Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery最新文献

ImportanceDuring the COVID-19 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] pandemic, reports emerged of croup secondary to SARS-CoV-2 in the pediatric population. Children with croup and concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection seemed to require a greater number of doses of dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine and were more likely to need hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission compared to pre-SARS-CoV-2 croup.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the outcomes of children presenting with SARS-CoV-2-associated croup and those with conventional croup.DesignObservational, retrospective review.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.ParticipantsChildren (age <18 years) presenting with croup between January 2019 and February 2022.ExposureSARS-CoV-2Main outcome measureNumber of doses of dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine, need for hospital admission, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and length of stay.ResultsTwo thousand and three hundred ninety-eight children [68.2% male, median (interquartile range) age 25 months (15-42 months)] were included. Twenty-seven patients (1.1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 467 (19.5%) tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, and 1904 (79.4%) were not tested for SARS-CoV-2. Dexamethasone was given to 27 (100%) SARS-CoV-2-positive and 457 (98%) SARS-CoV-2-negative patients at an average of 1.4 (±1.2) and 1.1 (±1.0) doses, respectively. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were more likely to require nebulized epinephrine (41%) compared to SARS-CoV-2-negative (12%, OR: 4.2; 95% CI 1.8-9.6, P < .001) patients, and were more often admitted (30%) to hospital than SARS-CoV-2-negative (3.4%) patients (OR: 12; 95% CI 4.4-37.7, P < .001). ICU admission was required for 3 SARS-CoV-2-negative patients, but none of the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. Length of stay was similar across groups.ConclusionPatients with croup and SARS-CoV-2 infection were found to have an increased need for nebulized epinephrine and an increased frequency of admission to the hospital. However, there was no increased need for ICU admission or longer length of stay in the hospital.Level of EvidenceIII.

ImportancePerioperative efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in head and neck surgery, yet comparative evaluations of surgical techniques for benign parotid tumors remain limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the perioperative efficiency of extracapsular dissection (ECD) compared to superficial parotidectomy (SP) for benign parotid tumors.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.SettingStudies retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.ParticipantsPatients with benign parotid tumors who underwent either ECD or SP. Fifteen studies encompassing 2399 patients were included.InterventionsECD and SP as primary surgical techniques for the removal of benign parotid tumors.Main Outcome MeasuresParameters related to perioperative efficiency were defined in this study as operative time, anesthesia time, duration of drain placement, length of hospital stay (LOS), and medical costs. Tumor size was also included as a comparative parameter.ResultsECD was associated with significantly shorter operative time [mean difference (MD), -48.95 minutes; 95% confidence interval (CI), -66.40 to -31.50], anesthesia time (MD, -73.17 minutes; 95% CI, -81.61 to -64.73), drain placement duration (MD, -2.10 days; 95% CI, -3.82 to -0.38), and LOS (MD, -0.91 days; 95% CI, -1.34 to -0.48) compared to SP. Tumor size did not significantly differ between groups (MD, -0.14 cm; 95% CI, -0.33 to 0.05).ConclusionsECD demonstrates superior perioperative efficiency compared to SP.RelevanceThese findings support the use of ECD as a more efficient surgical option for benign parotid tumors in appropriately selected patients.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the psychological distress associated with long-lasting COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction (OD).MethodsPatients with an OD lasting for more than 6 months were consecutively recruited from the Dour Medical Center (Belgium) from August 2023 to January 2024. The olfaction was investigated with the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaires (ODQ) and the threshold, identification, and discrimination (TDI) testing. General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate the psychological distress of patients. The olfactory and psychological outcomes of patients were compared with a group of individuals without OD.ResultsA total of 220 patients and 102 asymptomatic individuals completed the evaluations. The mean duration of OD was 31.1 ± 25.1 months. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were significantly higher in OD patients than in asymptomatic individuals (P < 0.008). The OD patient prevalence of mild-to-severe depression (51.2% vs. 44.1%) and mild-to-severe anxiety (39.5% vs. 32.4%) disorders was significantly higher than asymptomatic individuals. Severe anxiety was associated with the presence of anosmia. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were higher in females than in males. The severity of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) was significantly associated with the severity of OD (ODQ) and nasal symptoms (SNOT-22).ConclusionThe presence of a long-lasting OD in patients consulting in otolaryngology is associated with psychological distress. While the causality relationship remains unclear, depression and anxiety symptoms must be investigated in this subgroup of patients with long COVID-19.

ImportanceAngelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, sleep disturbances, and a happy demeanor. Tonsillectomies are common procedures for individuals with Angelman syndrome, and their postoperative recovery may be complicated by challenging pain assessments, respiratory complications, or feeding difficulties. Inappropriate laughing may mask perioperative pain and anxiety.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to review postoperative outcomes and complications of children with Angelman syndrome undergoing tonsillectomy.Methods (Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention, Measures)We conducted a retrospective review of patients with Angelman syndrome undergoing tonsillectomies from 2000 to 2024 in a quaternary pediatric hospital. Demographic, clinical, and surgical outcome variables were collected.ResultsTwelve children with Angelman syndrome underwent tonsillectomy: 7 for sleep-disordered breathing, 4 for sialorrhea, and 1 for recurrent tonsillitis. Median (IQR) duration of stay was 4.0 (3.0-5.3) days. The most common reason for prolonged hospital stay was inadequate oral intake. Nine (75.0%) children experienced postoperative complications, most frequently pooling of secretions and oxygen desaturations. Three children (25.0%) experienced severe postoperative complications, including 1 opioid overdose, 1 respiratory distress, and 1 aspiration pneumonia. Two patients were readmitted to the hospital: 1 for irregular breathing and poor pain control, and 1 for epistaxis.ConclusionThe postoperative course following tonsillectomy in children with Angelman syndrome can be complicated by a prolonged recovery, inadequate pain control, opioid toxicity, respiratory complications, and poor oral intake. Caregiver input on pain behavior is critical to develop an effective postoperative management strategy.RelevanceBased on our results and a literature review, we have created recommendations for post-tonsillectomy care in children with Angelman syndrome.

Introduction: Vestibular migraine (VM), particularly its chronic variant, poses a diagnostic challenge. Patients suffering from VM may not have the characteristic headaches associated with the dizziness. In these cases, a marker for migraine pathology in general could help appropriately diagnose certain types of dizziness as migrainous despite these patients not meeting current diagnostic criteria for VM. Migraine patients in general (headache and vestibular) are known to share a tendency toward intolerance of certain stimuli, including busy visual stimuli. True optokinetic stimulation, measured by the production of optokinetic after-nystagmus (OKAN) simulates these busy visual stimuli.

Methods: Prospective observational study comparing response to optokinetic stimulation between migraine patients and controls. Questionnaires regarding general sensitivities to busy visual stimuli were completed prior to beginning the study. Both subjective and objective markers of stress were measured before and after exposure to the stimulus. Initial slow-phase velocity, slow cumulative eye position, and adjusted time constant of OKAN were compared between the 2 groups.

Results: The groups differed only with regard to sensitivity to blinking lights and history of motion sickness on initial questionnaire. Regarding subjective symptoms of discomfort, migraine patients tended to report higher scores than controls both before and after testing, but there was no significant difference from before to after stimulus in each group's scores. There were no statistically-significant differences between initial slow-phase velocity, slow cumulative eye position, and adjusted time constant of OKAN between groups.

Conclusions: In this study, OKAN measurements were not useful in differentiating migraine patients at large from control subjects. We hypothesize that there may be a distinct subgroup of migraine patients that are more sensitive to visually-disturbing situations that may differ from other migraine sufferers. Future studies will aim to identify such patients and compare them to controls.

BackgroundNew patient referral models are needed to reduce long wait times for otolaryngology surgical procedures, such as a Single-Entry Model (SEM). However, patient perspectives about SEM in otolaryngology remain unexplored.MethodsIn this mixed methods study, a retrospective chart review was conducted to examine the times from referral to consultation (T1) and from consent to surgery (T2) for all elective otolaryngology surgical procedures at a large community hospital between 2020 and 2023. We then conducted journey mapping interviews with 10 patients and parents of pediatric patients who underwent otolaryngologic surgeries to understand their experiences of waiting for their own or their child's procedure, and perspectives on how an SEM might impact patient experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified that average wait times among 2414 elective (oncologic and non-oncologic) otolaryngology procedures often exceeded provincial target wait times. On average, oncology procedures had the shortest wait times (T1: 34 ± 47; T2: 101 ± 161 days), and otologic procedures had the longest (T1: 67 + 72; T2: 355 ± 285 days). While patients often did not wait as long to have a consultation with their surgeon, the time between consenting to and receiving surgery tended to drive wait time duration. Patients who had endured extended wait times experienced poor quality of life, worsening symptoms, and often worried about how long they would need to wait. Systems such as an SEM that could shorten wait times were generally well-perceived. However, patients emphasized the importance of trusting relationships with referring physicians and surgeons, which could be an enabling factor for implementing an SEM.ConclusionLong surgical wait times in otolaryngology are negatively impacting patients. A SEM could offer a way to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

ImportancePostoperative hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy (TT) can significantly affect patients' quality of life. However, the most effective intraoperative interventions to mitigate this risk remain uncertain.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of parathyroid gland autotransplantation (PTA), near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in reducing postoperative hypocalcemia risk after TT.DesignMeta-analysis.SettingThis meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing data from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with searches conducted through February 2024.ParticipantsPatients undergoing TT with or without intraoperative interventions of PTA, NIRAF, ICGA, or a combined approach.InterventionsPTA, NIRAF, ICGA, or a combination of these methods.Main Outcome MeasuresIncidence of postoperative transient and permanent hypocalcemia.ResultsFrom 582 identified records, 32 studies, including 13,299 TT patients (6386 with benign and 6913 with malignant conditions), met the inclusion criteria. PTA was associated with a higher incidence of transient postoperative hypocalcemia (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.42-2.77; I² = 84%). Conversely, NIRAF (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.35-0.57; I² = 0%) and ICGA (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.69; I² = 0%) showed reduced incidences of transient hypocalcemia. The combined NIRAF and ICGA approach, evaluated in 2 studies, yielded inconclusive results (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.28-1.37).Conclusions and RelevanceIntraoperative use of NIRAF and ICGA significantly decreased the incidence of transient hypocalcemia following TT, whereas PTA did not demonstrate similar efficacy. Minimal effects on permanent hypocalcemia were observed across interventions. Further research is necessary to clarify the effectiveness of the combined NIRAF and ICGA approach.

ImportanceOnabotulinumtoxin A (BTX) is the first-line treatment for laryngeal dystonia (LD). The US FDA designated BTX as a pregnancy category C drug because there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.ObjectivesTo describe pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in pregnant LD patients treated with BTX injections and to assess the current practice and comfort level of Canadian laryngologists in treating these patients.DesignCase Series and Survey.SettingAcademic, tertiary care, laryngology center.ParticipantsPregnant women who received BTX for LD from 2010 to 2020.InterventionA retrospective chart review was conducted for eligible patients. An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was distributed to Canadian laryngologists, according to Dillman's Total Design method.Main outcome measuresPregnancy and neonatal outcomes.ResultsFour adductor LD patients received BTX during each of their 2 pregnancies; 8 pregnancies were examined. Patients received a median of 4.5 treatments (IQR 3) with a median cumulative dose of 5.12 U (IQR 2.93 U) over the whole pregnancy. One pregnancy was pre-term and the median APGAR score was 9 (IQR 0.5). All mothers breastfed their infants. There were no adverse events (AE) and all children were healthy, with a median age of 7 (IQR 2). Twenty-three Canadian laryngologists responded to the survey, for an 85.2% response rate. Three laryngologists (13.0%) have previously injected BTX in a total of 5 pregnant women. All 5 pregnancies went to term with no AE. The majority (68.4%) of respondents indicated that they would offer BTX injections to pregnant LD patients after obtaining informed consent.ConclusionThis case series was the largest in the literature of pregnant LD patients undergoing BTX treatment. The majority of Canadian laryngologists would offer the procedure to pregnant women with informed consent.RelevanceThis study added to the growing literature on the safety of BTX injections in LD patients during pregnancy.

Importance: Pituitary adenomas (PAs) present a notable economic burden on healthcare systems due to their management's reliance on multimodal, often costly interventions.

Objective: To determine total and relative healthcare costs for PAs at Ontario-based institutions.

Design: A retrospective, propensity-score-matched cohort analysis.

Setting: Ontario, Canada, encompassing public healthcare facilities and covering costs over a 6-year study period.

Participants: Adults diagnosed with PA (n = 1675) between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019, compared to a general population cohort and a hospitalized control cohort matched on demographics and health factors.

Intervention/exposures: Analysis of healthcare cost components (inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic services) and cost trajectories postsurgery for PAs.

Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was total annualized healthcare costs for patients with PA relative to the general and hospitalized cohorts. Relative costs were estimated using a negative binomial regression model.

Results: Of 1675 patients with PA, total annualized costs were $49,992. Highest total costs were associated with inpatient hospitalization ($24,796) and physician services/diagnostic evaluations ($20,075). After propensity score matching, patients with PA had 12.7 times higher costs [95% confidence interval (CI) (10.9, 14.8), P < .0001] during the preadmission/admission period, which remained elevated postoperatively (P < .05). Total costs did not differ between patients with PA and the hospitalized cohort [RR 0.97, 95% CI (0.92, 1.03); P = .3271] in the preadmission/admission period; however, follow-up costs were 37% lower for patients with PA in the 1st follow-up year [RR 0.63, 95% CI (0.51, 0.77); P < .0001], and up to 50% lower by the 5th year [RR 0.50, 95% CI (0.36, 0.68); P < .0001].

Conclusions: This study provided a comprehensive assessment of the economic burden of PAs on the publicly-funded healthcare system. Patients with PA had higher annualized total costs across all observed time periods compared to the general population and lower annualized total costs compared to patients admitted to a surgical ward.

Relevance: This study highlights the financial impact of PA management on healthcare resources and provides a basis for future research aimed at cost-efficiency improvements in long-term PA care.

Importance: The objective response (ORR) rate in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell-carcinoma (LA-HPSCC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) of albumin-bound paclitaxel plus carboplatin is low. At present, it is unclear whether the addition of pembrolizumab could increase the ORR or not.

Objective: To investigate whether the addition of pembrolizumab could increase the ORR, and to develop a nomogram to predict the response of pembrolizumab addition.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: This study was conducted at a single institution.

Participants: This study included 129 patients who conformed to the inclusion criteria.

Intervention or exposures: NACT with or without pembrolizumab for patients with LA-HPSCC.

Main outcome measures: The ORR was analyzed according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria and a nomogram was developed based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were evaluated by receiver operating characteristics, precision recall, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

Results: Eighty-two patients received NACT and 47 also received pembrolizumab. ORR was higher in patients receiving additional pembrolizumab (66.0% vs 47.6%, χ² = 4.074, P = .044). The nomogram identified pretreatment levels of lymphocytes and red blood cells as independent predictors of a high ORR, while basophil levels were an independent predictor of a low ORR. Calibration curve showed that the nomogram-based predictions corresponded well with actual observations. C-index of the nomogram was 0.925 (0.848-1.002) and the area under curve was 0.925. Decision curve analysis affirmed that the nomogram had important clinical value.

Conclusions and relevance: Pembrolizumab could improve the ORR in LA-HPSCC patients treated with NACT. Furthermore, a risk-prediction nomogram incorporating readily assessable routine pretreatment blood parameters can accurately estimate the response to NACT with pembrolizumab, leading to precise treatment and minimizing the waste of medical resources.