Gemma Clunie

and 5 more

Objectives: Airway reconstruction for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) improves dyspnoea. There is little evidence relating to impact upon voice and swallowing. We explored voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with LTS before and after reconstructive surgery. Design: With ethical approval, twenty consecutive LTS patients undergoing airway reconstruction at a tertiary referral center were prospectively recruited. Outcome measures were collected pre-reconstructive surgery, two-weeks post-surgery and up to 4-6 months post-surgery. These included physiological values (maximum phonation time (MPT) and fundamental frequency; penetration-aspiration score, residue score), clinician-reported (GRBAS, functional oral intake score, 100ml Water Swallow Test) and patient-reported outcomes (Voice Handicap Index-10, Reflux Symptoms Index, Eating Assessment Tool, Dysphagia Handicap Index). Results: The observational study identified patient-reported and clinician-reported voice and swallow difficulties pre- and post-surgery; median and interquartile range are reported at each timepoint: Voice Handicap Index-10 23 (8-31); 20.5 (9-33.5), 24.5 (12.5-29); Dysphagia Handicap Index 9 (0-37); 13 (7-44); 15 (4-34); GRBAS grade 1(1-2); 2 (1-2.5); 2(1-2); 100ml Water Swallow Test volume score 16.7 (11.1-20); 14.3 (12.5-16.7); 16.7 (14.3-20.0); 100ml Water Swallow Test capacity score 16.3 ± 9.0; 11.0 ± 4.1; 12.5 ± 2.6. Conclusion: We present the first prospective data on voice and swallowing outcomes in adults with LTS before and after reconstructive surgery. The variability of the outcomes was higher than expected but importantly, for many the voice and swallow outcomes were not within normal limits before surgery. The clinical value of the study demonstrates the need for individual assessment and management of LTS patients’ voice and swallowing.
Objectives. Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease with extrathoracic manifestations, most commonly affecting the young and middle-aged, female and black populations. Diagnosis usually requires evidence of non-caseating granulomata and, when treated, prognosis is usually favourable. We aim to establish the incidence, clinical features and optimal treatment of ENT manifestations of this disease. Design. We performed a review of the literature to determine the evidence-base supporting this. Results. ENT manifestations are present in 10-15% of patients with sarcoidosis, often as a presenting feature, and require vigilance for swift recognition and coordinated additional treatment specific to the organ. Laryngeal sarcoidosis presents with difficulty in breathing, dysphonia and cough, and may be treated by Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) or intralesional injection, dilatation or tissue reduction. Nasal disease presents with crusting, rhinitis, nasal obstruction and anosmia, usually without sinus involvement. It is treated by topical nasal or intralesional treatments but may also require endoscopic sinus surgery, laser treatment or even nasal reconstruction. Otological disease is uncommon but includes audiovestibular symptoms, both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, and skin lesions. Conclusions. The consequences of ENT manifestations of sarcoidosis can be uncomfortable, disabling and even life threatening. Effective management strategies require good diagnostic skills and use of specific therapies combined with established treatments such as corticosteroids. Comparisons of treatment outcomes are needed to establish best practice in this area.