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Vocal cord paralysis in children

Ericka F King1, Joel H Blumin

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Division of Laryngology and Professional Voice, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA.

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|September 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric vocal fold paralysis (VFP) presents voice and breathing challenges. Reliable treatments are available for children experiencing VFP, with some cases resolving spontaneously.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is a growing concern in pediatric patients.
  • Diagnostic and management strategies from adult laryngology are adapted for children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding and approaches to pediatric vocal fold paralysis.
  • To highlight diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in managing VFP in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on pediatric vocal fold paralysis.
  • Analysis of diagnostic techniques including electromyography (EMG) evaluation.
  • Assessment of various treatment modalities for unilateral and bilateral VFP.

Main Results:

  • Iatrogenic causes (e.g., cardiothoracic surgery) are common for unilateral VFP; neurologic disorders for bilateral VFP.
  • Speech therapy shows promise in older children; injection laryngoplasty is a common surgical option for unilateral VFP.
  • Laryngeal reinnervation is emerging as a permanent treatment for pediatric VFP; tracheotomy and glottic dilation are used for bilateral VFP.

Conclusions:

  • VFP significantly impacts pediatric voice and breathing.
  • While some children recover spontaneously, effective rehabilitative treatments exist for persistent VFP.
Abstract

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