Vocal outcome measures after bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections for abductor spasmodic dysphonia

Abstract

Objective

To review vocal outcome measures, using the Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) index, after simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Tertiary care academic clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Fourteen subjects with abductor spasmodic dysphonia received 37 simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injections for isolated abductor spasmodic dysphonia (ABSD) over a 16-month period.

Main Outcome Measures

VRQOL index.

Results

Of the 37 injections, 33 of 37 (89%) resulted in improvement. Three injections resulted in no improvement, and one injection resulted in a worse VRQOL. The overall VRQOL mean improvement was 19.8 (range 5–53), with an average pre/postinjection VRQOL interval of 36 days (range 21–45 days).

CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscle botulinum injections result in a statistically significant improvement in VRQOL index scores for a high percentage of ABSD patients, thus improving patient quality of life.