Outcomes of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury following congenital heart surgery: A contemporary experience

Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Dysphagia after Cardiac Surgery

Objective

To determine whether injection laryngoplasty (IL) resolves thin liquid aspiration among children with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) after cardiac surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective case-control.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

Consecutive children (<5 years) between 2012 and 2022 with UVCP after cardiac surgery were included. Resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IL versus observation was determined for children obtaining videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS).

Results

A total of 32 children with left UVCP after cardiac surgery met inclusion. Initial surgeries were N = 9 (28%) patent ductus arteriosus ligations, N = 7 (22%) aortic arch surgeries, N = 9 (28%) surgeries for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and N = 7 (22%) other cardiac surgeries. The mean age at initial surgery was 1.8 months (SD: 3.7). All children had a VFSS obtained after surgery that confirmed aspiration. There were 17 children that obtained an IL at 33.6 months (SD: 20.9) after cardiac surgery and 15 children observed without IL procedure. No surgical complications after IL were noted. The rate of aspiration resolution based on postoperative VFSS was N = 14 (82%) for the IL group and N = 9 (60%) for the control group P = .24. Documented VFSS aspiration resolution after cardiac surgery occurred by 9.6 months (SD: 10.0) in the observation group and 47.4 months (SD: 24.1) in the IL group (P < .001).

Conclusion

IL can help treat aspiration in children with UVCP after cardiac surgery but the benefit beyond observation remains unclear. Future studies should continue to explore the utility for IL in managing dysphagia in this pediatric population.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by accidental button battery ingestion in children: A case report and literature review

Button battery ingestion in pediatric populations is a common occurrence with severe sequelae. Multiple case reports have established the occurrence of death, fistula formation, mucosal erosion, esophageal perforation, and bleeding post-ingestion of button batteries. However, there is a gap in the literature on the occurrence of bilateral vocal cord paralysis post-lithium battery ingestion. We present a case in which a 12-month-old male developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis following ingestion of a button battery. We compare our case to eleven other reports that exist in the literature based on age, sex, time until removal, clinical presentation, day upon which vocal cord paralysis developed, anatomic location, and post-operative course. We conclude that bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a time-sensitive complication which requires prompt diagnosis. Any child with stridor following button battery ingestion should undergo consultation with pediatric otolaryngology immediately. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate return of normal vocal cord function.

The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury resulting in vocal cord paralysis following interventional congenital catheterisation procedures

BACKGROUND

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury leading to vocal cord paralysis is a known complication of cardiothoracic surgery. Its occurrence during interventional catheterisation procedures has been documented in case reports, but there have been no studies to determine an incidence.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the incidence of left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury leading to vocal cord paralysis after left pulmonary artery stenting, patent ductus arteriosus device closure and the combination of the procedures either consecutively or simultaneously.

METHODS

Members of the Congenital Cardiovascular Interventional Study Consortium were asked to perform a retrospective analysis to identify cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury after the aforementioned procedures. Twelve institutions participated in the analysis. They also contributed the total number of each procedure performed at their respective institutions for statistical purposes.

RESULTS

Of the 1337 patients who underwent left pulmonary artery stent placement, six patients (0.45%) had confirmed vocal cord paralysis. 4001 patients underwent patent ductus arteriosus device closure, and two patients (0.05%) developed left vocal cord paralysis. Patients who underwent both left pulmonary artery stent placement and patent ductus arteriosus device closure had the highest incidence of vocal cord paralysis which occurred in 4 of the 26 patients (15.4%). Overall, 92% of affected patients in our study population had resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a rare complication of left pulmonary artery stent placement or patent ductus arteriosus device closure. However, the incidence is highest in patients undergoing both procedures either consecutively or simultaneously. Additional research is necessary to determine contributing factors that might reduce the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Clinical Characteristics and Potential Pathogenesis of Cardiac Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease: A Narrative Review

Neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an acute inflammatory intestinal injury most commonly associated with preterm infants. The rarity of this complex disease, termed cardiac NEC, has resulted in a dearth of information on its pathophysiology. However, a higher incidence in term infants, effects on more distal regions of the intestine, and potentially a differential immune response may distinguish cardiac NEC as a distinct condition from the more common preterm, classical NEC. In this review, risk factors, differentiated from those of classical NEC, are discussed according to their potential contribution to the disease process, and a general pathogenesis is postulated for cardiac NEC. Additionally, biomarkers specific to cardiac NEC, clinical outcomes, and strategies for achieving enteral feeds are discussed. Working towards an understanding of the mechanisms underlying cardiac NEC may aid in future diagnosis of the condition and provide potential therapeutic targets.

Long term outcome of laryngeal mobility disorder and quality of life after pediatric cardiac surgery

INTRODUCTION

Laryngeal mobility disorder after a pediatric heart surgery is common (between 5 and 10% of cases), and has important consequences on swallowing, breathing and speaking. After reviewing the literature, the recovery rate is variable and the postoperative follow-up is often done on a short time frame. The primary objective of the study is to describe the recovery from laryngeal mobility disorder with a follow-up time of at least 5 years. The secondary objective is to describe of the quality of life of the child in terms of phonation and swallowing, and to identify potential risk factors for a lasting laryngeal mobility disorder.

METHODS

We collected data (morphological characteristics and details of the procedures and medical care) on children who had undergone a heart surgery with risks of complications, between 2010 and 2015, and with a laryngeal mobility disorder detected after the surgery through nasal flexible laryngoscopy. During a follow-up consultation, carried at least 5 years after the surgery, we performed a nasal flexible laryngoscopy to assess whether or not the patient had recovered a full mobility of the larynx. Two questionnaires were also given to the patients, the pVHI and the PEDI EAT-10, to assess respectively the quality of their speech and of their swallowing function.

RESULTS

The recovery rate for a laryngeal mobility disorder more than 5 years after surgery was found to be 65% (9 children out of the 14 included in the study). We identified a risk factor for the persistence of a laryngeal mobility disorder after surgery: the presence of an associated genetic syndrome, p = 0.025. Children with persistent laryngeal mobility disorder have an impaired quality of life score, using the pVHI scale, which correlates well with the flexible laryngoscopy findings, p = 0.033.

CONCLUSION

Children with a lasting laryngeal mobility disorder have disabling respiratory and vocal symptoms in their daily lives. Nasal flexible laryngoscopy should therefore be systematically performed postoperatively after a surgery carrying risks. For improved patient management, early detection of these disorders by pharyngolaryngeal nasal flexible laryngoscopy in the aftermath of high-risk cardiac surgery is strongly advised, with prolonged follow-up.

Surgically Acquired Vocal Cord Palsy in Infants and Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): Description of Feeding Outcomes

Impaired swallowing in infants can impact upon the ability to feed orally, often resulting in dependency on supplementary feeding. Such difficulties can lead to an increased burden of care and associated costs. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of vocal cord palsy (VCP), acquired intraoperatively during cardiac surgery, on the feeding outcomes of infants at a tertiary metropolitan children's hospital. An additional aim was to obtain preliminary information on the impact of feeding difficulties in this group on the quality of life of parents and families. A review of 48 patients who had been referred to the speech pathology service was undertaken. Participants presented with heterogeneous cardiac diagnoses, and had an initial Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) at a median corrected age of 3.6 weeks. Sixty percent of participants presented with silent aspiration on VFSS. Thirty percent of participants required supplementary tube feeding more than 6 months post-surgery. Six percent of participants with poor feeding progress and persistent aspiration required further surgical intervention to support nutrition. Findings revealed no significant relationship between participant factors and the presence of feeding difficulties, however, infants with concomitant genetic and syndromic conditions were found to be most at-risk for long-term feeding difficulties. Analysis of informal parent questionnaire responses indicated parents experienced stress and anxiety after their child's discharge. This was noted in regard to their child's feeding, which impacts quality of life across a number of domains. Findings of this study highlight the importance of communicating the potential feeding difficulties to parents of at-risk infants prior to cardiac surgery. This study further highlighted the importance of routine post-operative otorhinolaryngology examinations following high-risk surgeries, as well as speech pathology management for all infants and children identified with VCP. Post-operative input from appropriately trained Speech Pathologists is vital in assisting parents to support and mitigate their child's difficulties through the provision of early intervention for feeding difficulties.

Vocal cord palsy as a sequela of paediatric cardiac surgery - a review

BACKGROUND

Vocal cord palsy is one of the recognised complications of complex cardiac surgery in the paediatric population. While there is an abundance of literature highlighting the presence of this complication, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available for children affected by vocal cord palsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic searches were conducted using the search terms: "Vocal Cord Palsy," "VCP," "Vocal Cord Injury," "Paediatric Heart Surgery," "Congenital Heart Surgery," "Pediatric Heart Surgery," "Vocal Fold Movement Impairment," "VFMI," "Vocal Fold Palsy," "PDA Ligation." The inclusion criteria were any articles discussing the outcomes of vocal cord palsy following paediatric cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

The two main populations affected by vocal cord palsy are children undergoing aortic arch surgery or those undergoing PDA ligation. There is paucity of prospective follow-up studies; it is therefore difficult to reliably assess the current approaches and the long-term implications of management options.

CONCLUSION

Vocal cord palsy can be a devastating complication following cardiac surgery, which if left untreated, could potentially result in debilitation of quality of life and in severe circumstances could even lead to death. Currently, there is not enough high-quality evidence in the literature to aid recognition, diagnosis, and management leaving clinicians to extrapolate evidence from adult studies to make clinical judgements. Future research with a focus on the paediatric perspective is necessary in providing evidence for good standards of care.

Incidence and Recovery of Vocal Fold Immobility Following Pediatric Cardiac Operations

BACKGROUND

Loss of laryngeal function after congenital cardiac surgery causes morbidity and prolongs hospitalization. Early diagnosis of vocal fold immobility (VFI) and referral to pediatric otolaryngology (pOTO) aids in laryngeal rehabilitation. Understanding the incidence and recovery rates of VFI enables counseling for families of infants undergoing high-risk surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review from November 2014 to July 2019 of infants postcardiac surgery where the aortic arch or surrounding structures were manipulated and were screened via flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) at a single institution was performed. Patients were divided into five surgical categories: Norwood procedure, aortic arch augmentation via median sternotomy, arterial switch operation, coarctation repair via lateral thoracotomy, and cardiac surgeries including ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Patients undergoing isolated PDA ligation were excluded.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-nine qualifying operations occurred during this period; 28 patients did not undergo FFL before discharge and were excluded from the analysis. Immediately following cardiac surgery, 34% (58 of 171 patients) had VFI. Follow-up was completed by 38 of 58 patients with VFI. Complete recovery was demonstrated in 63% (24 of 38) of patients by 6 months and in 86% (33 of 38) within 18 months. The highest risk occurred with the Norwood procedure and arch augmentation via median sternotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants undergoing surgery involving the aortic arch and surrounding structures have high rates of VFI. Follow-up by pOTO is recommended to optimize laryngeal rehabilitation. Most patients have spontaneous recovery within 18 months of cardiac surgery.

Routine vocal cord mobility assessment post cardiac surgery via median sternotomy approach

OBJECTIVES

Surgery of the aortic arch carries a risk of injury to the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves, particularly in a young child, as these structures lie in close proximity to aortic arch. This study aimed to determine the incidence, symptomatology and natural history of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) following aortic arch reconstructive surgery through a median sternotomy approach.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Prospective assessment was performed of all consecutive newborns who underwent cardiac surgery for aortic arch surgery via median sternotomy between January 2016 and May 2017 at a tertiary paediatric hospital. All patients underwent post-operative flexible fibreoptic nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) after extubation to assess for the presence of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Those with VCD were re-examined at followup. A feeding assessment performed by speech pathologists (SPs) and a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) were also performed in those with VCD or feeding difficulties.

RESULTS

A total of 35 newborns were included in the study. At initial review, left sided VCD was demonstrated in 65.7% of patients (n=23). Significant associations with VCD were younger age (3.0 versus 6.5 days, p=0.041) and a weak or absent cry (Relative Risk=16.4, 95%CI 3.8-47.8, p<0.001). 52.5% (n=11) of patients with VCD had evidence of aspiration on VFSS. There was no significant difference in intensive care unit stay or overall hospital stay between patients with VCD compared to those without (33.0 days vs 28.8 days, p=0.73; 52.5 vs 45.9, p=0.72.) Infants with either proven VCD or a weak cry were more likely to be discharged home with a nasogastric (NG) tube (RR=4.67, p= 0.048; RR=7.00 p=0.022 respectively). At followup after 106 days, complete resolution was seen in 100% patients with partial VCD and 61.5% with complete VCD.

CONCLUSIONS

VCD is a common complication following neonatal aortic arch surgery, although most experience resolution of symptoms over time. The authors recommend post-operative laryngoscopy in all patients should be routine, and particularly those with a weak cry.

Airway Abnormalities in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease: Incidence and Associated Factors

OBJECTIVES

Airway abnormalities complicate the perioperative course of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The literature describing airway abnormalities in those patients is scarce. This study aimed to determine the incidence of airway abnormalities in CHD patients and identify associated factors, genetic syndromes, and cardiac diagnoses.

DESIGN

Retrospective study conducted after institutional review board approval.

SETTING

Tertiary children's hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients presenting for cardiac diagnostic, interventional, or surgical procedures from 2012 to 2018. A total of 9,495 encounters were reviewed.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

age >18 years. Methods/Interventions: Age, weight, sex, intubation technique, number of intubation attempts, and difficult intubation (DI) were recorded. Using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions codes, genetic syndromes, acquired and congenital airway abnormalities, and cardiac diagnoses were identified. Multivariate generalized estimating equations modeling was used to identify independent predictors of airway abnormalities.

RESULTS

A total of 4,797 patients, with 8,657 encounters were included. The median age was 1.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.2-6.0) and weight was 9.2 kg (IQR: 4.3-19.2), and 55% were male. A total of 16.7% had at least 1 genetic syndrome; 8.5% had congenital airway abnormalities and 9.7% acquired. Incidence of DI was 1.1%. The most common syndromes were Down, 22q11.2 microdeletion, and CHARGE. The most frequent congenital airway abnormalities were laryngomalacia and bronchomalacia, and the most frequent acquired were partial and total vocal cord paralysis.

CONCLUSION

The likelihood of a coexistent airway abnormality should be considered in premature CHD patients, weight <10 kg, and in those with specific cardiac lesions and a concomitant genetic syndrome. Preoperative identification of patients at high risk of airway abnormalities is useful in planning their perioperative airway management.

Neonatal Aerodigestive Disorders: Epidemiology and Economic Burden

Aerodigestive disorders, those affecting the upper and lower airway or upper gastrointestinal tract, are interrelated anatomically during fetal development and functionally after birth. Successful respiration and feeding requires careful coordination to promote effective swallowing and prevent aspiration. I describe the epidemiology, including the prevalence of the most common aerodigestive disorders. The ability of an infant to feed by mouth at discharge, without a surgically placed feeding tube, is an important neurodevelopmental marker. Therefore, aerodigestive disorders have a high potential for lifelong morbidities and health care expenditures. When available, published research on related medical costs for these disorders is provided.

Point of care, clinician-performed laryngeal ultrasound and pediatric vocal fold movement impairment

INTRODUCTION

Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) is a well-known sequela of cervical and thoracic procedures performed in the vicinity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Interpretation of flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) can be difficult in young children due to crying, secretions, and obstructing supraglottic structures. We have previously published on the use of radiologist performed and interpreted, laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) to evaluate vocal fold mobility with substantial agreement with FNL in infants in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate point of care, clinician performed, LUS for vocal fold mobility in a pediatric voice clinic.

METHODS

LUS and FNL were performed and recorded on 30 consecutive patients (11 with a clinical diagnosis of VFMI and 19 with clinically normal mobility) in a pediatric voice clinic. All LUS was performed by a single clinician (reviewer 1) with a GE logiq P9 and 12 MHz linear probe. Deidentified recordings of the LUS and FNL (without sound) were reviewed in random order by 2 fellowship trained pediatric otolaryngologists who were blinded to the vocal fold mobility. Cohen's kappa was used to determine agreement.

RESULTS

There was substantial agreement (κ  = 0.7) between the reviewers regarding interpretation of LUS as well as regarding interpretation of FNL κ  = 0.7802. In addition, each reviewer had near perfect to substantial agreement between their interpretation of the LUS and FNL (reviewer 1 κ  = 0.9294 and reviewer 2 κ  = 0.8413).

CONCLUSION

Point of care, clinician performed, LUS can be used for the identification of VFMI with substantial agreement with FNL with good inter-rater reliability. This provides clinicians with another tool in their armamentarium for the evaluation of challenging larynges.

Analysis of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment in Neonates Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery

Importance

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a known risk factor following congenital heart surgery (CHS). The impact of this diagnosis on utilization and outcomes is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the cost, postprocedure length of stay (PPLOS), and outcomes for neonates with VFMI after CHS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) of neonates who underwent CHS was carried out. The KID is an administrative data set of patients, aged 20 years or younger, and contains data on more than 10 million hospitalizations from 44 states. The KID is limited to inpatient hospitalization and contains discharge summary level of data. Patients were limited to those who were born during the hospitalization and those who were aged 28 days or younger at the time of admission for CHS. A weighted total of 4139 neonates who underwent CHS were identified, of which 3725 survived. The proportion of neonates diagnosed with VFMI was 264 (6.92%) of 3725.

Exposures

Congenital heart surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cost of inpatient hospital stay, postprocedure length of stay, odds of pneumonia, gastrostomy tube placement, and tracheostomy tube placement. Risk-adjusted generalized linear models examined differences in cost and PPLOS between neonates who underwent CHS and were diagnosed with VFMI and those who were not. Risk-adjusted logistic regression compared the odds of selected outcomes (gastrostomy, tracheostomy, pneumonia). Models were weighted to provide national estimates.

Results

Of 3725 neonates (aged 0-28 days), 2203 (59.1%) were male and 1517 (40.7%) were female. Neonates diagnosed with VFMI had significantly higher total cost by $34 000 (95% CI, 2200-65 000) and PPLOS by 9.1 days (95% CI, 4.6-13.7) compared with those who did not. When PPLOS was included as a covariate in the model for cost, presence of VFMI was no longer significant. There were no differences in odds of pneumonia, gastrostomy, or tracheostomy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Vocal fold motion impairment after CHS was associated with significant increases in cost owing to increased PPLOS. These findings provide a foundation to further investigate standardized screening for VFMI following CHS; early identification and treatment may decrease cost and PPLOS.

Current Epidemiology of Vocal Cord Dysfunction After Congenital Heart Surgery in Young Infants

OBJECTIVES

Surgery of the aortic arch poses risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury due to the anatomic proximity and can manifest as vocal cord dysfunction after surgery. We assessed risk factors for vocal cord dysfunction and calculated surgical procedure associated rates in young infants after congenital heart surgery.

DESIGN

Cross section analysis.

SETTING

Forty-four children's hospitals reporting administrative data to Pediatric Health Information System.

PARTICIPANTS

Cardiac surgical patients less than or equal to 90 days old and discharged between January 2004 and June 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Overall, 2,319 of 46,567 subjects (5%) had vocal cord dysfunction, increasing from 4% to 7% over the study period. Of those with vocal cord dysfunction, 75% had unilateral partial paralysis. Vocal cord dysfunction was significantly more common in newborn infants (74%), those with aortic arch procedures (77%) and with greater surgical complexity. Rates of vocal cord dysfunction ranged from 0.7% to 22.4% across surgical procedure groups. Vocal cord dysfunction was significantly associated with greater use of: prolonged mechanical ventilation (53% vs 40%), diaphragmatic plication (3% vs 1%), feeding tube use (32% vs 8%), surgical airways (4% vs 2%), and prolonged length of stay (44 vs 21 d). Vocal cord dysfunction testing increased significantly over the study (6-14 %), and vocal cord dysfunction diagnosis increased almost two-fold (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.7-2.1) comparing the last to first study quarters with the increase in vocal cord dysfunction diagnosis occurring predominately in surgeries to the aortic arch supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. However, aortic procedures without cardiopulmonary bypass and nonaortic arch procedures were common surgeries accounting for 27% and 23% of vocal cord dysfunction cases despite low overall vocal cord dysfunction rates (3.7% and 2.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Vocal cord dysfunction complicated all cardiac surgical procedures among infants including those without aortic arch involvement. Increased efforts to determine appropriate indications for prevention, screening and treatment of vocal cord dysfunction among young infants after congenital heart surgery are needed.

Aspiration After Congenital Heart Surgery

Dysphagia and vocal cord dysfunction are frequent complications after congenital heart surgery. Both are risk factors for aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia, progressive lung disease, and respiratory arrest. A protocol was implemented to promote early detection of aspiration in a high-risk cohort of patients. Retrospective data were collected on all patients under 120 days old who underwent the Norwood procedure, aortic arch repair, Blalock-Taussig shunt placement, or cervical cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 10/2012 to 05/2016 at a single institution. Patients underwent an assessment of symptoms, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and modified barium swallow (MBS) study in the postoperative period prior to initiating oral feeds. Patients with and without aspiration were compared. Of the 96 patients included in the study, one-third (33%) of patients had evidence of vocal cord dysfunction by FEES and just over half (51%) had evidence of aspiration by FEES or MBS. Most (73%) of the patients with aspiration were asymptomatic and a majority (53%) of patients with aspiration had normal vocal cord function. Aspiration is common after congenital heart surgery, and an assessment of vocal cord or swallow function in isolation may lead to underdiagnosis. A comprehensive protocol including MBS and FEES is necessary for the early detection of vocal cord dysfunction and aspiration and may prevent adverse outcomes in high-risk postoperative patients.

Outcomes of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment and Dysphagia after Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Objective

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI), respiratory outcomes, and swallowing outcomes in children following congenital heart surgery (CHS).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL databases.

Review Methods

Data sources were searched from inception to November 30, 2018. Studies that described recovery of VFMI and swallowing function following CHS were included, and a qualitative analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 1371 studies were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria for VFMI and 5 met inclusion criteria for swallowing outcomes. Studies including patients who underwent isolate patent ductus arteriosus ligation were excluded. VFMI was present in 8% to 59% of subjects, and rates of recovery ranged from 9% to 96% at 6 months to 6 years of follow-up. Inability to maintain an oral diet occurred in 14% to 100% of subjects with VFMI and 11% to 61% without VFMI following surgery. Tolerance of an oral diet without tube feeding was present in 66% to 75% of subjects with VFMI and 88% to 100% without VFMI at 24 days to 3.2 years of follow-up. Limited data suggest that time to extubation is longer in VFMI subjects, but overall hospital length of stay and mortality may not be affected by VFMI status.

Conclusions

Data evaluating dysphagia and VFMI after CHS are limited. Most studies suggest significant improvement in swallowing function, while rate of recovery of VFMI is variable. Future prospective studies with standardized screening and follow-up are needed to better elucidate outcomes to help develop algorithms for identification and management of VFMI after CHS.

Neonatal vocal fold motion impairment after complex aortic arch reconstruction: What should parents expect after diagnosis?

OBJECTIVES

To study the incidence, sequelae, follow up, and recovery rate of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) after complex aortic arch reconstruction in neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 105 neonates who underwent complex aortic arch reconstruction from 2014 to 2016. We compared patients that did have VFMI compared to a control group of patients with normal vocal fold movement. Descriptive statistics were computed for all demographic and clinical variables by treatment group.

RESULTS

36% of patients were evaluated for VFMI (n = 38) by an otolaryngologist. The incidence of VFMI was 22% (n = 23). Females were more likely to have VFMI (p = 0.02). Aspiration was more common in patients with VFMI (p = 0.006). The difference in age, weight, incidence of pneumonia, nasogastric tube, gastrostomy, total length of stay, genetic anomaly, and reintubation was not significant between the VFMI group and control group (p > 0.05). Tracheostomy was not performed in any patients with unilateral paralysis. Only 61% of patients followed up in clinic (n = 14). 64% of patients showed improvement or resolution (n = 9). Average time to improvement was 4.8 months. Average time to complete resolution was 10.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

VFMI after complex aortic arch reconstruction is relatively common. Despite increased aspiration in patients with VFMI, pneumonia did not occur at all in either group. Tracheostomy was not necessary in any patients with a unilateral paralysis. Most patients showed an improvement in the VFMI within 5 months of surgery. Our data support the need for otolaryngology follow-up after the diagnosis of VFMI.

Airway evaluation in children with single ventricle cardiac physiology

OBJECTIVE

Children with single ventricle cardiac physiology (SVC) often require airway procedures as an adjunct to their care. Descriptive analysis with a focus on outcomes of airway procedures in SVC patients have not been fully described in the literature.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center cohort review of 270 patients born between Aug-2007 and Jan-2017. Patients were identified by cardiac database for single ventricle pathophysiology. A subset of these patients were identified to have been evaluated by otolaryngology with airway evaluations and/or interventions.

RESULTS

88/270 patients (32.6%) required investigation or intervention for airway pathology. The most frequent procedure was flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (58/88 patients); it was the only procedure performed in 40 patients. Seventeen patients required tracheostomies with an associated increased length of stay (p < 0.001). Patients with cardiac procedures involving dissection around the aortic arch were considered higher airway risk due to the threat of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and were more likely to have vocal cord paralysis (58%) compared to patients with lower risk procedures (21%; p < 0.001). However, on multivariate logistic regression, vocal cord paralysis did not statistically impact the odds for tracheostomy placement, although the presence of subglottic stenosis increased the odds ratio of tracheostomy by 14.7 (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SVC often require airway evaluation and intervention. Patients with high risk cardiac procedures had a higher risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury but the presence of subglottic stenosis was the best predictor for a tracheostomy. This study represents one of the largest series of SVC children evaluated for airway pathology.

Congenital and iatrogenic laryngeal and vocal abnormalities in patients with 22q11.2 deletion

BACKGROUND

Voice abnormalities often go unrecognized in patients with 22q11.2 deletion because speech abnormalities become the focus of evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze voice and vocal fold abnormalities in patients with 22q11.2 deletion by examining voice, not speech.

METHODS

This is a case series with chart review from 2009 to 2016. Records of both a velocardiofacial syndrome (VCF) clinic and pediatric otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary pediatric hospital were reviewed. All patients with confirmed 22q11.2 deletion were identified. Cardiac, otolaryngological, speech, and voice characteristics were recorded along with surgical history. Main outcomes included voice characteristics based on speech therapy assessment, along with vocal fold or laryngeal abnormalities. Co-morbidities and surgical history were also recorded.

RESULTS

109 patients were identified with 22q11.2 deletion by genetic testing. Eighteen percent (n = 20) displayed a vocal fold or laryngeal abnormality, either congenital or iatrogenic. The most common congenital abnormalities were laryngeal web (n = 10) and subglottic stenosis (n = 7). The most common iatrogenic abnormality was paralyzed left vocal fold (n = 4). Perceptual analysis by speech therapy showed 65% (n = 71) with a voice within normal limits while 17% (n = 19) were not within normal limits. Of the 20 patients with a vocal fold abnormality, 15% (n = 3) presented a voice within normal limits, while 65% (n = 13) were not within normal limits. Of the 19 patients with a voice outside normal limits, 68% (n = 13) had a diagnosed vocal fold abnormality. Sixteen percent (n = 3) of these patients had an abnormal voice as a result of other issues.

CONCLUSION

Out of 109 patients with 22q11.2 deletion, 18% displayed a laryngeal abnormality and 17% had abnormal vocal quality. This suggests that voice and vocal fold abnormalities are important to consider in this population. Distinguishing between speech and voice abnormalities in patients with 22q11.2 deletion can help ensure appropriate intervention.

Risk Factors Associated With the Development of Acquired Airway Disease After Congenital Heart Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective. In this single-center, retrospective review, we sought to determine the risk factors associated with the development of severe acquired airway disease (AAD; vocal cord paralysis [VCP] or subglottic stenosis [SGS]) in pediatric patients who had undergone surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) with cardiopulmonary bypass. All patients who required surgical treatment for CHD using cardiopulmonary bypass at our institution between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. We defined severe AAD as either clinically significant VCP, SGS, or both, requiring consultation with the otolaryngology (ENT) service for evaluation. The disease was classified as severe because it led to difficulty with intubation or failure to wean mechanical ventilation. This airway disease was not present or was clinically insignificant prior to congenital heart surgery. Results. Over a 5-year period (August 2010 to December 2015), 1395 patients were evaluated. Of these, 25 (1.8%) had significant AAD. Age was the only statistically significant independent predictor of AAD ( P < .001). Those with AAD were younger—3 versus 8 months—and had longer intubation time: 5 (2-18) versus 2 days (1-5). Of those who developed AAD, most (22/25) required some form of additional surgical procedure for its evaluation or management. Only 3 of the 25 patients with severe AAD required tracheostomy. Conclusions. Children who undergo congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are at risk for developing AAD, most often because of SGS or VCP. AAD can lead to failed extubation in the postoperative setting as well as difficult intubation during subsequent anesthetics. Although it often requires surgical treatment, it responds well to therapy and rarely requires tracheostomy.

Olfactory-ensheathing cells promote physiological repair of injured recurrent laryngeal nerves and functional recovery of glottises in dogs

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the transplantation of olfactory-ensheathing cells (OECs) could physiologically repair severely injured recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in dogs. Adult Beagle dogs were surgically introduced with a 10-mm defect in the left RLN and transplanted with a nerve guide (NEUROLAC) containing dog olfactory mucosa-olfactory-ensheathing cells (OM-OECs) in matrigel. The effects of OM-OECs on the morphology, histology, and electrophysiology of the injured RLNs, glottis movement, and voice acoustics were comparatively studied. Two months after transplantation, the normal dogs (group N) had intact left RLNs that contained axons well organized as bundles, transmitted action potentials of high amplitudes without latent phases, and modulated glottis movement to produce normal voices. The RLN-damaged dogs transplanted with OM-OECs (group CTT) had pieces of nerves regenerated in the place of the defects, which contained fewer axons scattered in the internal nerve membrane and wrapped peripherally by the connective tissue, prevented the distal trunk of the defected RLN from shrinking, transmitted action potentials of lower amplitudes with latent phases, and modulated a slightly impaired glottis movement to produce voices with slight differences compared to the N dogs. The RLN-damaged dogs without OM-OECs (group NC) had no nerves generated at the defective or the damaged area, leading to a shrinkage in the enervated distal nerve trunks; a blockage in nerve pulse transit; a paralysis of the left vocal cords; an impaired glottis movement; and abnormal voices. Transplantation of OM-OECs promoted nerve regeneration, and the recoveries of glottises and voices in dogs with RLN injury.

Posterior Glottic Insufficiency in Children

Background:

Dysphonia secondary to posterior glottic insufficiency (PGI) can be difficult to identify and correct. Inadequate arytenoid approximation from medial arytenoid erosion results in a breathy, soft voice. The anatomical location of the gap is difficult to correct by vocal fold injection laryngoplasty. This study reviews the presentation, evaluation, and treatment for pediatric patients who were identified with PGI.

Methods:

An Institutional Review Board–approved chart review was performed on all patients who were diagnosed with PGI at our institution from 2013 to 2015. We studied the presentation, workup, and treatment for these patients, including laryngoscopy, parent or patient-based voice impairment ratings, and response to treatment.

Results:

Seven patients were identified. Erosion of the medial arytenoid was identified on microlaryngoscopy for all of these patients. The patients had suboptimal improvement from injection laryngoplasty. Three patients underwent surgical correction with an endoscopic posterior cricoid reduction laryngoplasty (EPCRL) with significant improvement in voice, assessed by perceptual, laryngoscopic, and patient-based measures.

Conclusion:

The key diagnostic procedures to identify posterior glottic insufficiency include laryngoscopic findings of a posterior glottal gap, microlaryngoscopy with close inspection of the posterior glottis and medial arytenoids, and suboptimal response to injection laryngoplasty. The EPCRL is an effective procedure to treat dysphonia from PGI.