Presbylarynx: Is it Possible to Predict Glottal Gap by Cut-Off Points in Auto-Assessment Questionnaires?

PURPOSE: To determine cut-off points in auto-assessment questionnaires to predict the presence and extent of presbylarynx signs. METHOD: This case control, prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutive subjects observed by Otorhinolaryngology, in a tertiary center, in 2020. Each subject underwent fiberoptic videolaryngoscopy with stroboscopy, and presbylarynx was considered when it was identified two or more of the following endoscopic findings: vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes in abduction, and a spindle-shaped glottal gap. Each subject completed three questionnaires: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), with 30 and 10 questions, and the "Screening for voice disorders in older adults questionnaire" (RAVI). RESULTS: The studied population included 174 Caucasian subjects (60 males; 114 females), with a mean age of 73.99 years (standard deviation = 6.37; range 65-95 years). Presbylarynx was identified in 71 patients (41%). Among patients with presbylarynx, a glottal gap was identified in 22 patients (31%). The mean score of VHI-30 between "no presbylarynx" and "presbylarynx" groups was statistically different (P < 0.001), with a higher score for subjects with signs of presbylarynx. The presence of glottal gap was associated to a higher mean score of VHI-30 (41.64 ± 11.87) (P < 0.001). The mean score of VHI-10 between "no presbylarynx" and "presbylarynx" groups was statistically different (P < 0.001), with a higher score for subjects with signs of presbylarynx. Among patients with presbylarynx, the presence of glottal gap was associated to higher mean score of VHI-10 (14.04 ± 3.91) (P < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between VHI-30 and VHI-10 (rs = 0.969; P < 0.001). The mean score of RAVI between "no presbylarynx" and "presbylarynx" groups was statistically different (P < 0.001), with a higher score for subjects with signs of presbylarynx. Among patients with presbylarynx, the presence of glottal gap was associated to a higher mean score of RAVI (11.68 ± 1.61) (P < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation not only between RAVI and VHI-30 (rs = 0.922; P < 0.001), but also between RAVI and VHI-10 (rs = 0.906; P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off points to discriminate "no presbylarynx" from "presbylarynx", obtained by the Youden' index, were 3.5 for RAVI, 4.5 for VHI-30 and 1.5 for VHI-10. RAVI had the highest sensitivity and specificity. The optimal cut-off points to predict glottal gap, obtained by the Youden' index, were 9.5 for RAVI, 21 for VHI-30 and 7.5 for VHI-10. CONCLUSION: The optimal cut-off points do discriminate "no presbylarynx" from "presbylarynx" were 3.5 for RAVI, 4.5 for VHI-30 and 1.5 for VHI-10. RAVI had the highest sensitivity and specificity, probably because it was designed specifically for vocal complaints of the elderly. Among patients with presbylarynx, cut-off points of 9.5 for RAVI, 21 for VHI-30 and 7.5 for VHI-10 were determined to predict patients with and without glottal gap. It was found a strong positive correlation between RAVI, VHI-30 and VHI-10. Thus, VHI-10 can be preferred to VHI-30 to assess voice impairment in clinical practice, because for elderly patients it is easier to answer. However, to predict endoscopic signs of presbylarynx, RAVI should be preferred.

Presbylarynx: Is It a Sign of the Health Status of the Elderly?

PURPOSE: Only a full understanding of how different diseases affect the same or different anatomical/functional entities, may provide a clue on how comorbidity should be taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chronic medical illnesses of an elderly population, in order to analyze potential correlation of specific comorbidities with presbylarynx. METHODS: This case-control, prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutive subjects observed by otorhinolaryngology, in a tertiary center, from January to September 2020. The inclusion criteria were ability to report an accurate medical history and ≥65 years of age. The exclusion criteria were neurologic diagnoses, autoimmune disease, history of thoracic or head and neck surgery, cancer, radiotherapy, thyroid pathology, vocal fold mass lesions, acute laryngitis, or vocal fold paralysis. Based on videostroboscopy of the larynx, the patients were subdivided into two main groups: presbylarynx versus no presbylarynx. Health status was assessed by evaluation of chronic medical illnesses (individual diagnoses of chronic conditions plus Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]), functional status (Katz index of independence in activities of daily living and functional Ambulation ambulation classification), and emotional status (Geriatric Depression Scale). RESULTS: A total of 174 subjects (60 males; 114 females) were included (mean age = 73.99 years; range 65-95 years). Presbylarynx was identified in 71 patients (41%). A statistically significant difference was found concerning diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM); P< 0.001), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; P< 0.001), and psychiatric disorder (P< 0.001). The mean score of CCI between "presbylarynx" and "no presbylarynx" groups was statistically different (P= 0.021). Results showed an association between some functional dependence (P< 0.001), and mild or severe depression (P< 0.001) and the presence of presbylarynx. CONCLUSIONS: Presbylarynx may be considered a sign of the health status of the elderly. Based on CCI, It was found that patients with higher probability of 10-year mortality exhibit more endoscopic signs of presbylarynx. It was also found that patients with better scores in functionality scales exhibited less endoscopic findings compatible with presbylarynx. Among chronic medical illnesses, T2DM, asthma, or COPD may be considered risk factors for noticeable endoscopic signs of presbylarynx.

Presbylarynx: validation of a classification based on morphological characteristics.

PURPOSE: Validation of a classification to stratify presbylarynx into three types. METHODS: Evaluate the reproducibility of this classification. 30 video recordings of rigid laryngostroboscopies were presented to 20 otorhinolaryngologists from five tertiary hospitals: 10 residents and 10 specialists. Specialists with different differentiations were included. RESULTS: Among 1200 evaluations performed (30 video recordings × 20 raters, twice), average intra-rater agreement rate was 0.847 (p < 0.001). The average inter-rater reliability was 0.67 ± 0.179 on the first evaluation, and 0.691 ± 0.131 on the second evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented the validation of a classification that allows stratifying laryngeal endoscopic signs in elderly patients with presbyphonia. We believe that this classification will enrich the diagnostic protocol of the aging voice and will improve the documentation of treatment outcomes.

Geriatric otorhinolaryngology: reasons for outpatient referrals from generalists to ENT specialists.

PURPOSE: To determine the main symptoms leading to referral of geriatric patients from primary care to otorhinolaryngology. METHODS:  Retrospective, observational study performed on patients aged 65 and older, referred from Primary Care to the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery department of a tertiary centre during 2019 and 2020. Symptoms leading to otorhinolaryngological referral were categorized as "Oto-neurological symptoms", "Nasal symptoms", "Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms", "Other Head and Neck symptoms" and "Other Reasons". Data regarding age, gender and whether patients maintain follow-up or have been discharged was also collected. RESULTS:  The study population included a total of 1304 patients (697 female; 607 male). Oto-neurological symptoms were found to be the most prevalent symptoms, with 65% of patients reporting oto-neurological symptoms as at least one of the reasons for referral. Hearing loss was the most commonly reported symptom, with an association found between this symptom and age (p < 0.001). Results also showed an association between the female gender and vertigo/dizziness (p < 0.001) and tinnitus (p = 0.007). An association between the male gender and nasal symptoms was also found (p = 0.018), particularly nasal obstruction (p = 0.003) and epistaxis (p = 0.028). No statistically significant associations were found among the pharyngolaryngeal group. CONCLUSIONS:  This retrospective observational study allowed for a better understanding of the type of otorhinolaryngological symptoms affecting elderly patients and driving otorhinolaryngology evaluation, cementing hearing loss as one of the major complaints among older adults and allowing for a better preparation by otorhinolaryngologists for the changing needs of this subset of the population.

Stratifying Presbylarynx: Characterization of its Three Types.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics of each type of glottal configuration proposed in a classification that allows stratifying presbylarynx into three types: Type 0: there is no significant morphological alteration in glottal configuration. Type 1: two or more of the following endoscopic signs are present: atrophic vocal folds, vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes, supraglottal hyperactivity, decreased amplitude (vocal fold edge stiffness without evidence of vocal post-traumatic scar), and tremor of laryngeal structures. Type 2: elderly patients with type 1 plus glottal insufficiency. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. Data regarding age, gender, type of glottal configuration, self-assessment regarding vocal complaints, as well as acoustic and audio-perceptive examination were collected. RESULTS: The study population included 306 subjects (180 females), and the mean age was 73.85. Type 0 was the most frequent (61%). A statistically significant association was found between type 0 and female subjects, as well as type 2 and male subjects. The mean age of the patients with type 0 was statistically lower than the mean age of the patients with type 1 or type 2. The mean score of self-assessment questionnaires of patients with type 2 was statistically higher than the mean score registered for patients with type 0 and type 1. The mean score of Jitter, Shimmer, and HNR in type 2 were statistically higher than in type 0 or type 1 (P < 0.05). The mean score of Maximum Phonation Time in type 2 was statistically lower than in type 0 or 1 (P < 0.001). Based on vocal complaints, 115 subjects (38%) had presbyphonia (46 males; 69 females), and the mean age was 75.97 years (SD = 6.98; range 65 - 97). Among subjects without presbyphonia (n = 191), type 0 was the most frequent (84%), followed by type 1 (15%) and type 2 (1%). Among subjects with presbyphonia (n = 115), type 1 was the most frequent (58%), followed by type 0 (23%) and type 2 (19%). CONCLUSIONS: This study presented the clinical characterization of a classification that allows stratifying endoscopic laryngeal signs in elderly patients with presbyphonia. We believe this classification will enrich the diagnostic protocol of the aging voice and will improve the documentation of treatment outcomes.

Presbylarynx: How Easy Is It To Recognize The Aging Signs? A Prospective Study With Inter- And Intra-Rater Reliability In Laryngoscopic Evaluation.

PURPOSE: To determine if recognition of presbylarynx is easy and straightforward. METHOD: First, a systematic review regarding the structural features of the geriatric larynx through laryngostroboscopy was performed, and its results were presented to the raters in an educational session. Then, video recordings of rigid laryngostroboscopies were randomly selected and presented to a panel of otorhinolaryngologists. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were determined. RESULTS: Based on the main findings of the systematic review, raters were invited to consider the diagnosis of presbylarynx when one or more of the following endoscopic signs were present: atrophic vocal folds (VF), VF bowing, prominence of vocal processes, or spindle-shaped glottal gap. Twenty otorhinolaryngologists from five tertiary hospitals participated in this study (residents and specialists). Among 300 evaluations performed (15 video recordings x 20 raters), the intra-rater agreement was 93.0%. The Cohen´s Kappa for intra-rater reliability was higher than 0.600 for all the raters except for two residents. Cohen´s Kappa was higher among specialists (0.893) than among residents (0.826). The highest Cohen´s Kappa was registered for evaluations performed by specialists with differentiation in laryngology (0.933). Presbylarynx was identified mostly in laryngostroboscopic recordings of subjects older than 65 years. CONCLUSION: we consider the answer to "Presbylarynx: How easy is it to recognize the aging signs" to be "After education on signs of presbylarynx, it is easy." This answer is supported by the high rate of intra- and inter-rater agreement, in a blinded and randomized presentation of laryngostroboscopic recordings, and by the fact that the diagnosis of presbylarynx was mostly attributed to videos regarding subjects aged 65 years and older. It proves that is not difficult to recognize aging signs in the larynx. Thus, in the future, more education regarding presbylarynx and further studies to improve criteria for its diagnosis may improve the management of the aging voice.

Increased lung inflammation with oxygen supplementation in tracheotomized spontaneously breathing rabbits: an experimental prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation is a well-known trigger for lung inflammation. Research focuses on tidal volume reduction to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury. Mechanical ventilation is usually applied with higher than physiological oxygen fractions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the after effect of oxygen supplementation during a spontaneous ventilation set up, in order to avoid the inflammatory response linked to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A prospective randomised study using New Zealand rabbits in a university research laboratory was carried out. Rabbits (n = 20) were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 5 each group). Groups 1 and 2 were submitted to 0.5 L/min oxygen supplementation, for 20 or 75 minutes, respectively; groups 3 and 4 were left at room air for 20 or 75 minutes. Ketamine/xylazine was administered for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Lungs were obtained for histological examination in light microscopy. RESULTS: All animals survived the complete experiment. Procedure duration did not influence the degree of inflammatory response. The hyperoxic environment was confirmed by blood gas analyses in animals that were subjected to oxygen supplementation, and was accompanied with lower mean respiratory rates. The non-oxygen supplemented group had lower mean oxygen arterial partial pressures and higher mean respiratory rates during the procedure. All animals showed some inflammatory lung response. However, rabbits submitted to oxygen supplementation showed significant more lung inflammation (Odds ratio = 16), characterized by more infiltrates and with higher cell counts; the acute inflammatory response cells was mainly constituted by eosinophils and neutrophils, with a relative proportion of 80 to 20% respectively. This cellular observation in lung tissue did not correlate with a similar increase in peripheral blood analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Oxygen supplementation in spontaneous breathing is associated with an increased inflammatory response when compared to breathing normal room air. This inflammatory response was mainly constituted with polymorphonuclear cells (eosinophils and neutrophils). As confirmed in all animals by peripheral blood analyses, the eosinophilic inflammatory response was a local organ event.