Demographic Differences in Clinical Presentation of Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is involuntary closure of the vocal folds during inspiration, often presenting in children and young adults. Although common symptoms and triggers are known, differences in clinical presentation based on patient demographics are unknown. This study characterizes differences in clinical presentation of pediatric PVFM based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

We reviewed electronic medical records of patients 0-21 years old with PVFM based on ICD codes from 2009 to 2019 within a tertiary academic health system. Demographics, symptoms, triggers, concurrent diagnoses, and laryngoscopy findings were abstracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Among 96 individuals the mean age was 10.6 years (standard deviation ±6.5) and 66 (69%) were female. In comparison to 13-21 year olds, those 0-2 years more often had PVFM observed on laryngoscopy (OR = 17.84, 95% CI: 3.14-101.51) and had less shortness of breath (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.09). Those 3-12 years had more asthma (OR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.07-8.81) and cough (OR = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.77-21.13). Both 0-2 (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.24) and 3-12 year olds (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.40) presented less with activity as a trigger. Racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to present with pharyngeal findings (eg mucosal inflammation, adenotonsillar hypertrophy) on laryngoscopy (OR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.45-15.37) compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Differences in clinical presentation by sex were not observed.

We identified several differences in symptoms, triggers, and laryngoscopy findings in pediatric PVFM based on age and race/ethnicity. Associations between sex and clinical presentation were not observed.