Steroid injection in chronic inflammatory vocal fold disorders, literature review.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

Steroids are potent inhibitors of inflammation and wound repair. Local administration of steroids directly into the larynx has been reported in many laryngeal diseases.

AIM:

The purpose of this study is to review related literature about the use of steroid injection in patients with benign, inflammatory and chronic vocal disease.

METHODOLOGY:

We performed an electronic survey in Medline database and selected clinical trials regarding steroid use in benign laryngeal diseases.

RESULTS:

Steroids are indicated in these situations: 1) acute inflammatory diseases, mainly when edema compromises the airways; 2) auto- immune disease with laryngeal involvement; 3) laryngeal stenosis; 4) benign lesions of the vocal folds, e.g., nodules, polyps and Reinke's edema, to reduce the inflammatory reactions before phonosurgery or in an attempt to avoid surgery; 5) In phonosurgery, aiming to reduce scarring. In this case, it could be used as a preventive measure in vocal fold scarring, or for scar treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Steroids may be considered an important therapeutic option in the management of many diseases, specially the inflammatory ones, associated with vocal changes.

• Authors: Andrea Maria Campagnolo, Domingos Hiroshi Tsuji, Luís Ubirajara Sennes, Rui Imamura
• Journal: Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology (Braz J Otorhinolaryngol) 2008 Nov-Dec Vol. 74 Issue 6 Pg. 926-932 ISSN: 1808-8694 [Print] Brazil
• PMID: 19582351 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Chronic Disease
• Humans
• Injections, Intralesional
• Laryngeal Diseases (drug therapy)