Vocal Cord Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord dysfunction is an upper-airway disorder characterized by exaggerated and transient glottic constriction causing respiratory and laryngeal symptoms. Common presentation is with inspiratory stridor often in the context of emotional stress and anxiety. Other symptoms include wheezing (which may be on inspiration), frequent cough, choking sensation, or throat and chest tightness. This is seen commonly in teenagers, particularly in adolescent females. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trigger for anxiety and stress with an increase in psychosomatic illness. Our objective was to find out if the incidence of vocal cord dysfunction increased during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all the subjects with a new diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction who were seen at the out-patient pulmonary practice at our children's hospital between January 2019-December 2020. RESULTS: The incidence of vocal cord dysfunction in 2019 was found to be 5.2%, (41/786 subjects seen) compared to 10.3% (47/457 subjects seen) in 2020, which is a nearly 100% increase in incidence (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize that vocal cord dysfunction has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, physicians treating pediatric patients, as well as respiratory therapists, should be aware of this diagnosis. It is imperative to avoid unnecessary intubations and treatments with bronchodilators and corticosteroids as opposed to behavioral and speech training to learn effective voluntary control over the muscles of inspiration and the vocal cords.

Factors impacting therapy duration in children and adolescents with Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM).

PURPOSE: Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM) may cause airway restriction and resulting dyspnea in the pediatric population. Therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the primary treatment for children and adolescents diagnosed with Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM). This study examined treatment duration and factors predicting number of therapy sessions required. METHODS: Data were drawn from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Clinics Outcome Database. One hundred and twelve children and adolescents were included in this study. Participants were diagnosed with PVFM, followed for therapy with a SLP, and were subsequently discharged from therapy with successful outcomes. Extracted data included number of therapy sessions, PVFM symptoms, patient demographics, medical history, and comorbid diagnoses. Regression was used to determine factors predicting therapy duration. RESULTS: Patients completed an average of 3.4 therapy sessions before discharge. Comorbid behavioral health diagnosis (ß = 1.96, t = 3.83, p < .01) and a history of upper airway surgeries (ß = 1.26, t = 2.615, p = .01) were significant predictors of the number of therapy sessions required before discharge; both factors significantly increased therapy duration. Age, symptom trigger-type, reflux symptoms, and dysphonia did not predict therapy duration. Overall, our regression model accounted for 42% of the variance in number of sessions required (r2 = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: On average, 3.4 sessions of therapy with an SLP resolved PVFM symptoms. Children with a behavioral health diagnosis required an average of 5.45 sessions and those with a history of upper airway surgery an average of 4.3 sessions. Future work should examine the relationship between behavioral health care and PVFM treatment, as well as how PVFM treatment efficiency can be maximized.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Outcomes Following Systematic Assessment of Patients with Concurrent Suspected Vocal Cord Dysfunction and Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is present in 25% to 50% of patients with asthma. When both diagnoses are suspected, accurate diagnosis and targeted management represent a clinical challenge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes following systematic assessment for patients with concurrent suspected VCD and asthma. METHODS: Patients underwent systematic evaluation by clinical assessment and validated questionnaires, followed by multidisciplinary management. VCD was confirmed by visualization of paradoxical vocal fold motion at baseline or following provocation. Asthma was confirmed by demonstrating variable airflow obstruction. Asthma medications were deescalated in those with low clinical probability of asthma and no variable airflow obstruction. Response to 2 or more sessions of speech pathology was assessed by subjective report and standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Among 212 consecutive patients, 62 (29%) patients had both VCD and asthma, 54 (26%) had VCD alone, 51 (24%) had asthma alone, and 45 (21%) had neither. Clinician assessment and the Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire both predicted laryngoscopy-confirmed VCD. Deescalation or discontinuation of asthma therapy was possible in 37 of 59 (63%) patients without variable airflow obstruction, and was most successful (odds ratio, 5.5) in the presence of laryngoscopy-confirmed VCD (25 of 31, or 81%) Patients with VCD responded subjectively to 2 or more sessions of speech pathology, but laryngeal questionnaire scores did not improve. CONCLUSIONS: Expert clinician assessment and the Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire predict the presence of laryngoscopy-confirmed VCD. Systematic assessment for both VCD and asthma facilitates deescalation or discontinuation of unnecessary asthma medications. Subjective symptom improvement following speech pathology was not paralleled by laryngeal questionnaire scores in this cohort.

Effect of Posterior Tracheopexy on Risk of Recurrence in Children after Recurrent Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula Repair.

BACKGROUND: A recurrent tracheo-esophageal fistula can complicate esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) repair in children. Therapeutic approaches and the rate of recurrence vary widely. Most reports are limited by small cohorts and short-term follow-up, and rates of re-recurrence are substantial, making it difficult to select the treatment of choice. We aimed to review our experience with the treatment of recurrent TEF using posterior tracheopexy, focusing on operative risks and long-term outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with esophageal atresia TEF with recurrent TEF treated at 2 institutions from 2011 to 2020. We approach recurrent TEFs surgically. Once the TEF is divided and repaired, the membranous trachea is sutured to the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (posterior tracheopexy) and the esophagus is rotated into the right chest (rotational esophagoplasty), separating the suture lines widely. To detect re-recurrence, patients undergo endoscopic surveillance during follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with a recurrent TEF were surgically treated (posterior tracheopexy/rotational esophagoplasty) at a median age of 14 months. All had significant respiratory symptoms. On referral, 24 had earlier failed endoscopic and/or surgical attempts at repair. Twenty-nine required a concomitant esophageal anastomotic stricturoplasty or stricture resection. Postoperative morbidity included 3 esophageal leaks, and 1 transient vocal cord dysfunction. We have identified no recurrences, with a median follow-up of 2.5 years, and all symptoms have resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of recurrent TEFs that incorporates a posterior tracheopexy and rotational esophagoplasty is highly effective for preventing re-recurrence with low perioperative morbidity.

Real-world evidence and optimization of vocal dysfunction in end-stage renal disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may demonstrate secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), characterized by parathyroid hormone oversecretion in response to electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia). Moreover, this electrolyte imbalance may affect vocal cord muscle contraction and lead to voice change. Here, we explored the effects of SHPT on the voices of patients with ESRD. We used data of 147,026 patients with ESRD from the registry for catastrophic illness patients, a sub-database of Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We divided these patients into 2 groups based on whether they had hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and compared vocal dysfunction (VD) incidence among them. We also prospectively included 60 ESRD patients with SHPT; 45 of them underwent parathyroidectomy. Preoperatively and postoperatively, voice analysis was used to investigate changes in vocal parameters. In the real-world database analysis, the presence of HPT significantly increased VD incidence in patients with ESRD (p = 0.003): Cox regression analysis results indicated that patients with ESRD had an approximately 1.6-fold increased VD risk (p = 0.003). In the clinical analysis, the "jitter" and "shimmer" factors improved significantly after operation, whereas the aerodynamic factors remained unchanged. In conclusion, SHPT was an independent risk factor for VD in patients with ESRD, mainly affecting their acoustic factors.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a disorder in which the vocal folds adduct inappropriately during inspiration resulting in episodic dyspnea and sometimes respiratory distress. Diagnosis is obtained through careful history, physical examination, flexible laryngoscopic examination with provocative maneuvers, and laryngeal electromyography. The pathogenesis and clinical findings of this disorder are not known. OBJECTIVES: To determine characteristics of patients with confirmed PVFM and to evaluate efficacy of current treatments. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the patients with PVFM who presented at a quaternary care laryngology office between January 1, 2007 and August 31, 2019 was performed. Comorbidities, laboratories tests, imaging, 24-hours pH impedance testing, and laryngeal EMG results were analyzed. Dyspnea Index questionnaire before and after treatment was used to evaluate the efficiency of treatments for PVFM. RESULTS: The average age of the 40 patients was 30.25 years. Forty-five percent of patients were under the age of 18, and 80% were female. Twenty-five percent of patients were serious athletes, and 40% of patients were students. Sixty-five percent had a previous diagnosis of asthma. One third of patients had concurrent psychiatric diagnosis. There was no family history of PVFM in the cohort. There were no other common findings. Treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was used only when there was evidence of LPR; and 93% of our 40 patients received LPR treatment. Ninety percent of patients who received botulinum toxin, voice therapy (VT), and LPR treatment had subjective improvement. Patients with just VT and LPR treatment had a 43% subjective improvement rate; and the difference was statistically significant at P of 0.021. There was no statistical difference between VT and LPR treatment versus VT or LPR treatment alone. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin, VT, and LPR treatment regimen is currently the most effective management for patients with paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder. More research is needed to determine the etiology of this disorder.

Laryngeal Pathologies Associated with the Genre of Singing and Professional Singing Status in a Treatment-Seeking Population.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Singers have high vocal demands and are at increased risk of developing voice disorders. Different singing genres place different technical demands on the voice. However, differences in laryngeal pathology based on genre have not been well-researched. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of laryngeal pathology in different genres of professional and amateur singers who present with a voice complaint. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients seen at a tertiary laryngology practice. Self-identified singers who reported their primary singing genre and categorized their singing as a full-time job, part-time job, or amateur involvement were included. Type and prevalence of pathology were calculated based on genre and professional status. RESULTS: Of the 302 self-identified singers, 54% (n = 164) had laryngeal pathology. Among those with pathology, the most common finding was fibrotic lesion (38.4%, 63/164). Genres in which a majority of singers had pathology were other (69.2%, 9/13), choral (64.7%, 11/17), pop (63.2%, 12/19), musical theater (61.4%, 43/70), country (100%, 4/4), and Latin (100%, 2/2). The highest prevalence of pathology was seen in part-time professional singers (62.2%, 41/66) and full-time professionals (60.8%, 62/102), compared to amateurs (45.1%, 60/133). CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal pathology is prevalent in singers presenting with a voice complaint. Regardless of genre or professional status, fibrotic lesions were the most common pathological finding. This study provides preliminary data on the prevalence of different laryngeal pathologies found in singers by genre and degree of professional involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2076-2080, 2021.

Laryngeal Dysfunction in Severe Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal disorders can contribute to disease burden in severe asthma yet the nature of laryngeal disorders in severe asthma is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine laryngeal function in patients with severe asthma. METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study involving 97 participants compared laryngeal function in patients with severe asthma (n = 53) with patients with laryngeal disorders of vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (n = 16) and muscle tension dysphonia (n = 14), and with healthy controls (n = 13). A pre-post pilot study of speech pathology intervention for laryngeal symptoms was then provided to 11 participants with severe asthma and laryngeal dysfunction. RESULTS: Laryngeal dysfunction was common in severe asthma. The majority of participants with severe asthma (87%) had laryngeal dysfunction, which affected respiration, phonation, or both. Three distinct patterns of laryngeal dysfunction in severe asthma were identified: (1) phonatory laryngeal dysfunction, (2) respiratory laryngeal dysfunction, and (3) combined laryngeal dysfunction. Laryngeal hypersensitivity and impaired voice measures were common in severe asthma. Patient-reported outcome measures improved after therapy, and laryngeal dysfunction improved in 7 (64%) participants. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal dysfunction affects respiration and phonation in severe asthma. It requires identification and treatment to minimize its impact on asthma symptoms.

Impact of comorbid conditions on asthmatic adults and children.

Comorbid conditions (comorbidities) can complicate the diagnosis and management of asthma. In different age groups, comorbid conditions can present varying challenges, including diagnostic confusion due to mimicking asthma symptoms, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, therapy for comorbid conditions affecting asthma or therapy for asthma affecting these conditions. This review aims to summarise some common comorbid conditions with asthma, such as rhinitis, vocal cord dysfunction, gastro-oesophageal reflux, psychiatric disorders, obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea, and discuss their prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, highlighting any differences in how they impact children and adults. Overall, there is a lack of data on the impact of treating comorbid conditions on asthma outcomes and further studies are needed to guide age-appropriate asthma management in the presence of these conditions.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion in Difficult Asthma Is Associated with Dysfunctional Breathing and Preserved Lung Function.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with difficult asthma also have coexisting vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), evident by paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) on laryngoscopy. OBJECTIVE: Among patients with difficult asthma, we sought to identify clinical features associated with laryngoscopy-diagnosed PVFM. METHODS: Consecutive patients with "difficult asthma" referred by respiratory specialists underwent systematic assessment in this observational study. Those with a high clinical suspicion for VCD were referred for laryngoscopy, either at rest or after mannitol provocation. Statistical analyses were performed to identify clinical factors associated with PVFM, and a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to control for confounders. RESULTS: Of 169 patients with difficult asthma, 63 (37.3%) had a high clinical probability of VCD. Of 42 who underwent laryngoscopy, 32 had PVFM confirmed. Patients with PVFM more likely had preserved lung function (prebronchodilator forced expiratory ratio 74% ± 11 vs 62% ± 16, P < .001); physiotherapist-confirmed dysfunctional breathing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-12.7, P < .001), gastro-oesophageal reflux (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.16-5.8, P = .02), and a lower peripheral eosinophil count (0.09 vs 0.23, P = .004). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors for PVFM were dysfunctional breathing (OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2-12, P < .001) and preserved lung function (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.028-1.106, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Among specialist-referred patients with difficult asthma, VCD pathogenesis may overlap with dysfunctional breathing but is not associated with severe airflow obstruction. Dysfunctional breathing and preserved lung function may serve as clinical clues for the presence of VCD.

Repercusiones vocales del síndrome de hiperlaxitud articular / Vocal repercussions of the joint hypermobility syndrome

Introducción: La hiperlaxitud articular es un síndrome frecuente en niños y mujeres; sus repercusiones en el sistema musculoesquelético son variadas y cursan con distintos grados de severidad. Sus consecuencias en la función vocal han sido estudiadas escasamente impidiendo así, muchas veces, su óptimo abordaje clínico. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento vocal de mujeres con síndrome de hiperlaxitud articular. Material y método: Se estudió a una muestra de 40 mujeres con diagnóstico médico de síndrome de hiperlaxitud articular. La evaluación se llevó a cabo utilizando videolaringoestroboscopia, electroglotografía, análisis acústico, pruebas de intensidad y de sobrecarga vocal. Resultados: En la videolaringoestroboscopia se pudo evidenciar menor desarrollo muscular, asimetría vibratoria y desbalance aritenoideo. En la electroglotografía el CQ de la muestra fue de 0.4+/-0.05. La intensidad máxima promedio fue de 85.8+/-6.2dB y el tiempo máximo fonatorio, de 11.8+/-3.1s. En las tareas de sobrecarga la muestra presentó rápida fatigabilidad. Conclusiones: El comportamiento vocal de los sujetos que presentan síndrome de hiperlaxitud articular expresa insuficiencia glótica, debido a la falta de resistencia muscular de los pliegues vocales

Introduction: Joint hypermobility is a frequent syndrome in children and women, its impact on the musculoskeletal system are diverse and occur with different degrees of severity. Its consequences on vocal function have been studied sparingly, often preventing its optimal clinical approach. Objective: To describe the vocal behaviour of women with joint hypermobility syndrome. Material and method: A sample of 40 women with a medical diagnosis of joint hypermobility syndrome was studied. The assessment was carried out using video laryngeal stroboscopy, electroglottography, acoustic analysis, intensity and vocal overload tests. Results: In video laryngeal stroboscopy it was possible to demonstrate less muscle development, vibratory asymmetry and arytenoid imbalance. In the electroglottography, the CQ of the sample was 0.4+/-0.05. The average maximum intensity was 85.8+/-6.2dB and the maximum phonatory time was 11.8+/-3.1s. In the tasks of the overload the sample showed rapid fatigability. Conclusions: The vocal behaviour of the subjects suffering from joint hypermobility syndrome implies glottic insufficiency, due to a lack of muscular development of the vocal folds

Vocal tract symptoms: Severity and frequency in patients on statins.

The objective of the study was to analyze the frequency and severity of vocal tract symptoms in patients on statins. A total of 73 patients were enrolled in this study, 44 patients who were taking statins and 29 controls not taking statins. The severity and frequency of vocal tract discomfort was assessed using the Vocal Tract Discomfort scale. The most frequent vocal tract symptom in patients on statins was dryness followed by tightness and lump sensation. The difference in the mean of the total score and in the mean frequency of any vocal tract symptom was not significant between patients taking statins and controls. The most severe (highest mean values) vocal tract symptom in patients taking statins also was dryness followed by tightness and lump sensation. The difference in the mean of the total score and in the mean severity of any vocal tract symptom between patients taking statins and controls was not significant. This study failed to demonstrate a higher prevalence or severity of vocal tract symptoms in patients receiving statins. Despite the lack of a significant difference in the means of vocal tract discomfort symptom frequency and severity, this study carries clinical significance when considering that a higher prevalence and severity of vocal tract discomfort symptoms should alert physicians to the possible development of statin-induced myotoxicity in the laryngopharyngeal complex.

Laryngeal Dysfunction in Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic refractory cough (CRC), a phenotype of cough hypersensitivity syndrome (CHS), is a disabling problem. Laryngeal dysfunction may be important in CRC and CHS because laryngeal symptoms are common; however, the role of laryngeal dysfunction in CHS has not been systematically examined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the nature of laryngeal dysfunction in patients with CRC and compare with the related laryngeal conditions of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic design was used. We recruited 69 participants including healthy controls and patients with CRC, VCD, and MTD who were referred for behavioral speech interventions. Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment of laryngeal function during breathing, phonation, and swallowing. RESULTS: Cough frequency was high in patients with CRC (10.2 coughs/h) and VCD (16.5 coughs/h), but low in healthy controls (1.5 coughs/h) (P < .001). Patients with CRC, VCD, and MTD had impaired voice-related quality of life (vs controls, P < .05) and laryngeal hypersensitivity (vs controls, P < .05). Most voice assessment measures (3 out of 4) were significantly impaired in the CRC group compared with controls and were similar to the VCD and MTD groups. Paradoxical vocal fold movement during respiration was present in 47% of the patients with CRC at rest and in 67% after odor challenge. Mediolateral laryngeal constriction during phonation was present in 45% of the participants with CRC, 93% of the participants with VCD (P < .001 vs CC), and 64% of the participants with MTD. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal dysfunction is common in CRC and CHS and may contribute to CHS mechanisms. Assessment and treatment of laryngeal dysfunction using speech pathology interventions are likely to be beneficial in CHS.

Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction-An Overview.

Exertional dyspnea is common in health and disease. Despite having known for centuries that breathlessness can arise from the larynx, exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction is a more prevalent condition than previously assumed. This article provides a brief overview of the history, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction.

Working Towards a Common Transatlantic Approach for Evaluation of Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction.

Exertional dyspnea can be a manifestation of dysfunction in a variety of organ systems. Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), a condition previously known as vocal cord dysfunction and paradoxic vocal fold motion, is defined as inappropriate, reversible narrowing of the larynx during vigorous exercise. EILO is usually characterized by typical symptoms, which nevertheless frequently are confused with those of other conditions, including asthma. Laryngoscopy performed as symptoms evolve from rest to peak exercise is pivotal in patient work-up. Moving forward, laryngoscopy findings that definitively characterize EILO need to be defined as do objective measures that can quantitate absolute laryngeal measurements during exercise.

Voice and swallowing outcomes following reoperative anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a 2-team surgical approach.

OBJECTIVE Dysphagia and vocal cord palsy (VCP) are common complications after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The reported incidence rates for dysphagia and VCP are variable. When videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) is performed to assess vocal cord function after ACDF procedures, the incidence of VCP is reported to be as high as 22%. The incidence of dysphagia ranges widely, with estimates up to 71%. However, to the authors' knowledge, there are no prospective studies that demonstrate the rates of VCP and dysphagia for reoperative ACDF. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of voice and swallowing disturbances before and after reoperative ACDF using a 2-team operative approach with comprehensive pre- and postoperative assessment of swallowing, direct vocal cord visualization, and clinical neurosurgical outcomes. METHODS A convenience sample of sequential patients who were identified as requiring reoperative ACDF by the senior spinal neurosurgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized study during the period from May 2010 until July 2014. Sixty-seven patients undergoing revision ACDF were enrolled using a 2-team approach with neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Dysphagia was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), whereas VCP was assessed using direct visualization with VLS. RESULTS Five patients (7.5%) developed a new postoperative temporary VCP after reoperative ACDF. All of these cases resolved by 2 months postoperatively. There were no new instances of permanent VCP. Twenty-five patients had a new swallowing disturbance detected on FEES compared with their baseline assessment, with most being mild and requiring no intervention. Nearly 60% of patients showed a decrease in their postoperative MDADI scores, particularly within the physical subset. CONCLUSIONS A 2-team approach to reoperative ACDF was safe and effective, with no new cases of VCP on postoperative VLS. Dysphagia rates as assessed through the MDADI scale and FEES were consistent with other published reports.

Implementación del VHI-10 en catalán y una nueva propuesta lingüística en castellano / Implementation of the VHI-10 in Catalan and a new linguistic approach in Spanish

El VHI-10 es un cuestionario de autopercepción de hándicap vocal. Esta herramienta ha sido utilizada en múltiples estudios epidemiológicos que quieren determinar la salud vocal de la población general. Así pues, no es de extrañar que se hayan llevado a cabo traducciones de esta herramienta a distintas lenguas, entre las cuales existen versiones en lengua castellana y en lengua catalana. En este artículo, por una parte, se narra el proceso de una nueva traducción al catalán del VHI-10 con una mejor adaptación a nuestro contexto a partir del debate con los autores de esta herramienta y su posterior aprobación. Además, se hace una nueva propuesta del VHI-10 en castellano, de la que ya existe una versión muy difundida en nuestro ámbito. Por otra parte, se analizan los datos de la implementación del VHI-10 en catalán sobre dos muestras: una de 675 docentes en activo de Cataluña y otra de 1,392 estudiantes de magisterio de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Se ha probado la fiabilidad y la estabilidad de la traducción del instrumento propuesta, que se ajusta a la finalidad del VHI original. Además, se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de adaptar el VHI a la realidad concreta del colectivo de estudiantes de magisterio (AU)

The VHI-10 is a self-perception questionnaire of voice handicap. It has been used in many epidemiological studies that want to define the voice health of general population. Therefore, it is not surprising to find translations of this tool into different languages, even into Spanish and Catalan. In this paper, on the one hand, we present the process of translation of a new VHI-10 Catalan version with a better adaptation to our context thanks to the debate with the questionnaire authors and their subsequent approval. In addition, we propose a new version of the VHI-10 in Spanish, of which the adaptation already exists and is widely shared in our field. On the other hand, we analyze data related to the implementation of the VHI-10 to two samples: the first one, a sample of 675 teachers of Catalonia; the second one, a sample of the 1,392 future teachers that study at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. We have proved the reliability and the stability of the proposed questionnaire translation, which conform to the purpose of the original VHI. Furthermore, it must be highlighted the need to adapt the VHI to the concrete reality of the student teachers (AU)

High probability of comorbidities in bronchial asthma in Germany.

Clinical experience has shown that allergic and non-allergic respiratory, metabolic, mental, and cardiovascular disorders sometimes coexist with bronchial asthma. However, no study has been carried out that calculates the chance of manifestation of these disorders with bronchial asthma in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Using ICD10 diagnoses from health care institutions, the present study systematically analyzed the co-prevalence and odds ratios of comorbidities in the asthma population in Germany. The odds ratios were adjusted for age and sex for all comorbidities for patients with asthma vs. without asthma. Bronchial asthma was strongly associated with allergic and with a lesser extent to non-allergic comorbidities: OR 7.02 (95%CI:6.83-7.22) for allergic rhinitis; OR 4.98 (95%CI:4.67-5.32) allergic conjunctivitis; OR 2.41 (95%CI:2.33-2.52) atopic dermatitis; OR 2.47 (95%CI:2.16-2.82) food allergy, and OR 1.69 (95%CI:1.61-1.78) drug allergy. Interestingly, increased ORs were found for respiratory diseases: 2.06 (95%CI:1.64-2.58) vocal dysfunction; 1.83 (95%CI:1.74-1.92) pneumonia; 1.78 (95%CI:1.73-1.84) sinusitis; 1.71 (95%CI:1.65-1.78) rhinopharyngitis; 2.55 (95%CI:2.03-3.19) obstructive sleep apnea; 1.42 (95%CI:1.25-1.61) pulmonary embolism, and 3.75 (95%CI:1.64-8.53) bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Asthmatics also suffer from psychiatric, metabolic, cardiac or other comorbidities. Myocardial infarction (OR 0.86, 95%CI:0.79-0.94) did not coexist with asthma. Based on the calculated chances of manifestation for these comorbidities, especially allergic and respiratory, to a lesser extent also metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental disorders should be taken into consideration in the diagnostic and treatment strategy of bronchial asthma. BRONCHIAL ASTHMA: PREVALENCE OF CO-EXISTING DISEASES IN GERMANY: Patients in Germany with bronchial asthma are highly likely to suffer from co-existing diseases and their treatments should reflect this. Quoc Thai Dinh at Saarland University Hospital in Homburg, Germany, and co-workers conducted a large-scale study of patients presenting with bronchial asthma in the Saarland region between 2009 and 2012. Patients with asthma made up 5.4% of the region's total population, with a higher prevalence occurring in females. They found that bronchial asthma was strongly associated with allergic comorbidities such as rhinitis. Indeed, asthmatic patients had a seven times higher chance to suffer from allergic rhinitis than the rest of the population, and were at higher risk of respiratory diseases like pneumonia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Further associations included cardiovascular, metabolic and mental disorders. Dinh's team call for asthma treatments to take such comorbidities into account.

Measuring Quality of Life in Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Using the SF-36v2.

OBJECTIVES: Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) consists of intermittent adduction of the vocal folds during inspiration, resulting in stridor and worsened by anxiety and stress. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of PVFM on quality of life in our pediatric patient population. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, descriptive survey study. METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients (ages 12-17 years) presenting with a PVFM diagnosis for respiratory retraining sessions with speech-language pathology were recruited. Patients completed a brief demographic questionnaire and the Short Form 36, version 2, a validated tool for measuring health-related quality of life. RESULTS: There were 31 (79%) girls and 8 (21%) boys with a mean age of 15.5 years. Subjects reported regular participation in competitive extracurricular activities, including track or cross country (30.8%), swimming (17.9%), and cheerleading or dancing (15.4%). Of the patients in the study, 46.2% were straight-A students. On the SF-36 (population averages normalized to a score of 50), the general health of patients with PVFM was better than that of the general population (53.27); however, their physical health limited their role activities more severely (42.82). In addition, a greater proportion of the group with PVFM was at risk for first-stage depression screening when compared with the general population (28% versus 18%). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a measurable detrimental impact of PVFM on health-related quality of life. This is consistent with previously published literature showing a preponderance of females with PVFM, most of whom are high achievers academically and athletically.