Characterization of patients with dysphonia evaluated in the pediatric voice unit of the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate diagnosis and proper management of voice disorders in pediatric patients lies in that the symptom dysphonia, can have etiologies of variable significance. Aim: To evaluate the epidemiology and characteristics of pediatric patients with chronic dysphonia that are referred to the voice unit of Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, and thereby generate a diagnostic protocol and coordinated management strategy between speech pathologist and otolaryngologist. Material and method: Prospective descriptive study with review of clinical files and operative protocols of patients followed-up at the voice unit of the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital. Results: In the voice unit, there are 22 children being followed up. The most frequently diagnosed lesions with videonasolaryngoscopy were vocal nodules (n=10) and asymmetric volume on the vocal cord (n=8). We performed telelaryngoscopy with videostroboscopy in 81.8% of patients. Of all the patients, 10 required direct laryngoscopy. Conclusions: Dysphonia in children is usually an underestimated symptom and, the- refore, not treated. We believe that a children’s voice unit should evaluate their patients with the appropriate technology according to the patients age, and to carry out an adequate follow-up of the treatments administered.