Quality of life measures and predictors for adults with unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Abstract

Objective/hypothesis: To investigate the quality of life (QoLF) status of Taiwanese adults with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP).

Study design: A prospective, QoLF survey in a tertiary referral voice center.

Methods: Fifty-five consecutive UVCP patients were evaluated with Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey and the voice outcome survey at entry.

Results: UVCP patients have significantly lower scores in all eight SF-36 subscales (P < .05) than do normative Taiwan adult population, particularly in role functioning-physical problems, social functioning, and role functioning-emotional problems. Shimmer parameter is a robust and consistent predictor for bodily pain (beta = -20.8), role functioning-emotional problems (beta = -27.9), and social functioning (beta = -20) general health dimensions. Shimmer is also predictive of UVCP-related total voice outcome survey score (beta = -8.6, P < .05).

Conclusions: UVCP can seriously compromise phonation, swallowing, and social functions; thus significantly impacting a patient's general health status. Voice physiological function is also a QoLF outcome indicator.