Voice disorders in children with classic galactosemia

J Inherit Metab Dis. 2011 Apr;34(2):377-85. doi: 10.1007/s10545-010-9213-4. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

Abstract

Children with classic galactosemia are at risk for motor speech disorders resulting from disruptions in motor planning and programming (childhood apraxia of speech or CAS) or motor execution (dysarthria). In the present study of 33 children with classic galactosemia, 21% were diagnosed with CAS, 3% with ataxic dysarthria, and 3% with mixed CAS-dysarthria. Voice disorders due to laryngeal insufficiency were common in children with dysarthria and co-occurred with CAS. Most (58%) of the children with classic galactosemia had decreased respiratory-phonatory support for speech, and 33% had disturbed vocal quality that was indicative of cerebellar dysfunction. Three children, two diagnosed with CAS and one not diagnosed with a motor speech disorder, had vocal tremors. Treatment of voice dysfunction in neurogenic speech disorders is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition Disorders / complications
  • Female
  • Galactosemias / complications*
  • Galactosemias / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Language Disorders / complications
  • Male
  • Phonation
  • Risk
  • Speech Disorders / complications
  • Speech Disorders / diagnosis
  • Voice Disorders / complications*
  • Voice Disorders / diagnosis*