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Depressor labii inferioris resection: an effective treatment for marginal mandibular nerve paralysis.

In patients who show their lower teeth during smiling and facial animation, paralysis of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) causes a noticeable asymmetry of the lower lip due to the absence of depressor function. This paper presents a balancing technique for this lower lip asymmetry that involves resection of the depressor labii inferioris (DLI) on the nonparalysed side. The anatomy of the muscle, the operative technique, and the effectiveness of the procedure are outlined. A retrospective chart review was performed for 42 adult patients who were treated for MMN palsy with a DLI resection. Seven cases had only the MMN involved, and 35 cases had unilateral facial nerve paralysis. Thirty-six of these patients were available for a follow-up telephone survey. Of the 42 primary DLI resections performed, 36 cases had successful outcomes. Of the six patients who failed to achieve the expected results, five patients had repeat DLI resection and three of these achieved the desired result; the other two patients required a third resection. One patient continued to have DLI action with smiling and subsequently had a Botox injection into the DLI with good results. Of the 36 survey respondents, 21 patients felt their lower lip was asymmetrical at rest prior to DLI resection and 18 of these patients were improved by the procedure (P = 0.0001). Twenty-nine of the 36 patients reported that their lower lip was more symmetrical when they smiled following the DLI resection (P < 0.0001). The bilateral lack of movement in the lower lip when expressing emotions, such as anger and sorrow, was not as important to the patient as the lack of symmetry when expressing these emotions. Patients' speech either improved or showed no change, the amount patients bit their lower lip significantly improved (P = 007) whereas oral continence showed no significant changes (P = 0.147) following the DLI resection. DLI resection is a simple and effective procedure for the treatment of MMN palsy. The results are permanent and predictable. Lower lip symmetry is produced both at rest and with facial animation, without causing a functional deficit. The expected results of surgery can be trialed by local anaesthetic or botulinum toxin to block the activity of the DLI.

Adult↗

One-stage reconstruction of facial paralysis associated with skin/soft tissue defects using latissimus dorsi compound flap.

Neurovascular free muscle transfer is now the mainstay for smile reconstruction in the treatment of established facial paralysis. Since facial paralysis due to ablative surgery or some specific disease sometimes accompanies defects of the facial skin and soft tissue, simultaneous reconstruction of defective tissues with facial reanimation is required. The present paper reports results for 16 patients who underwent reconstruction by simultaneous soft tissue flap transfer with latissimus dorsi muscle for smile reconstruction of the paralysed face. Soft tissue flaps comprised skin paddle overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle (n=6), serratus anterior musculocutaneous flap (n=5), serratus anterior muscle flap (n=2), and latissimus dorsi perforator-based flap with a small muscle cuff (n=3). The latissimus dorsi muscle can be elevated as a compound flap of various types, and thus offers the best option as a donor muscle for facial reanimation when soft tissue defects require simultaneous reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

Botox induced muscle paralysis rapidly degrades bone.

The means by which muscle function modulates bone homeostasis is poorly understood. To begin to address this issue, we have developed a novel murine model of unilateral transient hindlimb muscle paralysis using botulinum toxin A (Botox). Female C57BL/6 mice (16 weeks) received IM injections of either saline or Botox (n = 10 each) in both the quadriceps and calf muscles of the right hindleg. Gait dysfunction was assessed by multi-observer inventory, muscle alterations were determined by wet mass, and bone alterations were assessed by micro-CT imaging at the distal femur, proximal tibia, and tibia mid-diaphysis. Profound degradation of both muscle and bone was observed within 21 days despite significant restoration of weight bearing function by 14 days. The muscle mass of the injected quadriceps and calf muscles was diminished -47.3% and -59.7%, respectively, vs. saline mice (both P < 0.001). The ratio of bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV) within the distal femoral epiphysis and proximal tibial metaphysis of Botox injected limbs was reduced -43.2% and -54.3%, respectively, while tibia cortical bone volume was reduced -14.6% (all P < 0.001). Comparison of the contralateral non-injected limbs indicated the presence of moderate systemic effects in the model that were most probably associated with diminished activity following muscle paralysis. Taken as a whole, the micro-CT data implied that trabecular and cortical bone loss was primarily achieved by bone resorption. These data confirm the decisive role of neuromuscular function in mediating bone homeostasis and establish a model with unique potential to explore the mechanisms underlying this relation. Given the rapidly expanding use of neuromuscular inhibitors for indications such as pain reduction, these data also raise the critical need to monitor bone loss in these patients.

Animals↗

Optimal selection of wavelet-packet-based features using genetic algorithm in pathological assessment of patients' speech signal with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is one of the most severe types of neurogenic laryngeal disorder in which the patients, due to their vocal cords malfunction, are confronted by some serious problems. As the effect of such pathologies would be significantly evident in the reduced quality and feature variation of dysphonic voices, this study is designed to scrutinize the piecewise variation of some specific types of these features, known as energy and entropy, all over the frequency range of pathological speech signals. In order to do so, the wavelet-packet coefficients, in five consecutive levels of decomposition, are used to extract the energy and entropy measures at different spectral sub-bands. As the decomposition procedure leads to a set of high-dimensional feature vectors, genetic algorithm is invoked to search for a group of optimal sub-band indexes for which the extracted features result in the highest recognition rate for pathological and normal subjects' classification. The results of our simulations, using support vector machine classifier, show that the highest recognition rate, for both optimized energy and entropy measures, is achieved at the fifth level of wavelet-packet decomposition. It is also found that entropy feature, with the highest recognition rate of 100% vs. 93.62% for energy, is more prominent in discriminating patients with UVFP from normal subjects. Therefore, entropy feature, in comparison with energy, demonstrates a more efficient description of such pathological voices and provides us a valuable tool for clinical diagnosis of unilateral laryngeal paralysis.

Adolescent↗

Unilateral paralysis of the diaphragm during pregnancy: case report and literature review.

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally and often does not need any additional diagnostic workup, but in the setting of pregnancy it may require additional investigations. We describe a patient in her last trimester of pregnancy (36th week) who presented to the hospital with symptoms suggestive of upper respiratory tract infection and with a chest radiograph showing left diaphragmatic eventration, for which she underwent thoracotomy and cesarean section. In the report, we review the normal respiratory changes associated with pregnancy and discuss the management of patients with diaphragmatic paralysis and pregnancy.

Adult↗

Diaphragmatic paralysis caused by malposition of chest tube placement after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Diaphragmatic paralysis is a recognized complication after pediatric cardiac surgery. It is universally acknowledged that direct phrenic nerve injury during surgery is the etiology. However, we experienced two unusual cases of diaphragmatic paralysis following malposition of chest tube placement after pediatric cardiac surgery. The malposition of too deeply placed chest tube with resultant phrenic nerve injury was presumably the underlying cause. One patient underwent successful diaphragmatic plication due to intractable respiratory distress. The other was asymptomatic. Our report highlights the previously unreported complication of chest tube-induced phrenic nerve injury following its malposition after pediatric cardiac surgery. Prompt recognition and correction of tube malposition or selection of a softer chest tube probably can ameliorate the problem.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Laryngeal reinnervation by ansa cervicalis nerve implantation for unilateral vocal cord paralysis in humans.

BACKGROUND: Ansa cervicalis (AC)-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis (RLN) is usually not desirable for correction of paralytic dysphonia when it is difficult to find a viable distal stump of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Nerve implantation of the thyroarytenoid muscle with the ansa cervicalis is a simple alternative method. STUDY DESIGN: Ten patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis were prospectively designed to receive nerve implantation. A minimum period of 12 months after onset of paralysis was allowed to elapse to permit possible spontaneous reinnervation or compensation. Patients were followed long enough (at least 2 years) to determine if the procedure was successful. All patients were subjected to preoperative and postoperative voice recording, acoustic analysis, and videolaryngoscopy. Some of them underwent laryngeal electromyography. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent nerve implantation of the thyroarytenoid muscles by using the ansa cervicalis, and 8 of 10 (80%) had improved phonatory quality. Laryngeal electromyography showed that the procedure produced satisfactory reinnervation of the thyroarytenoid muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve implantation of the thyroarytenoid muscle by the anso cervicalis is a simple and efficient alternative to nerve transfer if dense scarring at the cricothyroid articulation and lack of a viable distal stump of the recurrent laryngeal nerve preclude the procedure of nerve transfer. But careful selection of the appropriate candidate seems to be the earliest prerequisite for a successful procedure.

Adolescent↗

Perceptual ratings of vocal characteristics and voicing features in untreated patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

UNLABELLED: This study used visual analog scales to obtain perceptual ratings of features of voice production in subjects with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), including clarity of laryngeal articulation, consistency of loudness across the utterance and the voiced/voiceless distinction. Recordings of repeated /i/, /isi/, and /izi/ from subjects diagnosed with UVFP and control subjects were randomly re-recorded, and then rated by five listeners. Significant differences in ratings (Smirnov test, p < 0.01) were found between groups for "aphonia", "severity", "clarity of articulation", "overall loudness", "consistency of loudness" and "amount of effort". Four of five raters agreed on the accuracy of /s/ or /z/ productions for only 54% of the samples from the subjects with UVFP. Voiceless and voiced cognates were equally likely to be rated as inaccurate. Results suggested that these variables were sensitive to changes in voice production resulting from paralysis, and may be useful in measuring treatment outcomes and spontaneous recovery of function. LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of reading this manuscript the reader will (1) gain an understanding of types of perceptual scales and how to develop the set of vocal characteristics to be used in distinguishing patients with UVFP and those without, (2) learn which vocal characteristics listeners are able to use to successfully distinguish between patients with UVFP and those without and (3) understand the possible role for perceptual ratings in tracking changes in vocal characteristics in subjects over time following treatment or spontaneous recovery of function.

Adult↗

The pitfalls of potassium replacement in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report and review of the literature.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis is an uncommon disorder seen primarily in Asian males and caused by excessive thyroid hormones. This is an endocrine emergency that can lead to respiratory failure, dysrhythmia, and death. The mainstay of therapy has been potassium replacement, however, recent evidence suggests propranolol is a more effective therapy. We present a severe case of TPP in a 22-year-old Latino male with rapidly progressive ascending paralysis and hypokalemia severe enough to lead to cardiac arrest.

Adult↗

Recovery and prognosticators of paralysis in West Nile virus infection.

Previous studies have demonstrated that lesions of the anterior horn motor neurons are the primary pathology in patients with paralysis due to West Nile virus (WNV) infection. To characterize recovery and identify prognostic factors for the recovery of paralysis, we investigated 11 patients with electrophysiology testing and muscle biopsy, and one with autopsy. We found that limb weakness was markedly asymmetric and differed between upper and lower extremities, suggesting focal or segmental involvement of the spinal cord anterior horn. This was supported by segmental depletion of spinal motor neurons at autopsy. Clinical recovery was variable during a 21-month follow-up period. To explain variability, we performed motor unit number estimation (MUNE) in six patients. MUNE values and strength were correlated in tested muscles. We also detected motor nerve terminal damages in muscle biopsies, suggesting another possible mechanism for transient weakness and variable recovery. We conclude that the type of pathological lesions may vary in paralytic WNV infection, and different degrees or combinations of motor neuron loss and motor nerve terminal changes may account for the observed degrees of weakness and recovery.

Adult↗

Hypokalemic paralysis revealing Sjögren's syndrome.

A rare case of a lady with acute hypokalemic quadriparesis and underlying distal renal tubular acidosis manifesting as a presentation of Sjögren's syndrome is described. The case highlights the concept that acute hypokalemia due to unrecognized renal tubular acidosis may unmask Sjögren's syndrome in patients without sicca symptoms and it may be a marker of more severe renal disease. Acute paralysis is a life threatening consequence of hypokalemia and when due to potassium wasting secondary to renal tubular acidosis may be easily prevented. Underlying Sjögren's syndrome should be considered in all patients of either sex and at any age presenting with hypokalemic paralysis.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗

Delayed hypokalemic paralysis following a convulsion due to alcohol abstinence.

We encountered three patients with hypokalemic paralysis following a convulsion in the early stages of alcohol abstinence. The transtubular potassium gradient was less than 2.0, suggesting intracellular potassium shift. Hypokalaemic paralysis may result from retention of intracellular cationic potassium bound by anionic phosphorylated compounds, precipitated by an acceleration of the (Na+)-(K+) pump in alcohol withdrawal and convulsions. These findings warn of the lethal hypokalemia that may occur after convulsions, particularly soon after alcohol abstinence associated with moderate withdrawal symptoms.

Adult↗

Effect of paralysis of the abdominal wall muscles by botulinum A toxin to intraabdominal pressure: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To show the effect of botulinum A toxin-induced paralysis of abdominal muscles on intraabdominal pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. An abdominal skin incision was done, and 2 catheters were placed for the pressure monitoring and saline infusion. Saline solution was given to the abdomen until reaching to a pressure level of 9 cm H2O and 6 mm Hg in pressure device, and the amounts of injected saline were recorded. Then intraabdominal saline was drained. Two milliliters (5 U/mL) botulinum A toxin was applied to the abdominal muscles in group 2. Saline was injected at the same points in same amounts in group 1. After 3 days, catheters were placed, and the saline volumes needed to obtain the same pressure levels were recorded for each rat. Spontaneous motor unit potential (MUP), single MUP analysis and interference patterns of the muscles, respiratory rates, and vascular pressure measurements were recorded before and after botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. RESULTS: Mean intraabdominal saline volumes in the first and third days were 63.8 and 64.4 mL in group 1 and 67.6 and 80.6 mL in group 2, respectively. Mean MUP amplitude and duration of the rectus muscles in group 2 (17.1 microV and 1.47 milliseconds) were significantly lower than those of group 1 (187 microV and 4.9 milliseconds) in the third day. There were no pathological changes in respiratory rates and pressure measurements before and after Botox injections. CONCLUSION: This pilot experimental study showed that local injection of botulinum A toxin causes paralysis in abdominal wall muscles, increases the intraabdominal volume, and decreases the pressure, and this application may be used as an adjunct in abdominal wall closure in selective cases.

Abdominal Wall↗

Evaluation of a real-time two-step RT-PCR assay for quantitation of Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) genome in experimentally-infected bee tissues and in life stages of a symptomatic colony.

A two-step real-time RT-PCR assay, based on TaqMan technology using a fluorescent probe (FAM-TAMRA) was developed to quantify Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) genome in bee samples. Standard curves obtained from a CBPV control RNA and from a plasmid containing a partial sequence of CBPV showed that this assay provided linear detection over a 7-log range (R(2)>0.99) with a limit of detection of 100 copies, and reliable inter-assay and intra-assay reproducibility. Standardisation including RNA purification and cDNAs synthesis was also validated. The CBPV TaqMan methodology was first evaluated by quantifying the CBPV genomic load in bee samples from an experimental infection obtained by topical application. Up to 1.9 x 10(10) CBPV copies per segment of insect body (head, thorax and abdomen) were revealed whereas a lower CBPV genomic load was detected in dissected organs such as mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands, brain and alimentary canal (up to 7.2 x 10(6) CBPV copies). The CBPV genomic loads in different categories of bees from a hive presenting the trembling symptoms typical of Chronic paralysis were then quantified. Significantly higher CBPV loads were found in guard, symptomatic and dead bees (up to 1.9 x 10(13) CBPV copies) than in forager, drones and house bees (up to 3.4 x 10(6) CBPV copies). The results obtained for symptomatic or dead bees support the correlation between high CBPV genomic load and pathology expression. Moreover, the high CBPV genomic load revealed in guard bees highlights the possible pivotal role played by this category of bees in CBPV infection.

Animal Husbandry↗

The effect of head position on glottic closure in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

The present study was designed to assess the effect of head position on glottic closure as reflected in airflow rates (open quotient and maximum flow declination rate), in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Ten patients, 2 males and 8 females ranging in age from 40 to 75, with a mean age of 57.3, served as subjects. Airflow measures were taken during sustained phonation of two vowels (/i/ and /a/) in 3 head positions (center, right, left). Vowels /i/ and /a/ were produced at subject's comfortable pitch and loudness, with random ordering of both vowel order and head orientation. Subjects were trained to focus eye gaze on right and left markers (70-degree angle) and a central marker at eye level directly in front of the subject. Theoretically, if turning the head during phonation alters the laryngeal anatomic relationship by bringing the vocal folds in closer proximity to one another, then airflow rate should lessen. Our results indicate that head position does not improve glottic closure in these patients, which is in contrast to previously published research.(1) Our results question the utility and underlying theoretical construct for the use of head turning as a therapeutic technique for improvement of voice in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Adult↗

Endoscopic rehabilitation of vocal cord paralysis with a silicone elastomer suspension implant.

OBJECTIVES: Because of the side effects of Teflon, the risk of infection from the use of collagen, autologous fat resorption, and the lack of alternative substances, injection laryngoplasty tends to be replaced by laryngeal framework surgery as the method of choice for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord recurrent paralysis (LP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results, for morbidity and voice quality, of treating this paralysis by injection of a silicone suspension elastomer implant (SSEI). STUDY DESIGN: The study was retrospective, and 19 patients were included. Average follow-up was 25 months (range: 8.3-43). METHODS: Each patient underwent clinical and videostroboscopic assessment, and had an electroglottographic recording. Subjective assessment was obtained by self-evaluation. Results were classified as good, fair, or poor, and were based on 2 objective and 3 subjective criteria. A search was made for biologic signs of autoimmune disorders. RESULTS: Good, fair, and poor results were respectively 79%, 16%, and 5%. Each set of subjective data showed voice improvement (P < 0.05). The fundamental frequency range, percentage of irregularity, and aspiration decreased significantly (P < 0.05). There was only one case of postoperative dyspnea, which resolved after steroid injection. No biologic signs of autoimmune disorders were found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SSEI is safe. Injection laryngoplasty is easy to perform and avoids cervical scarring. Its results are comparable to those obtained with other techniques, including laryngeal framework surgery, even if there is no standard criterion for the evaluation of voice quality. SSEI injection can reasonably be proposed as a surgical treatment for permanent unilateral vocal cord LP.

Equipment Design↗

Perceptual voice characteristics in pediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the voice characteristics of pediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective series from a children's hospital, 1996 to present. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with a mean age of 7.1 years were diagnosed with UVFP in our voice clinic (prevalence = 5.4%). Paralysis was left sided in 88%, and was most commonly seen after cardiac surgery (28.5%) and prolonged intubation/prematurity (16.7%). Voice analysis showed a moderate degree of breathiness, mild-to-moderate hoarseness and straining, mild muscle tension, and soft loudness. Twenty-six percent of patients required surgical intervention, including injection into the paralyzed fold (7 patients) and medialization thyroplasty (4 patients). Pre-operatively, breathiness was worse (P < .05) in patients undergoing surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Voice characteristics of pediatric UVFP include increased breathiness, hoarseness, straining, muscle tension, and soft loudness. One-fourth of patients underwent surgical intervention; breathiness was the predominant abnormal voice characteristic in the operative cohort. SIGNIFICANCE: The voice characteristics of pediatric patients with UVFP are described. EBM RATING: C-4.

Adolescent↗

Management of vocal paralysis: a comparison of adult and pediatric practices.

OBJECTIVE: To compare practices of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) membership regarding the evaluation and management of unilateral vocal fold motion impairment (UVFMI) in adult versus pediatric populations. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: An 18-item adult survey and 16-item pediatric survey were administered to ABEA members. RESULTS: Seventy-six adult (31%) and 35 pediatric surveys (43%) were completed. Key differences are highlighted. With respect to etiology, the most common reported childhood cause is idiopathic; adults more often suffer iatrogenic paralysis. Children more commonly experience reflux disease, feeding difficulties, and choking. Preferred testing involves flexible laryngoscopy and chest x-ray; however, laboratory tests are carried out less often in children (51% vs 71%) and medical intervention is advocated by fewer pediatric practitioners (39% vs 57%). CONCLUSION: Significant disparities exist in the etiology, presenting symptoms, diagnostic testing, and medical treatment between children and adults with UVFMI. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians' perceptions regarding UVFMI may reflect the differing impact of vocal paralysis in the pediatric versus adult populations.

Adult↗