Microlaryngobronchoscopy in Children with Recurrent Croup: Are We Performing Too Many?
Introduction: Recurrent croup is a frequent indication for referral to paediatric ENT, yet the role of routine microlaryngobronchoscopy (MLB) remains uncertain. We evaluated the prevalence of airway abnormalities, associated risk factors, management and clinical outcomes in children undergoing MLB for recurrent croup. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of children undergoing MLB for recurrent croup […]
Cumulative corticosteroid exposure in paediatric subglottic stenosis
Main theme: Airway/General Introduction: Systemic glucocorticoids are integral to the management of acute exacerbations of subglottic stenosis (SGS), but long-term use carries well-documented adverse effects. Emerging adult evidence links cumulative lifetime doses of 500–1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent to increased systemic risk, while emerging paediatric literature proposes an annualised threshold of 100 mg/year, reflecting the greater relevance […]
Transitioning adolescent tracheostomy patients to adult care: A national survey of current practice
Main theme: General Introduction Transitioning adolescents with tracheostomies to adult care presents significant challenges, including variation in service provision, equipment and multidisciplinary support. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to explore tracheostomy transitioning practice. Methods We conducted a multi-centre questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. 30 clinicians from 21 centres across Great Britain completed a 13-item […]
Multidisciplinary Paediatric Airway Guide and Simulation Training
Main Theme: Airway Introduction Paediatric airway emergencies are low frequency but high risk. There exists a huge variation in clinician experience and confidence. Aside from optional infrequent courses, clinicians lack exposure to regular rigid bronchoscopy simulation training. Our aim is to create a clear concise video resource and app to improve multidisciplinary competence managing the […]
Endoscopic vs External Paediatric DCR: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
IntroductionThe optimal approach for paediatric dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) remains debated with increasing adoption of endoscopic techniques despite variable outcome reporting. This study compared success, revision and complication rates between endoscopic and external paediatric DCR. MethodsA PRISMA-guided systematic review identified studies reporting outcomes following primary paediatric (<18 years) endoscopic or external DCR. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to […]
Social deprivation and secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in children: a retrospective cohort study
Introduction: Post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage is a common cause of unplanned representation. Whether socioeconomic deprivation is associated with bleeding is unclear. This study assessed the association between IMD decile and secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in the paediatric population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study included paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy between September 2023 and February 2026. The primary outcome was […]
Long Laryngeal Cleft Repair: A 22-Year Single-Centre Experience
Airway IntroductionLong laryngeal clefts (Benjamin-Inglis Grades 3 and 4) are rare congenital anomalies with significant morbidity. At Great Ormond Street Hospital, we repair these using an open approach. We present outcomes of our single-centre series over two decades. MethodsRetrospective review of patients with Grade 3 or 4 laryngeal clefts repaired 2001–2023. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney […]
Small Airways, Big Distances: Logistics and Outcomes of Paediatric Inhaled Foreign Body Removal across Queensland, Australia
Main Theme: Airway Introduction Inhaled foreign body (IFB) is a serious condition for which bronchoscopy is the diagnostic and therapeutic gold standard. Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) is the tertiary referral service for paediatric bronchoscopy in Queensland, an area seven times larger than the United Kingdom. We describe the methods of retrieval to QCH and compare […]
Long Term Outcomes of Paediatric Epistaxis Management – Follow up from a 4 year prospective cohort study
Main Theme: General Introduction: Recurrent paediatric epistaxis is a common condition that is often distressing for children and their caregivers. Although treatments such as Naseptin or silver nitrate cautery are widely used, a recurrence of epistaxis after an initial symptom free period is frequent. Yet, there is a lack of robust, long-term studies comparing treatment […]
Reliability and accuracy of artificial intelligence models in supporting primary care referral decisions for paediatric ENT presentations: a blinded comparative study
Introduction AI tools are increasingly accessed by primary care clinicians and parents for clinical guidance. Performance in urgent paediatric ENT referral decision-making remains largely untested, despite safety implications of mis-triage. Methods Ten standardised paediatric ENT primary care scenarios were developed across three urgency tiers: cannot-miss emergencies, urgent presentations, and over-triage-prone cases. Five paediatric ENT consultants […]