Every member of Rady Children’s Pediatric Otolaryngology Division participates in multiple research initiatives, which lead to advancement in treatment and care for young patients.

Ear

Creating a better ear tube. Children suffering from otitis media—ear infections—now may experience less drainage, obstruction and inflammation associated with the use of tympanostomy tubes with a phosphorylcholine coating. The division is leading in a three-year, multi-institutional study to determine the benefit of these tubes.

“Inserting tympanostomy tubes is the most common pediatric surgical procedure requiring general anesthetic in the U.S.,” said Dr. Anthony Magit. “Our research group is constantly looking at ways to do things better and this new coating has the potential to make a significant impact on the quality of life for a large number of the children.”

The division also is testing the effectiveness of Dermasmoothe FS, a topical medication, for the treatment of eczema of the external ear canal and ear. This is a chronic condition that results in discomfort and susceptibility to external ear infections.

Nose

Since it’s merger with UCSD, Rady Children’s is the home of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center for San Diego County. The center uses state-of-the-art navigating systems to treat sinus disease, a very common and serious problem for children with CF. In addition, physicians are expanding treatment protocols to improve the well-being and quality of life for CF patients.

Throat

Breathing and speaking – things that are instinctive and simply taken for granted. Not for children with Pediatric Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis – an acquired infection that results in lesions (warts) on the larynx. It can result in hoarseness, airway obstruction and life-long abnormalities of the voice box.

In the past, surgery was the only treatment option for children with a high recurrence rate of the disease. Rady Children’s Otolaryngology Division has been a pioneer in the use of Cidofovir – an antiviral medication – for the treatment of the disease in children.

“Use of this antiviral medication is a giant leap forward,” said Dr. Seth Pransky. “The national and international pediatric otolaryngology community has embraced the technique of injecting the medication directly into lesions. It has shown dramatic results, including full remission of the disease for some children.”

In other research, the division is studying the use of OK-432, a product of strep bacterium, which is injected into lymphatic malformations (congenital masses) that most often occur in the head and neck. In 75 percent of patients, the lesions have been successfully and completely treated.

Obstructive Sleep Disorders

In October, the division is beginning a study on obstructive sleep disorders and how surgery can improve patients’ cognition, behavior and academic performance. Patients will be evaluated through neurologic, cognitive, olfactory and sleep studies.

Children's Specialists Division of Otolaryngology

© Children's Specialists of San Diego - Physician-to-Physician News - No.7, Fall 2003