The impact of socioeconomic status on management of pediatric subglottic stenosis and outcomes.

Abstract

Objective: There is currently a paucity of literature detailing the socioeconomic implications on management and outcomes of pediatric subglottic stenosis. Through this study, we sought to ascertain whether disparities of social determinants of health did have a discernible impact on management of subglottic stenosis through endoscopic versus open procedures and whether there would be a difference in outcomes.

Study design: The study is a multi- institutional, academic center, retrospective case series.

Methods: The study examines pediatric patients under the age of 18 evaluated by Ochsner-affiliated hospitals through May 2012 to May 2022 with the diagnosis of subglottic stenosis, acquired or congenital, through Epic SlicerDicer search engine. Patients were stratified into low and high socioeconomic status (SES), which served as independent variables, using principal component analysis of several social determinants. We recorded sex, age, ethnicity, and completion of college education. Interventions reviewed included endoscopic treatment, open airway surgery, and presence of tracheostomy. Outcome measurements included decannulation, time to decannulation, and death. Chi squared analysis was performed on dichotomous variables and student t-test was performed for continuous variables.

Results: The groups were similar in demographics: sex, age, ethnicity, and proportion with college degree. Cotton Meyer grade was significantly higher in low SES compared to high SES (p = 0.04). Patients of low SES were significantly more likely to die (p < 0.001). Low SES patients were more likely to have an acquired rather than a congenital subglottic stenosis as compared to their high SES counterparts (p = 0.02). Low SES patients were also more likely to undergo endoscopic intervention (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in tracheostomy status or decannulation success between the two groups.

Conclusion: There were statistically significant findings between low and high SES groups. Overall, patients of low SES appeared to have greater severity of subglottic stenosis, with greater number of endoscopic interventions, and greater mortality. This study which collected data from an area with marginalized patients with poor health literacy, demonstrates that sociodemographic factors contribute to disparate intervention and outcomes in pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis.