Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Esophagoscopy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.

STUDY DESIGN

Blinded modified Delphi consensus process.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

METHODS

A list of 25 potential items was sent via the Research Electronic Data Capture database to 66 expert surgeons who perform pediatric esophagoscopy. In the first round, items were rated as "keep" or "remove" and comments were incorporated. In the second round, experts rated the importance of each item on a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus was determined with a goal of 7 to 25 final items.

RESULTS

The response rate was 38/64 (59.4%) in the first round and returned questionnaires were 100% complete. Experts wanted to "keep" all items and 172 comments were incorporated. Twenty-four task-specific and 7 previously-validated global rating items were distributed in the second round, and the response rate was 53/64 (82.8%) with questionnaires returned 97.5% complete. Of the task-specific items, 9 reached consensus, 7 were near consensus, and 8 did not achieve consensus. For global rating items that were previously validated, 6 reached consensus and 1 was near consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to reach consensus about the important steps involved in rigid esophagoscopy with foreign body removal using a modified Delphi consensus technique. These items can now be considered when evaluating trainees during this procedure. This tool may allow trainees to focus on important steps of the procedure and help training programs standardize how trainees are evaluated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5. Laryngoscope, 131:1168-1174, 2021.

Working towards consensus in the management of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), defined by mucosal thickening on imaging, approaches 100% in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population. CRS is associated with significant morbidity in CF, including its ability to trigger pulmonary exacerbations. CRS in CF is typically managed by pediatricians, otolaryngologists and pulmonologists. This survey evaluates the variance in practice patterns of CRS in CF amongst specialists.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, electronic survey in which maximum variation purposive sampling was used by a multi-disciplinary group of pediatric, otolaryngology and pulmonology providers in order to select a survey population with expertise in CRS in CF patients. The survey was distributed to 381 practitioners from September to October 2019.

RESULTS

175 participants responded (45% response rate). Ten (of 54) statements achieved 75% consensus agreement. Consensus statements included: The decision to pursue surgical intervention for CRS in CF is a multi-disciplinary approach (94%; n = 146); maximal medical management should include nasal saline irrigation (93%; n = 142), topical steroids (75%; n = 117), maximal medical management should not include intravenous steroids (79%; n = 122); image guidance in surgery is necessary for all surgery involving the frontal sinuses (77%; n = 43), and all revision surgery(80%, n = 45); the appropriate setting for sinus surgery in a CF patient varies depending on patient presentation (89%; n = 133); post-operative regimen should include nasal saline (93%; n = 137); but does depend on the severity of disease discovered intra-operatively (84%; n = 124); post-operative antibiotics should be guided by intra-operative culture data (82%; n = 121).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a great deal of variation amongst specialists in the treatment of CRS in CF, however 10 statements met consensus criteria and should be considered when forming clinical care guidelines in this population.

Congenital nasal piriform aperture atresia: A case report and novel finding

Congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis and choanal atresia are types of nasal obstructions that can be life threatening to infants if left untreated. While there has been numerous reports on both of them there has not been a single reported case of congenital nasal piriform aperture atresia. Here, we present the first case of piriform aperture atresia that includes the diagnostic and clinical approach.

A Sustainable and Scalable Multidisciplinary Airway Teaching Mission: The Operation Airway 10-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE

To address whether a multidisciplinary team of pediatric otolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, pediatric intensivists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses can achieve safe and sustainable surgical outcomes in low-resourced settings when conducting a pediatric airway surgical teaching mission that features a program of progressive autonomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Consecutive case series with chart review.

SETTING

This study reviews 14 consecutive missions from 2010 to 2019 in Ecuador, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic.

METHODS

Demographic data, diagnostic and operative details, and operative outcomes were collected. A country's program met graduation criteria if its multidisciplinary team developed the ability to autonomously manage the preoperative huddle, operating room discussion and setup, operative procedure, and postoperative multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit and floor care decision making. This was assessed by direct observation and assessment of surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 135 procedures were performed on 90 patients in Ecuador (n = 24), the Dominican Republic (n = 51), and El Salvador (n = 39). Five patients required transport to the United States to receive quaternary-level care. Thirty-six laryngotracheal reconstructions were completed: 6 single-stage, 12 one-and-a-half-stage, and 18 double-stage cases. We achieved a decannulation rate of 82%. Two programs (Ecuador and the Dominican Republic) met graduation criteria and have become self-sufficient. No mortalities were recorded.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest longitudinal description of an airway reconstruction teaching mission in low- and middle-income countries. Airway reconstruction can be safe and effective in low-resourced settings with a thoughtful multidisciplinary team led by local champions.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: An Unusual Case of Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis

Systemic disease is an uncommon cause of subglottic stenosis (SGS). We report a case of severe SGS due to underlying eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in a child presenting with isolated stridor. EGPA is a rare systemic vasculitis with very limited cases reported in the pediatric population. While surgical intervention was required given the degree of stenosis in this case, medical management of the underlying systemic disease process is critical when there is clinical suspicion of SGS in the context of systemic vasculitis. Laryngoscope, 131:656-659, 2021.

Family-Centered Information Dissemination: A Multidisciplinary Virtual COVID-19 "Town Hall"

Significant misinformation about COVID-19 has been spread on the internet. Parents of children with complex aerodigestive problems have a hard time understanding the information they encounter on the internet and the news media and interpreting how it relates to their child's complex needs. Our multidisciplinary team, at the suggestion of a parent, hosted 3 virtual "town halls" in which families could ask questions directly of pediatric otolaryngology, pediatric pulmonology and case management in order to efficiently obtain factual evidence-based up-to-date advice. The information discussed at the town halls was then annotated and disseminated via active, parent-run aerodigestive social media forums. The information disseminated via the town halls reached 4787 Facebook participants.

Bioabsorbable Microplates as an External Stent for Suprastomal Collapse: A Retrospective Review

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the long-term decannulation outcomes of bioresorbable microplates as an external stent for pediatric tracheostomy patients with suprastomal collapse.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Hospital records of all patients who underwent a bioresorbable microplate for suprastomal collapse from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed at a single institution. The primary outcome measure was tracheostomy decannulation.

RESULTS

A total of nine patients underwent placement of bioabsorbable microplates to treat suprastomal collapse. After initial tracheostomy, four patients received a laryngotracheal reconstruction prior to their external stent placement, and one patient received a mandibular distraction. The average age at the time of external stent placement was 32 (±21) months, excluding one patient who received a stent at the age of 29 years. Eight patients (88.9%) were successfully decannulated following the procedure. Decannulated patients were followed for an average of 21 (±12.5) months postoperatively, and all these patients have remained decannulated since their initial procedure. This is a total of 173 months (14.4 years) of observation postprocedure in which these patients have remained decannulated. One patient experienced postoperative crepitus requiring washout but still maintained decannulation.

CONCLUSION

Bioabsorbable microplates have a reasonable chance of long-term successful decannulation when an appropriate patient is selected. Decannulation is maintained beyond the 6-month time frame in which the 85:15 poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer that comprises the external stent takes to bioabsorb. This procedure should be considered for the often difficult problem of pediatric tracheostomy with isolated suprastomal collapse.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E631-E634, 2021.

Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in the Pediatric Burn Patient: Surgical Techniques and Decision Making

The management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) in the pediatric burn patient is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The mainstay of treatment for LTS is laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR), however, limited reports of burn-specific LTR techniques exist. Here, we provide insight into the initial airway evaluation, surgical decision making, anesthetic challenges, and incision modifications based on our experience in treating patients with this pathology. The initial airway evaluation can be complicated by microstomia, trismus, and neck contractures-the authors recommend treatment of these complications prior to initial airway evaluation to optimize safety. The surgical decision making regarding pursuing single-stage LTR, double-stage LTR, and 1.5-stage LTR can be challenging-the authors recommend 1.5-stage LTR when possible due to the extra safety of rescue tracheostomy and the decreased risk of granuloma, which is especially important in pro-inflammatory burn physiology. Anesthetic challenges include obtaining intravenous access, securing the airway, and intravenous induction-the authors recommend peripherally inserted central catheter when appropriate, utilizing information from the initial airway evaluation to secure the airway, and avoidance of succinylcholine upon induction. Neck and chest incisions are often within the TBSA covered by the burn injury-the authors recommend modifying typical incisions to cover unaffected skin whenever possible in order to limit infection and prevent wound healing complications. Pediatric LTR in the burn patient is challenging, but can be safe when the surgeon is thoughtful in their decision making.

A multidisciplinary, video-based, curriculum for management of the intubated and surgical airway patient for a pediatric hospital in El Salvador

OBJECTIVE

Primary objective is to determine the rate of intubation with inappropriately sized endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in El Salvador. Secondary objective is to determine effectiveness of a video-based curriculum to teach local providers on pediatric advanced airway management and surgical approach to patients requiring airway reconstruction.

METHODS

Data for 296 intubated pediatric patients was collected over a six month period in a 16-bed PICU in El Salvador. Results of a learning behavior assessment survey completed by local healthcare workers informed a curriculum to complement on-site education during annual surgical airway mission trips. The video-based curriculum addressed proper sizing and use of cuffed endotracheal tubes, care of the intubated child and perioperative considerations of the surgical airway patient. Providers completed pre and post-curriculum quizzes to measure knowledge acquisition.

RESULTS

Over 6-months, 281 patients were intubated. Sixty-three percent had improperly sized ETTs. Thirty-one percent had a failed or accidental extubation. All-cause mortality was 24%. One hundred and fifty-nine Salvadorian providers completed a learning behavior survey informing a video-based curriculum. Sixty-four providers completed the curriculum. Post-curriculum quiz scores increased by 18.7%. Surgeons, anesthesiologist, intensivists and speech pathologists demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nearly two-thirds of intubated patients in a PICU in El Salvador have improperly sized ETTs and one-third require reintubation following planned or accidental extubation. The development of this first of its kind video-based curriculum for critical care and surgical training regarding how to properly care for the intubated child is coupled with the development of a longitudinal database to record pediatric airway related morbidity and mortality in the largest pediatric hospital in El Salvador. This model and system can be used to track the reduction in airway related morbidity and mortality directly related to a systems based intervention both in El Salvador and then elsewhere.

Long-term swallowing outcomes following type 1 laryngeal cleft injection

INTRODUCTION

Interarytenoid injection augmentation (IIA) during initial diagnostic endoscopy for aspiration and dysphagia has been described as both a diagnostic and therapeutic technique in the evaluation of type 1 laryngeal cleft (LC-1). IIA is additionally hypothesized to be a temporizing measure that facilitates improvement of swallowing function and potentially obviates the need for future formal endoscopic suture repair of LC-1. However, long-term (>6 month) outcomes of IIA for LC-1 remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of IIA on long-term swallowing outcomes and need for formal endoscopic suture repair in patients with LC-1.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients age ≤24 months with pharyngeal phase dysphagia on preoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) who underwent IIA for LC-1 during diagnostic laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy at a single tertiary care academic subspecialty hospital from June 2017 to May 2018. Included patients underwent VFSS within 30 days of IIA and had documented SLP follow up at 6 months or more post-procedure. Exclusion criteria included prior cleft repair, gastrostomy tube dependence, additional procedures at the time of IIA, or lack of documented follow up. A total of 34 patients underwent LC-1 during study period with 24 included in final analyses. The primary outcome measure was improvement in safely swallowed consistency at 6 months or greater following injection. Secondary outcomes included need for formal suture LC-1 repair following IIA and comparison of 30-day and long-term swallowing function.

RESULTS

Median [range] age at injection was 15.3 [10.3-19.1] months and 50% were female (n = 12). Improvement was noted in 12 (50%) patients within 30 days of IIA, with 11 of 12 demonstrating sustained improvement at long-term follow up (10.3 [9.3-14.0] months). Among all patients, 15 of 24 (63%) demonstrated improvement compared to preoperative baseline. Six of 24 (25%) required formal suture repair of LC-1.

CONCLUSIONS

IIA is a safe procedure that may result in both immediate and long-term improvement in dysphagia in select patients with LC-1. Additional studies are required to determine impact of IIA on pulmonary complications and hospital utilization and as well as patient- and caregiver-related outcome measures.

Lessons learned to aid the successful outcome of pediatric recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation

While Ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation is gaining popularity in the treatment of unilateral vocal fold immobility, little has been reported on commonly encountered surgical challenges with this procedure. Here, we present a cohort of 21 pediatric patients who underwent this procedure with a full description of techniques used to overcome common challenges with this procedure. We report vocal and swallowing outcomes for these patients, with an overall success rate of 19/21 (90.5%) patients, with success defined as improvement of a half-consistency or resolution of vocal issues.

Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Tracheotomy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric tracheotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Blinded, modified, Delphi consensus process.

METHODS

Using the REDCap database, a list of 31 potential items was circulated to 65 expert surgeons who perform pediatric tracheotomy. In the first round, items were rated as "keep" or "remove," and comments were incorporated. In the second round, experts were asked to rate the importance of each item on a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus criteria were determined a priori with a goal of 7 to 25 final items.

RESULTS

The first round achieved a response rate of 39/65 (60.0%), and returned questionnaires were 99.5% complete. All items were rated as "keep," and 137 comments were incorporated. In the second round, 30 task-specific and seven previously validated global rating items were distributed, and the response rate was 44/65 (67.7%), with returned questionnaires being 99.3% complete. Of the Task-Specific Items, 13 reached consensus, 10 were near consensus, and 7 did not achieve consensus. For the 7 previously validated global rating items, 5 reached consensus and two were near consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to reach consensus on the important steps involved in pediatric tracheotomy using a modified Delphi consensus process. These items can now be considered to create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric tracheotomy. Such a tool will hopefully allow trainees to focus on the important aspects of this procedure and help teaching programs standardize how they evaluate trainees during this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 130:2700-2707, 2020.

Association of Feeding Evaluation With Frenotomy Rates in Infants With Breastfeeding Difficulties

Importance

Inpatient surgical release of lingual frenulums rose 10-fold between 1997 and 2012 despite insufficient evidence that frenotomy for ankyloglossia is associated with improvements in breastfeeding. Clear indications for surgical release remain murky, and best practice guidelines have yet to be developed.

Objective

To determine whether infants referred for frenotomy to treat breastfeeding difficulties should undergo procedures after comprehensive feeding examination, during which the primary cause of feeding issues was identified, and targeted intervention was provided.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This observational quality improvement study followed mother-infant dyads between March and December of 2018 who were referred to our tertiary care center for difficulty with breastfeeding. All infants underwent a comprehensive feeding evaluation by speech and language pathologists who examined the infants' ability to breastfeed prior to a surgical consultation for initial frenotomy. Data analysis was performed between January 2019 and May 2019.

Interventions

A multidisciplinary feeding evaluation that examined infants' oral structure and function and their ability to breastfeed and that offered techniques for mothers to address any feeding difficulties prior to surgical intervention was developed. Infants either found success in feeding and weight gain through this program or underwent procedures.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the percentage of frenotomy procedures following implementation of a multidisciplinary feeding team evaluation. The secondary outcome was the percentage of infants referred for lingual frenotomy who later had either combined lingual and labial frenotomy or labial frenotomy alone.

Results

Included in the study were 115 patients (median age, 34 days [interquartile range, 19-56 days], 68 (59%) were male) referred for surgical division of the lingual frenum. Following the development of a program with feeding examination with a pediatric speech and language pathologist, 72 (62.6%) patients subsequently did not undergo surgical procedures. Although all of the referrals were for lingual frenotomy, 10 (8.7%) underwent labial frenotomy alone and 32 (27.8%) underwent both labial and lingual frenotomy.

Conclusions and Relevance

The majority of patients referred for ankyloglossia may benefit from alternative intervention strategies following comprehensive feeding evaluation. Close collaboration and formation of multidisciplinary teams are imperative for treating these children.

Preclinical assessment of resorbable silk splints for the treatment of pediatric tracheomalacia

OBJECTIVE

Tracheomalacia is characterized by weakness of the tracheal wall resulting in dynamic airway collapse during respiration; severe cases often require surgical intervention. Off-label external splinting with degradable implants has been reported in humans; however, there remains a need to develop splints with tunable mechanical properties and degradation profiles for the pediatric population. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the safety and efficacy of silk fibroin-based splints in a clinically relevant preclinical model of tracheomalacia.

METHODS

Silk splints were evaluated in a surgically induced model of severe tracheomalacia in N = 3 New Zealand white rabbits for 17, 24, and 31 days. An image-based assay was developed to quantify the dynamic change in airway area during spontaneous respiration, and histopathology was used to study the surrounding tissue response.

RESULTS

The average change in area in the native trachea was 23% during spontaneous respiration; surgically induced tracheomalacia resulted in a significant increase to 86% (P < 0.001). The average change in airway area after splint placement was reduced at all terminal time points (17, 24, and 31 days postimplantation), indicating a clinical improvement, and was not statistically different than the native trachea. Histopathology showed a localized inflammatory reaction characterized by neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear cells, with early signs suggestive of fibrosis at the splint and tissue interface.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study indicates that silk fibroin splints are well tolerated and efficacious in a rabbit model of severe tracheomalacia, with marked reduction in airway collapse following implantation and good tolerability over the studied time course.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 129:2189-2194, 2019.

Using intraoperative optical coherence tomography to image pediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis

OBJECTIVES

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) impairs communication and reduces academic performance and social interactions in children. Deciding between temporary, permanent, or potentially destructive surgical interventions can be challenging, as there currently exists no reliable means of predicting vocal fold recovery or assessing the presence of vocal fold atrophy. Regarding vocal fold atrophy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be an appealing non-invasive alternative for accessing vocal fold structures. This study describes UVFP microanatomy and identifies possible vocal fold atrophy using OCT.

METHODS

Three UVFP patients (ages 1, 11, and 17 years) underwent bilateral OCT imaging using a handheld probe while under general anesthesia for direct laryngoscopy, and the laryngoscopic images were compared with images obtained from OCT. Structural morphological features were extracted and compared to a healthy patients' cohort.

RESULTS

While endoscopy showed no evidence of vocal fold atrophy in two of three cases, OCT images revealed distinct differences between the lamina propria of the paralyzed and functional vocal folds in all patients. In two cases, the paralyzed vocal fold morphology was similar to a healthy patient at the age of nerve injury. The third case exhibited extensive scarring in the lamina propria of the paralyzed vocal fold.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study characterizes and compares vocal fold microanatomy in three UVFP patients. In most cases, lamina propria development halted at the age of paralysis, suggesting that lamina propria maturation may be dependent on vocal fold functionality. OCT shows potential to aid UVFP assessment and treatment decisions by evaluating the presence of atrophy.

Pediatric laryngeal electromyography technique for vocal fold immobility using bipolar double hookwire electrodes

Vocal fold immobility (VFI) is a common cause of dysphonia and dysphagia in children. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is an important adjunctive test in its diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present an alternative technique in which bipolar double hookwire electrodes allow simultaneous placement and recordings from the bilateral thyroarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. Details of the technique are shown for a 5 y/o F with history of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 with left VFI and aspiration and dysphonia. This modified technique for pediatric LEMG has the potential to be a useful tool in predicting return of laryngeal function.

Reevaluating a Standardized Sedation Weaning Protocol for Pediatric Laryngotracheal Reconstruction for Continuous Quality Improvement

Importance

Health care organizations are complex and evolving systems. To date, longitudinal evaluation to ensure the sustainability of quality improvement (QI) initiatives has been missing from the otolaryngology literature. We sought to reassess perioperative management of laryngotracheal reconstruction, which requires adequate sedation.

Objective

Using principles of continuous QI, the objectives of this study were to (1) describe step-by-step methods to sustain QI efforts and (2) revisit a series of process, outcome, and balance measures for sedation weaning management following implementation of a new electronic health record (EHR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A standardized sedation weaning protocol was previously developed and instituted in February 2013. To address healthcare system-wide changes, a 7-step, Institute for Healthcare Improvement methodology was used to reevaluate a series of measures comparing a previous postweaning group (2013-2014; 13 patients) and current post-EHR group (2016; 11 patients). We conducted a focus group review of these 24 patients.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measure was length of sedation weaning. Secondary outcome, process, and balance measures included total length of sedation, absence of standardized wean document, absence of specific recommendations on weaning regimen, length of stay, continued weaning at discharge, discharge location, absence of discharge instructions on weaning regimen or iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS), discharge within 72 hours of stopping weaning, and readmission.

Results

The postweaning and post-EHR groups were similar in age (20.5 months [95% CI, 11.92-29.15] vs 26.5 months [95% CI, 17.68-35.40]), as well as male sex (11 of 13 [85%] vs 10 of 11 [91%]), respectively. In the post-EHR group, the standardized sedation wean document was missing from 9 of 11 (82%) medical records. However, the primary outcome measure, length of sedation weaning, remained stable at 9.45 (95% CI, 7.62-11.29) days in the post-EHR group compared with 9.08 (95% CI, 7.00-11.18) days in the postweaning group. In addition, only 5 of 11 (46%) of discharges in the post-EHR group had specific guidance on weaning since the standardized template was no longer in use. As a result, in the post-EHR group, patients were 15.2 (95% CI, 0.46-242.34) times as likely to lack discharge instructions on weaning or IWS.

Conclusions and Relevance

Quality improvement is meant to be a continuous process in which reevaluation of care practices are regularly performed. System-wide redesign can be achieved using a formal methodological approach. Moving forward, notable QI opportunities for our institution included the development of a flexible sedation weaning template, as well as enhancements to discharge instructions to include IWS diagnosis and treatment.

A Sparse Non-Negative Matrix Factorization Framework for Identifying Functional Units of Tongue Behavior From MRI

Muscle coordination patterns of lingual behaviors are synergies generated by deforming local muscle groups in a variety of ways. Functional units are functional muscle groups of local structural elements within the tongue that compress, expand, and move in a cohesive and consistent manner. Identifying the functional units using tagged-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sheds light on the mechanisms of normal and pathological muscle coordination patterns, yielding improvement in surgical planning, treatment, or rehabilitation procedures. In this paper, to mine this information, we propose a matrix factorization and probabilistic graphical model framework to produce building blocks and their associated weighting map using motion quantities extracted from tagged-MRI. Our tagged-MRI imaging and accurate voxel-level tracking provide previously unavailable internal tongue motion patterns, thus revealing the inner workings of the tongue during speech or other lingual behaviors. We then employ spectral clustering on the weighting map to identify the cohesive regions defined by the tongue motion that may involve multiple or undocumented regions. To evaluate our method, we perform a series of experiments. We first use two-dimensional images and synthetic data to demonstrate the accuracy of our method. We then use three-dimensional synthetic and in vivo tongue motion data using protrusion and simple speech tasks to identify subject-specific and data-driven functional units of the tongue in localized regions.

Short-term swallowing outcomes following type 1 laryngeal cleft injection

INTRODUCTION

Interarytenoid injection augmentation at the time of initial diagnostic endoscopy for aspiration and dysphagia may result in near-immediate improvement in swallowing function, potentially obviating the need for future formal endoscopic repair of type 1 laryngeal cleft. Interarytenoid injection augmentation may also address physiologic aspiration. Early treatment of type 1 laryngeal cleft may allow for expedited liberalization of feedings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of interarytenoid injection augmentation (IIA) for type 1 laryngeal clefts (LC-1) on short-term swallowing function assessed by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients age ≤24 months with dysphagia on preoperative VFSS who underwent IIA with calcium hydroxyapatite for LC-1 during direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy from June to October 2017 at a tertiary care academic subspecialty hospital. Exclusion criteria included prior endoscopic or open LC repair (n = 1), gastrostomy tube dependence (n = 1), additional procedures at the time of IIA (supraglottoplasty, frenulectomy, n = 1). Children without postoperative VFSS within 30 days of injection were excluded (n = 2). Fifteen children met inclusion criteria for analysis. The primary endpoint was improvement in safely swallowed consistency as defined by recommendation to liberalize diet by at least a half-consistency (e.g. half-honey to nectar thick liquid). Secondary endpoints included clinical assessment of dysphagia and postoperative respiratory events.

RESULTS

Median [range] age at injection was 15.2 [7.7-24.3] months and 67% of patients were female (n = 10). The majority (13/15) of patients were full-term and 80% of patients (n = 12) had documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Median time from injection to VFSS was 16 [9-29] days. Improvement in safely swallowed consistency was noted in 60% (n = 9) of patients. Aspiration completely resolved in two patients. Swallow function was unchanged in 40% of patients (n = 6); no patients experienced worsening dysphagia. No respiratory complications were documented during inpatient observation.

CONCLUSION

IIA is a safe procedure that may result in immediate improvement in dysphagia in select patients with LC-1. IIA does not address neurologic, developmental, or other anatomic etiologies of dysphagia. Additional studies are required to determine long-term efficacy of IIA on dysphagia and pulmonary complications, as well as the patient- and caregiver-related outcome measures.