Voice Therapy With Seniors: Attendance, Outcomes, and Associated Patient Characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 814-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie E. Smith ◽  
Ruth Huntley Bahr ◽  
Hector N. Hernandez

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the attendance and success rates for seniors in voice therapy, identify any contributing patient-related factors, and compare results to existing findings for younger patients. Method This retrospective study included information from the voice records of 50 seniors seen by the same speech-language pathologist in a private practice. Analysis of attendance and outcome data divided participants into 6 groups. Outcomes for Groups 1–3 (64% of patients) were considered successful (positive voice change), while outcomes for Groups 4–6 (36% of patients) were considered unsuccessful. These data were compared to similar data collected for younger adults in a previous study. Results The attendance and success rates for seniors in this study were higher than those previously reported for younger patients. Further consideration of patient factors revealed that reports of increased stress, Reflux Symptom Index scores > 13, and higher Voice Handicap Index functional subscale scores were significant in distinguishing between patients in the successful and unsuccessful treatment outcome groups. Conclusions The relatively high attendance and success rates among this sample of seniors suggest the desire to achieve voice improvement does not diminish with age, and chances for success in voice therapy among nonfrail seniors may be greater than for younger patients.

Author(s):  
Almas J. Vakil ◽  
Pratibha Vyas ◽  
Shreya Prasad ◽  
Praveen Singh

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a rising disease that leads to voice changes. This study aimed to assess the potential association between the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and voice disorders using the Reflux symptom index (RSI) and the Voice handicap index (VHI-10) scales, respectively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India, from June 2019 to November 2019, on a sample size of 144 patients having complaints related to voice change and laryngopharyngeal reflux. The participants filled the RSI and the VHI-10 questionnaires. RSI scores of &gt;13 and VHI-10 scores of &gt;11 indicated LPR-related symptoms and voice disorders, respectively.</p><p class="abstract">Results: The study included 70 (48.61%) patients who were males and 74 (51.38%) patients who were females. The mean age was 33.5 years. Overall, 89(61.80%) patients had RSI scores of &gt;13 while 102 (70.83%) patients had VHI-10 scores of &gt;11. A significant association was found between positive RSI and VHI-10 scores (p&lt;0.001).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A significant association between RSI and VHI-10 scores reflects an association of laryngopharyngeal reflux with long-standing voice change. RSI and VHI-10 may constitute valuable tools in diagnosing suspected patients with voice change and direct early start of empirical therapy with PPI.</p>


2009 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-Chun Lin ◽  
Ya-Yu Wang ◽  
Kai-Li Wang ◽  
Han-Chung Lien ◽  
Ming-Tai Liang ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the association of laryngopharyngeal symptoms and heartburn with endoscopic esophagitis, smoking, and drinking. The clinical importance of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) in predicting endoscopic esophagitis was also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From November 2006 to February 2007, 156 adults received a whole-body physical check-up. They filled out the RSI questionnaire and were dichotomized into either a “no problem group” or a “possible patients group” according to their scores on the RSI. All subjects received an esophagoscopy. The relationship between RSI score and endoscopic esophagitis, smoking, and drinking was analyzed. RESULTS: Voice change, but not heartburn, was significantly associated with endoscopic reflux esophagitis. Based on the RSI scores, some items in addition to voice change were significantly associated with smoking or drinking but not with endoscopic esophagitis. CONCLUSIONS: While screening patients for reflux esophagitis by using the RSI questionnaire, there is little value in using heartburn to predict endoscopic esophagitis in Taiwanese people. On the other hand, a husky voice might be a good clinical indicator of patients at risk of having reflux esophagitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029
Author(s):  
Andrea Nacci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Maria Rosaria Barillari ◽  
Jerome R. Lechien ◽  
Massimo Martinelli ◽  
...  

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as short screening approach for the diagnostic of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with confirmed diagnosed regarding the 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, 56 patients with LPR symptoms and 71 healthy individuals (control group) were prospectively enrolled. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed through MII-pH results. All subjects (n = 127) fulfilled RSI and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was performed through flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. The sensitivity and the specificity of RSI was assessed by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis. Results: A total of 15 LPR patients (26.8%) of the clinical group met MII-pH diagnostic criteria. Among subjects classified as positive for MII- pH diagnoses, RSI and RFS mean scores were respectively 20 (SD ± 10.5) and 7.1 (SD ± 2.5), values not significantly different compared to the negative MII-pH group. The metric analysis of the items led to the realization of a binary recoding of the score. Both versions had similar psychometric properties, α was 0.840 for RSI original version and 0.836 for RSI binary version. High and comparable area under curve (AUC) values indicate a good ability of both scales to discriminate between individuals with and without LPR pathology diagnosis. Based on balanced sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off scores for LPR pathology were ≥ 5 for RSI binary version and ≥ 15 for RSI original version. Both version overestimated LPR prevalence. The original version had more sensitivity and the RSI Binary version had more specificity. Conclusions: It would be necessary to think about modifying the original RSI in order to improve its sensitivity and specificity (RSI binary version, adding or changing some items), or to introduce new scores in order to better frame the probably affected of LPR patient.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameer Kakaje ◽  
Mohammad Marwan Alhalabi ◽  
Ayham Alyousbashi ◽  
Ayham Ghareeb

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an inflammation in the nasal mucosa due to allergen exposure throughout the year. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is another medical condition that can overlap with AR. LPR can be considered an extra oesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or a different entity. Its diagnosis imposes a real challenge as it has a wide range of unspecific symptoms. Although AR and LPR are not life-threatening, they can severely affect the quality of life for years and cause substantial distress. Moreover, having AR is associated with having asthma which is also in turn associated with GORD. This is a cross-sectional study which used surveys distributed online on Social Media and targeted people across Syria. All participants who responded to the key questions were included. Reflux symptom index (RSI) was used for LPR, and score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) was used for AR. Demographic questions and whether the participant had asthma were also included in the survey. We found that there was an association between the symptoms of LPR and AR p < 0.0001 (OR, 2.592; 95% CI 1.846–3.639), and their scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.334). Having asthma was associated with LPR symptoms p = 0.0002 (OR 3.096; 95% CI 1.665–5.759) and AR p < 0.0001 (OR 6.772; 95% CI 2.823–16.248). We concluded that there was a significant association between having LPR, AR, and asthma. We need more studies to distinguish between their common symptoms and aetiologies.


Author(s):  
Fátima Senra ◽  
Lalin Navaratne ◽  
Asunción Acosta-Mérida ◽  
Stuart Gould ◽  
Alberto Martínez-Isla

Abstract Background Primary achalasia is a rare oesophageal motor disorder characterized by the absence of swallow-induced relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and diminished or absent oesophageal body peristalsis. Around 5% of these patients will develop end-stage achalasia, where oesophagectomy may be advocated. We present the laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty as an alternative ‘oesophagus-preserving’ procedure in patients with end-stage achalasia. Methods We present a retrospective review of four patients who underwent laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty. Data collected included pre-operative demographic information and investigations; and post-operative outcomes. Patients were scored pre- and post-operatively using Reflux Symptom Index, Eating Assessment Tool-10 and Voice Handicap Index-10 questionnaires. Results Four patients underwent laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty during the study period. In one patient, it was performed as a rescue procedure during attempted myotomy following multiple perforations of friable mucosa. In the other three patients, laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty was performed for end-stage achalasia. None of the patients had post-operative complications and all patients were discharged on the second post-operative day. All patients experienced improvement in swallowing symptoms (EAT-10; p = 0.03) but developed post-operative gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first published case series of laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty for end-stage achalasia. It appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of end-stage achalasia, offering an alternative minimally invasive procedure to oesophagectomy. Laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty can also be used as a ‘rescue’ procedure during myotomy in patients who have poor-quality mucosa which perforates intra-operatively or is at high risk of perforation/leaking post-operatively.


2002 ◽  
Vol 111 (12_suppl) ◽  
pp. 21-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Zeitels ◽  
Robert E. Hillman ◽  
Marcello Mauri ◽  
Rosemary Desloge ◽  
Patricia B. Doyle

Phonomicrosurgery in performing artists has historically been approached with great trepidation, and vocal outcome data are sparse. The vocal liability of surgically disturbing the superficial lamina propria (SLP) and epithelium must be balanced with the inherent detrimental vocal effect of the lesion(s). A prospective investigation was performed on 185 performing artists who underwent phonomicrosurgical resection of 365 lesions: 201 nodules, 71 polyps, 66 varices and ectasias, 13 cysts, 8 keratotic lesions. 2 granulomas, 2 Reinke's edema, and 2 papillomas. Nearly all patients with SLP lesions reported improvement in their postsurgical vocal function. This subjective result was supported by objective acoustic and aerodynamic measures. All postsurgical objective vocal function measures fell within normal limits, including a few that displayed presurgical abnormalities. However, given the relative insensitivity of standard objective measures to assess higher-level vocal performance-related factors, it is even more noteworthy that 8 of 24 objective measures displayed statistically significant postsurgical improvements in vocal function. Such changes in objective measures mostly reflect overall enhancement in the efficiency of voice production. Phonomicrosurgical resection of vocal fold lesions in performing artists is enjoying an expanding role because of a variety of improvements in diagnostic assessment, surgical instrumentation and techniques, and specialized rehabilitation. Most of these lesions are the result of phonotrauma and arise within the SLP. Successful management depends on prudent patient selection and counseling, ultraprecise technique, and vigorous vocal rehabilitation. Furthermore, an understanding of the vocal function and dysfunction of this high-performance population provides all otolaryngologists who manage laryngeal problems with valuable information that they can extrapolate for use in their practices.


Author(s):  
Feng Pei ◽  
Wei Jia Hu ◽  
Yi Nan Mao ◽  
Yu Liang Zhao

Background:To explore whether combined with TCM based on classical proton pumpinhibitors PPIs therapy can achieve better efficacy for patients withlaryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Methods: There were 150 laryngopharyngeal refluxpatients enrolled and divided into three groups randomly, with 50 cases in each group.Patients in group A were treated with the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lansoprazole.Patients in group B were treated with lansoprazole combined with Banxia Houpudecoction, and patients in group C were treated with acupuncture treatments and acombination of Chinese and Western medicine. The reflux symptom index (RSI), refluxfinding score (RFS), and quality of life (36 item short form health survey questionnaire)were assessed before and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: The RSI and RFSscores of the three groups were significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.001). Ingroup B and C, they were lower than in group A at 8 weeks (P < 0.01). The SF 36 scoreof 3 groups increased after treatment. At both 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.001), and patientsin groups B and C scored higher than patients in group A (P < 0.001). The total effectiverate of group B and group C was higher than that of group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion:All three treatments have therapeutic effects on the disease, but the efficacy of a PPIalone is not as good as the combined treatments’ efficacies. Moreover, PPI combinedwith Banxia Houpu decoction and/or acupuncture treatment substantially affects lifeimprovement.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nu-Ri Im ◽  
Byoungjae Kim ◽  
Kwang-Yoon Jung ◽  
Seung-Kuk Baek

Abstract Introduction Several diagnostic methods are currently being used to diagnose LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease), but have the disadvantage of being invasive, subjective, or expensive. Objectives Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation between pepsin and MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in pharyngeal secretions of subjects according to RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) score to find out the diagnostic value of MMP-7. Method We recruited 173 subjects aged between 19 and 85 years who completed the RSI scale. All samples were taken after waking up, and the amount of the pepsin and MMP-7 in saliva were measured by means of an enzyme activity assay. Results There was a significant increase of pepsin and MMP-7 activity in the study group with an RSI score of 13 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-7 for predicting the possibility of an RSI of 13 or more was higher than that of pepsin. When MMP-7 and pepsin were combined, this sensitivity and specificity increased. Conclusion An enzyme assay of MMP-7 in saliva may be a noninvasive and easy technique for diagnosing LPRD.


2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Yiu ◽  
Kathleen M. Tibbetts ◽  
C. Blake Simpson ◽  
Laura A. Matrka

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe a clinical entity the authors term “Shar Pei larynx,” characterized by redundant supraglottic and postcricoid mucosa that the authors hypothesize coexists in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and obesity. By exploring this hypothesis, the authors hope to set the foundation for future research with the goal of identifying whether Shar Pei larynx is a marker for untreated sleep apnea or other diseases. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Two tertiary care academic institutions. Methods: Data were collected from a 5-year period by querying for patients described to have “Shar Pei larynx” or “posterior supraglottic and/or postcricoid mucosal redundancy” on laryngoscopic findings. Relevant demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, with a focus on associations with obesity, sleep apnea, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Results: Thirty-two patients were identified with physical findings consistent with Shar Pei larynx. Twenty-six patients (81.3%) were obese; 16 (50%) were morbidly obese. Twenty-two patients (68.8%) either had an existing diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea or were diagnosed on polysomnography performed after initial evaluation. Sixteen patients (50%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 87.5% of these patients were obese. Twenty-eight patients (87.5%) noted histories of reflux, with a median reflux symptom index of 27 of 45. Five patients underwent procedures to reduce mucosal redundancy related to Shar Pei larynx. Conclusions: This pilot study confirms that the majority of patients diagnosed with Shar Pei larynx also had diagnoses of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and reflux disease. The demonstrated association is strong enough to warrant further study.


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