Dysphonia in children. Descriptive analysis of the factors involved, clinical parameters and impact on quality of life

María Antón Almero; Iván Doménech Máñez; María José Ferrer Ramírez; Raquel Solavera; Esteban Reig Montaner; Marta Faubel Serra

doi:10.1016/j.otorri.2020.01.004

Dysphonia in children. Descriptive analysis of the factors involved, clinical parameters and impact on quality of life

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp (Engl Ed). 2021 Mar-Apr;72(2):80-84. doi: 10.1016/j.otorri.2020.01.004. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

[Article in English, Spanish]

Authors

María Antón Almero¹, Iván Doménech Máñez², María José Ferrer Ramírez², Raquel Solavera², Esteban Reig Montaner², Marta Faubel Serra²

Affiliations

¹ Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Universitario de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España. Electronic address: maria.antonalmero@gmail.com.
² Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Universitario de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España.

PMID: 32507471
DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2020.01.004

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of dysphonia in children is estimated at around 6%. Dysphonia in this age group is usually due to misuse of the voice that leads to the development of vocal fold injuries. This condition can negatively affect the child's self-esteem. The aim of the study is to describe the epidemiology of voice disorders in children in our area, perform an examination of the voice, as well as identify the impact of this pathology on quality of life.

Material and method: We present a descriptive study with 87 patients aged between 5 and 14 years old, diagnosed with dysphonia. Data collection was carried out in our centre between January 2016 and April 2019. We analysed epidemiological and clinical factors. The impact on quality of life was studied using the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index questionnaire.

Results: 87 patients, 57 men (65.5%) and 30 women (34.5%) were included. Mean age 8.5 years (SD: 2.08; range 4-13). The most frequent phonatory disturbance was global muscle tension (88.5%). In the laryngoscopic examination, the most frequent finding was the presence of vocal nodules (45.9%). The average score on the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index was 24.3 points in total; 4.9 on the functional scale; 17.6 on the physical scale and 1.8 on the emotional scale.

Conclusion: A correct anamnesis that includes the family environment and practice of team sport is essential. The physical examination should include a laryngoscopic examination. There is an impact on the quality of life of patients with dysphonia perceived by them and their families; the physical component is perceived to be most affected. We consider a multidisciplinary approach to this condition necessary.

Keywords: Calidad de vida; Disfonía; Disfonía infantil; Dysphonia; Dysphonia in children; Exploración laringoscópica; Laryngoscopic examination; Quality of life.