Swallowing patterns after adenotonsillectomy in children.

IMPORTANCE: Hypertrophy of the pharyngeal and palatine tonsils can interfere with breathing, physical and cognitive development, and quality of life, including sleep quality. There are important relationships between the muscles of the airways, the anatomy, and the pattern of breathing and swallowing. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the swallowing process in children after adenotonsillectomy undertaken to treat obstructive breathing disorders. METHODS: Subjects were 85 children or adolescents who underwent adenotonsillectomy in a reference hospital between 2003 and 2007. For the clinical evaluation of swallowing, the protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES) was used, videofluoroscopy of deglutition was performed, and the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) and Classification for Severity of Dysphagia to Videofluoroscopy Scale were applied for analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 85 evaluated children, 43 were male (50.59%), the average age at evaluation was 12.11 years, the average age at the time of surgery was 6.73 years, and post-surgery time was 3.00-8.00 years. In the clinical evaluation of swallowing, half the sample (50.59%) recorded the poorest score for lip and tongue behavior. A score of 1 was observed in 67.06% of subjects for other behaviors, and in 15.30% of subjects for efficiency of swallowing. Videofluoroscopic analysis demonstrated that the most frequent swallowing alterations were labial sealing (50.59%), residue in vallecula (51.76%), and use of compensatory maneuvers (61.18%). Analysis of DOSS showed that normal swallowing was attributed to 48.31% of subjects at level 7, 44.95% at level 6, and 6.74% at level 5. For the Classification for Severity of Dysphagia to Videofluoroscopy, 75.28% were classified as having mild dysphagia. INTERPRETATION: Alterations in the dynamics of swallowing are common in children who have undergone surgery of the tonsils, even at late follow-up.

Vocal fold myofibroblast profile of scarring.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis supporting lamina propria in normal and diseased conditions. When tissue is injured, VFF become activated and differentiate into myofibroblasts to facilitate wound healing response. We investigated if vocal fold myofibroblasts can be utilized as surrogate cells for scarred VFF. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro. METHODS: Normal VFF cell lines from a 21-year-old male (N21), 59-year-old female (N59), and a scar VFF cell line from a 56-year-old female (S56) were used in this study. 10 ng/mL of transforming growth factor (TGFß1) was applied for 5 days to normal VFF. Myofibroblast differentiation was determined with immunocytochemistry and western blot, measuring alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Cell growth, proliferation, contractile properties, and gene expression profiles were evaluated. RESULTS: N21, N59, and S56 VFF presented elongated configuration. N21+ and N21- VFF demonstrated significantly greater proliferation compared to N59+, N59-, and S56 VFF at 6 days. α-SMA was expressed in all cells. Fibronectin, alpha smooth actin, connective tissue growth factor, and metallopeptidase inhibitor were the highest genes expression in VFF treated with transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1). At 24 hours, S56 VFF showed lower contraction compared to N21+ and N59+ VFF, but at 60 hours S56 VFF had lower collagen contraction compared to all cell groups. Highest collagen contraction matrices were measured with VFF treated with TGFß1 at 24 hours and N59- VFF at 60 hours. CONCLUSION: VFF treated with TGFß1 (myofibroblasts) appear to have similar phenotypic characteristics but different genotypic behavior compared to scar VFF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E110-E117, 2016.

Aging voice and the laryngeal muscle atrophy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To study by means of morphometric measurements the severity of vocal muscle atrophy in the elderly. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver study. SETTING: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty vocal folds were collected from necropsies distributed into three groups: aged 60 to 75 years (n=10); aged 76 to 90 years (n=10); and a control group aged 30 to 50 years (n=10). Specimens for histology were obtained from the middle portion of the vocal folds. The stained specimens were analyzed using Axion Vision software (coupled to a Zeiss [Oberkochen, Germany] microscope) and used in the morphometric analyses conducted with the ImageJ software. The diameters of 200 muscle fibers from each slide were measured, and the mean values were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean values of the diameters of the vocal muscle fibers of the elderly age groups were smaller than in the control: control (30-50 years: 16.389 µm); elderly (60-75 years: 14.412 µm; 76-90 years: 14.162 µm) (P<0.01). No statistical differences were observed between genders. CONCLUSION: The morphometric analysis showed smaller diameters of vocal muscle fibers in the elderly when compared to controls, demonstrating the atrophy of the muscle. No statistical differences were observed between genders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Alterations in extracellular matrix composition in the aging larynx.

OBJECTIVE: To study by immunohistochemistry the alterations of collagens I, III, IV, and V and elastin in the aging process of the human larynx. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver study. SETTING: Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty vocal folds were obtained at autopsy from 10 adult men (aged 30 to 50 years) and 20 geriatric men (10 aged 60 to 75 years and 10 aged >75 years). Mid membranous vocal fold slides were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions. Digital imaging software (ImageJ) was used to quantify the increase in brownish staining of the lamina propria structures of vocal folds, from superficial to deep layers. RESULTS: There was an increase of collagen I and III immunoexpression in the elderly larynges, in both layers. Collagens IV and V were immunoexpressed in the vessels endothelium of the lamina propria and in the basement membrane. The immunoexpression of elastin decreased in the elderly larynges, in both lamina propria layers of the vocal folds. CONCLUSION: A clear increase of collagens I and III and a decrease of elastic fibers were observed in the lamina propria of vocal folds. The concentration of collagens IV and V was the same across age groups. These findings suggest that as men age, the density of the extracellular matrix increases, brought about by an increase in collagen, while the loss of elastin results in decreased viscoelasticity.

Psychogenic dysphonia: diversity of clinical and vocal manifestations in a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic dysphonia is a functional disorder with variable clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and vocal characteristics of patients with psychogenic dysphonia in a case series. METHODS: The study included 28 adult patients with psychogenic dysphonia, evaluated at a University hospital in the last ten years. Assessed variables included gender, age, occupation, vocal symptoms, vocal characteristics, and videolaryngostroboscopic findings. RESULTS: 28 patients (26 women and 2 men) were assessed. Their occupations included: housekeeper (n=17), teacher (n=4), salesclerk (n=4), nurse (n=1), retired (n=1), and psychologist (n=1). Sudden symptom onset was reported by 16 patients and progressive symptom onset was reported by 12; intermittent evolution was reported by 15; symptom duration longer than three months was reported by 21 patients. Videolaryngostroboscopy showed only functional disorders; no patient had structural lesions or changes in vocal fold mobility. Conversion aphonia, skeletal muscle tension, and intermittent voicing were the most frequent vocal emission manifestation forms. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series of patients with psychogenic dysphonia, the most frequent form of clinical presentation was conversion aphonia, followed by musculoskeletal tension and intermittent voicing. The clinical and vocal aspects of 28 patients with psychogenic dysphonia, as well as the particularities of each case, are discussed.

Psychogenic dysphonia: diversity of clinical and vocal manifestations in a case series / Disfonia psicogênica: diversidade de apresentações clínicas e vocais de uma série de casos

Introduction: Psychogenic dysphonia is a functional disorder with variable clinical manifestations. Objective: To assess the clinical and vocal characteristics of patients with psychogenic dysphonia in a case series. Methods: The study included 28 adult patients with psychogenic dysphonia, evaluated at a University hospital in the last ten years. Assessed variables included gender, age, occupation, vocal symptoms, vocal characteristics, and videolaryngostroboscopic findings. Results: 28 patients (26 women and 2 men) were assessed. Their occupations included: housekeeper (n = 17), teacher (n = 4), salesclerk (n = 4), nurse (n = 1), retired (n = 1), and psychologist (n = 1). Sudden symptom onset was reported by 16 patients and progressive symptom onset was reported by 12; intermittent evolution was reported by 15; symptom duration longer than three months was reported by 21 patients. Videolaryngostroboscopy showed only functional disorders; no patient had structural lesions or changes in vocal fold mobility. Conversion aphonia, skeletal muscle tension, and intermittent voicing were the most frequent vocal emission manifestation forms. Conclusions: In this case series of patients with psychogenic dysphonia, the most frequent form of clinical presentation was conversion aphonia, followed by musculoskeletal tension and intermittent voicing. The clinical and vocal aspects of 28 patients with psychogenic dysphonia, as well as the particularities of each case, are discussed. .

Introdução: Disfonia psicogênica é um distúrbio vocal funcional com diversas manifestações clínicas. Objetivo: Apresentar as características clínicas e vocais de uma série de pacientes com disfonia psicogênica. Tipo de estudo: estudo de série. Método: Foram incluídos 28 pacientes adultos com disfonia psicogênica atendidos em um Hospital Universitário. Parâmetros analisados: sexo, idade, profissão, sintomas, características vocais, e achados videolaringoestroboscópicos. Resultados: 28 pacientes (26 mulheres e dois homens). Profissão: domésticas (n = 17), professor (n = 4), vendedor (n = 4), enfermeiro (n = 1), aposentado (n = 1) e psicóloga (n = 1). Sintomas de inicio súbito reportados por 16 pacientes e progressivo por 12; curso intermitente dos sintomas foi reportado por 15 pacientes. A duração dos sintomas acima de 3 meses foi referido por 21 pacientes. A videolaringoestroboscopia identificou apenas alteracões funcionais (nenhum paciente apresentou lesões estruturais ou de mobilidade das pregas vocais). Principais apresentações da disfonia psicogênica: afonia de conversão, tensão músculo esquelética e quebra de sonoridade. Conclusões: Nesta série de casos de pacientes com diagnóstico de disfonia psicogênica a forma de apresentação clínica mais frequente foi a afonia de conversão, seguida pela tensão músculo esquelética e sonoridade intermitente. Discutimos os aspectos clínicos e vocais de 28 pacientes com o diagnóstico de disfonia psicogênica e as particularidades de cada caso. .

Hyaluronic acid behavior in the lamina propria of the larynx with advancing age.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the hyaluronic acid behavior in the lamina propria of the larynx with advancing age. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty vocal folds were obtained at necropsy from 10 adult males (30-50 years old) and 20 geriatric males (10: 60-75 years old; 10: over 76 years old). Midmembranous vocal fold sections were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions. Digital imaging software (ImageJ) was used to quantify the hyaluronic acid distribution over the lamina propria of vocal folds, from superficial to deep layers. RESULTS: Hyaluronic acid distribution was homogeneous for the larynges, at both superficial and deep layers (41.6 and 38.5, respectively). For both 30- to 50-year-old men geriatric age groups, hyaluronic acid level was lower at both layers. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid level in the lamina propria of the larynx of geriatric men decreases with advancing age at both layers of the lamina.

Aging voice: presbyphonia.

Presbyphonia is a physiological process of aging voice that includes morphological changes in the coverage mucosa, muscle, and cartilage. We revised the morphological, endoscopic, and vocal acoustic changes that occur in presbyphonia and discussed some treatments proposed to minimize glottal incompetence and improve vocal performance of the elderly.

Clinical practice: vocal nodules in dysphonic children.

Common among children, vocal symptoms are a cause of concern for parents who seek elucidation of their diagnosis and treatment. Vocal nodules are the major cause of dysphonias in children and are related to vocal abuse. We conducted a literature review considering clinical, physiopathological, epidemiological, and histological aspects of vocal nodules, as well as diagnostic methods, highlighting the main studies addressing this issue. The controversial points of treatments were also discussed.

Comparative study of the behavior of p53 immunoexpression in smoking associated lesions: Reinke's edema and laryngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the behavior of the immunoexpression of protein p53 in Reinke's edema and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: retrospective. METHODS: we recovered the histological paraffin blocks of patients who were subjected to Reinke's edema and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma surgery in 2000-2011. The paraffin blocks were cut into 3-µm sections; the specimens were prepared in silanized slides (one slide for each paraffin block) and subjected to immunohistochemical reaction according to the Avidin Biotin Peroxidase method. Monoclonal primary anti-p53 antibodies were used at 1:50 dilution. Slides were examined under a light microscope at different magnitudes and results were interpreted based on the degree of brown staining in the nuclei of epithelial cells and in the extent of the fragment by using a semi-quantitative score from 0 to 3. RESULTS: 67 slides of Reinke's edema and 60 slides of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were included. Scores 2 and 3 for staining of the nuclei of epithelial cells were recorded for 46 slides of Reinke's edema (68.65%) and for 57 slides of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (95%). As to the extent of the fragment, scores 2 and 3 were recorded for 74% slides of Reinke's edema and for 95% slides of carcinomas. CONCLUSION: the positive immunoexpression for protein p53, positive in 95% carcinomas and 74% Reinke's edemas, makes us aware of the possible preneoplastic condition of the latter lesion. Further studies are needed to identify and reveal the genetic changes that lead to these results.

Laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms. Correlation with pH-monitoring.

PURPOSE: To investigate laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms and their correlation with pH-monitoring. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in patients attended at the Voice Disorder Outpatient Clinics of Botucatu Medical School in a five-year period and had vocal and gastroesophagic symptoms. Patients underwent videolaryngoscopy, auditory-perceptual vocal analyses, computerized acoustic vocal analysis and dual probe pH-monitoring for 24 hours. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included (aged between 21 and 65 years; 45 women and 12 men), 18 had normal (31.6%) and 39 had abnormal pH-monitoring results (68.4%). Videolaryngoscopy recorded several laryngeal lesions for both patients with normal and abnormal pH-monitoring, but mostly for the latter group, highlighting posterior pachyderma. Auditory-perceptual vocal assessments identified vocal changes of several intensities for both groups but especially for patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results. All acoustic parameters, except f0, were abnormal for both groups, compared to the control population. CONCLUSION: Acoustic and perceptual vocal changes and laryngeal lesions were recorded for both patients with normal pH-monitoring results and patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results, evidencing the importance of clinical history and videolaryngoscopic findings for diagnosing acid laryngitis.

Laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms. Correlation with pH-monitoring / Alterações laríngeas e vocais em pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico. Correlação com exame de phmetria

PURPOSE: To investigate laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms and their correlation with pH-monitoring. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in patients attended at the Voice Disorder Outpatient Clinics of Botucatu Medical School in a five-year period and had vocal and gastroesophagic symptoms. Patients underwent videolaryngoscopy, auditory-perceptual vocal analyses, computerized acoustic vocal analysis and dual probe pH-monitoring for 24 hours. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included (aged between 21 and 65 years; 45 women and 12 men), 18 had normal (31.6%) and 39 had abnormal pH-monitoring results (68.4%). Videolaryngoscopy recorded several laryngeal lesions for both patients with normal and abnormal pH-monitoring, but mostly for the latter group, highlighting posterior pachyderma. Auditory-perceptual vocal assessments identified vocal changes of several intensities for both groups but especially for patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results. All acoustic parameters, except f0, were abnormal for both groups, compared to the control population. CONCLUSION: Acoustic and perceptual vocal changes and laryngeal lesions were recorded for both patients with normal pH-monitoring results and patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results, evidencing the importance of clinical history and videolaryngoscopic findings for diagnosing acid laryngitis.

OBJETIVO: Investigar as alterações laríngeas e vocais em pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico e correlacioná-las com o exame de phmetria. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo que incluiu os pacientes atendidos nos ambulatórios de Distúrbios da Voz da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu no período de cinco anos com sintomas vocais e gastroesofágicos. Os pacientes foram submetidos à videolaringoscopia, às análises vocais perceptivo-auditivas, a analise vocal acústica computadorizada e ao exame de pHmetria de dois canais com monitorização durante 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 57 pacientes (entre 21 a 65 anos; 45 mulheres e 12 homens). Desses, 18 apresentavam pHmetria normal (31,6%) e 39 alterada (68,4%). As videolaringoscopias registraram diversas lesões laríngeas tanto nos pacientes com pHmetria normal como alterada, sendo mais relevantes neste último grupo, destacando-se a paquidermia posterior. As avaliações vocais perceptivo-auditivas identificaram alterações vocais de diversas intensidades em ambos os grupos, mais importantes nos pacientes com pHmetria alterada. Todos os parâmetros acústicos, exceto Fo, mostraram-se alterados em ambos os grupos, quando comparados aos controles. CONCLUSÕES: Alterações vocais perceptivas e acústicas, e lesões laríngeas foram registradas tanto nos pacientes com phmetria normal como alterada, sinalizando para a importância da historia clínica e dos achados videolaringoscópicos no diagnóstico das laringites ácidas.

Dysphonia in children.

INTRODUCTION: Vocal symptoms are common among the pediatric population and are often caused by vocal abuse. Laryngoscopy is essential for their diagnosis because it helps differentiate several laryngeal lesions, leading to a decision for suitable treatments considering each case. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the clinical characteristics, and the laryngoscopic diagnosis of a dysphonic child population. METHODS: The parents of 304 children, aged from 4 to 18 years and presenting prolonged hoarseness, answered a questionnaire about their children's voice, and all children were subjected to videolaryngostroboscopy. RESULTS: Male children aged from 7 to 12 years (64%) were predominant. Vocal abuse (n-162) and nasal obstruction symptoms (n-10) were the most frequent associated symptoms. The vocal symptoms had a chronic evolution (over 1 year) and were reported by most parents (n-200). The most commonly diagnosed lesions in the laryngoscopic exams were vocal nodules (n-175) and epidermal cysts (n-47). Furthermore, there was an association of some lesions, especially minor structural alterations. CONCLUSION: In the present study, dysphonia occurred mainly in children aged from 7 to 12 years, predominantly males. Vocal abuse and nasal obstruction symptoms were frequently reported. Vocal nodules and cysts were the most commonly diagnosed laryngeal lesions in the laryngoscopic exams.

Os distúrbios fonoarticulatórios na síndrome de Down e a intervenção precoce / The inarticulateness distress in Down syndrome and early intervention

TEMA: a criança com Síndrome de Down apresenta um atraso na aquisição e desenvolvimento dos aspectos fonoarticulatórios, atraso este, que tem sido atribuído a características físicas e ambientais que influenciam negativamente no processo de desenvolvimento. Caracterizar os aspectos fonoarticulatórios dos sujeitos com Síndrome de Down pode proporcionar uma melhor compreensão das alterações abordadas na reabilitação em suas diversas modalidades e contribuir na evolução terapêutica. Por esta razão decidiu-se focar com maior profundidade em um dos aspectos mais importantes da comunicação, a fonoarticulação. OBJETIVO: caracterizar as alterações fonoarticulatórias encontradas em indivíduos portadores da Síndrome de Down, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, enfocando a importância da intervenção precoce frente a tais circunstâncias. CONCLUSÃO: a falta de estimulação e o encaminhamento tardio irão interferir no desenvolvimento fonoarticulatório, assim, por meio da intervenção precoce, será possível a obtenção de melhores resultados, fazendo com que grandes problemas tornem-se alterações mínimas.

BACKGROUND: children with Down's Syndrome show a retard in language acquisition and develop inarticulateness distress. This delay has been attributed to the physical and environmental characteristics that have a negative impact on the development process. Characterizing articulation aspects of subjects with Down Syndrome may provide a better understanding of the changes addressed in rehabilitation in their different ways and contribute to the development therapy. For this reason, we decided to focus in greater depth in one of the most important communication aspects, the articulation. PURPOSE: characterize the inarticulateness distress found in subjects with Down Syndrome by means of a literature review, focusing on the importance of early intervention before such circumstances. CONCLUSION: lack of stimulation or late treatment will affect the development phonoarticulatory, thus, through early intervention it will be possible to obtain better results, causing major problems to become minimal disturbances.

Alterações orofaciais em doenças alérgicas de vias aéreas: [revisão] / Orofacial alterations in allergic diseases of the airways: [review]

OBJETIVO: Apontar as possíveis alterações orofaciais decorrentes do sintoma "obstrução nasal" em pacientes portadores de doenças alérgicas de vias aéreas superiores, por meio de revisão de literatura. FONTES DE DADOS: Levantamento bibliográfico utilizando bancos de dados eletrônicos, como Medline, Ovid, SciELO e Lilacs, com as palavras-chave "asthma", "rhinitis" e "mouth breathing", abrangendo os 30 últimos anos. Foram incluídos artigos de revisão, estudos observacionais e ensaios clínicos. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A obstrução nasal é encontrada freqüentemente em doenças alérgicas de vias aéreas, como rinite e asma. A respiração bucal decorrente da obstrução nasal pode interferir de maneira direta no desenvolvimento infantil, com alterações no crescimento do crânio e orofacial, na fala, na alimentação, na postura corporal, na qualidade do sono e no desempenho escolar. CONCLUSÕES: Devido à variedade de alterações orofaciais encontradas na criança respiradora bucal decorrente de obstrução nasal por doenças alérgicas de vias aéreas, é necessário realizar diagnóstico e tratamento precoces por uma equipe multidisciplinar, composta por médico, ortodontista e fonoaudiólogo, contemplando a visão de uma via respiratória única, que traz conseqüências ao crescimento e desenvolvimento do sistema motor oral.

OBJECTIVE: To study possible orofacial alterations originated from nasal obstruction symptoms in patients with allergic diseases of the superior airways, through search of scientific literature about the theme. DATA SOURCES: Bibliographic survey of the last 30 years using electronic data such as Medline, Ovid, SciELO and Lilacs, and the keywords "asthma", "rhinitis" and "mouth breathing". Revision articles, observational and clinical studies were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nasal obstruction is often found in patients with allergic diseases of airways, such as rhinitis and asthma. The mouth breathing originated from nasal obstruction can interfere directly in the child development with alterations in the craniofacial growth, body posture, sleep quality and performance at school. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the variety of orofacial alterations found in children who have nasal obstruction because of allergic diseases of airways and, therefore, are mouth breathers, it is necessary to start the treatment as soon as possible by a multidisciplinary team, formed by doctors, orthodontists and speech therapists, considering a unique airway that brings consequences to growth and development of the oral motor system of these children.

The newborn pain cry: descriptive acoustic spectrographic analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Study the characteristics of pain vocal emission of newborns during venepuncture through acoustic analysis and relate it to NIPS pain scale and some variables of the newborns. METHODS: Emissions of 111 healthy term newborns were recorded, whose lifetime varied from 24 to 72 h. The acoustic analysis was realized with GRAM 5.7 software verifying the occurrence of tense strangled voice quality, sounds, concentration of acoustic energy, breaks, double harmonic breaks and frequency instability, type of phonation, vocal attack and cough. The NIPS scale was realized during venepuncture and descriptive statistical analysis and correlation through Spearman test. RESULTS: Hundred percent of the emissions had guttural sounds, vowels, hard vocal attack, frequency, breaks, double harmonic breaks and tense strangled voice quality; 34.2% higher fundamental frequency; 62.2% periods of emission absence and 100% occurrence of tracing instability, concentration of acoustic energy, inspiratory and expiratory phonation. The cough occurred in 14.4%. The signs of vocal tract constriction associated with all the parameters. There was a negative correlation between the higher fundamental frequencies and the weight of newborns and positive correlation between cough and NIPS score. CONCLUSIONS: The newborn pain emission is tense and strident, the modifications of frequency and spectrographic tracing and the presence of sounds show laryngeal and vocal tract participation. The smaller the newborn weight, the bigger the presence of higher fundamental frequency with tense strangled voice quality and the bigger the NIPS score, the more frequent the cough. Such characteristics make pain crying peculiar, helping in the evaluation of pain during a procedure.

Valor e variações da freqüência fundamental no choro de dor de recém-nascidos / Value and variations of fundamental frequency in newborn pain cry

Objetivo: estudar o valor da freqüência fundamental e suas variações presentes no choro de dor derecém-nascidos. Métodos: foram gravadas as emissões de 111 recém-nascidos de termo e saudáveis,com idade de 24 a 72 horas durante procedimento da punção venosa periférica. A análise acústicafoi realizada por meio dos softwares VOXMETRIA 1.1 com extração do valor da freqüência fundamentale GRAM 5.7 para verificar a ocorrência de variações da freqüência fundamental como quebras,bitonalidade e freqüência hiperaguda. A escala de dor NIPS foi realizada no momento da punção. Aanálise estatística é descritiva com extração dos valores de média, desvio-padrão e freqüência deocorrência dos eventos. Resultados: os recém-nascidos apresentaram 100% de suas emissões comvariações de freqüência, ou seja, quebras e bitonalidade. A freqüência hiperaguda foi encontrada em34,2% dos recém-nascidos. Conclusão: por meio do choro, o recém-nascido comunica sua dor. Aemissão de dor do recém-nascido é tensa e estridente, com freqüência fundamental aguda e variaçõesencontradas no traçado espectrográfico, como quebras, bitonalidade e freqüência hiperaguda.Tais características são importantes para chamar a atenção do adulto no pronto atendimento aorecém-nascido e auxiliar na avaliação de dor durante um procedimento.

Purpose: to study the value of fundamental frequency and its variations found in newborn pain cry.Methods: emissions of 111 healthy and term newborns were recorded, whose lifetime varied from 24 to72 hours, during venepuncture procedures. The acoustic analysis was realized with VOXMETRIA 1.1software, with an extract from the fundamental frequency value and GRAM 5.7, in order to verify theoccurrence of fundamental frequency variations such as breaks, double harmonic breaks and higherfundamental frequency. The NIPS scale was carried out during venepuncture. The statistical analysisis descriptive with extract from the mean values, standard deviation and frequency of event occurrence.Results: the newborns showed 100% of their emissions with frequency variations, in other words,breaks and double harmonic breaks. The higher fundamental frequency was found in 34.2% of thenewborns. Conclusion: the newborn communicates pain through cry. The newborn pain emission istense and strident with higher fundamental frequency and variations founds at the spectrographictracing such as breaks, double harmonic breaks and higher fundamental frequency. Such characteristicsare important to attract adult attention concerning as for a fast support to the newborns and to help inthe evaluation of pain during a procedure.

The neonate cry after cesarean section and vaginal delivery during the first minutes of life.

Although the option for vaginal delivery is most physiological, the achievement of cesarean section is very common in Brazil. The neonate cry represents the beginning of both processes, physiological adaptation and human vocal communication. The cry emission depends on the functioning of respiratory and laryngeal muscles, which are controlled by the nervous system. The acoustic analysis of neonate cry is useful in the assessment of healthy babies and can be used to characterize the signals of diseases through a previously multidisciplinary diagnosis, with immediate medical intervention. The present study compared the acoustic cry characteristics of 30 healthy newborn after a cesarean section and 30 healthy newborn after a vaginal delivery, of both genders, from the exact moment of birth until the first 5 min of life. Using the softwares VOXMETRIA and GRAM, it was possible to analyze the duration, frequency, intensity, occurrence, localization and inspiratory phonation, besides the type of spectrographic tracings. The acoustic cry characteristics of newborns after a C section and a vaginal delivery could evidence not only harmonic, expiratory, acute and strong emissions, but also emissions rich in sounds and varied in types of melody. The differences found can be related to the physiology of birth.