Preliminary phoniatric results of the Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (BVFP) registry

Introduction:

An on-going international registry started in 2015 is collecting data on the characteristics of BVFP population as well as standard diagnostic, treatment and follow-up methods.

Method:

Retro-and prospective data collection in an international, observatory, systematic registry with adaptive design. The core team includes 7 clinics in Germany, 3 in Austria, and 1 in Ukraine. The registry has been initiated in all the clinics after the clearance from the respective Ethics Committee. Data collection per patient covers the time between the last visit before treatment and the last follow-up visit within 2 years after treatment.

Results:

322 retrospective data-sets were collected in the registry. 209/322 were analysed. Endoscopic evaluation was the preferred diagnostic method and often also the only one. Additionally, spirometry was exclusively used for diagnosis in 27% of the evaluated cases, while only in 11% of the cases it was repeated pre- and post-treatment. Voice range profile, dysphonia severity index, maximum phonation time, Jitter and Roughness, Breathiness, Hoarseness were assessed only pre-treatment in 42% of the cases. In 15% these tests were repeated pre- and post-treatment. In 12 – 15% of the cases, they were evaluated exclusively post-treatment. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was administered in 20% only pre-, in 8% of the cases pre- and post-treatment and in 12% of the cases only post-treatment.

Conclusions:

The use of objective voice and respiratory quality outcome measures are rarely used in the routine diagnosis and even more occasionally in the post-treatment follow-up of BVFP patients. This may negatively affect the treatment selection and the patient's recovery. A more standardized protocol should be considered in the future.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)