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Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Feb 2024Currently, little is known about the characteristics of individuals presenting for physiotherapy care with voice and throat problems.
BACKGROUND
Currently, little is known about the characteristics of individuals presenting for physiotherapy care with voice and throat problems.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals presenting to physiotherapy for voice and throat-related problems, and to use this information to clarify the role of physiotherapy in the management of people with voice and throat problems.
METHODS
A retrospective clinical case notes review was conducted of all clients who accessed physiotherapy for voice and throat problems at a private practice based in Christchurch within a 12-month period from 1st October 2020 to 1st October 2021.
RESULTS
Data were analyzed from 53 patient charts. The typical profile of an individual accessing physiotherapy for voice and throat problems were female (n = 37), NZ European (n = 26), singer (n = 43), with chronic problems (n = 20), of a nontraumatic origin (n = 45). Voice problems were present in 39 cases and muscle-related problems were present in 42 cases. Treatment primarily included manual therapy and various modes of exercise therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical characteristics described offer insight into the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals accessing physiotherapy services for voice and throat problems. A high prevalence of muscle-related problems and wider issues were identified, consistent with the physiotherapy skill set. Physiotherapy appears to complement existing ENT or SLT services by identifying and managing muscle-related voice problems and addressing wider factors contributing to voice and throat problems.
PubMed: 38429117
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.01.007 -
Global Spine Journal Feb 2024Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To compare complication incidence in patients with or without the use of recombinant human Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 (BMP2) undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative conditions.
METHODS
A systematic search of eight online databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria included English language studies with a minimum of 10 adult patients undergoing instrumented ACDF surgery for a degenerative spinal condition in which BMP2 was used in all patients or one of the treatment arms. Studies with patients undergoing circumferential fusions, with non-degenerative indications, or which did not report post-operative complication data were excluded. Patients with and without BMP2 were compared in terms of the incidence of dysphagia/dysphonia, anterior soft tissue complications (hematoma, seroma, infection, dysphagia/dysphonia), nonunion, medical complications, and new neurologic deficits.
RESULTS
Of 1832 preliminary search results, 27 manuscripts were included. Meta-analysis revealed the relative risk of dysphagia or dysphonia (RR = 1.39, CI 95% 1.18 - 1.64, = <.001), anterior soft tissue complications (RR = 1.43, CI 95% 1.25-1.64, = <.001), and medical complications (RR = 1.32, CI 95% 1.06-1.66, = .013) were statistically significant in the BMP2 group while the relative risk of non-union (RR = .5, CI 95% .23 - 1.13, = .09) trended lower in the BMP2 group. Neurological deficit (RR = 1.06, CI 95% .82-1.37, = .66), and additional medical complications (RR = 1.53, CI 95% .98-2.38, P = .06) were not found to be statistically different between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis identified a high rate of arthrodesis when BMP2 was used in ACDF, but confirmed increased rates of dysphagia and anterior soft tissue complications. Surgeons may consider reserving BMP2 implementation for cases with a high risk of non-union, and should be aware of the risk of airway compromise.
PubMed: 38421328
DOI: 10.1177/21925682231166325 -
Global Spine Journal Feb 2024Systematic literature review To critically analyze the literature and describe the complications associated with the use of allograft in 1- or 2- level anterior...
Systematic literature review To critically analyze the literature and describe the complications associated with the use of allograft in 1- or 2- level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was conducted for literature published between January 2000 and August 2020 reporting complications associated with the use of allograft in 1- or 2- level ACDF. From 584 potentially relevant citations, 21 met the inclusion criteria (4 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 4 prospective, and 13 retrospective studies). The patient number varied between 26 and 463 in comparative studies (RCT and non-RCT) and between 29 and 345 in non-comparative studies. Fusion rate was reported in 14 studies and ranged between 68.5-100%. The most frequently reported complication was post-operative dysphagia or dysphonia, with incidences ranging between .5% and 14.4%. Revision surgery was the second most reported complication (14 studies) and ranged between 0% and 10.3%. Wound-related complications were reported in 6 studies and ranged between 0% and 22.8%. The overall reporting of complications was low with very few comparative studies. Reported complications with allografts are within the range of other osteobiologics and autografts and in most cases may not attributable to the use of osteobiologics and may be complications of the procedure itself. Comparative studies with a more robust methodology analyzing complications with allograft and other osteobiologics are needed to inform current practice with strong recommendations.
PubMed: 38421325
DOI: 10.1177/21925682231173358 -
European Journal of Physical and... Feb 2024This article was published in volume 58, issue 6 of publishing year 2022, with a mistake in Table II. The correct Table II is the one included in this erratum.
This article was published in volume 58, issue 6 of publishing year 2022, with a mistake in Table II. The correct Table II is the one included in this erratum.
PubMed: 38420908
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.08368-5 -
Seminars in Speech and Language Mar 2024Abductor laryngeal dystonia (ABLD) is a rare neurological voice disorder which results in sporadic opening of the vocal folds during speech. Etiology is unknown, and to...
Abductor laryngeal dystonia (ABLD) is a rare neurological voice disorder which results in sporadic opening of the vocal folds during speech. Etiology is unknown, and to date there is no identified effective behavioral treatment for it. It is hypothesized that LSVT LOUD®, which was developed to treat dysphonia secondary to Parkinson's disease, may have application to speakers with ABLD to improve outcomes beyond that with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment alone. The participant received one injection of BoNT in each vocal fold 2 to 3 months prior to initiating intensive voice therapy via teletherapy. Objective measures of vocal loudness (dB sound pressure level), maximum phonation time, and high/low pitch frequency (Hz) were recorded in all treatment sessions and follow-up sessions. Over the course of treatment, the participant showed steady gains in phonation time, volume, pitch range, and vocal quality with a substantial reduction in aphonic voice breaks by the end of the treatment program. Perceptual symptoms of ABLD were nearly undetectable by the participant and the clinicians up to 12 months posttreatment, with no additional BoNT injections. The results suggest that LSVT LOUD® following BoNT was effective, with long-lasting improvement in vocal function, for this speaker with ABLD.
Topics: Humans; Dysphonia; Botulinum Toxins; Dystonia; Voice Quality; Phonation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38417816
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779509 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2024: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from the paraganglia, which might be sympathetic or parasympathetic. Laryngeal...
: Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from the paraganglia, which might be sympathetic or parasympathetic. Laryngeal paragangliomas are the rarest subtype of these tumors, with only 1.41% of all paragangliomas, arising from the supraglottic or subglottic paraganglia of the larynx. The vast majority of them are benign, but there are some cases in which they turn out to be malignant, and the only way to know with certainty the difference between them is when we identify distant metastases. The aim of this article is to share our experience with a rare case of laryngeal paraganglioma and review the clinical characteristics, methods of diagnostic, necessary investigation prior to the operation, and surgical management of this type of tumor. : We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient, a non-smoker, who accused dysphagia, dysphonia, foreign body sensation, chronic cough, and hoarseness for six months. We performed a tracheostomy prior to biopsy to secure the airways in case of bleeding and then took a few biopsy samples. The histopathological exam revealed the presence of a laryngeal paraganglioma. An enhanced CT scan was performed in order to describe the localization, size, and invasion of the tumor. We also measured the vanillylmandelic acid from the urine to determine if the tumor produced catecholamines alongside a full cardiology and endocrinology examinations. In order to prevent massive bleeding during the operation, chemoembolization was attempted before surgery, but it was unsuccessful due to an anatomical variation of the left superior thyroid artery. She underwent surgery, first through transoral endoscopic microsurgery; however, we decided to undertake an external approach because of poor bleeding control, even though we had ligated both the superior thyroid artery and the external carotid artery, with a thyrotomy and laryngofissure achieving the complete resection of the tumor. : The patient was discharged 10 postoperative days later, with the recommendation of introducing food step-by-step from liquids to solids. She was decannulated after 30 days, with no complications regarding breathing, phonation, or deglutition. Twelve months after the surgery, we did not identify any local relapses of distant metastases. : Laryngeal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the laryngeal paraganglia. Surgery is the best treatment option available, and it can be done by either an external approach or by transoral endoscopy. Enhanced CT or MRI, as well as full cardiological and endocrinological evaluation are mandatory prior to the operation. Measuring the catecholamines levels show the if the tumor is secretory. Controlling the bleeding poses the biggest challenge in performing the resection of the tumor, especially when a transoral endoscopic approach is chosen. Further standardized follow-up guidelines are required in the future.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Paraganglioma; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Catecholamines
PubMed: 38399485
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020198 -
Biomolecules Feb 2024Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of disability and death. Maintenance use of inhaled bronchodilator(s) is the cornerstone of COPD... (Review)
Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of disability and death. Maintenance use of inhaled bronchodilator(s) is the cornerstone of COPD pharmacological therapy, but inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are also commonly used. This narrative paper reviews the role of ICSs as maintenance treatment in combination with bronchodilators, usually in a single inhaler, in stable COPD subjects. The guidelines strongly recommend the addition of an ICS in COPD subjects with a history of concomitant asthma or as a step-up on the top of dual bronchodilators in the presence of hospitalization for exacerbation or at least two moderate exacerbations per year plus high blood eosinophil counts (≥300/mcl). This indication would only involve some COPD subjects. In contrast, in real life, triple inhaled therapy is largely used in COPD, independently of symptoms and in the presence of exacerbations. We will discuss the results of recent randomized controlled trials that found reduced all-cause mortality with triple inhaled therapy compared with dual inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy. ICS use is frequently associated with common local adverse events, such as dysphonia, oral candidiasis, and increased risk of pneumonia. Other side effects, such as systemic toxicity and unfavorable changes in the lung microbiome, are suspected mainly at higher doses of ICS in elderly COPD subjects with comorbidities, even if not fully demonstrated. We conclude that, contrary to real life, the use of ICS should be carefully evaluated in stable COPD patients.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Bronchodilator Agents; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Administration, Inhalation; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 38397432
DOI: 10.3390/biom14020195 -
Biology Feb 2024In humans, speech is a complex process that requires the coordinated involvement of various components of the phonatory system, which are monitored by the central... (Review)
Review
In humans, speech is a complex process that requires the coordinated involvement of various components of the phonatory system, which are monitored by the central nervous system. The larynx in particular plays a crucial role, as it enables the vocal folds to meet and converts the exhaled air from our lungs into audible sounds. Voice production requires precise and sustained exhalation, which generates an air pressure/flow that creates the pressure in the glottis required for voice production. Voluntary vocal production begins in the laryngeal motor cortex (LMC), a structure found in all mammals, although the specific location in the cortex varies in humans. The LMC interfaces with various structures of the central autonomic network associated with cardiorespiratory regulation to allow the perfect coordination between breathing and vocalization. The main subcortical structure involved in this relationship is the mesencephalic periaqueductal grey matter (PAG). The PAG is the perfect link to the autonomic pontomedullary structures such as the parabrachial complex (PBc), the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF), the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and the nucleus retroambiguus (nRA), which modulate cardiovascular autonomic function activity in the vasomotor centers and respiratory activity at the level of the generators of the laryngeal-respiratory motor patterns that are essential for vocalization. These cores of autonomic structures are not only involved in the generation and modulation of cardiorespiratory responses to various stressors but also help to shape the cardiorespiratory motor patterns that are important for vocal production. Clinical studies show increased activity in the central circuits responsible for vocalization in certain speech disorders, such as spasmodic dysphonia because of laryngeal dystonia.
PubMed: 38392336
DOI: 10.3390/biology13020118 -
Heliyon Feb 2024We speculated that increased blood-plasma levels of Substance P may serve as an indicator of glottal incompetence, which is usually indicated by reduced maximum...
We speculated that increased blood-plasma levels of Substance P may serve as an indicator of glottal incompetence, which is usually indicated by reduced maximum phonation time. We performed an initial study to test the plausibility of this hypothesis. Patients with dysphonia caused by glottal incompetence were asked to perform vocal exercises for six months to reduce glottal incompetence and we compared the plasma concentration of Substance P before and after the vocal exercise to detect correlation between maximum phonation time and plasma concentration of Substance P. Based on the results, we further hypothesized that patients exhibiting dysphonia with maximum phonation time less than 14 s, in particular less than 10 sec, caused by glottal incompetence may have increased plasma concentration of Substance P with the results of elevated thresholds of cough reflex associated with subclinical aspiration in airways. Further study is needed on patients with decreased Substance P levels, with low scores on Activities of Daily Living and who are hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia.
PubMed: 38375315
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25751 -
Laryngoscope Investigative... Feb 2024Patients lose their voice after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer or aspiration prevention surgery for severe dysphagia. To assist such patients, we developed and...
OBJECTIVE
Patients lose their voice after laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer or aspiration prevention surgery for severe dysphagia. To assist such patients, we developed and verified the utility of a novel vocalization method using a device termed the voice retriever (VR), in which the sound source is placed in the mouth.
METHODS
We investigated the effectiveness of the VR in patients. The VR consists of a mouthpiece with a built-in speaker and a dedicated application that serves as the sound source. We compared the speech intelligibility and naturalness in normal participants using VR and an electrolarynx (EL) for the first time as well as the voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) in patients with dysphonia before and after using the VR.
RESULTS
The VR produced significantly higher 100-syllable test scores as well as fluency, amount of additional noise, intonation, intelligibility and overall long reading test ratings in the first-time VR and EL users. Furthermore, the VR use significantly improved the V-RQOL of participants with dysphonia.
CONCLUSION
Compared to EL, VR allows more effective speech improvement in participants without experience using an alternative vocalization method and improves the V-RQOL in patients with dysphonia.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Step 4.
PubMed: 38362198
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1204