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INTRODUCTION: To update the European guidelines for the assessment of voice quality (VQ) in clinical practice. METHODS: Nineteen laryngologists-phoniatricians of the European Laryngological Society (ELS) and the Union of the European Phoniatricians (UEP) participated to a modified Delphi process to propose statements about subjective and objective VQ assessments. Two anonymized voting rounds determined a consensus statement to be acceptable when 80% of experts agreed with a rating of at least 3/4. The statements with ≥ 3/4 score by 60-80% of experts were improved and resubmitted to voting until they were validated or rejected. RESULTS: Of the 90 initial statements, 51 were validated after two voting rounds. A multidimensional set of minimal VQ evaluations was proposed and included: baseline VQ anamnesis (e.g., allergy, medical and surgical history, medication, addiction, singing practice, job, and posture), videolaryngostroboscopy (mucosal wave symmetry, amplitude, morphology, and movements), patient-reported VQ assessment (30- or 10-voice handicap index), perception (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain), aerodynamics (maximum phonation time), acoustics (Mean F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio), and clinical instruments associated with voice comorbidities (reflux symptom score, reflux sign assessment, eating-assessment tool-10, and dysphagia handicap index). For perception, aerodynamics and acoustics, experts provided guidelines for the methods of measurement. Some additional VQ evaluations are proposed for voice professionals or patients with some laryngeal diseases. CONCLUSION: The ELS-UEP consensus for VQ assessment provides clinical statements for the baseline and pre- to post-treatment evaluations of VQ and to improve collaborative research by adopting common and validated VQ evaluation approach.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Diseases , Otolaryngology , Voice , Humans , Voice Quality , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the concept and efficacy of an adjustable implant (Prototype SH30: porcine implant and APrevent® VOIS: human concept) for treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) via in vivo mini-pig studies, human computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) image analysis, ex-vivo aerodynamic and acoustic analysis. Methods: Feasibility testing and prototype implantation were performed using in-vivo UVFP porcine model (n = 8), followed by a dimensional finding study using CT and MR scans of larynges (n = 75) for modification of the implant prototypes. Acoustic and aerodynamic measurements were recorded on excised canine (n = 7) larynges with simulated UVFP before and after medialization with VOIS-Implant. Results: The prototype showed in the in-vivo UVFP porcine model an improved glottic closure from grade 6 incomplete closure to complete closure (n = 5), to grade 2 incomplete closure (n = 2) and grade 3 incomplete closure (n = 1). On human CT/MR scans the identification of the correct size was successful in 97.3% using the thyroid cartilage alar "distance S" as the only parameter, which is an important step towards procedure standardization and implant design. Results were confirmed with implantation in human laryngeal cadavers (n = 44). Measurements of the acoustic and aerodynamic effects after implantation showed a significant decreased phonation threshold pressure (p = .0187), phonation threshold flow (p = .0001) and phonation threshold power (p = .0046) on excised canine larynges with simulated UVFP. Percent jitter and percent shimmer decreased (p = .2976; p = .1771) but not significant. Conclusions: Based on the preclinical results four sizes, differing in medial length, implant width and expansion direction of silicone cushions, seem to be enough to satisfy laryngeal size variations. This concept is significantly effective in medializing UVFP and improving the aerodynamic and acoustic qualities of phonation as reported in a preliminary clinical outcome study with long-term implantation. Level of Evidence: N/A.
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INTRODUCTION: The conventional rigid-90° and rigid-70° laryngostroboscopy has been so far considered the gold standard in assessing the vibratory behavior of the vocal folds and the glottal closure configuration during phonation. Meanwhile, this rigid laryngostroboscopy is more and more replaced by flexible chip-on-tip systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of these different endoscopic techniques on glottal closure configuration and on visibility of the complete focal fold length including anterior commissure during phonation. METHODS: Twenty-one euphonic subjects were enrolled (mean age 34.6 ± 9.5; m = 10, f = 11). They were examined with the three laryngoscopic techniques (conventional rigid-90°, rigid-70°, and flexible chip-on-tip laryngoscopy during low and high voice pitch with soft and loud voice intensity). For evaluating the degree of glottal closure, a modified classification of Södersten et al. was applied and the visibility of the anterior commissure was evaluated. The correlation of the three endoscopic techniques was assessed with Cohen and Fleiss' kappa. RESULTS: In even low loud phonation, the rigid-90° and rigid-70° endoscopies revealed a complete closure of the glottis in only 47.6% of subjects but with flexible endoscopy in 81%. The complete vocal fold length with anterior commissure was best visible with flexible endoscopy in 90.5% in low-soft and high-soft phonation. The rigid-90° endoscopy showed a slight agreement in comparison with the flexible endoscopy in regard to the types of vocal fold closure with a Cohen's kappa coefficient k = 0.199. The rigid-90° endoscopy showed an almost perfect agreement with k = 0.84 when compared to the rigid-70° endoscopy. The flexible endoscopy compared to the rigid-70° endoscopy showed a fair agreement with k = 0.346. CONCLUSION: We found mainly corresponding results in both rigid-90° and rigid-70° endoscopic techniques which can be explained by the same transoral approach with the tongue pulled out, whereas the flexible transnasal endoscopy mainly gives a better view on the anterior commissure. The influence of transorally or transnasally guided endoscopic techniques needs to be considered in interpretation of laryngostroboscopic parameters like vocal fold closure and supraglottal hyperactivity.
Subject(s)
Laryngoscopy , Voice Quality , Humans , Adult , Laryngoscopy/methods , Vocal Cords , Glottis , Phonation , TongueABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The anterior, percutaneous Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection in the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle (LCA) guided by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is considered the golden standard treatment for several neurolaryngological disorders. The study presented in this article aims to assess the effectiveness of an alternative approach by which the injection is performed laterally under ultrasound monitoring. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomical dissection study in human cadavers. SETTINGS: Academic health care center. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided bilateral dye (0.1 mL of dye solution containing cold-curing polymers, latex, acrylates, acrylic esters, alcohol, and green color) injection in the LCA was performed by means of 24G needles and 1 mL syringes using the lateral approach. The dye location and distribution were assessed by anatomic dissection, performed immediately after the injection. RESULTS: In 9/10 specimens, the dye was exclusively detectable in the LCA. In 1/10 case (left side), the dye could not be delivered in the LCA because of unintended penetration of the thyroid cartilage by the needle during injection. Anatomic dissection confirmed that the dye spread neither into the thyroarytenoid (TA) nor the cricothyroid muscle (CT). CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic dissection following lateral dye injection in the LCA under ultrasound guide confirmed the precision of this approach in delivery a substance exclusively in a pre-determined target. This feature makes this method an interesting addition or alternative to the standard LEMG-guided BoNT injection at least when the LCA is its target. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
Subject(s)
Botulinum Toxins , Laryngeal Diseases , Humans , Laryngeal Muscles/diagnostic imaging , Pilot Projects , Electromyography , Ultrasonography, InterventionalABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal pacing (LP) is a highly anticipated therapeutic option for patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis with synkinesis. Identification of candidate patients requires confirmation of a stimulable posterior cricoidarythenoid muscle (PCA) by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A silicone endoscopic cap electrode (ECE50) was designed to be operated as an endoscopic extension tip for selective PCA stimulation and confirmation of a glottic opening movement in a setting comparable to a gastroscopy procedure. METHODS: A porcine animal model (n = 6) was applied to develop and test endoscopic cap prototypes in general anesthesia and sedation at a biomedical research center. Two ENT endoscopy experts evaluated and refined the cap design and performance in regard to procedure safety, endoscope handling, accessibility of the PCA by the transoral approach and selective muscle stimulation. RESULTS: Vocal fold opening movements could be evoked by the investigators in 9 of 12 PCA muscles to stimulate with similar electric parameters. The endoscopic approach using the ECE50 proved to be atraumatic and sufficiently controlled under sedation to locate the required hotspot for NMES of the PCA. CONCLUSION: The functionality of the novel endoscopic cap concept has been proven in a porcine model. It can be expected to be transferable to human application and to be of diagnostic importance in the screening and identification of LP candidate patients in future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:2279-2284, 2023.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Muscles , Vocal Cord Paralysis , Swine , Humans , Animals , Laryngeal Muscles/physiology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/surgery , Vocal Cords , Endoscopy , Electrodes , Electromyography , Electric StimulationABSTRACT
This article addresses the potential clinical value of surface electrical stimulation in the acute phase of denervation after the onset of facial nerve or recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. These two nerve lesions are the most frequent head and neck nerve lesions. In this review, we will work out several similarities concerning the pathophysiology features and the clinical scenario between both nerve lesions, which allow to develop some general rules for surface electrical stimulation applicable for both nerve lesions. The focus is on electrical stimulation in the phase between denervation and reinnervation of the target muscles. The aim of electrostimulation in this phase of denervation is to bridge the time until reinnervation is complete and to maintain facial or laryngeal function. In this phase, electrostimulation has to stimulate directly the denervated muscles, i.e. muscle stimulation and not nerve stimulation. There is preliminary data that early electrostimulation might also improve the functional outcome. Because there are still caveats against the use of electrostimulation, the neurophysiology of denervated facial and laryngeal muscles in comparison to innervated muscles is explained in detail. This is necessary to understand why the negative results published in several studies that used stimulation parameters are not suitable for denervated muscle fibers. Juxtaposed are studies using parameters adapted for the stimulation of denervated facial or laryngeal muscles. These studies used standardized outcome measure and show that an effective and tolerable electrostimulation of facial and laryngeal muscles without side effects in the early phase after onset of the lesions is feasible, does not hinder nerve regeneration and might even be able to improve the functional outcome. This has now to be proven in larger controlled trials. In our view, surface electrical stimulation has an unexploited potential to enrich the early therapy concepts for patients with unilateral facial or vocal fold paralysis.
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PURPOSE: Since the introduction of transcutaneous-transcricoidal needle approaches, electromyography (EMG) of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) became easier to perform and teach. Among the Neurolaryngology working group of the European Laryngological Society, several centers have adopted PCA EMG as part of their routine EMG workup in vocal fold immobility collectively gathering long-term experience. The purpose is to give an update and an extension to already existing guidelines on laryngeal EMG with specific regard to PCA EMG. METHODS: Consensus of all co-authors is based on continuous exchange of ideas and on joint laryngeal EMG workshop experiences over at least 7 years. A Delphi method of consensus development was used, i.e., the manuscript was circulated among the co-authors until full agreement was achieved. RESULTS: Step-by-step instructions on how to perform and interpret PCA EMG are provided. CONCLUSIONS: Further research should include the establishment of normal values for PCA and thyroarytenoid muscle (TA) EMG as well as studies on the nature of some unusual activation pattern commonly seen in chronically lesioned PCA.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Muscles , Vocal Cords , Consensus , Electromyography/methods , Humans , Laryngeal Muscles/physiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Voice diagnostics including voice range profile (VRP) measurement and acoustic voice analysis is essential in laryngology and phoniatrics. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, wearing of 2 or 3 filtering face piece (FFP2/3) masks is recommended when high-risk aerosol-generating procedures like singing and speaking are being performed. Goal of this study was to compare VRP parameters when performed without and with FFP2/3 masks. Further, formant analysis for sustained vowels, singer's formant, and analysis of reading standard text samples were performed without/with FFP2/3 masks. METHODS: Twenty subjects (6 males and 14 females) were enrolled in this study with an average age of 36 ± 16 years (mean ± SD). Fourteen patients were rated as euphonic/not hoarse and 6 patients as mildly hoarse. All subjects underwent the VRP measurements, vowel, and text recordings without/with FFP2/3 mask using the software DiVAS by XION medical (Berlin, Germany). Voice range of singing voice, equivalent of voice extension measure (eVEM), fundamental frequency (F0), sound pressure level (SPL) of soft speaking and shouting were calculated and analyzed. Maximum phonation time (MPT) and jitter-% were included for Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) measurement. Analyses of singer's formant were performed. Spectral analyses of sustained vowels /a:/, /i:/, and /u:/ (first = F1 and second = F2 formants), intensity of long-term average spectrum, and alpha-ratio were calculated using the freeware praat. RESULTS: For all subjects, the mean values of routine voice parameters without/with mask were analyzed: no significant differences were found in results of singing voice range, eVEM, SPL, and frequency of soft speaking/shouting, except significantly lower mean SPL of shouting with FFP2/3 mask, in particular that of the female subjects (p = 0.002). Results of MPT, jitter, and DSI without/with FFP2/3 mask showed no significant differences. Further mean values analyzed without/with mask were ratio singer's formant/loud singing, with lower ratio with FFP2/3 mask (p = 0.001), and F1 and F2 of /a:/, /i:/, /u:/, with no significant differences of the results, with the exception of F2 of /i:/ with lower value with FFP2/3 mask (p = 0.005). With the exceptions mentioned, the t test revealed no significant differences for each of the routine parameters tested in the recordings without and with wearing a FFP2/3 mask. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that VRP measurements including DSI performed with FFP2/3 masks provide reliable data in clinical routine with respect to voice condition/constitution. Spectral analyses of sustained vowel, text, and singer's formant will be affected by wearing FFP2/3 masks.
Subject(s)
Acoustics , Masks , Voice , Adult , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Phonation , Speech Acoustics , Young AdultABSTRACT
Voice diagnostics before and after phonosurgical interventions should aim at detailed planning of surgical techniques and evaluability of postoperative outcome. They should consider multimodal concepts and include measurements of perceptual voice analysis, laryngostroboscopy, voice acoustics, aerodynamics, and self-evaluation by the patients. Selected methods for voice diagnostics should reflect current knowledge and define the departmental procedure.
Subject(s)
Voice Disorders , Voice , Humans , Laryngoscopy , Speech Acoustics , Treatment Outcome , Voice Disorders/diagnosis , Voice QualityABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Selective electrical surface stimulation (SES) of the larynx is not yet routinely considered therapy option in treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Goal of this monocentric feasibility study was to provide systematic data on applicability of SES of intrinsic laryngeal muscles in UVFP under consideration of sensitivity and discomfort thresholds and nonselective side effects. METHODS: Thirty-two UVFP patients were included in the study. Symmetric triangular-shape, charge-balanced pulse widths (PWs) of 1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 milliseconds (ms) were tested with increasing amplitudes (AMPs). The stimulation was delivered as a train of five pulses using square surface electrodes. Selective laryngeal responses were examined by flexible laryngoscopy. Nonselective side effects (swallowing reflex, coughing, different severity degrees of unspecific strap muscle/platysma response) were judged by observation. RESULTS: Selective laryngeal response could be triggered in 28/32 (87.5%) patients during respiration/rest and in 26/32 (81.3%) patients during phonation. The most effective PWs for the selective eliciting of selective bilateral vocal fold adduction are comprised between 50 and 100 ms in combination with an average AMP comprised between 7.1 and 7.2 mA. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that, in UVFP patients, PWs comprised between 50 and 100 ms in combination with a median AMP between 7.1 and 7.2 mA are expected to deliver in >75% of the cases a specific, effective, and safe bilateral adduction of the VF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2566-E2572, 2021.
Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods , Vocal Cord Paralysis/therapy , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pain MeasurementABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In clinical practice, laryngo(strobo)scopy (LS) is still mainly used for diagnostics and management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UFVP), although only laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) can provide information on causes of vocal fold immobility, especially on possible synkinetic reinnervation after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The goal of this retrospective study was the evaluation whether signs of synkinetic reinnervation in LS can be objectified in comparison to LEMG data. METHODS: Between 1/2015 and 2/2018, 50 patients with laryngostroboscopically suspected UVFP received routine LEMG examination. The LEMG findings were retrospectively compared with LS findings. The LEMG data analysis focused on the diagnosis of synkinetic reinnervation of the TA/LCA and/or PCA. The digital LS recordings were retrospectively re-evaluated by phoniatricians considering 22 selected laryngostroboscopic parameters. RESULTS: LEMG revealed synkinesis in 23 (46%) and absence of synkinesis in 27 (54%) patients. None of the 22 parameters showed significant association between patients with synkinetic reinnervation and LS findings. The only laryngostroboscopic parameter that was significantly associated with a silent LEMG signal compared to single fiber activity in LEMG was a length difference on the side of the UVFP (p-value 0.0001; OR 14.5 (95% CI 3.047-66.81; Sensitivity 0.5; Specificity 0.9355). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that synkinesis cannot be diagnosed using only LS. This study underlines the importance of LEMG in clinical routine for detection of laryngeal synkinesis in patients with UVFP before any further therapeutic steps are initiated to avoid later therapy failure.
Subject(s)
Synkinesis , Vocal Cord Paralysis , Electromyography , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Synkinesis/diagnosis , Synkinesis/etiology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/diagnosis , Vocal CordsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The goal of the retrospective study was to investigate the 3-month-outcome after treatment of patients with early unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) with either standard voice therapy (VT) or selective electrical stimulation of the larynx (SES). DESIGN: Non-randomised retrospective study. SETTING: 1519 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2015 and 2018 were analysed according vocal fold mobility; UVFP patients were treated either by VT or SES. PARTICIPANTS: 51 UVFP patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 51 UVFP patients have been advised regarding treatment options like either VT (group 1) or SES (group 2). The patients of group 1 (n = 26) and 2 (n = 25) were re-assessed up to 3 months post-operatively regarding UVFP persistence/recovery and perceptive voice sound quality. At follow-ups, perceptual analysis of voice sound (using roughness=R/breathiness=B/hoarseness=H scale) and endoscopic laryngoscopy have been performed. Position of immobile vocal fold, shape of glottal closure and RBH parameters have been considered for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Restitution of UVFP with regular respiratory vocal fold mobility of both vocal folds occurred in 53.8% of group 1 (VT), and in 40.0% of group 2 (SES) after 3 months of therapy between both groups. No difference could be seen for RBH, type of glottal closure and position of ailing vocal folds in patients with persisting UVFP within both groups and between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that SES can achieve similar functional outcome in early UVFP. Thus, it should be considered as an equivalent therapy alternative to VT for treatment of early UVFP patients since no significant difference in vocal outcome and glottal configuration between the two groups could be demonstrated.
Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation Therapy , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Thyroidectomy , Vocal Cord Paralysis/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Voice QualityABSTRACT
Polymicrobial biofilms related infections are an important clinical problem with classical antibiotics being not sufficient in therapy. Here, curcumin (Cur) was loaded on positively charged chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP). The antibiofilm activities against mono- and polymicrobial biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The average diameter of CSNP-Cur was 134.37⯱â¯1.99â¯nm and its surface charge was +18.10⯱â¯0.82â¯mV. Cur released from NPs was slower at pH 7.4 than at pH 5.4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to observe biofilm architecture and live/dead organisms within biofilm on medical silicone surface. CSNP-Cur exhibited excellent antibiofilm activity against planktonic bacteria or fungi, mono- and polymicrobial biofilm formations and preformed biofilms. SEM and CLSM showed that CSNP-Cur was able to reduce biofilm thickness as well as kill microbial cells embedded in biofilm on silicone surfaces.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Antifungal Agents , Chitosan , Curcumin , Drug Delivery Systems , Nanoparticles , Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Biofilms/drug effects , Candida albicans/drug effects , Candida albicans/physiology , Chitosan/administration & dosage , Chitosan/chemistry , Curcumin/administration & dosage , Curcumin/chemistry , Drug Liberation , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Staphylococcus aureus/physiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Airway management during repair of laryngotracheal stenosis is demanding, and there is currently no accepted standard of care. Recently an increasing number of airway centers have started to use a laryngeal mask until the airway is surgically exposed and cross-table ventilation can be initiated. However detailed data on this approach are missing in the literature. METHODS: Patients receiving laryngotracheal surgery from November 2011 until October 2018 were retrospectively included in this single-center study, except for patients who presented with a preexisting tracheostomy at time of surgery. Airway management uniformly consisted of laryngeal mask ventilation until cross-table ventilation was established. Clinical variables, perioperative complications, and airway complications were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred eight patients (65 women, 43 men) receiving tracheal resection (n = 50), cricotracheal resection (n = 49), or single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (n = 9) were included in the analysis. Of the included patients 23 (21.3%) had malignant disease and 85 (78.7%) a benign pathology. In the subgroup of patients with subglottic disease 85.1% had high-grade stenosis (Myer-Cotton III°). Airway management with a laryngeal mask was successful in all except 1 patient (99.1%). Mean pulse oximetry and mean end-tidal CO2 during laryngeal mask ventilation was 98.7% ± 2.4% and 34.8 ± 7.6 mm Hg, respectively. At the end of surgery 95 patients (88%) were successfully weaned from the respirator using the laryngeal mask. CONCLUSIONS: The laryngeal mask as the primary airway device is feasible and safe in patients undergoing laryngotracheal surgery even in cases with high-grade stenosis.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Diseases/surgery , Laryngeal Masks , Tracheal Diseases/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Laryngeal Diseases/complications , Laryngeal Diseases/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Tracheal Diseases/complications , Tracheal Diseases/pathology , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This paper describes a first attempt to quantify LEMG data based on turn number calculation. The results obtained for both healthy and ailing thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles of patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) were compared with the respective qualitative evaluation concerning volitional activity to determine whether the two types of analyses deliver similar results. METHODS: LEMG data obtained from 44 adults with UVFI were considered for the study. Semiquantitative evaluation of TA volitional activity and turn number were assessed for the ailing and the healthy TA and the difference in percentage was calculated. Paired data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The volitional activity assessment and the turn number evaluation were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and their relationship was tested with the Kendall rank correlation. RESULTS: Datasets of 27 patients were considered compatible with turns/s calculation. The results showed that complete paralysis correlated with no turns; single fiber volitional activity with 62-208 turns/s, strongly decreased volitional activity with 198-501 turns/s; and dense volitional activity with 441-1234 turns/s. On the ailing VF only, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001), and the Kendall rank correlation a positive relationship (r = 0.853,p ≤ 0.0001) between the volitional activity rating and the turn number assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results showed that turn number evaluation is an effective tool to confirm LEMG qualitative analysis, and that, in combination with laryngostroboscopy and voice assessment, can help improving the accuracy of the diagnosis and prognosis and the effectiveness of the chosen therapy.
Subject(s)
Vocal Cord Paralysis , Adult , Electromyography , Humans , Laryngeal Muscles , Laryngoscopy , Vocal Cord Paralysis/diagnosis , Vocal CordsABSTRACT
Polymicrobial biofilm related infections have been a major threat in health care. In this study, the co-immobilization of cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase) on positively charged chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) resulted in a bi-functional nanoparticle (CSNP-DNase-CDH) targeting both biofilm matrix and microorganisms. The in-vitro antibiofilm activities of CSNPs against monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The results showed that CSNPs were able to penetrate across the matrix of biofilms and interfere with embedded microbial cells. CSNP-DNase-CDH exhibited a higher activity than CSNPs loaded with only DNase or CDH for inhibiting monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilm formation as well as for disrupting pre-formed biofilms. Furthermore, CSNP-DNase-CDH could disrupt the biofilm formation through degradation of eDNA, reduce biofilm thickness, and kill microbial cells on silicone. The bi-functional CSNP is applicable for the protection of medical devices from polymicrobial biofilms or the treatment of device associated infections.
Subject(s)
Biofilms , Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases/chemistry , Chitosan/chemistry , Deoxyribonuclease I/chemistry , Keratinocytes/microbiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida albicans/drug effects , Cell Line , Cell Survival/drug effects , Enzymes, Immobilized/chemistry , Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix , Humans , Keratinocytes/cytology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Microbial Viability/drug effects , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Silicones/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Trichoderma/drug effectsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Persistent unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UFVP) with glottal insufficiency often requires type I medialization thyroplasty (MT). Previous implants cannot be adjusted postoperatively if necessary. The newly developed APrevent® VOIS implant (VOIS) can provide postoperative re-adjustment to avoid revision MT. The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the VOIS intraoperatively concerning voice improvement, surgical feasibility and device handling. METHODS: During routine MT, VOIS was applied short time in eight patients before the regular implantation of the Titanium Vocal Fold Medialization Implant (TVFMI™). In all patients, perceptual voice sound analysis using R(oughness)-B(reathiness)-H(oarseness)-scale, measurement of M(aximum)-P(honation)-T(ime) and glottal closure in videolaryngoscopy were performed before and after implanting VOIS/TVFMI™. Acoustic analyses of voice recordings were performed using freeware praat. Surgical feasibility, operative handling and device fitting of VOIS and TVFMI™ were assessed by the surgeon using V(isual)-A(nalog)-S(cale). Data were statistically analyzed with paired t test. RESULT: All patients showed significant improvement of voice sound parameters after VOIS/TVFMI™ implantation. The mean RBH-scale improved from preoperative R = 2.1, B = 2.3, H = 2.5 to R = 0.6, B = 0.3, H = 0.8 after VOIS and R = 0.5, B = 0.3, H = 0.8 after TVFMI™ implantation. The mean MPT increased from preoperative 7.9 to 14.6 s after VOIS and 13.8 s after TVFMI™ implantation. VOIS/TVFMI™ achieved complete glottal closure in 7/8 patients. The satisfaction with intraoperative device fitting and device handling of VOIS was as good as that of TVFMI™. CONCLUSION: The novel APrevent® VOIS implant showed similar intraoperative voice improvement compared to routinely used TVFMI™ without adverse device events and with safe device fitting.
Subject(s)
Laryngoplasty/methods , Larynx, Artificial , Prosthesis Implantation/methods , Vocal Cord Paralysis/surgery , Adult , Aged , Feasibility Studies , Female , Glottis/surgery , Humans , Intraoperative Care , Laryngeal Diseases/etiology , Laryngeal Diseases/surgery , Laryngoplasty/instrumentation , Male , Middle Aged , Pharyngeal Diseases/etiology , Pharyngeal Diseases/surgery , Physical Therapy Modalities , Pilot Projects , Preoperative Care , Prosthesis Implantation/instrumentation , Speech Acoustics , Vocal Cord Paralysis/diagnosis , Vocal Cord Paralysis/etiology , Vocal Cords/surgery , Voice QualityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) has been considered as gold standard in diagnostics of vocal fold movement impairment, but is still not commonly implemented in clinical routine. Since the signal interpretation of LEMG signals (LEMGs) is often a subjective and semi-quantitative matter, the goal of this study was to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of neurolaryngologists on LEMGs of volitional muscle activity. METHODS: For this study, 52 representative LEMGs of 371 LEMG datasets were selected from a multicenter registry for a blinded evaluation by 7 experienced members of the neurolaryngology working group of the European Laryngological Society (ELS). For the measurement of the observer agreement between two raters, Cohen's Kappa statistic was calculated. For the interpretation of agreements of diagnoses among the seven examiners, we used the Fleiss' Kappa statistic. RESULT: When focusing on the categories "no activity", "single fiber pattern", and "strongly decreased recruitment pattern", the inter-rater agreement varied from Cohen's Kappa values between 0.48 and 0.84, indicating moderate to near-perfect agreement between the rater pairs. Calculating with Fleiss' Kappa, a value of 0.61 showed good agreement among the seven raters. For the rating categories, the Fleiss' Kappa value ranged from 0.52 to 0.74, which also showed a good agreement. CONCLUSION: A good inter-rater agreement between the participating neurolaryngologists was achieved in the interpretation of LEMGs. More instructional courses should be offered to broadly implement LEMG as a reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating vocal fold movement disorders in clinical routine and to develop future algorithms for therapy and computer-assisted examination.
Subject(s)
Electromyography/methods , Otolaryngology/methods , Vocal Cord Paralysis/diagnosis , Vocal Cords , Algorithms , Europe , Humans , Laryngeal Nerves/physiopathology , Observer Variation , Registries , Reproducibility of Results , Vocal Cord Paralysis/physiopathology , Vocal Cords/diagnostic imaging , Vocal Cords/innervation , Vocal Cords/physiopathologyABSTRACT
AIMS: Microbial colonization of silicone voice prostheses by bacteria and Candida species limits the device lifetime of modern voice prostheses in laryngectomized patients. Thus, research focuses on biofilm inhibitive properties of novel materials, coatings, and surface enhancements. Goal of this in vitro study was the evaluation of seven commonly used growth media to simulate growth of mixed oropharyngeal species as mesoscale biofilms on prosthetic silicone for future research purposes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Yeast Peptone Dextrose medium (YPD), Yeast Nitrogen Base medium (YNB), M199 medium, Spider medium, RPMI 1640 medium, Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), and Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) were used to culture combined mixed Candida strains and mixed bacterial-fungal compositions on silicone over the period of 22 days. The biofilm surface spread and the microscopic growth showed variations from in vivo biofilms depending on the microbial composition and growth medium. CONCLUSION: YPD and FBS prove to support continuous in vitro growth of mixed bacterial-fungal oropharyngeal biofilms deposits over weeks as needed for longterm in vitro testing with oropharyngeal biofilm compositions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The study provides data on culture conditions for mixed multispecies biofilm compositions that can be used for future prosthesis designs.