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Pediatric Swallowing Function in the Presence of Laryngeal Cleft and Laryngomalacia: a Review of the Literature

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology (K Rosbe, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The etiologies of pediatric dysphagia are complex and varied, and the impact of medical and surgical interventions for laryngeal anomalies on pediatric swallow function is still being defined. We aim to review recent literature on evaluation and management of pediatric dysphagia for children with laryngomalacia (LM) and laryngeal cleft (LC).

Approach

A review of the literature over the last 5 years was completed using search engines PubMed and Google Scholar. Specific journals reviewed include “The International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology,” “Dysphagia,” “JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,” and “The Laryngoscope.” Articles were identified which discuss management of laryngomalacia and laryngeal cleft and the impact on pediatric dysphagia.

Summary

Management of pediatric dysphagia for patients diagnosed with LM and LC requires multiple considerations including timing of interventions, presence of comorbidities, and coordinated care with multidisciplinary teams. Evaluation of swallow function with the appropriate test at the right time interval is critical for improved patient outcomes and patient safety. Trends toward use of evidence-based clinical pathways are encouraged and supported by recent literature.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the assistance provided by Kristina W. Rosbe, MD, FAAP, FACS; Sarah Schneider, MS CCC-SLP; and Angela Haas, MA CCC-SLP, in formatting and editing this paper. The authors would also like to acknowledge, research assistant, Madeline Helmig, BS for her assistance in initial research compilation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Speech Pathology in Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Benioff Children’s Hospital, Voice and Swallowing Center, University of California San Francisco, 2330 Post Street 5th floor, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA

    Margaret Cafferkey

  2. Department of Audiology, Speech Pathology and Learning Services, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA

    Bridget M. Harrington

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  1. Margaret Cafferkey
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Correspondence to Margaret Cafferkey.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatric Otolaryngology

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Cafferkey, M., Harrington, B.M. Pediatric Swallowing Function in the Presence of Laryngeal Cleft and Laryngomalacia: a Review of the Literature. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 6, 107–114 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-018-0178-4

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