Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by the growth of exophytic lesions within the larynx and trachea. The principal aim of management is maintenance of an adequate airway by surgical debulking. Several adjuvant therapies have been used to varying effect to reduce the burden of this disease and increase the interval between debulking procedures. The most severe cases present in children aged under three years, who are therefore most likely to need adjuvant therapies. The current evidence base on adjuvant treatments relating to children who present aged under three years has been reviewed.

A literature review of articles in Cochrane, PubMed and Embase databases was carried out. Given the rarity of the condition in this age group, all the literature relates to case reports and case series.

The following adjuvant therapies have been used in children who presented under three years of age: quadrivalent human papilloma virus vaccine, intralesional cidofovir, pegylated interferon, alpha-interferon, cimetidine and cetuximab.

To assess quality of life of children and teenagers with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, according to the evidence of infection by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11, compared with healthy volunteers and patients with chronic otitis media.

Participants and their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0.

Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and their parents reported lower quality of life than healthy subjects (p < 0.01), but similar quality of life to patients with chronic otitis media. Those with human papillomavirus type 11 showed the lowest scores among all participants (p < 0.05).

Young Mexican patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and their parents perceive a poor quality of life, and they may experience limitations in interactions with their peers. Infection by human papillomavirus type 11 may increase the impact of the disease on quality of life.

To calculate the financial burden of recurrent respiratory papilloma. This study is UK-based, where up until now no financial estimates have been calculated for this group of patients.

Recurrent respiratory papilloma is caused by the human papilloma virus (subtypes 6 and 11). The burden for the patient and the healthcare system is significant given the recurrent nature of the disease.

Data were collected, using a questionnaire completed during routine clinical follow up, from a single centre managing recurrent respiratory papilloma in Glasgow, Scotland. Cost information was sourced from the Scottish Government's Information Services Division.

Fourteen patients with active recurrent respiratory papilloma between 2013 and 2014 were identified. The direct measurable cost to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde amounted to £107 478.

Recurrent respiratory papilloma is a benign condition, but the financial implications of diagnosis are significant. Recurrent respiratory papilloma has a natural history of relapse and remission, and patients may require healthcare input over a period of several years.

A variety of treatment modalities are currently used to treat recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. We aimed to study the efficacy of radiofrequency cold ablation (coblation) for the treatment of laryngotracheal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, by comparing treatment intervals for coblation and CO2 laser vaporisation.

Retrospective case series of adult patients with advanced laryngotracheal recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Six patients were treated for at least two years by CO2 laser vaporisation with or without intralesional cidofovir. All six subsequently underwent treatment with radiofrequency coblation with or without intralesional cidofovir. Coblation resulted in longer periods between interventions, compared with CO2 laser (p = 0.03).

Radiofrequency coblation appears to be an attractive alternative technique to CO2 laser for the surgical treatment of advanced laryngotracheal papillomata.