title: Analysis of factors influencing voice quality and therapeutic approaches in vocal polyp patients.
abstract: The task of the present study was to investigate the relationship between parameters and factors predictive of voice quality and to suggest treatment guidelines for patients suffering from vocal polyps. In total, 158 patients diagnosed with vocal polyps and who received voice therapy were enrolled. Clinicomorphological factors such as size, location, color, and type of the polyp were evaluated. Perceptive and acoustic voice evaluation was conducted and the relationship of these voice parameters with clinicomorphological factors was analyzed. Additionally, factors favorable for voice therapy were investigated. GRBAS scale grade was closely related to acoustic parameters, such as jitter and shimmer. Univariate analysis showed the size of the polyp, the color of the vocal fold, a history of voice abuse, associated muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), and opposing reactive scar affected voice quality. In multivariate analysis, only the size of the polyp was associated with voice quality. The patients in whom the voice quality improved with voice therapy initially had smaller polyps and whitish-colored vocal folds. Results of the present study indicate that although the most influential factor on voice quality in vocal polyp patients was the size, several other factors should be considered in evaluating and treating vocal polyps. The size of the polyp and the color of the vocal fold are indicative of success or failure in voice therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, 137-701, Korea.
authors.forename: Kwang Jae
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Inn Chul
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Yeon Shin
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Mi Ran
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: Jun Ook
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jung Hae
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Young Hoon
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Joo
authors.forename: Min Sik
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dong Il
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012016:Reference Values; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014833:Voice Quality; D014834:Voice Training; D055815:Young Adult