Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Voice Disorders from the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics Guideline Task Force
In brief
New Korean guidelines standardize pediatric voice disorder care, but most advice remains conditional
The Korean Society of Laryngology released evidence-based recommendations covering diagnosis, voice assessment, imaging, therapy, surgery, and postoperative care for children with voice problems. Because the underlying studies were often low quality, nine of the ten recommendations are conditional, urging clinicians to weigh benefits, harms, and patient preferences. The guidance aims to reduce practice variation while highlighting the need for stronger research.
- Journal
- Clinical and experimental otorhinolaryngology (Q1)
- Published
- 8 September 2026
- Study design
- Practice guideline / consensus
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1c)
- Authors
- Yong Tae Hong, Younmi Ryu, Ji Won Kim, Sung Joon Park, Seung Jin Lee, Min-Su Kim, et al.
- PMID
- 42706940
- DOI
- 10.21053/ceo.2026-00099
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (top studies of the week, 13 September 2026): Clinical practice guidelines for pediatric voice disorder diagnosis and management
Abstract
Pediatric voice disorders are common conditions that may significantly affect communication, psychosocial development, and quality of life in children. Despite their clinical importance, considerable variation exists in diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies, partly due to difficulties in performing invasive examinations and limited high-quality evidence. To address these challenges, the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pediatric voice disorders. These guidelines were developed de novo through a systematic literature review addressing predefined key clinical questions related to pediatric vocal fold mucosal lesions and vocal fold paralysis. Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed for studies published up to May 31, 2025. Evidence was critically appraised using standardized tools according to study design, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Recommendations were formulated by considering the balance of benefits and harms, quality of evidence, patient values and preferences, clinical feasibility, and resource implications. A total of nine key clinical questions were addressed, covering diagnostic strategies, voice assessment, noninvasive imaging, voice therapy, surgical intervention, and postoperative management in children with voice disorders. Most recommendations were conditional due to low or very low certainty of evidence, reflecting current limitations in pediatric voice research. These guidelines aim to support consistent, patient-centered clinical decision-making, reduce unwarranted practice variation, and promote optimal outcomes in the care of children with voice disorders.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.