# Association of Fraility with Post thyroidectomy alterations in Voice, Swallowing, and Quality of Life

> **NIH NIH K23** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $169,560

## Abstract

Project Summary
This project aims to evaluate the association of frailty with post-operative changes in voice, swallowing, and
quality of life following thyroidectomy in older adults. Specifically, Aim 1 is to evaluate the effect of
thyroidectomy on voice, swallowing, and quality of life in older adults. The literature suggests that these
alterations occur at a relatively high frequency in younger patients. We aim to quantify frequency and
magnitude of changes in voice, swallowing, and QOL using subjective assessment with surveys and semi-
structured patient interviews. Additionally we aim to correlate this with objective data obtained from speech-
language pathology evaluations using videostroboscopy and videofluoroscopy. In Aim 2, we will explore the
associations between a frailty phenotype with pre-operative findings, thyroid-specific markers, and post-
thyroidectomy alterations in voice, swallowing or decline in QOL. In addition to exploring the role of frailty to
predict these alterations and identify a high-risk group, we will also explore the utility of thyroid or laryngeal
specific markers to augment the predictive power of frailty. In Aim 3, we hope to investigate the role of pre-
operative interventions including tracheal traction exercises and voice therapy to reduce the incidence of
impact of post-operative alterations. We will randomize patients to intervention or usual care and evaluate the
frequency of alterations after thyroidectomy. This work represents an interdisciplinary approach to establish
alterations in voice and swallowing that occur after thyroidectomy in older individuals, the impact of these
changes on quality of life, and an attempt to reduce post-surgical disability. Findings from this study will inform
the design of 2 future clinical trials aimed at 1) evaluating pre-operative interventions to reduce surgical
disability after thyroidectomy and 2) creating a patient-reported outcome measurement tool specifically for
older adults undergoing thyroidectomy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9898207
- **Project number:** 5K23AG053429-04
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Aarti Mathur
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $169,560
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-04-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9898207

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9898207, Association of Fraility with Post thyroidectomy alterations in Voice, Swallowing, and Quality of Life (5K23AG053429-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9898207. Licensed CC0.

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