Vocal outcome measures after bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections for abductor spasmodic dysphonia.
OBJECTIVE
To review vocal outcome measures, using the Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) index, after simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Tertiary care academic clinic.


METHODS
Fourteen subjects with abductor spasmodic dysphonia received 37 simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections for isolated abductor spasmodic dysphonia (ABSD) over a 16-month period.


METHODS
VRQOL index.


RESULTS
Of the 37 injections, 33 of 37 (89%) resulted in improvement. Three injections resulted in no improvement, and one injection resulted in a worse VRQOL. The overall VRQOL mean improvement was 19.8 (range 5-53), with an average pre/postinjection VRQOL interval of 36 days (range 21-45 days).


CONCLUSIONS
Simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum injections result in a statistically significant improvement in VRQOL index scores for a high percentage of ABSD patients, thus improving patient quality of life.
Klein
Adam M
AM
Emory Voice Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. adam.klein@emoryhealthcare.org
Stong
Benjamin C
BC
Wise
Justin
J
DelGaudio
John M
JM
Hapner
Edie R
ER
Johns
Michael M
MM
D000328:Adult; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects*; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014833:Voice Quality