Pneumonia and unilateral vocal fold immobility: a single centre 6-year review

Background: Dysphagia is recognized as a common feature in patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) that is associated with an increased risk of aspiration of food or fluids during swallowing. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review the occurrence of pneumonia in a cohort of patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty (IL) for UVFI. 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated with IL for UVFI over a 6-year period. Data extracted included aetiology and features of UVFI, admissions for pneumonia, and otolaryngology and speech pathology assessments. 

Results: We identified 71 patients who underwent IL for UVFI with 22 patients having multiple hospital admissions for pneumonia. There were 10 patients who did not have further admissions for pneumonia after an IL. Fifty patients had a documented assessment by a speech pathologist with 32 patients assessed as dysphagic (n=19 oropharyngeal, n=13 pharyngeal). 

Conclusions: Treatment of UVFI with IL potentially reduces the risk of subsequent admissions with pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia and a change in voice or swallowing potentially benefit from speech pathology and otolaryngology assessment for UVFI and dysphagia.