Comparison of voice outcomes after trial and long-term vocal fold augmentation in vocal fold atrophy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To compare voice outcomes after vocal fold augmentation using a trial (temporary) vocal fold injection (VFI) versus long-term augmentation in patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, single-blinded study.

METHODS

Nineteen patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy underwent trial VFI and subsequent long-term augmentation. Voice Handicap Index-10, acoustic, and aerodynamic measures were analyzed following trial and long-term augmentation procedures.

RESULTS

Forty-two percent (8/19) of patients had a good response to trial VFI (P  .0001); 58% (11/19) had a poor response to trial VFI (P = .95). Of the patients with good response to trial VFI, 75% (6/8) also had good response to long-term augmentation (P = .006), but 25% (2/8) reported a poor response to long-term treatment. Of the patients who had a poor response to trial VFI, 55% (6/11) also had a poor response to long-term treatment, but 45% (5/11) of patients reported good response after long-term augmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to provide comparative voice outcomes using both trial VFI and long-term augmentation for vocal fold atrophy. Additional critical evaluation of the value of trial VFI for vocal fold atrophy patients is suggested.