Characterization of 68 Consecutive Pediatric Vocal Cord Dysfunction Clinic Patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Pulmonology
• Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Background:

• Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is a condition affecting breathing, often misdiagnosed.
• Understanding patient characteristics and diagnostic patterns is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize pediatric patients with ILO.
• To evaluate exercise-induced asthma (EIA) test results in this population.
• To determine the necessity of further diagnostic testing for ILO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with ILO.
• Data collected included demographics, triggers, symptoms, and diagnostic test results.
• Focus on patients seen in a specialized Vocal Cord Dysfunction clinic.

Main Results:

• Sixty-eight pediatric patients with ILO were identified, predominantly female and white.
• Exercise (92.6%) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (72.1%) were the primary triggers.
• Most patients experienced difficulty breathing and stridor; EIA testing was common, but ILO episodes were rare during laryngoscopy.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary team approach is beneficial for managing ILO.
• Exertion and reflux are key triggers, but behavioral health predispositions require further investigation.
• Diagnostic strategies for ILO need refinement based on patient characteristics.