Vincristine-induced vocal cord paresis and paralysis in children

Hanan Zavala, Brianne Barnett Roby, Andrew Day, Bruce Bostrom, James Sidman, Sivakumar Chinnadurai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To describe three new cases of vincristine-induced vocal cord paresis or paralysis (VIVCPP)in children and to review the diagnosis and management of this neuropathy. Methods: Retrospective case series. Diagnosis of VIVCPP was confirmed by laryngoscopy in all children. Results: Less than 20 cases of VIVCPP in children have been previously documented in the literature. Of the three children in our case series, one had unilateral vincristine-induced vocal cord paresis and two had bilateral VIVCPP. The first two patients each had two separate episodes of paresis, lasting 4 months and 1 month respectively. In the last patient, whose medical course was complicated by many additional factors, vocal cord paralysis persisted for over three years. Conclusions: Clinicians must evaluate children with suspected VIVCPP for concomitant symptoms and signs of vincristine neuropathies and examine the vocal cords via laryngoscopy. The effects of vincristine neurotoxicity can be waxing and waning, demonstrate delayed onset and persist well beyond drug cessation. Further studies are needed to identify effective neuroprotectants and delineate appropriate vincristine dosing in patients with vincristine neurotoxicity and cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-4
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Volume123
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2019

Keywords

  • Chemotherapy
  • Neuropathy
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Vincristine
  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Vocal cord paresis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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