Voice abnormalities at school age in children born extremely preterm

Intubation-Related Laryngeal Deficiency and Vocal Fold Immobility in Pediatric Premature Patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

We report a posterior laryngeal rating system and measures of voice disability in pediatric patients undergoing phonosurgery for vocal fold paralysis. Posterior glottic deficiency may account for persistent voice disability.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Study.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of 66 subjects with primary unilateral vocal fold paralysis were reviewed for the status of posterior glottis and voice disability (Pediatric Voice Handicap Index [pVHI]). Gestation age (GA), weight, and medical/surgical history were reviewed. The width, length, and depth of the larynx were analyzed to create a reproducible rating scale.

RESULTS

Mean GA was 29 weeks, with an intubation history for all subjects, with 90% having a left vocal fold immobility. Cardiac surgery was performed in 92% of subjects. A progressive rating (type 0-3) Benjamin Defect Severity Scale (BDSS) was developed to rate the absence or presence of a posterior abnormality. BDSS-2 and BDSS-3 subjects were more likely to have low birth weight. Extremely preterm GA was more likely to be associated with BDSS-1 (mild) or BDSS-2. History of multiple and prolonged intubations were seen more frequently in BDSS-2 or BDSS-3. Post-op pVHI reduced an average of 15 points for BDSS-0 to BDSS-2, but only 3 points for BDSS-3. Post-op pVHI matched normal values for preintervention dysphonic children.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a persistent breathy voice after intervention for unilateral vocal fold immobility is potentially associated with posterior glottic defects. Low birth weight with multiple/prolonged intubation is more likely to be present with higher-grade BDs, whereas low GA is more likely to be associated with BDSS-1 to BDSS-2.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Left Vocal Cord Paralysis, Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in Young Adults Born Extremely Preterm With a History of Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus Surgery-A National Cohort Study

Background: Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) is a known complication of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) surgery in extremely preterm (EP) born neonates; however, consequences of LVCP beyond the first year of life are insufficiently described. Both voice problems and breathing difficulties during physical activity could be expected with an impaired laryngeal inlet. More knowledge may improve the follow-up of EP-born subjects who underwent PDA surgery and prevent confusion between LVCP and other diagnoses. Objectives: Examine the prevalence of LVCP in a nationwide cohort of adults born EP with a history of PDA surgery, and compare symptoms, lung function, and exercise capacity between groups with and without LVCP, and vs. controls born EP and at term. Methods: Adults born EP (<28 weeks' gestation or birth weight <1,000 g) in Norway during 1999-2000 who underwent neonatal PDA surgery and controls born EP and at term were invited to complete questionnaires mapping voice-and respiratory symptoms, and to perform spirometry and maximal treadmill exercise testing. In the PDA-surgery group, exercise tests were performed with a laryngoscope positioned to evaluate laryngeal function. Results: Thirty out of 48 (63%) eligible PDA-surgery subjects were examined at mean (standard deviation) age 19.4 (0.8) years, sixteen (53%) had LVCP. LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, not with lung function or peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak). In the PDA-surgery group, forced expiratory volume in 1 second z-score (z-FEV₁) was reduced compared to EP-born controls (n = 30) and term-born controls (n = 36); mean (95% confidence interval) z-FEV₁ was -1.8 (-2.3, -1.2), -0.7 (-1.1, -0.3) and -0.3 (-0.5, -0.0), respectively. For VO₂peak, corresponding figures were 37.5 (34.9, 40.2), 38.1 (35.1, 41.1), and 43.6 (41.0, 46.5) ml/kg/min, respectively. Conclusions: LVCP was common in EP-born young adults who had undergone neonatal PDA surgery. Within the PDA-surgery group, LVCP was associated with self-reported voice symptoms and laryngeal obstruction during exercise, however we did not find an association with lung function or exercise capacity. Overall, the PDA-surgery group had reduced lung function compared to EP-born and term-born controls, whereas exercise capacity was similarly reduced for both the PDA-surgery and EP-born control groups when compared to term-born controls.

Voice and Exercise Related Respiratory Symptoms in Extremely Preterm Born Children After Neonatal Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Objective: To investigate voice characteristics and exercise related respiratory symptoms in extremely preterm born 11-year-old children, focusing particularly on associations with management of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Study design: Prospective follow-up of all children born in Norway during 1999-2000 at gestational age <28 weeks or with birthweight <1,000 g. Neonatal data were obtained prospectively on custom-made registration forms completed by neonatologists. Voice characteristics and exercise related respiratory symptoms were obtained at 11 years by parental questionnaires. Result: Questionnaires were returned for 228/372 (61%) eligible children, of whom 137 had no history of PDA. PDA had been noted in 91 participants, of whom 36 had been treated conservatively, 21 with indomethacin, and 34 with surgery. Compared to the children treated with indomethacin or conservatively, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the surgically treated children were 3.4 (1.3; 9.2) for having breathing problems during exercise, 16.9 (2.0; 143.0) for having a hoarse voice, 4.7 (1.3; 16.7) for a voice that breaks when shouting, 4.6 (1.1; 19.1) for a voice that disturbs singing, and 3.7 (1.1; 12.3) for problems shouting or speaking loudly. The significance of surgery per se was uncertain since the duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with the same outcomes. Conclusion: Extremely preterm born children with a neonatal history of PDA surgery had more problems with voice and breathing during exercise in mid-childhood than those whose PDA had been handled otherwise. The study underlines the causal heterogeneity of exercise related respiratory symptoms in preterm born children.

The influence of premature birth on laryngeal development for phonation

INTRODUCTION

Dysphonia is a known consequence of premature birth, and is usually associated with endotracheal intubation in the neonatal period or surgical ligation of persistent patent ductus arteriosus. Recently, cases of dysphonia, in the absence of these causative factors, have been reported.

OBJECTIVES

This review seeks to identify literature pertaining to those aspects of laryngeal development that may potentially be disrupted by premature birth. The purpose of the review is to determine whether there is any possible anatomical or physiological explanation for dysphonia to arose solely from premature birth.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by Arskey and O'Malley (2005). Fifteen relevant papers were identified. Results were categorized into age-related categories, to identify changes in the developmental trajectory. Based on the results of the literature search, a further category of unphonated larynges was added.

RESULTS

Potential differences in the laryngeal framework (e.g., the development of the cricoid cartilage and the shape of the glottis) and vocal fold histology, depending on gestational age and post-natal phonation were identified. Much literature focused on the macula flavae, however, the layers of the lamina propria were also discussed.

DISCUSSION

It is unclear whether the process of differentiation of the layers of the lamina propria, which commences in the second to third months of life in term-born infants, is disrupted by prematurity. Further, development of the macula flavae continues until at least 28 weeks' gestation. Preterm children may not phonate immediately after birth, which may also affect laryngeal development.

Voice Abnormalities and Laryngeal Pathology in Preterm Children

Introduction:

The prevalence of voice abnormalities in children born prematurely has been reported to be as high as 58%. Few studies have examined these abnormalities with laryngoscopic or videostroboscopic findings and characterized their laryngeal pathologies.

Objective:

To review voice abnormalities in patients with a history of prematurity and characterize the etiology of their voice problems. A secondary objective is to see if there is a correlation between the findings and the patient’s intubation and surgical history.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all preterm patients seen in voice clinic at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Demographic data, diagnoses, and office laryngoscopies were reviewed as well as any speech therapy evaluations and/or medical and surgical treatments.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 5.1 (±4.3) years. Mean gestational age was 27.8 (±3.7) weeks. Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) perceptual evaluations included a mean overall dysphonia severity of 46.6 (±24.2). Patients who had undergone prolonged intubation (⩾28 days) in the NICU or had prolonged NICU stays (>12 weeks) had significantly higher overall dysphonia severity scores. Thirty-three patients with vocal fold hypo- or immobility had significantly greater voice deviance in breathiness, loudness, and overall severity compared to those without vocal fold immobility. Of all patients, 35% were recommended surgical intervention and 49% voice therapy.

Conclusion:

Intubation greater than 28 days and prolonged NICU stays are associated with more severe dysphonia in premature patients. There should be a low threshold for clinical evaluation of dysphonia in this unique patient population.

Resolution of vocal fold immobility in preterm infants

INTRODUCTION

Vocal fold immobility (VFI) is an important sequela of preterm birth due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation and invasive ventilation. A minority of these patients experience VFI resolution. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with VFI resolution in preterm infants.

METHODS

This is a case control study of preterm (<37 weeks gestation) infants admitted to a metropolitan Level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2006 to 2012. All patients diagnosed with VFI by flexible nasolaryngoscopy were divided into 2 cohorts: those with and without laryngoscopic resolution of VFI during follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with VFI resolution.

RESULTS

Of 71 patients with VFI and adequate follow-up, 17 (23.9%) experienced resolution. Median (range) follow-up was 25.7 (0.4-91.3) months and time to resolution 4.4 (0.4-38.8) months. Compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort, those who experienced resolution had higher median gestational age (31 vs 25 weeks, p = 0.006) and birth weight (1550 vs 765 g, p = 0.02), and lower likelihood of undergoing PDA ligation (47.1% vs 77.8%, p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, history of PDA ligation remained independently associated with a lower likelihood of VFI resolution (p = 0.02, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.8). Among PDA ligation patients, birth weight >1000 g was more common in the resolution cohort compared to the ongoing-VFI cohort (62.5% vs 24.4%, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

While lower birth weight and gestational age are known risk factors for VFI following PDA ligation, in this study, these factors were also associated with a decreased likelihood of VFI resolution. Furthermore, PDA ligation appears to be a risk for both the development and persistence of VFI. This evidence should inform prognosis and intervention decisions for preterm infants with VFI.

Vocal fold paralysis in preterm infants: prevalence and analysis of risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the prevalence of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) infants at a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and identify risk factors for the development of VFP.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case control study of all surviving preterm infants admitted to the NICU at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin from 2006 to 2012, comparing those with and without VFP. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors for VFP.

RESULTS

Of the 2083 patients included, 73 (3.5%) had VFP, including 18% of those at <26 weeks of gestation. On multivariate analyses, VFP was associated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation (P<0.001, odds ratio (OR) 15.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.9 to 28.1), history of invasive ventilation (P=0.008, OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 13.6) and black vs non-black race (P=0.001, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.3).

CONCLUSION

Given the prevalence of VFP and its associated morbidity, efforts to decrease PDA ligation and invasive ventilation in preterm infants are warranted.

Voice problems in school-aged children following very preterm birth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Very preterm children may be at risk of voice abnormalities (dysphonia). Risk factors previously identified in extremely preterm children include female gender, multiple intubations, complicated intubation and very low birth weight. This study sought to identify the prevalence of dysphonia in very preterm children, at school age.

METHODS

Children born between 23 and 32 weeks' gestation were included in this prospective observational study. Participants were randomly selected from a sample stratified by gestational age and number of intubations, and were aged between 5 and 12 years at the time of assessment. Clinical voice assessments were conducted by a speech pathologist, and a diagnosis of dysphonia was made based on the presence and severity of disturbance to the voice. Retrospective chart review identified medical and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

178 participants were assessed. The prevalence of dysphonia in this cohort was 61%. 31% presenting with significant dysphonia, that is, voice disturbance of greater than mild in severity. Female gender (p=0.009), gestational age (p=0.031) and duration of intubation (p=0.021) were significantly associated with dysphonia although some preterm children with dysphonia were never intubated.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant voice abnormalities were observed in children born at up to 32 weeks' gestation, with intubation a major contributing factor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12613001015730.

Pediatric quality of life in children with otolaryngologic disease: what inventories are available and what is still needed?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Quality of life (QOL) is an important patient-oriented outcome in common disorders, particularly when one management strategy is not clearly superior to an alternative. This article reviews the recently published literature that evaluated QOL in children with common pediatric otolaryngologic problems.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among the 41 reviewed articles that used QOL as an outcome, 14 disease-specific QOL surveys and 12 generic QOL questionnaires were used. QOL instruments that had been validated in adults were frequently used in children without validation in pediatric populations. For children, parent-reported outcomes of caregiver concerns are often used as proxy measures of QOL for the child, and only a few QOL instruments asked the child to rate their own perception of their QOL. Several studies used nonvalidated QOL surveys as outcomes.

SUMMARY

QOL is being evaluated in an increasing number of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders. Although there are numerous surveys to measure generic pediatric QOL, validated disease-specific surveys for children are less common, especially those that utilize child self-report. The lack of disease-specific pediatric surveys for otolaryngologic disorders hampers the ability to document change or differences in patient-oriented outcomes with interventions.

Laryngeal pathology at school age following very preterm birth

INTRODUCTION

Intubation injury resulting in laryngeal pathology is recognised as a possible complication of preterm birth, yet few published studies have examined such pathology and its relation to voice outcomes. This study reports on the results of prospective laryngeal function examinations of a cohort of very preterm children, all of whom presented with significant dysphonia at school age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The laryngeal pathology of 20 very preterm children, born between 23 and 29 weeks gestation, was examined under halogen and stroboscopic conditions. Laryngeal structure and function were assessed using a rigid laryngoscope or a flexible nasendoscope. The approach was selected based on the age and/or likely compliance of the child.

RESULTS

Nineteen children were found to have structural laryngeal pathology. Fourteen children presented with a chink to the posterior glottis and all demonstrated at least a mild degree of supraglottic hyperfunction. Other common findings were arytenoid prolapse and vocal fold immobility. More isolated findings included posterior scar band, vocal fold atrophy, arytenoid oedema and growth on the vocal folds. One child who presented with structural laryngeal pathology was never intubated.

DISCUSSION

Supraglottic hyperfunction was common to all participants, regardless of the nature and extent of underlying structural laryngeal pathology. Posterior glottic chink was the most common pattern of incomplete vocal fold closure. These data support the hypothesis that very preterm children adopt supraglottic tightening to compensate for underlying laryngeal pathology. The mechanism underlying laryngeal damage in the child who was not intubated is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice quality of very preterm children is affected by both laryngeal structure and function. A trial of behavioural voice treatment is recommended to evaluate any therapeutic response in this population.

Long term follow up of high risk children: who, why and how?

BACKGROUND

Most babies are born healthy and grow and develop normally through childhood. There are, however, clearly identifiable high-risk groups of survivors, such as those born preterm or with ill-health, who are destined to have higher than expected rates of health or developmental problems, and for whom more structured and specialised follow-up programs are warranted.

DISCUSSION

This paper presents the results of a two-day workshop held in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss neonatal populations in need of more structured follow-up and why, in addition to how, such a follow-up programme might be structured. Issues discussed included the ages of follow-up, and the personnel and assessment tools that might be required. Challenges for translating results into both clinical practice and research were identified. Further issues covered included information sharing, best practice for families and research gaps.

SUMMARY

A substantial minority of high-risk children has long-term medical, developmental and psychological adverse outcomes and will consume extensive health and education services as they grow older. Early intervention to prevent adverse outcomes and the effective integration of services once problems are identified may reduce the prevalence and severity of certain outcomes, and will contribute to an efficient and effective use of health resources. The shared long-term goal for families and professionals is to work toward ensuring that high risk children maximise their potential and become productive and valued members of society.

Intubation-Related Dysphonia Following Extreme Preterm Birth: Case Studies in Behavioural Voice Intervention

Many more children than ever before survive and thrive following preterm birth (Saigal & Doyle, 2008). To date, research has focussed on medical, developmental, neurological, and behavioral outcomes. As the number of surviving children increases and survivors reach school age and beyond, it has become apparent that many children experience difficulties with voice production (French et al., 2013). Following preterm birth, endotracheal intubation may be necessary to deliver surfactant or relieve respiratory distress during the neonatal period (Ho, Subramaniam, Henderson-Smart, & Davis, 2002). Intubation injury to the larynx and resultant dysphonia are well described in the literature (Bray, Cavalli, Eze, Mills, & Hartley, 2010). This article presents a brief review of the literature relevant to intubation-related injury following preterm birth and 2 case studies of voice outcomes following a trial of behavioral voice therapy in extremely preterm children who were intubated.

Voice related quality of life in pediatric patients with a history of prematurity

OBJECTIVE

To determine incidence of dysphonia in patients with history of prematurity and evaluate the correlation between dysphonia and risk factors unique to premature infants. The aim of this study is to determine parent-perceived vocal quality in patients with history of prematurity and whether duration of intubation, number of intubations, and incidence of patent ductus arteriosus repair were correlated with these perceptions.

METHODS

Cohort study of premature patients presenting to outpatient clinics from January 2010 to January 2013 in tertiary care center. Patients gestational age ≤37 weeks at birth without history of tracheostomy or known vocal fold pathology were eligible. A volunteer sample was obtained from patients presenting in Otolaryngology clinics from January 2010 to January 2013 whose parents agreed to complete surveys. Outcomes were assessed via parental completion of pediatric voice outcomes score (pVOS) and pediatric voice-related quality of life (pVRQOL) instruments. The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of dysphonia in infants with a history of prematurity without known vocal pathology. Additionally, patient factors associated with dysphonia were evaluated. The hypothesis tested was formulated prior to data collection.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine participants were included. Mean age at follow-up was 28 (3-197) months. Mean gestational age was 29 (23-37) weeks. Mean intubation duration was 3 (0-22) weeks and median number of intubations was 1 (range 0-5). Voice outcome scores varied widely with pVRQOL scores demonstrating a mean of 89.2±18.1 (25-100) and pVOS with a mean of 11.4±2.2 (0-13). Univariate analysis utilized Spearman correlation coefficients for continuous variables and Wilcoxon Two-sample test for categorical groups. Significance was set at p<0.05. All significant univariate associations were placed in a multivariate model. Duration of intubation ≥4 weeks was the only factor which correlated with dysphonia on multivariate analysis (p=0.0028, OR=6.4, 95% CI=1.9-21.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that prolonged intubation is associated with poorer long term parent-perceived voice quality in premature patients. Further study is required to correlate parent perceptions with objective vocal quality data and physical findings of vocal pathology. These data may increase the clinician's suspicion for and evaluation of dysphonia in this population.

Dysphonia in very preterm children: a review of the evidence

INTRODUCTION

Intubation is a known risk factor for dysphonia yet is essential in the perinatal care of many very preterm infants. Children born preterm, who are frequently resuscitated with endotracheal intubation, may be at risk of dysphonia at school age and beyond.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and describe the evidence pertaining to long-term voice outcomes and risk factors for developing dysphonia in preterm children.

RESULTS

In addition to case studies and series, three larger-scale studies have reported on dysphonia and voice outcomes in preterm children. Studies reporting treatment outcomes were not available. Factors associated with poor voice outcomes included female gender, birth weight <1,000 g, birth at <27 weeks' gestation, surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus, emergency versus elective intubations and multiple intubations. Adverse voice outcomes were associated with laryngeal pathology and compensatory supraglottic compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphonia is a newly reported, long-term complication of preterm birth, yet the number of relevant studies remains limited. Further research is required to confirm the risk factors for developing dysphonia, which will inform future voice treatment studies.

Avoiding endotracheal ventilation to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube is a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), one of the most common morbidities of very preterm infants. Our objective was to investigate the effect that strategies to avoid endotracheal mechanical ventilation (eMV) have on the incidence of BPD in preterm infants <30 weeks' gestational age (GA).

METHODS

In February 2013, we searched the databases Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Study selection criteria included randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals since the year 2000 that compared preterm infants <30 weeks' GA treated by using a strategy aimed at avoiding eMV with a control group in which mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube was performed at an earlier stage. Data were extracted and analyzed by using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. The authors independently assessed study eligibility and risk of bias, extracted data and calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, employing RevMan version 5.1.6.

RESULTS

We identified 7 trials that included a total of 3289 infants. The combined odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of death or BPD was 0.83 (0.71-0.96). The number needed to treat was 35. The study results were remarkably homogeneous. Avoiding eMV had no influence on the incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies aimed at avoiding eMV in infants <30 weeks' GA have a small but significant beneficial impact on preventing BPD.