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Voice disorders in S jögren's syndrome: Prevalence and related risk factors
Author(s) -
Pierce Jenny L.,
Tanner Kristine,
Merrill Ray M.,
Miller Karla L.,
Ambati Bala K.,
Kendall Katherine A.,
Roy Nelson
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.25112
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , psychosocial , disease , logistic regression , voice disorder , physical therapy , psychiatry , audiology
Objectives/Hypothesis Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that causes sicca (dryness) symptoms by affecting secretions most notably of the lacrimal and salivary glands. Voice disorders have been documented in patients with SS, but the true prevalence and relationships among possible contributing factors remain unknown. This preliminary epidemiological investigation examined prevalence and risk factors for voice disorders in SS. Study Design Self‐report epidemiological questionnaire. Methods One hundred and one (101) patients with SS (94 females, 7 males; M age = 59.4 years; standard deviation [SD] = 14.1 years) completed an extensive interview using a previously validated questionnaire involving the patient's medical, family, occupational, psychosocial, social/lifestyle, voice use, and general health histories. Summary statistics, chi‐squares, risk ratios, and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the frequency and severity of voice disorders in individuals with SS, as well as associations with demographic, lifestyle, health, disease severity, and voice use factors. Results The prevalence of a current voice disorder in individuals with SS was 59.4%. In general, voice disorders began gradually; were chronic; and correlated with SS disease severity independent of age, sex, duration of the disease, comorbid autoimmune conditions, and use of SS‐related medication. Specific voice symptoms including chronic throat dryness and soreness were significantly associated with SS disease severity. Conclusions Voice disorders are relatively common in SS and are more frequent as disease severity worsens. These findings have important implications for evaluation and treatment of patients with SS. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope , 125:1385–1392, 2015