Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama–Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
2. Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
3. Division of Biostatistics, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Abstract
Objective Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis commonly report dysphonia and dysphagia. Dyspnea also occurs, with studies on treatment-related change producing mixed results. Studies including patient-reported outcomes have focused on single-question global scales. The Dyspnea Index (DI) includes 10 questions, is specific to upper airway–related dyspnea, and may better capture these patients’ symptoms. We evaluated change in DI after treatment. Study Design Retrospective review. Setting Academic medical center. Methods Forty-three patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent injection augmentation (n = 25) or framework surgery (n = 18). DI was recorded preprocedure, 2 to 4 weeks afterward, and at approximately 3 months afterward in 19 patients. Voice Handicap Index–10, Glottal Function Index, Cough Severity Index, and Eating Assessment Tool–10 were also recorded. Change in parameters and correlations were assessed. Obesity, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, and procedure (injection vs framework surgery) were evaluated for effect on DI. Results Twenty-four patients had an abnormal baseline DI (>10). DI decreased from 14.9 ± 13.8 to 6.5 ± 9.3 after treatment ( P < .001; 95% CI, 4.7-12.1). Twenty-eight scores decreased, 9 remained unchanged, and 6 increased. Change in DI was influenced by the presence of cardiac disease. Decreased DI persisted at 3-month follow-up. Voice Handicap Index–10, Glottal Function Index, Cough Severity Index, and Eating Assessment Tool–10 scores decreased and were correlated with change in DI. Conclusion Upper airway–related dyspnea is common in unilateral vocal fold paralysis, occurring in half of this cohort. Correcting glottic insufficiency may alleviate symptoms. Treatment decision making should consider postprocedural change in dyspnea, especially in patients for whom dyspnea is a motivating factor for seeking treatment.
Subject
Otorhinolaryngology,Surgery
Cited by
5 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献