Effect of hemodialysis on the thickness of vocal folds: A possible explanation for postdialysis hoarseness

Yaacov Ori, Reni Sabo, Yuval Binder, Talia Weinstein, Asher Korzets, Gilad Ori, Uzi Gafter*, Avry Chagnac

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Determining the dry weight of chronically hemodialysed patients is a common problem. Patients on intermittent hemodialysis often experience transient hoarseness at the end of dialysis. The vocal folds may be affected by the hydration state. Aim: To test the hypothesis that postdialysis hoarseness may be related to changes in the thickness of the vocal folds. Methods: Twenty-five stable chronic hemodialysis patients underwent endoscopic nasopharyngeal laryngoscopy before and after dialysis. Pictures of the vocal folds were taken and the folds were measured using computer software. Eighteen vocal folds from 16 patients were technically adequate for analysis. The change in the width/length ratio of the vocal folds (W/L) was used as a measurement of the folds' thickness. Results: W/L decreased from 0.175 ± 0.011 before dialysis to 0.152 ± 0.009 after dialysis (p < 0.01, mean reduction 10.9 ± 3.8%). Patients' weight decreased by 4.7 ± 0.3% (p < 0.0001), systolic blood pressure decreased by 15.0 ± 3.1% (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 13.0 ± 3.6% (p < 0.01), and mean blood pressure decreased by 14.1 ± 3.1% (p < 0.001). Sixty percent of the patients had postdialysis hoarseness, and in 72% of the patients a decrease in the vocal folds' thickness was observed. Conclusions: Chronic hemodialysis patients may experience transient postdialysis hoarseness, and a decrease in the vocal folds' thickness. The latter may result from dehydration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)c144-c148
JournalNephron - Clinical Practice
Volume103
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hemodialysis
  • Hoarseness
  • Vocal folds

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