Ma Y, Kidane J, Gochman GE, Bracken DJ, Strohl MP, Rosen CA, Young VN. Assessment of Laryngeal Sensory Function using a Tactile Aesthesiometer in Healthy Adults.
Laryngoscope 2023;
133:2525-2532. [PMID:
36637192 DOI:
10.1002/lary.30540]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Laryngeal sensory function in healthy adults was assessed through the delivery of tactile stimuli using Cheung-Bearelly monofilaments.
METHODS
37 healthy adults were recruited with 340 tactile stimuli analyzed. Four calibrated tactile stimuli were delivered to three laryngeal sites: false vocal fold (FVF), aryepiglottic fold (AEF), and lateral pyriform sinus (LPS). Primary outcome was the elicitation of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR). Secondary outcomes were gag, patient-reported laryngeal sensation (PRLS), and perceptual strength. Analysis was performed with mixed effects logistic regression modeling.
RESULTS
Positive LAR was observed in 35.7%, 70.2%, and 91.2% of stimuli at LPS, AEF, and FVF respectively. LAR rates were significantly associated with laryngopharyngeal subsite (p < 0.001), tactile force (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.022) and sex (p = 0.022). LAR, gag, PRLS, and perceptual strength significantly increased as a more medial laryngeal subsite was stimulated and as stimulus force increased. Each of the ten years of age increase was associated with 19% reduction in odds of LAR (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.68, 0.97]; p = 0.022). Male gender was associated with a 55% reduction in odds of LAR (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.23, 0.89]; p = 0.022).
CONCLUSION
LAR elicitation capability decreases in the male gender, aging, and a more lateral subsite. This study provides insight into the pathophysiology of hypo- and hyper-sensitive laryngeal disorders and is paramount to making accurate diagnostic assessments and finding novel treatment options for various laryngological disorders. Laryngoscope, 133:2525-2532, 2023.
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