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The Laryngoscope Apr 2019Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that has been used to treat hypertension and vasospasm. Emerging evidence in the literature suggests that it is neuroprotective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that has been used to treat hypertension and vasospasm. Emerging evidence in the literature suggests that it is neuroprotective by reducing cellular apoptosis after neuronal injury and promoting axonal sprouting at the nodes of Ranvier.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review of the usage of nimodipine in cranial nerve injury and to perform a meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of nimodipine on functional recovery of the injured cranial nerves.
METHODS
Literature search was performed in eight databases using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Human studies that used nimodipine as a monotherapy for treating cranial nerve injury were included for review. Cranial nerve function recovery was the primary outcome measure.
RESULTS
672 records were screened and 58 full texts in English were assessed. Nine studies were included in the final review. 5 of these, including 110 participants who received nimodipine for either recurrent laryngeal nerve or facial nerve injury and 556 controls, were used for meta-analysis. Nimodipine significantly increased the odds of vocal fold motion recovery (odds ratio [OR] 13.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.21, 30.38, P < .01), and the odds of facial motion recovery (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.20, 6.44, P = .02). Overall, nimodipine-treated patients had significantly higher odds of recovering vocal fold or facial motion compared with controls (OR 6.09, 95% CI 3.41, 10.87, P < .01).
CONCLUSION
Existing evidence supports the positive effect of nimodipine on vocal fold and facial motion recovery after injury. Future research should focus on randomized clinical trials comparing recovery rates between nimodipine- and placebo-treated groups. Laryngoscope, 129:943-951, 2019.
Topics: Calcium Channel Blockers; Cranial Nerve Injuries; Face; Humans; Nimodipine; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 30450691
DOI: 10.1002/lary.27530 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2021Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is an important complication following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Recently, Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUSG) has... (Review)
Review
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is an important complication following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Recently, Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUSG) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative to laryngoscopic examination for vocal cord (VC) assessment. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine its diagnostic accuracy in reference to laryngoscopy. It was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Pooled diagnostic accuracy was calculated based on weighted arithmetic mean and plotting forest plot. The pooled visualization rate was 86.28% and 94.13% preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. The respective pooled sensitivity and specificity was 78.48% and 98.28%, and 83.96% (CI 95%: 77.24-88.50%) and 96.15% (CI 95%: 95.24-96.88%). The diagnostic accuracy improved if transverse and lateral approaches, and valsalva maneuver were utilized. Male gender and older age were the most crucial risk factors for VC non-visualization. TLUSG is an efficacious screening tool for vocal cord palsy due to its high sensitivity. It is likely to prevent unnecessary laryngoscopic examination in around 80% of patients, with the potential for becoming a gold standard for specific (female/young) patient cohort through assimilative modifications use, increasing expertise and development of objective measurements in the future.
PubMed: 34830675
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225393 -
The Laryngoscope Aug 2022Lipoinjection is one of the available treatments for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Lipoinjection is one of the available treatments for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate lipoinjection predictability, and analyze the differences in safety and efficacy of the different techniques.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic review on Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases included 49 articles analyzing the data of 1,166 patients, concerning technical details and voice parameters changes. Lipoinjection used a mean volume of 1.3 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.92, 1.69)-average overcorrection of 30%. Meta-analysis of pre- and postoperative voice parameters' means showed a significant improvement at 6 months of mean phonation time (preoperative: 5.12, 95% CI [4.48, 5.76]-6 months: 10.46, 95% CI [9.18, 11.75]), Jitter (preoperative: 2.71, 95% CI [2.08, 3.33])-6 months: 1.37, 95% CI [1.05, 1.70]), Shimmer (preoperative: 4.55, 95% CI [3.04, 6.07]-6 months: 2.57, 95% CI [1.69, 3.45]), grade (preoperative: 2.15, 95% CI [1.73, 2.57]-6 months: 0.12, 95% CI [0.97, 1.43]), breathiness (preoperative: 2.012, 95% CI [1.48, 2.55]-6 months: 0.99, 95% CI [0.58, 1.40]), and asthenia (preoperative: 1.90, 95% CI [1.33, 2.47]-6 months: 0.75, 95% CI [0.17, 1.33]) of GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain), and Voice Handicap Index-30 (preoperative: 72.06, 95% CI [54.35, 89.76]-6 months: 26.24, 95% CI [19.58, 32.90]). Subgroup analysis by harvesting technique concluded in no statistically significant difference between them. Few complications were reported. Reintervention was only required for 86 patients.
CONCLUSION
Lipoinjection seems a safe therapeutic option for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, with available data showing an efficacy lasting 6 months to 1 year. Laryngoscope, 132:1630-1640, 2022.
Topics: Asthenia; Humans; Laryngoplasty; Phonation; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 34894158
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29965 -
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews Jun 2018Extremely premature (EP) infants are at increased risk of left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) following surgery for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Extremely premature (EP) infants are at increased risk of left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) following surgery for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
OBJECTIVE
A Systematical Review was conducted to investigate the incidence and outcomes of LVCP after PDA ligation in EP born infants.
DATA SOURCES
Searches were performed in Cochrane, Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsycInfo.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies describing EP infants undergoing PDA surgery and reporting incidence of LVCP were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Study details, demographics, incidence of LVCP, diagnostic method and reported outcomes were extracted. DerSimonian and Laird random effect models with inverse variance weighting were used for all analyses.
STUDY APPRAISAL
The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
21 publications including 2067 infants were studied. The overall pooled summary estimate of LVCP incidence was 9.0% (95% CI 5.0, 15.0). However, the pooled incidence increased to 32% when only infants examined with laryngoscopy were included. The overall risk ratio for negative outcomes was higher in the LVCP group (2.20, 95% CI 1.69, 2.88, p = 0.01) compared to the non-LVCP-group.
CONCLUSIONS
Reported incidence of LVCP varies widely. This may be explained by differences in study designs and lack of routine vocal cords postoperative assessment. LVCP is associated with negative outcomes in EP infants. The understanding of long-term outcomes is scarce. Routine laryngoscopy may be necessary to identify all cases of LVCP, and to provide correct handling for infants with LVCP.
Topics: Ductus Arteriosus, Patent; Humans; Infant; Infant, Extremely Premature; Ligation; Observational Studies as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Risk Assessment; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 29336933
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2017.11.001 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jul 2017Dysphonia due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be characterized by hoarseness and weakness, resulting in a significant impact on patients' activity and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Dysphonia due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be characterized by hoarseness and weakness, resulting in a significant impact on patients' activity and participation. Voice therapy provided by a speech-language pathologist is designed to maximize vocal function and improve quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review literature surrounding the effectiveness of speech-language pathology intervention for the management of UVFP in adults.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a systematic review.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched using a range of key terms including dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis, and speech-language pathology. Eligible articles were extracted and reviewed by the authors for risk of bias, methodology, treatment efficacy, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
Of the 3311 articles identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria: seven case series and five comparative studies. All 12 studies subjectively reported positive effects following the implementation of voice therapy for UVFP; however, the heterogeneity of participant characteristics, voice therapy, and voice outcome resulted in a low level of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
There is presently a lack of methodological rigor and clinical efficacy in the speech-language pathology management of dysphonia arising from UVFP in adults. Reasons for this reduced efficacy can be attributed to the following: (1) no standardized speech-language pathology intervention; (2) no consistency of assessment battery; (3) the variable etiology and clinical presentation of UVFP; and (4) inconsistent timing, frequency, and intensity of treatment. Further research is required to develop the evidence for the management of UVFP incorporating controlled treatment protocols and more rigorous clinical methodology.
Topics: Humans; Speech-Language Pathology; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 28007326
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.11.002 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... May 2013To present a rare case of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (VCP) secondary to spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection and to perform a literature review. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To present a rare case of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (VCP) secondary to spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection and to perform a literature review.
CASE REPORT
A 35-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute onset hoarseness and dysphagia. History, physical exam and laryngoscopy revealed left sided VCP without obvious cause. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated a left internal carotid artery dissection of unknown etiology. Neurovascular surgery was consulted and treatment with aspirin was initiated. The dysphagia and hoarseness resolved in 12 weeks with long-term neurosurgery follow-up as the management plan.
METHODS
Systematic literature review was conducted by 3 independent reviewers. Since 1988 only 9 cases of VCP due to internal carotid artery dissection have been reported. These were reviewed for: demographics, diagnostic method, treatment and vocal cord function.
RESULTS
7 patients had unilateral while 2 had bilateral VCP. MRI was used for diagnosis in 7 cases and 5 cases utilized a type of angiography. All received antithrombotic treatment with 5 out of the 9 patients experiencing vocal cord recovery in an average of 7.2 weeks.
CONCLUSION
MRI is crucial in the work-up of idiopathic VCP. If an ipsilateral internal carotid artery dissection is found, antithrombotic treatment is initiated with an expectation that vocal cord mobility is likely to return.
Topics: Adult; Aspirin; Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 23668480
DOI: 10.1186/1916-0216-42-34 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jul 2015The most widely used surgical interventions for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis include injection laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, and laryngeal reinnervation.... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
The most widely used surgical interventions for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis include injection laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, and laryngeal reinnervation. Despite increasing interest in surgical interventions for unilateral vocal cord paralysis in children, the surgical outcomes data in children are scarce.
OBJECTIVE
To appraise and summarize the available evidence for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis surgical strategies.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
MEDLINE (1946-2014) and EMBASE (1980-2014) were searched for publications that described the results of laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, or laryngeal reinnervation for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Further studies were identified from bibliographies of relevant studies, gray literature, and annual scientific assemblies. Two reviewers independently appraised the selected studies for quality, level of evidence, and risk of bias as well as extracted data, including unilateral vocal cord paralysis origin, voice outcomes, swallowing outcomes, and adverse events.
FINDINGS
Of 366 identified studies, the inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies: 6 observational studies, 6 case series, and 3 case reports. All 36 children undergoing laryngeal reinnervation (8 studies) had improvement or resolution of dysphonia. Of 31 children receiving injection laryngoplasty (6 studies), most experienced improvement in voice quality, speech, swallowing, aspiration, and glottic closure. Of 12 children treated by thyroplasty (5 studies), 2 experienced resolution of dysphonia, 4 had some improvement, and 4 had no improvement (2 patients had undocumented outcomes). Thyroplasty resolved or improved aspiration in 7 of 8 patients.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Published studies suggest that reinnervation may be the most effective surgical intervention for children with dysphonia; however, long-term follow-up data are lacking. With the exception of polytetrafluoroethylene injections, injection laryngoplasty was reported to be a relatively safe, nonpermanent, and effective option for most children with dysphonia. Thyroplasty appears to have fallen out favor in recent years because of difficulty in performing this procedure in children under local anesthesia, but it continues to be a viable option for children with aspiration.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Laryngoplasty; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 25973887
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2015.0680 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Mar 2024To review the current literature about epidemiology, etiologies and surgical management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature about epidemiology, etiologies and surgical management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).
DATA SOURCES
PubMED, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review of the literature on epidemiology, etiologies, and management of adult patients with BVFP was conducted through preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statements by 2 investigators.
RESULTS
Of the 360 identified papers, 245 were screened, and of these 55 were considered for review. The majority (76.6%) of BVFP cases are iatrogenic. BVFP requires immediate tracheotomy in 36.2% of cases. Laterofixation of the vocal fold was described in 9 studies and is a cost-effective alternative procedure to tracheotomy while awaiting potential recovery. Unilateral and bilateral posterior transverse cordotomy outcomes were reported in 9 and 7 studies, respectively. Both approaches are associated with a 95.1% decannulation rate, adequate airway volume, but voice quality worsening. Unilateral/bilateral partial arytenoidectomy data were described in 4 studies, which reported lower decannulation rate (83%) and better voice quality outcome than cordotomy. Revision rates and complications vary across studies, with complications mainly involving edema, granuloma, fibrosis, and scarring. Selective posterior cricoarytenoid reinnervation is being performed by more surgeons and should be a promising addition to the BVFP surgical armamentarium.
CONCLUSION
Depending on techniques, the management of BVFP may be associated with several degrees of airway improvements while worsened or unchanged voice quality. The heterogeneity between studies, the lack of large-cohort controlled randomized studies and the confusion with posterior glottic stenosis limit the draw of clear conclusion about the superiority of some techniques over others.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Vocal Cords; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Voice Quality; Tracheotomy
PubMed: 38123531
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.616 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Jul 2014Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a known complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. However, the true incidence and interventions to minimize this complication are not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a known complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. However, the true incidence and interventions to minimize this complication are not well studied.
PURPOSE
To conduct a systematic review to identify the incidence, risk, and interventions for VCP after anterior cervical spine surgery.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a qualitative systematic literature review.
SAMPLE
Prospective and retrospective trials of patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery that reported on postoperative VCP or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary: incidence of VCP after anterior cervical spine surgery; secondary: risk factors and interventions for prevention of VCP after anterior cervical spine surgery.
METHODS
Electronic searches were conducted on Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews for clinical studies reporting VCP in anterior cervical spine surgery, limited to studies published between 1995 and June 2013 in English and French languages. After selection of studies independently by two review authors, data on incidence, risk, and interventions were extracted. Qualitative analysis was performed on three domains: quality of studies, strength of evidence, and impact of interventions.
RESULTS
Our search has identified 187 abstracts, and 34 studies met our inclusion criteria. The incidence of VCP ranges from 2.3% to 24.2%. Significant heterogeneity in study design and definition of VCP were used in the published studies. There is good evidence that reoperation increases the risk of VCP. One study of moderate strength suggests that operating from the right side may increase the risk of VCP. Among the interventions studied, endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure monitoring with deflation during retraction has shown to reduce the incidence from 6% to 2%, but this result was not confirmed by randomized control trials. Limited evidence exists for other interventions of intraoperative electromyographic monitoring and methylprednisolone.
CONCLUSIONS
Vocal cord palsy is a significant morbidity after anterior cervical surgery with incidence up to 24.2% in the immediate postoperative period, with a higher risk in reoperation of the anterior cervical spine. Moderate evidence exists for ETT cuff pressure adjustment in preventing this complication.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Incidence; Intubation, Intratracheal; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 24632183
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2014.02.017 -
European Archives of... Dec 2022This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence-base for paediatric surgical reinnervation in unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsies in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence-base for paediatric surgical reinnervation in unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsies in clinical practice. We aim to assess patient demographics, surgical technique and pre- and post-operative outcome measures.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed and reported according to international PRISMA recommendations. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for relevant publications for all available dates with appropriate MESH search criteria was performed. Articles were categorised by four authors independently. A pooled summative analysis was carried out to allow review of demographic and outcome data.
RESULTS
Our systematic PRISMA approach resulted in 19 papers being selected for inclusion and analysis with 179 patients undergoing reinnervation (153 unilateral, 26 bilateral). The youngest patient was 1.9 years. Iatrogenic injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve most common aetiology (65.4% and 19.2% of unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsies, respectively). Patent ductus arteriosus ligation was the single most common procedure resulting in unilateral vocal fold palsies (43.1% of cases). Statistically significant improvements in subjective and objective outcomes for both voice and swallowing were seen. Meta-analysis was able to be performed on the particularly evident improvements in GRBAS score and Maximum Phonation Time (MPT). GRBAS scores improved by 3.64 (p < 0.01, 95% CI 2.65 to 4.63). MPT showed a statistically significant improvement of 5.26 s (p < 0.05, 95% CI 4.28 to 6.24). No major complications were reported.
CONCLUSION
The current published evidence on one-hundred and seventy-nine paediatric surgical reinnervation procedures demonstrates its role as a safe and effective treatment for both unilateral and bilateral vocal fold palsies. Anatomically it has been shown to improve vocal fold tone, bulk and position. Both post-operative voice and swallowing outcomes show improvement as well as associated quality of life measures.
Topics: Humans; Child; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Quality of Life; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Vocal Cords; Larynx
PubMed: 35838782
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07471-y