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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

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Published on: December 1, 2023
Vocal fold immobility following burn intensive care.
Travis J Pfannenstiel1, Thomas J Gal, David K Hayes
1Department of Otolaryngology, Brooke Army Medical Center, FT Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA. travis.pfannenstiel@us.army.mil
High-altitude transport of intubated burn patients increases vocal fold immobility risk. Endotracheal tube cuff pressure is a key factor in laryngeal nerve injury development.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Speech Pathology
Background:
- Vocal fold immobility can occur in patients surviving burn intensive care.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for preventing laryngeal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with vocal fold immobility in burn intensive care survivors.
- To investigate the link between patient management and laryngeal injury.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 52 patients from a Burn Intensive Care Unit.
- Videostroboscopic examination for vocal fold immobility diagnosis.
- Logistic regression analysis to assess associations with patient management factors.
Main Results:
- Vocal fold immobility was diagnosed in 48% of patients.
- Intubation during overseas aeromedical evacuation was a significant risk factor (OR 4.5, P=0.026).
- Each 1% increase in total body surface area (TBSA) burn correlated with a 3% increased risk.
Conclusions:
- High-altitude transport of intubated patients is a significant risk factor for laryngeal injury.
- Endotracheal tube cuff pressure may play a critical role in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
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