Role of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with suspected dysphagia

Abstract Objective To assess FEES findings in defining oral feeding safety in children with suspected dysphagia, comparing them with clinical feeding evaluation results. Methods This study comprised a case series involving children with suspected dysphagia, referred for evaluation by otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital. These children underwent both clinical evaluations and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), with a comprehensive collection of demographic and clinical data. Subsequently, the authors performed a comparative analysis of findings from both assessments. Results Most patients successfully completed the FEES procedure (93.7%), resulting in a final number of 60 cases included in the study. The prevalence of dysphagia was confirmed in a significant 88% of these cases. Suspected aspiration on clinical SLP evaluation was present in 34 patients. Of these, FEES confirmed aspiration or penetration in 28 patients. Among the 35 patients with aspiration or penetration on FEES, 7 (20%) had no suspicion on SLP clinical assessment. All seven patients in whom clinical SLP evaluation failed to predict penetration/aspiration had neurological disorders. The median age of the children was 2.8 years, and 49 (81.6%) had neurological disorders, while 35 (58.3%) had chronic pulmonary disease. The most prevalent complaints were choking (41.6%) and sialorrhea (23.3%). Conclusion FEES can diagnose structural anomalies of the upper aerodigestive tract and significantly contribute to the detection of aspiration and penetration in this group of patients with suspected dysphagia, identifying moderate and severe dysphagia even in cases where clinical assessment had no suspicion.

Evaluación del valor clínico del reflejo nauseoso en la disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica / Apraisal of the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia

RESUMEN Introducción. El reflejo nauseoso es un mecanismo de protección que impide que alimentos y agentes no deseados penetren en la vía aérea inferior. Usualmente, hace parte del examen físico de la deglución para detectar la disfagia orofaríngea, pero es un signo potencialmente ambiguo. Objetivo. Evaluar el valor diagnóstico del reflejo nauseoso en pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica y en pacientes sin ella. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, en pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica (casos) y en personas sin disfagia (controles), en el cual se evaluó por visualización directa la ausencia o la presencia del reflejo nauseoso de forma bilateral. Este resultado se ajustó por sexo, edad y otras variables de interacción. Resultados. Se evaluaron 86 pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica y 80 personas sin ella. En el examen físico de la deglución, la presencia del reflejo mostró una relación positiva con los pacientes (lado derecho: OR = 3,97; IC95%: 2,01-7,84; lado izquierdo: OR = 4,84; IC95%: 2,41-9,72), pero una asociación negativa con los controles. En ambos grupos, ni el sexo ni la edad, ni otras variables de interacción modificaron el reflejo nauseoso. Conclusiones. La ausencia o la presencia del reflejo nauseoso no confirma ni excluye la existencia de una disfagia orofaríngea por causas neurológicas o neuromusculares; por lo tanto, no es recomendable que los profesionales de la salud se fíen del resultado de este reflejo. Los médicos tratantes deben ir más allá de una simple revisión del reflejo nauseoso, incluso en pacientes neurológicos en quienes se supone que debería estar ausente.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The gag reflex is a protection mechanism that prevents food and unwanted agents from entering the lower airways. It is usually part of the physical examination of swallowing to detect oropharyngeal dysphagia, but it is a potentially ambiguous sign. Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and adults without it. Materials and methods. We conducted an analytical observational study in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (cases) and patients without dysphagia (controls). We evaluated the absence or presence of the reflex bilaterally, by direct visualization, and adjusted it according to sex, age, and other interaction variables. Results. We included 86 patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and 80 control subjects. The gag reflex on swallowing physical examination showed a positive relationship with the patients (right side: OR = 3.97; 95 % CI: 2.01-7.84; left side: OR = 4.84; 95 % CI: 2.41-9.72), but a negative association with the control group. In both groups, neither sex, nor age, nor other interaction variables modified the gag reflex. Conclusions. The gag reflex absence or presence does not confirm or exclude the existence of oropharyngeal dysphagia due to neurological and neuromuscular causes. Therefore, health professionals must not rely on this reflex. Clinicians must go beyond a simple reflex revision, even in neurological patients where it is supposed to be absent.

Prevalence of self-reported swallowing difficulties and associated factors among older Colombians / Prevalência de dificuldades de deglutição autorreferidas e fatores associados entre idosos colombianos

Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) among older Colombians and to explore the factors associated with this condition. Methods: This study presents a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia survey, a crosssectional study of community-dwelling older adults. The dependent variable was self reported swallowing difficulty, assessed through the question: "How often do you have difficulty or discomfort swallowing?" Descriptive and bivariate analyses of the sample were performed, followed by multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding variables. Results: The final sample included 19 004 older Colombians, whose mean age was 69 years (56% women). The overall prevalence of swallowing difficulty was 12.2%. In the multivariate analysis, significant associations were observed between swallowing difficulty and several factors, including male sex (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.03 ­ 1.26), age > 80 years (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.08 ­ 1.47), dependence in activities of daily living (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.23 ­ 2.13), cognitive impairment (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.30 ­ 1.70), depressive symptoms (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.15 ­ 1.65), sarcopenia (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.02 ­ 1.69), malnutrition (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.23 ­ 1.49), and osteoarticular disease (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.07 ­ 1.38). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of swallowing difficulty among older community-dwelling Colombians. Our results showed a strong correlation between swallowing difficulty and risk factors such as cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, osteoarticular disease, and dependence in activities of daily living, but not with malnutrition or sarcopenia. (AU)

The application of family empowerment model on the primary caregivers of first-episode stroke dysphagia patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of family empowerment model on the improvement of swallowing care ability and care preparedness of primary caregivers of first-episode stroke dysphagia patients, further to explore its impact on patients′s wallowing function and life quality.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled study. From January 2021 to December 2022, 80 main caregivers of patients with dysphagia caused by manual stroke admitted to the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected as the research objects, and 40 cases in the control group and 40 cases in the observation group were selected by random number table method. The control group were treated with conventional nursing care of first-episode stroke dysphagia patients in the acupuncture and moxibustion Department. On the basis of the conventional care in the control group, the observation group were treated with family empowerment model intervention for 14 days and was followed up for 28 days. Primary caregivers′ swallowing care ability, Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS), patients′ swallowing function rate, Swallowing Related Quality of Life (SWALQOL) were used to evaluate the effects before intervention and at the end of intervention.Results:There were 18 males and 19 females primary caregivers in the control group, aged (55.61 ± 7.43) years old. There were 18 males and 21 females primary caregivers in the observation group, aged (58.23 ± 8.22) years old. The swallowing care ability score showed a statistically significant difference between the observation group (143.47 ± 3.96) and the control group (107.74 ± 1.43) ( t=-26.76, P<0.05). After intervention, the caregiver preparedness scale was (26.11 ± 3.81) in the observation group, and (18.35 ± 4.54) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-4.11, P<0.05).The patients′ swallowing function rate and SWALQOL score were respectively 97.44% (38/39) and (91.41 ± 8.08) points in the observation group, and 72.97% (27/37) and (80.33 ± 4.21) points in the control group, and the difference was both statistically significant ( χ2=10.76, t=-2.54, both P<0.05). Conclusions:The implementation of family empowerment model could enhance the swallowing care ability and care preparedness of primary caregivers of the first-episode stroke dysphagia patients, which could further improve patients′ swallowing function and life quality.

Best evidence audit and analysis to the medication management for patients with dysphagia / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To review the clinical status based on the best evidence of drug administration in patients with dysphagia, systematically analyze the obstacle factors and promoting factors in the process of evidence transformation, and formulate reform strategies.Methods:Based on the evidence-based nursing research method and the guidance of the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU), the review indicators were developed based on the best evidence. The current status of clinical practice behaviors of 223 patients and 75 nurses in the Neurology, Neurosurgery and Geriatric departments of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University were reviewed from July to December 2021.Based on the results of the review, qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 potential adopters, and content analysis was used to assess the barriers and contributing factors to the clinical translation of evidence in three aspects: evidence-based change, potential adopters and practice environment, so as to develop effective strategies.Results:Based on the 22 best evidence selected, the evidence-based team developed 25 review indicators to carry out clinical review, showing that the compliance rate of 16 indicators were less than 60%. By analyzing and summarizing the interview results of potential adopters, the main obstacles leading to the low compliance rate of nurses were analyzed as follows: evidence-based reform changed the traditional work mode, and the application of evidence was not convenient; at the level of potential adopters, nurses had poor knowledge and practice, heavy work burden, and low awareness of patients and caregivers; at the level of practice environment, there was lack of nursing norms and procedures for clinical transformation of evidence, and the channels of multi-disciplinary collaboration and communication were not smooth. The main promoting factors were the perfect supervision mechanism of evidence-based nursing projects, the evidence-based group had rich experience in evidence transformation, the management was willing to change, and the practitioners were good at innovation.Conclusions:There is still a large gap between the clinical practice and the best evidence of drug administration in patients with dysphagia. The promoting factors should be fully utilized to overcome the obstacles and implement improvements to promote the effective transformation of evidence into clinical practice.

Progress in the treatment of malignant stenosis of advanced esophageal cancer with 125I radioactive stents / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in China and dysphagia caused by malignant stenosis is the most common symptom of advanced esophageal cancer. The inability to eat orally seriously affects the quality of life of patients with advanced esophageal cancer, and poor nutritional status caused by dysphagia limits the implementation of standard treatment programs such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, resulting in a decline in survival. The 125I radioactive stent is a novel treatment for malignant stenosis. Studies have shown that it can relieve dysphagia and prolong patients' survival compared to traditional esophageal stents. In this article, the treatment of malignant stenosis in advanced esophageal cancer and the clinical application progress of 125I radioactive stents were reviewed.

Research progress on evaluation and prediction methods of dysphagia after occipitocervical fusion / 中华骨科杂志

Occipitocervical fusion (OCF) is used to treat the instability of the cranio-cervical junction due to various reasons (such as trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, tumor, congenital malformations and degeneration). A satisfactory fusion rate can be obtained and the stability of the occipital neck can be reconstructed by OCF. Dysphagia is one of the most common complications after OCF, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients after surgery. This article mainly focuses on the evaluation and prediction methods of dysphagia after OCF, and summarizes related research in the past 16 years, and provides guidance and direction for how to predict the occurrence of dysphagia during OCF and the evaluation of postoperative dysphagia. The evaluation of dysphagia is mainly conducted using the Bazaz dysphagia score, swallowing quality of life scale (SWAL-QOL) and eating assessment tool-10 (EAT-10) score. However, the clinical prediction of dysphagia is mainly based on the changes of cervical curvature parameters (O-C 2 angle, O-EA angle, Oc-Ax angle, PI angle). At present, there are many methods for clinical evaluation and prediction of dysphagia, but the best evaluation method is still uncertain. We reviews the evaluation and prediction methods of postoperative dysphagia of OCF, showing that the Bazaz dysphagia score, SWAL-QOL score and EAT-10 score scale are suitable for evaluating postoperative dysphagia of OCF. During OCF operation, adjustment of O-C 2 Angle >-5°, O-EA Angle >100°, Oc-Ax Angle >65°, and increase of postoperative PI Angle from preoperative PI Angle (that is, dPI Angle) ≥0° can reduce the probability of dysphagia to a certain extent.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Lianquan point on nerve function deficit in rats after stroke / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Lianquan point on nerve function deficit in post-stroke dysphagia(PSD)rats and its potential effect on regulating of transi-ent receptor potential vanilic acid subtype 1(TRPV1)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 60 male SD rats with SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal group of 12(only mild inser-tion of the thread,which did not lead to intracerebral artery occlusion),and the remaining 48 rats were established into PSD models.The 36 rats successfully made were randomly divided into mod-el group,treatment group and treatment+caffeic acid group,with 12 rats in each group.The la-tency and frequency of swallowing were recorded.Biological signal collector was applied to detect hypoglossal nerve discharge,lingual muscle threshold intensity,and contraction amplitude.ELISA was employed to detect the content of substance P in serum,toluidine blue staining was conducted to count the number of Nissl bodies in the hypoglossal nucleus,and immunohistochemistry was applied to measure the expression levels of TRPV1,serotonin(5-HT),phosphorylation(p)-p38,and neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)in the hypoglossal nucleus.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group had shorter swallowing latency,less swallowing frequency,and decreased integrated area of hypoglossal nerve discharge,amplitude of tongue muscle contrac-tion,serum substance P content,threshold strength of tongue muscle,number of Nissl bodies,and the expression levels of TRPV1 and 5-HT,but increased threshold intensity of tongue muscles and expression levels of p-p38 and nNOS in the hypoglossal nucleus(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the amplitude of tongue muscle contraction,serum substance P content,number of Nissl bodies,and the expression levels of TRPV1 and 5-HT proteins in rats in the treatment group were increased[2.36±0.26 vs 1.77±0.22,3.46±0.36 vs 2.15±0.18,(3.92±0.38)ng/ml vs(1.69±0.17)ng/ml,(33.60±3.65)vs(24.60±2.34),(19.85±2.11)％vs(9.79±1.07)％,(22.43± 2.34)％vs(10.85±1.13)％,P＜0.05].Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Lianquan point may improve neurological deficits in PSD rats by activating the TRPV1 signaling pathway.

A study of the correlation between oral insufficiency and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between oral health and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)by using indicators that evaluate oral hypofunction.Methods:The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design.Participants were recruited from three communities(Shizi Ling, Wenyi Xincun, and Yaoling in Furong District)in Changsha in July 2021, using convenience sampling.Cognitive and oral functions were evaluated using the simple mental state examination, version 2(MMSE-2)and seven indicators of oral hypofunction, which included oral hygiene, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue and lip movement, tongue pressure, mastication, and swallowing function.Results:A total of 144 subjects were included in this study, with 72 males.Except for education level, there were no statistically significant differences between the MCI group and the normal cognitive group in terms of demographic information and self-reported and measured oral functions(all P>0.05).There was a correlation between the subjects' self-reported oral function and the actual measured oral function.Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant correlation between the MMSE score and the seven indicators used to measure oral hypofunction(all P>0.05).The MMSE score of the female group showed a negative correlation with mastication( β=-0.003, P=0.043), while the MMSE score of subjects with elementary school education also showed a negative correlation with mastication( β=-0.022, P=0.016).Additionally, the MMSE score of subjects with middle school education showed a positive correlation with the number of residual teeth( β=0.090, P=0.030). Conclusions:The self-reported oral function can serve as an initial assessment of overall oral function.However, among elderly individuals who do not show significant decline in oral function, there was no significant correlation between oral function and MCI.To accurately identify individuals with MCI, a more detailed sub-analysis with a larger sample size is required.

Acupuncture plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training for post-stroke deglutition disorders:a randomized controlled trial / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao(opening orifices)needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with routine treatments.The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training,and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized.The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire(SWAL-QOL)were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatments,Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders.This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients,improve the quality of life,and is safe.

The use of photobiomodulation in swallowing difficulties in individuals who developed the severe form of COVID-19 / O uso da fotobiomodulação na dificuldade de deglutição em indivíduos que desenvolveram a forma grave da COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the use of photobiomodulation in swallowing difficulties in individuals who had a severe form of COVID-19. This case report was based on a quasi-experimental, quantitative study, with primary data collected from a non-probabilistic sample of 13 adults (aged ≥ 19 to < 60 years) of both sexes, who had the severe form of COVID-19. Swallowing was assessed with the Dysphagia Risk Assessment Protocol, and the intervention used photobiomodulation. Descriptive statistics were used. It was found that all research participants' risk for dysphagia in water and pudding swallowing tests improved from before to after the intervention. It can be concluded that photobiomodulation had positive results in speech-language-hearing practice to treat swallowing difficulties in adults who were affected by the severe form of COVID-19, intubated, tracheostomized, and needed an alternative feeding route, as the swallowing difficulties improved.

RESUMO O objetivo foi verificar o uso da fotobiomodulação na dificuldade de deglutição em indivíduos que desenvolveram a forma grave da COVID-19. Trata-se de um relato de casos, a partir de um estudo quase experimental, quantitativo, com coleta de dados primários e com amostra não probabilística, realizado com 13 indivíduos adultos (idade ≥ 19 a < 60 anos) de ambos os sexos, que tiveram a forma grave da COVID-19. Foi realizada a avaliação da deglutição pelo Protocolo de Avaliação para o Risco de Disfagia (PARD) e a intervenção com fotobiomodulação. Foi utilizada a estatística descritiva. Verificou-se que todos os participantes da pesquisa apresentaram melhora no risco para disfagia no teste de deglutição de água e de alimento pastoso do momento pré para o pós-intervenção. Pode-se concluir que a utilização da fotobiomodulação na prática fonoaudiológica para tratar a dificuldade de deglutição dos adultos que foram acometidos pela forma grave da COVID-19, intubados, traqueostomizados e necessitaram fazer uso de via alternativa de alimentação, trouxe resultados positivos, com melhora da dificuldade de deglutição.

Sensitivity and specificity of the EAT-10 and SDQ-DP in identifying the risk of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease / Sensibilidade e especificidade do EAT-10 e SDQ-DP na identificação do risco de disfagia na doença de Parkinson

Abstract Background The early identification of risk for dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is essential for the prevention of nutritional and pulmonary complications. Objective To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) and the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in identifying dysphagia risk in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD. Methods Twenty-nine patients with PD participated in the study. EAT-10 and SDQ-PD questionnaires were applied, and a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was used to classify the presence and severity of dysphagia, and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was used to identify the presence of penetration/aspiration. In the statistical analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of the risk questionnaires were calculated, as well as positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. Results EAT-10 to identify the risk of penetration/aspiration revealed a sensitivity of 71.42% and specificity of 45.45%; in the identification of the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 47.61%, and the specificity was 12.5%. The SDQ-PD questionnaire for risk of penetration/aspiration demonstrated a sensitivity of 28.57%, and a specificity of 68.18%. In terms of identifying the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 20%, while the specificity was 44.44%. Conclusion The SDQ-PD revealed low sensitivity and low specificity to identify the presence of dysphagia and/or penetration/aspiration in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD in this sample. Despite its low specificity, the EAT-10 exhibited good sensitivity in indicating the risk of penetration/aspiration.

Resumo Antecedentes A identificação precoce de risco para disfagia nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é fundamental para a prevenção de complicações nutricionais e pulmonares. Objetivo Analisar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos questionários Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) e Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) para a identificação do risco de disfagia em pacientes com DP nos estágios iniciais e intermediários da doença. Métodos Participaram 29 pacientes com DP. Foi realizado a aplicação dos questionários EAT-10 e SDQ-PD e o exame de videofluoroscopia da deglutição. Para a classificação da presença e gravidade da disfagia foi utilizada a escala Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale e, para identificação da presença de penetração/aspiração, a escala Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). Na análise estatística, calcularam-se a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos questionários de risco EAT-10 e SDQ-DP e o valor preditivo positivo, o valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia. Resultados A análise do EAT-10 para identificar o risco de penetração/aspiração revelou sensibilidade de 71.42% e especificidade de 45.45%; para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 47,61% e a especificidade de 12.5%. Em relação ao questionário SDQ-PD, para identificar risco de penetração/aspiração, a sensibilidade foi de 28.57% e a especificidade de 68.18% e, para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 20% e a especificidade de 44.44%. Conclusão O questionário SDQ-PD revelou baixa sensibilidade e baixa especificidade para identificar presença de disfagia e/ou penetração/aspiração em pacientes com DP em estágios iniciais e intermediários para essa amostra. O EAT-10 revelou boa sensibilidade na indicação de risco de penetração/aspiração, apesar de baixa especificidade.

Clinical outcomes before and after videofluoroscopic swallow study in children 24 months of age or younger / Desfechos clínicos antes e depois da videofluoroscopia da deglutição em crianças com 24 meses de idade ou menos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the combined impact of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions on clinical outcomes in children with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Methods: This was an uncontrolled longitudinal analytical study in which OPD patients were evaluated before and after VFSS. Children ≤ 24 months of age diagnosed with OPD in a clinical setting and undergoing VFSS for investigation and management of OPD were included in the study. The study participants received therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions after having undergone VFSS, being followed at an outpatient clinic for pediatric dysphagia in order to monitor feeding and swallowing difficulties. Respiratory and feeding outcomes were compared before and after VFSS. Results: Penetration/aspiration events were observed in 61% of the VFSSs (n = 72), and therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions were recommended for 97% of the study participants. After the VFSS, there was a reduction in the odds of receiving antibiotic therapy (OR = 0.007) and in the duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.014), as well as in the odds of being admitted to hospital (p = 0.024) and in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.025). A combination of oral and enteral feeding became more common than oral or enteral feeding alone (p = 0.002). Conclusions: A high proportion of participants exhibited penetration/aspiration on VFSS. Therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions following a VFSS appear to be associated with reduced respiratory morbidity in this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto conjunto da videofluoroscopia da deglutição (VFD) e intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição nos desfechos clínicos em crianças com disfagia orofaríngea (DOF). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico longitudinal não controlado em que pacientes com DOF foram avaliados antes e depois da VFD. Foram incluídas no estudo crianças com idade ≤ 24 meses e diagnóstico clínico de DOF, submetidas à VFD para a investigação e manejo da DOF. Os participantes do estudo receberam intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição após terem sido submetidos à VFD, sendo então acompanhados em um ambulatório de disfagia pediátrica para o monitoramento das dificuldades de alimentação e deglutição. Os desfechos respiratórios e alimentares foram comparados antes e depois da VFD. Resultados: Eventos de penetração/aspiração foram observados em 61% das VFD (n = 72), e intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição foram recomendadas a 97% dos participantes do estudo. Após a VFD, houve uma redução das chances de receber antibioticoterapia (OR = 0,007) e da duração da antibioticoterapia (p = 0,014), bem como das chances de internação hospitalar (p = 0,024) e do tempo de internação (p = 0,025). A alimentação por via oral e enteral em conjunto tornou-se mais comum do que a alimentação exclusivamente por via oral ou enteral (p = 0,002). Conclusões: Houve alta proporção de crianças que apresentaram penetração/aspiração na VFD. As intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição após a VFD parecem estar associadas à redução da morbidade respiratória nessa população.

Swallowing symptoms increase the risk of dynapenia in community-dwelling oldest old: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the association between swallowing symptoms and dynapenia in Brazilian older adults, of an 8-year follow-up cohort study. Methods: a retrospective cohort analysis using data from the FIBRA (Brazilian Elderly Frailty) study, at a baseline survey in 2008-2009 and follow-up in 2016-2017. Swallowing complaints were assessed by nine dichotomous questions and dynapenia was assessed using handgrip strength. Principal component analysis was used to determine the swallowing complaints, and logistic regression models were used to associate swallowing complaints at the baseline with dynapenia at the follow-up. Statistical models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), chronic diseases, cognition, and physical performance. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used, considering p < 0.05. Results: 404 older adults were included, predominantly women (68.3%). Principal Component Analysis determined the swallowing symptoms change in taste, difficulty or pain in chewing hard food, difficulty or pain to swallow, and feeling of still or stuck food. According to the logistic regression model, older adults who reported swallowing symptoms at baseline, exhibited risk of developing dynapenia at the follow-up (odds ratio=1.384, 95% CI: 1.119 to 1.713, p=0.003). The difficulty or pain to swallow associated with age, sex, years of education, and number of chronic diseases consisted of self-report, cognitive functioning, and physical performance increased the risk of dynapenia in four times for (OR=5.744; 95% CI: 2.187 to 15.088; p<0.001). Conclusions: the study revealed that the swallowing symptoms at baseline exhibited risk of developing dynapenia at follow-up in older adults. This research reinforces the importance of longitudinal studies incorporating variables such as swallowing symptoms, sociodemographic aspects, BMI, cognitive decline, and physical performance and muscular strength to better understand the significance of swallowing symptoms in the aging process.

Risk Model for Laryngeal Complications Prediction in Chinese Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors of laryngeal symptoms and to develop an implementable risk prediction model for Chinese hospitalized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 1476 Chinese CABG patients admitted to Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were included and then divided into a modeling cohort and a verification cohort. Univariate analysis was used to identify laryngeal symptoms risk factors, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to construct a prediction model for laryngeal symptoms after CABG. Discrimination and calibration of this model were validated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, respectively. Results: The incidence of laryngeal symptoms in patients who underwent CABG was 6.48%. Four independent risk factors were included in the model, and the established aryngeal complications risk calculation formula was Logit (P) = −4.525 + 0.824 × female + 2.09 × body mass index < 18.5 Kg/m2 + 0.793 × transesophageal echocardiogram + 1.218 × intensive care unit intubation time. For laryngeal symptoms, the area under the ROC curve was 0.769 in the derivation cohort (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.698-0.840) and 0.811 in the validation cohort (95% CI: 0.742-0.879). According to the H-L test, the P-values in the modeling group and the verification group were 0.659 and 0.838, respectively. Conclusion: The prediction model developed in this study can be used to identify high-risk patients for laryngealsymptoms undergoing CABG, and help clinicians implement the follow-up treatment.

Análise ultrassonográfica da distância do osso hioide em indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica / Ultrasonographic analysis of the hyoid bone distance in individuals with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia

RESUMO Comparar a medida ultrassonográfica de distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição entre indivíduos saudáveis e disfágicos neurogênicos e verificar o efeito das consistências do alimento no deslocamento do osso hioide. Estudo clínico prospectivo controlado. Foram realizadas avaliações ultrassonográficas da deglutição orofaríngea em 10 adultos com diagnóstico de disfagia orofaríngea e 10 adultos saudáveis, pareados por sexo e faixa etária. Para tanto, foi utilizado ultrassom portátil com transdutor microconvex 5-10 MHz, além de estabilizador de cabeça. As imagens ultrassonográficas foram gravadas pelo software Articulate Assistant Advanced a uma taxa de 120 quadros/segundo. Foram utilizadas as consistências de alimentos nível 0 (volume livre e 5 mL) e nível 4 (5 mL), conforme as recomendações do International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. A distância foi mensurada no momento do pico máximo da deglutição entre a parte inferior do osso hioide e a inserção do músculo milo-hioideo. Cálculos de média e o desvio padrão foram utilizados na análise descritiva, enquanto o teste ANOVA de medidas repetidas foi aplicado na análise inferencial.Resultados evidenciaram que indivíduos disfágicos apresentaram menor elevação do osso hioide, marcada por maior distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis, independentemente da consistência alimentar ofertada. Concluiu-se que a medida ultrassonográfica de distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição mostrou menor elevação laríngea em indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis para todas as consistências alimentares ofertadas.

ABSTRACT To compare the ultrasound measurement of distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak between healthy individuals and neurogenic dysphagic individuals and to verify the effect of food consistencies on the displacement of the hyoid bone. Prospective, controlled clinical study. Ultrasound recordings of the oropharyngeal deglutition were conducted in 10 adults diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia and in 10 healthy adults, matched by sex and age group. A portable ultrasound model Micro ultrasound system with a microconvex transducer 5-10 MHz, coupled to a computer as well as the head stabilizer were used. The ultrasound images were recorded using the AAA software (Articulate Assistant Advanced) at a rate of 120 frames/second. Food consistencies level 0 (free volume and 5 mL) and level 4 (5 mL) were used, based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDSSI). The calculation of the mean and standard deviation was used for the descriptive analysis, while the repeated measures ANOVA test was used for the inferential analysis. Results showed dysphagic individuals had lower elevation of the hyoid bone marked by a longer distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak when compared to healthy individuals, regardless of the food consistency offered. It was concluded that the ultrasound measurement of distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak showed less laryngeal elevation in individuals with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia when compared to healthy individuals for all food consistencies offered.

The Prevalence of Dysphagia in Children with Laryngomalacia Pre and Postsupraglottoplasty: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital laryngeal alteration, with spontaneous resolution in most cases. However, in the face of more severe presentations of the disease, it is necessary to perform supraglottoplasty surgery. Studies have been dedicated to researching changes in swallowing in children with laryngomalacia before and after surgical intervention. Objectives To identify the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with pre and postsupraglottoplasty laryngomalacia. Data Synthesis A search strategy was developed with terms and entreterms to designate a population pediatric with laryngomalacia, exposure supraglottoplasty, and outcome frequency of dysphagia, adapted to the requirements of the main databases in the health area. The analysis of the records found was performed by two independent examiners and, in the end, 6 articles were included in the study. The articles found enabled a sample of 330 children with laryngomalacia, 311 of whom underwent supraglottoplasty. Among the included studies, 5 were grouped and meta-analyzed. After supraglottoplasty surgery, a 59% reduction in the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia was identified, with high heterogeneity I2 = 93%. Conclusion Despite the heterogeneity of the sample, the supraglottoplasty procedure significantly reduces the prevalence of dysphagia in children with laryngomalacia.

A longitudinal study of the progression of Huntington's disease and oropharyngeal dysphagia: A four-case follow-up

ABSTRACT Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, with dysphagia being a common symptom of the disease. Few studies established a relationship between neuromotor impairment and dysphagia. There is also a lack of described therapeutic approaches for dysphagia in HD. This study aimed to better understand the progression of neurological clinical aspects, instrumental swallowing and dysphagia management in four patients presented with HD in an outpatient follow-up setting. The longitudinal follow-up period was 36 to 43 months through neuroclinical assessments (Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale) and fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing evaluations. Case 1 - a moderate decline of independence with safe swallowing. Case 2 - a moderate motor impairment, safe swallowing and moderate dysphagia during follow-up. Case 3 - a longer disease duration and increased motor impairment associated with moderate/severe dysphagia. Case 4 - a longer disease duration, need of assistance to perform daily activities, severe dysphagia and palliative care, considering the family decision of exclusive oral feeding. This longitudinal study revealed that the progression of neuromotor damage was not directly related to dysphagia development. This case series demonstrates the importance of follow-up settings with instrumental swallowing evaluations and careful consideration of early palliative care for HD patients.

Home caregiver strategies for feeding older adults with dysphagia after dehospitalization / Estrategias del cuidador domiciliario para la alimentación de ancianos con disfagia después de la deshospitalización / Estratégias de cuidadores domiciliares para alimentação de pessoas idosas com disfagia após desospitalização

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization. Method: Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software. Results: Three categories emerged: Caregivers' strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization. Conclusion: Caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender las estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos a ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea después de la deshospitalización. Método: Investigación cualitativa, realizada con cuidadores de ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea, que fueron dados de alta después de su internación en un hospital universitario de Bahía. La recolección de datos se realizó entre enero y febrero de 2023, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada, cuyos datos fueron organizados a partir del análisis de contenido y analizados con ayuda del software IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Surgieron tres categorías: Estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos de forma segura a ancianos con disfagia; Estrategias del cuidador para la higiene bucal de personas mayores; Reconocimiento de la continuidad de la logopedia después de la deshospitalización. Conclusión: las estrategias de los cuidadores para ofrecer alimentos a ancianos con disfagia orofaríngea fueron sustentadas en conocimientos tácitos y cuidados efectivos en la transición hospital-hogar.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apreender as estratégias de cuidadores para oferta do alimento à pessoa idosa com disfagia orofaríngea após desospitalização. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com cuidadores de pessoas idosas com disfagia orofaríngea, que tiveram alta após internamento em um hospital universitário na Bahia. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2023, por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada, cujo dados foram organizados com base na análise de conteúdo e analisados com auxílio do software IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias: Estratégias dos cuidadores para oferta segura do alimento à pessoa idosa com disfagia; Estratégias de cuidadores para higiene oral da pessoa idosa; Reconhecimento da continuidade do acompanhamento fonoaudiológico após desospitalização. Conclusão: As estratégias dos cuidadores para a oferta do alimento a pessoas idosas com disfagia orofaríngea foram sustentadas pelo conhecimento tácito e por um cuidado efetivo na transição hospital-domicílio.

Postorotracheal intubation dysphagia in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be multifactorial and may underly limitations in swallowing rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the factors related to dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 immediately after orotracheal extubation and the factors that influence swallowing rehabilitation. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study. METHODS: The presence of dysphagia was evaluated using the American Speech-Language Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) scale and variables that influenced swallowing rehabilitation in 140 adult patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation for >48 h. RESULTS: In total, 46.43% of the patients scored 1 or 2 on the ASHA NOMS (severe dysphagia) and 39.29% scored 4 (single consistency delivered orally) or 5 (exclusive oral diet with adaptations). Both the length of mechanical ventilation and the presence of neurological disorders were associated with lower ASHA NOMS scores (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.87 P < 0.05; and OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.61-0.29; P < 0.05, respectively). Age and the presence of tracheostomy were negatively associated with speech rehabilitation (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-−0.96; OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.80-−0.75), and acute post-COVID-19 kidney injury requiring dialysis and lower scores on the ASHA NOMS were associated with longer time for speech therapy outcomes (β: 1.62, 95% CI, 0.70-3.17, P < 0.001; β: −1.24, 95% CI: −1.55-−0.92; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prolonged orotracheal intubation and post-COVID-19 neurological alterations increase the probability of dysphagia immediately after extubation. Increased age and tracheostomy limited rehabilitation.