Comparison of voice outcomes after trial and long‐term vocal fold augmentation in vocal fold atrophy

Abstract

This is the first study to provide comparative voice outcomes using both trial VFI and long-term augmentation for vocal fold atrophy. Additional critical evaluation of the value of trial VFI for vocal fold atrophy patients is suggested.

Treatment effectiveness for aging changes in the larynx

“…They defined a successful treatment effect as a decrease of at least 5 on the VHI‐10. Approximately 45% of their patients reported improvement following IA compared to 20% in the current study. Thirty‐three percent of patients in that study who reported improvement following IA subsequently returned to have a more permanent procedure, compared to only one patient in our study.…”

“…Another study examined successful treatment effects following trial injection and subsequent long‐term treatment. They defined a successful treatment effect as a decrease of at least 5 on the VHI‐10.…”

“…Four studies have reported benefit following IA in patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy (not paresis or paralysis). Mean ages of subjects were: 72 years, 65.9 years, 74.7 years, and 71.8 years . Each study documented significant improvement in quality‐of‐life ratings after injection .…”

“…Mean ages of subjects were: 72 years, 65.9 years, 74.7 years, and 71.8 years . Each study documented significant improvement in quality‐of‐life ratings after injection . One study reported significant improvements in maximum phonation time and closed quotient lasting over 12 months following staged bilateral injections with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) .…”

“…One study reported significant improvements in maximum phonation time and closed quotient lasting over 12 months following staged bilateral injections with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) . One study used trial injection to determine if patients would benefit from a more permanent surgical treatment (i.e., gore‐tex medialization, lipoinjection, or CaHA injection) . Only 42% of those receiving trial injection reported a good response (decrease of at least 5 in Voice Handicap Index [VHI]‐10 score) .…”