Impact of the economic crisis and drug shortage on Lebanese cancer patients' care.

Background: As a consequence of the economic crisis, the sociopolitical instability and the advent of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, nested challenges faced the Lebanese healthcare system. These have resulted in critical shortages of essential resources, including medications vital for oncologic patients.

Aim: To assess the ramifications of the ongoing economic crisis on oncology patient care focusing on our outpatient oncology department.

Injection laryngoplasty in infants with unilateral vocal cord paralysis: A survey of ASPO members.

Introduction: Unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) in infants may be managed medically or surgically, with the latter including injection laryngoplasty (IL). However, there is limited information regarding injection laryngoplasty in infants. We therefore proposed a survey of American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) members to elucidate current practices, outcomes, and complications.

Hairy polyps: A new case presentation and a pathogenetic hypothesis.

Hairy polyps are benign lesions found in the oropharynx or nasopharynx that are thought to be present at birth and can lead to upper airway obstruction in infants. Also known as naso-oropharyngeal choristoma, they are increasingly viewed as aggregates of bigeminal tissue, likely from the first or second branchial arches, found in aberrant locations. They are benign lesions that are usually successfully treated by surgical excision.

Trends in Pediatric Otolaryngology Disparities Research.

Objectives To describe trends in disparities research within pediatric otolaryngology as evidenced by major meeting presentations and to compare observed trends with those in the realm of patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI). Study Design Retrospective review of presentations at national otolaryngology meetings. Setting Online review of meeting programs.

Resolution of vocal fold immobility in preterm infants.

Introduction: Vocal fold immobility (VFI) is an important sequela of preterm birth due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and invasive ventilation. A minority of these patients experience VFI resolution. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with VFI resolution in preterm infants.

Healthcare disparities in pediatric otolaryngology: A systematic review.

Objectives: Multiple studies have reported healthcare disparities in particular settings and conditions within pediatric otolaryngology, but a systematic examination of the breadth of the problem within the field is lacking. This study's objectives are to synthesize the available evidence regarding healthcare disparities in pediatric otolaryngology, highlight recurrent themes with respect to etiologies and manifestations, and demonstrate potential impacts from patient and provider standpoints.

Methods: A qualitative systematic review of the PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases for articles focusing on racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic disparities related to pediatric otolaryngology conditions or settings was conducted.

Vocal Fold Immobility due to Birth Trauma: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

Objectives To describe the present understanding of birth trauma-related vocal fold immobility and quantitatively compare it with idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility to explore whether it is a discrete entity. Data Sources PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. Review Methods English-language, observational, or experimental studies involving infants with idiopathic congenital or birth trauma-related vocal fold immobility were included.

Self-directed Learning in Otolaryngology Residents' Preparation for Surgical Cases.

Objectives: To characterize the nature of surgical preparation among otolaryngology residents nationwide, determine the self-rated effectiveness and efficiency of case preparation practices, and identify potential means for educational improvement.

Methods: A survey examining the study objectives was developed and distributed to otolaryngology residents nationwide. Survey response data were submitted to descriptive analysis and comparative analyses between junior and senior residents.

Phonatory symptoms and impact on quality of life in female patients with goiter.

Our objective is to report on the prevalence of phonatory symptoms and impact on quality of life in a group of female patients with goiter who had not been selected for surgery or who had not presented to the emergency room with respiratory distress. A total of 40 patients with goiter and 14 controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic data included age, sex, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, allergy, smoking, duration of disease, presence or absence of compressive symptoms, presence or absence of thyroid gland nodules, vascular status, presence or absence of calcifications, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.

FORMANT CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING LEBANESE MEN.

Objective: To report the formant characteristics of English-speaking Lebanese men during steady prolongation of vowels /a/ and /i/.

Design: Cross-sectional study involving volunteer participants.

Participants: Fifty healthy English-speaking males with a mean age of 32 ± 4.

NASALANCE SCORES IN LEBANESE ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADULTS USING NASOMETRIC ANALYSIS.

Objective: To obtain normative data for nasalance scores in Middle Eastern English-speaking adult population.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: A total of 102 subjects were recruited in the study, 26 were excluded, thus, 77 Middle Eastern English-speaking adults (mean age = 23.

Factors associated with tracheotomy and decannulation in pediatric bilateral vocal fold immobility.

Objective: Describe the natural history of all-cause bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) in pediatric patients and analyze factors associated with tracheotomy and subsequent decannulation.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with complete or partial BVFI at a metropolitan private pediatric otolaryngology practice between 2001 and 2012. Records were reviewed for data on demographics, etiologies, vocal fold position, and BVFI resolution.

Recovery of vocal fold immobility following isolated patent ductus arteriosus ligation.

Objective: Identify laryngoscopic and functional outcomes of infants with vocal fold immobility (VFI) following patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and identify predictors of recovery.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients with VFI following PDA ligation from 2001 to 2012 at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were: (1) PDA ligation as only cardiac surgical procedure; (2) left VFI documented by laryngoscopy; (3) minimum follow up 120 days, with at least 2 laryngoscopies performed.

Pediatric vocal fold immobility: natural history and the need for long-term follow-up.

IMPORTANCE The clinical course and outcomes of pediatric vocal fold immobility (VFI) vary widely in the literature, and follow-up in these patients varies accordingly. A better understanding of the natural history of pediatric VFI is crucial to improved management. OBJECTIVE To characterize the natural history of pediatric VFI, including symptoms and rates of resolution and surgical intervention.

Vocal changes in patients with prostate cancer following androgen ablation.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of vocal symptoms and parameters in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two male patients aged 60-83 years were recruited for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group consisted of 18 patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and the other group consisted of 14 controls matched according to age.

Vocal characteristics in patients with thyroiditis.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the vocal characteristics of patients with thyroiditis in a clinical setting.

Materials And Methods: A total of 17 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of thyroiditis presenting to the endocrinology clinic were invited to participate in the study. A group of 29 healthy subjects were used as controls.

Goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

The purpose of this study is to look at the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in patients with goiter in a group of 52 patients with goiter. All participants were asked to respond to the 9 questions on the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). A diagnosis of LPRD based on symptoms was made for any RSI score above 10.

Vocal characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The objective of this study is to report the vocal characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in relation to disease duration, glycemic control, and neuropathy. This is a prospective study. The setting is institutional setting.