Characterizing everyday exposure to volatile organic compounds and upper respiratory health effects.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are relatively understudied pollutants compared to particulate matter but are ubiquitous in outdoor and indoor environments. Prior studies on VOCs on sinonasal health have been difficult to generalize due to limitations in their definitions of VOC exposures. We took a novel, holistic approach to characterize a major fraction of daily VOC exposure and its link to sinonasal health.

Understanding Non-Attendance in Pediatric Otolaryngology: A Retrospective Study of Demographics, Socioeconomics, and Pandemic Effects.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with missed pediatric otolaryngology appointments at a large safety net hospital, focusing on demographic, socioeconomic, COVID-related, and appointment-related factors.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on children (<18 years old) with scheduled outpatient appointments in the otolaryngology department from May 1, 2015, to May 1, 2022. Data were extracted from the EMR, encompassing appointment-related factors (eg, status and type) and patient demographics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and zip code).

Factors Associated With Follow-Up Appointment Attendance in Adults With Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Objective: Sensorineural hearing loss has a high disease burden and requires close follow-up to manage long-term sequelae of the disease. This study aims to identify patient- and appointment-related factors including demographic data and medical comorbities associated with sensorineural hearing loss follow-up appointment attendance in adults to better understand barriers to care.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Assessing the Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

Objective: This article seeks to systematically review existing literature on the use of acupuncture in treating olfactory dysfunction in order to better understand the methodology and efficacy of this alternative treatment modality.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. The review was conducted by 2 independent reviewers that authored this article.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Determinants on Appointment Non-Attendance in an Urban Otolaryngology Clinic: A Retrospective Analysis From a Safety Net Hospital.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate various demographic, socioeconomic, COVID-related, and clinical factors associated with missed otolaryngology appointments in the outpatient setting at Boston Medical Center (BMC), an urban safety net hospital.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on adults (≥18 years old) with scheduled appointments in the otolaryngology department at BMC from May 1, 2015, to May 1, 2022. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record and included appointment-related factors (eg, status and type), demographic variables (eg, age, sex, race, and ethnicity), and socioeconomic factors (eg, employment and insurance).

The Impact of Patient Factors on Attendance at Remote Telehealth Voice Therapy.

Objective: Although voice therapy is a highly effective treatment for voice disorders, benefits are diminished by poor adherence to appointments. Remote telehealth delivery of therapy may address this problem by improving access. This study investigates attendance at remote telehealth voice therapy and evaluates potential correlation with patient demographics and socioeconomic status.

Appropriate Use of Preoperative Imaging in Feminization Cranioplasty.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if proceeding with feminization frontal cranioplasty without preoperative imaging adversely affected patient outcomes.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing frontal cranioplasty for facial feminization at a single tertiary care center between 2013 and 2019.

Impact of Patient Factors on Attendance at Remote Telehealth Swallow Therapy.

In-person swallow therapy is a primary and effective treatment for dysphagia. However, remote telehealth is now a widely utilized component of healthcare delivery for therapeutic interventions. This study evaluates potential factors influencing attendance at telehealth swallow therapy.

A review of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Objectives: To evaluate existing literature to understand the utility and safety of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: A literature review was conducted by two authors to search for studies from the inception of two databases until March 1, 2023. Studies in which participants were under 18 years of age and underwent UPPP for OSA or upper airway obstruction were selected.

Laryngotracheal Amyloidosis: Amyloid Airway Center 23-Year Experience.

Objectives: Localized laryngotracheal amyloidosis (LA) is a rare disease that can impact phonation and respiration. Treatment options include observation, surgery, and radiation therapy (RT). Given the rare incidence of LA, evidence regarding optimal management and long-term outcomes is limited.

Hemodialysis Access Outcomes for Patients with Unstable Housing.

Background: End-stage renal disease has traditionally been noted to disproportionately affect patients with fewer resources. Our goal was to assess practice patterns and outcomes in patients with unstable housing undergoing permanent hemodialysis access creation.

Study Design: A retrospective, single-center review of patients with unstable housing was conducted.