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Voice disorder in systemic lupus erythematosus
Milena S F C de Macedo1,2, Kauê M Costa3, Manoel da Silva Filho1
1Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
Plos One
|April 18, 2017
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients often experience voice problems, including hoarseness and vocal fatigue. These symptoms, linked to tissue damage, may improve with voice therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Otolaryngology
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing progressive tissue damage.
- Increased lifespan in SLE patients necessitates improved quality of life through symptom management.
- Voice disorders can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of dysphonia in SLE patients.
- To correlate vocal parameters and perceived vocal deficits with SLE disease activity and tissue damage.
- To explore the potential benefits of voice therapy for SLE patients.
Main Methods:
- Objective vocal parameters (intensity, harmonics-to-noise ratio, jitter, shimmer) were measured.
- Subjective vocal quality was assessed using the GRBAS scale.
- SLE patients completed a questionnaire on perceived vocal deficits and were compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- SLE patients exhibited significantly lower vocal intensity and harmonics-to-noise ratio.
- Increased jitter and shimmer, along with abnormal GRBAS scores, were observed in SLE patients.
- A high percentage of SLE patients reported vocal fatigue and hoarseness, correlating with objective findings and tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of SLE patients suffer from clinically relevant dysphonia.
- Vocal symptoms in SLE appear linked to disease-related tissue damage.
- Voice therapy may offer a valuable intervention to improve the quality of life for SLE patients.