Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019 Mar 18. Epub 2019 Mar 18.

Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.

Purpose Of Review: Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) cause dysphonia by preventing full vocal fold closure, interrupting vibratory characteristics and increasing compensatory muscle tension. Management includes phonosurgery, voice therapy, pharmacological treatment or more commonly a combination of these interventions. This review aims to present current perspectives on the management of BVFLs, particularly exploring the role of voice therapy. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 Mar 20. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Study Group of the Young Otorhinolaryngologists of International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), Marseille, France.

Objectives: To investigate the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the development of benign lesions of the vocal folds (BLVF).

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched by three independent investigators for articles published between January 1990 and November 2018 providing substantial information about the role of LPR in the development of nodules, polyps, cysts, Reinke's edema, and sulcus vocalis. Inclusion, exclusion, diagnostic criteria and clinical outcome evaluation of included studies were analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Read More

J Voice 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.

Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL), including nodules, polyps, and cysts, are the most common etiology of dysphonia in the pediatric population. Voice surveys, such as the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (PVHI), have become instrumental in the evaluation and monitoring of pediatric patients with dysphonia; however the symptom profiles reported in surveys have not yet been well correlated to specific etiologies for dysphonia. In a retrospective chart review of 95 patients with PVHI surveys and laryngoscopic exams, we sought to correlate the PVHI results with findings of BVFL. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019 Mar;128(3_suppl):7S-24S

1 Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Background:: Since the renowned opera maestro Manuel Garcia presented "Observations on the Human Voice" using mirror laryngoscopy in 1855, there has been an inextricable link between performing vocalists and laryngologists. Today, specialized laryngeal surgeons continue the tradition of integrating medical and surgical management of performers with those skilled in vocal arts, voice science, and voice therapy. With advances in surgical instrumentation and techniques, increasing opportunities have evolved to surgically restore lost performing voices. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Mar;98(9):e14491

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference and correlation between the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) and the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP) among teachers.The participants were 672 teachers (218 males and 454 females, male-to-female ratio = 0.48:1) whose vocal cords were examined using a Strobolaryngoscope. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

ENT, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.

In a recent study we introduced a new approach for analysis of the electroglottographic (ECG) signal. This method is based on the evaluation of variation of the EGG signal and its first derivative, through new software developed by the Pisan phoniatric school. This software is designed to extract quantitative indices related to the contacting and decontacting phases of the vocal folds during phonation. Read More

Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Jan 14;23(1):116-124. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.

 Vocal fold polyps are one of the most frequent benign laryngeal lesions, impacting the quality of life of those affected by them, primarily the vocal production. Despite being a well-established therapy in conjunction with surgery, speech therapy alone may also be effective in treating these lesions. As such, otolaryngologists and speech therapists need updated bibliographic knowledge on the issue. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Dec 21. Epub 2018 Dec 21.

USC Voice Center, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Objectives: To review available information regarding in-office procedures for benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL).

Methods: PubMed term search on office/awake laryngeal procedures for any of the following specific lesions: Reinke's edema (RE), polyps, nodules, varices, vocal process granuloma, and vocal fold (VF) scar.

Results: In-office ablative and nonablative laser procedures have been described for BVFL, including RE, polyps, varices, and granuloma. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2018 Oct;38(5):424-430

Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

The aim of our study was to compare socio-demographic characteristics of vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema. The study included patients diagnosed for the first time with vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema at the Communication Disorders Care Center of Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. Diagnosis was made on the basis of symptoms, clinical otorhinolaryngological and phoniatric examination and endovideolaryngostroboscopic findings. Read More

Pathol Res Pract 2019 Jan 10;215(1):144-150. Epub 2018 Nov 10.

Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.

Objective: The aim of the study was to perform a pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis of squamous cell (SC) carcinogenesis markers on epithelial linings of vocal cord polyps. The vocal box, being a heavily burdened organ with intensive cell renewal and regenerative processes, is therefore a favourable environment for constant epithelial growth and hyperplasia. In our ongoing projects on laryngeal carcinogenesis and research on laryngeal tissue, we encountered atypia on diagnosed nodules and polyps that are usually considered as benign formations, resulting from the above-mentioned cell renewal and regeneration, which lead to further investigation. Read More

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2018 Mar-Apr;56(211):658-661

Department of ENT-HNS, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Introduction: The term 'voice' is the acoustic energy generated from the vocal tract that are characterized by their dependence on vocal fold vibratory pattern. Teachers as professional voice users are afflicted with dysphonia and are discouraged with their jobs and seek alternative employment. Loud speaking and voice straining may lead to vocal fatigue and vocal fold tissue damage. Read More

J Voice 2018 Oct 22. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Aydin University, Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey.

In Reinke's space of human vocal fold, type III collagen forms a three dimensional network and this contains numerous minute chambers in between these fibers. These compartments are occupied by glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. In laryngeal fold lesions, such as Reinke's edema and vocal fold polyps, proteoglycan (PG)/hyaluronic acid (HA) components of extracellular matrix increased. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Dec 22;275(12):3033-3037. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Department of Otolaryngology, Selcuk University Medical School, Alaeddin Keykubad Campus, 42075 Yeni Istanbul caddesi, Konya, Turkey.

Purpose: To evaluate upper esophageal sphincter (UES) activity in patients with benign glottic lesions.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with benign vocal fold (VF) lesions scheduled for manometric evaluation were enrolled as the study group (SG); 20 healthy subjects without vocal pathology or dysphagia were included as the control group (CG). UES residual, basal, relaxation time and peak pharyngeal pressures were evaluated by manometry. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 11 6;128(11):2593-2599. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Department of Otolaryngology, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.

Objectives/hypothesis: Vocal fold polyps and nodules are common benign laryngeal lesions. Currently, the Japanese health insurance system covers surgical interventions. However, the establishment of more cost-effective conservative methods is required, because healthcare costs are viewed as a major concern, and the government and taxpayers are demanding more economical, effective treatments. Read More

Adv Ther 2018 Jul 15;35(7):1069-1086. Epub 2018 Jun 15.

Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.

Introduction: Functional and organic impairments of the singing voice are common career-threatening problems of singers presenting in phoniatric and laryngological departments. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of phonosurgery, logopedic voice treatment and vocal pedagogy in common organic and functional voice problems of singers, including investigation of the recently introduced parameter vocal extent measure (VEM).

Methods: In a prospective clinical study, the analysis of treatment outcome in 76 singers [57 female, 19 male; 38 ± 11 years (mean ± SD)] was based on pre- and post-therapeutic voice function diagnostics and videolaryngostroboscopy. Read More

J Voice 2018 Jun 5. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of dysphagia in patients presenting with dysphonia and diagnosed with non-neoplastic vocal fold pathology.

Methods: A total of 45 patients presenting with dysphonia and diagnosed with non-neoplastic vocal fold pathology and a control group matched according to age and gender were included. Patients with recent history of respiratory tract infection, laryngeal surgery or manipulation, neurologic disorders, head and neck tumors, or history of chemotherapy/radiotherapy were excluded. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Apr;144(4):342-348

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Importance: It is important that clinicians understand consequences of thyoridectomy on swallowing from the patient perspective to better care for this population.

Objective: Using rigorous qualitative methodology, this study set out to characterize the effect of swallowing-related symptoms after thyroidectomy on patient quality of life and swallowing-related outcomes.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Prospective, grounded theory analysis of interviews with 26 patients at 3 time points after thyroidectomy (2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months). Read More

Logoped Phoniatr Vocol 2018 Jan 10:1-6. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

a Audiology and Phoniatrics Clinic , Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing , Warsaw , Poland.

Introduction: The diagnostic procedure of phonation is dominated by subjective assessment tools. It seems reasonable to seek methods of quantitative glottal cycle assessment.

Objective: The aim of our study was the analysis of open quotients (OQ) of the glottis. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Jan 25;104:19-24. Epub 2017 Oct 25.

Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Voice Research Laboratory, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Electronic address:

Objective: The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the English version of pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI) into Mandarin Chinese.
 METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed from May 2016 to April 2017. A total of 367 parents participated in this study, and 338 parents completed the translated questionnaire without missing data, including 213 parents of children with voice disorders (patients group), and 125 parents of children without voice disorders (control group). Read More

Med Probl Perform Art 2017 12;32(4):187-194

Dep. of Audiology and Phoniatrics, Charité-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. Tel +4930 450 555 402, fax +4930 450 555 931.

There are few data demonstrating the specific extent to which surgical intervention for vocal fold nodules (VFN) improves vocal function in professional (PVU) and non-professional voice users (NVU). The objective of this study was to compare and quantify results after phonomicrosurgery for VFN in these patient groups.

Methods: In a prospective clinical study, surgery was performed via microlaryngoscopy in 37 female patients with chronic VFN manifestations (38±12 yrs, mean±SD). Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 05 6;128(5):1170-1175. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to understand current protocols for voice rest implemented by laryngologists immediately after phonomicrosurgery for benign vocal fold lesions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods: A 24-item survey was sent via electronic mail to laryngologists across the country to gather data on their recommendations of type and dosage of voice rest, factors involved in this decision, and recommendations for other behavioral modifications. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Dec;25(6):453-458

aDepartment of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmarybDivision of Otolaryngology, Brigham and Women's HospitalcDepartment of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The management of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) continues to evolve. This article will review the recent literature surrounding the nomenclature, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of BVFLs, including polyps, nodules, cysts, and reactive lesions.

Recent Findings: The taxonomy of vocal fold lesions has been refined, and it serves as a common descriptive language for diagnosis, treatment algorithms, and reporting of outcomes. Read More

J Voice 2018 Nov 10;32(6):770.e21-770.e30. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the internal and external responsiveness of the Persian version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (called ATSHA), Persian version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Praat scales among patients with vocal mass lesions and secondary muscle tension dysphonia.

Study Design: Prospective, within-participant repeated measures.

Method: Thirty patients with vocal fold nodules, polyps, and cysts related to secondary muscle tension dysphonia participated in the study. Read More

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2017 Aug;37(4):286-294

ENT Audiology Phoniatrics Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Pisa, Italy.

The purpose of this study is to understand if there is any alteration in the posture of patients affected by organic dysphonia and describe possible postural modifications after phonomicrosurgery on the vocal folds. Forty subjects (22 males, 18 females; mean age 32.6 ± 7. Read More

Auris Nasus Larynx 2018 Aug 31;45(4):661-666. Epub 2017 Aug 31.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.

Objective: To update our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for the treatment of vocal disturbance associated with benign vocal fold lesions, including vocal polyps, nodules and cysts, and for determining the utility of voice therapy in treating organic voice disorders, while highlighting problems for the future development of this clinical field.

Methods: We conducted a review of the most recent literature on the therapeutic effects of voice therapy, vocal hygiene education or direct vocal training on vocal quality, the lesion appearance and discomfort felt by patients due to the clinical entity of benign vocal fold mass lesions.

Results: Although voice therapy is principally indicated for the treatment of functional dysphonia without any organic abnormalities in the vocal folds, a number of clinicians have attempted to perform voice therapy even in dysphonic patients with benign mass lesions in the vocal folds. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 11 22;157(5):824-829. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

1 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, USA.

Objective To evaluate the voice outcomes of adults diagnosed with vocal fold nodules (VFNs) as children and to assess the impact of speech therapy on long-term voice outcomes. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Large health care system. Read More

Rev Med Suisse 2016 Oct;12(533):1661-1664

Unité de phoniatrie et de logopédie, Service d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.

The vocal cord or vocal fold is a remarkable structure, capable to support significant physical constraints. When the voice malmenage becomes chronic, it may appear an organic alteration causing nodules, polyps or Reinke edema even a lesion of the posterior glottis, the granuloma. These lesions are benign but lead to dysphonia that can be invalidating. Read More

J Voice 2018 May 9;32(3):386.e1-386.e9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of voice therapy on patients with voice disorders by comparing the acoustic parameter changes before and after treatment.

Study Design: This is a retrospective study.

Methods: Forty-five female patients with early-stage vocal nodules or polyps, postoperative patients, and patients with chronic laryngitis were divided into three subgroups. Read More

J Voice 2018 Mar 18;32(2):162-168. Epub 2017 May 18.

Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, 11th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts.

Objective: In vocally healthy children and adults, speaking voice loudness differences can significantly confound acoustic perturbation measurements. This study examines the effects of voice sound pressure level (SPL) on jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) in adults with voice disorders and a control group with normal vocal status.

Study Design: This is a matched case-control study. Read More

J Voice 2018 Jan 6;32(1):38-44. Epub 2017 Apr 6.

Department of Speech Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: An important domain in health-related quality of life evaluations is quality of life perceptions due to having a voice disorder. The purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the correlation of the Iranian Voice Quality of Life Profile (IVQLP) with the Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) for establishing the construct convergent validity of the IVQLP, and (2) to examine the correlation between VRQOL and VHI-30.

Methods: Study sample consisted of 150 patients, 91 male and 59 female, diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia, benign organic disorders such as polyps and nodules, and unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2017 Apr;31(7):520-523

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan,528000,China.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the risk factors which affect the exposure of glottis in suspension laryngoscopy.We performed a prospective study about 90 cases of vocal cord lesions underwent microlaryngosurgery(including polyps,vocal nodules,cyst and papilloma).Then we recorded the clinical data related to glottic exposure, both preoperatively and intraoperatively. Read More

Open Med (Wars) 2016 26;11(1):63-67. Epub 2016 Mar 26.

TChildren's Hospital, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Paediatric otolaryngology departament; Santariskiu g. 7, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania.

Tuberculosis is still the most frequent granulomatous laryngeal disease. Absence of pathognomonic symptoms and change in clinical pattern frequently leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Hoarseness is the commonest symptom of laryngeal tuberculosis and constitutional symptoms are usually rare. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 06;143(6):589-594

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Importance: The short-term outcomes of vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) are well documented. However, few studies have reported the long-term outcomes following VFSI.

Objective: To investigate the incidence rates of symptom recurrence and secondary interventions following VFSI for benign vocal fold lesions. Read More

J Voice 2017 Sep 28;31(5):615-620. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of immediate intralesional steroid injection in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery (LMS) for benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs).

Study Design: This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they received adjunctive steroid injection after LMS. Read More

Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2017 13;5. Epub 2017 Feb 13.

Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Maine , Orono, ME , USA.

The paper presented a three-dimensional, first-principle based fluid-structure-acoustics interaction computer model of voice production, which employed a more realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries. Self-sustained vibrations, important convergent-divergent vibration pattern of the vocal folds, and entrainment of the two dominant vibratory modes were captured. Voice quality-associated parameters including the frequency, open quotient, skewness quotient, and flow rate of the glottal flow waveform were found to be well within the normal physiological ranges. Read More

J Voice 2017 Sep 9;31(5):576-582. Epub 2017 Feb 9.

Otolaryngology Research Center, Amiralam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: An important domain in health-related quality of life evaluations is quality of life perceptions due to having a voice disorder. The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Iranian Voice Quality of Life Profile (IVQLP) based on Exploratory Factor Analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 280 patients (174 males and 106 females) diagnosed with MTD, benign organic disorders such as polyps and nodules, and unilateral vocal fold paralysis and cancer. Read More

Am J Speech Lang Pathol 2017 Feb;26(1):1-10

Massachusetts General Hospital, BostonMGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MAHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Purpose: Ambulatory voice biofeedback (AVB) has the potential to significantly improve voice therapy effectiveness by targeting one of the most challenging aspects of rehabilitation: carryover of desired behaviors outside of the therapy session. Although initial evidence indicates that AVB can alter vocal behavior in daily life, retention of the new behavior after biofeedback has not been demonstrated. Motor learning studies repeatedly have shown retention-related benefits when reducing feedback frequency or providing summary statistics. Read More

J Voice 2017 Jul 29;31(4):509.e1-509.e6. Epub 2016 Dec 29.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Objectives: To investigate the differences and correlation between the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) in teachers in China with and without voice disorders.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study.

Methods: The participants were 864 teachers (569 women, 295 men) whose vocal cords were examined using a flexible nasofibrolaryngoscope. Read More

J Voice 2017 Mar 7;31(2):247.e1-247.e7. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

Department of Applied IT and Engineering, Pusan National University, Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. Electronic address:

Introduction: For the evaluation of voice disorders, direct observation of vocal cord vibration is important. Among the various methods, laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) is widely used, but it was not a true image because it collects images from different cycles. In contrast, high-speed videoendoscopy and videokymography have much higher frame rates and can assess functional and mobility disorders. Read More

J Voice 2017 May 8;31(3):307-312. Epub 2016 Nov 8.

The Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York. Electronic address:

Objectives: Vocal fold vibration onset delay (VFVOD) is heard frequently in spasmodic dysphonia and in muscle tension dysphonia. VFVOD changes due to other vocal pathologies have not been investigated. VFVOD during sustained vowel production was estimated with high-speed video in 10 normal and 40 pathologic subjects (scars, vocal fold paralysis, vocal fold nodules, and polyps). Read More

Pol Merkur Lekarski 2016 Jul;41(241):26-31

Medical University of Bialystok, Poland: Department of Rehabilitation.

Technique of high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) is unique technique, allowing for assessment of real vocal fold vibrations.

Aim: The aim of the study is to present the usefulness of HSDI in the diagnosis of clinical type of dysphonia.

Materials And Methods: The study group was diagnosed at the Department of Clinical Phonoaudiology and Logopedics at the Medical University of Białystok and treated at the Phoniatric Clinic in years 2012-2015. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Feb 1;274(2):901-907. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, People's Republic of China.

The objective of the study is to investigate the expression of human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) and human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in vocal cord polyps using tissue microarray. Tissue specimens from vocal cord polyps (N = 51), vocal cord nodules (N = 26), and healthy vocal cords (N = 8) were retrieved from the biobank of the Department of Pathology of Tianjin Tianhe Hospital between 2003 and 2006 and immunostained on tissue microarrays for the quantitative analysis of hBD-1 and hBD-2 expression. hBD-1 expression did not differ significantly between healthy vocal cords, vocal cord nodules, and vocal cord polyps (p = 0. Read More

J Asthma 2016 09 17;53(7):679-83. Epub 2016 May 17.

a Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery , Hallym University College of Medicine , Anyang , Korea.

Objective: We investigated whether asthma predisposes patients to organic laryngeal lesions or increases dysphonia in those without organic laryngeal lesions.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; 19,330 subjects from 2008 through 2011 were included. The associations of asthma with organic laryngeal lesions and dysphonia were analyzed using a simple/multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sampling while adjusting for confounding factors (age, sex, smoking status, stress level, and body mass index) that could contribute to dysphonia. Read More

PLoS One 2016 28;11(4):e0154586. Epub 2016 Apr 28.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.

The goal of this study is to quantify the effects of vocal fold nodules on vibratory motion in children using high-speed videoendoscopy. Differences in vibratory motion were evaluated in 20 children with vocal fold nodules (5-11 years) and 20 age and gender matched typically developing children (5-11 years) during sustained phonation at typical pitch and loudness. Normalized kinematic features of vocal fold displacements from the mid-membranous vocal fold point were extracted from the steady-state high-speed video. Read More

J Voice 2017 Jan 13;31(1):34-40. Epub 2016 Apr 13.

Otolaryngology Research Center, Amiralam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: Voice disorders that affect the quality of voice also result in varying degrees of psychological and social problems. The research question here is whether the correlations between Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-30 scores and objective acoustic measures differ in patients with different types of voice disorders.

Methods: The subjects were divided into three groups: muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), benign mid-membranous vocal fold lesions, and unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Read More

Laryngoscope 2016 10 12;126(10):2315-9. Epub 2016 Mar 12.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Republic of Korea.

Objectives/hypothesis: This study assessed the long-term efficacy and recurrence rates of percutaneous steroid injections (PSIs) for benign vocal fold lesions.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Methods: A prospective human clinical trial was performed from October 2008 to September 2014 at Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon, Korea. Read More

Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho 2015 Oct;118(10):1212-9

When we operate on a vocal polyp or a vocal nodule with laryngeal microscopy, we always carefully measure their length and width then multiply the length by the width to get the area. We examined whether there is a correlation between the area of these lesions and the acoustic analysis of voice. Before the surgery and one month post-operation, we checked five acoustic parameters, maximum phonation time (MPT), range of voice, mean air flow rate (MFR) and acoustic analyses (jitter% and shimmer%). Read More

J Voice 2016 Nov 4;30(6):761.e1-761.e9. Epub 2015 Nov 4.

Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.

Objectives: Voice disorders affect adults and children and have different causes in different age groups. The aim of the study is to present the etiology and diagnosis dysphonia in a large population of patients with this voice disorder.for dysphonia of a large population of dysphonic patients. Read More

J Voice 2016 Sep 24;30(5):557-62. Epub 2015 Aug 24.

Department of Laryngology, Private Practice, Portland, Oregon. Electronic address:

Objectives: Assess the correlation between self-rating scales of talkativeness and loudness with various types of voice disorders.

Design: This is a retrospective study.

Methods: A total of 974 patients were analyzed. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2016 Jan 26;125(1):77-81. Epub 2015 Jul 26.

Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA

Introduction: 4K video is a new format. At 3840 × 2160 resolution, it has 4 times the resolution of standard 1080 high definition (HD) video. Magnification can be done without loss of resolution. Read More