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To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of data to determine the rates of repeat surgery and supraglottic stenosis in unilateral versus bilateral supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia.PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase.Databases were searched through January 30, 2018. Studies with unilateral or bilateral supraglottoplasty techniques for laryngomalacia were included. The need for repeat (revision or completion) surgery and rates of supraglottic stenosis were primary outcomes. Data were substratified and a meta-analysis performed.A total of 251 articles were reviewed, and 20 articles met inclusion criteria (1186 patients: 663 bilateral, 523 unilateral). Regarding the need to return to surgery, the rate of revision for bilateral surgery was 4.1%, compared to the revision and combined revision/completion rates for unilateral surgery which respectively were 1.1% (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% CI 0.11-0.67;Unilateral supraglottoplasty has a significantly higher rate of repeat surgery, mainly attributed to contralateral surgery, when compared with bilateral supraglottoplasty. There is a small but statistically significant risk of supraglottic stenosis in bilateral procedures. The benefit of a unilateral procedure should be weighed against the cost of subjecting patients to a 4-fold increased risk of repeat surgery.

First branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital defects of the head and neck. This case report presents a 12-year-old patient with a draining cutaneous pit approximately 1-cm anterior and 5-mm inferior to the right angle of the mandible. Imaging revealed a fistula between the cutaneous pit and Eustachian tube. Further characterization with methylene blue injection into the cutaneous pit resulted in spillage through the right Eustachian tube. Surgical excision of the fistula revealed a cylindrical structure comprised of ectodermal and mesodermal features that most likely represented a Work Type 2 first branchial cleft fistula. Keywords: First branchial cleft, Branchial cleft fistula, Branchial cleft, Work Type 2, Eustachian tube

To systematically review the literature on anti-inflammatory medications for treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and perform meta-analysis of the available data.PubMed/MEDLINE and 4 additional databases.Three authors independently and systematically searched through June 28, 2018, for studies that assessed anti-inflammatory therapy for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data were compiled and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Centre).After screening 135 studies, 32 were selected for review with 6 meeting inclusion criteria. In total, 668 patients aged 2 to 5 years met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Of these, 5 studies (166 children) that evaluated montelukast alone as treatment for pediatric OSA found a 55% improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (mean [SD] 6.2 [3.1] events/h pretreatment and 2.8 [2.7] events/h posttreatment; mean difference [MD] of -2.7 events/h; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.6 to 0.3) with improvement in lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) from 89.5 (6.9) to 92.1 (3.6) (MD, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.5-4.0). Two studies (502 children) observing the effects of montelukast with intranasal corticosteroids on pediatric OSA found a 70% improvement in AHI (4.7 [2.1] events/h pretreatment and 1.4 [1.0] events/h posttreatment; MD of -4.2 events/h; 95% CI, -6.3 to -2.0), with an improvement in LSAT from 87.8 (3.1) to 92.6 (2.2) (MD, 4.8; 95% CI, 4.5-5.1).Treatment with montelukast and intranasal steroids or montelukast alone is potentially beneficial for short-term management of mild pediatric OSA.

Objective To introduce a novel intubation technique for difficult pediatric airways. Methods This two-provider technique requires a direct laryngoscope and a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope. One provider performs direct laryngoscopy which allows for introduction of the flexible laryngoscope. The second provider inserts the flexible laryngoscope with the endotracheal tube loaded, through the oropharynx in to the subglottis. Results We report three pediatric patients that were initially unable to be intubated by conventional methods. We were ultimately able to successfully intubate these patients with difficult airways using our novel technique. Conclusions We found that this technique of direct laryngoscopy assisted flexible fiberoptic intubation is a useful adjunct in select pediatric difficult airway patients.

Introduction The diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts can be controversial and varies across centers and surgeons. Using existing peer-reviewed literature to develop an expert-based consensus will help guide physicians in the treatment of these patients as well as develop research hypotheses to further study this condition. Objective To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts. Methods Determination of current expert- and literature-based recommendations, via a survey of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, using a modified Delphi method. Setting Multinational, multi-institutional, tertiary pediatric hospitals. Results Consensus recommendations include diagnostic workup, medical management, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative considerations for type I laryngeal clefts. Conclusions This guide on the diagnosis and management of patients with type I laryngeal clefts is aimed at improving patient care and promoting future hypothesis generation and research to validate the recommendations made here.

To determine the successful decannulation rate with a published pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocol.Case series with chart review.A single tertiary care institution.A chart review was performed for patients aged ≤5 years who underwent tracheostomy. Extracted data included demographic data, indication for tracheostomy, age at tracheostomy and decannulation, comorbidities, and surgical complications. Records were searched for documentation of early decannulation failure (within 1 month of decannulation) or late failure (within 1 year).Forty patients with a tracheostomy aged ≤5 years underwent attempted decannulation during the 11-year study period. Seventeen patients were excluded from the study for documentation of nonprotocol decannulation. The final study population of 23 patients underwent a total of 27 decannulations, 26 of which were performed by protocol. Of the 26 protocol decannulations, 22 were successful, for a failure rate of 15%.Twenty-six protocol decannulations were attempted among 23 patients, 4 of which were unsuccessful for an overall failure rate of 15%. This result is consistent with rates reported in other published decannulation protocols. We believe that our protocol minimizes resource utilization in its use of pulse oximetry over polysomnography, while maximizing patient safety and success through the use of capping trials for very young and very small pediatric patients.

Objective To provide recommendations for the comprehensive management of young infants who present with signs or symptoms concerning for laryngomalacia. Methods Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). Results Consensus recommendations include initial care and triage recommendations for health care providers who commonly evaluate young infants with noisy breathing. The consensus statement also provides comprehensive care recommendations for otolaryngologists who manage young infants with laryngomalacia including: evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in laryngomalacia, initial work-up of infants presenting with inspiratory stridor, treatment recommendations based on disease severity, management of the infant with feeding difficulties, post-surgical treatment management recommendations, and suggestions for acid suppression therapy. Conclusion Laryngomalacia care consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in infants with laryngomalacia.

OBJECTIVE Demonstrate that an endoscopic keyhole approach to the middle cranial fossa is technically feasible for repair of semicircular canal dehiscence. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric technical feasibility/methods development study. SETTING Tertiary care military medical center. PATIENTS Three fresh cadaveric heads (six sides). INTERVENTION(S) Endoscopic minimally invasive approach to the middle cranial fossa using the Medtronic Fusion Guidance system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ability to identify the surgical landmarks of the middle cranial fossa and successfully identify and instrument the superior semicircular canal. RESULTS In every attempt, the arcuate eminence was successfully identified under endoscopic visualization and with the assistance of surgical navigation. The superior semicircular canal was unroofed, and its location confirmed visually and with the navigation system. The opened canal was then plugged with bone wax, bone pate, and covered with fascia. The 15-mm burr hole craniotomy provided ample room for one working instrument and a 4-mm 0-degree endoscope. CONCLUSION The endoscopic keyhole approach to superior semicircular canal dehiscence is technically feasible in a human cadaveric model. Further studies will determine 1) if this approach is possible and safe in vivo, 2) is associated with improved surgical outcomes, and 3) if surgical navigation aids in this approach.

Objectives: To share the diagnostic and management challenges created by an extremely rare airway lesion—the subglottic ectopic thymic cyst. Study Design: Case report and literature review. Methods: We review the presentation, management, and clinical course of an infant who presented with a subglottic mass that was histologically confirmed as a thymic cyst. A brief literature review supplements the case presentation Results: We present the third described case of an ectopic thymic cyst presenting as a subglottic mass. The differential diagnosis of subglottic masses in neonates consists primarily of subglottic hemangioma and mucous retention cysts. Otolaryngologists must be prepared for unexpected findings when dealing with critical airways. We compare the presentation and management of our patient with the 2 previously described cases. We propose an embryologic theory for the origin of these rare lesions. Conclusions: An ectopic thymic cyst is a rare and unexpected cause of neonatal stridor. Management of pediatric airway lesions must allow for unexpected findings at the time of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. The appropriate management of subglottic thymic cysts is poorly defined, but close surveillance for recurrence is mandatory.

Dystrophic calcification, the ectopic deposition of calcium in previously damaged or inflamed tissues, is an uncommon finding in the head and neck. Only a few cases have been reported in the parotidomasseteric region, and all of them have been located within and adjacent to the masseter. We present a case of dystrophic calcification occurring entirely within the parotid gland in a 7-year-old girl without apparent inciting inflammation, infection, or trauma. Our patient's presentation highlights the diagnostic challenge associated with parotid masses in the pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of dystrophic calcification occurring entirely within the parotid gland in a child.

Objective To provide recommendations for the workup of hearing loss in the pediatric patient. Methods Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group. Results Consensus recommendations include initial screening and diagnosis as well as the workup of sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss in children. The consensus statement discusses the role of genetic testing and imaging and provides algorithms to guide the workup of children with hearing loss. Conclusion The workup of children with hearing loss can be guided by the recommendations provided herein.

Introduction: Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric problem that can have a delayed presentation, as presented herein. Case Report: We present the case of a 15-year-old female who developed bronchial compression and an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to a longstanding esophageal foreign body. Discussion: There are several challenges in diagnosis and management of this unusual situation. We review the literature regarding prolonged retention of foreign bodies and the challenges in diagnosis in the developmentally disabled child. Conclusion: Providers must have a high suspicion for foreign bodies in the case of unusual symptoms present in children with neurodevelopmental delays.

Objectives/Hypothesis The use of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes (FFLs) is ubiquitous in otolaryngology practices. As with any medical device, there exists a small risk for transmission of pathogenic microorganisms between patients, necessitating high-level decontamination between uses. Most of the literature to date has studied channeled scopes such as those used in esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A recent study of nonchanneled flexible laryngoscopes suggested that current high-level decontamination practices in use at some institutions, including ours, may be overly aggressive. We sought to evaluate and compare the efficacy of varying techniques of high-level disinfection of FFLs. Study Design FFLs were used in routine clinical encounters and then disinfected with a variety of techniques. The FFLs were then cultured for bacteria and fungi, and the rates of positive cultures were compared between the techniques and the controls. Methods In this study, we took FFLs following use in routine clinical practice and disinfected them using one of eight decontamination protocols. We compared the bacterial and fungal culture results to positive and negative controls. Results We demonstrated that each of the eight cleaning protocols was statistically efficacious at removing bacterial contamination. Our results for fungal cultures did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Using in vitro inoculation of FFLs, this study demonstrated that quicker and more cost-effective practices are equally efficacious to more time-consuming and expensive techniques with regard to bacterial contamination of FFLs. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 124:2498–2501, 2014

Importance Several studies have documented the prevalence and treatment of orbital complications secondary to pediatric rhinosinusitis, but to our knowledge, none have investigated the national health care burden of this disease since the introduction of the heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV-7). Objective To identify the current public health burden of orbital complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis, and to determine if the introduction of the PCV-7 has resulted in a change in national practice patterns. Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based study using the 2000 and 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Databases to gather data on a sample of all pediatric discharges in the United States during the years 2000 and 2009. Children diagnosed as having orbital complications of sinusitis were identified by corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Database analyses generated national estimates of summary statistics and comparison of trends over the 9-year period. Interventions Database analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures National health care trends according to year. End points assessed included prevalence, age, sex, length of hospital stay, and treatment of disease. Results The estimated prevalence of orbital complications of sinusitis requiring hospitalization in the United States has slightly decreased from 5338 (95% CI, 4956-5720) admissions in 2000 to 4511 (95% CI, 4165-4858) in 2009. However, the mean age has increased from 4.77 (95% CI, 4.56-4.97) years to 6.07 (95% CI, 5.87-6.26) years. The proportion of children undergoing surgical treatment increased from 0.108 (95% CI, 0.093-0.123) to 0.195 (95% CI, 0.176-0.213). Total charges increased from $4 140 000 (95% CI, $3 440 000-$4 830 000) to $10 000 000 (95% CI, $8 480 000-$11 600 000) with a mean charge per admission increasing from $8390 (95% CI, $7096-$9685) in 2000 to $22 656 (95% CI, $19 997-$25 314) in 2009. The mean length of stay remained stable at 3.67 (95% CI, 3.37-3.97) to 4.05 (95% CI, 3.81-4.29) hospital days. Conclusions and Relevance The public health impact of orbital complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis continues to be substantial. Since the institution of the PCV-7 vaccine, national trends demonstrate a slightly decreased prevalence of hospital admissions. However, there is a shifting trend toward an older age at admission and a higher proportion of children undergoing surgical treatment.

Importance Sleep-associated upper-airway obstruction in children is a significant cause of morbidity. Development of a simple, standardized, quantitative technique to assess anatomic causes of sleep-related breathing disorder is important for surgical planning, clinical communication, and research. Objective To design, implement, and evaluate a scoring system to quantify airway obstruction in pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Design, Setting, and Participants This study was a retrospective case series conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital. The patients were children with sleep-related breathing disorder who underwent polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Interventions Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy was performed. Endoscopic examinations were recorded on video and assessed by 4 independent raters based on a scoring template. Main Outcomes and Measures Five locations in the upper aerodigestive tract (adenoid, velum, lateral pharyngeal wall, tongue base, and supraglottis) were evaluated on a 4-point scale for minimum and maximum obstruction. Internal reliability was assessed by calculating interrater and intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). For external validation, aggregate and site-specific scores were correlated with preoperative polysomnographic indices. Results Videos recorded of sleep endoscopies from 23 children (mean age, 2.2 years) were reviewed and rated. Children had an average apnea-hypopnea index of 24.8. Seventy percent of interrater and intrarater ICC values (7 of 10 for each set) were above 0.6, demonstrating substantial agreement. Higher total obstructive scores were associated with lower oxygen saturation nadir ( P = .04). The scoring system was also used to quantitatively identify children with multilevel airway obstruction, who were found to have significantly worse polysomnographic indices compared with children with single-level obstruction ( P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance The proposed scoring system, which is designed to be easy to use and allow for subjectivity in evaluating obstruction at multiple levels, nonetheless achieves good internal reliability and external validity. Implementing this system will allow for standardization of reporting for sleep endoscopy outcomes, as well as aid the practicing clinician in the interpretation of sleep endoscopy findings to inform site-directed surgical intervention in cases of complicated obstructive sleep apnea.