OBJECTIVES: To characterize the perceptual assessment of vocal quality in subglottic stenosis (SGS) patients and to identify risk factors for dysphonia.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review, academic center.
METHODS: Perceptual voice assessment using GRBAS scale (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain); patient characteristics determined for 31 SGS cases.
RESULTS: The mean GRBAS (0 to 3 scale, 0 = normal quality) for SGS patients at their initial visit was G(1.4)R(1.2)B(0.5) A(0.5)S(1.1). For males vs females: G(2.1 vs 1.1)R(2.0 vs 0.8)B(1.0 vs 0.4)A(1.0 vs 0.3)S(1.7 vs 0.9). The Grade (P < 0.03), Breathiness (P < 0.04), and Asthenia (P < 0.02) assessments were significantly more dysphonic in patients with multilevel stenosis; vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) also impacted overall Grade (P < 0.01). Overall Grade (P < 0.002), Roughness (P < 0.007), and Breathiness (P < 0.006) were significantly worse in patients with prior airway surgery.
CONCLUSION: SGS patients demonstrate a mild to moderate change in perceptual voice characteristics with males in this series being more affected than females. Negative risk factors include multiple stenoses, VFMI, and previous airway surgery.
SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first systematic report of perceptual voice assessment in subglottic stenosis. SGS patients have notable degrees of dysphonia with identifiable risk factors.
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