Bell's palsy in children: relationship between electroneurography findings and prognosis in comparison with adults

Predicting synkinesis caused by Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome using machine learning-based logistic regression

Objective

To investigate whether machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), and gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT), utilizing early post-onset parameters can predict facial synkinesis resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome more accurately than the conventional statistics-based LR.

Methods

This retrospective study included 362 patients who presented to a facial palsy outpatient clinic. Median follow-up of synkinesis-positive and -negative patients was 388 (range, 177-1922) and 198 (range, 190-3021) days, respectively. Electrophysiological examinations were performed, and the rate of synkinesis in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using statistics-based LR; and electroneurography (ENoG) value, the difference in the nerve excitability test (NET), and scores of the subjective Yanagihara scaling system were evaluated using early post-onset parameters with ML-based LR, RF, k-NN, and GBDT.

Results

Synkinesis rate in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was 20.2% (53/262) and 40.0% (40/100), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity obtained with statistics-based LR were 0.796 and 0.806, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87. AUCs measured using ML-based LR of "ENoG," "difference in NET," "Yanagihara," and all three components ("all") were 0.910, 0.834, 0.711, and 0.901, respectively.

Conclusion

ML-based LR model shows potential in predicting facial synkinesis probability resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome and has comparable reliability to the conventional statistics-based LR.

Level of Evidence

3.

Efficacy of High-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy in Acute Stage Severe Facial Palsy in Children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose corticosteroid for severe acute facial paralysis in children.

METHODS

The present study enrolled 10 pediatric patients with House-Brackmann (H-B) Grade VI facial paralysis who received prednisolone (PSL) 3 to 4 mg/kg/d for 2 to 3 days followed by a 10-day taper (the child high-dose group). Eight pediatric patients who received PSL 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/d were enrolled in a child low-dose group, and nine adult patients (25-64 yr) who received a high-dose PSL 200 mg equivalent for 2 to 3 days followed by a 10-day taper were enrolled in an adult high-dose group. On the initial and follow-up visits, facial movements were evaluated using the H-B grading system. The degree of oral-ocular synkinesis was evaluated by the degree of asymmetry in eye-opening width during mouth movements. The synkinesis index was defined as a percentage of the interpalpebral space width ([normal side - affected side]/normal side).

RESULTS

The child high-dose group achieved a significantly better H-B score than the child low-dose group ( p < 0.01). The synkinesis index was significantly lower in the child high-dose group than in the child low-dose group or the adult high-dose group ( p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children receiving PSL 3 to 4 mg/kg/d achieved better recovery and less synkinesis than those treated with low-dose PSL (0.5-1 mg/kg/d).

Efficacy of Mirror Biofeedback Rehabilitation on Synkinesis in Acute Stage Facial Palsy in Children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of mirror biofeedback rehabilitation for synkinesis in severe acute facial paralysis in children.

METHODS

Eight pediatric patients with facial paralysis with an initial electroneurography (ENoG) value less than 10% who underwent mirror biofeedback rehabilitation (the child-rehabilitation group) were enrolled. Seven infants (under age 2 yr) who were unable to undergo rehabilitation (the infant-and-toddler control group) and adult patients (n = 13, range, 33-56 yr) who underwent rehabilitation (the adult-rehabilitation group) comprised the control groups. All the patients enrolled were baseline House-Brackmann (H-B) grade VI at onset. The patients began daily facial biofeedback rehabilitation using a mirror at the first sign of muscle contraction on the affected side and were instructed to keep their eyes symmetrically open using a mirror during mouth movements. The training was continued for 12 months after the onset of facial paralysis. The degree of oral-ocular synkinesis was evaluated by the degree of asymmetry in eye opening width during mouth movements. The synkinesis index was calculated as a percentage of the interpalpebral space width ([normal side - affected side]/normal side). Statistical analyses used non-parametric tests (the Kruskal-Wallis test and Steel-Dwass posthoc test).

RESULTS

The synkinesis index was significantly lower in the child-rehabilitation group than in the infant-and-toddler control group or the adult-rehabilitation group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Children who underwent mirror biofeedback rehabilitation had less synkinesis than the infant-and-toddler control group, suggesting that mirror biofeedback rehabilitation is more effective in preventing the exacerbation of synkinesis in children.

Clinical practice guidelines in idiopathic facial paralysis: systematic review using the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE II) instrument

Bell's palsy, or idiopathic facial paralysis, is a peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause that presents as sudden, unilateral weakness of the muscles of the face. Prompt treatment of Bell's palsy is critical in order for patients to achieve complete recovery of facial function. Delays in diagnosis and management can result in permanent facial defects. A number of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) exist to guide clinical decision-making in patients presenting with idiopathic facial paralysis. However, to date, there has been no comprehensive review of the methodological rigor and quality of these CPGs. Thus, the objective of the authors is to appraise the existing CPGs to ensure safe and effective practices. A total of eight guidelines met the inclusion criteria and were appraised. Only two CPGs achieved an overall rating of 'High', having five or more quality domains scoring > 60%. Across the CPGs, the domains of rigor of development, stakeholder involvement, and applicability has the lowest overall scores with 48.1%, 43.9%, and 43.1%, respectively. Based on the AGREE II instrument, the methodological rigor and quality of CPGs for Bell's palsy is low to average. In particular, future guidelines for Bell's palsy should look to the quality domains of rigor of development, stakeholder involvement, and applicability as the greatest opportunities for improvement.

Predictive Values of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Other Prognostic Factors in Pediatric Patients With Bell's Palsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Bell's palsy (BP) is the most frequent cause of unilateral facial paralysis, and inflammation is believed to play an important role in pathogenesis. Due to its rarity, however, no consensus has been reached regarding optimum treatment or factors affecting prognosis. In the present study, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of BP were investigated in pediatric patients who underwent steroid therapy. The goal was to investigate the relationship between BP and inflammation using multiple inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 54 patients diagnosed with BP and 39 healthy randomly selected controls were enrolled in this retrospective study. Demographic characteristics and complete blood cell count test results were compared. In addition, prognostic factors were sought by dividing the 54 patients with BP into 2 groups according to the House-Brackmann grading system: low grade BP (grades II and III) and high grade BP (grades IV and V). Serum samples were analyzed retrospectively on initial presentation and 6 months after the symptom begins. Meaningful hematological parameters include NLR, PLR, MPV, and RDW.

RESULTS

The NLR values in the BP group were significantly higher than in the control group. The NLR value in the 2 groups of patients with BP differed significantly. The mean PLR value in the BP group was higher than in the control group; however, there were no significant differences between the low-grade and high-grade BP groups nor were there any statically significant differences in the other characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The NLR and PLR values are readily accessible parameters that may be useful prognostic markers in pediatric patients with BP. Further studies are required to confirm these results and their utility in predicting prognosis and treating pediatric patients with BP.

Bell's Palsy in Children (BellPIC): protocol for a multicentre, placebo-controlled randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Bell's palsy or acute idiopathic lower motor neurone facial paralysis is characterized by sudden onset paralysis or weakness of the muscles to one side of the face controlled by the facial nerve. While there is high level evidence in adults demonstrating an improvement in the rate of complete recovery of facial nerve function when treated with steroids compared with placebo, similar high level studies on the use of steroids in Bell's palsy in children are not available. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of steroids in Bell's palsy in children in a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

We are conducting a randomised, triple-blinded, placebo controlled trial of the use of prednisolone to improve recovery from Bell's palsy at 1 month. Study sites are 10 hospitals within the Australian and New Zealand PREDICT (Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative) research network. 540 participants will be enrolled. To be eligible patients need to be aged 6 months to < 18 years and present within 72 hours of onset of clinician diagnosed Bell's palsy to one of the participating hospital emergency departments. Patients will be excluded in case of current use of or contraindications to steroids or if there is an alternative diagnosis. Participants will receive either prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day to a maximum of 50 mg/day or taste matched placebo for 10 days. The primary outcome is complete recovery by House-Brackmann scale at 1 month. Secondary outcomes include assessment of recovery using the Sunnybrook scale, the emotional and functional wellbeing of the participants using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and Child Health Utility 9D Scale, pain using Faces Pain Scale Revised or visual analogue scales, synkinesis using a synkinesis assessment questionnaire and health utilisation costs at 1, 3 and 6 months. Participants will be tracked to 12 months if not recovered earlier. Data analysis will be by intention to treat with primary outcome presented as differences in proportions and an odds ratio adjusted for site and age.

DISCUSSION

This large multicenter randomised trial will allow the definitive assessment of the efficacy of prednisolone compared with placebo in the treatment of Bell's palsy in children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000563561 (1 June 2015).

Prognostic factors for facial nerve palsy in a pediatric population: A retrospective study and review

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To identify and analyze factors influencing the outcome of facial nerve palsy (FNP) in a pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Sixty-seven pediatric patients (72 consecutive cases) diagnosed with and treated for FNP were divided into two severity subgroups. Associations between recovery in these groups and categorical variables were assessed using the Fisher exact test and for age using the t test.

RESULTS

Mean age on admission was 12.0 ± 4.5 years. Neither FNP outcome (graded by severity) nor improvement rates (expressed as the percentage of patients achieving a higher FNP grade over time) were influenced by gender, affected side, presence of polyneuropathy, etiology, or recurrent or familial FNP. In cases with comparable final outcome, improvement rates of those diagnosed with severe FNP on presentation (38.9% of cases) were significantly higher than mild-to-moderate FNP. Of the 47 patients who attended a follow-up examination 2 months after discharge, 70.2% have already recovered (by at least one House-Brackmann [H-B] grade) by the time they were discharged, whereas 90.9% achieved H-B grade ≤2, and 72.3% fully recovered (H-B grade 1) 2 months postdischarge. Adding antiviral medication did not affect FNP improvement rates or outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of infectious and traumatic etiology in our patients were higher than reported for adults, but the most common etiology-as in those adults-was idiopathic. Routine extended diagnostic workup was not helpful, and antiviral medications were ineffective. The prognosis of FNP in pediatric patients is excellent, with 90% recovery by 2 months after initial presentation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1175-1180, 2017.

Validity of late-term electroneurography in Bell's palsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the validity of early (within 3 wk) and late-term (after 3 wk) electroneurography (ENoG) findings in Bell's palsy (BP) to predict the prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with peripheral facial paralysis with no identified cause. All patients were given the same treatment.

INTERVENTION(S)

House Brackmann (HB) grading and ENoG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The records of 38 patients with BP were retrospectively analyzed. This study included only those patients who had been followed up for at least 4 months on a regular basis or until complete recovery. ENoG was performed for orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris muscles and degeneration ratio was calculated separately. Correlation between HB grading and ENoG findings, relationship between duration for maximum recovery and ENoG findings, and also initial HB grading and recovery rate were investigated.

RESULTS

Complete recovery rate was significantly higher in patients with HB grades I to III at initial examination. A significant correlation was found between HB grading and degree of ENoG degeneration at the 7th and 14th days of FP. Patients with degeneration less than 80% for orbicularis oculi and less than 65% for orbicularis oris had significantly better and faster recovery than those with higher level of degeneration (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ENoG and HB grading during first to fourth weeks of BP are useful prognostic indicators. Serial ENoG examinations are recommended to predict the status of neural degeneration and the prognosis of the palsy. However, ENoG in late term may not be compatible with clinical facial function.

Peripheral facial palsy in children

The aim of this study is to evaluate the types and clinical characteristics of peripheral facial palsy in children. The hospital charts of children diagnosed with peripheral facial palsy were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 81 children (42 female and 39 male) with a mean age of 9.2 ± 4.3 years were included in the study. Causes of facial palsy were 65 (80.2%) idiopathic (Bell palsy) facial palsy, 9 (11.1%) otitis media/mastoiditis, and tumor, trauma, congenital facial palsy, chickenpox, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, enlarged lymph nodes, and familial Mediterranean fever (each 1; 1.2%). Five (6.1%) patients had recurrent attacks. In patients with Bell palsy, female/male and right/left ratios were 36/29 and 35/30, respectively. Of them, 31 (47.7%) had a history of preceding infection. The overall rate of complete recovery was 98.4%. A wide variety of disorders can present with peripheral facial palsy in children. Therefore, careful investigation and differential diagnosis is essential.

Clinical practice guideline: Bell's palsy

OBJECTIVE

Bell's palsy, named after the Scottish anatomist, Sir Charles Bell, is the most common acute mono-neuropathy, or disorder affecting a single nerve, and is the most common diagnosis associated with facial nerve weakness/paralysis. Bell's palsy is a rapid unilateral facial nerve paresis (weakness) or paralysis (complete loss of movement) of unknown cause. The condition leads to the partial or complete inability to voluntarily move facial muscles on the affected side of the face. Although typically self-limited, the facial paresis/paralysis that occurs in Bell's palsy may cause significant temporary oral incompetence and an inability to close the eyelid, leading to potential eye injury. Additional long-term poor outcomes do occur and can be devastating to the patient. Treatments are generally designed to improve facial function and facilitate recovery. There are myriad treatment options for Bell's palsy, and some controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of several of these options, and there are consequent variations in care. In addition, numerous diagnostic tests available are used in the evaluation of patients with Bell's palsy. Many of these tests are of questionable benefit in Bell's palsy. Furthermore, while patients with Bell's palsy enter the health care system with facial paresis/paralysis as a primary complaint, not all patients with facial paresis/paralysis have Bell's palsy. It is a concern that patients with alternative underlying etiologies may be misdiagnosed or have unnecessary delay in diagnosis. All of these quality concerns provide an important opportunity for improvement in the diagnosis and management of patients with Bell's palsy.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this guideline is to improve the accuracy of diagnosis for Bell's palsy, to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with Bell's palsy, and to decrease harmful variations in the evaluation and management of Bell's palsy. This guideline addresses these needs by encouraging accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment and, when applicable, facilitating patient follow-up to address the management of long-term sequelae or evaluation of new or worsening symptoms not indicative of Bell's palsy. The guideline is intended for all clinicians in any setting who are likely to diagnose and manage patients with Bell's palsy. The target population is inclusive of both adults and children presenting with Bell's palsy. ACTION STATEMENTS: The development group made a strong recommendation that (a) clinicians should assess the patient using history and physical examination to exclude identifiable causes of facial paresis or paralysis in patients presenting with acute-onset unilateral facial paresis or paralysis, (b) clinicians should prescribe oral steroids within 72 hours of symptom onset for Bell's palsy patients 16 years and older, (c) clinicians should not prescribe oral antiviral therapy alone for patients with new-onset Bell's palsy, and (d) clinicians should implement eye protection for Bell's palsy patients with impaired eye closure. The panel made recommendations that (a) clinicians should not obtain routine laboratory testing in patients with new-onset Bell's palsy, (b) clinicians should not routinely perform diagnostic imaging for patients with new-onset Bell's palsy, (c) clinicians should not perform electrodiagnostic testing in Bell's palsy patients with incomplete facial paralysis, and (d) clinicians should reassess or refer to a facial nerve specialist those Bell's palsy patients with (1) new or worsening neurologic findings at any point, (2) ocular symptoms developing at any point, or (3) incomplete facial recovery 3 months after initial symptom onset. The development group provided the following options: (a) clinicians may offer oral antiviral therapy in addition to oral steroids within 72 hours of symptom onset for patients with Bell's palsy, and (b) clinicians may offer electrodiagnostic testing to Bell's palsy patients with complete facial paralysis. The development group offered the following no recommendations: (a) no recommendation can be made regarding surgical decompression for patients with Bell's palsy, (b) no recommendation can be made regarding the effect of acupuncture in patients with Bell's palsy, and (c) no recommendation can be made regarding the effect of physical therapy in patients with Bell's palsy.