Oropharyngeal dysphagia telerehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit for COVID-19: a case report

ABSTRACT The face-to-face assessment of and training for dysphagia are considered aerosol-generating procedures, and thus are contraindicated for patients who are positive or suspected of having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Considering the extremely infectious nature of the virus, transmission to other individuals during rehabilitation is possible. Some patients in the intensive care unit and those who are on endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation often have dysphagia. Therefore, assessment and training for oropharyngeal dysphagia are provided by rehabilitation professionals to restore normal feeding before patient discharged. Thus, we aimed to explore the advantages of telerehabilitation in dysphagia management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An infected 50-year-old man admitted to the hospital underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescue therapy and tracheostomy. Upon gradual respiratory status stabilization, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy was discontinued, and he was weaned off the ventilator. He had difficulty swallowing and coughed after attempting to drink fluids. We considered the application of telerehabilitation for managing dysphagia while minimizing the risk of infection and usage of personal protective equipment. A videoconferencing software on a tablet device provided contactless telerehabilitation, thus reducing the risk of infection and preventing personal protective equipment shortage. Moreover, it facilitates discussion on the issues related to the evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia telerehabilitation. We highlight important considerations for the application of telerehabilitation in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caracterización de pacientes hospitalizados con sospecha de disfagia en el Hospital San Camilo de San Felipe, Chile / Characterization of hospitalized patients with suspected dysphagia at Hospital San Camilo, San Felipe

Resumen Introducción: El trastorno de la deglución, se denomina disfagia y presenta como complicaciones fundamentales la deshidratación, desnutrición y neumonía por aspiración, situaciones que condicionan desfavorablemente el estado de salud, incrementando la morbimortalidad. En Chile, existen escasas publicaciones a la fecha que den cuenta de antecedentes clínicos que permitan describir a los pacientes con sospecha de disfagia. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados con sospecha de disfagia en el Hospital San Camilo de San Felipe, Chile. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo de 767 registros de pacientes, entre los años 2017 y 2019. Se revisó información demográfica y antecedentes clínicos. Para variables cualitativas, se utilizaron proporciones y distribuciones frecuenciales, para variables cuantitativas, se usaron medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: El 58,54% de los pacientes era de sexo masculino y el 79,4% correspondió a personas mayores (79,4%). Las patologías neurológicas representaron el diagnóstico de ingreso más frecuente (61,93%). El 14,73% presentó antecedentes de intubación endotraqueal, el 8,34% tenía traqueostomía y el 84,09% era edéntulo parcial o total. En la evaluación con alimentos, las degluciones múltiples y la presencia de tos correspondieron a las alteraciones de eficacia y seguridad más frecuentes. En el 82,01% se diagnosticó disfagia y la mayoría de etiología neurogénica (68,45%). Conclusión: El presente estudio permitió conocer las características clínicas de los pacientes con sospecha de disfagia hospitalizados. En este contexto los pacientes extubados, traqueostomizados y las personas mayores con trastornos neurológicos o patologías respiratorias se presentan como potenciales candidatos para la evaluación de deglución.

Abstract Introduction: The swallowing disorder is called dysphagia and presents complications such as dehydration, malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, situations that unfavorably condition the state of health, increasing morbidity and mortality. In Chile, there are few publications to date that provide an account of clinical history that allow the description of patients with suspected dysphagia. Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with suspected dysphagia at Hospital San Camilo de San Felipe, Chile. Material and Method: Descriptive study of 767 patient records, between the years 2017 and 2019. Demographic information and clinical history were reviewed. For qualitative variables, proportions and frequency distributions were used, for quantitative variables, measures of central tendency were used. Results: 58.54% of the patients were male and 79.4% corresponded to elderly people (79.4%). Neurological pathologies represented the most frequent admission diagnosis (61.93%). 14.73% had a history of endotracheal intubation, 8.34% had a tracheostomy, and 84.09% were partial or total edentulous. In the evaluation with food, multiple swallows and the presence of cough corresponded to the most frequent alterations in efficacy and safety. In 82.01%, dysphagia was diagnosed and the majority of neurogenic etiology (68.45%). Conclusion: The present study allowed us to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with suspected dysphagia. In this context, extubated, tracheostomized patients and the elderly with neurological disorders or respiratory pathologies are presented as potential candidates for swallowing evaluation.

A low phase angle determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis is associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalized older adults

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and its association with body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and functionality among institutionalized older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. The swallowing function and diagnosis of OD were evaluated with a volume-viscosity swallow test. Activities of daily living were evaluated by the Barthel Index. Body composition was evaluated by BIA, and phase angle (PhA) was determined. RESULTS Eighty institutionalized older adults were evaluated. The mean age of the study population was 82±9.5 years, and 65% were females. The OD prevalence was 30%, dependence was 30%, and sarcopenia was 16%. In the multivariate analysis, a low PhA (<3.5°) was independently associated with the presence of OD adjusted by sex and age (OR: 2.60, 95%CI 2.41-2.90, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS A higher prevalence of OD was found. Significant and independent associations were found between low PhA, dependence, and sarcopenia with the presence of OD among institutionalized older persons.

Presbifagia Una mirada a los procesos de alimentación y deglución en los adultos mayores / Presbyphagia A look at feeding and swallowing processes in older adults

Introducción: El proceso de envejecimiento, al igual que en todo el organismo, genera una serie de cambios en las estructuras estomatognáticas, y estos cambios morfológicos, característicos en el mecanismo de la deglución en sujetos sanos de edad avanzada caracterizan a la Presbifagia. Objetivo: Realizar un análisis crítico-reflexivo en torno a la conceptualización desde las diversas ópticas de los autores que exponen el fenómeno, con el fin de abrir la discusión dirigida a establecer un lenguaje unificado en pro de dirigir las acciones fonoaudiológicas hacia las áreas de promoción de la salud de la función deglutoria y prevención de la disfagia esta población. Metodología: Se seleccionaron, por conveniencia, artículos y capítulos de libros de especialidad publicados en la última década, que abordan las alteraciones deglutorias en adultos mayores, para comparar similitudes y diferencias en la forma de abordar el fenómeno. Resultados: Se evidencia que, pese al exponencial progreso de la disciplina, no existe consenso conceptual entre los especialistas al momento de hacer referencia a los cambios anatomofuncionales de la biomecánica deglutoria y la transición de la presbifagia a la disfagia en los adultos mayores. Discusión: Una interesante discusión se genera en torno a la presbifagia y los parámetros de seguridad, efectividad, competencia y confortabilidad, dado que los cambios neurológicos-estructurales son frecuentes en la tercera edad, los cuales acarrean diversas consecuencias, desde grados leves a severos, que impactan de forma diferenciada en los indicadores que habitualmente se describen en la clínica. Sin embargo, la conceptualización utilizada no es clara al realizar una distinción entre un estado transicional o de afección. Conclusión: Los cambios en el envejecimiento deben seguir siendo estudiados desde las diferentes concepciones para comprender mejor los fenómenos neurofisiológicos y anatómicos que se originan entorno a la Presbifagia.

Introduction: The aging process, as in the whole organism, generates a series of changes in the stomatognathic structures, and these morphological changes, characteristic of the swallowing mechanism in healthy elderly subjects, characterize Presbyphagia. Objective: To carry out a critical-reflective analysis around the conceptualization from the different perspectives of the authors who expose the phenomenon, in order to open the discussion aimed at establishing a unified language in favor of directing speech therapy actions towards the areas of promotion of the health of the swallowing function and prevention of dysphagia in this population. Methodology: Articles and chapters of specialty books published in the last decade, which address swallowing disorders in older adults, were selected for convenience in order to compare similarities and differences in the way of approaching the phenomenon. Results: It is evident that, despite the exponential progress of the discipline, there is no conceptual consensus among specialists when referring to anatomical and functional changes in swallowing biomechanics and the transition from presbyophagia to dysphagia in older adults. Discussion: An interesting discussion is generated around presbyphagia and the parameters of safety, effectiveness, competence and comfort, given that neurological-structural changes are frequent in the elderly, which carry various consequences, from mild to severe degrees. that have a differentiated impact on the indicators that are usually described in the clinic. However, the conceptualization used is not clear when making a distinction between a transitional state or a state of affection. Conclusion: Changes in aging must continue to be studied from different conceptions to better understand the neurophysiological and anatomical phenomena that originate around Presbyphagia.

Morbimortalidad asociada a la disfagia en pacientes ingresados en un hospital general universitario

RESUMEN Introducción: La disfagia tiene una morbimortalidad importante en pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivos: principal; describir las características de los pacientes con disfagia hospitalizados y, secundarios; cuantificar y analizar la prevalencia de mortalidad y de reingresos. Metodología: Estudio transversal descriptivo de las hospitalizaciones por disfagia durante el año 2015 en un Hospital General Universitario. Resultados: Se evaluaron 431 historias clínicas. La edad de los pacientes fue de 83,21 (DE 11,4) años, el 52,5% fueron mujeres y el 47,2% varones; la estancia media fue de 11,1 (DE 7,99) días. En el 71,2 % de los casos la disfagia fue por afectación de la fase orofaríngea. En el 80,51% de los casos se diagnosticaron complicaciones respiratorias: 48,12% neumonía aspirativa por líquidos, 40,05 % neumonitis química por aspiración y 11,81% neumonía aspirativa por sólidos. La mortalidad general asociada a las complicaciones respiratorias respecto del total de los casos de disfagia fue del 24,49%. El 50,48% de los pacientes con neumonía aspirativa fallecieron. La principal causa de la disfagia fue las enfermedades neurológicas (un 77,25%). La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres - 42,3% frente al 7,8% - (p < 0,01) y esta diferencia se mantuvo tras ajustar el resultado por edad: OR 9,937, IC95%: 5,446; 18,131. El 13,10% de los pacientes reingresaron al menos en una ocasión. Los pacientes de geriatría presentaron un mayor número de reingresos por número de ingresos. Discusión: las enfermedades neurológicas fueron la principal causa de disfagia. La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dysphagia is an important associated morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patient. Objectives: Main; to describe the characteristics of patients admitted for dysphagia and secondary; quantify and analyze the prevalence of mortality and readmissions. Methodology: Cross-sectional study descriptive revenues by dysphagia during the year 2015 in a University General Hospital. Results: 431 records were evaluated. The age of the patients was 83,21 (11.4), 52.5% women and 47.2% male; the average stay was 11.1 (7.99) days. In 71,2% of cases the dysphagia was involvement of the oropharyngeal phase. 80.51% of cases were diagnosed respiratory complications. The percentage distribution of these complications were: in 48.12% aspiration pneumonia due to fluids, in 40.05% chemical aspiration pneumonitis and in 11.81% aspiration pneumonia due to solids. The overall mortality associated with respiratory complications compared to the total of cases of dysphagia was 24.49%. 50.48% of patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia died. The main cause of dysphagia was neurological diseases (77.25%). Mortality was significantly higher in women - 42.3% of women compared with 7.8% of males - (p < 0.01) and this difference remained after adjusting the result by age: OR 9,937, 95% CI: 5,446; 18,131. 13.10% of patients re-entered at least on one occasion. Patients of geriatric unit that presented in greater number of readmissions by admissions. Discussion: neurological diseases were the main cause of dysphagia. Mortality was significantly higher in women

Swallowing and Aspiration Risk: A Critical Review of Non Instrumental Bedside Screening Tests

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The presence of dysphagia and aspiration in stroke patients is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Early recognition and management of these two conditions via reliable, minimally invasive bedside procedures before complications arise remains challenging in everyday clinical practice. This study reviews the available bedside screening tools for detecting swallowing status and aspiration risk in acute stroke by qualitatively observing reference population study design, clinical flexibility, reliability and applicability to acute-care settings. METHODS: The primary search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The search was limited to papers on humans written in English and published from 1991 to 2016. Eligibility criteria included the consecutive enrollment of acute-stroke inpatients and the development of a protocol for screening aspiration risk during oral feeding in this population. RESULTS: Of the 652 sources identified, 75 articles were reviewed in full however, only 12 fulfilled the selection criteria. Notable deficiencies in most of the bedside screening protocols included poor methodological designs and inadequate predictive values for aspiration risk which render clinicians to be more conservative in making dietary recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The literature is dense with screening methods for assessing the presence of dysphagia but with low predictive value for aspiration risk after acute stroke. A standard, practical, and cost-effective screening tool that can be applied at the bedside and interpreted by a wide range of hospital personnel remains to be developed. This need is highlighted in settings where neither trained personnel in evaluating dysphagia nor clinical instrumentation procedures are available.

Evidências de validades do questionário autorreferido para rastreamento de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos - RaDI / Evidence of validity of the self-reported questionnaire for screening oropharyngeal dysphagia in the elderly - RaDI

No idoso, o momento da alimentação pode estar comprometido em decorrência de um distúrbio de deglutição durante a passagem do alimento pela região oral e faríngea denominado de disfagia orofaríngea (DO). Esta condição de saúde interfere na manutenção de seu estado nutricional e de hidratação, com possibilidades de complicações respiratórias. Reconhecida como síndrome geriátrica por duas importantes comunidades europeias, a DO afeta a autonomia e independência do idoso na realização de suas atividades de vida diária e contribui para o declínio funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e validar um questionário autorreferido de rastreamento de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos (RaDI). A metodologia da pesquisa deste estudo de validação, não aleatorizado e transversal, seguiu as premissas dos Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing que descrevem o processo de obtenção de evidências baseadas: no conteúdo do teste, nos processos de resposta, na estrutura interna, em relação com outras variáveis (validade convergente, discriminante, de critério e de generalização). A coleta da pesquisa, realizada de março de 2013 a outubro de 2017, em Natal, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, incluiu idosos, a partir de 60 anos, de ambos os sexos e excluiu os com dificuldades funcionais para compreender ordens simples, transtorno psiquiátrico, neurológico, neuromuscular, neurodegenerativo ou rebaixamento cognitivo, perda auditiva, mesmo que utilizassem aparelho de amplificação sonora individual, sem nenhuma alimentação por via oral, que tivessem histórico de câncer de cabeça e pescoço e traqueostomizados. Nas duas primeiras etapas da validação, participaram quatro pesquisadores envolvidos nos temas Deglutição e Envelhecimento Humano, três fonoaudiólogos e um dentista sanitarista que compuseram um painel de experts para avaliar as análises de 32 juízes sobre a primeira versão do RaDI com 17 itens. Após sua reformulação, o questionário foi aplicado na população-alvo em 40 idosos. Ajustado para 14 questões, o instrumento foi administrado em 211 voluntários para realização da análise fatorial confirmatória, em que foi considerado o menor valor do qui-quadrado (2), mesmo se for significativo, qui-quadrado normado, raiz do erro quadrático médio de aproximação (RMSEA), raiz quadrada média ponderada residual (WRMR), índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI) e índice de Tucker Lewis (TLI). Realizado alguns ajustes no modelo, a avaliação de sua validade convergente (n=393) e discriminante (n=110) considerou a análise do coeficiente de Spearman  A confiabilidade do teste-reteste, em 75 idosos, utilizou a correlação intraclasse (CCI), Kappa ponderado, erro de medição do instrumento (SEM) e a menor diferença real (SRD), e a consistência interna, o alfa de Cronbach, dentro do intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: O RaDI foi ajustado em sua estrutura interna no modelo de nove questões 2=45,8, p < 0,05, 2/gl =1,76, RMSEA = 0,06, WRMR = 0,72, CFI = 0,97 e TLI = 0,96), com boa confiabilidade (ICC = 0,83, IC 0,74-0,89, p <0,001; SEM = 2,13; SRD = 5,90), alta consistência interna ( = 0,90) e excelente validade discriminante ( = -0,06; p = 0,6), porém moderada convergente  = 0,43; p<0,001). Conclusões: O RaDI produziu respostas válidas e confiáveis para identificar os sintomas de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos residentes na comunidade (AU).

In older adults, feeding may be compromised as a result of a swallowing disorder during the passage of food through the oral and pharyngeal region called oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). This health condition interferes with the maintenance of their nutritional and hydration status, with the possibility of respiratory complications. Recognized as a geriatric syndrome by two important European Communities, OD affects the autonomy and independence of older adults in carrying out their daily life activities and contributes to functional decline. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a self-reported questionnaire screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in older people (RaDI). The methodology of this non-randomized, cross-sectional validation study was performed by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which describe the process of obtaining evidence based on test content, response processes, internal structure, with other variables (convergent validity, discriminant, criterion, and generalization). The data were collected from March 2013 to October 2017, in Natal city of the Rio Grande do Norte state, included older adults, aged 60 and older, of both sexes, and excluded those with functional difficulties to understand simple orders, with hearing loss, even they used individual sound-amplifier apparatus, no oral feeding, history of head and neck cancer and were undergoing to tracheostomy. In the first two stages of validation, four researchers involved in the issues of swallowing and aging, three speech pathologists and a sanitary dentist participated in a panel of experts to evaluate the analyzes of 32 judges on the first version of RaDI with 17 items. After its reformulation, the questionnaire was applied to the target population in 40 older people. Adjusted to 14 questions, the instrument were applied in 211 elders to perform the confirmatory factor analysis, by lower chi-square value (2), even if it is significant, normed chi-square, root of the mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), weighted root mean square residual (WRMR), comparative fit index (CFI) e Tucker Lewis index (TLI). After some adjustments in the model, the evaluation of its convergent validity (n = 393) and discriminant (n = 110) considered the analysis of the Spearman coefficient . The reliability of the test-retest in 75 older subjects, was achieved by intraclass correlation coeficient (ICC), weighted Kappa, standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest real difference (SRD), and the internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha with the 95% of confidence interval. Results: RaDI was adjusted in its internal structure to nine questions model 2 = 45,81, p < 0,05, 2/gl =1,76, RMSEA = 0,06, WRMR = 0,72, CFI = 0,97 e TLI = 0,96), with good reliability (ICC = 0,83, IC 0,74-0,89, p <0,001; SEM =02,13; SRD = 5,90) and high internal consistency ( = 0,90) and excellent discriminant ( = -0,06; p = 0,6) but moderate convergent validity  = 0,43; p<0,001). Conclusions: RaDI produced valid and reliable responses to identify the oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in community-dwelling older people (AU).

The sensitivity and specificity of the Chinese eating assessment tool (EAT-10) for screening oropharyngeal dysphagia in acute stroke patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To study the sensitivity and specificity of the Chinese eating assessment tool (EAT-10) in screening acute stroke patients for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD).Methods A total of 130 inpatients with acute stroke were screened using the Chinese EAT-10.On the same day they were also screened using the gold standard technique for diagnosing dysphasia-videofluoroscopy.A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was developed to study EAT-10's sensitivity and specificity.A Youden index,positive predictive value (PPV),negative predictive value (NPV),and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LHR+ and LHR) were quantified.Results According to the ROC curve,a cut-off point of 1 (EAT-10 score≥ 1) gave the best sensitivity (77.9％),the highest NPV (73.2％),with 66.1％ specificity,71.6％ PPV,2.30 LHR+ and 0.33 LHR in screening for OD.The test-retest reliability was above 0.7.An investigator consistency reliability test showed good repeatability,and the consistency between each item and the mean total score was high.Conclusion The Chinese EAT-10 has good test-retest reliability and investigator consistency.The optimal cut-off point is 1,with good sensitivity and NPV at scores ≥ 1.The test can be recommended as a screening tool for OD in acute stroke patients.

Vocal Variability Post Swallowing in Individuals with and without Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Introduction Voice modification after swallowing may indicate changes in the transit of the bolus. Objective The aim of this study is to verify the use of perceptual voice analysis to detect oropharyngeal dysphagia. Study Design Case series. Methods Twenty-seven patients with dysphagia as diagnosed by videofluoroscopy and 25 without were evaluated. The sustained vowel /a/ was recorded before this exam and after swallowing different consistencies (pasty, liquid and solid). For the voice evaluation, the GRBAS scale (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain) and the parameter "wet voice" were used. Three judges blinded to study group and time of emission performed voice analysis. Results Individuals with dysphagia showed significant decrease in grade of voice and asthenia and increase in strain after swallowing pasty substances, differing from individuals without dysphagia who showed no modification of the parameters after swallowing. The wet voice parameter showed no difference after swallowing in both study groups. Conclusion The decrease in grade and asthenia and increased strain are indicative of a swallowing disorder, indicating increased vocal strain to clean the vocal tract of food. The modification of vocal production after swallowing proved to be a trusted resource for detection of swallowing disorders. .

Effectiveness of Rehabilitative Balloon Swallowing Treatment on Upper Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation and Pharyngeal Motility for Neurogenic Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between dysphagia severity and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), and to assess the effect of balloon size on functional improvement after rehabilitative balloon swallowing treatment in patients with severe dysphagia with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD). METHODS: We reviewed videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Myongji Hospital from January through December in 2012. All subjects diagnosed with CPD by VFSS further swallowed a 16-Fr Foley catheter filled with barium sulfate suspension for three to five minutes. We measured the maximum diameter of the balloon that a patient could swallow into the esophagus and subsequently conducted a second VFSS. Then, we applied a statistical technique to correlate the balloon diameter with functional improvement after the balloon treatment. RESULTS: Among 283 inpatients who received VFSS, 21 subjects were diagnosed with CPD. It was observed that the degree of UES opening evaluated by swallowing a catheter balloon had inverse linear correlations with pharyngeal transit time and post-swallow pharyngeal remnant. Videofluoroscopy guided iterative balloon swallowing treatment for three to five minutes, significantly improved the swallowing ability in terms of pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal remnant (p<0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Correlation was seen between balloon size and reduction in pharyngeal remnants after balloon treatment (Pearson correlation coefficient R=-0.729, p<0.001), whereas there was no definite relationship between balloon size and improvement in pharyngeal transit time (R=-0.078, p=0.738). CONCLUSION: The maximum size of the balloon that a patient with CPD can swallow possibly indicates the maximum UES opening. The iterative balloon swallowing treatment is safe without the risk of aspiration, and it can be an effective technique to improve both pharyngeal motility and UES relaxation.

Experiencia en la evaluación diagnóstica y terapéutica de la disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica en niños / Experience in diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia in children

Introducción: La disfagia puede ser a nivel orofaríngeo o esofágico debido a trastornos estructurales o funcionales. Su abordaje diagnóstico y tratamiento evita la desnutrición y el riesgo de aspiración. Objetivo: reportar la experiencia en la evaluación diagnóstica y tratamiento en niños con disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica. Pacientes y método: estudio descriptivo y transversal, de 49 niños con disfagia, durante dos años. Protocolo de estudio: historia clínica, patologías asociadas, estudio radiológico, endoscopia, nasolaringoscopia-videodeglutoscopia, terapia deglutoria, videofluoroscopia, manometría y ph-metría esofágica y tratamiento indicado. Resultados: 20(40,82%) hembras y 29(59,18%) varones. Edad promedio 2,56 años (rango: 1m-16 años). El 46,93% presentó trastornos neurológicos como patología asociada. El 65,31% con disfagia a sólidos y 34,69% a líquidos, otros síntomas: vómitos, regurgitaciones y reflujo faringo-nasal. Posterior a la evaluación y estudios se encontró: disfagia orofaríngea 25/49(51,02%), de origen funcional en 22/25(88%) y mecánica 3(12%); disfagia esofágica 13/49(26,53%), mecánica en 1/13(7,69%) y funcional en 12/13(92,30%) de los cuales 6 con dismotilidad inespecífica y 4 asociada a esofagitis; disfagia mixta 11(22,44%). Evaluación nutricional fue requerida en 65,30%, se indicó nutrición por sonda de alimentación en 21 niños, por gastrostomía endoscópica en 4 y cambio en la consistencia de los alimentos en 7. Dilatación esofágica por estenosis congénita en un caso y por acalasia esofágica en 2. Terapia deglutoria en 71,42%. Conclusiones: la evaluación integral del niño con disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica es fundamental para identificar la causa e indicar el tratamiento específico con apoyo nutricional, procedimientos endoscópicos y terapia deglutoria.

Introduction: Dysphagia can be oropharyngeal or esophageal level due to structural or functional disorders. Its diagnosis and treatment approach prevents malnutrition and the risk of aspiration. Objective: To report our experience in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment for children with oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. Patients and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, 49 children with dysphagia, for two years. Study protocol: clinical history, associated diseases, radiographs, endoscopy, Nasolaryngoscopy-videodeglutoscopia therapy, swallowing, videofl uoroscopy, manometry and esophageal pHmetry and appropriate treatment. Results: 20 (40.82%) females and 29 (59.18%) males. Average age 2.56 years (range: 1m-16 years). The 46.93% had neurological disorders and associated diseases. The 65.31% with dysphagia to solids and 34.69% for liquids, other symptoms: vomiting, regurgitation and nasal pharyngeal reflux. After the evaluation and studies found: Oropharyngeal Dysphagia 25/49 (51.02%) of functional origin in 22/25 (88%) and mechanical 3 (12%) Esophageal Dysphagia 13/49 (26.53% ) mechanical 1/13 (7.69%) and functional in 12/13 (92.30%) of which 6 and 4 with dysmotility associated nonspecifi c oesophagitis Mixed Dysphagia 11 (22.44%). Nutritional assessment was required to 65.30%, is indicated feeding tube 21 feeding children endoscopic gastrostomy 4 and change in the consistency of food at 7. Dilatation Congenital esophageal stenosis in one case and two esophageal achalasia. Swallowing therapy in 71.42%. Conclusions: The evaluation of the child with oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia is essential to identify the cause and indicate the specifi c treatment with nutritional support and therapeutic endoscopic procedures swallowing.

A Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Presented as Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare disease. It is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscular paralysis reflecting degeneration of motor neurons which leads to muscle weakness and muscle wasting. Respiratory failure limits survival to 2-5 years after disease onset. Several clinical manifestations including dysphagia can result in reductions in both the quality of life and life expectancy. Dysphagia occurs at onset in about one third of case, although generally it occurs in later stage of the disease. Evaluation of dysphagia includes video-fluoroscopic swallow study, radiological esophagogram, flexible endoscopic examination, ultrasound examination, conventional manometry and electromyography. We report a case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a 54-year-old man presenting oropharyngeal dysphagia which was diagnosed by high resolution esophageal manometry presenting abnormality of the upper esophageal sphincter.

Características clínicas y videofluoroscópicas de la disfagia orofaríngea en niños entre un mes y cinco años de vida: Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, Medellín, Colombia, 2004 / Clinical and videofluoroscopic characteristics of oropharyngeal dysphagia in children aged 1 month to 5 years: A study in Medellín, Colombia, 2004

Objetivo: describir, con base en las evaluaciones clínica y videofluoroscópica, las alteraciones biomecánicas más frecuentes en un grupo de niños entre un mes y cinco años de edad, con sospecha clínica de trastorno de la deglución (TD) en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl (HUSVP). Metodología: estudio descriptivo de una muestra consecutiva entre enero 1 y diciembre 31 de 2004. La información se obtuvo con una encuesta estructurada. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, antecedentes personales y evaluaciones clínica y videofluoroscópica de las fases de la deglución. Se hizo análisis estadístico con el software SPSS 11.0. Resultados: se estudiaron 68 pacientes con TD, 40 de ellos (58,8%) varones; a 48 se les hizo videofluoroscopia. Cincuenta y cuatro (79,4%) tenían edades entre 1-24 meses. Treinta niños (44,1%) tenían diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral; once (16,2%) presentaban anomalías congénitas estructurales de la orofaringe; 57 (83,8%) sufrían de alteraciones gastrointestinales, principalmente rehusar la alimentación y reflujo gastroesofágico. Del total de 68 niños, 27 (39,7%) tenían historia de neumonía recurrente y 11 (16,2%) presentaban antecedentes de otras condiciones respiratorias. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la evaluación radiológica de la fase faríngea en los niños con y sin neumonía recurrente. La sensibilidad de la evaluación clínica de la fase oral fue 90% y la de la fase faríngea, 91,6%. No se encontró concordancia entre los exámenes clínico y radiológico del trastorno de deglución (Kappa 5,6%, intervalo de confianza del 95% (-0,042-0,154).

Objective: to describe, based on clinical and videofluoroscopic evaluations, the most frequent biomechanical alterations in a group of children, aged 1 month to 5 years, with the clinical suspicion of swallowing disorders. Methodology: descriptive study of a consecutive sample of 68 patients, between January 1 and December 31, 2004, at a children´s hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Information was obtained by means of a structured survey. The following variables were analyzed: age,sex, personal medical history, and clinical and videofluoroscopic evaluations of the swallowing phases. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of the SPSS 11.0 software. Results: out of the 68 patients 40 (58.8%) were males. Children between 1-24 months represented 79.4% of the group. Videofluoroscopy was carried out in 48. Thirty children (44.1%) suffered from cerebral palsy; 11 (16.2%) had congenital oropharyngeal anomalies; 57(83.8%) had gastrointestinal alterations, the most frequent of which were gastroesophageal reflux andrefusal to feed. In 27 (39.7%) there was history of recurrent pneumonia, and 11 (16.2%) more suffered from other respiratory conditions. No significantdifferences were found in the radiological evaluation of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing between children with or without recurrent pneumonia. Sensitivity of the clinical evaluation was 90% for theoral phase of deglutition, and 91.6% for the pharyngeal phase. There was no agreement between the clinical and radiological evaluations of the swallowing disorder (Kappa 5.6, 95% confidence interval (-0.042-0.154).

A therapeutic maneuver for oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates resources to provide better conditions for oropharyngeal swallowing for improvement in the quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients. METHOD: Three men and one woman with an average age of 70.25 years had been afflicted with Parkinson's disease for an average of 9.25 years. The patients were submitted to a rehabilitation program for oropharyngeal dysphagia after a clinical evaluation of swallowing. The rehabilitation program consisted of daily sessions for two consecutive weeks during which a biofeedback resource adapted especially for this study was used. The patients were then reevaluated for swallowing ability at follow-up. RESULTS: The patients presenting difficulties with swallowing water displayed no such problems after rehabilitation. Only one patient exhibited slow oral transit of food and other discrete oropharyngeal food remnants when swallowing a biscuit. The sample variance was used to analyze the pressure measurements, demonstrating a numerical similarity of the results obtained with the swallowing of saliva or of biscuits (VAR = 4.41). A statistical difference was observed between the swallowing of saliva and biscuits, showing a significant pressure increase at the end of the rehabilitation program (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The effortful swallow maneuver reinforced by using biofeedback appears to be a therapeutic resource in the rehabilitation of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson's disease patients.