conclusions: An aural irrigation system can be effective at clearing impacted cerumen from pediatric ear canals with minimal discomfort and no trauma and can be successfully employed in a completely nurse-run clinic., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Otitis media with effusion (OME) in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is recurrent and persistent and presents a complex clinical problem for otolaryngologists. We sought to review the otological presentation of children with PCD treated medically and surgically and to compare audiological outcomes and complications of surgical and medical management in children with PCD and correlate these findings with known PCD ultrastructural ciliary phenotype., Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with PCD and OME presenting from 1991 to 2009. Patients were grouped into "medical management" and "ventilation tube (VT) insertion" groups to observe changes in hearing and post-operative complications., Results: Of 31 patients with PCD and OME, 20 received VTs and 11 were treated by medical management strategies. A median of one set of VTs (range 1-5) were inserted per patient. Hearing thresholds improved to normal (<25 dB HL) in 80% ears with VTs (mean improvement from 27.1 dB to 22.1 dB (p=0.034)), whereas patients managed medically had stable thresholds (22.7-23.6 dB (p=0.397) over the study period. At least one episode of post-operative otorrhea occurred in eight (42.1%) VT insertion patients during the study period, and four had multiple episodes. We could not demonstrate any differences in post-surgical outcomes between patient groups based on ultrastructural ciliary phenotype. Otorrhea was well controlled with medical therapy with only one requiring tube removal. Bilateral cholesteatoma was found in two patients., Conclusions: Our data support the use of VT insertion as an option for patients with PCD and OME with mild to moderate hearing loss. Patients should be counseled on the possibility of multiple insertions and the likelihood of post-operative otorrhea, although this was not very troublesome in our group. Ultrastructural ciliary phenotype did not appear to alter the likelihood of post-operative otorrhea in our series. Cholesteatoma should be considered as a potential cause of otorrhea in PCD., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Congenital bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVP) is a rare but serious condition often requiring a tracheostomy to temporize the airway. In cases of idiopathic BVP, studies suggest waiting twelve months prior to laryngeal surgery because of a high rate of spontaneous recovery. Therefore a less invasive and reversible intervention would be optimal. A prospective study in a piglet model was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a novel spring-loaded stenting device designed to maintain laryngeal patency in an in vivo animal model of BVP., Methods: Eight Yorkshire piglets had BVP induced by surgical division of the recurrent laryngeal nerves. Stents were endoscopically deployed between the arytenoid vocal processes. Animals were recovered and monitored for stridor, dietary intake, and weight gain. Animals were sacrificed after five days. Airway resistance using a calibrated manometer was measured at four time-points: baseline, BVP induction, stent insertion, and pre-sacrifice., Results: Six of eight animals survived greater than five days with an average weight gain of 1.9kg (p=0.003). Relative inspiratory resistance increased from baseline after inducing BVP (1.00 vs. 1.468, p=0.0315) and decreased to baseline levels with stent insertion (1.468 vs. 1.092, p=0.0238). Expiratory resistance was not significantly influenced by stage of measurement (p=0.236). Of the two animals not surviving the protocol, one had an unrelated anesthesia complication and the other a malpositioned stent., Conclusion: The novel stent was successful in relieving the inspiratory resistance associated with BVP, without compromising swallowing and daily function. This may hold promise in temporarily securing the pediatric airway in the setting of BVP., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: (1) To develop a practical animal model of endolaryngeal damage secondary to prolonged endotracheal intubation. (2) To demonstrate the contribution of chronic hypoxia to laryngeal injury in the context of this model., Methods: Four Sus scrofa piglets were anaesthetized and intubated for 24h. Two animals were maintained in a state of constant hypoxia (pO(2)<60 mmHg) while two others were ventilated with 100% oxygen. Prior to sacrifice, fluorescein dye was infused intravenously to highlight areas of hypoperfusion. The larynx and trachea were then harvested for gross and histological examination., Results: All four specimens demonstrated areas of edema, erythema, and ulceration on gross examination. Areas of significant histological inflammation, ulceration, and necrosis involved tube-mucosa contact, in particular, the arytenoids, the interarytenoid area, and the subglottis., Conclusions: This animal model represents a practical and novel means for the investigation and treatment of laryngeal injury secondary to prolonged endotracheal intubation. Significant injury to the endolarynx was evident after only 24h of intubation and the injury involved similar areas within the larynx as described in human studies. Although clinical experience suggests that chronic hypoxia is a risk factor for endolaryngeal injury, this model did not provide experimental evidence to support this observation, most likely due to the small study size.

Objective: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a skin disease characterized by abnormal susceptibility to human papilloma viruses. Recently four mutations in the Epidermodysplasia verruciformis 1 gene (EVER1, also known as TMC6) have been associated with the disease. Because of the phenotypic similarity between Epidermodysplasia verruciformis and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, we decided to investigate whether any of these mutations accounts for the susceptibility to human papilloma viruses in subjects with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP)., Methods: Allele-specific PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were employed for genotyping a cohort of 101 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis., Results: None of these four mutations were found in the studied subjects., Conclusion: The absence of these mutations in RRP patients might indicate that EVER 1 alleles are not associated with susceptibility to RRP, or that other, as yet unidentified, mutations in the Epidermodysplasia verruciformis 1 gene, might account for the susceptibility to RRP.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered tumor. A rare case of this malignant tumor arising in the mandible of a 14-year-old adolescent is presented. Symptoms, signs, and management approach are discussed. A literature review of similar previously described cases is discussed as well.