Laryngeal pathology at school age following very XXXX .

@entity1 @entity4 @entity600 @entity7364 @entity14876 @entity194
INTRODUCTION: Intubation injury resulting in laryngeal pathology is recognised as a possible complication of @entity600 , yet few published studies have examined such pathology and its relation to voice outcomes. This study reports on the results of prospective laryngeal function examinations of a cohort of very preterm @entity1 , all of whom presented with significant @entity7364 at school age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laryngeal pathology of 20 very preterm @entity1 , born between 23 and 29 weeks gestation, was examined under halogen and stroboscopic conditions. Laryngeal structure and function were assessed using a rigid laryngoscope or a flexible nasendoscope. The approach was selected based on the age and/or likely compliance of the @entity1 . RESULTS: Nineteen @entity1 were found to have structural laryngeal pathology. Fourteen @entity1 presented with a chink to the posterior glottis and all demonstrated at least a mild degree of @entity14876 . Other common findings were arytenoid prolapse and vocal fold immobility. More isolated findings included @entity194 , @entity4 and growth on the vocal folds. One @entity1 who presented with structural laryngeal pathology was never intubated. DISCUSSION: Supraglottic hyperfunction was common to all @entity1 , regardless of the nature and extent of underlying structural laryngeal pathology. Posterior glottic chink was the most common pattern of incomplete vocal fold closure. These data support the hypothesis that very preterm @entity1 adopt supraglottic tightening to compensate for underlying laryngeal pathology. The mechanism underlying laryngeal damage in the @entity1 who was not intubated is unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Voice quality of very preterm @entity1 is affected by both laryngeal structure and function. A trial of behavioural voice treatment is recommended to evaluate any therapeutic response in this population.
