Tonsillectomy in children with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency: Effects on speech

1996 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda L. D'Antonio ◽  
Lynn S. Snyder ◽  
Saghi Samadani

Recent case reports have challenged the notion that tonsillectomy is contraindicated in patients with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) on perceptual speech characteristics, aerodynamic measures, and endoscopic descriptions of velopharyngeal function in a clinical population. Fifteen children 4 to 10 years of age received preoperative and postoperative evaluations. Perceptual speech characteristics improved or remained the same for most variables. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ratings of hypernasality or frequency and severity of nasal emission. However, ratings of voice quality (pitch and breathiness) were significantly improved after surgery. Aerodynamic measures showed improvement or no change in velopharyngeal function for 12 of 15 children. Endoscopic assessment showed improvement or no change in velopharyngeal closure for 7 of 11 children tested. Cross-method analysis indicated that no single subject showed deterioration in velopharyngeal function in all three measures. The data from this investigation do not support the assumption that tonsillectomy is contraindicated for all children with or at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:319-23.)

1996 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Watterson ◽  
Julie Hinton ◽  
Stephen Mcfarlane

The use of novel stimuli for obtaining nasalance measures in young children was the focus of this study. The subjects were 20 children without a history of communication disorders and 20 children at risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Each subject recited three passages; the standard Zoo Passage, and two novel stimuli that were named the Turtle Passage and the Mouse Passage. Like the Zoo Passage, the Turtle Passage contained no normally nasal consonants. The Mouse Passage was about 11% nasal consonants, which is similar to the Rainbow Passage. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the mean nasalance for the Zoo Passage and the Turtle Passage for either the subjects without risk of VPI (15.4% vs 15.7%) or for those at risk (30.4% vs 28.8%). Nasalance measures for the Mouse Passage were significantly higher than for either the Zoo Passage or the Turtle Passage. Listeners rated the stimuli on a 5-point equal-appearing intervals scale. The correlation coefficient between listener judgments of hypernasality and nasalance was significant for the Zoo Passage (r = 0.70) and for the Turtle Passage (r = 0.51) but not significant for the Mouse Passage (r = 0.32). Using cut-off scores of 22% for nasalance and 2.25 for hypernasality, the sensitivity for the Zoo Passage was 0.72, and for the Turtle Passage, 0.83.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1071-1082
Author(s):  
Theresa Schölderle ◽  
Elisabet Haas ◽  
Wolfram Ziegler

Purpose The aim of this study was to collect auditory-perceptual data on established symptom categories of dysarthria from typically developing children between 3 and 9 years of age, for the purpose of creating age norms for dysarthria assessment. Method One hundred forty-four typically developing children (3;0–9;11 [years;months], 72 girls and 72 boys) participated. We used a computer-based game specifically designed for this study to elicit sentence repetitions and spontaneous speech samples. Speech recordings were analyzed using the auditory-perceptual criteria of the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales, a standardized German assessment tool for dysarthria in adults. The Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales (scales and features) cover clinically relevant dimensions of speech and allow for an evaluation of well-established symptom categories of dysarthria. Results The typically developing children exhibited a number of speech characteristics overlapping with established symptom categories of dysarthria (e.g., breathy voice, frequent inspirations, reduced articulatory precision, decreased articulation rate). Substantial progress was observed between 3 and 9 years of age, but with different developmental trajectories across different dimensions. In several areas (e.g., respiration, voice quality), 9-year-olds still presented with salient developmental speech characteristics, while in other dimensions (e.g., prosodic modulation), features typically associated with dysarthria occurred only exceptionally, even in the 3-year-olds. Conclusions The acquisition of speech motor functions is a prolonged process not yet completed with 9 years. Various developmental influences (e.g., anatomic–physiological changes) shape children's speech specifically. Our findings are a first step toward establishing auditory-perceptual norms for dysarthria in children of kindergarten and elementary school age. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12133380


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-53
Author(s):  
Ruth Ariyani ◽  
Widjajalaksmi ◽  
Luh K Wahyuni ◽  
Susyana Tamin ◽  
Saptawati Bardosono

Objective: The aim of this study to determine the therapeutic effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on pharyngeal phase of swallowing for stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia,and to see the effect of NMES in reducing the incidence of standing secretion, residue, penetration and aspiration.Methods: It is a quasi-­experimental study design. 10 stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia in Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital, Jakarta, 40-­80 years old with hemodynamically stable, cooperative and will be get NMES therapy for 4 weeks. Pre and Post treatment assessment caompared using a modified MASA test (The Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability) and FEES examination (Flexible Endoscophic Evaluation of Swallowing). Analysis of change scores using Wilcoxon test.Results:The obtain average age of patients 59.80+9.705 years. Significant difference seen in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing increased score of gag reflex, velum elevation, cough reflex, voluntary cough, voice quality, pharynx response, pharyngeal constrictor contraction and vocal cord adduction (p<0.005).Also seen significant reduction in the incidence of standing secretion, residue and penetration (p<0.005), but not significantly in the incidence of aspiration (p=0083).Conclusions: NMES increased the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, reduced the incidence of standing secretion, residue and penetration of stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia, but have not able to reduced aspiration.Keywords :Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NEMS), neurogenic dysphagia, MASA test (The Mann Assessment of Swallow ing Ability), FEES examination (Flexible Endoscophic Evaluation of Swallowing), swallowing process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. E9-E13
Author(s):  
Sachin Srinivasan ◽  
Peter D. Siersema ◽  
Madhav Desai

Abstract Background and study aims Diminutive colorectal polyps are increasingly being detected and it is not clear whether jumbo biopsy forceps (JBF) has comparable efficacy to that of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for management of these lesions. Methods An electronic literature search was performed for studies comparing resection rates of JBF and CSP for diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm). The primary outcome was incomplete resection rate (IRR). Secondary outcomes included failure of tissue retrieval and complication rates (post-polypectomy bleeding, perforation etc.). Leave-one-out analysis was performed to examine the disproportionate role of any of the studies. Meta-analysis outcomes and heterogeneity (I2) were computed using Comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results A total of 4 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 1 retrospective study) with 407 patients and 569 total polyps (mean size of 3.62 mm) was included for analysis. IRR of JBF was slightly higher than that of CSP (10.2 % vs 7.2 %) but this was not statistically significantly different (Pooled OR 1.76; 95 % CI 0.94–3.28; I2 = 0). Leave-one-out analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled OR comparison either. Two of the 4 studies reported 0 % failure of tissue retrieval for JBF and 1 % and 4.3 % for CSP. There were no complications for either group from the 2 studies that reported this outcome. The quality of the included studies was moderate to high. Conclusions This systematic review with only limited data shows that JBF and CSP are not statistically different in completely removing diminutive polyps, although careful endoscopic assessment is needed to ensure complete removal of all polyp tissue.


Author(s):  
Anna K. Dietl ◽  
Matthias W. Beckmann ◽  
Konrad Aumann

Abstract Purpose Villoglandular adenocarcinoma (VGA) of the uterine cervix has been classified as a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma with good prognosis. A conservative surgical approach is considered feasible. The main risk factor is the presence of other histologic types of cancer. In this largest systematic review to date, we assess oncological outcomes associated with conservative therapy compared to those associated with invasive management in the treatment of stage Ia and Ib1 VGA. Methods Case series and case reports identified by searching the PubMed database were eligible for inclusion in this review (stage Ia–Ib1). Results A total of 271 patients were included in our literature review. 54 (20%) patients were treated by “conservative management” (conization, simple hysterectomy, and trachelectomy) and 217 (80%) by “invasive management” (radical hysterectomy ± radiation, hysterectomy, and radiation). Recurrences of disease (RODs) were found in the conservative group in two (4%) cases and in the invasive group in nine (4%) cases. There was no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) according to conservative or invasive treatment (p = 0.75). The histology of VGA may be complex with underlying usual adenocarcinoma (UAC) combined with VGA. Conclusion The excellent prognosis of pure VGA and the young age of the patients may justify the management of this tumor using a less radical procedure. The histological diagnosis of VGA is a challenge, and pretreatment should not be based solely on a simple punch biopsy but rather a conization with wide tumor-free margins.


Author(s):  
Julien Favresse ◽  
Jean-Louis Bayart ◽  
Damien Gruson ◽  
Sergio Bernardini ◽  
Aldo Clerico ◽  
...  

Abstract Cardiac troponins (cTn) are the preferred biomarkers for the evaluation of myocardial injury and play a key role in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Pre-analytical or analytical issues and interferences affecting troponin T and I assays are therefore of major concern given the risk of misdiagnosis. False positive troponin results have been related to various interferences including anti-troponin antibodies, heterophilic antibodies, or elevated alkaline phosphatase level. On the other hand, false negative results have been reported in the case of a large biotin intake. These interferences are characterized with erroneous but reproducible troponin results. Of interest, non-reproducible results have also been reported in the literature. In other words, if the sample is reanalyzed a second time, a significant difference in troponin results will be observed. These interferences have been named “fliers” or “outliers”. Compared to the biotin interference that received major attention in the literature, troponin outliers are also able to induce harmful clinical consequences for the patient. Moreover, the prevalence of outliers in recent studies was found to be higher (0.28–0.57%) compared to the biotin interference. The aim of this systematic review is to warn clinicians about these non-reproducible results that may alter their clinical judgment. Four case reports that occurred in the Clinique of Saint-Luc Bouge are presented to attest this point. Moreover, we aimed at identifying the nature of these non-reproducible troponin results, determining their occurrence, and describing the best way for their identification.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110150
Author(s):  
Alison Kaye ◽  
Meghan Tracy ◽  
Janelle Noel-MacDonnell ◽  
Kathryn Dent

Objective: To assess outcomes after conversion Furlow palatoplasty with and without routine preoperative flexible fiberoptic video nasendoscopy (FFVN). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary Children’s Hospital. Patients: Greater than 3 years of age with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after straight-line palatoplasty requiring secondary surgery performed with a Furlow palatoplasty. Main Outcome Measures: The number of children with and without routine FFVN prior to conversion Furlow palatoplasty for VPI after initial straight-line palatoplasty. Groups were compared for surgical timing, speech outcomes, and need for additional surgery after conversion Furlow palatoplasty. Results: Fifty-eight patients underwent preoperative FFVN versus 29 without. Mean age at FFVN was 73.8 (SD 34) months. Mean age for secondary palatal surgery by conversion Furlow palatoplasty was 81.5 (SD 34.8) months with FFVN versus 73.4 (SD 34.0) months without FFVN. There was a significant difference ( P < .001) for VPI diagnosis and time to surgery between the groups. Preoperative hypernasality ratings were similar between groups. Postoperatively 65.5% of FFVN and non-FFVN patients corrected to normal resonance. Only 6.9% of all patients rated moderate-severe hypernasality after surgery compared to 42.5% preoperatively. Of total, 5.7% of patients had unchanged hypernasality and only 1 patient rated worse. Seven patients ultimately required additional surgery in attempt to normalize their resonance. Conclusions: Routine preoperative FFVN does not offer any advantage for improved outcomes in children undergoing conversion Furlow palatoplasty after straight-line repair. Routine preoperative FFVN was associated with increased time to surgery after diagnosis of VPI compared to those without FFVN.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Paulson ◽  
C. J. MacArthur ◽  
K. B. Beaulieu ◽  
J. H. Brockman ◽  
H. A. Milczuk

Introduction. Controversy exists over whether tonsillectomy will affect speech in patients with known velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), particularly in those with cleft palate.Methods. All patients seen at the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital VPI clinic between 1997 and 2010 with VPI who underwent tonsillectomy were reviewed. Speech parameters were assessed before and after tonsillectomy. Wilcoxon rank-sum testing was used to evaluate for significance.Results. A total of 46 patients with VPI underwent tonsillectomy during this period. Twenty-three had pre- and postoperative speech evaluation sufficient for analysis. The majority (87%) had a history of cleft palate. Indications for tonsillectomy included obstructive sleep apnea in 11 (48%) and staged tonsillectomy prior to pharyngoplasty in 10 (43%). There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative speech intelligibility or velopharyngeal competency in this population.Conclusion. In this study, tonsillectomy in patients with VPI did not significantly alter speech intelligibility or velopharyngeal competence.


Logopedija ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anđela Bučević ◽  
Ana Bonetti ◽  
Luka Bonetti

The aim of this research paper was to examine the voice quality of sports coaches using the objective (acoustic) method. A total of 28 sports coaches (mean age 28.58, SD=5.08), from the City of Zagreb participated in this research. Recordings of the phonation of the vowel /a/ before and after one training session were obtained and analyzed using the PRAAT Program. Mean, minimal and maximal values of fundamental frequency, shimmer, jitter and harmonics-to-noise ratio were observed. The statistical analyses showed no statistically significant difference in acoustic voice quality of male and female coaches before and after the training session, or between male and female coaches. However, intra-individual differences among participants were observed, which may be significant in terms of their potential to affect the quality of their voices in the future.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel G Hilerio Lopez

Malnutrition in the older adult is an ongoing situation in Mexico and is most apparent in individuals that reside in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement homes. For that reason, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of these adults by means of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and levels of three serum indicators that are commonly ordered when making malnutrition diagnosis. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 older adults residing in eldercare facilities. Nutritional status was evaluated by means of the MNA and three serum indicators (albumin, ferritin, and hemoglobin). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, and a Student’s t test, based on gender and reference values, was used to compare mean values of the three serum indicators.  A Chi-square test was used to compare proportions in individuals, based on gender, who had normal nutritional status or were malnourished, and who were at-risk of malnutrition.  A One-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc test was used to identify the association between serum indicators and nutritional status of older adults. Of the 100 older adults studied, 53% were men and 47% were women. The mean age was 85±0.7 years. According to the MNA, 20% had normal nutritional status, 55% were at-risk of malnutrition, and 25% were malnourished. The mean indicator values were: albumin 4.7±0.04 g/dL, ferritin 74.2±8.7 ng/mL, and hemoglobin 13.0±0.1 g/dL. No significant association was found between serum indicators and each MNA classification; however, when the same indicators were compared between the sexes, hemoglobin showed a significant difference (P=0.037). Women had lower values but those values did not extend beyond the established physiological range for this population. There was a 55% prevalence of risk of malnutrition in the nutritional status of older adults living in Mexican eldercare facilities in a Mexican province and it was even more frequent in women. 


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