Outcomes using the T-14 symptom score for tonsillectomy in an Australian paediatric population

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) outcomes after paediatric tonsillectomy can be assessed with diseasespecific patient reported outcome measures. Our aim was to assess a modified T-14 Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test in an Australian paediatric population undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods: A consecutive case series was conducted in children (aged 1-16 years) undergoing tonsillectomy over a period of 15 months. T-14 questionnaires administered to the caregivers of the child pre-operatively and post-operatively (n=45) within 6-8 weeks of the procedure were included for statistical analysis. Preand post-operative T-14 scores were compared and analysed according to surgical indication [either sleep disordered breathing (SDB), recurrent tonsillitis, or both] and complications with non-parametric tests. Results: Post-operative scores demonstrated a global improvement for SDB (n=22), recurrent tonsillitis (n=12) and for both (n=11) indications (P<0.0001 each). High compliance with the T-14 was obtained with parents completing the questionnaire pre-and post-operatively. T-14 scores did not improve in 2 patients who had rhinitis and otitis media at the time of post-operative testing. Conclusions: The modified T-14 questionnaire is suitable for measuring parental reported health outcomes for paediatric throat disorders in patients undergoing tonsillectomy in the Australian population. The T-14 questionnaire demonstrates improvement in parental perception of their child's symptoms after tonsillectomy. It is easy to administer producing a high compliance rate.

Health Related Quality of Life T-14 Outcomes for Pediatric Bizact Tonsillectomy

“…This study investigates the change in T-14 scores in pediatric patients undergoing Bizact TM tonsillectomy. We used the T-14 as a validated parental reported outcome measure for their child’s throat disorders [ 4 ]. It is important to assess patient-reported outcome measures when studying tonsillectomy outcomes besides the traditional outcomes such as hemorrhage, pain, other postoperative complications, and cost.…”

“…These conditions are treated by tonsillectomy, therefore it is important to assess patient-reported outcome measures to determine the efficacy of the procedure. We used the T-14 as a validated parental reported outcome measure for their child’s throat disorders [ 2 , 4 , 5 ] and found that tonsillectomy using the new Bizact TM device is associated with improved T-14 scores for pediatric patients.…”

“…Tonsillectomy by a variety of methods has been shown to improve short-term and long-term T-14 scores in various studies [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Lam et al [ 4 ] investigated 63 pediatric patients who had undergone tonsillectomy by a variety of methods including 14 patients who had undergone a Bizact TM tonsillectomy, 17 performed with coblation, 13 with cold steel, and 1 with monopolar. There was a significant decrease in the median T-14 score overall, from 23 (IQR 13–32) to 3 (IQR 0–7), but the improvement in T-14 score with each tonsillectomy method was not specified.…”

“…Six weeks is the standard time frame for postoperative review as surgical recovery is assessed as completed. The validation of the T-14 questionnaire was published by our group using this same time frame and methodology [ 4 ]. At the post-operative visit, parents/guardians were also questioned regarding visits to primary care providers and complications that did not result in hospital attendance, and this was documented in their medical chart.…”

“…Kao et al (2017) presented a scoping review of validated pediatric QOL tools for tonsillectomy, and found the only validated, disease-specific tool to cover both infective and obstructive indications for tonsillectomy was the T-14 questionnaire [ 3 ]. The T-14 questionnaire was previously used in an Australian population, where T-14 scores were gathered at the preoperative appointment, and at 6 weeks postoperatively [ 4 ]. An improvement in the T-14 score 6 weeks postoperatively indicates that the tonsil-related disease burden was decreased.…”