Occasionally after intubation a patient may develop vocal cord immobility, which may be partial or complete. Cohen et al reported predictors for bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVFI) following intubation. The authors are from the University of Miami.
Patient selection: status post endotracheal intubation
Predictors for posterior glottic stenosis (PGS), which often precedes BVFI:
(1) duration of intubation > 7 days
(2) diabetes mellitus
(3) obesity (BMI >= 30 kg per square meter)
Predictors of tracheostomy dependence:
(1) complete vocal cord immobility (OR 5.5)
(2) cardiovascular disease or hypertension (OR 3.6)
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