Intrafamilial Variable Expressivity in Waardenburg Syndrome: Bilateral Hearing Loss in Two Siblings Against a Background of Unilateral Involvement Across Three Generations
Main Theme: Otology Introduction: Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Hallmark presentations of WS include congenital hearing loss, heterochromia, hypertelorism and a white forelock. There are four types of Waardenburg syndrome, usually distinguished by their presentation and genetic cause. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a […]
The Role of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Preventing Hospital Attendance and Improving Clinical Outcomes in Children with Recurrent Croup: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Recurrent croup is a common cause of repeated healthcare utilisation in children. Although corticosteroids are widely used in acute croup, their role in reducing hospital attendance and improving outcomes in recurrent croup remains unclear. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across major medical databases. Studies were selected using predefined PICO-based inclusion and exclusion […]
Making Noise About Misophonia: Improving staff awareness and action about Misophonia in paedatric settings
Otology Misophonia is a disorder characterised by intense emotional and physiological responses to specific trigger sounds. Despite increasing recognition in the literature, its awareness and management within paediatric hearing health services remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate clinicians' awareness, experience and documentation practices relating to misophonia in paediatric ENT and audiology settings. Methods A […]
Paediatric Voice: reflections and insights from a 7-year clinical evaluation of a joint paediatric voice clinic
Main theme: paediatric laryngology Introduction Voice disorders affect an estimated 6–23% of children and young people (CYP) with a lifetime prevalence of 12% (Carding, Roulstone and Northstone, 2006; Fujiki, et al. 2024), and may significantly impact quality of life, educational attainment, social and classroom participation, confidence and emotional wellbeing (Stojanovic et al., 2023). Multidisciplinary paediatric voice services, […]
Quality Improvement: Improving Paediatric Airway Emergency Skills through Refresher Training in a District General Hospital
Main Theme: Airway IntroductionPaediatric airway emergencies are high-stakes, infrequent events that generate significant anxiety among ENT surgeons across all grades. [1] Limited exposure during training compounds this, particularly in District General Hospitals (DGHs). A regional face-to-face refresher course was developed and delivered to ENT and anaesthetic colleagues at Walsall Manor Hospital to address technical proficiency […]
Outcomes following mastoid obliteration surgery in 45 paediatric patients: a case series
Introduction: Mastoid obliteration is used in paediatric chronic ear disease to reduce cavity-related morbidity and improve postoperative quality of life. Paediatric outcome data using validated patient-reported measures remain limited. Aims: To evaluate disease-specific quality of life and hearing outcomes after mastoid obliteration surgery in a paediatric cohort. Methods: We report a single-centre case series of […]
Introducing a new service for awake ventilation tube insertion in children
Innovation Introduction Otitis media with effusion is the commonest disease of childhood. The associated hearing loss can affect language, education and socialisation. Ventilation tubes (VTs) normalise hearing but the waiting list in many hospitals is long. Awake outpatient VTs could be a quicker solution for selected children. We present our experience of setting up this […]
Still Standing: Revisiting The ‘One on, One Off’ Paediatric ENT Theatre Model 12 Years Later
Main Theme: Innovation Introduction: Efficient theatre utilisation is increasingly important in addressing growing paediatric ENT waiting lists. In 2014, our department described a novel 'One on, One off' theatre model, utilising two anaesthetists, two operating department practitioners and an ENT surgeon to maximise theatre efficiency. Twelve years later, we evaluated whether this model continues to […]
A Bloody Induction: Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage in a Child with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Introduction:Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterised by haemoptysis, hypoxaemia, and respiratory failure. Aetiologies are diverse and include negative-pressure pulmonary oedema secondary to upper airway obstruction. While obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common cause of intermittent upper airway obstruction in children, DAH associated with OSA is rarely reported. We present a […]
A retrospective audit of paediatric endoscopies in a tertiary centre
INTRODUCTION Paediatric airway endoscopies are a commonly performed diagnostic procedure in tertiary paediatric otolaryngology departments. There is heterogeneity in the literature regarding the indications and findings of these procedures. The aim of this audit was to understand the indications, and outcomes for patients undergoing airway endoscopy, with a particular focus on patients with recurrent croup. […]