Perceptual voice analysis of patients with subglottic stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the perceptual assessment of vocal quality in subglottic stenosis (SGS) patients and to identify risk factors for dysphonia.


METHODS
Retrospective review, academic center.


METHODS
Perceptual voice assessment using GRBAS scale (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain); patient characteristics determined for 31 SGS cases.


RESULTS
The mean GRBAS (0 to 3 scale, 0 = normal quality) for SGS patients at their initial visit was G(1.4)R(1.2)B(0.5)A(0.5)S(1.1). For males vs females: G(2.1 vs 1.1)R(2.0 vs 0.8)B(1.0 vs 0.4)A(1.0 vs 0.3)S(1.7 vs 0.9). The Grade (P < 0.03), Breathiness (P < 0.04), and Asthenia (P < 0.02) assessments were significantly more dysphonic in patients with multilevel stenosis; vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) also impacted overall Grade (P < 0.01). Overall Grade (P < 0.002), Roughness (P < 0.007), and Breathiness (P < 0.006) were significantly worse in patients with prior airway surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
SGS patients demonstrate a mild to moderate change in perceptual voice characteristics with males in this series being more affected than females. Negative risk factors include multiple stenoses, VFMI, and previous airway surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic report of perceptual voice assessment in subglottic stenosis. SGS patients have notable degrees of dysphonia with identifiable risk factors.
Ettema
Sandra L
SL
Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Surgical Services, Zablocki VAMC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Tolejano
Carol Jorgensen
CJ
Thielke
Robert J
RJ
Toohill
Robert J
RJ
Merati
Albert L
AL
D001307:Auditory Perception; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014833:Voice Quality / Q000502:physiology*