Treatment Of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia Research Articles

Comparison of the efficacy and adverse effects of unilateral or bilateral botulinum toxin injections for adductor spasmodic dysphonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThis study aims to aggregate and analyze existing clinical evidence to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of unilateral or bilateral botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD).MethodsReports from non-randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to the efficacy and adverse effects of unilateral and bilateral botulinum toxin injections for ADSD were identified and retrieved from four electronic databases from inception to July 2023. The meta-analysis employed fixed or random effects models to assess pooled relative risks (RR), mean differences (MDs), and standard mean differences (SMDs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsWe included two non-randomized controlled trials and seven cohort studies comprising 854 total patients. Meta-analysis of the included studies showed that bilateral botulinum toxin injections associated with a longer duration of vocal improvement (MD = − 2.89, 95% CI − 3.13 to − 2.65, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). However, bilateral botulinum toxin injections associated with an increase in adverse effects, including a longer duration of breathy voice quality (SMD = − 0.51, 95% CI − 0.79 to − 0.22, I2 = 35%, P = 0.0005) and a higher occurrence of swallowing difficulties (RR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.11, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001).ConclusionBilateral botulinum toxin injections for ADSD showed a longer duration of vocal improvement, a longer breathy voice duration and a higher dysphagia occurrence and duration than unilateral injections.

IncobotulinimtoxinA (Xeomin) for the treatment of adductor laryngeal dystonia: A prospective, open-label clinical trial

ObjectivesDemonstrate an understanding of incobotulinumtoxinA efficacy in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Understand that incobotulinumtoxinA can successfully be used as an alternative to onabotulinumtoxinA and for secondary non-responders. MethodsWe conducted a prospective open-label trial from 2016 until 2019 regarding the use of incobotulinimtoxinA for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Exclusion criteria included pregnant/nursing women, botulinum toxin for other indications, known allergy, neuromuscular or systemic diseases, use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, substance abuse, litigation regarding prior therapy, or other confounding conditions. Sixty-four injection sessions with completed with sixteen patients who were enrolled in the study and underwent EMG-guided incobotulinumtoxinA injections to the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle using a hollow monopolar Teflon-coated needle via a trans-cricothyroid membrane approach. Dosages to each TA muscle were recorded and patients completed a Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), a validated worksheet regarding their perceived percent of normal function (PNF) following treatment, and a side effect profile. Outcomes were analyzed using the paired t-test. ResultsFor primary transitioners to incobotulinimtoxinA, VHI-10 scores and best percent normal function did not significantly change. For non-responders, VHI-10 decreased from 32.5 on Botox to 19.5 on incobotulinimtoxinA and best PNF increased from 37.6 to 90 %, which was statistically significant. Transient side effects included breathiness. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that incobotulinimtoxinA may be used successfully for adductor SD either as first line treatment or in secondary non-responders to onabotulinumtoxinA.

Transoral radiofrequency of the terminal branches of the recurrent nerve in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia: our experience over 11 patients.

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) or laryngeal dystonia is as a rare vocal disorder characterized by involuntary action-induced endolaryngeal contraction. In the last decade, botulin toxin injection has become the standard treatment in adductor spasmodic dysphonia necessitating repetitive injections. The purpose of this study is to analyze retrospectively data from patients treated with the minimal-invasive transoral radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) of the terminal branches of the recurrent nerve. Between 2009 and 2015, 11 patients (six females and five males aged from 32 to 91years) with adductor SD were treated with RFITT. Pre-operative and post-operative vocal assessments (VHI-30, GRBASI, and acoustic-aerodynamics measurements), number of surgical revisions, delay between procedures, and post-operative complications were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out on the first vocal assessment performed 2-8weeks after the first procedure. Based on available data from ten patients, voice handicap index (VHI) showed improvement with a mean value of -17.7 points (p-value (pval) = 0.014, adjusted p-value (adj pval) = 0.21); instability has also revealed improvement in six patients (pval = 0.05, adj pval = 0.31). Four patients underwent only one procedure including one patient showing still long-term beneficial results after 5years of follow-up. Other patients required one to three new procedures with an average time between procedures of 15.3months. Over 24 surgeries performed on a total of 11 patients, one definitive treatment-related severe adverse event was reported. Thanks to long-lasting effect, repetitive treatments are less frequent compared to botulin toxin therapy. In our opinion, RFITT is a promising alternative to botulin toxin as a second-step procedure in case of toxin resistance or patient's lack of compliance.

Botulinum toxin treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia with EMG and endoscopic guidance

Background &amp; Objective: Spasmodic dysphonia is idiopathic focal dystonia characterized by irregular contractions or postural disorders of the laryngeal muscles, resulting in abnormal speech. Progress in laryngoscopy has resulted in development of a precise technique of botulinum toxin (BTX) injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle under visual control. Methods: We used EMG and endoscopic guidance for BTX injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD). Results: Thirty eight patients with AdSD were injected with BTX in 84 treatment sessions. The voice handicap index (VHI) level of the patients were: severe (73.8%), moderate (26.2%) and mild (none). The average VHI score was 74.6 points. After 8 weeks of BTX treatment, the VHI level was: Severe (3.6%), moderate (10.8%), and mild (85.7%). The average VHI score was 27.7 points. The average values of jitter, shimmer and harmonic to noice ratio (HNR) improved statistically (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of side effects were: breathiness (17.9%), choking (15.5%); hoarseness (8.5%), and dysphagia (4.7%). Conclusions: Injection of BTX under both EMG and laryngoscopy guidance for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia is an effective and safe treatment.

Quantitative laryngeal electromyography parameters may correlate with improved outcomes following botulinum toxin injection for spasmodic dysphonia

Despite use of qualitative laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) guided botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD), unsatisfactory injections and complete "misses" remain problematic. We aimed to determine if the quantitative LEMG measure of number of small segments (NSS) correlates with voice outcomes following (BoNT-A injection for AdSD. Automated quantitative LEMG analysis was performed during electromyography (EMG) -guided BoNT-A injection into the thyroarytenoid-lateral cricoarytenoid muscle complex for treatment of AdSD. Pre-injection phonatory NSS values were correlated with clinical voice outcomes and patient reported injection results. Quantitative LEMG measures were obtained for 45 AdSD patients (28 female, mean age 60.8 ± 12.8 years) during EMG-guided BoNT-A injection. Mean sampled NSS during phonation immediately prior to BoNT-A injection was 524 ± 323 (range: 2-904). Mean follow up was 36.5 ± 9.4 days; one patient was lost to follow-up. In comparison to their previous BoNT-A injection, the current injection was rated as worse, same, and better by 13 (29.5%), 25 (56.8%), and 6 (13.6%) patients, respectively. All 4 (9.1%) patients with NSS < 200 rated their BoNT-A injection result as worse than previous, and change in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores were worse or without change. Aiming for an NSS value greater than 200 during phonation prior to BoNT-A toxin injection for AdSD may reduce unfavorable voice outcomes.

Factors Associated with Failure of Botulinum Toxin Injection in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia.

Electromyography (EMG) Guided botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is considered first-line treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Failure rate can range between 6% and 29%. Study objective was to determine which factors were associated with failure. This was a retrospective review conducted at a tertiary, academic center. Adductor SD patients presenting for BTX injections from August 2017 to October 2018 were eligible. Age, gender, Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10), Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V), number of injections, disease duration, unilateral/bilateral injection, right/left injection, dose quantity, body mass index (BMI), professional voice user, employment, psychiatric comorbidity, breathiness, and dysphagia were investigated. Outcomes included failure as defined by the patient and dosage change. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was conducted. Sixty seven out of 564 injections (12%) were categorized as failure by 131 patients. In multivariate analysis, dosage change was associated with shorter duration of good effect (P < .001), BTX dose (P = .016), breathiness (P < .001), bilateral injection (P = .024), dysphagia (P = .012) and professional voice user (P = .021). Failure was associated with first injection with a new physician (P < .001), professional voice user P < .001) and lack of breathiness (P = .003). Failure rate was not associated with age, gender, VHI-10, CAPE-V, disease duration, left/right injection, dose quantity, BMI, psychiatric comorbidity, and dysphagia. Failure rate was 12% and associated with patients' first injection with a physician, professional voice user, and lack of breathiness. Dosage change occurred in 29% of injections and was associated with injection side effects, bilateral injections, BTX dose, professional voice user, and shorter duration of good effect.Level of evidence: 3.

Retrospective review of dosing trends in botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia in a long-term cohort

BackgroundBotulinum toxin A (BT) is the gold standard treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) with established use for greater than thirty years. The spasmodic dysphonia (SD) literature would benefit from additional long-term cohort data, especially in the Canadian population. The goals of this study were to evaluate whether BT dosage required to achieve acceptable voice shifts over time and to elucidate differences in the subgroups of patients receiving unilateral vocal fold (UVF) injections.MethodsPatient records were retrospectively reviewed at the regional tertiary Voice Clinic for AdSD patients from 1996 to 2017 to identify AdSD patients treated with serial BT injections. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests for time between treatments and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate trends in subgroup age.ResultsOne-hundred and twenty-six patients (61% female, mean age = 53 ± 15.5 years) met inclusion criteria and received laryngeal EMG-guided BT injections for up to twenty-two years and as many as 79 treatments. The mean total BT dosage for our population was 1.54 ± 0.35 Units per side. The majority of subjects had decreasing doses over time with a small subgroup having slowly increasing doses. Comparing treatment dosages between unilateral and bilateral injection groups, injection dosage per vocal fold was 1.65 ± 0.62 with time between injections was significantly shorter for the unilateral injection group (mean = 105 days, SD ± 19.8 days, p = 0.005) compared to the bilateral injection subgroup (137 ± 35.7 days, p < 0.005). The mean age of the unilateral injection population as younger at 42.4 ± 11.8 years (p = 0.004).ConclusionThe majority of patients in this study had decreasing BT injection dosages over time, with a smaller proportion having slowly increasing doses, thought to be likely relating to disease severity. The unilateral vocal fold injections were well tolerated despite needing more frequent injections, and found to be more prevalent in the younger age group.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin injection on adductor spasmodic dysphonia

Background: Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ASD) is a voice disorder characterized by strained, stuttering-like voice (involuntary disruptions of voice). Botulinum toxin (BT) injection of the vocal folds (VFs) is the treatment of choice, however, the doses and method of injection are variable. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of BT injection on the voices of the patients having ASD. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients with ASD treated bilaterally with VF BT injection in the office under local anesthesia. Each patient evaluated by laryngoscopic examination, acoustic analysis, and voice handicap index. Results: All patients improved markedly regarding laryngoscopic, acoustic, and self-assessment parameters. Conclusion: BT can be used effectively for the treatment of ASD and improving phonatory (voice) and quality of patients' life.

Validation of the OMNI vocal effort scale in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia

To establish the validity of the OMNI Vocal Effort Scale (OMNI-VES) for resistance exercise, a single-question pictorial scale, in voice-related perceived exertion. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the role of the OMNI-VES as an outcome measurement in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). A prospective validation study was conducted on 226 participants. The case group was comprised of 178 patients receiving botulinum toxin (BTX) injections for ADSD and 48 controls without a voice disorder. Prior to a planned injection, the participants were asked to complete the OMNI-VES and the Voice-Related Quality-of-Life (V-RQOL) questionnaires, and the clinician completed the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). A subgroup of 17 patients were administered a repeat assessment 1 month after injection. There was a weak correlation between the OMNI-VES and the V-RQOL score (Tau-b = -0.252, P < 0.001), and no significant correlation with the CAPE-V. Participants with ADSD had significantly higher OMNI-VES scores compared with normal controls, 5.07 ± 2.18 and 1.47 ± 2.28, respectively (P value < 0.0001). The average OMNI-VES score significantly improved 1 month following a BTX injection, from 6 ± 2.4 to 3.4 ± 2.8 (P value = 0.0003). Eighty-eight percent of the patients demonstrated a decrease in the OMNI-VES score following injection, whereas only 47% demonstrated an improvement in the V-RQOL score. The OMNI-VES is a validated tool for rating perceived voice-related exertion in people with ADSD and can be used for evaluating response to BTX injection treatment. 2b Laryngoscope, 129:448-453, 2019.

Outcomes of Onabotulinum Toxin A Treatment for Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia and Laryngeal Tremor

The relative outcomes of onabotulinum toxin A injections for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), ADSD with lateral laryngeal tremor (ADSD+LT), and lateral LT without ADSD are unclear. To compare the outcomes of onabotulinum toxin A treatment on ADSD, ADSD+LT, and lateral LT without ADSD. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 1990, to September 30, 2016, at a tertiary referral voice center. Participants included 817 patients treated with onabotulinum toxin A injections for diagnosis of ADSD, ADSD+LT, and lateral LT without ADSD. Injection of onabotulinum toxin A into the thyroarytenoid/lateral cricoarytenoid muscle complex. Data from patient diaries were used to evaluate patient-perceived effectiveness of onabotulinum toxin A injection. Primary outcomes were (1) patient-reported good voice days (voice breaks or tremor minimized to patient satisfaction) and (2) percentage of injections in which maximal voice quality was reached (significant or complete reduction in vocal tremor or spasms during a treatment cycle). Multivariate analysis of variance tests compared differences in outcomes between groups. Subanalysis was performed to compare outcomes in patients with isolated LT with those who had mixed tremor (lateral with concomitant anterior-posterior and/or vertical components). Of 817 patients treated with onabotulinum toxin A injections for laryngeal movement disorders, 548 patients (12 771 injection sessions) met inclusion criteria (ADSD: n = 328, ADSD+LT: n = 77, lateral LT without ADSD: n = 143). Of these, 408 (80.8%) were women; mean (SD) age was 57.2 (13.7) years. Among patients with tremor, those with isolated LT had better outcomes than those with mixed tremor. In adjusted analysis, good voice days in patients with ADSD, ADSD+LT, and lateral LT without ADSD were 81.1, 75.4, and 71.3 days, respectively (partial η2, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.09). The percentage of maximally beneficial injections was 88.1% for ADSD, 83.4% for ADSD+LT, and 70.4% for LT without ADSD (partial η2, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.06-0.17). Onabotulinum toxin A injections into the thyroarytenoid/lateral cricoarytenoid muscle complex are an effective treatment for ADSD, ADSD+LT, and LT without ADSD; however, the greatest effectiveness was observed among patients with ADSD. Defining tremor directionality may help to prognosticate the effectiveness of onabotulinum toxin A injection among patients presenting with tremor components.

Gender differences in onabotulinum toxin A dosing for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of gender on onabotulinum toxin A dosing for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia symptoms. Retrospective review. A chart review of the senior author's database of botulinum toxin injections was performed. Patients diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia who received onabotulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injections to the thyroarytenoid muscle for at least 5 years were included for study. Patients who received alternate formulations of botulinum toxin (Myobloc, Dysport, or Xeomin) and patients with alternate diagnoses, such as abductor spasmodic dysphonia, tremor, and oromandibular dystonia, were excluded. The average BoNTA dose was calculated for each patient and statistical analysis was performed comparing the male and female groups. A total of 201 patients (52 males and 149 females) met inclusion criteria. The average follow-up times for the male and female groups were 10.2 ± 3.6 and 11.1 ± 4 years, respectively. The average BoNTA doses for the male and female groups were 0.6 ± 0.42 U and 1.3 ± 1.1 U, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples two-tailed t test yielding a P value of .0000000002. A large effect size was noted with Cohen's d = 0.85. The data from this retrospective chart review reveal a statistically and clinically significant correlation between female gender and higher average BoNTA dose for symptom control in adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Explanations for this observation are speculative and include a possible inverse relationship between optimal BoNTA dose and vocal fold mass and possibly greater neutralizing antibody formation among female patients. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1131-1134, 2017.

Liquid-type Botulinum Toxin Type A in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: A Prospective Pilot Study

Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been widely used to treat adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Most commercially available forms of BTX require reconstitution before use, which may increase the risk of contamination and requires careful titration. Recently, a liquid-type BTX type A (BTX-A) has been developed, which should simplify the procedure and enhance its efficacy. Herein, we present a prospective pilot study to investigate the efficacy and safety of liquid-type BTX-A in the treatment of ADSD. Twenty-six consecutive liquid-type BTX-A injections were performed in 12 patients with ADSD. We included as a control group 34 consecutive patients with ADSD who had previously undergone 52 vocal fold injection procedures with freeze-dried-type BTX-A. All patients in both groups had improvement of symptoms related to ADSD and period of normal voice. Most patients experienced breathiness, and the onset time, the peak response time, and the duration of breathiness were similar in both groups. The duration of effect (days) was 96.96 ± 18.91 and 77.38 ± 18.97 in the freeze-dried-type and the liquid-type groups, and the duration of benefit (days) was 80.02 ± 18.24 and 62.69 ± 19.73 in the freeze-dried-type and the liquid-type groups. To compare the efficacy between the freeze-dried-type and the liquid-type BTX-A, the sessions of the unilateral vocal fold injection were included and were categorized as group A (1 ~ 2 units BTX-A) and group B (2 ~ 3 units BTX-A), according to the dose per vocal fold. There was no significant difference of effect time between freeze-dried-type and liquid-type BTX-A groups. No adverse events related to BTX or vocal fold injection were reported. Liquid-type BTX-A is safe and effective for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. With the advantages of simple preparation, storage, and reuse and animal protein-free constituents, liquid-type BTX-A may be a good option in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.

Voice tuning with new instruments for type II thyroplasty in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia is a rare voice disorder characterized by strained and strangled voice quality with intermittent phonatory breaks and adductory vocal fold spasms. Type II thyroplasty differs from previous treatments in that this surgery does not involve any surgical intervention into the laryngeal muscle, nerve or vocal folds. Type II thyroplasty intervenes in the thyroid cartilage, which is unrelated to the lesion. This procedure, conducted with the aim of achieving lateralization of the vocal folds, requires utmost surgical caution due to the extreme delicacy of the surgical site, critically sensitive adjustment, and difficult procedures to maintain the incised cartilages at a correct position. During surgery, the correct separation of the incised cartilage edges with voice monitoring is the most important factor determining surgical success and patient satisfaction. We designed new surgical instruments: a thyroid cartilage elevator for undermining the thyroid cartilage, and spacer devices to gauge width while performing voice monitoring. These devices were designed to prevent surgical complications, and to aid in selecting the optimal size of titanium bridges while temporally maintaining a separation during voice monitoring. We designed new surgical instruments, including a thyroid cartilage elevator and spacer devices. Precise surgical procedures and performing voice tuning during surgery with the optimal separation width of the thyroid cartilage are key points for surgical success. We introduce the technique of voice tuning using these surgical tools in order to achieve a better outcome with minimal surgical complications.

チタンブリッジによる甲状軟骨形成術2型

チタンブリッジによる甲状軟骨形成術2型

Botulinum toxin treatment of false vocal folds in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: Functional outcomes.

Supraglottic injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) has been described as an effective treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the patients have little to no breathiness after injection, but no formal longitudinal studies have been carried out to date. The purpose of this study was to examine the voice outcomes in patients with ADSD after supraglottic Botox injection. Retrospective case series. Patients with ADSD who were treated with supraglottic Botox injections completed a qualitative self-evaluation of voice function after injection using the percentage of normal function (PNF) scale, a validated, quantitative scale from 0% (no function) to 100% (normal function). Posttreatment voice improvement after injection was determined using a Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) questionnaire. A total of 198 supraglottic injections were performed between July 2011 and October 2014. Twenty-five questionnaires were completed. Mean postinjection PNF was 95.0% ± 8.4% and was significantly increased from the preinjection mean PNF (62.5%) ± 22.6% (P < 0.001). The mean best VHI-10 for all injections was 7.23. In 19 of 25 patients (76%), there was no reduction in PNF in the early postinjection period. In the remaining six patients (24%), the decline in mean vocal function was 9.2%. Supraglottic Botox injection is an effective treatment for ADSD. Postinjection voice is significantly improved, and the majority of patients do not experience breathy voice/decline in vocal function after injection.

Treatment efficacy of electromyography versus fiberscopy-guided botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients: a prospective comparative study.

Introduction. This study prospectively evaluates and compares the treatment efficacy of botulinum toxin injection under electromyography guidance (EMG group) and percutaneous botulinum toxin injection under flexible fiberscopic guidance (fiberscopy group). Methods. Thirty patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), who had never received treatment, were randomly allocated into EMG- or fiberscopy-guided botulinum toxin injections between March 2008 and February 2010. We assessed acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters, and the voice handicap index (VHI) before injection and at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Results. The mean total dosage of botulinum toxin was similar for both groups: 1.7 ± 0.5 U for the EMG group and 1.8 ± 0.4 U for the fiberscopy group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups in either the duration of effectiveness or complications such as breathy voice and aspiration. Conclusion. Botulinum toxin injection under fiberscopic guidance is a viable alternative to EMG-guided botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia when EMG equipment is unavailable.

Long-term Voice Handicap Index after type II thyroplasty using titanium bridges for adductor spasmodic dysphonia

To determine the long-term functional outcomes of type II thyroplasty using titanium bridges for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) by perceptual analysis using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and by acoustic analysis. Fifteen patients with AdSD underwent type II thyroplasty using titanium brides between August 2006 and February 2011. VHI-10 scores, a patient-based survey that quantifies a patient's perception of his or her vocal handicap, were determined before and at least 2 years after surgery. Concurrent with the VHI-10 evaluation, acoustic parameters were assessed, including jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), standard deviation of F0 (SDF0), and degree of voice breaks (DVB). The average follow-up interval was 30.1 months. No patient had strangulation of the voice, and all were satisfied with the voice postoperatively. In the perceptual analysis, the mean VHI-10 score improved significantly, from 26.7 to 4.1 two years after surgery. All patients had significantly improved each score of three different aspects of VHI-10, representing improved functional, physical, and emotional well-being. All acoustic parameters improved significantly 2 years after surgery. The treatment of AdSD with type II thyroplasty significantly improved the voice-related quality of life and acoustic parameters 2 years after surgery. The results of the study suggest that type II thyroplasty using titanium bridges provides long-term relief of vocal symptoms in patients with AdSD.

Considerations for Initial Dosing of Botulinum Toxin in Treatment of Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia

To assess the effect on voice improvement and duration of breathiness based on initial dose of onabotulinum toxin A (BTX-A) in the management of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and to compare voice outcomes for initial bilaterally injected doses of 1.25 units (group A) vs 2.5 units (group B) of BTX-A. Case series with chart review of patients with adductor SD treated at a tertiary care facility from 1990 to 2011. Academic subspecialty laryngology practice. Demographic data (age and sex), voice rating, duration of voice improvement, and breathiness were evaluated and compared between groups A and B using the Student t test and χ(2) analysis. Of 478 patients identified, 305 (223 in group A, 82 in group B) patients met inclusion criteria. The average age was 56.2 years in group A and 57.4 years in group B (P = .5). The female to male ratio was 2.91 for group A vs 3.56 for group B (P = .61). Good voice outcomes (grade 3 or 4) were reported by 91% of group A patients vs 94% of group B (P = .75). The average duration of voice improvement was 99.7 days for group A and 108.3 days for group B (P = .54). The average duration of breathiness was 10.88 days for group A vs 15.42 days for group B (P = .02). Patients injected with 1.25 units bilaterally had a statistically significant shorter duration of breathiness without a statistically significant difference in clinical effectiveness or voice outcome. It is therefore recommended that a relatively low initial BTX-A dose be used with subsequent titration to achieve improved voice outcomes.

Surgery or Botulinum Toxin for Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: A Comparative Study

Currently, botulinum toxin (Botox) injection is the standard of treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). We sought to compare the outcome of selective laryngeal adductor denervation-reinnervation (SLAD-R) surgery for ADSD to that of Botox injections. Patient-oriented measures (VHI-10) and objective single-blinded gradings of digital voice recordings were utilized as outcome measures. The surgical cohort, recruited by retrospective patient selection, consisted of 77 patients with a mean follow-up time of 7.54 +/- 2.55 years (range, 2.2 to 14.2 years). The injection cohort, recruited prospectively, included 28 patients with a mean follow-up time of 46.37 +/- 5.51 days (range, 36 to 54 days). As measured by the VHI-10, the surgical patients had significantly improved voice handicap outcome scores (mean, 14.4 +/- 13.6) as compared to the patients who had Botox injection (mean, 26.5 +/- 12.1; p = 0.001). Aside from VHI-10 item 2, the surgical group demonstrated significantly improved voice-related function on each VHI-10 component (p = 0.01). Within the injection subgroup, 88% agreed that Botox successfully treats their ADSD, yet only 63% agreed that Botox improves their speech consistently. Within the surgical subgroup, 82% would recommend this surgery to others, and 78% agreed that their voice was actually better after surgery than after Botox. Objective voice ratings demonstrated similar levels of breathiness and overall voice quality in the treatment subgroups. When indicated, the SLAD-R surgery for ADSD demonstrates outcomes equal to or superior to those of the current standard of Botox injections.

Efficacy of laryngeal botulinum toxin injection: Comparison of two techniques

It is hypothesized that there is no difference in the effectiveness of botulinum toxin (BTX) injection between electromyography (EMG)-guided and non-EMG guided "point-touch" techniques in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Retrospective chart review. Patients selected for evaluation underwent sequential treatment by one or both of the senior authors using two different injection techniques with similar BTX dilution and preparation. Data gathered included dose injected, injection effect, and presence and duration of breathiness and dysphagia after injection. Statistical analysis was performed used a generalized estimating equations model. A total of 417 injections in 64 patients were analyzed. There was no difference in the rate of successful injections between the EMG-guidance group and the non-EMG guidance group (94.4% and 93.2%, respectively; P = .7). This unique study demonstrates that efficacy of BTX does not necessarily depend on the method of injection used. In experienced hands, excellent clinical results can be achieved with either EMG-guided or non-EMG guided injection techniques.