Kara Davis Meister

All Publications

• Risk Assessment and Early Mobilization Pathway Following Pediatric Tracheostomy: A Pilot Study. The Laryngoscope Sioshansi, P. C., Byrne, E., Freccero, A., Meister, K. D., Sidell, D. R. 2020

  Abstract

  To confirm the standard of care pertaining to postoperative mobilization practices following initial tracheostomy, to establish face validity of novel early mobilization tools, and to conduct a safety and feasibility pilot study.Multi-institutional survey and prospective cohort study.Experts at our tertiary-care children's hospital developed an Early Pediatric Mobility Pathway for tracheostomy patients utilizing a novel risk-assessment tool. Surveys were distributed to professional colleagues in similar children's hospitals to establish face validity and incorporate respondent feedback. Additional surveys were disseminated to tertiary-care children's hospitals across the country to establish the current standard of care, and a pilot study was conducted.Seventy-seven percent of respondents from tertiary hospitals across the country confirmed the standard of care to defer mobilization until the first trach change. Greater than 83% of the respondents used to establish face validity of the tools agreed with the clinical components and scoring structure. The safety and feasibility of early mobilization prior to initial trach change was confirmed with a pilot of 10 pediatric patients without any adverse events.Mobilization of pediatric patients prior to initial trach change is feasible and can be safe when risk factors are assessed by a multidisciplinary team.4 Laryngoscope, 2020.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.28748

  View details for PubMedID 32438519

• Static endoscopic swallow evaluation in children. The Laryngoscope Meister, K. D., Okland, T., Johnson, A., Galera, R., Ayoub, N., Sidell, D. R. 2019

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: Static Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (SEES) has been demonstrated to have a strong correlation with the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) in adults. In children, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallow (FEES) are frequently performed to avoid repeated VFSS; however, a subset of the population does not tolerate FEES. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a modified SEES in children.METHODS: Charts of 50 consecutive patients who underwent FEES evaluations were reviewed. Patients age 3 months to 12years undergoing SEES, FEES, and VFSS were extracted. We compared a binary assessment of outcome on SEES versus VFSS as the diagnostic standard to report characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predicted value.RESULTS: A total of 36 patients met all inclusion criteria (mean age 2.8years). Using the VFSS as the diagnostic standard, residue seen on SEES had a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 88.9%, and a negative predictive value of 75.0% for predicting deep penetration or aspiration.CONCLUSION: SEES may be helpful for developing an initial diagnostic impression and may serve as a platform for patient and caregiver counseling. In children who are unable to cooperate with FEES, SEES may provide clinical insight in predicting an abnormal swallow study; however, a normal SEES was less reliable in predicting a safe swallow on subsequent VFSS in this patient population.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2019.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.28263

  View details for PubMedID 31448817

• Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Procedural Limitations and Swallow Outcomes OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY Meister, K. D., Johnson, A., Sidell, D. R. 2019; 160 (3): 540–45

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599818813002

  View details for Web of Science ID 000460295100025

• Current Experience of Ultrasound Training in Otolaryngology Residency Programs JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Meister, K. D., Vila, P. M., Bonilla-Velez, J., Sebelik, M., Orloff, L. A. 2019; 38 (2): 393–97

  View details for DOI 10.1002/jum.14700

  View details for Web of Science ID 000456851600014

• The Runaway Croup Train: Off the Pathway and Through the Woods. Hospital pediatrics Weatherly, J., Song, Y., Meister, K., Berg, M. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1542/hpeds.2019-0030

  View details for PubMedID 31492686

• Application-Based Translaryngeal Ultrasound for the Assessment of Vocal Fold Mobility in Children. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Sayyid, Z., Vendra, V., Meister, K. D., Krawczeski, C. D., Speiser, N. J., Sidell, D. R. 2019: 194599819877650

  Abstract

  To compare the evaluation of vocal fold mobility between flexible nasal laryngoscopy (FNL) and a handheld application-based translaryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) platform.Prospective analysis included patients with unknown vocal fold mobility status who underwent FNL and TLUS.Tertiary referral center.TLUS was performed on 23 consecutive children (<18 years old) presenting for laryngoscopy due to unknown vocal fold mobility status. After the recording of three 10-second TLUS videos as well as FNL, the study was divided into 2 parts: parental assessment of laryngeal ultrasound at the time of patient evaluation and random practitioner assessment of ultrasound videos.We describe 23 patients who underwent TLUS and FNL. Ten patients (43.5%) had normal vocal fold function bilaterally, and 13 (56.5%) had either left or right vocal fold immobility. Family members and physicians correctly identified the presence and laterality of impaired vocal fold mobility in 22 of 23 cases (κ = 0.96). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FLUS in diagnosing vocal fold immobility were 92.3%, 100%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively. Random practitioners accurately identified the presence and laterality of vocal fold immobility under all circumstances.A handheld application-based ultrasound platform is both sensitive and specific in its ability to identify vocal fold motion impairment. Portable handheld TLUS has the potential to serve as a validated screening examination, even by inexperienced providers, and in specific cases may obviate the need for an invasive transnasal laryngoscopy.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599819877650

  View details for PubMedID 31547773

• Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in the United States, 1973-2013. JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery Qian, Z. J., Jin, M. C., Meister, K. D., Megwalu, U. C. 2019

  Abstract

  The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing by 3% annually. This increase is often thought to be attributable to overdiagnosis in adults. A previous study reported a 1.1% annual increase in the incidence of pediatric thyroid cancer. However, the analysis was limited to the period from 1973 to 2004 and was performed in a linear fashion, which does not account for changes in incidence trends over time.To analyze trends in pediatric thyroid cancer incidence based on demographic and tumor characteristics at diagnosis.This cross-sectional study included individuals younger than 20 years who had a diagnosis of thyroid cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 database from 1973 to 2013. Cases of thyroid cancer were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition and were categorized by histologic type, stage, and tumor size.Annual percent change (APC) in the incidence rates was calculated using joinpoint regression analysis.Among 1806 patients included in the analysis, 1454 (80.5%) were female and 1503 (83.2%) were white; most patients were aged 15 to 19 years. The overall incidence rates of thyroid cancer increased annually from 0.48 per 100 000 person-years in 1973 to 1.14 per 100 000 person-years in 2013. Incidence rates gradually increased from 1973 to 2006 (APC, 1.11%; 95% CI, 0.56%-1.67%) and then markedly increased from 2006 to 2013 (APC, 9.56%; 95% CI, 5.09%-14.22%). The incidence rates of large tumors (>20 mm) gradually increased from 1983 to 2006 (APC, 2.23%; 95% CI, 0.93%-3.54%) and then markedly increased from 2006 to 2013 (APC, 8.84%; 95% CI, 3.20%-14.79%); these rates were not significantly different from incidence rates of small (1-20 mm) tumors. The incidence rates of regionally extended thyroid cancer gradually increased from 1973 to 2006 (APC, 1.44%; 95% CI, 0.68%-2.21%) and then markedly increased from 2006 to 2013 (APC, 11.16%; 95% CI, 5.26%-17.40%); these rates were not significantly different from the incidence rates of localized disease.The incidence rates of pediatric thyroid cancer increased more rapidly from 2006 to 2013 than from 1973 to 2006. The findings suggest that there may be a co-occurring increase in thyroid cancer in the pediatric population in addition to enhanced detection.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.0898

  View details for PubMedID 31120475

• Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Procedural Limitations and Swallow Outcomes. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Meister, K. D., Johnson, A., Sidell, D. R. 2018: 194599818813002

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: Vocal fold immobility with resultant dysphagia is a known cause of morbidity in the pediatric population. Herein we evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of injection laryngoplasty in children.STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review.SETTING: Tertiary academic children's hospital.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients <12 years of age with unilateral vocal fold immobility, dysphagia, and objective swallow study data were included. Primary outcome measures included perioperative adverse events and the ability to advance the diet, as defined by initiation of oral feeds or reduction in thickener following postoperative swallow study.RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort (N = 41) was 43.83 months (range, 0.5-144 months), and 46.3% of patients were <18 months old. Perioperative adverse events included increased oxygen requirement (n = 3), prolonged operating room time secondary to tenuous cardiopulmonary status (n = 2), and postoperative readmission within 30 days (n = 1). A total of 63.63% (n = 21 of 33) of patients safely advanced their diet following objective improvement on swallow study. Patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty ≤6 months of the onset of vocal fold immobility were more likely to advance their diet following surgery.CONCLUSION: Injection laryngoplasty has the potential to advance or initiate an oral diet for children with vocal fold immobility, including those in the first months of life. It is relatively free of adverse events, but certain limitations in the pediatric population must be considered. Preoperative characteristics, including timing of injection and premorbidity diet, may guide clinicians in predicting those patients most likely to advance their diet following injection laryngoplasty.

  View details for PubMedID 30453837

• Current Experience of Ultrasound Training in Otolaryngology Residency Programs. Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Meister, K. D., Vila, P. M., Bonilla-Velez, J., Sebelik, M., Orloff, L. A. 2018

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: The applications of using ultrasound for the evaluation and management of otolaryngologic diagnoses are expanding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current experience of ultrasound training in otolaryngology residency programs.METHODS: All allopathic and osteopathic otolaryngology residency programs in the United States were surveyed online via an e-mailed survey link to the resident representatives of the Section for Residents and Fellows in Training of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. We present a descriptive analysis of the survey results.RESULTS: A total of 110 responses were obtained from resident representatives at MD and DO otolaryngology residency programs, representing a response rate of 94.8%. Forty-four percent of residents reported that they would not feel comfortable with performing ultrasound-guided procedures after residency; 43% reported that they do not perform ultrasound procedures as a part of their residency training; and 60% of those trainees performing ultrasound procedures do not log the procedures. Twenty-three percent of residents did not have access to an ultrasound machine. Most respondents (71%) desired more exposure to diagnostic and/or interventional ultrasound training during residency.CONCLUSIONS: Although current experience is variable, there is a strong interest in increasing resident skill acquisition in ultrasound training among otolaryngology residents. Some barriers to these goals may be a lack of trained faculty members using ultrasound and insufficient recording mechanisms for residents performing ultrasound procedures.

  View details for PubMedID 30099758

• What parents are reading about laryngomalacia: quality and readability of internet resources on laryngomalacia. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol Carredera , E., Meister, K. D., Simons, J. P., Jabbour, N. 2018
• TMEM16A/ANO1 suppression improves response to antibody-mediated targeted therapy of EGFR and HER2/ERBB2. Genes, chromosomes & cancer Kulkarni, S., Bill, A., Godse, N. R., Khan, N. I., Kass, J. I., Steehler, K., Kemp, C., Davis, K., Vertrand, C. A., Vyas, A. R., Holt, D. E., Grandis, J. R., Gaither, L. A., Duvvuri, U. 2017
• TMEM16A/ANO1 suppression improves response to antibody-mediated targeted therapy of EGFR and HER2/ERBB2. Genes, chromosomes & cancer Kulkarni, S., Bill, A., Godse, N. R., Khan, N. I., Kass, J. I., Steehler, K., Kemp, C., Davis, K., Bertrand, C. A., Vyas, A. R., Holt, D. E., Grandis, J. R., Gaither, L. A., Duvvuri, U. 2017; 56 (6): 460–71

  Abstract

  TMEM16A, a Ca2+ -activated Cl- channel, contributes to tumor growth in breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we investigated whether TMEM16A influences the response to EGFR/HER family-targeting biological therapies. Inhibition of TMEM16A Cl- channel activity in breast cancer cells with HER2 amplification induced a loss of viability. Cells resistant to trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting HER2, showed an increase in TMEM16A expression and heightened sensitivity to Cl- channel inhibition. Treatment of HNSCC cells with cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR, and simultaneous TMEM16A suppression led to a pronounced loss of viability. Biochemical analyses of cells subjected to TMEM16A inhibitors or expressing chloride-deficient forms of TMEM16A provide further evidence that TMEM16A channel function may play a role in regulating EGFR/HER2 signaling. These data demonstrate that TMEM16A regulates EGFR and HER2 in growth and survival pathways. Furthermore, in the absence of TMEM16A cotargeting, tumor cells may acquire resistance to EGFR/HER inhibitors. Finally, targeting TMEM16A improves response to biological therapies targeting EGFR/HER family members.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/gcc.22450

  View details for PubMedID 28177558

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5469289

• Clinical Practice Guideline: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty Executive Summary. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Ishii, L. E., Tollefson, T. T., Basura, G. J., Rosenfeld, R. M., Abramson, P. J., Chaiet, S. R., Davis, K. S., Doghramji, K., Farrior, E. H., Finestone, S. A., Ishman, S. L., Murphy, R. X., Park, J. G., Setzen, M., Strike, D. J., Walsh, S. A., Warner, J. P., Nnacheta, L. C. 2017; 156 (2): 205–19

  Abstract

  Objective Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure that alters the shape or appearance of the nose while preserving or enhancing the nasal airway, ranks among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, with >200,000 procedures reported in 2014. While it is difficult to calculate the exact economic burden incurred by rhinoplasty patients following surgery with or without complications, the average rhinoplasty procedure typically exceeds $4000. The costs incurred due to complications, infections, or revision surgery may include the cost of long-term antibiotics, hospitalization, or lost revenue from hours/days of missed work. The resultant psychological impact of rhinoplasty can also be significant. Furthermore, the health care burden from psychological pressures of nasal deformities/aesthetic shortcomings, surgical infections, surgical pain, side effects from antibiotics, and nasal packing materials must also be considered for these patients. Prior to this guideline, limited literature existed on standard care considerations for pre- and postsurgical management and for standard surgical practice to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The impetus for this guideline is to utilize current evidence-based medicine practices and data to build unanimity regarding the peri- and postoperative strategies to maximize patient safety and to optimize surgical results for patients. Purpose The primary purpose of this guideline executive summary is to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians who either perform rhinoplasty or are involved in the care of a rhinoplasty candidate, as well as to optimize patient care, promote effective diagnosis and therapy, and reduce harmful or unnecessary variations in care. The target audience is any clinician or individual, in any setting, involved in the management of these patients. The target patient population is all patients aged ≥15 years. The guideline is intended to focus on knowledge gaps, practice variations, and clinical concerns associated with this surgical procedure; it is not intended to be a comprehensive reference for improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty. Recommendations in this guideline concerning education and counseling to the patient are intended to include the caregiver if the patient is <18 years of age. Action Statements The Guideline Development Group made the following recommendations: (1) Clinicians should ask all patients seeking rhinoplasty about their motivations for surgery and their expectations for outcomes, should provide feedback on whether those expectations are a realistic goal of surgery, and should document this discussion in the medical record. (2) Clinicians should assess rhinoplasty candidates for comorbid conditions that could modify or contraindicate surgery, including obstructive sleep apnea, body dysmorphic disorder, bleeding disorders, or chronic use of topical vasoconstrictive intranasal drugs. (3) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should evaluate the rhinoplasty candidate for nasal airway obstruction during the preoperative assessment. (4) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should educate rhinoplasty candidates regarding what to expect after surgery, how surgery might affect the ability to breathe through the nose, potential complications of surgery, and the possible need for future nasal surgery. (5) The clinician, or the clinician's designee, should counsel rhinoplasty candidates with documented obstructive sleep apnea about the impact of surgery on nasal airway obstruction and how obstructive sleep apnea might affect perioperative management. (6) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should educate rhinoplasty patients before surgery about strategies to manage discomfort after surgery. (7) Clinicians should document patient satisfaction with their nasal appearance and with their nasal function at a minimum of 12 months after rhinoplasty. The guideline development group made recommendations against certain actions: (1) When a surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, chooses to administer perioperative antibiotics for rhinoplasty, he or she should not routinely prescribe antibiotic therapy for a duration >24 hours after surgery. (2) Surgeons should not routinely place packing in the nasal cavity of rhinoplasty patients (with or without septoplasty) at the conclusion of surgery. The panel group made the following statement an option: (1) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, may administer perioperative systemic steroids to the rhinoplasty patient.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599816683156

  View details for PubMedID 28145848

• Clinical Practice Guideline: Improving Nasal Form and Function after Rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Ishii, L. E., Tollefson, T. T., Basura, G. J., Rosenfeld, R. M., Abramson, P. J., Chaiet, S. R., Davis, K. S., Doghramji, K., Farrior, E. H., Finestone, S. A., Ishman, S. L., Murphy, R. X., Park, J. G., Setzen, M., Strike, D. J., Walsh, S. A., Warner, J. P., Nnacheta, L. C. 2017; 156 (2_suppl): S1–S30

  Abstract

  Objective Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure that alters the shape or appearance of the nose while preserving or enhancing the nasal airway, ranks among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, with >200,000 procedures reported in 2014. While it is difficult to calculate the exact economic burden incurred by rhinoplasty patients following surgery with or without complications, the average rhinoplasty procedure typically exceeds $4000. The costs incurred due to complications, infections, or revision surgery may include the cost of long-term antibiotics, hospitalization, or lost revenue from hours/days of missed work. The resultant psychological impact of rhinoplasty can also be significant. Furthermore, the health care burden from psychological pressures of nasal deformities/aesthetic shortcomings, surgical infections, surgical pain, side effects from antibiotics, and nasal packing materials must also be considered for these patients. Prior to this guideline, limited literature existed on standard care considerations for pre- and postsurgical management and for standard surgical practice to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The impetus for this guideline is to utilize current evidence-based medicine practices and data to build unanimity regarding the peri- and postoperative strategies to maximize patient safety and to optimize surgical results for patients. Purpose The primary purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians who either perform rhinoplasty or are involved in the care of a rhinoplasty candidate, as well as to optimize patient care, promote effective diagnosis and therapy, and reduce harmful or unnecessary variations in care. The target audience is any clinician or individual, in any setting, involved in the management of these patients. The target patient population is all patients aged ≥15 years. The guideline is intended to focus on knowledge gaps, practice variations, and clinical concerns associated with this surgical procedure; it is not intended to be a comprehensive reference for improving nasal form and function after rhinoplasty. Recommendations in this guideline concerning education and counseling to the patient are also intended to include the caregiver if the patient is <18 years of age. Action Statements The Guideline Development Group made the following recommendations: (1) Clinicians should ask all patients seeking rhinoplasty about their motivations for surgery and their expectations for outcomes, should provide feedback on whether those expectations are a realistic goal of surgery, and should document this discussion in the medical record. (2) Clinicians should assess rhinoplasty candidates for comorbid conditions that could modify or contraindicate surgery, including obstructive sleep apnea, body dysmorphic disorder, bleeding disorders, or chronic use of topical vasoconstrictive intranasal drugs. (3) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should evaluate the rhinoplasty candidate for nasal airway obstruction during the preoperative assessment. (4) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should educate rhinoplasty candidates regarding what to expect after surgery, how surgery might affect the ability to breathe through the nose, potential complications of surgery, and the possible need for future nasal surgery. (5) The clinician, or the clinician's designee, should counsel rhinoplasty candidates with documented obstructive sleep apnea about the impact of surgery on nasal airway obstruction and how obstructive sleep apnea might affect perioperative management. (6) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, should educate rhinoplasty patients before surgery about strategies to manage discomfort after surgery. (7) Clinicians should document patients' satisfaction with their nasal appearance and with their nasal function at a minimum of 12 months after rhinoplasty. The Guideline Development Group made recommendations against certain actions: (1) When a surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, chooses to administer perioperative antibiotics for rhinoplasty, he or she should not routinely prescribe antibiotic therapy for a duration >24 hours after surgery. (2) Surgeons should not routinely place packing in the nasal cavity of rhinoplasty patients (with or without septoplasty) at the conclusion of surgery. The panel group made the following statement an option: (1) The surgeon, or the surgeon's designee, may administer perioperative systemic steroids to the rhinoplasty patient.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599816683153

  View details for PubMedID 28145823

• What might parents read: Sorting webs of online information on vascular anomalies. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology Davis, K. S., McCormick, A. A., Jabbour, N. 2017; 93: 63–67

  Abstract

  The internet is increasingly a source of healthcare information utilized by parents, especially in rarer pathologies such as vascular malformations. The quality, validity and thoroughness of these websites is variable and unregulated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality and understandability of websites related to vascular malformations.The terms "hemangioma", "vascular malformation", and "vascular anomalies" were searched in Google. The first 30 websites meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated. Quality and readability were assessed using the DISCERN criteria and the Flesh-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL), respectively. Date of last update, HONcode accreditation, and the website category were recorded.Most websites were owned by academic institutions (n = 19, 63.3%). The mean DISCERN score for all websites was 2.97, or a partially valid source of information on a 1-5 scale. The average reading level estimated by FKGL was grade 12; only one website was scored at less than a grade 9 level. Two websites were HONcode accredited. Of the 18 sites giving an explicit date of last update, 12 (67.7%) had been updated in the previous 12 months.Websites relating information about vascular anomalies may not be understandable to the general public, including parents. Health care providers should be cognizant of the quality and availability of such information as it may impact parent perspectives and bias toward treatment options.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.12.004

  View details for PubMedID 28109499

• Association of pretreatment body mass index and survival in human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Oral oncology Albergotti, W. G., Davis, K. S., Abberbock, S., Bauman, J. E., Ohr, J., Clump, D. A., Heron, D. E., Duvvuri, U., Kim, S., Johnson, J. T., Ferris, R. L. 2016; 60: 55–60

  Abstract

  Pretreatment body mass index (BMI) >25kg/m(2) is a positive prognostic factor in patients with head and neck cancer. Previous studies have not been adequately stratified by human papilloma virus (HPV) status or subsite. Our objective is to determine prognostic significance of pretreatment BMI on overall survival in HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).This is a retrospective review of patients with HPV+ OPSCC treated between 8/1/2006 and 8/31/2014. Patients were stratified by BMI status (>/<25kg/m(2)). Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed.300 patients met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients with a BMI >25kg/m(2) had a longer overall survival (HR=0.49, P=0.01) as well as a longer disease-specific survival (HR=0.43, P=0.02). Overall survival remained significantly associated with high BMI on multivariate analysis (HR=0.54, P=0.04).Pre-treatment normal or underweight BMI status is associated with worse overall survival in HPV+ OPSCC.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.07.003

  View details for PubMedID 27531873

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4991628

• The Pursuit of Otolaryngology Subspecialty Fellowships. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Wilson, M. N., Vila, P. M., Cohen, D. S., Carter, J. M., Lawlor, C. M., Davis, K. S., Raol, N. P. 2016; 154 (6): 1027–33

  Abstract

  To examine otolaryngology resident interest in subspecialty fellowship training and factors affecting interest over time and over the course of residency trainingCross-sectional study of anonymous online survey data.Residents and fellows registered as members-in-training through the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.Data regarding fellowship interest and influencing factors, including demographics, were extracted from the Section for Residents and Fellows Annual Survey response database from 2008 to 2014.Over 6 years, there were 2422 resident and fellow responses to the survey. Senior residents showed a statistically significant decrease in fellowship interest compared with junior residents, with 79% of those in postgraduate year (PGY) 1, 73% in PGY-2 and PGY-3, and 64% in PGY-4 and PGY-5 planning to pursue subspecialty training (P < .0001). Educational debt, age, and intended practice setting significantly predicted interest in fellowship training. Sex was not predictive. The most important factors cited by residents in choosing a subspecialty were consistently type of surgical cases and nature of clinical problems.In this study, interest in pursuing fellowship training decreased with increased residency training. This decision is multifactorial in nature and also influenced by age, educational debt, and intended practice setting.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599816639038

  View details for PubMedID 27026739

• Intraoperative Image Guidance Improves Outcomes in Complex Orbital Reconstruction by Novice Surgeons. Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Davis, K. S., Vosler, P. S., Yu, J., Wang, E. W. 2016; 74 (7): 1410–15

  Abstract

  This study aims to describe the utility of surgical navigation in improving operative outcomes in complex orbital reconstruction by novice compared with experienced surgical trainees.A randomized, controlled cadaveric study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine with otolaryngology and ophthalmology residents and fellows. Participants were divided into novice (postgraduate year 2-4 residents) and experienced (postgraduate year 5 residents and fellows) groups. Ten cadaveric specimens with pre-dissection computed tomography images underwent endoscopic resection of the orbital floor and lamina papyracea bilaterally. Participants performed reconstruction with or without the use of surgical navigation, randomized by laterality and order of the use of navigation. Post-dissection imaging was obtained after reconstruction and compared with pre-dissection imaging. The primary outcome was orbital volume; secondary outcomes included the participant's operative time and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index score, a subjective workload assessment measure. Matched-pair t tests and 2-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Novice participants (n = 6) had improved outcomes with respect to orbital volume when using surgical navigation compared with experienced participants (n = 4). There were no differences in operative times or National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index scores when using surgical navigation.In a cadaveric setting, use of surgical navigation by novice surgeons improves post-dissection orbital volume in complex orbital reconstruction. Surgical navigation should be considered as an adjunct to surgical training and simulation curricula.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.joms.2016.02.023

  View details for PubMedID 27019413

• Tumor volume as a predictor of survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer. Head & neck Davis, K. S., Lim, C. M., Clump, D. A., Heron, D. E., Ohr, J. P., Kim, S., Duvvuri, U., Johnson, J. T., Ferris, R. L. 2016; 38 Suppl 1: E1613–7

  Abstract

  Increasing evidence exists that tumor volume may be a superior prognostic model than traditional TNM staging. It has been observed that oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (oropharyngeal SCC) in the setting of human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity have a greater propensity for cystic nodal metastases, and, thus, presumably larger volume with relatively smaller primary tumors. The influence of HPV status on the predictive value of tumor volume is unknown.Fifty-three patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCC were treated with definitive chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).The estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was 92.2% and 83.6%, respectively. Nodal classification did not predict OS (p = .096) or DFS (p = .170). Similarly, T classification did not predict OS (p = .057) or DFS (p = .309). Lower nodal volume was associated with greater DFS (p = .001).Nodal tumor volume was found to be predictive of DFS. DFS was best predicted by nodal gross tumor volume (GTV) at 24 months. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1613-E1617, 2016.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.24287

  View details for PubMedID 26681273

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4844840

• A prospective phase 2 trial of reirradiation with stereotactic body radiation therapy plus cetuximab in patients with previously irradiated recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics Vargo, J. A., Ferris, R. L., Ohr, J., Clump, D. A., Davis, K. S., Duvvuri, U., Kim, S., Johnson, J. T., Bauman, J. E., Gibson, M. K., Branstetter, B. F., Heron, D. E. 2015; 91 (3): 480–88

  Abstract

  Salvage options for unresectable locally recurrent, previously irradiated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (rSCCHN) are limited. Although the addition of reirradiation may improve outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone, significant toxicities limit salvage reirradiation strategies, leading to suboptimal outcomes. We therefore designed a phase 2 protocol to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plus cetuximab for rSCCHN.From July 2007 to March 2013, 50 patients >18 years of age with inoperable locoregionally confined rSCCHN within a previously irradiated field receiving ≥60 Gy, with a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 2, and normal hepatic and renal function were enrolled. Patients received concurrent cetuximab (400 mg/m(2) on day -7 and then 250 mg/m(2) on days 0 and +8) plus SBRT (40-44 Gy in 5 fractions on alternating days over 1-2 weeks). Primary endpoints were 1-year locoregional progression-free survival and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 graded toxicity.Median follow-up for surviving patients was 18 months (range: 10-70). The 1-year local PFS rate was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44%-75%), locoregional PFS was 37% (95% CI: 23%-53%), distant PFS was 71% (95% CI: 54%-85%), and PFS was 33% (95% CI: 20%-49%). The median overall survival was 10 months (95% CI: 7-16), with a 1-year overall survival of 40% (95% CI: 26%-54%). At last follow-up, 69% died of disease, 4% died with disease, 15% died without progression, 10% were alive without progression, and 2% were alive with progression. Acute and late grade 3 toxicity was observed in 6% of patients respectively.SBRT with concurrent cetuximab appears to be a safe salvage treatment for rSCCHN of short overall treatment time.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.11.023

  View details for PubMedID 25680594

• Stereotactic body radiotherapy for recurrent oropharyngeal cancer - influence of HPV status and smoking history. Oral oncology Davis, K. S., Vargo, J. A., Ferris, R. L., Burton, S. A., Ohr, J. P., Clump, D. A., Heron, D. E. 2014; 50 (11): 1104–8

  Abstract

  HPV status and smoking history stratifies patients into 3 distinct risk groups for survival following definitive chemoradiotherapy. Local-regional recurrences are common patterns of failure across all 3 risk-groups. SBRT±cetuximab has emerged as a promising salvage strategy for unresectable locally-recurrent, previously-irradiated head-and-neck cancer (rHNC) relative to conventional re-irradiation±chemotherapy. However the influence of HPV and smoking remains unknown in the setting of re-irradiation.Patients (n=30) with rHNC of the oropharynx salvaged with SBRT±cetuximab from August 2002 through August 2013 were retrospectively reviewed; HPV status was determined based on p16 staining of primary pathology.At a median follow-up of 10months for surviving patients, the mean overall survival for all patients was 12.6 months. HPV positivity was a significant predictor of overall survival (13.6 vs. 6.88 months, p=0.024), while smoking status did not significantly impact overall survival (p=0.707).HPV status remains a significant predictor of overall survival in the re-irradiation setting with HPV positive rHNC demonstrating superior overall survival following salvage SBRT±cetuximab.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.08.004

  View details for PubMedID 25175942

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4505797

• Multi-institutional investigation of the prognostic value of lymph nodel yield in advanced-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Head & neck Jaber, J. J., Zender, C. A., Mehta, V., Davis, K., Ferris, R. L., Lavertu, P., Rezaee, R., Feustel, P. J., Johnson, J. T. 2014; 36 (10): 1446–52

  Abstract

  Although existing literature provides surgical recommendations for treating occult disease (cN0) in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a focus on late-stage oral cavity SCC is less pervasive.The medical records of 162 patients with late-stage oral cavity SCC pN0 who underwent primary neck dissections were reviewed. Lymph node yield as a prognosticator was examined.Despite being staged pN0, patients that had a higher lymph node yield had an improved regional/distant control rates, disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Lymph node yield consistently outperformed all other standard variables as being the single best prognostic factor with a tight risk ratio range (RR = 0.95-0.98) even when correcting for the number of lymph nodes examined.The results of this study showed that lower regional recurrence rates and improved survival outcomes were seen as lymph node yield increased for advanced T classification oral cavity SCC pN0. This suggests that increasing lymph node yield with an extended cervical lymphadenectomy may result in lower recurrence rates and improved survival outcomes for this advanced stage group.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.23475

  View details for PubMedID 24038739

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4136977

• Occult Primary Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Utility of Discovering Primary Lesions. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Davis, K. S., Byrd, J. K., Mehta, V., Chiosea, S. I., Kim, S., Ferris, R. L., Johnson, J. T., Duvvuri, U. 2014; 151 (2): 272–78

  Abstract

  Cancer of an unknown primary (CUP) squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes is a challenging problem for the treating physician. Our aim is to determine if identification of the primary tumor is associated with improved oncologic outcomes and/or tumor characteristics including human papilloma virus (HPV) status.Retrospective, matched-pairs analysis contrasting 2 cohorts based upon discovery of primary lesion.Tertiary teaching hospital.Records of 136 patients initially diagnosed as carcinoma of unknown primary were retrospectively reviewed (1980-2010) and divided into 2 cohorts based on discovery of the primary lesion. Primary outcome measures were overall survival and time to recurrence according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. A nested subset of 22 patients in which the primary was discovered were matched to 22 patients remaining undiscovered according to nodal stage and age.Discovered lesions were more likely to exhibit HPV positivity (P < .001). Matched-pairs analyses demonstrated that discovery of the primary was associated with better overall survival (HR = 0.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.019-0.822; P = .030). Discovery of the primary was associated with improved cause-specific survival (HR = 0.142; 95% CI, 0.021-0.93; P = .0418) and disease-free survival (HR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.069-0.91; P = .03).HPV positivity is associated with discovery of the primary tumor. Discovery of the primary lesion is associated with improved overall survival, cause-specific survival, and disease-free survival in patients initially presenting as CUP in matched-pair and cohort comparison analyses.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599814533494

  View details for PubMedID 24812081

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4604041

• Transoral Robotic Surgery and the Unknown Primary: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Byrd, J. K., Smith, K. J., de Almeida, J. R., Albergotti, W. G., Davis, K. S., Kim, S. W., Johnson, J. T., Ferris, R. L., Duvvuri, U. 2014; 150 (6): 976–82

  Abstract

  To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma (CUP).Case series with chart review.Tertiary academic hospital.A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with new occult primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with nondiagnostic imaging and/or endoscopy who were treated with TORS at a tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2012. Direct costs were obtained from the hospital's billing system, and national data were used for inpatient hospital costs and physician fees. The proportion of tumors found in 3 strategies was used as effectiveness to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.In total, 206 head and neck robotic cases were performed at our institution between December 2009 and December 2012. Three surgeons performed TORS on 22 patients for occult primary squamous cell carcinoma. The primary tumor was located in 19 of 22 patients (86.4%). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for sequential and simultaneous examination under anesthesia with tonsillectomy (EUA) and TORS base of tongue resection was $8619 and $5774 per additional primary identified, respectively.Sequential EUA followed by TORS is associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $8619 compared with traditional EUA alone. Bilateral base of tongue resection should be considered in the workup of these patients, particularly if the palatine tonsils have already been removed.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599814525746

  View details for PubMedID 24618502

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4167971

• External validity reporting in behavioral treatment of childhood obesity: a systematic review. American journal of preventive medicine Klesges, L. M., Williams, N. A., Davis, K. S., Buscemi, J., Kitzmann, K. M. 2012; 42 (2): 185–92

  Abstract

  To aid translation of childhood obesity interventions evidence into practice, research studies must report results in a way that better supports pragmatic decision making. The current review evaluated the extent to which information on key external validity dimensions, participants, settings, interventions, outcomes, and maintenance of effects, was included in research studies on behavioral treatments for childhood obesity.Peer-reviewed studies of behavioral childhood obesity treatments published between 1980 and 2008 were identified from (1) electronic searches of social science and medical databases; (2) research reviews of childhood obesity interventions; and (3) reference lists cited in these reviews. Included studies reported on a controlled obesity intervention trial, targeted overweight or obese children aged 2-18 years, included a primary or secondary anthropometric outcome, and targeted change in dietary intake or physical activity behaviors.1071 publications were identified and 77 met selection criteria. Studies were coded on established review criteria for external validity elements. All studies lacked full reporting of generalizability elements. Across criteria, the average reporting was 23.9% (range=0%-100%). Infrequently reported were setting-level selection criteria and representativeness, characteristics regarding intervention staff, implementation of the intervention content, costs, and program sustainability.Enhanced reporting of relevant and pragmatic information in behavioral investigations of childhood obesity interventions is needed to improve the ability to evaluate the applicability of results to practice implementation. Such evidence would improve translation of research to practice, provide additional explanation for variability in intervention outcomes, and provide insights into successful adaptations of interventions to local conditions.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.10.014

  View details for PubMedID 22261216

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4573550

• Pathology quiz case 3. Heterotopic gastric mucosa (inlet patch). Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery Davis, K. S., Welsh, C. T., Hawes, R. H., Gillespie, M. B. 2011; 137 (8): 831; author reply 834–35

  View details for DOI 10.1001/archoto.2011.128-a

  View details for PubMedID 21844423