Otolaryngology News

A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that a combination of factors, including a potential genetic susceptibility, may explain why some children are prone to recurrent tonsillitis caused by group A Streptococcus. The researchers wrote that this information may be useful in developing a vaccine against the bacteria.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has made strong recommendations against the use of codeine and perioperative antibiotics in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

Upper respiratory infections, or URIs, are more common among children who develop acute sinusitis, according to research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Although respiratory syncytial virus was the most common cause of URI among children with sinusitis, 30% of patients with the condition had a new viral pathogen present in samples collected on the 10th day of symptoms, researchers said.

Children with oropharyngeal dysphagia who used PPIs to alleviate aspiration were at increased risk for hospitalization, according to findings recently published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery.

Few children in the U.K. underwent evidence-based tonsillectomy and most likely did not benefit from the procedure, according to findings recently published in the British Journal of General Practice.

SAN FRANCISCO — Research presented at IDWeek highlighted the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents for pediatric respiratory and ear, nose and throat infections. The researchers said that in many cases, first-line antibiotics for these infections are often overlooked in favor of broad-spectrum agents.

Pediatric tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies increase the risk of upper respiratory tract diseases and slightly increase the risk for other infectious and allergic diseases, according to research published in JAMA Otolaryngolgy-Head & Neck Surgery.

Researchers found low adherence to Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for group A streptococcal pharyngitis among physicians in a pediatric ambulatory setting. A quality improvement initiative, which included education for providers, patients and families on testing and antibiotic use for the condition, improved unnecessary testing.

Two ear disorders commonly affect children — acute otitis externa and otitis media with effusion requiring tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion. Although TT insertion is not managed by pediatricians, it is the most common ambulatory surgical procedure performed in children, and thus, pediatricians are best informed of recent advances in its associated drug therapies. By contrast, acute otitis externa (AOE) is commonly diagnosed and treated in the pediatrician’s office. This month’s column focuses on the pharmacotherapies used in the treatment of AOE and TT insertion. A more recently FDA-approved product, Otiprio (single-dose ciprofloxacin 6%; Otonomy), is also discussed.

Although ear, nose and throat infections account for a sizable portion of pediatric health care visits, accurate diagnoses and proper antibiotic use are a major concern. Findings published in JAMA found that of the 221 antibiotic prescriptions given per 1,000 patients, only 111 were deemed appropriate as treatments for the patients’ diagnoses.