Vocal function following discharge from intensive care.
BACKGROUND
There is growing interest in the long term outcomes of critical care. The degree of vocal morbidity suffered by patients surviving intensive care admission has not previously been reported.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree of subjective, patient-reported vocal morbidity following discharge from intensive care.


METHODS
A prospective study was undertaken of patients admitted to intensive care. A total of 273 consecutive admissions were assessed; 181 patients were suitable for inclusion.


METHODS
The Voice Symptom Scale questionnaire.


RESULTS
Eighty-three patients responded. Twenty-seven patients (33 per cent) reported a degree of vocal morbidity greater than that suffered by patients treated for early laryngeal cancer. Thirteen patients (16 per cent) reported a degree of morbidity greater than that suffered by patients attending voice clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
Up to one-third of patients who survived admission to an intensive care unit reported suffering significant vocal morbidity. The Voice Symptom Scale could be used in an intensive care follow-up setting to identify and ensure the referral of such patients.
Nixon
I
I
Department of ENT, North Glasgow Hospitals NHS Trust, Gartnavel General Hospital, Scotland, UK.
Ramsay
S
S
Mackenzie
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003422:Critical Care; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects; D057045:Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult