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Physician-patient interactions influence the immediate encounter and leave lasting impressions for future health care encounters. We aimed to understand patient experiences and decision-making for considering sleep surgery, in terms of barriers and communication behaviors that facilitate or hinder referral for consideration of sleep surgery management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has failed.We employed qualitative methods, using semistructured interviews of adults with OSA who presented for sleep surgery consultation after unsatisfactory therapy with CPAP. Open-ended questions traced symptoms and progression of sleep apnea burden, trials of noninvasive OSA therapies, outcomes, and patient expectations and concerns. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis to identify themes.Ten adult patients with OSA were enrolled March through April 2021 and reached predominant thematic saturation. Barriers to sleep surgery consultation included: (1) delays in OSA diagnosis due to limited OSA awareness among patients or primary providers and patients' perceived inconvenience of sleep testing, (2) patients faulted for slow progress, (3) patient-reported lack of urgency by providers in troubleshooting noninvasive management options, (4) scheduling delays and waitlists, and (5) cost. Patients were receptive to noninvasive treatment options, but inadequate improvement led to frustration after multiple encounters. Patients appreciated empathetic providers who shared information through transparent and understandable explanations and who presented multiple treatment options.Experiences of patients with OSA highlight the need for shared decision-making through improved communication of unresolved concerns and alternative management options, including timely referral for sleep surgery consultation when indicated.Ikeda AK, McShay C, Marsh R, et al. Barriers and communication behaviors impacting referral to sleep surgery: qualitative patient perspectives.

Endoscopic laryngeal cleft repair (ELCR) with endolaryngeal suturing is an advanced surgical skill. This study objective was to assess the validity of 3-dimensionally (3D) printed laryngeal suturing simulator for ELCR.Development and validation of a simulator for ELCR.An ELCR model was developed using 3D printed and readily available materials. Participants were surveyed before and after a simulation session using five-point Likert scale questions. Performance data was assessed using blinded expert video review and rated using a novel objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) for endoscopic laryngeal suturing.Twenty-one participants ranging from residents to attendings completed the simulation session. Survey respondents reported on a five-point Likert scale that the model was "easy to use" and "quite realistic" (both mean of 4). Confidence improved significantly in 86% of participants (p 0.01). Overall OSATS scores (out of a total of 55) showed a median improvement in technical skills of 11.7 points (p = 0.004). OSATS demonstrated good intra-rater (κ = 0.689 and 0.677) and moderate inter-rater (κ = 0.573) reliability. Completion times improved from the first to the last suture by a median time of 512 to 350 s (decrease of 202 s, p = 0.002). Participants with no prior ELCR experience improved more than those with in vivo experience.This study demonstrates the validity of a simulator utilizing 3D printed larynges for ELCR. A novel OSATS for endoscopic laryngeal suturing was successfully implemented. Confidence, technical skills, and completion times improved with the use of the model across a variety of participants. Laryngoscope, 2022.

There are several obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment options available to patients, including surgery and less invasive therapies. Little is known about the factors that influence patient preferences for treatment. We aimed to understand factors influencing patient experience and decision making for undergoing sleep surgery.Retrospective qualitative study.Tertiary sleep surgery clinic.We conducted semistructured interviews with adults who previously underwent any nasal and/or pharyngeal sleep surgery. We asked open-ended questions about their decision-making process within a preconceived thematic framework of chief OSA symptoms, expectations for recovery, and sources of information. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and content was analyzed for defined, emergent, and prevalent themes.Ten patients were interviewed from December 11, 2020 through January 29, 2021. Six patients underwent nasal surgery, 1 underwent pharyngeal surgery, and 3 underwent staged nasal and pharyngeal procedures. All patients were beyond the acute recovery phase. Reasons for pursuing surgical consultation varied from sleep apnea burden to external factors, such as recommendations from significant others. Duration of sleep surgery consideration varied from months to years. Major concerns about sleep surgery involved anesthesia and postoperative pain. External factors influencing patients' decisions to pursue sleep surgery included family and friend support. Postoperative outcomes of surgery included patient satisfaction with decision for surgery, given OSA improvements.Understanding patient factors that influence decision making for sleep surgery may guide clinicians in patient-centered counseling that engages patients in decision making, aligning with clinical symptoms and patient preferences.

Consultations for management of facial fractures in the emergency setting are not uncommon for the oral maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist, and/or plastic surgeon. This necessitates a knowledge foundation and working understanding of the evaluation, assessment, and timely management. Here, we will focus on the workup and management of LeFort fractures.

Purpose of review The management of patients with unilateral microtia and aural atresia is complex. Recent literature suggests significant strides in hearing habilitation and ear reconstruction. Recent findings Several options of hearing management are available and are associated with improved outcomes. Timelines for hearing habilitation and ear reconstruction vary by institution. We offer our timeline as a reference. Three dimensional (3D) printed models are increasingly used for training and reconstruction. Bioprinting is on the horizon, though safety and effectiveness studies are pending. Lastly, application of qualitative methods has provided a foundation on which to improve communication between physicians and patients and their families. Better understanding of the patient and family experiences will provide opportunities to target interventions to improve care. Summary Current developments include expanding options for hearing management, changing approaches to timing of atresiaplasty, utilization of 3D printed models, and focus on patient and family experience to improve reconstructive outcomes.

Background Endoscopic transsphenoidal adenomectomy (eTSA) is widely utilized for resection of pituitary adenoma. eTSA patients undergo healing for weeks to months and are potentially at risk for complications. Multidisciplinary follow-up monitoring is necessary. We hypothesized that patients with deviations from the routine postoperative course, broadly termed complications of interest (COI) in this study, following eTSA would increase the duration of follow-up in the rhinology clinic. Methods Retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing eTSA for pituitary adenoma from August 2007 to May 2016 at a single tertiary care center. COIs were reviewed for their influence on follow-up time. Results A total of 985 patient records were reviewed (mean age 51.0 ± 15.7 years, 55.2% female), of which, 21.1% of patients had a deviation from the expected postoperative course (7.0% rhinologic, 10.8% surgical, 0.6% perioperative medical, and 2.7% endocrinologic COIs). The most common COI was cerebrospinal fluid leak 5.6% (n = 55) followed by sinusitis 5.0% (n = 49). Moreover, 935 patients (94.9%) attended rhinology follow-up (172 patients with COI). For patients seen postoperatively by the rhinology service, COIs significantly increased the number of rhinologic follow-up visits (median 2 [interquartile range, IQR: 2–3] vs 3 visits [IQR: 2–4], P Conclusions Patients who develop postoperative complications after eTSA have significantly extended follow-up with the multidisciplinary team.

Objective Patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal adenomectomy (eTSA) for pituitary tumors are at risk for postoperative complications, including rhinosinusitis. We aimed to determine if preoperative sinonasal disease is a risk factor for postoperative rhinosinusitis (PRS). Study Design Retrospective review. Setting Tertiary academic center in U.S. Subjects and Methods Patients with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma who underwent eTSA between 2007-2016. PRS patients were matched to non-PRS patients or sex, age, tumor size, skull base reconstruction with intranasal tissue grafting, and concurrent septoplasty. Groups were statistically analyzed for potential preoperative risk factors of sinonasal disease (patient-reported, radiographic, endoscopic). Results 49 of 987 patients who underwent eTSA developed PRS (44.9% male, 71.4% Caucasian, mean age 49.3y). On analysis of individual risk factors, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with a history of prior sinonasal surgery in the PRS group than the non-PRS group (25.5% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.01); however, this group difference became insignificant on multivariate analysis. There were no significant group differences with regard to history of sinus infections, nasal symptoms, seasonal allergies, radiographic abnormalities, or sinonasal disease on endoscopy. Conclusion This is the first study to investigate preoperative sinonasal disease as a risk factor for PRS after eTSA. The risk factors considered did not demonstrate definitive risk for PRS, although a history of prior sinonasal surgery should be investigated further.

Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process in which patients, families, and clinicians develop a mutually agreed upon treatment plan when more than one reasonable treatment option exists. This cooperative engagement fosters improvements in patient satisfaction, disease management, and outcomes and also has the capacity to promote evidence-based care. Thus, this seventh installment of our Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology series focuses on SDM. We introduce SDM, including its potential to reduce decisional conflict and decisional regret, when it should be used, its potential benefits, barriers to implementation, and its role in the management of chronic disease and otolaryngological conditions.

Objectives To investigate the potential association of macrolide antibiotics with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and which agents and dosage may be related. To evaluate whether an optimal treatment exists for reversing SNHL that occurs after macrolide therapy. Study Design Systematic review of the literature. Methods Computerized (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and manual searches were performed to identify human studies of all ages (patients) who received macrolides (intervention, with or without control) and documented SNHL (outcome). All study designs were assessed. Extracted data included macrolide regimen details, as well as the timing, severity, and reversibility of SNHL with drug cessation alone or with additional medical intervention. Study designs and the associated risk of bias were assessed. Results The 44 publications (3 prospective, 41 retrospective) that met these criteria described 78 cases of audiometrically confirmed SNHL. SNHL was associated with oral and intravenous macrolide administration at standard and elevated doses. SNHL was irreversible in six cases, despite macrolide cessation (n = 5) and oral steroid treatment (n = 1). Irreversible SNHL was observed following 2 to 3 days of exposure. SNHL was reversible with macrolide cessation alone in 70 cases. In two cases, macrolide cessation coupled with oral steroid administration restored hearing. Reversible cases improved within hours to days. Nine studies also described 42 cases of subjective patient-reported hearing loss. Limitations in the data arose from study design, related comorbidities, and concomitant drug administration. Conclusion SNHL may follow macrolide exposure, even at standard oral doses. Further research is needed to understand the incidence, prevalence, and biological mechanism of its ototoxicity. Laryngoscope, 128:228–236, 2018

Objectives Our objectives were (1) to assess patterns of intranasal steroid administration when otitis media with effusion (OME) has been diagnosed in children, (2) to investigate whether usage varies according to visit setting, and (3) to determine if practice gaps are such that quality improvement could be tracked. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of an administrative database. Subjects and Methods National Ambulatory and Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, 2005 to 2012; univariate, multivariate, and stratified analyses of intranasal steroid usage were performed. The primary outcome was intranasal steroid administration, and the primary predictor was a diagnosis of OME. The impact of location of service was also analyzed. Results Data representing 1,943,177,903 visits demonstrated that intranasal steroids were administered in 10.0% of visits in which OME was diagnosed, in comparison to 3.5% of visits in which OME was not diagnosed (univariate odds ratio, 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85-5.08; P.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other confounding conditions, multivariate analysis demonstrated that OME remained associated with an increase in intranasal steroid usage (odds ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.60-8.01; P = .002). This practice pattern was more prevalent in the ambulatory office setting (risk difference 6.6%, P.001) and less seen in a hospital-based office or emergency department. Conclusion Despite randomized controlled trials showing a lack of efficacy for isolated OME, nasal steroids continue to be used in treating children with OME in the United States. Related quality improvement opportunities to prevent usage of an ineffective treatment exist.

Plasmodium infection depletes arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Increased conversion of arginine to ornithine by parasites or host arginase is a proposed mechanism of arginine depletion. We used high-performance liquid chromatography to measure plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline levels in Malawian children with cerebral malaria and in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA with or without the arginase gene. Heavy isotope-labeled tracers measured by quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to quantify the in vivo rate of appearance and interconversion of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline in infected mice. Children with cerebral malaria and P. berghei-infected mice demonstrated depletion of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline. Knock out of Plasmodium arginase did not alter arginine depletion in infected mice. Metabolic tracer analysis demonstrated that plasma arginase flux was unchanged by P. berghei infection. Instead, infected mice exhibited decreased rates of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline appearance and decreased conversion of plasma citrulline to arginine. Notably, plasma arginine use by nitric oxide synthase was decreased in infected mice. Simultaneous arginine and ornithine depletion in malaria parasite-infected children cannot be fully explained by plasma arginase activity. Our mouse model studies suggest that plasma arginine depletion is driven primarily by a decreased rate of appearance.

To compare surgical outcomes between 2 techniques for cribriform cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) repair with middle turbinate preservation (MTP) vs middle turbinate resection (MTR). A secondary outcome is to examine the effectiveness of collagen dura matrix (CDM) as a grafting material for repair of isolated cribriform skull base defects.A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent cribriform CSF repair at Emory University over the past 15 years.Tertiary care rhinology practice.Adult patients with cribriform defects limited to the cribriform plate that did not extend lateral to the middle turbinate (MT) and were reconstructed with a free graft (mucosal or synthetic).Patients were stratified into 2 primary groups by surgical technique: MTP vs MTR. A subset of patients underwent repair with CDM alone and was analyzed separately for CSF repair failure rate.Of 68 patients identified with cribriform defects, 42 underwent repair with MTP and 26 underwent repair with MTR. Average follow-up time was 495 days. Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were also equally distributed (We present an effective method for repair of cribriform CSF leaks while preserving the MT. CDM can be successfully used as a free graft alone for repair of isolated cribriform CSF leaks.

Introduction Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are offered many treatment options spanning the spectrum of lifestyle modification, device therapy, and surgery. Sleep surgery, while often effective, results in moderate morbidity and has variable effectiveness on OSA improvement. Little is known about what patients consider when choosing treatment. We aim to identify factors that influenced the decision for sleep surgery among adults with OSA. Methods We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with patients (≥18 years) with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥5 events per hour of sleep) who underwent sleep surgery at a tertiary academic center, querying patients about factors in their decision for OSA treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content. We anticipate enrolling 10–18 total participants based on previously reported sample size in specialty groups for thematic saturation in specialty groups (ie, when no new concepts or factors emerge from interviews). Here we report pilot qualitative analysis results. Results Of nine eligible patients, eight enrolled (mean +/- standard deviation age 45.8 +/- 13.4 years, 2 female/6 males). Four patients underwent nasal surgery only, two patients underwent staged procedures, one underwent pharyngeal surgery only, and the last underwent nasal surgery with tori removal. Patients reported decision making duration of days to years for scheduling surgery. Reasons for pursuing sleep surgery included fatigue, quality of life, work performance, and safety. Overarching thematic domains related to decision for surgery were (1) major concerns, (2) external factors influencing decision, and (3) retrospective satisfaction/regret with decision. Major concerns involved factors beyond surgeon’s control, such as anesthesia and postoperative pain management, not surgery itself. Family and friends were reported to be highly influential in the process, both in favor and against surgery. Social media features and celebrity patients with OSA heightened awareness of sleep surgery and set preconceived expectations. Patients were mostly satisfied with outcomes, despite unanticipated acute recovery challenges. Conclusion This pilot qualitative analysis identifies factors influencing patients’ OSA treatment decisions. Understanding patients’ major concerns and sources of information may help to guide physician counseling, set realistic expectations, offer peri-operative support, and better engage parents in shared decision-making for sleep surgery. Support (if any) None.

Background Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed for many reasons, most commonly for chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical treatment. A paradoxical middle turbinate is an anatomic variant that can hinder endoscopic access to the sinuses. No publication has addressed how to surgically treat a paradoxical middle turbinate. Method We present a basic endoscopic surgical approach to conservatively resect a paradoxical middle turbinate in order to improve access to the middle meatus and the sinuses while preserving support and function. Conclusion Conservative remodeling of the paradoxical middle turbinate can provide access to the sinuses while maintaining a significant portion of the middle turbinate.

In our previous installment, we introduced shared decision making (SDM) as a collaborative process in which patients, families, and clinicians develop a mutually optimized treatment plan when more than 1 reasonable treatment option exists. In this subsequent installment of our Evidence-Based Medicine in Otolaryngology Series, we expand on the topic of SDM, including the related current state of clinical decision making, the impact of SDM on health care utilization and patient satisfaction, the potential role of system and society changes, the experience with SDM as it relates to race and ethnicity, existing financial incentives, and the validated instruments that assess the extent to which SDM occurs.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is being increasingly utilized in the setting of moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While moderate-severe OSA confers excess cardiovascular risk, the impact of HGNS on cardiovascular requires further investigation. With the advent of peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), one can non-invasively study real-time changes to the autonomic nervous system. This study evaluates the effect of HGNS therapy on autonomic output, using PAT-integrated polysomnography. Subjects included adult patients undergoing 2-month post-operative HGNS titration studies with PAT-integrated polysomnography. Apneic and hypopneic events with arousal during stage 2 sleep were identified at increasing levels of stimulation. With each event, PAT signal attenuations were recorded, processed, and analyzed. Nine subjects were enrolled, and eight met inclusion criteria (mean age 67.8 ± 12.4 years; 50% female). The PAT signal did not significantly change before and during stimulation (mean pre-stimulation 43.4 ± 1.7, mean intra-stimulation 41.1 ± 22.5, p = 0.53) in any patient. The ratio of the PAT signal maximum and minimum amplitudes during sleep breathing events largely demonstrated very weak correlation (R2 =

To investigate the potential association of macrolide antibiotics with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and which agents and dosage may be related. To evaluate whether an optimal treatment exists for reversing SNHL that occurs after macrolide therapy.Systematic review of the literature.Computerized (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and manual searches were performed to identify human studies of all ages (patients) who received macrolides (intervention, with or without control) and documented SNHL (outcome). All study designs were assessed. Extracted data included macrolide regimen details, as well as the timing, severity, and reversibility of SNHL with drug cessation alone or with additional medical intervention. Study designs and the associated risk of bias were assessed.The 44 publications (3 prospective, 41 retrospective) that met these criteria described 78 cases of audiometrically confirmed SNHL. SNHL was associated with oral and intravenous macrolide administration at standard and elevated doses. SNHL was irreversible in six cases, despite macrolide cessation (n = 5) and oral steroid treatment (n = 1). Irreversible SNHL was observed following 2 to 3 days of exposure. SNHL was reversible with macrolide cessation alone in 70 cases. In two cases, macrolide cessation coupled with oral steroid administration restored hearing. Reversible cases improved within hours to days. Nine studies also described 42 cases of subjective patient-reported hearing loss. Limitations in the data arose from study design, related comorbidities, and concomitant drug administration.SNHL may follow macrolide exposure, even at standard oral doses. Further research is needed to understand the incidence, prevalence, and biological mechanism of its ototoxicity. Laryngoscope, 128:228-236, 2018.

Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) signaling may contribute to pathological activation of the vascular endothelium during severe malaria infection. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) regulates endothelial NO synthesis by maintaining homeostasis between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and arginine, the NOS substrate. We carried out a community-based case-control study of Gambian children to determine whether ADMA and arginine homeostasis is disrupted during severe or uncomplicated malaria infections. Circulating plasma levels of ADMA and arginine were determined at initial presentation and 28 days later. Plasma ADMA/arginine ratios were elevated in children with acute severe malaria compared to 28-day follow-up values and compared to children with uncomplicated malaria or healthy children (p, Author Summary During a malaria infection, the vascular endothelium becomes more adhesive, permeable, and prone to trigger blood clotting. These changes help the parasite adhere to blood vessels, but endanger the host by obstructing blood flow through small vessels. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) would normally counteract these pathological changes, but NO signalling is diminished malaria. NO synthesis is inhibited by asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a methylated derivative of arginine that is released during normal protein turnover. We found the ratio of ADMA to arginine to be elevated in Gambian children with severe malaria, a metabolic disturbance known to inhibit NO synthesis. ADMA was associated with markers of endothelial activation and impaired tissue perfusion. In parallel experiments using mice, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing ADMA, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), was inactivated after infection with a rodent malaria. Based on these studies, we propose that decreased metabolism of ADMA by DDAH might contribute to the elevated ADMA/arginine ratio observed during an acute episode of malaria. Strategies to preserve or increase DDAH activity might improve NO synthesis and help to prevent the vascular manifestations of severe malaria.

Continuous infrared imaging revealed transient changes in forearm temperature during arterial occlusion, reperfusion, and recovery in a healthy subject group. Processing the imaging data with the k-means algorithm further revealed reactive vascular sites in the skin with rapid or delayed temperature amplification. The observed temporal and spatial diversity of blood-flow-derived forearm temperature allow consideration of thermal-imaging guided placement of skin sensors to achieve enhanced sensitivity in monitoring of skin hemodynamics.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and episodic vaso-occlusive pain crises. Vaso-occlusion occurs when deoxygenated hemoglobin S polymerizes and erythrocytes sickle and adhere in the microvasculature, a process dependent on the concentration of hemoglobin S and the rate of deoxygenation, among other factors. We measured oxygen consumption in the thenar eminence during brachial artery occlusion in sickle cell patients and healthy individuals. Microvascular oxygen consumption was greater in sickle cell patients than in healthy individuals (median [interquartile range]; sickle cell: 0.91 [0.75-1.07] vs healthy: 0.75 [0.62-0.94] -ΔHbO2/min, P < .05) and was elevated further during acute pain crisis (crisis: 1.10 [0.78-1.30] vs recovered: 0.88 [0.76-1.03] -ΔHbO2/min, P < .05). Increased microvascular oxygen consumption during pain crisis could affect the local oxygen saturation of hemoglobin when oxygen delivery is limiting. Identifying the mechanisms of elevated oxygen consumption during pain crisis might lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01568710.

Abstract 1080 Background: The pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) involves vascular complications such as stroke and pulmonary hypertension. Elevated pulmonary artery pressure estimated by cardiac ultrasound or measured by invasive right heart catheterization is associated with early mortality among patients with SCD. Peripheral vascular dysfunction has also been observed in SCD and may be easier to assess than pulmonary vascular resistance and therefore more suitable for epidemiologic or interventional studies of SCD. Three previous studies found no difference in the maximal blood flow (or percentage increase) stimulated by occlusion and reperfusion of the brachial artery, a conduit vessel, when measured by Doppler ultrasound at periodic intervals. However, a study using continuous laser Doppler measurements of cutaneous microvascular blood flow found that patients with SCD had prolonged time to maximal blood flow and prolonged time to return to baseline compared to healthy controls. In our study, we used two-dimensional laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) to assess the cutaneous microvascular blood flow response in adults with SCD after five minutes of brachial artery occlusion. Methods: Nine subjects with sickle cell disease were enrolled and compared against nine healthy African-American control subjects matched for age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index. Cutaneous blood flow was directly measured using LCSI at baseline, during and after a standard brachial artery occlusion-reperfusion maneuver (inflation of an occlusive pneumatic cuff for five minutes). This stimulates a transient increase in blood flow to levels above baseline during the reperfusion phase. Blood flow data were averaged over a defined region of interest on the medial aspect of the forearm. Microvascular blood flow responsiveness was calculated as the time to maximum (time elapsed from 50% of maximum to maximum blood flow) and the time to return to baseline (time elapsed from maximum to 50% of maximum blood flow). We performed measurements on each individual on two separate days, and compared the microvascular blood flow responses between the groups using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Results: We enrolled nine patients with sickle cell disease (age 35 ± 8.8, BMI 23 ± 3.9, 3 men/6 women) and nine healthy controls (age 35 ± 10.7 years, BMI 25 ± 3.2, 3 men/6 women). Baseline microvascular blood flow measured in arbitrary units (AU) was greater in patients with sickle cell disease compared to healthy controls (53.1 ± 9.2 AU vs 37.2 ± 4.4 AU, p < 0.0001) but maximal microvascular blood flow was similar (121.3 ± 29.3 AU vs 124.7 ± 26.6 AU, p = 0.58). Analysis of the time from half-maximum to maximum blood flow revealed that patients with sickle cell disease take longer to reach maximum blood flow (19.1 ± 11.6 s vs 11.8 ± 1.0 s, p = 0.03) and longer to decrease from maximum to half-maximum blood flow during the recovery period (43.5 ± 13.0 s vs 28.6 ± 10.4 s, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Compared to healthy individuals, patients with SCD have greater baseline microvascular blood flow but similar maximal blood flow during reperfusion. However, patients with SCD differ significantly from healthy control subjects in the time required to reach maximal blood flow and the time required to return to baseline, both of which are prolonged in patients with SCD. This may reflect delayed or impaired endothelial responses to shear stress and/or greater viscosity of blood. Time to maximal blood flow might represent a useful physiological biomarker as a proxy for clinical severity of sickle cell anemia, and a potential surrogate marker in early phase clinical trials. This technique merits additional characterization and validation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.