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Voice abnormalities at school age in children born extremely preterm
Noel French1, Rona Kelly, Shyan Vijayasekaran
1Neonatal Clinical Care Unit, King Edward Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. noel.french@health.wa.gov.au
Pediatrics
|February 20, 2013
Summary
Children born extremely preterm often have voice abnormalities. More than five intubations and being female increased the risk of moderate-severe voice disorders and impacted voice-related quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Voice abnormality is a common issue in school-aged children born extremely preterm.
- This study investigates the prevalence of voice issues, quality of life, and contributing factors in this specific population in Western Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of voice abnormality in children born at <25 weeks' gestation.
- To assess voice-related quality of life in this cohort.
- To identify demographic and intubation-related factors associated with voice disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of survivors born <25 weeks' gestational age in Western Australia (1996-2004) was studied.
- Voice assessments included the auditory perceptual assessment scale and Pediatric Voice Handicap Index.
- Retrospective chart review identified intubation history.
Main Results:
- Of 70 assessed children, 58% exhibited moderate-severe hoarseness.
- Increased odds of moderate-severe voice disorder were linked to >5 intubations (OR 6.96) and female sex (OR 3.46).
- Parent-reported voice quality of life scores were significantly lower in preterm infants compared to term infants (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Voice disorders are significantly more prevalent in extremely preterm infants than previously expected.
- Further research is needed across broader gestational ages and to explore voice-protective strategies during intubation.
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