Treatment strategy for iatrogenic nasal vestibular stenosis in young children

Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula: a new conservative approach for neonatal nasal stenosis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy as a conservative treatment option for newborns suffering from nasal stenosis, a condition that often leads to respiratory distress and feeding difficulties. Given the increasing utilization of HFNC in various upper and lower respiratory tract indications, characterized by its flow-based mechanism and minimal mucosal damage, we seek to investigate its potential benefits in this specific patient population.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of newborns with congenital nasal stenosis treated with HFNC for respiratory distress or feeding difficulties in a pediatric tertiary center between 2014 and 2022. Data were collected for demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and ventilatory requirements, pre and post HFNC application.

RESULTS

Six infants with nasal stenosis were included in the study cohort. Five were diagnosed with congenital pyriform aperture stenosis, three of whom had additional midnasal stenosis. One patient had nasal synechiae. Two patients had failed surgical treatment and all patients failed conservative treatment prior to HFNC treatment. Following HFNC use, improvement was noted in oxygen saturations, heart and respiratory rates, meal volumes and weight. None of the patients required any additional sinonasal surgical treatment. No complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case series, we present the first documented use of HFNC treatment for nasal stenosis, showing favorable results. Further studies with a larger cohort, wider range of conditions and extended follow-up periods are needed to establish the risks and benefits of HFNC for neonatal nasal stenosis.

A technique for fabricating a hollowed nasal stent using a connector of an intravenous infusion set to manage iatrogenic nasal vestibular stenosis in an infant

The presented technique describes the steps for fabricating a hollow and rigid intranasal stent to maintain the patency of the nasal passage after iatrogenic nasal vestibular stenosis in an infant. The technique uses a connector between the injection bulb or site and the hypodermic needle of an intravenous infusion set to ease the impression making and avoid the additional step of hollowing the stent.

Facial Soft Tissue Injuries in Pediatric Patients

Soft tissue injuries of the head and neck are a common reason for medical evaluation and treatment in pediatric populations with some unique and important considerations when compared with adults. The incidence and type of injuries continue to evolve with the adoption of new safety measures, technology advancements, and education of the general population. The goal of this article is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the evaluation and management of pediatric soft tissue trauma including the initial workup, physical examination, appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy, and setting for surgical repair. Additionally, the pediatric anesthetic considerations for evaluation and repair in regard to local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia are described in detail. There is a focus on dog bites, perinatal injuries, and child abuse as these entities are distinctive to a pediatric population and have particular management recommendations. Lastly, application of the reconstructive ladder as it applies to children is supported with specific case examples and figures. Although there are many parallels to the management of soft tissue injury in adults, we will highlight the special situations that occur in pediatric populations, which are imperative for the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon to understand.

Custom nasal stent and columellar reconstruction after a rhinoplasty complication: A clinical report

Nostril stenosis is typically caused by retraction and contraction after trauma or infection, although loss of nasal tissue is not common during rhinoplasty. This clinical report describes the fabrication of a nasal stent to replace the lost columella and a columella prosthesis for a patient who had had reconstructive surgery for nasal valve collapse and a missing columella. The stent established a comfortable means of nasal air exchange that was also esthetically acceptable. The stent also provided the necessary support for the nasal tissue before further nasal reconstructive surgeries.

Bubble Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bNCPAP): An Effective Low-Cost Intervention for Resource-Constrained Settings

Preterm birth complications are responsible for almost one-third of the global neonatal mortality burden, and respiratory distress syndrome remains the single most common cause of these preventable deaths. Since its inception, almost half a century ago, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) has evolved to become the primary modality for neonatal respiratory care in both the developed and developing world. Although evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of low-cost bubble NCPAP in reducing newborn mortality, its widespread use is yet to be seen in resource-constrained settings. Moreover, many tertiary hospitals in developing countries still utilise an inexpensive locally assembled bNCPAP system of unknown efficacy and safety. This review provides a brief overview of the history, physiological benefits, indications, contraindications, and complications of bNCPAP. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of low-cost bNCPAP in the neonatal intensive care unit is also summarised. The article further details a locally assembled bNCPAP system used in resource-constrained settings and highlights the care package for neonates receiving bNCPAP, failure criteria, and strategies for weaning.

Nasal Pressure Injuries Due to Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Newborns: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to calculate incidence, severity, and risk factors of nasal pressure injuries due to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) treatment in newborns.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Newborns admitted between March 2017 and February 2018 to the neonatal intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.

METHODS

All newborns' noses were examined during NCPAP application. Every NCPAP-related nasal pressure injury including occurrence date, injury severity, outcomes, and pressure injury treatment methods was recorded. These data were collected twice a week by a research nurse. Nasal pressure injuries were classified using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel/European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel pressure injury classification system.

RESULTS

During the study period, 429 newborns received NCPAP treatment via nasal prongs. Nasal pressure injuries were observed in 149 (34.7%); 99 (66.44%) were classified as Stage 1, 48 (32.31%) were Stage 2, and 2 (1.25%) cases were classified as deep tissue injury. The risk of nasal pressure injury was significantly higher when gestational age was less than 32 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.728; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-11.77; P ≤ .025) and in those who received NCPAP treatment for more than 6 days (OR, 0.262; 95% CI, 0.087-0.787; P ≤ .017). The mean interval between the application of NCPAP and onset of nasal pressure injury was 4.72 days (SD, 4.78; range, 0-30 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal pressure injuries are a prevalent complication of NCPAP use, especially in preterm newborns. Our results identified a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and longer use of NCPAP are important factors associated with nasal pressure injuries. Methods to prevent the development of injuries such as the use of a prophylactic dressing along and replacement of binasal prongs with nasal masks are advocated.

Impact of Systematic Training and CPAP Checklist in the Prevention of NCPAP Related Nasal Injuries in Neonates- A Quality Improvement Study

OBJECTIVE

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) related nasal injury in neonates is a type of device-related pressure injury and is a common event with the varying incidence in different hospitals. Understanding and adhering to the recommendation of the manufacturer in fixing the NCPAP interface is vital for the prevention of nasal injuries. A quality improvement initiative was undertaken to decrease the incidence of NCPAP related nasal injuries in a Level 3 neonatal unit by using a customized NCPAP checklist and application of the checklist using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

METHODS

A baseline audit was conducted for two months. An evidence-based checklist was formed by a quality improvement team and was exercised by a designated CPAP nurse using videos, small seminars, handouts, and hands-on training. Modifications in the checklist were done during the study using three PDSA cycles.

RESULTS

A total of 129 babies with a median gestational age of 31 wk (IQR: 28-34 wk), median birth weight of 1320 g (IQR: 1030-1842 g) were studied. The mean duration of NCPAP was 5.4 d. The incidence of CPAP injuries decreased from 91 per 1000 CPAP days to 8 per 1000 CPAP days over 8 mo. The compliance with fixing NCPAP as per recommendation improved from 35% to 95% during the study with p values <0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses training based on a structured checklist and highlighting important features of standardized NCPAP care helps in preventing NCPAP related nasal injury.

A simplified approach of prosthetic management of posttraumatic nasal obstruction using a custom-made unilateral intranasal stent in 14-year-old child

Infections, trauma, iatrogenic causes, congenital malformations, or complications of systemic diseases can result in perforation of the nasal septum. An intranasal stent is a removable prosthesis that can be inserted into the nasal cavity to support the form of nose. The stenting can be used for recanalization and nasal valve preservation. This case report presents a method for the fabrication of a customized nasal stent in a 14-year-old female patient with posttraumatic unilateral collapsed nasal vestibule.

Effectiveness and safety of nasal mask versus binasal prongs for providing continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered via binasal prongs has been the cornerstone of respiratory management in preterm infants. Though effective, the use of binasal prongs is associated with nasal trauma, and CPAP failure. To overcome these issues, nasal masks are increasingly used to deliver CPAP in preterm infants. The aim was to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing nasal mask versus binasal prongs to deliver CPAP in preterm infants. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index of Nursing, and Allied Health Literature, and E-abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Society meetings were searched in May 2017. All RCTs comparing nasal mask versus binasal prongs for delivering CPAP in preterm infants were included. Primary outcome was CPAP failure (need for mechanical ventilation within 72 h of initiating CPAP). Secondary outcomes included duration of CPAP, moderate to severe nasal trauma, any nasal trauma, pneumothorax, severe IVH, bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, and mortality. Five RCTs with low risk of bias were included. Nasal mask significantly decreased the risk of CPAP failure (4 RCTs [N = 459]; relative risk [RR]: 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.88; P=.007; I2 = 0%, NNT: 9), and the incidence of moderate to severe nasal trauma (3 RCTs [N = 275], RR: 0.41; 95%CI, 0.24-0.72; P = 0.002; I2 = 74%, NNT: 6). Other outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared to binasal prongs, nasal mask may provide a safe and effective alternative by minimizing the risk of CPAP failure in preterm infants needing CPAP support.

Nasal injury and comfort with jet versus bubble continuous positive airway pressure delivery systems in preterm infants with respiratory distress

Nasal injuries with use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) range from blanching of nasal tip to septal necrosis and septal drop. This analysis was done in preterm neonates of < 34-week gestation, who received nasal CPAP as primary support as part of a randomized trial comparing Jet device with Bubble device for delivery of CPAP, both through nasal prongs of different structure, make and fixation methods. Nasal injury was assessed using a validated nasal injury score. Out of 170 neonates enrolled, 103 (61%) had nasal injuries; moderate and severe injuries were observed in 18 (11%) and 8 (5%) infants, respectively. Septum was the most common site injured. The incidence and severity of nasal injury were significantly lesser in Jet group compared to Bubble group [RR 0.6 (95% C.I. 0.5-0.8); p < 0.001]. Similarly, neonates in Jet group had lesser average [median (IQR): 3 (3,4) vs. 4 [8, 14]; p = 0.04] as well as peak N-PASS pain scores [median (IQR): 4 [8, 14] vs. 5 [13, 16]; p = 0.01] in comparison to Bubble group. However, Jet group neonates had significantly more common prong displacements.

CONCLUSION

Bubble CPAP device with its nasal interface had higher and more serious incidence of nasal injuries in comparison to Jet CPAP device. What is known: • Nasal injuries are becoming increasingly common with use of nasal CPAP low gestational age, low birth weight, longer use of CPAP and longer NICU stay are risk factors for such injuries • Validated nasal injury scores have been created for assessment of nasal trauma in neonates What is new: • Bubble device with its interface had higher and more serious incidence of nasal injuries in comparison to Jet device • Even though pain assessed by N-PASS was less with Jet device, prong displacements were more frequent with its system.

Nasal masks or binasal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure in preterm neonates-a randomised trial

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered using nasal masks with binasal prongs. We randomly allocated 72 neonates between 26 and 32 weeks gestation to receive bubble CPAP by either nasal mask (n = 37) or short binasal prongs (n = 35). Primary outcome was mean FiO₂ requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h of CPAP initiation and the area under curve (AUC) of FiO₂ against time during the first 24 h (FiO₂ AUC_0-24). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of CPAP failure and nasal trauma. FiO₂ requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h (mean (SD); 25 (5.8) vs. 27.9 (8); 23.8 (4.5) vs. 25.4 (6.8) and 22.6 (6.8) vs. 22.7 (3.3)) as well as FiO₂ AUC_0-24 (584.0 (117.8) vs. 610.6 (123.6)) were similar between the groups. There was no difference in the incidence of CPAP failure (14 vs. 20%; relative risk 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.24-1.93). Incidence of severe nasal trauma was lower with the use of nasal masks (0 vs. 31%; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal masks appear to be as efficacious as binasal prongs in providing CPAP. Masks are associated with lower risk of severe nasal trauma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CTRI2012/08/002868 What is Known? • Binasal prongs are better than single nasal and nasopharyngeal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preventing need for re-intubation. • It is unclear if they are superior to newer generation nasal masks in preterm neonates requiring CPAP. What is New? • Oxygen requirement during the first 24 h of CPAP delivery is comparable with use of nasal masks and binasal prongs. • Use of nasal masks is, however, associated with significantly lower risk of severe grades of nasal injury.

Efficacy and safety of CPAP in low- and middle-income countries

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the (1) feasibility and efficacy and (2) safety and cost effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases-MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE and WHOLIS-up to December 2014 and included all studies that enrolled neonates requiring CPAP therapy for any indication. We did not find any randomized trials from LMICs that have evaluated the efficacy of CPAP therapy. Pooled analysis of four observational studies showed 66% reduction in in-hospital mortality following CPAP in preterm neonates (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.82). One study reported 50% reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation following the introduction of bubble CPAP (relative risk 0.5, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.66). The proportion of neonates who failed CPAP and required mechanical ventilation varied from 20 to 40% (eight studies). The incidence of air leaks varied from 0 to 7.2% (nine studies). One study reported a significant reduction in the cost of surfactant usage with the introduction of CPAP. Available evidence suggests that CPAP is a safe and effective mode of therapy in preterm neonates with respiratory distress in LMICs. It reduces the in-hospital mortality and the need for ventilation thereby minimizing the need for up-transfer to a referral hospital. But given the overall paucity of studies and the low quality evidence underscores the need for large high-quality studies on the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of CPAP therapy in these settings.

Current treatment of nasal vestibular stenosis with CO2-laser surgery: prolonged vestibular stenting versus intraoperative mitomycin application. A case series of 3 patients

These case studies describe three cases of unilateral nasal vestibular stenoses caused by chemical cauterization. Each case was treated with CO2-laser surgery together with intraoperative topic application of mitomycin or prolonged vestibular stenting for prevention of restenosis. Two patients received intraoperative mitomycin application and one patient received prolonged vestibular stenting. Results were documented using high-resolution photographs. The follow up period ranged from 1 year and 3 months to 4 years and 9 months. All patients improved after CO2-laser surgery. No complications were reported. We consider CO2-laser surgery for relief of nasal vestibular stenosis as a feasible surgical technique for relieve of nasal vestibular stenosis. Prolonged vestibular stenting seems to be an important factor for the prevention of restenosis in which the value of intraoperative mitomycin application without prolonged vestibular stenting remains uncertain.

A comparison of nasal trauma in preterm infants extubated to either heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulae or nasal continuous positive airway pressure

The objectives of this study were (1) to devise a nasal trauma score for preterm infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support, (2) to compare the incidence of nasal trauma in preterm infants <32 weeks gestation randomised to either nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) or heated humidified high-Flow nasal cannulae (HHHFNC), in the first 7 days post-extubation and (3) to assess the effect of two different nasal dressings in those assigned to NCPAP. We randomly assigned preterm ventilated infants to receive Vapotherm® HHHFNC or NCPAP post-extubation. Infants receiving HHHFNC were treated with Sticky Whiskers® and infants receiving NCPAP received either Sticky Whiskers® or Cannualaide® nasal dressings. Bedside nursing staff scored six sites on each infant's nose for erythema, bleeding or ulceration. Scores were recorded three times daily for the first 7 days post-extubation. The sum of these 21 scores was used as the summary measure of nasal trauma. The mean nasal trauma score for infants assigned HHHFNC was 2.8 (SD 5.7) compared to 11.7 for NCPAP (SD 10.4), p < 0.001. There was no difference in mean trauma score between infants on NCPAP assigned Sticky Whiskers® 14.4 (SD 12.5) or Cannualaide® 9.5 (SD 7.3), p = 0.06.

CONCLUSION

HHHFNC resulted in significantly less nasal trauma in the first 7 days post-extubation than NCPAP and was most significant in infants <28 weeks of gestation. The use of protective dressings was not associated with decreased nasal trauma for infants on NCPAP.

An integrative review of skin breakdown in the preterm infant associated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with skin injury during nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and describe differences in frequency, severity, and type of skin injuries when comparing nasal interfaces used during NCPAP in the preterm infant.

DATA SOURCES

Scientific databases were searched using provided key terms and yielded 113 articles.

STUDY SELECTION

Forty-six articles were included in this integrative review: six case studies, 22 with identified aim of examining skin and nasal injury during NCPAP; 18 included skin care considerations during NCPAP.

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were categorized into four themes: types of nasal injuries; associated risk factors that increase incidence of injury; differences between NCPAP devices and/or nasal interface and corresponding rate and severity of nasal injury; and recommended prevention strategies to reduce iatrogenic cutaneous injury.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Skin injury was a common theme during neonatal NCPAP with skin breakdown rates of 20% to 60%. Increased skin injury risk was associated with smaller infant size, gestational age, and duration of therapy. Nursing care strategies to improve skin integrity during NCPAP had little supportive evidence. Nursing practice is varied with reportedly little standardized care during NCPAP therapy. Recommendations for specific care strategies to reduce skin injury during NCPAP were supported by limited experimental studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors during NCPAP include nasal injury and trauma secondary to tight-fitting nasal interfaces necessary to provide continuous distending pressure for respiratory stability. Identifying strategies to reduce skin breakdown will support noninvasive treatment success, reduce reintubation rates, reduce sepsis, reduce patient discomfort, and improve developmental outcomes during NCPAP use.

A novel v- silicone vestibular stent: preventing vestibular stenosis and preserving nasal valves

This report presents a novel style of placing nasal stents. Patients undergoing surgical procedures in the region of nasal vestibule and nasal valves are at risk of developing vestibular stenosis and lifelong problems with the external and internal nasal valves; sequels of the repair. The objective of the report is to demonstrate a simple and successful method of an inverted V- Stent placement to prevent potential complication of vestibular stenosis and nasal valve compromise later in life. Following a fall on a sharp edge of a metallic bed, a sixteen month old child with a deep lacerated nasal wound extending from the collumellar base toward the tip of the nose underwent surgical exploration and repair of the nasal vestibule and nasal cavity. A soft silicone stent fashioned as inverted V was placed bilaterally. The child made a remarkable recovery with no evidence of vestibular stenosis or nasal valve abnormalities. In patients with nasal trauma involving the nasal vestibule and internal and external nasal valves stent placement avoids sequels, adhesions, contractures, synechia vestibular stenosis and fibrosis involving these anatomical structures. The advantages of the described V- stents over the traditional readymade ridged nasal stents, tubing's and composite aural grafts are: a) technical simplicity of use, b) safety, c) less morbidity, d) more comfortable, and e) economical. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a stent for prevention of vestibular stenosis and preserving nasal valves.

Which continuous positive airway pressure system is best for the preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome?

Various commercial and home-made continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems are described in this article. CPAP may be delivered via a range of device-patient interfaces; nasal CPAP is most common, and short binasal prongs impose the least extrinsic load impedance on the infant. The source of pressure generation is categorized as either constant pressure or constant flow. The efficacy of different systems may vary according to whether lung volume recruitment, airway patency, minimization of work of breathing, or central nervous system stimulation are the primary goal of the clinical decision to use CPAP therapy.

Effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure and cannula use in the neonatal intensive care unit setting

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and cannula use in the neonatal intensive care unit.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary care children's hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred patients (200 nasal cavities), younger than 1 year, who received at least 7 days of nasal CPAP (n = 91) or cannula supplementation (n = 9) in the neonatal intensive care unit.

INTERVENTIONS

External nasal examination and anterior nasal endoscopy with photographic documentation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence and characteristics of internal and external nasal findings of patients with nasal CPAP or cannula use.

RESULTS

Nasal complications were seen in 12 of the 91 patients (13.2%) with at least 7 days of nasal CPAP exposure, while no complications were seen in the 9 patients with nasal cannula use alone. The external nasal finding of columellar necrosis, seen in 5 patients (5.5%), occurred as early as 10 days after nasal CPAP use. Incidence of intranasal findings attributed to CPAP use, in the 182 nostrils examined, included ulceration in 6 nasal cavities (3.3%), granulation in 3 nasal cavities (1.6%), and vestibular stenosis in 4 nasal cavities (2.2%). Intranasal complications were seen as early as 8 to 9 days after nasal CPAP administration. Nasal complications from CPAP were associated with lower Apgar scores at 1 (P = .02) and 5 (P = .06) minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

External or internal complications of nasal CPAP can be relatively frequent (13.2%) and can occur early, and patients with lower Apgar scores may be at higher risk. Close surveillance for potential complications should be considered during nasal CPAP use.

Prevention of nasal injuries secondary to NCPAP application in the ELBW infant

Improved technology and management approaches that have reduced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have decreased mortality and morbidity in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Early extubation to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) decreases the complications associated with long-term oral/nasal endotracheal intubation, including BPD, ventilator-associated pneumonia, volutrauma, subglottic stenosis, oral palatal grooves, and nasal septum erosion. Research and anecdotal evidence have shown that iatrogenic injuries to the nose also occur with extended time on NCPAP. Research observing associations between the patient interface and nasal injury has shown duration of therapy to be the most significant risk factor. Immature skin and developing nasal structures place ELBW infants at increased risk for injury. The challenge for NICU caregivers is maintaining the ELBW infant on NCPAP for extended periods without nasal injury. Appropriate protocols, practice guidelines, and staff education can decrease these injuries.