Samuel J. Rubin

The association of allergic sensitization with radiographic sinus opacification

Background The relationship between allergic sensitization and radiographic sinus inflammation remains unclear. Objectives To determine whether specific allergen sensitization is correlated with sinonasal radiographic opacification. Methods Patients with chronic sinonasal symptoms were selected and included if they had allergy testing and a computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. Data regarding demographic characteristics, in vitro allergy test results, and comorbidities were collected. CTs were reviewed, and an overall Lund-Mackay score (LMS) was calculated for each patient. A two-sample t-test was used to compare mean LMS between patients who were sensitized and patients who were not sensitized. A multiple linear regression model was used to determine whether a relationship existed among LMS and allergy results, asthma, nasal polyps, immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, medication usage, in-season versus out-of-season CTs, age, and sex. Significance was determined at an alpha level of 0.05. Results There were 437 patients included, of whom, 251 had positive specific allergen test results and 186 had negative test results. A total of 282 patients had allergic rhinitis symptoms without a documented diagnosis of sinusitis, and 155 carried a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. The mean LMS did not differ between patients who were sensitized and patients who were not sensitized (5.56 versus 5.28; p = 0.61). Linear regression demonstrated an increase in LMS in patients with asthma (p = 0.02), male sex (p < 0.01), elevated IgE (p < 0.01), a history of anaphylaxis (p = 0.03), and nasal polyps (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant decrease in LMS in patients with an in-season CT (p = 0.02). Conclusions Patients with a positive specific in vitro allergen test result did not have higher overall rates of radiographic sinus inflammation. Asthma, male sex, polyps, elevated IgE, and a history of anaphylaxis were associated with higher LMS.

Comparison of facility type outcomes for oral cavity cancer: Analysis of the national cancer database

Determine whether facility type effects overall survival in patients with oral cavity cancer.

Randomized double blind trial of amitriptyline versus placebo in treatment of chronic laryngopharyngeal neuropathy

OBJECTIVE A neuropathic etiology has been suggested for patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis symptoms without visible structural pathology. Prior studies have shown that treatment with neuro-modulating medications is beneficial, but it is unknown if this was due to placebo effect. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of amitriptyline versus placebo in treating chronic laryngopharyngeal neuropathy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized placebo-controlled trial. METHODS Patients were randomized to receive placebo or amitriptyline for 8weeks. Primary outcome was change in modified Reflux Symptom Index (mRSI) score. Secondary outcomes were change in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI) scores, rates of adverse effects, and overall symptom severity. RESULTS Eighteen patients completed the study. The average difference in mRSI and VHI-10 scores after treatment were not significantly different between study arms. However, more subjects taking amitriptyline felt their symptoms had subjectively improved (6 out of 9, 67%), while the remainder noted no change. In the placebo group, only 4 out of 9 subjects (44%) felt their symptoms were better and 2 felt worse. Subjects took an average of 25mg of amitriptyline or placebo daily by the end of the 8-week treatment period. No serious adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION Although there was a trend toward greater subjective improvement in overall symptoms with amitriptyline, interpretation is limited due to the small sample size. Larger randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy of neuro-modulating agents in the treatment of chronic laryngopharyngeal neuropathy, as well as better metrics to characterize this disorder, are warranted.

Stage II Oral Tongue Cancer: Survival Impact of Adjuvant Radiation Based on Depth of Invasion:

Objective To determine if adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer affects overall survival. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting National Cancer Database. Subjects and Methods Cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with pathologic stage pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer with negative surgical margins were extracted from the National Cancer Database. Data were stratified by treatment received, including surgery only and surgery + postoperative radiation therapy. Univariate analysis was performed with a 2-sample t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test and log-rank test, while multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression models adjusted for individual variables as well as a propensity score. Results A total of 934 patients were included in the study, with 27.5% of patients receiving surgery with postoperative radiation therapy (n = 257). In univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the patient groups (P = .473). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in survival between the treatment groups, with adjuvant radiation therapy having a hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.60-1.44; P = .748). Regarding tumors with a depth of invasion >5 mm, there was no survival benefit for the patients who received postoperative radiation therapy as compared with those who received surgery alone (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57-1.53; P = .769). Conclusion An overall survival benefit was not demonstrated for patients who received postoperative radiation therapy versus surgery alone for pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer, irrespective of depth of tumor invasion.

Outcomes of head and neck cancer surgery in the geriatric population based on case volume at academic centers

Evaluate the impact of case volume and other variables on cost and mortality after head and neck oncologic surgery in the geriatric population.Objectives/Hypothesis Evaluate the impact of case volume and other variables on cost and mortality after head and neck oncologic surgery in the geriatric population. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The Vizient database was accessed for data on geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who underwent surgery for head and neck cancers (excluding thyroid and skin cancer) at full member academic medical centers between 2009 and 2012. Multivariate, linear regression analyses, χ2 tests, and analysis of variance were applied to evaluate significant associations between hospital case volume and independent variables including cost, cost index, mortality, mortality index, length of stay, length of stay index, and readmission rates. Results A total of 4,544 patients were included. Total length of stay was 6.72 days in high-volume hospitals, compared to 8.12 days and 7.91 days in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0144). Frequency of intensive care unit stays was 36.5% in high-volume hospitals, compared to 42.19% and 40.29% in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0048). Mortality (0.78%) and average cost per case (

Outcomes of head and neck cancer surgery in the geriatric population based on case volume at academic centers: Outcomes of Geriatric Head and Neck Cancer

21,834) was lower, but nonsignificant in high-volume hospitals. Using multiple regression analysis, major severity of disease was positively associated with complication rate (P < .0001) and length of stay (P = .0481). Conclusions After controlling for other factors, high-volume academic medical centers have a lower intensive care unit stay, but no difference in mortality or average cost per case when compared to low-volume hospitals. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 2017

Association of Lateral Crural Overlay Technique With Strength of the Lower Lateral Cartilages

Evaluate the impact of case volume and other variables on cost and mortality after head and neck oncologic surgery in the geriatric population.Objectives/Hypothesis Evaluate the impact of case volume and other variables on cost and mortality after head and neck oncologic surgery in the geriatric population. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The Vizient database was accessed for data on geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who underwent surgery for head and neck cancers (excluding thyroid and skin cancer) at full member academic medical centers between 2009 and 2012. Multivariate, linear regression analyses, χ2 tests, and analysis of variance were applied to evaluate significant associations between hospital case volume and independent variables including cost, cost index, mortality, mortality index, length of stay, length of stay index, and readmission rates. Results A total of 4,544 patients were included. Total length of stay was 6.72 days in high-volume hospitals, compared to 8.12 days and 7.91 days in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0144). Frequency of intensive care unit stays was 36.5% in high-volume hospitals, compared to 42.19% and 40.29% in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0048). Mortality (0.78%) and average cost per case (

Marital status as a predictor of survival in patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

21,834) was lower, but nonsignificant in high-volume hospitals. Using multiple regression analysis, major severity of disease was positively associated with complication rate (P < .0001) and length of stay (P = .0481). Conclusions After controlling for other factors, high-volume academic medical centers have a lower intensive care unit stay, but no difference in mortality or average cost per case when compared to low-volume hospitals. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 2017

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue: A population-based study

Importance The lateral crural overlay technique is a powerful technique for altering nasal tip projection and rotation. By overlapping and thus shortening the lateral crura, the nasal tip is shortened and rotated upward, thus decreasing projection and increasing rotation. There is no data to show the association of this technique with the strength of the lower lateral cartilage. Strengthening of the lower lateral cartilages would presumably lead to resistance to external nasal valve collapse and improved airway. Objective In this cadaver study, we set out to determine the differences in the strength and resilience of the lateral crura after performing lateral crural overlay using 2 different techniques. Design, Setting, and Participants Seven individual lower lateral cartilages were harvested from 6 cadavers for analysis. Each of the 7 cartilages was included sequentially in 3 test groups in the following order: a preprocedure group (preP), a postprocedure group (postP) in which the lateral crural overlay technique was performed, and a postprocedure with glue group (postPG) in which cyanoacrylate glue was added to the postP cartilages to simulate cartilage healing. A force gauge was used to measure the force required to deflect the lower lateral cartilages distances from 1 to 6 mm. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences measured in newtons (N) for strength and resilience of lateral crura between the preP, postP, and postPG groups. Results A statistically significant increase in lower lateral cartilage resilience was noted between the preP and postPG groups at all distances of tip deflection (1 mm, 0.20 vs 0.70 N; P < .001; 2 mm, 0.26 vs 1.13 N; P < .001; 3 mm, 0.31 vs 1.53 N; P < .001; 4 mm, 0.41 vs 2.05 N; P < .001; 5 mm, 0.68 vs 2.60 N; P < .001; 6 mm, 1.49 vs 3.26 N; P = .03). There was a statistically significant difference between the postP and postPG groups in the amount of force required to deflect the cartilages 1 to 5 mm (1 mm, 0.24 vs 0.70 N; P < .001; 2 mm, 0.34 vs 1.13 N; P < .001; 3 mm, 0.51 vs 1.53 N; P < .001; 4 mm, 0.77 vs 2.05 N; P < .001; 5 mm, 1.32 vs 2.60 N; P = .01), but not 6 mm (2.33 vs 3.26 N; P = .31). Conclusions and Relevance The lateral crural overlay technique affords increased strength and resilience to the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages, which should in turn decrease the likelihood of external nasal valve collapse postoperatively. Level of Evidence NA.

Surgical Outcomes of Primary versus Flap Closure of Postradiation Laryngectomy Defect

PURPOSE Determine whether marital status is a significant predictor of survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single center retrospective study included patients diagnosed with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer at Boston Medical Center between January 1, 2010 and December 30, 2015, and initiated treatment with curative intent at Boston Medical Center. Demographic data and tumor-related variables were recorded. Univariate analysis was performed using a two-sample t-test, chi-squared test, Fishers exact test, and Kaplan Meier curves with a log rank test. Multivariate survival analysis was performed using a Cox regression model. RESULTS A total of 65 patients were included in the study with 24 patients described as married and 41 patients described as single. There was no significant difference in most demographic variables or tumor related variables between the two study groups, except single patients were significantly more likely to have government insurance (p=0.0431). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between married patients and single patients (married=91.67% vs single=87.80%; p=0.6532) or 3-year progression free survival (married=79.17% vs single=85.37%; p=0.8136). After adjusting for confounders including age, sex, race, insurance type, smoking status, treatment, and AJCC combined pathologic stage, marital status was not a significant predictor of survival [HR=0.903; 95% CI (0.126,6.489); p=0.9192]. CONCLUSIONS Although previous literature has demonstrated that married patients with head and neck cancer have a survival benefit compared to single patients with head and neck cancer, we were unable to demonstrate the same survival benefit in a cohort of patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.