Patient reported voice outcome in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of patient reported voice outcome on quality of life and emotional functioning in patients treated for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
All adult patients treated for RRP between 1984 and 2008 were asked to participate. Outcome measures were obtained from questionnaires including VHI (Voice Handicap Index), HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Utrechtse Coping List.


RESULTS
Out of 45 included patients, 34 (22 males,12 females) participated (76%). Mean age was 52 years (range, 25-85 years). RRP was located only in the larynx in 90% of the cases. Adult onset RRP was diagnosed in 29 cases, juvenile onset RRP in 5. Median number of surgical procedures was five (range, 1-17). In this study cohort, 68% scored above the VHI cutoff point, and 18% had an increased risk for depression or anxiety disorders (HADS). VHI scores were related to age, time between consecutive surgeries, time since last surgery, and passive coping. They were not related to gender, onset of RRP, or location. VHI scores were related to the SF-36 subscales social functioning (r = -0.43) and mental health (r = -0.43).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with RRP often report voice problems in daily life, and this is related to (a passive) coping style, social functioning, and mental health. Psychosocial intervention targeting an adaptive coping style may be beneficial in selected cases.
van Nieuwenhuizen
Annette J
AJ
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Rinkel
Rico N P M
RN
de Bree
Remco
R
Leemans
C René
CR
Verdonck-de Leeuw
Irma M
IM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010212:Papilloma / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014831:Voice