Quality of life measures and predictors for adults with unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Abstract

To investigate the quality of life (QoLF) status of Taiwanese adults with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). A prospective, QoLF survey in a tertiary referral voice center. Fifty-five consecutive UVCP patients were evaluated with Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey and the voice outcome survey at entry. UVCP patients have significantly lower scores in all eight SF-36 subscales (P < .05) than do normative Taiwan adult population, particularly in role functioning-physical problems, social functioning, and role functioning-emotional problems. Shimmer parameter is a robust and consistent predictor for bodily pain (beta = -20.8), role functioning-emotional problems (beta = -27.9), and social functioning (beta = -20) general health dimensions. Shimmer is also predictive of UVCP-related total voice outcome survey score (beta = -8.6, P < .05). UVCP can seriously compromise phonation, swallowing, and social functions; thus significantly impacting a patient's general health status. Voice physiological function is also a QoLF outcome indicator.