Publication
Title
Voice-related quality of life in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1
Author
Abstract
Objective. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder, which occurs in about one in 3000-4000 people. Its hallmark features include multiple cafe-au-lait spots and neurofibromas. Voice characteristics of NF1 patients have been documented using both subjective and objective evaluations. However, the relative impact of these voice characteristics on daily activities has, as far as we know, not been examined yet. Methods. Thirty adults with NF1 were asked to complete the Flemish Dutch version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Additionally, the level of severity of NF1 was rated and Dysphonia Severity Indices (DSIs) were collected. The results of the patient group were compared with those of a healthy control group frequency matched for age, gender, smoking behavior, and vocal usage. Results. NF1 patients obtained significantly higher VHI scores compared with healthy controls. Differences between the patient and control group were especially marked for daily functioning and affective responses. Men and women with NF1 had similar VHI scores, but total VHI score did increase with age. An apparent association between VHI, DSI, and severity of NF1 could not be demonstrated. Conclusion. It is likely that the elevated VHI scores observed in the patient group were not merely caused by the voice characteristics associated with NF1. A flow over from other psychophysical issues relating to the disease might have played a role.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of voice. - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2012
ISSN
0892-1997
DOI
10.1016/J.JVOICE.2010.11.001
Volume/pages
26 :2 (2012) , p. E57-E62
ISI
000307782100004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.11.2012
Last edited 09.10.2023
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