Clinical Significance of Mast Cells in the Supraglottic Larynx of Children With Aerodigestive Disease

Objective: To analyze the association of mast cells found on supraglottic biopsy of pediatric patients with common aerodigestive diseases.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods: A total of 461 pediatric patients undergoing otolaryngology aerodigestive procedures provided consent between 2014 and 2019, and biopsies of the supraglottic larynx were collected at the time of their surgery. Pathologists reviewed biopsies for the presence and number of mast cells per high-power field. The patients' electronic health records were reviewed for relevant demographic data and clinical diagnoses present at the time of biopsy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of mast cells with odds of aerodigestive disease.

Results: Patients with mast cells in their biopsy had significantly higher odds of asthma (odds ratio [OR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.46), gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.47-3.77), laryngomalacia (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.80-4.94), laryngeal anomalies (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.52-3.55), and obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.35-3.45). When mast cells were evaluated as a continuous variable, there was a nonlinear relationship between increasing mast cell count and odds of disease.

Conclusions: Mast cells are known to be associated with inflammatory conditions, though little is known about their presence in laryngeal inflammation. Results from our study demonstrate an association between mast cells in the pediatric larynx and asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, laryngomalacia, laryngeal anomalies, and obstructive sleep apnea. Our study also showed a nonlinear relationship between number of mast cells and odds of disease diagnosis.