Use of botulinum toxin in pediatric otolaryngology and laryngology

Current Protocol for Aesthetic Scar Management in Thyroid Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

We compared the scar quality when different protocols were applied, and eventually aim to find the optimal scar management protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective, randomized, and blinded comparison of different scar management protocols in a single center.

METHODS

We allocated 126 patients who underwent thyroidectomy via collar neck incision randomly into three groups. Patients in group A were treated with tissue adhesive only. Patients in group B were treated by means of subcuticular suturing and early scar management with a non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and intralesional triamcinolone injection (ILI). Patients in group C had skin closure with tissue adhesive and early scar management. At 6 months after the operation, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the width of the final scar were compared.

RESULTS

Comparing the sum of PSAS, groups B and C showed significant higher satisfaction than did group A (22.81 ± 11.66 in group A, 10.9 ± 5.14 in group B, and 15.19 ± 9.98 in group C). In the sum of OSAS, group B also showed a significant difference than did groups A and C (17.74 ± 6.75 in group A, 10.26 ± 3.60 in group B, and 14.52 ± 6.48 in group C). Also, group B showed a narrower scar width than did groups A and C.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding suggests that subcuticular suturing using barbed suture material and early treatment with a combination therapy using NAFL and ILI showed a favorable aesthetic outcome for both patients and operators. Based on our algorithmic approach for thyroidectomy scar, we anticipate an optimal aesthetic outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II Laryngoscope, 131:E2188-E2195, 2021.

Gastrointestinal Uses of Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin (BT), one of the most powerful inhibitors that prevents the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, represents an alternative therapeutic approach for "spastic" disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssynergia.BT has proven to be safe and this allows it to be a valid alternative in patients at high risk of invasive procedures but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to its relatively short duration of action. Administration of BT has a low rate of adverse reactions and complications. However, not all patients respond to BT therapy, and large randomized controlled trials are lacking for many conditions commonly treated with BT.The local injection of BT in some conditions becomes a useful tool to decide to switch to more invasive therapies. Since 1980, the toxin has rapidly transformed from lethal poison to a safe therapeutic agent, with a significant impact on the quality of life.

The Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Healing of Thyroidectomy Wounds: A Randomized, Prospective, Placebo-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Recent research has indicated that botulinum toxin type A may have an inhibitory effect on the formation of fibroblasts and thus possibly decreases the severity of scar formation. Therefore, a trial was designed to assess the effects of botulinum toxin type A on scar formation after thyroid surgery.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was designed. All patients underwent a preoperative survey to assess scar history. All patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy, or parathyroidectomy through a standardized incision. At the conclusion of the case, one half of the incision was injected with botulinum toxin type A, and the other half was injected with saline (placebo). The scars were then evaluated at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively using subjective scar analysis scales.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were enrolled. There was no significant difference in scarring at any of the time points between the botulinum toxin type A-treated and placebo sides of the incision. A subgroup analysis was performed that examined the effects of botulinum toxin type A on those with a severe scar history. This demonstrated a significant decrease in scarring at 6 months postoperatively on the botulinum toxin type A-treated side.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that botulinum toxin type A administration immediately after surgical closure of a thyroid incision does not demonstrate a difference in scar outcomes compared with the control side. However, there was less scarring in subjects who had a severe scar history. This study found opposite results to a similarly designed study. Further study is required to determine the optimal use of botulinum toxin type A for wound healing.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

Gasping for a Diagnosis: Pediatric Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction is an obstruction of the upper airway, primarily on inspiration, due to the paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords. Vocal cord dysfunction continues to be underdiagnosed as its own entity. The lack of diagnosis can be attributed to the overlap of symptoms between asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is possible for patients diagnosed with asthma and/or exercise-induced bronchospasm to have underlying vocal cord dysfunction, which needs to be considered when prescribing asthma medications. This article will review the history of vocal cord dysfunction, the differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and the role of the nurse practitioner in caring for these patients.

Chemodenervation of the Larynx

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) has existed for thousands of years; however, it was not medically utilized until investigations into its therapeutic use began in sincerity during the late 1970s and 1980s. This, coupled with the reclassification of spasmodic dysphonia as a focal dystonia, led to the use of chemodenervation for this disorder, which has since become a refined technique. Indeed, due to its safety and efficacy, BoNT has been investigated in multiple neurolaryngology disorders, including spasmodic dysphonia, vocal tremor, and muscle tension dysphonia. BoNT has been shown to be a useful and safe adjunct in the treatment for these disorders and may reduce or eliminate oral pharmacotherapy and/or prevent the need for a surgical intervention. We present the historical background, development, proposed mechanisms of action, uses, and techniques for administering BoNT for laryngeal disorders, with a particular focus on spasmodic dysphonia.

Pediatric leukodystrophies: The role of the otolaryngologist

BACKGROUND

Leukodystrophies consist of degenerative neurogenetic diseases often associated with comorbidities that extend beyond the neurological system. Despite their impacts on patients' quality of life and risks of complications, head and neck symptomology is poorly reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the main head and neck complaints among a cohort of patients diagnosed with leukodystrophies and define the role of the otolaryngologist as part of a multidisciplinary team for treating these patients.

METHODS

During the First Canadian National Conference on Leukodystrophies held at the Montreal's Children Hospital, a cohort of 12 patients diagnosed with leukodystrophies were recruited and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. An otolaryngology-focused assessment was done through history and physical examination, and included a screening questionnaire for 23 common otolaryngology issues. If families reported a history of sialorrhea, a validated questionnaire (Drool Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (DroolQoL)) was subsequently distributed. Results from the questionnaires were then compiled and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 12 recruited patients, 83% (10/12) were known to an otolaryngologist. Drooling affected 67% (8/12) of patients although only 37.5% (3/8) of patients had undergone medical or surgical therapies for this issue. Four patients experienced at least one aspiration pneumonia. 58% (7/12) of the patients had dysphagia, of whom 43% (3/12) were fed exclusively via gastrostomy tube and 28% (2/7) required thickening of feeds. Two patients, despite suspicion of dysphagia and aspiration, had never undergone evaluation. As for otologic issues, it was noted that 25% (3/12) of patients had a history of pressure equalizing tubes (PETs) and one patient had a history of hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

Head and neck comorbidities affect children with leukodystrophies. Therefore, the otolaryngologist should be part of the multidisciplinary team, specifically for the management of dysphagia and sialorrhea.

Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injections for Sialorrhea as Performed by Pediatric Otolaryngologists

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incidence of complications and hospital readmission as a result of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections to manage sialorrhea.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case series with chart review was performed of all cases of ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin by pediatric otolaryngologists from March 5, 2010, to September 26, 2014,. Primary outcomes included complications such as dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and motor paralysis. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, intubation, and nasogastric tube placement.

RESULTS

There were 48 patients, 111 interventions, and 306 intraglandular injections identified. Botulinum toxin type A and type B were utilized in 4 and 107 operative interventions, respectively. Type A was injected into 4 parotid and 4 submandibular glands, utilizing doses of 20 U per parotid and 30 U per submandibular gland. Type B was injected into 98 parotid and 200 submandibular glands, with average dosing of 923 U per parotid and 1170 U per submandibular gland, respectively. There were 2 instances of subjectively worsening of baseline dysphagia that self-resolved. No cases were complicated by aspiration pneumonia or motor paralysis. No patients required hospital readmission, intubation, or nasogastric tube placement.

CONCLUSION

Prior published data indicated 16% complication incidence with ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin. Our study found a low complication rate (0.6%) with ultrasound-guided injections of botulinum toxin to manage sialorrhea, without cases of aspiration pneumonia or motor paralysis. Of 306 intraglandular injections, there were 2 cases of worsening baseline subjective dysphagia that self-resolved.

The use of botulinum toxin B in the treatment of a post-traumatic sialocele in a 4-year-old child: A case report

Parotid sialoceles are bothersome complications of parotidectomy and penetrating injury to the parotid gland. Though typically self-limited and responsive to conservative management, they can be particularly difficult to manage in the pediatric population where even conservative interventions are less well tolerated. We present the case of a 4-year-old child with a post-traumatic parotid sialocele that was successfully managed with a single injection of botulinum toxin B. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the use of botulinum toxin for this purpose in the pediatric population.

Challenges in managing drooling in children

Drooling is the unintentional loss of saliva from the mouth, either anteriorly (visible) or posteriorly (with a risk of coughing, vomiting, aspiration and chronic respiratory disorders).(1,2) Anterior drooling is normal in infancy, but is considered neuro-developmentally abnormal if it occurs in children over the age of 4 years old, and is commonly seen in those with physical, intellectual and learning disability, and poor neuromuscular coordination and oral control.(1,3-7) For example, drooling occurs in 10-38% of children with cerebral palsy.(6,8) Drooling is usually due to failure to clear saliva rather than hyper-salivation (sialorrhoea), and a head-down posture and sucking on fingers or clothing may be contributory factors.(1,2,5-7) Here we review the challenges associated with the management of drooling in children.

Treatment of gastrointestinal sphincters spasms with botulinum toxin A

Botulinum toxin A inhibits neuromuscular transmission. It has become a drug with many indications. The range of clinical applications has grown to encompass several neurological and non-neurological conditions. One of the most recent achievements in the field is the observation that botulinum toxin A provides benefit in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Although toxin blocks cholinergic nerve endings in the autonomic nervous system, it has also been shown that it does not block non-adrenergic non-cholinergic responses mediated by nitric oxide. This has promoted further interest in using botulinum toxin A as a treatment for overactive smooth muscles and sphincters. The introduction of this therapy has made the treatment of several clinical conditions easier, in the outpatient setting, at a lower cost and without permanent complications. This review presents current data on the use of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.