Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: February 21, 2011
Characterizing Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Dysfunction: Analysis with the Pediatric Health Information System
Aryan D Shay1, Isabella Zaniletti2, Kyle P Davis1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.A.
Insights
Pediatric bilateral vocal fold dysfunction impacts many children, with gastrointestinal issues and tracheostomy improving survival. Tracheostomy, however, increases costs and comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Bilateral vocal fold dysfunction (BVFD) is a complex condition in children.
- Characterizing BVFD is crucial for understanding its impact on pediatric healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pediatric bilateral vocal fold dysfunction (BVFD).
- To examine factors influencing inpatient mortality in pediatric BVFD cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with BVFD (2008-2020).
- Utilized data from the Pediatric Health Information System.
- Employed univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 4799 hospitalizations for 2395 pediatric patients with BVFD.
- Inpatient mortality was 2.9%; 61.1% had comorbid respiratory conditions.
- Gastrointestinal comorbidities (HR: 0.29) and tracheostomy (HR: 0.21) were favorable prognostic indicators for survival.
Conclusions:
- This study is the largest cohort analysis of pediatric BVFD.
- Gastrointestinal comorbidities and tracheostomy are favorable prognostic indicators for survival.
- Tracheostomy is linked to increased hospital costs, comorbidities, and gastrostomy placement.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to characterize pediatric bilateral vocal fold dysfunction and to examine the overall inpatient mortality.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort analysis. Data from the Pediatric Health Information System was gathered for all pediatric patients with a diagnosis of bilateral vocal fold dysfunction between January 2008 and September 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models.
Results:
2395 patients accounted for 4799 hospitalizations with bilateral vocal fold dysfunction. Inpatient mortality occurred in 2.9% of the study sample. Chiari 2 was found in 2.8% of patients. The most common associated diagnoses were related to comorbid respiratory conditions (61.1%). The median adjusted ratio of cost to charges was $76,569. Aspiration was noted in 28 patients (1.2%). Gastrostomy was performed in 607 patients (25.3%). Tracheostomy was performed in 27% of patients. The overall 90-day readmission rate was 61%. On multivariate analysis, prognostic factors associated with increased hospital survival include gastrointestinal comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.49) and tracheostomy (HR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12-0.37).
Conclusion:
This database study represents the largest cohort analysis to date characterizing bilateral vocal fold dysfunction. Favorable prognostic indicators of overall hospital survival include gastrointestinal comorbidities and the presence of tracheostomy. Tracheostomy is associated with an increase in hospital costs, comorbidities, gastrostomy tube placement, and Chiari diagnosis.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Laryngoscope, 133:1228-1233, 2023.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...

