Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Children: Literature Review and Meta-analysis.

Objectives: Surgical intervention for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in overweight and obese children may not be as effective as it is in normal-weight children. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of various surgical interventions for OSA in obese children and to meta-analyze the current data.

Data Sources: PubMed, OVID, and Cochrane databases.

A tyrosine sulfation-dependent HLA-I modification identifies memory B cells and plasma cells.

Memory B cells and plasma cells are antigen-experienced cells tasked with the maintenance of humoral protection. Despite these prominent functions, definitive cell surface markers have not been identified for these cells. We report here the isolation and characterization of the monoclonal variable lymphocyte receptor B (VLRB) N8 antibody from the evolutionarily distant sea lamprey that specifically recognizes memory B cells and plasma cells in humans.

Tracheostomy care: Clinical practice patterns of pediatric otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons in a publicly funded (Canadian) health care system.

Objectives: To investigate variability in pediatric tracheostomy tube care practice patterns and access to resources across Canada.

Methods: Canadian pediatric otolaryngologists-head & neck surgeons reported their own practice patterns for children with chronic tracheostomy tubes using a web-based, 29-item multiple choice and short answer questionnaire. Domains investigated included tracheostomy team membership, inpatient care practices, caregiver education, homecare resources, speech and communication, and completeness of emergency tracheostomy kits.

Antibodies Encoded by FCRL4-Bearing Memory B Cells Preferentially Recognize Commensal Microbial Antigens.

FCRL4, a low-affinity IgA Ab receptor with strong immunoregulatory potential, is an identifying feature of a tissue-based population of memory B cells (Bmem). We used two independent approaches to perform a comparative analysis of the Ag receptor repertoires of FCRL4 and FCRL4 Bmem in human tonsils. We determined that FCRL4 Bmem displayed lower levels of somatic mutations in their Ag receptors compared with FCRL4 Bmem but had similar frequencies of variable gene family usage.

Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Complex Chronic Conditions.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of persistent obstructive sleep apnea postadenotonsillectomy in children with complex chronic conditions. Study Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting The Hospital for Sick Children Sleep laboratory.

The Use of Speaking Valves in Children With Tracheostomy Tubes.

One-way speaking valves have been successfully used to restore audible meaningful speech in adult patients after tracheostomy tube placement. One-way speaking valves have also been used in pediatric patients after tracheostomy tube placement with promising results. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize and summarize the current evidence on the use of one-way tracheostomy tube speaking valves in the pediatric population to identify knowledge gaps that could inform future research programs and facilitate evidence-based clinical decision making.

What families have in the emergency tracheostomy kits: Identifying gaps to improve patient safety.

Objective: To evaluate the contents of parent-created emergency tracheostomy kits and identify deficiencies.

Methods: This was an observational study. Data on emergency tracheostomy kits were abstracted for 30 consecutive children who had a tracheostomy tube in situ during an outpatient clinic visit with the Division of Respiratory Medicine and/or the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children between February 1 and October 30, 2016.

Pediatric ossiculoplasty with titanium total ossicular replacement prosthesis.

Objectives/hypothesis: To assess the medium-term efficacy of total ossicular reconstruction with a titanium total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) in children.

Study Design: Case series.

Methods: A consecutive series of children receiving an adjustable-length titanium TORP was identified from a prospective surgical and audiological database.

Prevalence of voice & swallowing complaints in Pre-operative thyroidectomy patients: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Compressive symptoms are common in patients with thyroid disease and are an accepted indication for thyroidectomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of voice and swallowing complaints in pre-operative thyroidectomy patients and to compare these with thyroid volume, thyroid pathology and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Methods: A consecutive case series design was performed.

Delayed facial nerve paresis after using the KTP laser in the treatment of cholesteatoma despite inter-operative facial nerve monitoring.

To describe an unforeseen complication that occurred in three patients following the use of the KTP laser. We present a case series including three consecutive patients (two boys and one girl, mean age 11.7 years) who underwent tympanomastoidectomy using a KTP laser and standard intra-operative facial nerve monitoring, and in whom a post-operative facial nerve injury was identified.

Abnormal voicing in children using cochlear implants.

Objectives: To measure acoustic voice outcomes in children with bilateral cochlear implants and to compare these with established norms, as well as to determine whether these acoustic measures were influenced by duration of cochlear implant use, age at implantation, and overall "time in sound."

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Pediatric tertiary care cochlear implant center.

Prognostic factors in patients with multiple recurrences of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Introduction. Patients with multiple recurrences of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) have markedly reduced overall survival when compared with those who have View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Voice outcomes following repeated surgical resection of laryngeal papillomata in children.

Objectives: 1) To apply perceptual and acoustic voice assessments to children treated for juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP); 2) to compare voice outcomes following treatment for JORRP using microdebrider versus carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric academic center (March 2008-March 2009).