Distribution and Appearance of Ki-67, IL-1α, IL-10, and PGP 9.5 in Reinke's Oedema-Affected Larynx Tissue Compared with Control Tissue

Smoking, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and vocal fold abuse can promote the development of Reinke’s oedema, leading to vocal fold dysfunction and injury. The aim of the work was to investigate the appearance and distribution of proliferation marker Ki-67 (Ki-67), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and protein gene peptide 9.5 (PGP 9.5) in Reinke’s oedema-affected larynx tissue. Methods: A routine histological and immunohistochemical Reinke’s oedema and control group patient analysis was conducted. We used the biotin–streptavidin biochemical method to detect Ki-67, IL-10, IL-1α, and PGP 9.5 The semiquantitative grading method was used to evaluate immunoreactive cells’ appearance and local distribution. A Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank coefficient were performed. Results: A low positive correlation between IL-1α epithelial and subepithelial immunoreactive cells in the patient group was found. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant patient and control group immunoreactive marker differences. All examined markers showed a higher number of immunoreactive structures in the patient group. Conclusions: Intensive proliferation of the surface epithelium was observed in patient tissues. The notable increase in IL-10 positive structures indicates the dominant anti-inflammatory tissue response. An increased number of IL-1α structures in the larynx epithelium and subepithelium in the patient group is linked to inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodelling. The PGP 9.5 expression increase is involved in the morphopathogenesis of Reinke’s oedema.

Efficacy of microsurgery in Reinke's oedema evaluated by traditional voice assessment integrated with the Vocal Extent Measure (VEM)

SUMMARY

There are few data analysing to what specific extent phonomicrosurgery improves vocal function in patients suffering from Reinke's oedema (RE). The recently introduced parameter vocal extent measure (VEM) seems to be suitable to objectively quantify vocal performance. The purpose of this clinical prospective study was to investigate the outcomes of phonomicrosurgery in 60 RE patients (6 male, 54 female; 56 ± 8 years ([mean ± SD]) by analysing its effect on subjective and objective vocal parameters with particular regard to VEM. Treatment efficacy was evaluated at three months after surgery by comparing pre- and postoperative videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS), auditory-perceptual assessment (RBH-status), voice range profile (VRP), acoustic-aerodynamic analysis and patient's self-assessment using the voice handicap index (VHI-9i). Phonomicrosurgically, all RE were carefully ablated. VLS revealed removal or substantial reduction of oedema with restored periodic vocal fold vibration. All subjective and most objective acoustic and aerodynamic parameters significantly improved. The VEM increased on average from 64 ± 37 to 88 ± 25 (p #x003C; 0.001) and the dysphonia severity index (DSI) from 0.5 ± 3.4 to 2.9 ± 1.9. Both parameters correlated significantly with each other (rs = 0.70). RBH-status revealed less roughness, breathiness and overall grade of hoarseness (2.0 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 0.7). The VHI-9i-score decreased from 18 ± 8 to 12 ± 9 points. The average total vocal range enlarged by 4 ± 7 semitones, and the mean speaking pitch rose by 2 ± 4 semitones. These results confirm that: (1) the use of VEM in RE patients objectifies and quantifies their vocal capacity as documented in the VRP, and (2) phonomicrosurgery is an effective, objectively and subjectively satisfactory therapy to improve voice in RE patients.

Surgical procedures for voice restoration

Surgical procedures for voice restoration serve to improve oral communication by better vocal function. They comprise of phonomicrosurgery, with direct and indirect access to the larynx; laryngoplasty; laryngeal injections; and surgical laryngeal reinnervation. The basis for modern surgical techniques for voice disorders is the knowledge about the ultrastructure of the vocal folds and the increasing experience of surgeons in voice surgery, while facing high social and professional demands on the voice. Vocal activity limitation and participation restriction has become more important in the artistic and social areas. A number of surgical methods that have been developed worldwide for this reason, are presented in this article. Functional oriented surgery has to meet high standards. The diagnostics of vocal function has to be multi-dimensional in order to determine the indication and the appropriate surgical intervention.

A Clinico-pathological study of Reinke'S oedema

An analysis of 92 eases of Reinke's oedema was done in this study. It wen most often seen in middle-aged persons. A Male predilection (57%) was found. In 68 (74%) cases, the lesions were unilateral and in 24 (26%) teses, the lesions were bilateral. Smoking (83%), vocal alms or misuse (80%) and chromnic respiratory tract infection (43%) were the main aetiological factors. No significant relationship of reinke's oedema with hypotkyroidsm was found. There were no dysplastic changes in the epithelium The treatment of reinke's oedema is a combination of surgery and vocal rehabilitation. Conventional microlaryngeal surgery is ideal for the treatment of Reinke's oedema. Acquired laryngeal web involving the anterior part of the vocal cords may develop if stripping of the both vocal cords is performed carelessly. Operating measures do not prevent recurrences of Reinke's oedema. Voice therapy and cessation of smoking in the postoperative period play important roles in the long term treatment results of Reinke's oedema.