The Effects of a “New Generation” of Heat and Moisture Exchangers in Laryngectomized Patients with Previous Heat and Moisture Changer Experience

Almajali O, Balk M, Rupp R, Allner M, Sievert M, Iro H, Schützenberger A, Gostian AO (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Ent-Ear Nose & Throat Journal Mci Medquest Communications Inc

DOI: 10.1177/01455613231200769

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a new generation of heat and moisture exchangers (NG-HMEs) on pulmonary rehabilitation, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and usage patterns. Methods: A prospective observational study on 23 laryngectomized patients with prior HME experience from June 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021. Patients were interviewed at inclusion, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks after the introduction of NG-HMEs. Two validated questionnaires were used to report pulmonary complaints and quality of life: the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q), the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Index Score (EQ-5D Index Score), and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Visual Analog Scale (EQ-5D-VAS). Usage patterns and patient satisfaction were reported using study-specific questionnaires. Results: The patients had an average age of 65.7 ± 6.8 years, with 87% being male, on average 33.7 ± 35.3 months after total laryngectomy (TLE). NG-HMEs were used for a mean of 21.87 ± 4.63 hours/day (P =.034). After 12 weeks of use, patients reported the following changes in the CASA-Q domains: cough symptoms (+5; P =.663), cough impact (0; P =.958), sputum symptoms (+8; P =.13), and sputum impact (+3; P =.489). The EQ-5D index score increased (+0.024; P =.917) as well as the EQ-5D VAS (+0.8; P =.27). All patients rated their experience with NG-HMEs with ≥3 out of 5. The patients who used NG-HMEs as instructed (n = 13) reported more profound changes in the CASA-Q domains: cough symptom (+11; P =.129), cough impact (+7; P =.209), sputum symptom (+11; P =.123), and sputum impact (+10; P =.102). Conclusions: Our results show that NG-HMEs could have a positive clinical impact on pulmonary rehabilitation after TLE, even in HME-experienced patients. The use of NG-HMEs does not affect the quality of life. The possible effects of NG-HMEs require further evaluation in long-term studies to fully assess their efficacy.

Authors with CRIS profile

Omar Almajali Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Matthias Balk Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Robin Rupp Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Moritz Allner Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Matti Sievert Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Heinrich Iro Lehrstuhl für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde Anne Schützenberger Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Antoniu-Oreste Gostian Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

How to cite

APA:

Almajali, O., Balk, M., Rupp, R., Allner, M., Sievert, M., Iro, H.,... Gostian, A.-O. (2023). The Effects of a “New Generation” of Heat and Moisture Exchangers in Laryngectomized Patients with Previous Heat and Moisture Changer Experience. Ent-Ear Nose & Throat Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613231200769

MLA:

Almajali, Omar, et al. "The Effects of a “New Generation” of Heat and Moisture Exchangers in Laryngectomized Patients with Previous Heat and Moisture Changer Experience." Ent-Ear Nose & Throat Journal (2023).

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