OBJECTIVE Elevated systemic stress is a predictor of adverse health outcomes, and stress can be objectively quantified by cortisol concentration. Despite its utility, such testing is rarely performed in otolaryngology. This manuscript provides details on the principles, methodology, and feasibility of performing laboratory assessments of hair and salivary cortisol to inform researchers wishing ...

OBJECTIVE To identify the epidemiological profile of airway abnormalities in symptomatic children with cardiac or vascular anomalies. DESIGN Retrospective medical chart review. SETTING Tertiary referral pediatric hospital. PATIENTS Children with airway-related symptoms and coexistent cardiac or vascular abnormality were included. The source for patient identification was a prospectively k...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To assess the effects of a typical otolaryngologic dose of 1 mL of 4% lidocaine on penetration aspiration scale scores and participant discomfort during flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. STUDY DESIGN A prospective pilot study. METHODS Twenty healthy participants consumed 12 swallows consisting of graduated volumes of milk, water, pudding, and cracker in ane...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative neurologic disorder that can affect vocal fold mobility. Our aim was to further elucidate the impact of vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) in MSA. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS We undertook a retrospective review of all MSA patients reporting voice or respiratory symptoms from 1975 to 2010 at Mayo Clini...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To characterize the frequency and nature of readmissions to free standing pediatric hospitals after otolaryngologic procedures. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective national database analysis. METHODS Using the Pediatric Health Information Systems database, we examined 30-day inpatient readmissions in children less than 18 years old who underwent otolaryngology procedures betwee...

Progeria is a rare syndrome, with an estimated incidence of 1 per 250,000 births. Although children with progeria have the appearance of premature aging or senility, the term is misleading because reported cases of progeria have not manifested most physical or biochemical aspects of old age. Many children with progeria appear normal at birth and then progressively, and rather rapidly, develop t...

PURPOSE To examine the CT and MR appearances of four packing materials commonly used in otolaryngologic surgery. METHODS The CT and MR appearances of bismuth and iodoform paraffin paste, aqueous betadine gauze, calcium sodium alginate, and triadocortyl cream were examined. CT attenuation values were measured using phantoms containing packing materials. MR characteristics were examined by pack...