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Effective shared decision-making in pediatric surgery requires clarity regarding which surgical outcomes are most important to patients and their families, and how they prefer to receive the information. Despite how essential this is for effective risk communication, little is known about the communication needs and preferences of patients and their families in elective pediatric surgery.We administered a mailed and online cross-sectional survey in English and French to 548 families before or after surgery for hernia/hydrocele repair or tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy between July 2019 and February 2021. The survey consisted of 22 questions eliciting most valued patient-reported outcomes (PROs) across 4 domains: health-related quality of life (5), functional status (5), symptoms and symptom burden (5), health behaviours and patient experience (7), as well as overall impressions (3), surgical risks (5), communication preferences (4), and demographic questions (16).The survey was completed by 368 patient families (60 preoperative, 308 postoperative, response rate 67.2%). Most respondents (72%) indicated a significant desire to be informed on all listed PROs alongside surgical complications, and highly valued all functional and quality of life outcomes (92.9%89.8%, respectively). Preoperatively, patient families preferred to receive information in the form of pamphlets and websites, whereas postoperatively they preferred direct communication.Families value functional and quality of life PROs as much as clinical outcomes, and increasingly seek more contemporary (electronic) means of risk communication than we currently offer. This data will inform the development of mobile tools for personalized communication in pediatric surgery.

Objective To provide guidance for the comprehensive management of children referred for anterior drooling. The mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. Methods Survey of expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The recommendations are derived from current expert consensus and critical review of the literature. Results Consensus recommendations include initial care and approach recommendations for health care providers who commonly evaluate children with drooling. This includes evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in drooling management, initial work-up of children referred for anterior drooling, treatment recommendations, indications and contra-indications for rehabilitation, medical, and surgical management, as well as pros and cons of different surgical procedures in the hands of drooling management experts. Conclusion Anterior drooling consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in children referred for sialorrhea.

Introduction Burkitt lymphoma (BL), an aggressive form of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, arising from the nose and paranasal sinuses is relatively rare. It can present with various symptoms leading to potential misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. BL is fatal if left untreated, while early identification and treatment can improve prognosis. Objectives 1) To review clinical presentations and sites of involvement of six cases of pediatric BL with rhinologic manifestations and compare these with the current literature. 2) To raise awareness on the variety of presentations of BL in this particular anatomic location. Methods A series of six cases of pediatric (0–18 years) BL with rhinologic manifestations is presented. Age, sex, ethnicity, symptoms, imaging, staging, treatment and outcome were recorded. A systematic review of literature was also conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy used keywords related to rhinologic manifestations of BL (nasal cavity, nasopharynx, paranasal sinus etc.; Burkitt etc.) and included studies published in English and French describing patients 0–18 years of age. Results 42 patients were included (six from case series and 36 from current literature). Most common presenting symptoms were: nasal obstruction (29%), facial swelling (24%), headache (21%) and proptosis (19%). Most frequent sites of presentation were: nasopharynx (40%), maxilla (40%) and sphenoid (33%). More than half (60%) had systemic involvement, of which the most common locations were: kidney (19%), pancreas (17%) and liver (17%). Mortality from BL in children from this study population was correlated with a longer duration of symptoms prior to presentation, as well as a misdiagnosis preceding the final diagnosis of BL. Conclusions This study brings understanding to the numerous presentations of the same aggressive disease, promotes high clinical suspicion when evaluating common otolaryngologic symptoms and can guide healthcare providers in diagnosing pediatric BL with rhinologic manifestations.

To assess the evidence for pediatric sialolithiasis, including its demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and demonstrate the shift in its treatment paradigm.A systematic review of sources from the Medline and Embase databases was conducted from inception to Dec 4, 2020. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed quality.Patients under the age of 18 with sialolithiasis were included.Study design, cohort size, age, sex, symptoms, stone characteristics, diagnostic modality and intervention were collected data points.Forty-one studies with 243 patients were included in the review, of which 40 were case reports or series. Most stones were found in the submandibular gland (n = 210, 85.4%) and were single stones (n = 101, 71.1%). Average stone size was 7.7 mm. The most common diagnostic imaging modality used was ultrasound (n = 73, 47.4%), shifting from plain radiograph which was favoured in earlier years. Similarly, open gland excision was historically preferred, but since 2000, sialoendoscopy comprised 40.5% of all treatment modalities and continues to increase in prevalence, up to 52.1% by 2020. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was associated with the highest complication rate of 54.2%.The pediatric sialolithiasis diagnostic and therapeutic landscape has changed with ultrasound replacing plain radiographs, and sialoendoscopy replacing submandibular gland excision. Further high-level quality evidence research is required to refine the indications, effectiveness, and safety of sialoendoscopy in pediatric sialolithiasis.

Introduction Tympanostomy tube placement is the most common surgical procedure performed in children. Medial migration of a tympanostomy tube is a rare occurrence where the tube migrates into the middle ear cavity as opposed to its normal extrusion into the external auditory canal. Whether medialized tympanostomy tubes should be surgically removed in asymptomatic patients is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine experience and management approach of medialized tympanostomy tubes among pediatric otolaryngologists. Methods A 12-question cross-section survey was designed and distributed to the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) members. The survey study was granted McGill University institutional review board and ASPO research committee approval. The survey data were filtered and cross-tabulated. Descriptive statistics were generated. Results 128 pediatric otolaryngologists completed the 12-question survey. The majority of respondents had experienced at least one case of medialized tympanostomy tube (90.6%). The majority of patients (82.0%) were asymptomatic. 74 out of 128 respondents (57.8%) indicated that they would not remove a medialized tube in an asymptomatic patient. However, 7.0% of those respondents clarified that they would proceed to surgical removal if the patient were undergoing general anesthesia for another surgery. 30.5% of respondents indicated that they would surgically remove the tube even if the patient were asymptomatic. 6.3% of respondents indicated that opted management in children would be based on a shared decision with parents. Most respondents (80.5%) did not experience complications with surgical removal nor with elected observation. Conclusion There is no consensus among pediatric otolaryngologists regarding the necessity of surgically removing a medialized tympanostomy tube in asymptomatic patients. The survey suggests that both options are acceptable. If observation is chosen, it is important that parents are well informed of the potential long-term sequelae of a medialized tube and advised to consult if symptoms occur.

Objective Temporary conductive hearing loss due to amniotic fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity may lead to failure (false positive) in newborn hearing screening tests. The aim of this study was to identify whether amniotic fluid index has association with failure of the initial newborn otoacoustic emission (OAE) screening test. Methods A cohort study in a tertiary hospital center (Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal) was constructed from 70 newborns that failed the OAE test, but passed a subsequent auditory brainstem response (ABR) test, and 75 randomly selected newborns that passed initial otoacoustic emission testing. Maternal (including the amniotic fluid index in the third trimester) and newborn clinical data were extracted from medical records. Statistical association models were built to determine variables that influenced hearing screen passage or failure. Results The two arms of the cohort had no significant differences in maternal or child clinical indices, including in amniotic fluid index. Calculated as individual odds ratios, maternal tobacco [95% CI of odds ratio: 0.04, 0.59, p = 0.0078], and drug use [95% CI of odds ratio: 0.0065, 0.72, p = 0.058] [borderline significance] were associated with failing the otoacoustic emission testing. Conclusions Amniotic fluid index was not found to be associated with failure of otoacoustic emission screening in newborns. However, our study unveiled an interesting unexpected association of OAE failure with maternal smoking and/or drug use. This finding can help alleviate some of the time, cost and parental anxiety related to failed OAE screening. In selected cases of maternal smoking or drug use we might want to replace or add OAE to the ABR test in newborn hearing screening protocols, that don't perform both tests before discharge.

Background Leukodystrophies consist of degenerative neurogenetic diseases often associated with comorbidities that extend beyond the neurological system. Despite their impacts on patients' quality of life and risks of complications, head and neck symptomology is poorly reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the main head and neck complaints among a cohort of patients diagnosed with leukodystrophies and define the role of the otolaryngologist as part of a multidisciplinary team for treating these patients. Methods During the First Canadian National Conference on Leukodystrophies held at the Montreal's Children Hospital, a cohort of 12 patients diagnosed with leukodystrophies were recruited and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. An otolaryngology-focused assessment was done through history and physical examination, and included a screening questionnaire for 23 common otolaryngology issues. If families reported a history of sialorrhea, a validated questionnaire (Drool Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (DroolQoL)) was subsequently distributed. Results from the questionnaires were then compiled and analyzed. Results Of the 12 recruited patients, 83% (10/12) were known to an otolaryngologist. Drooling affected 67% (8/12) of patients although only 37.5% (3/8) of patients had undergone medical or surgical therapies for this issue. Four patients experienced at least one aspiration pneumonia. 58% (7/12) of the patients had dysphagia, of whom 43% (3/12) were fed exclusively via gastrostomy tube and 28% (2/7) required thickening of feeds. Two patients, despite suspicion of dysphagia and aspiration, had never undergone evaluation. As for otologic issues, it was noted that 25% (3/12) of patients had a history of pressure equalizing tubes (PETs) and one patient had a history of hearing loss. Conclusion Head and neck comorbidities affect children with leukodystrophies. Therefore, the otolaryngologist should be part of the multidisciplinary team, specifically for the management of dysphagia and sialorrhea.

Objective To delineate the auditory functional improvement and peri-operative outcomes of the Sophono™ transcutaneous bone conduction device. Methods Eligible articles presenting patients implanted with the Sophono™ were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase electronic databases. All relevant articles were reviewed to justify inclusion independently by 2 authors. Studies that successfully passed critical appraisal for directness of evidence and risk of bias were included. Results From a total of 125 articles, 8 studies encompassing 86 patients using 99 implants were selected. Most patients (79.1%) were children. Ear atresia (67.5%) was the most frequently reported indication for Sophono™ implantation. Overall pure tone average auditory improvement was 31.10 (±8.29) decibel. During a mean follow-up time of 12.48 months, 25 patients (29%) presented with post-operative complications from which 3 were deemed as serious implant-related adverse events (3.5%). Conclusions The Sophono™ transcutaneous bone conduction device shows promising functional improvement, no intra-operative complications and minor post-operative skin related complications. If suitable, the device could be a proposed solution for the rehabilitation of hearing in children meeting eligibility criteria. A wearing schedule must be implemented in order to reduce magnet-related skin complications.

Introduction The diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts can be controversial and varies across centers and surgeons. Using existing peer-reviewed literature to develop an expert-based consensus will help guide physicians in the treatment of these patients as well as develop research hypotheses to further study this condition. Objective To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts. Methods Determination of current expert- and literature-based recommendations, via a survey of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, using a modified Delphi method. Setting Multinational, multi-institutional, tertiary pediatric hospitals. Results Consensus recommendations include diagnostic workup, medical management, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative considerations for type I laryngeal clefts. Conclusions This guide on the diagnosis and management of patients with type I laryngeal clefts is aimed at improving patient care and promoting future hypothesis generation and research to validate the recommendations made here.

Objectives Newborn hearing screening includes testing with otoacoustic emissions and the auditory brainstem response. Unfortunately, both tests are affected by the presence of material in the ear canal and middle ear such as vernix, meconium, and amniotic fluid. The objective of this study was to determine to what extent occlusion of the ear canal as seen on otoscopy affects wideband energy reflectance measurements in newborns. A secondary objective was to obtain additional normative wideband reflectance data in newborns. Methods Newborns from a well-baby nursery were enrolled. Wideband energy reflectance measurements and otoscopy were done immediately after the hearing screening. Occlusion of the ear canal as seen on otoscopy was described on a scale of 0–100%. Results A total of 156 babies were enrolled (mean age = 25 hours). A statistically significant difference in the reflectance at ambient pressure was found between the 0–70% and 80–100% occlusion groups. There was no significant difference in reflectance between the right and the left ears. The median reflectance pattern generally followed that of previous studies but in certain frequency regions the present reflectance values were higher. Conclusion A significant increase in reflectance occurs when 70%–80% of the ear-canal diameter is occluded. Taking otoscopy findings into account may improve the interpretation of reflectance measurements. However, further studies are required to better establish the relationship between canal occlusion and reflectance.

Objective To provide recommendations for the comprehensive management of young infants who present with signs or symptoms concerning for laryngomalacia. Methods Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). Results Consensus recommendations include initial care and triage recommendations for health care providers who commonly evaluate young infants with noisy breathing. The consensus statement also provides comprehensive care recommendations for otolaryngologists who manage young infants with laryngomalacia including: evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in laryngomalacia, initial work-up of infants presenting with inspiratory stridor, treatment recommendations based on disease severity, management of the infant with feeding difficulties, post-surgical treatment management recommendations, and suggestions for acid suppression therapy. Conclusion Laryngomalacia care consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in infants with laryngomalacia.

Introduction Suprastomal Collapse (SuStCo) is a common complication of prolonged tracheostomy in children. There is a paucity of literature on this subject, especially regarding how to manage significant suprastomal collapse that prevents safe decannulation. Objective Provide a definition, classification system, and recommend management options for significant suprastomal collapse in children with tracheostomy. Methods Members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) who are experts in pediatric airway conditions were surveyed and results were refined using a modified Delphi method. Results Consensus was defined as > 70% agreement on a subject. The experts achieved consensus: • on a standard definition of Suprastomal Collapse • that there is clinical importance between significant and insignificant collapse • that the gold standard diagnostic modality is endoscopic examination under anesthesia • that the severity of collapse is a major determinant in the surgical approach • that surgical intervention is the first line management in combined anterior and lateral Suprastomal Collapse. Conclusion This consensus statement provides recommendations for medical specialists who manage infants and children with tracheostomies with significant Suprastomal Collapse. It provides a classification system to facilitate diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.

Objective Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in adducted position remains a challenge for airway surgeons. Alternatives to tracheostomies such as lateralization, cordectomy, and posterior rib grafting disrupt the laryngeal tissue or framework and carry an increased risk of aspiration. Laryngeal reinnervation using nerve-muscle pedicle (NMP), carries the distinct advantage of preserving the larynx, sparing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and obtaining an active VF abduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success and complications of laryngeal reinnervation using nerve-muscle pedicle (NMP) in pediatric patients presenting with dyspnea related to VFP in adducted position. Methods In this case series performed at a tertiary care referral center, review of medical records on all pediatric patients with VFP in adduction treated with laryngeal reinnervation using NMP between 1999 and 2017. Data were collected on the preoperative flexible laryngoscopy, suspension micro-laryngoscopy, and laryngeal electromyography as well as post-operative clinical assessment of the voice and airway. All patients underwent surgery consisting of the transfer of an innervated omohyoid muscle pedicle onto the paralyzed posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. The main outcomes measured were the clinical and fiberoptic laryngoscopic airway assessment monthly for the first 6 months, then at 12 months and annually thereafter. Clinical assessment included dyspnea evaluation based on a visual analog scale and voice assessment using the GRBAS scores. Complications from the treatment were also noted. These outcomes were determined before collection of data. Results 16 cases were identified, with a mean age of 4 years. The recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was bilateral in 3 cases and unilateral in 13 cases. There were no peri or postoperative complications. After a mean follow-up of 7 years, vocal fold abduction was observed in 10 out of 16 cases and disappearance of paradoxical inspiratory adduction in 3 cases. Persistent dyspnea was noted in 7 cases (44%), and moderate dysphonia was present in 11 cases (69%). Finally, additional procedures were necessary in 2 patients (13%) to achieve the outcomes. Conclusions Laryngeal reinnervation using NMP may be used in pediatric patients. This procedure, is safe and allows us to spare the recurrent laryngeal nerve while obtaining an active VF abduction in the majority of cases, and an improvement in breathing in most cases. Quality of evidence 4.

Objective To make recommendations on the identification, routine evaluation, and management of fetuses at risk for airway compromise at delivery. Methods Recommendations are based on expert opinion by members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was distributed to all members of the IPOG and responses recorded. The respondents were given the opportunity to comment on the content and format of the survey, which was modified for the second round. “Consensus” was defined by >80% respondent affirmative responses, “agreement” by 51–80% affirmative responses, and “no agreement” by 50% or less affirmative responses. Results Recommendations are provided regarding etiologies of perinatal airway obstruction, imaging evaluation, adjunct evaluation, multidisciplinary team and decision factors, micrognathia management, congenital high airway obstruction syndrome management, head and neck mass management, attended delivery procedure, and delivery on placental support procedure. Conclusions Thorough evaluation and thoughtful decision making are required to optimally balance fetal and maternal risks/benefits.

Objectives: To report a case of two BAHI extrusions occurring in a heavy smoker and to review the literature to investigate the underlying biomechanisms leading to implant losses in smokers. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A 35-year-old man experienced delayed healing and increased pain around the abutment site despite an uneventful BAHI surgery. The implant extruded 2 days after sound processor coupling. A second implant was placed and extruded 1 week after post-operatively. The literature review identified 2 other cases of implant loss in heavy smokers; one undergoing 6 surgeries. Smoking is thought to adversely affect hormones and enzymes involved in bone regulation, and to have an inhibitory effect on osteogenesis and on angiogenesis. At the cellular level, nicotine reduces the proliferation of red blood cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts and increases micro clot formation in blood vessels through increased platelet adhesiveness. Conclusion: We highlight possible risks associated with bone anchored hearing implant loss and smoking. These risks should be discussed with patients who are BAHI candidates and heavy smokers. Keywords: Bone anchored hearing implant, BAHA, Smoking, Implant loss, Extrusion, Osseointegration

Objective Few cases of medial migration of tympanostomy tubes have been reported and its optimal management has not been well delineated especially in asymptomatic patients. The aim of this review is to present all cases of medialized tympanostomy tubes reported in the literature in order to provide the most beneficial management option. Methods Eligible articles were identified through a comprehensive search in Cochrane, Embase and Medline electronic databases. Two reviewers independently screened the data sources, using pre-defined inclusion criteria to generate a list of eligible articles. Data extracted included patient demographics, diagnosis, type of tube, timing of migration, presenting symptoms, examination outcomes, treatment and follow up. Results 10 articles were chosen for data extraction from which 29 patients presenting with medial migration of tympanostomy tube were identified. Conclusion The low complications associated with removing a medialized tube and the risk of leaving foreign objects in the middle ear cleft make myringotomy for removal of the tube a practical and safe management option for medialized tubes even in asymptomatic patients.

Sialolithiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with persitent or recurring salivary gland swelling or inflammation. It occurs most frequently in the Wharton duct followed by the Stensen duct, and rarely in the sublingual glands. Sialolithiasis typically presents with pain and swelling of the involved gland and is aggravated by eating. In the acute setting, patients with sialadenitis secondary to calculi are treated conservatively with antibiotics, and stones less than 2 mm may pass spontaneously. Sialendoscopy is now well established as a novel minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modality for salivary gland stones. Sialoendoscopes can also be used in combination with several open surgical approaches to guide the extraction of large calculi. This article highlights the open surgical interventions that are frequently used in sialolithiasis management, when sialoendoscopy is not the most appropriate option, has failed, or is not available. They range from minimally invasive to open techniques. Mastering the anatomy of the salivary ducts and surrounding structures is of exquisite importance. The management of sialolithiasis should aim for gland-sparing procedures before considering gland excision.

Objective To determine if laryngeal contrast pooling on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study increases the risk for pneumonia in the following 6 months in children with dysphagia. Secondarily, to determine in the same population, if laryngeal abnormalities or syndromic disorders increase the risk for pneumonia in the same timeframe. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods A chart review of pediatric patients that presented to the swallowing and dysphagia clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital for a videofluoroscopic swallowing study in the last three years was conducted. Videofluoroscopic findings, patient characteristics, demographic data, and pneumonias occurring within 6 months after the study were recorded for all patients. Patients with unsuccessful swallowing studies, incomplete charts, extra-laryngeal etiologies for recurrent pneumonia, or who were lost to follow up were excluded. Results Of the 287 children who presented to the clinic, 239 patients remained after exclusion, of which 40 (16.7%) exhibited pooling and 199 (83.3%) did not. Children with pooling on videofluoroscopic swallowing study did not have significantly more pneumonias than patients without pooling (22.5% vs 17.1%, P = 0.42). Secondary analyses revealed that laryngeal abnormalities were a significant independent risk factor (P = 0.02) for pneumonia at 6 months, while being diagnosed with a syndrome was not (P = 0.18). Conclusion In this study of contrast pooling in videofluoroscopic swallowing study, there was no significant difference in pneumonia occurrence in patients with and without pooling at 6 months post study. Future prospective studies should be conducted to confirm these findings. The present review showed that feeding changes should not be made based on pooling alone.

Objectives Management of recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) remains a clinical challenge to otolaryngologists – head and neck surgeons. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the best surgical management for recurrent TGDC. Methods A comprehensive search for relevant articles was carried out on electronic databases named Ovid Medline, Ovid Medline in process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, Ovid OldMedline, and Ovid Medline Daily. Articles published in English until 2014 were eligible for review. Using predefined inclusion criteria, published articles on surgical outcomes in the management of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst, were selected, reviewed, and their findings synthesized. Results Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review comprising a total of 66 patients who underwent 114 secondary surgeries. Better outcomes were observed with en bloc neck dissection vs. a revision Sistrunk with a recurrence rate of 20% vs. 30.12% respectively. In addition two new surgical approaches, suture-guided transhyoid pharyngotomy and Koempel's suprahyoid technique reported 100% success rate. Conclusion Recurrence after primary surgical management remains a clinical challenge. We highlight the outcomes of the 4 main surgical techniques reported in the literature, repeat Sistrunk procedure, en bloc neck dissection, suture-guided transhyoid pharyngotomy, and Koempel's suprahyoid technique. Although this review reports a 100% success rate with the 2 latter techniques, further prospective studies and additional experience with these same techniques by other surgeons/institutions with or without a randomized trial could provide additional confirmation of improved outcomes using these specific surgical procedures.

Objectives There is no literature about the average size of the salivary glands in the pediatric population with drooling (sialorrhea). Studies have shown that some pathologies affect the functionality of the salivary glands. We assessed via ultrasonography the sizes of the submandibular and parotid glands in 9 healthy children who were not suffering from local or systemic diseases that could affect the salivary glands. We also compared this group with a group of 9 patients with sialorrhea. Methods Volunteers were matched based on age, gender, and BMI. Body weight did not differ more than 20% from ideal weight. The parotid and submandibular glands of 9 patients with sialorrhea without any previous treatment were measured via ultrasound and matched to a healthy control. Children with various causes for drooling were included (neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, lack of oral motor control). Results Dimensions of the parotid glands in drooling and healthy patients were: surface area 2.96 cm 2 (SD ±0.90) and 2.81 cm 2 (SD ±0.54); in depth 1.68 cm (SD ±0.24) and 1.61 cm (SD ±0.27); in the axis longitudinal to the horizontal mandibular ramus 3.18 cm (±0.46) and 3.15 cm (SD ±0.45) in drooling and healthy groups respectively. The means of submandibular glands of drooling and healthy patients measured in surface area: 3.20 cm 2 (SD ±0.66) and 3.08 cm 2 (SD ±0.65); anterior–posterior length 1.55 cm (SD ±0.23) and 1.46 cm (SD ±0.23), medio-lateral length 3.07 cm (SD ±0.39) and 3.07 cm (SD ±0.32). There was no statistical significance in comparison with the healthy group control. Conclusion The parotid and submandibular salivary glands in the pediatric population do not differ in size in children with or without drooling. Measuring the glands at baseline and post treatment with botulinum toxin injections allows one to evaluate if there are changes in the gland related to the treatment.

Sialorrhea or drooling refers to the unintentional spillage of saliva from the oral cavity. Botulinum toxin injection into the salivary glands is a recognized clinically effective therapy for this condition. There are currently 4 botulinum toxin formulations available for clinical (off label) use to improve sialorrhea: onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX), incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport), and rimabotulinum toxin B (Myobloc). These should not be considered interchangeable. Botulinum toxin injection in the salivary glands can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. OnabotulinumtoxinA is currently the most commonly used agent in the treatment of drooling in children. There are 3 different injection techniques consisting of injection using anatomical landmarks with manual palpation of the gland, ultrasound guidance, or electromyography guidance. These are detailed later, and the technical preference varies among centers. Reported complications include dysphagia, xerostomia, and aspiration. Using a guided injection technique provides a safe, effective, and noninvasive option for drooling control.

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is one of the most common congenital anterior midline neck masses in children. Sistrunk operation is considered as the cornerstone in TGDC removal. Nevertheless, 5% to 7 % of patients have been reported to show a recurrence even after adequate resection. This necessitates at times multiple resections with potential complications. One interesting emerging technique is sclerotherapy of TGDC remnants post resection. We present here a case of a child who had a successfully treated recurrent TGDC using sclerotherapy with doxycycline.

Objective The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of tea tree oil on hearing function and cochlear morphology after intratympanic administration in a chinchilla animal model. Methods Nine chinchillas received intratympanic injection of 3% tea tree oil dissolved in olive oil in one ear, whereas the contralateral control ear received olive oil only. Outcome measures included auditory brainstem responses conducted before treatment and at 10 days and 30 days following the injection. Post-mortem cochlear morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Results At 10 and 30 days following the injection, there was no significant change in auditory brain response thresholds at 8, 16, 20 or 25 kHz. Scanning electron microscopy imaging showed no damage to auditory hair cells. Conclusion Tea tree oil (3%) does not appear to be ototoxic in a chinchilla animal model. Future preclinical and clinical studies are required to establish the effectiveness of TTO in treating otitis.

Background and objectives Otoacoustic emission (OAE) tests are currently used to screen newborns for congenital hearing loss in many Universal Newborn Hearing Screening programs. However, there are concerns about high referral and false-positive rates. Various protocols have been used to address this problem. The main objective of this review is to determine the effects of different screening protocols on the referral rates and positive predictive values (PPV) of the OAE newborn screening test. Methods Eligible studies published in English from January 1990 until August 2012 were identified through searches of MEDLINE, Medline In-Process, Embase, PubMed (NCBI), ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical controlled trials. Two reviewers independently screened the data sources, using pre-defined inclusion criteria to generate a list of eligible articles. Data extracted included the number of newborns screened, age at screening, OAE pass criteria, frequencies screened, number of retests, referral rates, and the number of newborns identified with permanent congenital hearing loss. Results Ten articles met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 119,714 newborn participants. The pooled referral rate was 5.5%. Individual referral rates ranged from 1.3% to 39%; the PPV from 2 to 40%. Increasing the age at initial screening and performing retests reduced the referral rate. Likewise, screenings involving higher frequencies had lower referral rates. Conclusion Delaying newborn hearing screening improves test results but may not be practical in all contexts. The use of higher frequencies and more sophisticated OAE devices may be useful approaches to ensure better performance of the OAE test in newborn hearing screening.

Objective Caffeine is a widely consumed substance affecting the metabolism of adenosine and cellular metabolism of calcium. Noise also affects these metabolic pathways while inducing hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of daily intake of caffeine on hearing loss after an episode of acoustic trauma in guinea pigs. Materials and methods In this pilot study, forty guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control, n = 10) received intraperitoneal saline, group II (n = 10) received intraperitoneal caffeine (120 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, group III (n = 10) was exposed to noise (tone of 6 kHz at 120 dB for one hour) and group IV (n = 10) was exposed to noise as group III and received caffeine as group II. Auditory brainstem responses were measured at four different frequencies (8, 16, 20, and 25 kHz) prior to and at intervals of 1 h, 3 days, 10 days, and 14 days after the initial treatment. On day 14, morphological analysis was performed to assess the effects of caffeine on acoustic trauma. Results Aggravated hearing loss was observed in group IV after 10 days of follow-up. After 14 days, one of the four frequencies (8 kHz) tested showed statistically significant greater impairment in hearing (8.2 ± 3.6 dB, p = 0.026). Auditory hair cells showed no difference while spiral ganglion cell counts were diminished in group IV (p Conclusion These findings indicate that caffeine may have a detrimental effect on hearing recovery after a single event of acoustic trauma.

Objectives High levels of unconjugated bilirubin have been associated with neuronal damage. The auditory brain nuclei and the inferior colliculi are often the first part of the brainstem to be involved, often leading to hearing abnormalities. A systematic review of clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the effect of hyperbilirubinemia on hearing in term newborns, to show the relationship between hearing function and bilirubin levels as well as the effect of treatment. Methods Eligible studies were identified through searches of electronic databases Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, PubMed and The Cochrane Library. Articles obtained were independently reviewed by 2 authors using inclusion criteria to identify eligible studies. The search was restricted to articles written in English, French and Spanish and published between 1970 and 2010. Data extracted included study type, number of patients, bilirubin levels, hyperbilirubinemia criteria, hearing assessment methods, time of hearing assessment and outcome measures. Results The nineteen articles included showed heterogeneity regarding the time of hearing test and hyperbilirubinemia criteria. The incidence of hearing loss at initial testing ranged between 13.2–83.3% and 6.7–14.3% at 3 months follow-up. Five studies showed a rising incidence of hearing loss with increasing levels of serum bilirubin. Conclusions Hyperbilirubinemia resulted in abnormal hearing assessment in up to 83.3% of term newborns. Greater hearing abnormalities were observed with rising serum bilirubin levels. Treatment of hyperbilirubinemia led to a considerable decrease in the incidence of hearing loss.

Objective To conduct an updated systematic review on the outcome of Bell's palsy (BP) in children following steroid treatment. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and BIOSIS Previews electronic databases were searched obtaining articles published between 2000 and 2010 without any language restriction. Review methods Articles describing children aged 0–18 years with BP treated solely with corticosteroids were included. In studies including various etiologies for facial palsy; cases of BP treated with steroids were selected and when available, untreated patients as well for comparison. The outcome measure was facial movements following steroidal treatment based on different clinical scales. Controlled clinical trials, prospective and historical cohort studies, cross sectional studies and case series were included. Results A total of 2293 papers were initially identified. Following review by two authors, 68 papers were analyzed in a hard-copy format. Finally, 6 studies were eligible to be included in the systematic review. Four of the studies included children with BP exclusively while the remaining studies described various etiologies of facial palsy. Type of steroid and duration of treatment were inconsistently specified. Outcome measures used include the House–Brackmann scale, Yanagihara grading system and clinical evaluation. Studies analyzed were retrospective cohorts or case-series and were categorized as level 4 of evidence. Conclusion There were no controlled trials and level 4 publications predominate. Therefore, the role of steroid treatment for BP in children is still inconclusive. Further studies are required.

Objective The aim of this study was to revalidate and reproduce a chronic tympanic membrane perforation animal model. Study design Prospective, animal study. Methods Eight female chinchillas underwent bilateral thermal myringotomy. The edges of the perforation were folded inward using microflaps. The perforations were followed over time to monitor the course of closure. Results Two animals were excluded from the study because of ear infection. None of the other tympanic membrane perforations remained open. The closing time varied from 4 to 6 weeks. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the thermal myringotomy combined with infolding technique is not a reliable and consistent method to create a chronic tympanic membrane perforation. The closing time is shorter than expected and varies among the study subjects. There is a clear need for developing a reliable chronic tympanic membrane perforation model.

Familial dysautonomia is a rare disease affecting the nervous system. Symptoms include speech and movement problems, anterior sialorrhea (drooling) due to hypersalivation as a consequence of poor oropharyngeal coordination; dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia secondary to recurrent posterior sialorrhea. The treatment for sialorrhea in this population is very challenging. Traditional drugs carry a number of side-effects that are difficult to control in this disease. We report the first documented case series of 3 patients with this condition that successfully responded to Onabotulinum toxin A injection into their salivary glands. This is an innovative, safe method for drooling control in this population.

Castleman's Disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. In the literature, only 29 cases, associated with the neck presentation in children, have been reported. This is another case report regarding a 5-year old child who presented with a persistent cervical lymphadenopathy. Final pathology, after undergoing exploratory neck dissection and surgical excision, revealed Castleman's Disease. This report, augmented with a literature review of all the 29 cases, compares the clinical course of this patient with the other cases. In conclusion, although Castleman's Disease carries a favorable prognosis in children, surgical excision is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other causes.

Cervical esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can be successfully managed surgically. These anomalies are rare causes of upper airway obstruction. We present here a case of a cervical esophageal duplication cyst in an infant, along with a review of the literature concerning this anomaly.

Summary Background Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses or phlegmons are relatively uncommon. Since the tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphoid tissues of the nasopharynx and oral cavity, one may hypothesize that their removal would lead to an increased susceptibility to pharyngeal infections. Objective Determine whether there is an association with a history of adenotonsillectomy and the development of retro- and parapharyngeal abscesses/phlegmons. Methods A case–control study was performed. The charts of 180 children admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital between 1996 and 2006 were reviewed. The patients were age-matched to 180 children having visited the emergency department of the same hospital. The charts of these children were reviewed and used as controls. Results 13.9% of children admitted with a retro- or parapharyngeal abscess or phlegmon had previously undergone an adenotonsillectomy as compared to only 2.2% of children in the control group. The calculated odds ratio was 7.10 (95% CI [2.52–19.93], p Conclusion In conclusion, the development of a retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscess or phlegmon is strongly associated with a history of adenotonsillectomy.

Summary We present the case of an 18-month-old female with nasal ala swelling thought to be of infectious etiology. There was no response to multiple courses of oral and topical antibiotics. Biopsy of the lesion revealed alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient received the D9803 closed trial chemotherapy protocol for intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma standard arm and high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and brachytherapy is becoming increasingly accepted for this type of tumor and is associated with limited morbidity. Although facial rhabdomyosarcoma is relatively uncommon, it should be part of the differential diagnosis in the presence of a rapidly growing facial swelling unresponsive to antibiotics.

Summary Objective There is a significant debate over the need for tonsillectomy to rule out lymphoma in cases of unilateral tonsillar enlargement. Several publications have suggested that the presence of unilateral tonsillar enlargement in children was an ominous sign of the possibility of underlying lymphoma. More recently, some authors have recommended that routine tonsillectomy in this context is not indicated given the low incidence of tonsillar lymphoma in the pediatric population and the high cost associated with this procedure. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not children diagnosed with tonsillar lymphoma originally presented with unilateral tonsillar enlargement. Methods We queried the tumour board registry records at a pediatric tertiary care institution from 1949 to January 2006 for all cases of tonsillar lymphoma. We examined the clinic, pre-operative and operative notes as well as the pathology results and noted the presenting signs and symptoms with a specific interest in the presence of unilateral tonsillar enlargement. Results Our query returned six patients with a diagnosis of palatine tonsil lymphoma. All six identified patients presented at their first visit with clinically apparent asymmetry of the tonsils. In all six cases B symptoms were absent at the first visit. Conclusions We conclude that even though the majority of patients who have unilateral tonsillar enlargement will not have tonsillar lymphoma, most patients with tonsillar lymphoma will have unilateral tonsillar enlargement as one of their presenting signs. Therefore, despite the low incidence of this malignancy in children, careful close follow-up of these patients is warranted until the diagnosis has been ruled out given the potentially devastating consequences of missing this diagnosis or prolonging the time to treatment. Moreover, a low level of suspicion should warrant a tonsillectomy.

Objective To determine the safety of Earigate™ as an ear wax softening product. Study Design Prospective, controlled animal study. Methods Bilateral wide myringotomies were performed in eleven chinchillas. In each animal, Earigate™ was delivered to a randomly selected experimental ear canal as 2 puffs twice a day. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to assess the hearing of the animals before, 3 days and 10 days following the local application of Earigate™. The ABR threshold shifts were compared for both experimental and control ears. Results The mean hearing threshold shifts in the experimental animals were comparable at all frequencies and at days 3 and 10. No statistically significant differences were observed in the mean threshold shifts for all of the frequencies evaluated, between the control and experimental ears. Conclusions The administration of Earigate™ to the middle ear of chinchillas did not cause any ototoxicity as assessed by ABR.

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare invasive neoplasm, usually seen in middle-aged and elderly persons. Its incidence in the adult population seems to be on the rise but it remains extremely rare in children with only few reported cases. Conjunctival melanoma metastasizing to the parotid has been reported in few cases in adults; whereas in the pediatric population only two cases of conjunctival melanoma metastasis have been reported from which only one is to the parotid gland. Methods : A case report of conjunctival melanoma and secondary metastasis to the ipsilateral parotid gland in 10 year-old boy and literature review. Case report : A 10 year-old boy, previously healthy, presented to the ophthalmology service for left conjunctival nevus that was surgically excised after a rapid increase in size. The histopathologic diagnosis came out as melanoma. He presented 1month after excision with left preauricular node. MRI study showed a parotid lymph node with a necrotic center that was also positive on PET scan. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed metastatic melanoma. Following a complete negative workup for other metastatic disease, the patient underwent left total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation and ipsilateral neck dissection. Plaque brachytherapy was given for local control of the conjunctival lesion. Post operatively he received systemic chemotherapy with interferon-α2b and left neck radiotherapy with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis after almost 1 year post-diagnosis. Conclusion : Malignant melanomas of the conjunctiva are extremely rare in children and even more rare to present with metastasis. We hereby present the second case of conjunctival melanoma metastatic to the parotid in a pediatric patient.

Objective: With the miniaturization of electronic devices, the demand and usage of button batteries has risen. As a result, button batteries are more readily available for young children to handle and potentially mishandle. They are frequently inadvertently placed by children in their ears or noses. Occasionally they are swallowed and lodged along the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods: We outline the pathophysiology of button battery-induced trauma and present key radiological features of button batteries that are important in preventing delayed diagnosis after pediatric ingestion. Results: Button batteries of all sizes have a distinctive double contour on radiographs. Conclusions: Button battery ingestion requires prompt diagnosis and removal. A high index of suspicion along with radiographs help assist with the diagnosis. Potential tragic complications can be averted with expeditious removal.

A six months old male presented to our Otolaryngology Department with a long -standing history of chronic nasal congestion and difficulty of breathing. The child was initially treated with nasal steroids without improvements. On follow up investigations, bilateral sinus mucoceles were seen on CT scan. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was confirmed by the chloride sweat test and the child was taken to the operating room for functional endoscopic sinus surgery and marsupialization of mucoceles. The child's brother was then investigated and diagnosed with CF.

We report the unusual case of a 2-year-old boy with non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis that eroded into his internal jugular vein. During neck dissection, internal jugular vein erosion and mismatch in vessel width were noticed. Approximately 1 cm of internal jugular vein was resected and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Four months later the patient had a relapse requiring a second operation. Despite the reported increased incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent patients, there are no other cases of internal jugular vein erosion reported in the literature. The approach in dealing with this condition is described.

Minor salivary gland neoplasms are rare in children. Only 5% of pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands have been reported in patients under 20 years of age. We report a case of a 13-year-old female who presented with a rapidly growing hard palatal mass, confirmed to be a myoepithelial cell-rich pleomorphic adenoma with cytological atypia. Pleomorphic adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing palatal masses in children and adolescents. Surgical excision is curative, and long-term follow-up is indicated as recurrence is frequent.

We report the first documented case of a laryngeal abscess after injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid injection is generally considered a safe procedure with the occurrence of local self-limited side effects. The patient of interest developed acute signs of distress and shortness of breath 6 days post-injection of the laryngeal cleft. This is the first case report of an abscess post-laryngoplasty treatment in the pediatric population. This raises the importance of close monitoring of the patients during the first week after surgery.

Lymphangiomas of the tongue are relatively uncommon, and traditional treatment modalities carry a high failure rate. We present here a case report of effective treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum of the oral tongue using radiofrequency coblation, while including a review of the current literature.

Iatrogenic foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract are exceedingly rare, as implied by the paucity of reported cases in the literature. To date, only 10 such cases have been published and have mostly involved the aspiration of either respiratory care equipment or parts of sterilization instruments that had become lodged within these devices [1–7]. Amongst these exists a small number of reportings of objects retained within laryngeal mask airways (LMA) and subsequently deposited into the larynx [3]. In this article we present an unusual case of a plastic electrocardiogram-lead cover introduced inadvertently into the vallecula of a teenager upon insertion of a LMA, and the subsequent course that culminated in removal under general anesthetic. This case illustrates the need for routine prevention strategies when using LMA ventilation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, life-shortening, genetic disorder in white individuals. While most CF patients develop lower airway pathology with bronchiectasis airflow obstruction and air trapping, upper airway disease is nearly universal and cannot be neglected. Upper airway manifestations of CF include chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis, which can increase upper airway resistance. More than 90% of patients demonstrate clinical and radiological evidence of chronic sinusitis while 25% to 50% of patients develop frank nasal polyposis. It is unclear why some individuals form polyps and others do not. Little information is also available about possible adverse effect on pulmonary function.