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Because of the lack of population-based analyses, this study elucidated the epidemiology and 30-day postoperative complications of inpatient adult tonsillectomies in Taiwan.Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified all inpatient adult tonsillectomies (age20years) in Taiwan during 1997-2012 through International Codes of Diseases, 9th Revision. Trend of the inpatient tonsillectomy in adult during the study period was explored. Major complications of readmission, reoperation, and mortality within 30days after tonsillectomies were identified. Factors associated with major complications were analyzed using multivariate logistic model.In total, 27,365 adults received inpatient tonsillectomies (mean age, 38.4±13.0years; 57.2% male). The overall incidence was 10.2 per 100,000 population per year among adults. Incidence rates increased from 1997 (8.2/100,000 adults) to 2012 (11.2/100,000 adults) (P trend0.001). The rate of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, reoperation for bleeding, and mortality were 4.9%, 2.2%, 1%, and 0.1%, respectively. Young age increased the risk of bleeding-related readmission and reoperation, whereas old age increased the risk of readmission for any reason and mortality. Male gender increased the risk of all major complications. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of bleeding-related readmission (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-2.92) and reoperation (OR=2.17; 95% CI 1.44-3.27). Existing catastrophic illness increased the risk of readmission (OR=4.28; 95% CI 3.60-5.08) for any reason and mortality (OR=3.24; 95% CI 1.37-7.65). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids were associated with an increased risk of readmission or reoperation for bleeding.Incidence rates of inpatient adult tonsillectomy increased during 1997-2012 in Taiwan. Age, gender, comorbidity, and drug administration characteristics were associated with major complications of adult tonsillectomies in this cohort.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome. METHODS: Two authors independently searched databases, namely PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Review database. The keywords used were “Down syndrome,” “Trisomy 21,” “OSA,” “sleep apnea syndromes,” “polysomnography” and “polygraphy.” The prevalence of OSA based on apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 1, 1.5, 2, 5, and 10 event/h was estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted for children in different countries, sample size, study year, and risk of bias. Finally, the prevalence of OSA was compared between two types of sleep studies (polysomnography versus polygraphy). RESULTS: A total of 18 studies (1,200 children) were included (mean age: 7.7 years; 56% boys; mean sample size: 67 patients). Five studies had low risk of bias, and nine and four studies had moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. The OSA was evaluated through polygraphy in 2 studies, and polysomnography in 16 studies. For children who underwent polysomnography, the prevalences of OSA based on AHI > 1, 1.5, 2, 5, and 10 events/h were 69%, 76%, 75%, 50%, and 34%, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant difference among all subgroups. Meta-regression showed that AHI > 5 events/h was inversely correlated with age (P < .001). Moreover, the prevalence of OSA based on AHI > 1.5 events/h was lower in polygraphy compared with polysomnography (59% versus 76%, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: OSA is highly prevalent in children with Down syndrome. Prevalence of moderate to severe OSA is higher in younger age. CITATION: Lee CF, Lee CH, Hsueh WY, Lin MT, Kang KT. Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome: a meta-analysis. J Clin Sleep Med. 2018;14(5):867–875.

A 30-year-old motorcyclist was referred to our emergency department after he struck his neck on a rope at night. Apart from mild dyspnea and hoarseness, his vital signs were stable. There was a 7-cm shallow laceration across the lower neck with erythematous welt (Fig. 1A). Subcutaneous emphysema from the lower neck to the upper chest wall with palpable crepitus was also found. Fiberoptic laryngoscope revealed bilateral vocal folds palsy with intact endolaryngeal structures. Plain radiographs of chest and neck revealed subcutaneous emphysema mainly at the left lower neck without pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax. Language: en