Voice Analysis in 63 Italian Cri du Chat Patients

Abstract

Objectives:The aim of our work was to identify, specific abnormalities in vocal pattern, eventually actionable to logotherapy, in patients with Cri du Chat Syndrome (CdC) who present a peculiar, abnormal cry in newborns, possibly explained by anatomical or neurological alterations. Study Design: It is a descriptive study with a prospective collection of voice profile data. Methods: We recorded the data relative to fundamental frequency (Fo), stiff vocal attachment, intelligibility by the listener, and diplophonia. Spectrographic analysis was performed using a Computer Speech Lab recording system and the speech analysis package XYZ. Results: We report on voice analysis in a group of 63 Italian CdC patients: 28 infants and children (15 males) and 35 adults (20 males). No differences were observed between sexes in the mean age of onset of linguistic production, which was 2 years 4 months for males and 2 years 11 months for females. The mean and SD of Fo in infant and children CdC showed that 5/13 females, and 6/15 males were below normal limits. All adult CdC females, but one, showed Fo within normal limits; Fo is increased above the normal range in all but one adult CdC male. The percentage of stiff vocal attachment increases with age, as it is present in 30/40% of F/M infants and 66/65% of F/M adults. Intelligibility by the listener improves with age in both sexes. Forced voice was present in 46.6% of infants and 65% of adult males and 30.7% and 66.6% in infant and adult females, respectively. Diplophonia was present only in adults, in 15% and 20% of males and females, respectively. Conclusion: Any improvement in verbal communication, even within a picture of developmental delay, may result in favorable improvement of social relationship. We comment also on the relevance of a personalized logopedic therapy, to be started as early as possible in childhood, and to be continued also in older ages.