Pediatric Vocal Fold Immobility: An 11-Year Review

Objectives:1) Describe the etiologies, manifestations, clinical course, and prognosis of vocal fold immobility (VFI) in a pediatric population. 2) Recognize the morbidities associated with neonatal VFI.Methods:Retrospective review of patients at a private pediatric otolaryngology practice in a metropolitan area. All patients seen between July 15, 2001, and September 1, 2012, with a diagnosis of complete or partial VFI were included. Records were reviewed for data regarding demographics, etiologies, symptomatology, follow-up, and resolution.Results:A total of 418 patients were identified. Left VFI was present in 66.0%, right VFI in 7.9%, and bilateral VFI in 26.1%. Median age at presentation was 90 days. Major etiological categories included cardiac surgery in 68.2%, neurologic disease in 8.1%, idiopathic causes in 11.7%, and paralysis associated with prematurity/prolonged neonatal intubation in 9.1%. On presentation, 61.7% experienced dysphonia, 54.1% respiratory symptoms, and 49.3% dysphagia. Tracheostom...