Faculty: Shawn L. Nissen

Objectives: This study examined voice, speech and laryngeal characteristics in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS).

Methods: Eleven patients (10 female, 1 male; mean age, 57 years; standard deviation, 14 years) from The University of Utah Division of Rheumatology provided connected speech and sustained vowel samples. Analyses included the Multi-Dimensional Voice Profile,™ the Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice,™ and dysphonia severity, speech clarity, and videolaryngostroboscopy ratings.

Results: Shimmer, amplitude perturbation quotient, and average fundamental frequency differed significantly from normative values (p<.01). Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia values indicated mild-to-moderate dysphonia in connected speech (mean, 20.26; standard deviation, 8.36) and sustained vowels (mean, 16.91; standard deviation, 11.08). Ratings of dysphonia severity and speech clarity using 10 cm visual analog scales suggested mild-to-moderate dysphonia in connected speech (mean, 2.11; standard deviation, 1.72) and sustained vowels (mean, 3.13; standard deviation, 2.20) and mildly reduced speech clarity (mean, 1.46; standard deviation, 1.36). Videolaryngostroboscopic ratings indicated mild-to-moderate dryness and mild reductions in overall laryngeal function. Voice Handicap Index scores indicated mild-to-moderate voice symptoms (mean, 43; standard deviation, 23).

Conclusions: Individuals with pSS may experience dysphonia and articulatory imprecision, typically in the mild-to-moderate range. These findings have implications for diagnostic and referral practices in pSS.