Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
ReviewImpact of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic on the Otolaryngology Fellowship Application Process.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 a global pandemic. In addition to massive social disruption, this pandemic affected the traditional fellowship interview season for otolaryngology subspecialties, including head and neck surgical oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, laryngology, rhinology, neurotology, and pediatric otolaryngology. ⋯ This change may alter the future of how interviews and the match proceed for years to come, with nontraditional methods of interviewing becoming a mainstay. While the impact this pandemic has on the fellowship match process is not yet fully realized, this commentary aims to discuss the challenges faced on both sides of the equation and to offer solutions during these unprecedented times.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Otitis Media With Effusion Risk in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
To investigate the potential correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and otitis media with effusion (OME) risk in children. ⋯ This study indicated the correlation between H pylori infection and increased risk of OME in children, especially in African and Asian populations. Further well-designed studies regarding the white population are strongly recommended in the future.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
ReviewCare of Patients With a Laryngectomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Patients with a laryngectomy are at increased risk for droplet-transmitted diseases and, therefore, COVID-19, which has now caused a worldwide pandemic. Adaptive measures to protect patients with a laryngectomy and their families were designed and implemented in the Hong Kong SAR (HK). Driven by the fear of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003, hospitals in HK have since modified infection control routines to prevent a repeat public health nightmare. ⋯ Contact precautions, droplet precautions with physical barriers, and hand and equipment hygiene are our mainstays of prevention against COVID-19, and sharing these routines is the aim of this article. The COVID-19 pandemic is still roaring ahead. Awareness and precautions for patients with a laryngectomy who may be at higher risk are outlined here and should be maintained during the current pandemic.
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To examine the effect of including obesity with parameters of the I-TRACH scale in predicting the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation. ⋯ This study challenges previous findings regarding the I-TRACH scale and the relation of its parameters to prolonged mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, BMI >30 alone was predictive of prolonged intubation. Inclusion of BMI in predictive models could assist current decision making in determining the likelihood of prolonged mechanical ventilation in medical intensive care unit patients going forward, and obesity should be considered a predictor of prolonged mechanical ventilation.