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Objectives To explore the prognostic and discriminatory ability of the AJCC 8th Edition Oral Cavity cancer staging in a non-North American population, and compare it to the previously used AJCC 7th Edition. Materials and methods Retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary referral Otolaryngology, Head Neck and Skull Base Department in Australia, from June 2002 to June 2017. Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma cases were staged according to AJCC 8th Edition, which was compared to AJCC 7th Edition staging, for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). DFS and OS were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results There were 118 patients treated for OSCC, with an average age of 61 years, 63% were male. Overall survival grouped by stage demonstrated statistically significant discrimination between cancer stages using both the AJCC 7th and AJCC 8th Editions. AJCC 7th Edition did not discriminate between stages for DFS. Conversely, AJCC 8th Edition did statistically significantly discriminate for DFS (p = 0.0002). The DFS for both Stage 4a and 4b was significantly worse than cases in Stage 1. AJCC 8th Edition T stage was statistically significantly related to DFS (p = 0.0199), while the AJCC 7th Edition T stage was not. Conclusion The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 8th Edition includes both the depth of primary tumour invasion and extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases. The AJCC 8th Edition OSCC staging system showed improved disease-free survival discrimination between overall stages and between T categories, while AJCC 7th Edition did not.

Background Whenever a paediatric airway foreign body (PAFB) is suspected, decisions may be difficult without a clearly defined or accepted treatment algorithm. History and examination are commonly non-diagnostic and the risks associated with either watchful waiting or proceeding to MLB are significant. This paper reviews a 10 year cohort of suspected PAFBs for the predictive utility of history, examination and investigations and subsequent positive findings at MLB. Objectives 1. To review cases of suspected PAFB undergoing MLB in Perth, Western Australia over 10 years 2. To examine the relative strengths of history, examination and imaging for predicting the presence of a foreign body, and their utility in treatment decision making 3. To characterise the epidemiology of our cohort and to Evaluate our complication rate 4. To consider the limitations and benefits of the use of CT imaging in such cases Study design The medical records of 127 children who underwent MLB for suspected PAFB between 2007 and 2016 were examined. The data was retrospectively reviewed for epidemiological details, history, examination, radiological findings and MLB outcomes. Results Sensitivity for PAFB on MLB with all three; history, examination and imaging (x-ray) positive for PAFB was 87.7%. Of the patients who were both symptom and sign positive (n = 96), chest x-ray findings did not significantly alter the chance of finding a PAFB. Chest x-ray had a low specificity (17%) in symptom and sign positive patients. Conversely, sensitivity of chest x-ray was high (88%), for symptom and sign positive patients. Conclusions For a child with both signs and symptoms, xray is unlikely to assist in decision making around suspected PAFB. When only sign or symptom is present, positive imaging may significantly increase the chance that PAFB is the cause.For patients with a low suspicion of PAFB, consideration of a CT can be a helpful means of excluding a PAFB and avoiding an unnecessary general anaesthetic in this potentially high-risk group.A greater level of public awareness is needed with regards to appropriate food types for children and the importance of eating seated and supervised in order to reduce the risk of PAFB.

Background This study is a secondary analysis of the trial by Callaghan et al. (2011), which reported higher antidepressant effects for preferred intensity (n = 19) vs. prescribed intensity (n = 19) exercise of three sessions/week over four weeks in depressed women. In particular, the present study sought to examine whether greater clinically significant individual change/recovery was observed in the preferred compared to the prescribed exercise group. Methods The reliable change index and the Ccutoff score criteria described by Jacobson and Truax (1991) were employed to determine clinical significance. These criteria examined if individual change in depression scores from pre- to post-intervention in the preferred intensity group were statistically significant beyond the standard error of difference derived from the active comparator prescribed group, and subsequently within a normal population range. Patients fulfilling the first or both criteria were classified as improved or recovered, respectively. Results Post-intervention depression scores of six patients in the preferred intensity exercise group (32%) demonstrated statistically reliable improvement (p 0.05), although eight of them showed a non-significant improvement in post-intervention depression scores and three could not technically show an improvement in depression due to floor effects (baseline depression within normal range). Conclusions Preferred intensity exercise of three sessions/week over four weeks led almost a third of the patients to record scores consistent with recovery from depression. Health professionals may consider that short-term preferred intensity exercise provides clinically significant antidepressant effects comparing favourably to exercise on prescription.

Background Prolonged pre-treatment wait times in head and neck cancer are associated with increased morbidity and reduced survival. Traditional metrics exclude delays prior to biopsy, which represents an important and measurable period of time. This study aims to describe total wait time for head and neck cancer patients in our institution, to define a more accurate representation of the clinically relevant pre-treatment wait time, and to evaluate predictive factors for prolonged wait times. Methods A retrospective review of head and neck cancer patients treated over 2 years in a tertiary referral centre was conducted. Patient demographics, referral symptoms, tumour details, treatment plan and key dates were analysed to identify total wait time and factors predictive of increased wait time. Results Two hundred and ninety-four patients were included. Mean total wait time from initial referral to treatment initiation was 71.6 (median 61) days. The period from referral to biopsy represented 29% of mean total wait time. Factors predictive of increased wait time included presenting symptom of hoarseness, laryngeal cancer and treatment with definitive radiotherapy. Conclusions This study demonstrates that time from referral to biopsy represents a significant portion of total wait time, and we suggest that this be incorporated into future wait time metrics for improved clinical relevance. Furthermore, we have identified factors predicting increased wait time which can be targeted for future service improvement.

Objectives Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction in the newborn. CNPAS is diagnosed clinically and confirmed with CT scanning. Early diagnosis and management is essential for this potentially life-threatening condition. Patients can be managed conservatively or surgically. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for those patients that fail conservative treatment. Our objective was to provide a radiologically-measured pyriform aperture (PA) width that predicts the need for surgical intervention. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of patients treated in a tertiary paediatric hospital as well as a review of the literature. Outcome measures were defined as surgical or conservative intervention for the management of congenital pyriform aperture stenosis. Results Data from 26 individual patients (7 patients from our own case series and 19 patients from previously published reports) was analysed to calculate those patients requiring surgical intervention. Conclusions A PA width of less than 5.7 mm in a neonate is 88% sensitive and specific in predicting that a patient will require surgical intervention.

Objective: Obtaining baseline neuropsychological (NP) data to assist management of sports-related concussion has been considered the standard of care. The validity of this approach has been questioned, with suggestions that post-concussion testing alone will suffice. The present study compared the sensitivity of baseline and normative paradigms in the setting of sports-related concussion.Method: Baseline NP data were collected for 194 Australian rugby league athletes on a brief battery of paper-and-pencil NP tests. During competition, 27 athletes sustaining concussion referred from a sports physician were retested within two days of injury. Twenty-six uninjured controls were assessed at similar intervals. The baseline paradigm was assessed using a reliable change index for pre- and post-concussion scores. The normative paradigm was assessed comparing the post-concussion score to a normative mean.Results: The baseline paradigm was consistently more sensitive to negative change following concussion than the normative paradigm when using continuous data, despite reasonable agreement. However, when data were categorised as ‘impaired’ or ‘not-impaired’, using either 68% or 90% confidence intervals, the difference between paradigms failed to reach significance. Comparison of ROC curves for both paradigms found superior overall classification for one test and the composite score using baseline comparison data.Conclusions: Despite being a time and resource intensive process, the baseline paradigm as a repeated-measures design may be more sensitive than the between-subjects design of the normative paradigm for detecting changes following concussion. Further work is required to determine the validity of normative assessment in sports-related concussion.

Background:Paediatric tonsillectomy is a common procedure and one of the first skills acquired by surgical trainees. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is one of the most significant complications. This study examined post-tonsillectomy bleed rates associated with technology and level of surgical experience.Methods:Data were collected on all tonsillectomies performed by surgical consultants (n = 6) and trainees (n = 10) at affiliated hospitals over a nine-month period. Hospital records were audited for post-tonsillectomy bleeding re-admissions and returns to the operating theatre.Results:A total of 1396 tonsillectomies were performed (279 by trainees, 1117 by consultant surgeons). Primary post-tonsillectomy bleed rates were equivalent between trainees and consultants. Secondary bleed rates were significantly greater for trainees (10.0 per cent) compared to consultants (3.3 per cent), as were return to operating theatre rates (2.5 per cent vs 0.7 per cent). Amongst consultants, technology used was not associated with differences in secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding and returns to the operating theatre.Conclusion:Our data suggest that experience of the surgeon may have greater bearing on post-tonsillectomy bleed rates than the technology used.

Objective Several reliable change indices (RCIs) exist to evaluate statistically significant individual change with repeated neuropsychological assessment. Yet there is little guidance on model selection and subsequent implications. Using existing test-retest norms, key parameters were systematically evaluated for influence on different RCI models. Method Normative test-retest data for selected Wechsler Memory Scale-IV subtests were chosen based on the direction and magnitude of differential practice (inequality of test and retest variance). The influence of individual relative position compared to the normative mean was systematically manipulated to evaluate for predictable differences in responsiveness for three RCI models. Results With respect to negative change, RCI McSweeny was most responsive when individual baseline scores were below the normative mean, irrespective of differential practice. When an individual score was greater than the normative mean, RCI Chelune was most responsive with lower retest variance, and RCI Maassen most responsive with greater retest variance. This pattern of results can change when test-retest reliability is excellent and there is greater retest variability. Order of responsiveness is reversed if positive change is of interest. Conclusion RCI models tend to agree when the individual approximates the normative mean at baseline and test-retest variability is equal. However, no RCI model will be universally more or less responsive across all conditions, and model selection may influence subsequent interpretation of change. Given the systematic and predictable differences between models, a more rationale choice can now be made. While a consensus on RCI model preference does not exist, we prefer the regression-based model for several reasons outlined.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired neuropsychological test performance after concussion has been used to guide restraint from play, in particular using reliable change indices (RCI). It remains unclear which of the RCI is most appropriate. DESIGN: Athletes were assessed prospectively before and after cerebral concussion and compared with control athletes. SETTING: Athletes were assessed in a clinical office environment after referral from a Sports Physician. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-four Australian rugby league athletes were assessed preseason (time 1). INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-seven concussed athletes were assessed 2 days after trauma (time 2) and compared with 26 distribution-matched volunteer uninjured controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive performance was assessed on 5 neuropsychological measures of speed of information processing, psychomotor speed, and response inhibition. Four previously reported RCI models used in sports concussion were contrasted, as described by Barr and McCrea (2001) and Maassen et al (2006). RESULTS: Reliable change index models were marginally comparable in classifying the control sample. In the concussed sample, no one model seemed to be consistently more or less sensitive. Moreover, the same model could be most sensitive for one individual and least sensitive for another, even on the same test. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable change index models can yield different outcomes regarding whether an athlete has experienced cognitive impairment after concussion. Reliable change index model sensitivity to impairment depends on multiple test and situational factors, including test-retest reliability, differences in test and retest variances, and the individual's relative position on initial testing. In the absence of consensus, the clinician must use highly reliable measures with suitably matched controls if using a RCI. Language: en

There is an ongoing debate over the preferred method(s) for determining the reliable change (RC) in individual scores over time. In the present paper, specificity comparisons of several classic and contemporary RC models were made using a real data set. This included a more detailed review of a new RC model recently proposed in this journal, that used the within-subjects standard deviation (WSD) as the error term. It was suggested that the RC(WSD) was more sensitive to change and theoretically superior. The current paper demonstrated that even in the presence of mean practice effects, false-positive rates were comparable across models when reliability was good and initial and retest variances were equivalent. However, when variances differed, discrepancies in classification across models became evident. Notably, the RC using the WSD provided unacceptably high false-positive rates in this setting. It was considered that the WSD was never intended for measuring change in this manner. The WSD actually combines systematic and error variance. The systematic variance comes from measurable between-treatment differences, commonly referred to as practice effect. It was further demonstrated that removal of the systematic variance and appropriate modification of the residual error term for the purpose of testing individual change yielded an error term already published and criticized in the literature. A consensus on the RC approach is needed. To that end, further comparison of models under varied conditions is encouraged.

Background: The aim of the present study was to review the pathology found following parotid surgery at three Western Australian tertiary public hospitals over an 11-year period. Method: Retrospective data was extracted on all patients who underwent parotid surgery from 2003 to 2013. Prospectively maintained electronic hospital-based Information systems were interrogated for patient demographics and surgical specimen histology. Results: Parotid surgery was performed on 706 patients, of which 65% were male. The mean age was 61.0 (SD =16.8, range 8–98). Malignancy was more common (52%), than benign neoplasia (44%), with inflammatory/infective conditions uncommon (4%). Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (34%) was the most prevalent pathology followed by benign pleomorphic adenoma (28%). Primary salivary gland malignancy accounted for only 9% of parotid pathology. Advancing age (>50 years) and male gender increased the risk of a malignant parotid pathology. Conclusions: Western Australians undergoing parotid surgery demonstrated concerning rates of metastatic cutaneous malignancy, particular older males. A high degree of suspicion and timely investigation of any parotid mass in this cohort is warranted. Given the poor prognosis seen in advanced disease, primary prevention strategies are paramount.

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a significant cause of hearing loss in remote Aboriginal communities of Australia. Myringoplasty aims to prevent otorrhoea and improve hearing loss associated with CSOM by closing tympanic membrane perforations. This study aims to review myringoplasty outcomes for Indigenous Australians in the West Kimberley region. Methods: Retrospective chart review of clinical, operative, and audiometric data at Broome and Derby hospitals from 2004 to 2014 found 419 myringoplasty operations were performed on 327 patients. The primary outcome “success” was defined as closure of the perforation with an air-bone gap of less than 25 dB at 6 months or greater post-surgery. Results: Of the 419 ears undergoing myringoplasty, only 90 (21.5%) had complete follow-up. Simple closure was seen in 39% of ears with complete follow-up, with higher rates seen in female patients, small to medium perforations, and ears with normal pre-operative hearing. Closure of the tympanic membrane with normal hearing was seen in 29% of ears with complete follow-up, with higher success rates seen in those with dry ears pre-operatively. Conclusions: Follow-up and outcomes for myringoplasty remain poor for Indigenous people in the West Kimberley region. Standardised prospective data recording and integration will minimise data attrition. Patient attrition will remain a challenge requiring ongoing investment and education. Improvements in ear and hearing outcome are more likely to arise from health care system improvements over patient selection and operative technique.

The use of reliable change (RC) statistics to determine whether an individual has significantly improved or deteriorated on retesting is growing rapidly in clinical neuropsychology. This paper demonstrates how with only basic test-retest data and a series of simple expressions, the clinician/researcher can implement the majority of contemporary RC model(s). Though sharing a fundamental structure, RC models vary in how they derive predicted retest scores and standard error terms. Published test-retest normative data and a simple case study are presented to demonstrate how to calculate several well-known RC scores. The paper highlights the circumstances under which models will diverge in the estimation of RC. Most importantly variations in individual's performance relative to controls at initial testing, practice effects, inequality of control variability from test to retest, and degree of reliability will see systematic and predictable disagreement among models. More generally, the limitations and opportunities of RC methodology were discussed. Although a consensus on preferred model continues to be debated, the comparison of RC models in clinical samples is encouraged.

Therapeutic intervention usually begins with a detailed description of the presenting problem and its antecedent history. Through the process of communicating their problem the client presents a story, potentially laden with their experiences, attitudes, beliefs and understandings. The topic and manner in which a story is relayed provides direct and indirect sources of information that help the therapist to both understand the client's problem and formulate goals and approaches to therapy. Rather than simply using the client's story as a guide to understanding and treatment, narrative therapy focuses on the client's story or ‘narrative’ as a medium through which change can be effected. During the process of narrative therapy the client is encouraged to deconstruct and critically appraise their story in the search for new meanings (White & Epston, 1990). The client is encouraged to retell their story with new language and new insights. Thus, the implementation of narrative therapy may be construed as a natural extension of taking the client's problem history, where the story told serves as the content foundation for the therapeutic process. The purpose of the present article is to provide a brief overview of narrative therapy techniques and their application in counselling.

Background. An analysis of neuropsychological impairment following cardiopulmonary bypass was performed in 55 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods. Neurocognitive function was measured preoperatively using the MicroCog: Assessment of Cognitive Functioning computer-based testing tool. Testing was repeated in the postoperative period immediately prior to discharge from hospital. Analysis of significant score decline was performed using the standardised regression-based technique. A patient was classified as overall impaired when ≥20% of test scores were significantly impaired. The proposed marker of neurological damage S-100β was also used. Prothrombin Fragment 1+2 (F1+2) was measured as a marker of thrombin development to test the hypothesis that excessive haemostatic activation may lead to thromboembolic damage to the brain. Results and Conclusions. 32.7% of patients were classified as significantly impaired. No relationship was detected between F1+2 and any neuropsychological test score; however, the study was limited due to small sample size. F1+2 levels were higher in patients undergoing prolonged bypass times. Neuropsychological decline was significantly correlated with patient age, suggesting a degree of caution is warranted when operating on an elderly cohort. An unexpected relationship was detected between higher heparin concentrations and increased risk of neuropsychological impairment; however, this requires re-evaluation. Perfusion (2007) 22, 27—33.

The increasing availability of computerized test batteries used to assess neuropsychological changes requires the availability of suitable test-retest normative data. Reliable change indices can then be used to evaluate significance of change in an individual's performance on retesting. We tested (N = 40) neurologically normal adults on three occasions (initially, two weeks, and three months) on the MicroCog: Assessment of Cognitive Functioning computerized testing instrument. Normative retest data are presented for two analytic techniques: the Reliable Change Index adjusted for practice and the Standardized Regression-Based technique. At two weeks, the correlation coefficients ranged from .49 to .84, with all scores demonstrating significant practice effects. At 3 months, coefficients ranged from .50 to .83, with all scores except Attention / Mental Control demonstrating significant practice compared to baseline. Regression equations were generated for all scores using age, sex, education level, and score at Time 1 as predictors. For all measures the only significant predictor was the Time 1 score. The reliable change indices and regression equations presented here can be used to determine the significance of change from predicted retest scores in a matched interventional cohort.

The proposal of Collie et al for determining reliable change in sports medicine and their review of other current procedures did not address mathematical or theoretical aspects. This article attempts to fill this lacuna, in order to examine the validity of their proposal and the suitability of their review. The conclusions drawn are that Collie et al presented their method too carelessly and their review of other methods leaves serious drawbacks and mistakes unnoticed. A scheme is here provided showing which of the current methods can be used in which situation.

The present study examined the comparability of 4 alternate forms of the Digit Symbol Substitution test and the Symbol Digit Modalities (written) test, including the original versions. Male contact-sport athletes (N = 112) were assessed on 1 of the 4 forms of each test. Reasonable alternate form comparability was demonstrated through establishing normality of form distributions and conducting pairwise form comparisons of means, variability, and intraclass correlations. Nonetheless, alternate forms are likely an insufficient means of controlling practice in speeded measures at brief (1-2 weeks) retest intervals. Reliable change indices demonstrated that practice must be accounted for in individual retesting.

Adenolipoma of the thyroid gland is a rare benign neoplasm composed of normal thyroid and mature adipose tissue. Ordinarily, only a small amount of fat exists in a normal thyroid gland. CT and MRI may differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and fine-needle aspirate often assists diagnosis. Surgical excision for adenolipoma is considered curative. We report the case of a 67-year-old man presenting with a large neck lump and evidence of airway obstruction. Imaging revealed a 97 × 70 mm left thyroid mass with retropharyngeal extension and laryngotracheal compression. Hemithyroidectomy was performed with subsequent histology confirming a large thyroid adenolipoma. The patient's symptoms resolved and he remains asymptomatic with no sign of recurrence 2 years postsurgery.

This paper reports a follow-up study to an article on the sensitivity of three tests of speed of information processing to impairment after concussion (Hinton-Bayre, Geffen, & McFarland, 1997). Group analyses showed that practice effects can obscure the effects of concussion on information processing, thereby making the assessment of functional impairment and recovery after injury unreliable. A Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used to assess individual variations following concussion. It was found that 16 of the 20 concussed professional rugby league players were impaired 1-3 days following injury. It was also demonstrated that 7 players still displayed cognitive deficits at 1-2 weeks, before returning to preseason levels at 3-5 weeks. The RCI permits comparisons between different tests, players, and repeated assessments, thereby providing a quantitative basis for decisions regarding return to play.