Troubleshooting Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Using Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the utility of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in guiding further treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have difficulty tolerating upper airway stimulation (UAS) or have inadequate response to therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective analysis of UAS patients at our institution who underwent DISE, post-UAS, and evaluated the efficacy of different electrode configurations and maneuvers.

SETTING

A tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Out of 379 patients who received UAS therapy, 34 patients who underwent DISE post-UAS (DISE-UAS) were included. Palatal coupling (PC) was assessed with UAS stimulation alone, jaw thrust alone, and both simultaneously during DISE.

RESULTS

Among 34 patients, 5 had suboptimal adherence to UAS therapy, 19 had suboptimal therapy efficacy with residual OSA burden, and 10 had both. During DISE-UAS, PC was observed in 7 patients (21%) with UAS stimulation alone, 9 patients (26%) with jaw thrust alone, and 8 patients (24%) with both maneuvers combined. Notably, 10 patients (29%) did not exhibit PC with any maneuver. Based on DISE-UAS findings, 13 patients were recommended oral appliance therapy (OAT), and 8 patients underwent further surgical interventions.

CONCLUSION

DISE-UAS is a valuable adjunct in troubleshooting UAS therapy for patients intolerant to CPAP or with suboptimal therapy efficacy. This study provides an algorithm for targeted multimodality therapy based on DISE findings, facilitating personalized management approaches.

Effect of Speaking Valves on Tracheostomy Decannulation

Introduction  Despite several pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocols there remains tremendous variability in practice. The effect of tracheostomy capping on decannulation has been studied but the role of speaking valves (SVs) is unknown. Objective  Given the positive benefits SVs have on rehabilitation, we hypothesized that SVs would decrease time to tracheostomy decannulation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate this in a subset of patients with chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD). Methods  A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care children's hospital. A total of 105 patients with tracheostomies and CLD were identified. Data collected included demographics, gestational age, congenital cardiac disease, airway surgeries, granulation tissue excisions, SV and capping trials, tracheitis episodes, and clinic visits. Statistics were performed with logistic and linear regression. Results  A total of 75 patients were included. The mean gestational age was 27 weeks (standard deviation [SD] = 3.6) and the average birthweight was 1.1 kg (SD = 0.6). The average age at tracheostomy was 122 days (SD = 63). A total of 70.7% of the patients underwent decannulation and the mean time to decannulation (TTD) was 37 months (SD = 19). A total of 77.3% of the patients had SVs. Those with an SV had a longer TTD compared to those without (52 versus 35 months; p  = 0.008). Decannulation was increased by 2 months for every increase in the number of hospital presentations for tracheitis ( p  = 0.011). Conclusion  The present study is the first, to our knowledge, to assess the effect of SVs on tracheostomy decannulation in patients with CLD showing a longer TTD when SVs are used.

Reduced usage of upper airway stimulation therapy in patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is a hybrid surgical-medical device used to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Comorbid insomnia and OSA (COMISA) is present in ∼50% of these patients. Our aim was to study UAS outcomes and adherence in patients with COMISA.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 379 patients with OSA who underwent UAS implantation at a single institution between 2014 and 2021. Demographics, OSA severity metrics, and insomnia data were collected. Patients were categorized into OSA alone (OSAa) or COMISA. Objective adherence data were collected from device downloads during follow-up. Data were analyzed with using R Studio (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) and Prism (Boston, MA, USA).

RESULTS

Of the 274 patients included, 148 had COMISA (54.0%) and 126 OSAa (46.0%). Average follow-up time was 2.5 years and OSAa had more males than COMISA (P < .001). Patients with COMISA had higher insomnia severity index scores than OSAa preoperatively (16 vs 8.7; P = .003). All groups showed significant decreases in objective and self-reported OSA outcomes postoperatively, but there was no difference between COMISA and OSAa. Patient with COMISA had decreased device usage (4.9 vs 5.8 h/night; P = .015) and paused therapy more often than patients with OSAa (1.4 vs 0.4 pauses/night; P < .001). Multivariate linear regression, when controlling for sex as a covariate, showed insomnia to be an independent predictor of lower UAS hours/night and more pauses/night (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with COMISA use UAS therapy for shorter durations and require more breaks from therapy when compared with those with OSAa. Future research is needed to explore the underlying mechanism and improve UAS treatment adherence in patients with COMISA.

CITATION

Kaffenberger TM, Chandna M, Kaki P, et al. Reduced usage of upper airway stimulation therapy in patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(12):1997-2004.

International Consensus Statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

Evaluation and interpretation of the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allows for consolidation and determination of the key factors important for clinical management of the adult OSA patient. Toward this goal, an international collaborative of multidisciplinary experts in sleep apnea evaluation and treatment have produced the International Consensus statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ICS:OSA).

METHODS

Using previously defined methodology, focal topics in OSA were assigned as literature review (LR), evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBR-R) formats. Each topic incorporated the available and relevant evidence which was summarized and graded on study quality. Each topic and section underwent iterative review and the ICS:OSA was created and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICS:OSA addresses OSA syndrome definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors for disease, screening methods, diagnostic testing types, multiple treatment modalities, and effects of OSA treatment on multiple OSA-associated comorbidities. Specific focus on outcomes with positive airway pressure (PAP) and surgical treatments were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This review of the literature consolidates the available knowledge and identifies the limitations of the current evidence on OSA. This effort aims to create a resource for OSA evidence-based practice and identify future research needs. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities include improving the metrics of OSA disease, determining the optimal OSA screening paradigms, developing strategies for PAP adherence and longitudinal care, enhancing selection of PAP alternatives and surgery, understanding health risk outcomes, and translating evidence into individualized approaches to therapy.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep. The most effective treatment for OSA is positive pressure ventilation; however, this treatment can be complicated by adherence difficulties. An array of alternative OSA therapies have emerged, including positional therapy, nasal exhalation devices, oral appliances, and various nasal, pharyngeal, and skeletal surgical treatments. One of the newest options, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) therapy, represents a hybrid medical and surgical treatment. This therapy involves an FDA-approved surgically implanted neuromodulation system that is activated by the patient each night to augment upper airway dilator muscle activity and improve airflow. The implanted components comprise a pulse generator, an electrode on the distal portion of the hypoglossal nerve, and a respiratory sensing lead that allows for synchronization of electrical impulses with the patient's respiratory cycle. Using a representative patient case, the authors describe HNS therapy, including its indications, patient selection, surgical procedure, long-term outpatient management, and outcomes data.

Functional outcomes of hyoid suspension in anterior oromandibular reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Hyoid suspension can be considered in major oromandibular reconstruction. The impact of hyoid suspension on flap viability, swallowing outcomes, airway, and long term radiographic hyoid position is unknown. The objective of this study is to describe outcomes after hyoid suspension in anterior mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flaps. We hypothesized hyoid suspension would not affect flap viability and would benefit functional outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in an academic tertiary medical center. The study consisted of 84 adults who underwent anterior mandibular reconstruction from February 2014 to September 2020. The primary outcome studied was the post-suspension flap viability. Secondary outcomes include pre/post-operative hyomental distance on computed-tomography, duration of perioperative tracheostomy, postoperative feeding tube dependence, and post-operative aspiration pneumonia.

RESULTS

A total of 84, predominantly male (66.5 %), patients with an average age of 58.9 ± 11.5 were included in the study. Of those that met inclusion criteria, 25 (29.4 %) underwent intraoperative hyoid suspension. Univariable analysis showed no significant association between resuspension and post-operative total flap loss (p = 0.864) or partial flap loss (p = 0.318). There was no association between hyoid suspension and any of the studied postoperative functional outcomes or radiographic measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyoid suspension is an option during oromandibular reconstruction and does not impact flap viability. The impact on functional outcomes and long-term hyoid position in this patient subset remains unclear.

Anatomic Considerations of Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Objective Though microvascular free tissue transfer is well established for open skull base reconstruction, normative data regarding flap design and inset after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (ESBS) is lacking. We aim to describe anatomical considerations of endoscopic endonasal inset of free tissue transfer of transclival (TC) and anterior cranial base resection (ACBR) defects.

Design and Setting Radial forearm free tissue transfer (RFFTT) model.

Participants Six cadaveric specimens.

Main Outcome Measures Pedicle orientation, pedicle length, and recipient vessel intraluminal diameter.

Results TC and ACBR defects averaged 17.2 and 11.7 cm2, respectively. Anterior and lateral maxillotomies and endoscopic medial maxillectomies were prepared as corridors for flap and pedicle passage. Premasseteric space tunnels were created for pedicle tunneling to recipient facial vessels. For TC defects, the RFFTT pedicle was oriented cranially with the flap placed against the clival defect (mean pedicle length 13.1 ± 0.6 cm). For ACBR defects, the RFFTT pedicle was examined in three orientations with respect to anterior–posterior axis of the RFFTT: anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally. Lateral orientation offered the shortest average pedicle length required for anastomosis in the neck (11.6 ± 1.29 cm), followed by posterior (13.4 ± 0.7cm) and anterior orientations (14.4 ± 1.1cm) (p < 0.00001, analysis of variance).

Conclusions In ACBR reconstruction using RFFTT, our data suggests lateral pedicle orientation shortens the length required to safely anastomose facial vessels and protects the frontal sinus outflow anteriorly while limiting pedicle exposure through a maxillary corridor within the nasal cavity. With greater understanding of anatomical factors related to successful preoperative flap planning, free tissue transfer may be added to the ESBS reconstruction ladder.

Cystic fibrosis mutation classes in pediatric otitis media - Fickle or faulty?

PURPOSE

Recent data have challenged the historical paradigm that cystic fibrosis (CF) protects against otitis media (OM). These findings raised questions about the pathogenesis of this ostensible change. In this study our aim is to characterize acute OM (AOM) risk based on CF genotype.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Charts of 159 CF patients seen at our facility from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, AOM infections, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) allele mutations, pulmonary exacerbations (PE), and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) status. Mutation alleles were divided into five classes based on CF guidelines, which were further classified as severe (classes I-III) or mild (classes IV-V).

RESULTS

54% of patients had at least one episode of AOM with a mean of 1.5 episodes of AOM (standard deviation = 2.3). 86% of patients had severe/severe (S/S) alleles and 14% had severe/mild (S/M). S/S patients had significantly more PE (p = .004) and increased rates of PI (p < .001). Of the 131 patients with S/S mutations, 57% had an episode of AOM while only 46% the 22 S/M patients had an AOM episode (p = .357).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this is the first report showing a clinical trend towards increased middle ear disease in patients with severe CFTR mutations. Future prospective studies will be powered to demonstrate whether this trend is statistically significant. Patients with S/S mutations not only have more severe clinical phenotypes but may have additional unexpected complications such as middle ear disease.

Quality of life after radiation and transoral robotic surgery in advanced oropharyngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment results in impaired swallowing and quality of life (QOL). We analyzed a cross-section of advanced stage OPSCC patients treated with multimodal therapies at our Survivorship Clinic to investigate treatment factors associated with QOL.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after primary OPSCC treatment using AJCC seventh edition staging.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients were included (90.1% human papillomavirus positive [HPV+]). There were no QOL differences between robotic surgery with radiation ± chemotherapy patients (n = 29) and those treated by radiation ± chemotherapy (n = 44). Radiation field analysis demonstrated significant correlations between increasing doses to larynx and contralateral parotid and submandibular gland and worse swallowing as measured by the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (P = .02; P = .01; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In advanced, mostly HPV+, OPSCC, we did not find clinically significant differences between QOL PROMs between surgical and radiation ± chemotherapy treatment groups. This highlights the need for continued therapy de-escalation along with improved interventions for treatment related toxicities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Otitis media prone children with cystic fibrosis: A new normal

OBJECTIVES

To determine if children with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are otitis media prone and treated with tympanostomy tube placement (TTP) follow the natural course of non-CF children regarding the incidence of tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO) (21-34%).

METHODS

All CF patients seen at a large tertiary pediatric hospital were retrospectively reviewed from 2010 to 2019. A total of 483 patients were identified and seventeen met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Data collected included demographics, CF diagnosis history including date of diagnosis and genotype, TTP notes, and otorrhea found in otolaryngology clinic and pediatrician clinic notes for up to 18 months post-TTP.

RESULTS

CF was diagnosed at a median age of 13 days (0 days to 6 years). In terms of surgical frequency, 14/17 (82.4%) patients had one TTP, 2/17 (11.8%) had two TTPs, and 1/17 (5.9%) had five TTPs. The median (range) age at first TTP was 2 years (3 months to 13 years). After the first TTP, TTO occurred in 5 (29.4%) patients at 3 months, 6 (35.3%) at 6 and 9 months, and 7 (41.2%) at 12 and 18 months at median (range) = 1 (0-5) otolaryngology appointments and median (range) = 0 (0-8) pediatrician appointments.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first study to report that CF children are more likely to be severely affected with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM), to require TTP, and to exhibit a natural history of TTO commensurate with the non-CF population.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To determine the association between findings of blinded reviews of preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 343 adults who underwent treatment of OSA with HNS from 10 academic medical centers was performed. Preoperative DISE videos were scored by four blinded reviewers using the VOTE Classification and evaluation of a possible primary structure contributing to airway obstruction. Consensus DISE findings were examined for an association with surgical outcomes based on therapy titration polysomnogram (tPSG). Treatment response was defined by a decrease of ≥50% in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to <15 events/hour.

RESULTS

Study participants (76% male, 60.4 ± 11.0 years old) had a body mass index of 29.2 ± 3.6 kg/m² . AHI decreased (35.6 ± 15.2 to 11.0 ± 14.1 events/hour; P < .001) on the tPSG, with a 72.6% response rate. Complete palate obstruction (vs. none) was associated with the greatest difference in AHI improvement (-26.8 ± 14.9 vs. -19.2 ± 12.8, P = .02). Complete (vs. partial/none) tongue-related obstruction was associated with increased odds of treatment response (78% vs. 68%, P = .043). Complete (vs. partial/none) oropharyngeal lateral wall-related obstruction was associated with lower odds of surgical response (58% vs. 74%, P = .042).

CONCLUSIONS

The DISE finding of primary tongue contribution to airway obstruction was associated with better outcomes, whereas the opposite was true for the oropharyngeal lateral walls. This study suggests that the role for DISE in counseling candidates for HNS extends beyond solely for excluding complete concentric collapse related to the velum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1676-1682, 2021.

Utility of Esophagrams to Detect Prevertebral Invasion in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Prevertebral fascia invasion is a feature of advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) that predicts surgical futility. Magnetic resonance and computed topography imaging are used to identify prevertebral involvement, but reliable prediction remains a challenge. Our aims were to describe a new indication for esophagrams and assess its ability to detect prevertebral invasion preoperatively.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Review.

METHODS

A retrospective review of advanced HPSCC patients from 2001 to 2019. Thirty-one patients underwent curative treatment (21 surgically, 10 with chemoradiation) with a preoperative esophagram. Operative and pathology reports, and fluoroscopic images were collected from the medical record. Esophagrams were read independently by two blinded radiologists. Excursion of the laryngeal complex was quantified relative to the height of vertebral bodies; <0.5 bodies was considered positive for fixation. Surgery or comparative imaging modalities were the gold-standard comparisons.

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis was 63 years. Twenty-one patients underwent surgical treatment with laryngopharyngectomies. One patient had prevertebral invasion during surgical exploration. Ten patients underwent chemoradiation therapy, and three of these had prevertebral invasion. The average hyolaryngeal elevation was 1.05 vertebral bodies (standard deviation = 0.5). There was a strong correlation between radiologists (R = 0.80, P < .0001). Compared to the gold standard, esophagrams had sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 93%, positive predictive value of 60%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the utility of a common radiologic modality in assessing prevertebral fascia invasion in an advanced-stage HPSCC cohort undergoing surgical treatment. With a high NPV and specificity, the esophagram's potential to rule out prevertebral fascia invasion is a useful predictor of resectability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:800-805, 2021.

Long-term Impact of Middle Ear Effusion in Pediatric Tympanostomy Tubes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT) is the most common pediatric surgery in the United States. Intraoperative middle ear effusion (MEE) is a risk factor for future BMTs in children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). However, the impact of the type of MEE is unknown. Here, we assess otologic outcomes based on intraoperative MEE type and indication for surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series chart review.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, we performed a review of children undergoing BMTs between 2008 and 2009. Included patients had their first BMT, preoperative visit, and an operative report. Patients with cleft palate or Down syndrome were excluded. Indications for surgery included RAOM and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). Other variables evaluated were future BMT, acquired cholesteatoma, and otorrhea. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 1,045 patients reviewed, 680 were included and underwent their first BMT. There were 619 patients who had RAOM. Serous effusions were present in 22.2%, mucoid in 31.3%, purulent in 12.9%, undocumented or bloody in 2.3% of patients, and 31.2% of patients had dry middle ears. Moreover, 22.7% of patients underwent future BMTs. In RAOM patients, serous effusions decreased odds of perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.195, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0438-0.867, P = .032), and purulent effusions increased the odds of in-office otorrhea suctioning (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20-3.77, P = .010) compared to dry. Mucoid effusions had no significant effect on outcomes in COME or RAOM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative MEEs were noted in 68.7% of cases; purulent effusions increase the odds of in-office suctioning in RAOM patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E993-E997, 2021.

Middle ear disease in CF? It's not just about the sinuses anymore!

INTRODUCTION

Historically cystic fibrosis (CF), in contrast to primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), has been considered protective of the middle ear from otitis media and rarely were such patients "severely affected" to require tympanostomy tube placement (BMT). Previously the Pittsburgh Otitis Media Research group reported a 10% prevalence of otitis media in the pediatric CF population which is significantly lower than age matched non-CF children. We studied the prevalence of OM in pediatric CF patients to assess if the otologic phenotype has changed in parallel with changes in the diagnosis itself.

METHODS

The medical records of 133 CF patients seen either inpatient or outpatient from one of the largest tertiary pediatric CF centers in the world from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed for demographics, acute otitis media (AOM) episodes, risk factors for AOM, placement of myringotomy tubes, genotype, BMI, pancreatic status, respiratory culture results, and pulmonary exacerbations.

RESULTS

Just over half (52.6%) the patients were male. A median age for CF diagnosis was 11 days old (range 0 days-16 years). The most common genotype (49.6%) was homozygous for ΔF508 mutation. Fifty-five (41.4%) patients had 1-2 episodes of AOM, and 15 (11.3%) were severely affected (i.e. ≥3 episodes/6 months or ≥4 episodes/year). COME was diagnosed in 4 (3.0%) of the patients. Twelve (9.0%) patients had tympanostomy tubes at least once, including 3 patients with multiple sets of tubes. Having at least one AOM episode was not predicted by genetic mutation groups, BMI, age at diagnosis, or comorbidities, p > .05.

CONCLUSIONS

The time-honored adage of CF protecting against otitis media is no longer true and pediatric otolaryngologists must now prioritize the management of middle ear disease as highly as sino-nasal and pulmonary disease. Future study into mechanisms explaining the change is needed.

Quality and Readability Assessment of Websites on Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The incidence of human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer is rising, but public knowledge about this diagnosis remains low. This study aimed to investigate the quality and readability of online information about HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional website analysis.

METHODS

This study conducted a total of 12 web searches across Google, Yahoo, and Bing to identify websites related to HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer. The QUality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST) was used to measure quality based on seven website criteria. The Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) were used to measure readability, with scores estimating the education level a reader would require to understand a piece of text. Readability improves as FRES increases and FKGL decreases.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven unique web pages were evaluated. The mean USA reading grade level as measured by FKGL was 10.42 (standard deviation = 1.54). There was an inverse relationship between quality and readability, with a significant positive correlation between QUEST score and FKGL (r = 0.343, P = .040) and a significant negative correlation between QUEST score and FRES (r = -0.537, P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

With a mean USA reading grade level more than four grades above the American Medical Association's recommendation and results indicating that readability suffers as quality improves, these findings suggest that the currently available online information about HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer is insufficient. Improved patient education practices and resources about this diagnosis are needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 131:87-94, 2021.

Post-diagnosis aspirin use and survival in veterans with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to determine the effect of post-diagnosis aspirin use on survival in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 584 veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at the Washington DC VA Medical Center between 1995 and 2015. Charts were queried for clinical-pathologic data, aspirin prescriptions, and outcome. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) among aspirin users and nonusers.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients met inclusion criteria. Primary subsites included oropharynx (n = 143), larynx (n = 105), oral cavity (n = 62), and hypopharynx (n = 19). Eighty-four patients were aspirin users (25.5%). Aspirin users demonstrated significantly better 3-year OS and DSS (78.6% and 88.1%) compared to nonaspirin users (OS: 55.9% and DSS: 70.2%; P = .0003 and P = .0019, respectively). On multivariate analysis, aspirin use remained independently associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin use following diagnosis and curative treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with improved OS and DSS.

Comparative effectiveness of allergy testing method in driving immunotherapy outcomes

BACKGROUND

Skin-prick testing (SPT), in vitro testing (IVT), and intradermal-dilutional testing (IDT) are methods to detect patient sensitivities to specific allergens and direct immunotherapy dosing. We used objective and subjective measures of improvement to compare outcomes based on test method.

METHODS

Patients underwent 1 of 3 protocols: SPT, screening SPT followed by IDT, or IVT. We used institution billing data to do a cost analysis of these tests. The time to maintenance (TTM) therapy was analyzed and patients were stratified into high and low reactors. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was used to quantify symptoms pre-maintenance and post-maintenance.

RESULTS

Of 177 patients (SPT, n = 40; IVT, n = 91; IDT, n = 46), 115 (SPT, n = 35; IVT, n = 39; IDT, n = 41) were high reactors. Out of 90 patients (SPT, n = 17; IVT, n = 37; IDT, n = 36) reaching maintenance, 58 were high reactors (SPT, n = 15; IVT, n = 12; IDT, n = 31). Overall, SPT, IVT, and IDT median TTM were 542, 329, and 578.5 days, respectively. IDT TTM was shorter compared to IVT overall and in high reactors (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.91, p = 0.02; HR = 2.12, p = 0.03), but was not significant compared to SPT high reactors (p = 0.33). The IDT cost was $62.66, translating to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $0.23 per day of shortened TTM. Median RQLQ change for the SPT, IVT, and IDT groups was 6.5, 1, and 1.5, respectively, but was not significant (p = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

IDT reached maintenance immunotherapy quicker than IVT but there was no difference compared to SPT. TTM did not correlate with improvements in patient symptoms between testing methods. This study represents a novel comparison of outcomes based on initial allergy testing method.

Factors influencing hearing outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Ossicular chain disruption in children leads to conductive hearing loss. Few studies have focused on factors influencing successful results in pediatric ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR). We aim to determine whether demographic or surgical factors affect hearing outcomes in pediatric OCR.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 120 patients undergoing OCR at our institution, a tertiary care hospital, between 2003 and 2014, with median length of follow-up of 2.2 years (range 0.1-9.3 years). Pediatric patients (<18 years old at time of surgical procedure) who had current procedural terminology (CPT) codes of OCR, and available pre- and post-operative audiograms were included in the study. Demographic information, surgical details, and pre- and post-operative pure-tone averages (PTA), speech reception thresholds (SRT), and air-bone gaps (ABG) were recorded from clinic notes, audiograms and operative reports. Differences between PTA, SRT and ABG pre- and post-operatively, as well as demographic and surgical factors, were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Factors influencing revision were evaluated using Log-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients (123 ears) were included. 35.8% of cases were revised, most commonly due to displaced prostheses. 28.5% of surgeries resulted in normal hearing (PTA ≤25 dB) post-operatively. Post-operative SRT and ABG were significantly better in patients with partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) compared with those with total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) (p = 0.016, 0.027). Titanium prostheses resulted in better post-operative PTA and larger changes in PTA compared with all other materials (p = 0.034, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, children with titanium prostheses had better hearing outcomes than those with other materials, and children with PORP had better hearing outcomes than those with TORP.

Aspirin use and survival in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNC) patients

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Background: The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is the most common genetic alteration in HNC, particularly in oropharynx cancers (OPC). Up-regulation of the PI3K pathway enhances the production of prostaglandins inhibiting apoptosis in cancer cells. We hypothesized that aspirin (ASA) improves survival in HNC patients (pts) by counteracting the effects of prostaglandins. Methods: This is an IRB-approved retrospective cohort study of 584 veterans with HNC treated at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 1995 and 2015. Charts were reviewed for clinical-pathologic and treatment data; recurrence/distant metastases; cause of death; and for the number, date and dose of ASA prescriptions. Pts who filled more than one prescription, excluding refills, after diagnosis of HNC were considered ASA users. All others were considered non-ASA users. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) between users and non-users. Results: 332 pts met inclusion criteria. Primary subsites included oropharynx (n = 146), larynx (n = 105), oral cavity (n = 62), and hypopharynx (n = 19). 86 pts were ASA users after diagnosis (25.9%) and more likely to be older (p = 0.002), African American (p = 0.03), never-alcohol users (p = 0.044), and have early stage cancer (I/II; p < 0.0005) compared to non-ASA users. Among all HNC pts, ASA users demonstrated significantly better 5-year (y) DSS (82%) compared to non users (43%; p = 0.009). 5-y DFS was also significantly higher among users (72%) vs non users (39%; p < 0.001). Among the OPC pts, 5-y DSS was higher for ASA users (74%) vs non users (41%; p = 0.024). 5-y DFS was also better for users (72%) vs non users (39%; p = 0.004). For stages III and IV, 5-y DFS was significantly higher among ASA users (64%) vs non users (44%; p = 0.035). 5-y DSS was higher as well in users (69%) vs non users (44%) but p = 0.098. On multivariate analysis, aspirin use remained an independent prognostic factor associated with improved DSS and DFS when accounting for age, race, gender, subsite, stage, tobacco and alcohol use. Conclusions: Aspirin use following diagnosis and curative treatment of HNC is associated with improved DSS and DFS.

Palatal botulinum toxin as a novel therapy for objective tinnitus in forced eyelid closure syndrome

Objective tinnitus associated with eyelid closure is a rare clinical entity with only a few reported cases. This association previously was identified as forced eyelid closure syndrome (FECS) and involves an aberrant neural reflex between cranial nerve VII (activating the orbicularis oculi muscle) and cranial nerve V (activating the tensor tympani muscle). We present a 52-year-old Caucasian female with a 2-month history of FECS who was successfully treated with intrapalatal botulinum toxin, with full resolution of her objective tinnitus symptoms. This is the first reported use of botulinum toxin in FECS. Laryngoscope, 127:1199-1201, 2017.

Analysis of post-transoral robotic-assisted surgery hemorrhage: Frequency, outcomes, and prevention

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS) carries a small, but not insignificant, risk of life-threatening postsurgical hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to analyze all post-TORS hemorrhagic events at our institution to establish preventative recommendations.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 224 consecutive patients who underwent TORS for any indication at a single tertiary care institution.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (n = 22; 9.82%) had varying degrees of postoperative bleeding. An impaired ability to protect the airway at the time of hemorrhage increased the rate of severe complications. Prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation did not significantly decrease overall postoperative bleeding rates (9.1% vs 9.9%; p = 1.00); however, there was a trend toward decreased hemorrhage severity in prophylactically ligated patients (3.0% vs 7.3%; p = .7040).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation may reduce the incidence of severe bleeding following TORS. Post-TORS patients displaying an inability to protect the airway should be strongly considered for prophylactic tracheostomy to assist airway protection. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E776-E782, 2016.

Immunotargeting in the management of psoriasis

The treatment of psoriasis has been revolutionized since the introduction of biologic therapies. Prior to their introduction, it was unclear if psoriasis was primarily a keratinocyte signaling dysfunction or an autoimmune T-cell mediated pathway. Nonspecific T-cell targeting treatments had been used with some success, but they were limited by a narrow therapeutic index. The nonspecific nature of these agents was fraught with side effects, and the efficacy of these treatments pales in comparison to current treatments. The initial biologic molecules, alefacept and efalizumab, were not specific for any T-cell driven pathway, and neither are currently available in the USA. The successors to these early therapies have shown high efficacy and low side effects in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases through the specific targeting of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Since the initial use of antitumor necrosis factor agents, a renaissance in our understanding of psoriasis has been underway, leading to the elucidation of the T-helper 17 (Th17) from the Th1 pathway. With each new treatment, the pathogenesis for psoriasis continues to be more defined, allowing for improved targeted therapies and the ability to achieve new milestones in efficacy.