Pediatric vocal fold paralysis after cardiac surgery: Rate of recovery and sequelae

Pediatric vocal fold paralysis after cardiac surgery: Rate of recovery and sequelae OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY Truong, M. T., Messner, A. H., Kerschner, J. E., Scholes, M., Wong-Dominguez, J., Milczuk, H. A., Yoon, P. J. 2007; 137 (5): 780-784

Abstract

To determine the rate of recovery of pediatric vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after cardiac surgery.Retrospective case series from January 2000 to 2005 at 4 tertiary care pediatric hospitals.A total of 109 children with VFP were identified. Of 80 patients with follow-up >3 months, 28 (35%) recovered vocal fold function with a median time to diagnosis of recovery of 6.6 months. Fifty-two (65%) patients had persistent vocal fold paralysis with a median follow-up time of 16.4 months. Twenty-five (45%) of 55 patients demonstrated aspiration or laryngeal penetration with modified barium swallow. Twenty-nine (27%) of the 109 patients underwent surgical intervention for their airway, feeding, or voice.Pediatric VFP is not an uncommon complication after cardiac surgery and can result in serious sequelae. This study demonstrates a 35% rate of recovery, 45% rate of aspiration, and 27% rate of complications that require surgical intervention.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.otohns.2007.07.028

View details for Web of Science ID 000250821700017

View details for PubMedID 17967646