Publications by authors named "Meredith E Tabangin"

Objectives: Posterior glottic diastasis (PGD) is an underappreciated etiology of dysphonia in patients with prior airway reconstruction or prolonged intubation. In endoscopic posterior cricoid reduction (ePCR), cricoid is removed to minimize the posterior glottic gap. Dynamic voice computed tomography (DVCT) permits visualization of the posterior glottis, estimating the amount of cricoid to be removed.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study tested the validity of the Tongueometer, a new affordable tongue pressure measurement device, against the established Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI).
  • Adults without difficulty swallowing were measured using both devices in a randomized order to assess their tongue pressure and endurance.
  • Results showed that the Tongueometer consistently produced lower measurements than the IOPI, indicating that clinicians should refer to specific normative data for each device when assessing patient results.
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Objective: To examine if perioperative blood transfusion affects overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in head and neck cancer patients who undergo free tissue reconstruction.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: The medical records of free tissue flaps between 2007 and 2010 were reviewed.

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Importance: Refractory sialorrhea in children can result in pulmonary aspiration and irreversible lung damage. Despite many studies devoted to the surgical treatment of sialorrhea, there is a paucity of objective outcome measures after surgery, especially with regard to pulmonary health.

Objectives: To assess whether bilateral submandibular gland excision and bilateral parotid duct ligation ("DROOL" procedure) is associated with reduced pulmonary inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples after surgery and to assess patient factors associated with improvement after surgery.

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The objective of this work is to examine the feasibility of revision endoscopic posterior costal cartilage graft (EPCCG) placement for posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) and bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI). Revision and primary cases were compared with respect to decannulation rates, and it was hypothesized that there would be no difference in outcomes. Twenty-one patients met inclusion criteria (14 primary, 7 revision).

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Objective: To assess barium esophagram (BAS) as a diagnostic marker for patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD).

Methods: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient demographics, comorbidities, radiographic imaging reports, laryngoscopy findings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), and operative reporting were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, frequencies.

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Objective: Limited investigation of factors potentially contributing to treatment choice in early-stage glottic carcinoma (EGC) has been performed with large-scale data. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) represents >72% of all new cancer cases in the United States. We hypothesized that NCDB variables may lend insight into treatment decisions between surgery and radiation for EGC.

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Objective: Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia (TEA) and laryngeal cleft (LC) can coexist in some patients. The surgery-specific success rate of LC repair in children with associated TEA has not been well described. The aim of the study is to determine if the history of TEA alters the LC repair outcomes.

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We quantified the intensity of early intervention (EI) services allocated to 1262 children who were deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) within a state program and identified factors associated with intervention intensity. Child specific data were collected on children born between 2008 and 2014. Data from Individualized Family Service Plans of children enrolled in Part C EI programming were evaluated for the type and duration of services during their EI enrollment.

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Objectives/hypothesis: To develop a reproducible and consistent chronic subglottic stenosis (SGS) in an endoscopic animal model.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study using New Zealand white rabbits.

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Objectives/hypothesis: Evaluate swallowing and airway outcomes following laryngotracheoplasty with posterior grafting (LTP PCCG).

Methods: Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing LTP PCCG from 2016 to 2019 at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We included demographics, indications, approach, and revision status.

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To investigate the integration of and barriers to the utilization of telehealth technology and its components (telemedicine, e-Health, m-health) in daily otolaryngologic practice before the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary academic center. A national survey of members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was administered.

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Objectives: Post airway reconstruction dysphonia (PARD) is common and has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients. Vocal fold injection augmentation (VFIA) is one treatment that can be used to improve glottic insufficiency in some patients. The goal of this study was to characterize the use and outcomes of VFIA for PARD.

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Objective: To determine the association between pathologic features and molecular classes (BRAF-like, RAS-like, and non-BRAF-like non-RAS-like [NBNR]).

Methods: Retrospective review of a merged database containing 676 patients, 84% (571/676) were assigned to a molecular class from publicly accessible sequenced data of thyroid neoplasms.

Results: The merged cohort included 571 neoplasms: 353 (62%) BRAF-like, 172 (30%) RAS-like, and 46 (8.

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We examined the efficacy of a pediatric emergency visit-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) condition compared to a control condition (Healthy Habits Control, HHC) to help parental smokers quit smoking. We enrolled 750 parental smokers who presented to the pediatric emergency setting with their child into a two-group randomized controlled clinical trial. SBIRT participants received brief cessation coaching, quitting resources, and up to 12-weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

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Objectives: Airway reconstruction for subglottic and tracheal stenosis is often successful in achieving tracheostomy decannulation and improving airway symptoms. However, one common reason for late failure is development of a tracheal A-frame deformity, which can necessitate additional surgery. Although knowledge of this deformity exists, the incidence and risk factors have not been reported.

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Article Synopsis
  • Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) was administered to parental smokers in a pediatric emergency setting to assess its feasibility and safety during their child's visit.
  • Out of 377 parents involved in the study, 66.8% expressed interest in receiving NRT, with interested parents generally being older, more likely non-Hispanic Black, and more prepared to quit smoking.
  • The results indicated a high rate of NRT usage (79%) among interested parents after six weeks, no serious side effects reported, and only minor adverse effects in a small percentage.
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Objectives/hypothesis: The male singing voice through puberty undergoes many changes that present challenges for the singer and choral director. The purpose of this study was to discuss the endoscopic findings seen in prepubescent choir singers.

Study Design: Single-institution prospective study.

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Objectives: This study evaluates the consistency of palpable identification of an external landmark for the anterior commissure (AC), termed Montgomery's aperture (MA), in cadaveric and surgical settings.

Methods: Part 1: In human cadaveric larynges, palpation of the external laryngeal framework was used to identify MA by three blinded otolaryngologists. The vertical height (VH) of the thyroid cartilage and distance from MA to the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage were measured, larynges were bisected, and the AC was identified and measured.

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Introduction: Voice therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of voice disorders. Despite positive outcomes in patients who attend voice therapy, otolaryngologists, and speech-language pathologists continue to struggle with patient compliance. Previous studies evaluating the multidisciplinary clinic model have shown better completion, VHI-10 scores, and fewer cancelation and no-shows (NS).

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Objective: To evaluate whether the standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR), commonly used for medical students applying to otolaryngology residency, correlates with objective data in the application.

Background: Standardized letters of recommendation using Likert-type scales for different attributes are commonly used by evaluators because of their high interrater reliability and efficiency in preparation and interpretation. Given that these are subjectively scored, it is unknown how well these correlate with objective data.

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Objectives: The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a relatively healthy subset of the population. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of HNS in a veteran population with a high incidence of chronic disease and mental health disorders. Our secondary aim was to compare subjective outcomes and adherence between veterans with and without mental health disorders.

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Objectives/hypothesis: Characterization of leadership within otolaryngology is key to evaluating trends and promoting program advancement. This study evaluates representation of women in otolaryngology holding residency and fellowship directorships, or chair positions, comparing sex differences in academic rank, years in practice, and scholarly activity.

Study Design: Cross sectional analysis.

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