Risk factors for deep neck infection in patients with sore throat and neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Deep neck infection (DNI) is a potentially life-threatening disease because infections spread quickly, causing se-rious complications. Therefore, more attention is needed than other neck infections, but there are many difficulties due to isolation guidelines in the period of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We investigated the early predictability of DNI through patient symptoms at the first emergency department encounter. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with suspected soft-tissue neck infections from January 2016 to February 2021. Symptoms were retrospectively analyzed in fever, foreign body sensation, chest discomfort/pain, submandibular pain, odynopha-gia, dysphagia, voice change, and severe pain. Furthermore, baseline characteristic data, laboratory findings, and pre-vertebral soft-tissue (PVST) thickness were evaluated. DNI and other neck infections were diagnosed through computed tomography. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent factors for predicting DNI. RESULTS: In the 793 patients included in the study, 267 (33.7%) were diagnosed with DNI, and 526 (66.3%) were diagnosed with other soft-tissue neck infections. In the comparison between the two groups, C-reactive protein (CRP), sodium, PT (INR), foreign body sensation, chest discomfort/pain, submandibular pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, severe pain, and PVST thickness showed statisti-cally significant differences. Independent factors for predicting DNI were severe pain (odds ratio: 6.336 [3.635-11.045], p<0.001), for-eign body sensation (odds ratio: 7.384 [2.776-19.642], p<0.001), submandibular pain (odds ratio: 4.447 [2.852-6.932], p<0.001), and dysphagia (odds ratio: 52.118 [8.662-313.588], p<0.001) among symptoms and CRP (odds ratio: 1.034 [1.004-1.065], p=0.026) and PT (INR) (odds ratio: 29.660 [3.363-261.598], p=0.002) in laboratory tests. PVST thickness at C2 (odds ratio: 1.953 [1.609-2.370], p<0.001) and C6 level (odds ratio: 1.179 [1.054-1.319], p=0.004) was also shown as an independent variable for prediction. CONCLUSION: Among patients with sore throat or neck pain, patients with dysphagia, foreign body sensation, severe pain, and submandibular pain are more likely to have DN. DNI can cause serious complications; therefore, patients with the above symptoms should be closely observed due to the potential for significant complications.

Patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome are at risk of malnutrition and obesity: findings of outpatient follow-up / Pacientes com Síndrome Pós-Covid-19 apresentam risco de desnutrição e obesidade: achados de um ambulatório de seguimento

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the nutritional and functional status, swallowing disorders, and musculoskeletal manifestations of patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, stratified by the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with patients diagnosed with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome after discharge from the intensive care unit of a university hospital. The evaluated outcomes were: nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, bioimpedance and anthropometry), swallowing disorders (Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol), functional status (Post-Covid-19 Functional Status Scale), and musculoskeletal manifestations. According to the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index, patients were stratified in terms of loss or not loss of muscle mass. Results Thirty-eight patients were included in the study, 20 stratified into the no loss of muscle mass group (17 females; 49.45±12.67 years) and 18 into the loss of muscle mass group (18 males; 61.89±12.49 years). Both groups were at risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment scores between 17-23.5 points; No Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 21.82±3.93; Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 23.33±3.41) and obesity (No Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 33.76±6.34; Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 30.23±3.66). The groups differed in terms of bioimpedance parameters (except fat mass) and age. However, there were no differences in swallowing alterations, functional status, and musculoskeletal manifestations. Conclusion Patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, stratified according to the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index, were at risk of malnutrition and obesity. The persistence of fatigue, weakness, myalgia and arthralgia at 6 months after hospital discharge is noteworthy. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o estado nutricional, status funcional, alterações de deglutição e manifestações musculoesqueléticas de pacientes com Síndrome Pós-Covid-19, estratificados pelo Índice de Massa Muscular Esquelética Apendicular. Métodos Estudo transversal composto por pacientes diagnosticados com a Síndrome Pós-Covid-19 que estiveram internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital universitário. Os desfechos avaliados foram: estado nutricional (Mini Avaliação Nutricional; bioimpedância e antropometria), alterações de deglutição (Protocolo Fonoaudiológico de Avaliação do Risco de Disfagia), status funcional (Post-Covid-19 Functional Status Scale) e manifestações musculoesqueléticas. Os pacientes foram classificados, quanto à perda de massa muscular conforme o Índice de Massa Muscular Esquelética Apendicular, em grupo sem e com perda de massa muscular. Resultados Foram inseridos no estudo 38 pacientes, 20 no grupo sem perda de massa muscular (17 deles do sexo feminino; 49,45±12,67 anos) e 18 no grupo com perda de massa muscular (todos do sexo masculino; 61,89±12,49 anos). Os pacientes de ambos os grupos apresentaram risco de desnutrição (escores Mini Avaliação Nutricional entre 17-23.5 pontos; Grupo Sem Perda de Massa Muscular: 21,82±3,93; Grupo Com Perda de Massa Muscular: 23,33±3,41) e obesidade (Grupo Sem Perda de Massa Muscular: 33,76±6,34; Grupo Com Perda de Massa Muscular: 30,23±3,66). Os grupos diferiram quanto aos parâmetros da bioimpedância (exceto massa gorda) e idade. Entretanto, não foram observadas diferenças na deglutição, status funcional e manifestações musculoesqueléticas. Conclusão Os pacientes com Síndrome Pós-Covid-19, estratificados conforme o Índice de Massa Muscular Esquelética Apendicular, apresentaram risco de desnutrição e obesidade. Destaca-se a persistência de fadiga, fraqueza, mialgia e artralgia após seis meses da alta hospitalar. Esses achados ressaltam a importância do cuidado integral ao paciente com a Síndrome Pós-Covid-19.

Screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To screen for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted on 500 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the age range of 19-65 years who were admitted to the main university isolation hospital (whether admitted in the ward or the intensive care unit). Screening for OD was done using the Arabic version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Yale swallow protocol. RESULTS: 45.4% of the admitted and 40.97% of the discharged COVID-19 patients had a positive screen for OD. Several risk factors for OD could be detected. These include older age, longer duration of presenting symptoms of COVID-19, presence of ageusia and anosmia, presence of dysphonia, ICU admission, lower oxygen saturation, higher respiratory rate, presence of OD at admission, longer duration of hospital stay, and use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). CONCLUSIONS: Screening for OD in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is a mandatory procedure, whether for admitted or discharged patients.

Acupuncture for swallowing disorder after recovery from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing disorder is a common sequela after recovery from COVID-19. Acupuncture is an important traditional therapy for treating swallowing disorder. However, the efficacy of acupuncture for swallowing disorder after recovery from COVID-19 lacks evidence-based medicine. METHODS: All randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for swallowing disorder after recovery from COVID-19 will be retrieved and collected from December 2019 to November 2022 with no language restrictions. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and the Wanfang Database will be searched. Two researchers will independently select studies, extract data, and evaluate study quality. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials will be used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Statistical analyses will be performed using Review Manager version 5.3. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality and convincing assessment of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for swallowing disorder after recovery from COVID-19 and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSION: Our findings will provide a reference for future clinical decisions and guidance development.

Is Postextubation Dysphagia Underestimated in the Era of COVID-19? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence rate of postextubation dysphagia (PED) in patients with COVID-19, as well as relative factors potentially influencing the clinical course of dysphagia. DATA SOURCES: Six databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science were searched with no restriction on the language. REVIEW METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were extracted and cross-examined among 3 of the authors. The random-effects model was adopted for the statistical synthesis. The percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI) were adopted as the effect measurements of the PED incidence rate. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and metaregression were also performed to identify the heterogeneity among the studies. RESULTS: A total of 594 patients were enrolled and analyzed from the 10 eligible studies. The weighted incidence of PED in patients with COVID-19 was 66.5% (95% CI: 49.7%-79.9%). Age was the potential factor influencing the incidence rate after heterogeneity was adjusted by the metaregression analysis. CONCLUSION: Compared to the current evidence reporting only 41% of the non-COVID patients experienced PED, our study further disclosed that a higher 66.5% of COVID-19 patients suffered from PED, which deserves global physicians' attention. With the association between COVID-19 and dysphagia having been more clearly understood, future clinicians are suggested to identify intubated patients' risk factors earlier to strengthen PED care programs in the era of COVID-19.

Understanding how primary care practitioners can be supported to recognise, screen and initially diagnose oropharyngeal dysphagia: protocol for a behavioural science realist review.

INTRODUCTION: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) affects around 15% of older people; however, it is often unrecognised and underdiagnosed until patients are hospitalised. Screening is an important process which aims to facilitate proactive assessment, diagnosis and management of health conditions. Healthcare systems do not routinely screen for OD in older people, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) are largely unaware of the need to screen. This realist review aims to identify relevant literature and develop programme theories to understand what works, for whom, under what circumstances and how, to facilitate primary care HCPs to recognise, screen and initially diagnose OD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will follow five steps for undertaking a realist review: (1) clarify the scope, (2) literature search, (3) appraise and extract data, (4) evidence synthesis and (5) evaluation. Initial programme theories (IPTs) will be constructed after the preliminary literature search, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and with input from a stakeholder group. We will search Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus and PsycINFO databases. We will obtain additional evidence through grey literature, snowball sampling, lateral searching and consulting the stakeholder group. Literature will be screened, evaluated and synthesised in Covidence. Evidence will be assessed for quality by evaluating its relevance and rigour. Data will be extracted and synthesised according to their relation to IPTs. We will follow the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards quality and publication standards to report study results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required for this review. We will disseminate this research through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, written pieces targeted to diverse groups of HCPs on selected online platforms and public engagement events. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022320327.

Guillain-Barré syndrome AMSAN variant in a 90-year-old woman after COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system characterized by rapidly evolving polyneuropathy caused by autoimmune demyelination and/or axonal degeneration. Since SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, several GBS cases following exposure to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been reported in literature, raising the concern of the latter being a potential trigger event for GBS. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 90-year-old Caucasian woman who was admitted to our hospital because of fatigue, worsening gait and leg strength, dysphonia, dysarthria and dysphagia, started 3 weeks after being exposed to COVID-19. Based on clinical presentation GBS was suspected, so she performed a lumbar puncture and electromyography, which confirmed the diagnosis of acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) variant. We administered high dose of intravenous immunoglobulin with slight neurological improvement. However, after 2 weeks of hospitalization with maximization of care, her physical condition worsen, manifesting severe frailty. The patient was discharged with home support services for managing parenteral nutrition and intense scheduled physiotherapy. A few days later, the patient experienced a further decline in her clinical condition and died at home. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we report the oldest woman with GBS AMSAN variant after COVID-19 described in the existing literature. Our case supports further research aimed at improving recognition, characterization and prompt management of neurological diseases related to COVID-19 in older patients.

Self-perceived dysphagia in non-invasively ventilated COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: COVID-19 is known to present with a wide range of clinical symptoms. COVID-19-related dysphagia has been frequently investigated in patients who were critically ill and mechanically ventilated, but not in those with less severe presentations. This study aims to identify the frequency, characteristics, and severity of self-perceived oropharyngeal dysphagia in non-intubated COVID-19 patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from patients using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). RESULTS: The study included 359 participants with a median age of 34 (range: 18-65) years. Self-perceived dysphagia (EAT-10 total score > 2) was identified in 64.62%, and their median EAT-10 total score was 13 (range 3-40). The most prevalent symptoms were painful swallowing, affected pleasure of eating, stressful swallowing, and coughing while eating. Age, gender, and hospitalization were not statistically significantly associated with the presence of dysphagia, while re-infection, duration, and severity of COVID-19 diagnosis were. The EAT-10 total score was higher in moderate and severe COVID-19 cases as compared to mild cases, and showed a statistically significant inverse correlation with the duration of COVID-19 (r = - 0.267). CONCLUSION: Self-perceived dysphagia was prevalent in non-intubated COVID-19 patients. Its severity was related to that of COVID-19 and its duration.

Dysphagia, dysphonia and olfactory disease: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, no evidence exists on specific treatments for post COVID-19 condition (PCC). However, rehabilitation interventions that proved effective for similar symptoms in other health conditions could be applied to people with PCC. With this overview of systematic reviews with mapping, we aimed to describe the Cochrane evidence on rehabilitation interventions proposed for dysphagia, dysphonia and olfactory dysfunction in different health conditions that can be relevant for PCC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the last five years' Cochrane Systematic Review (CSRs) using the terms "dysphagia," "swallowing disorder," "dysphonia," "voice disorder," "olfactory dysfunction," "smell changes" and "rehabilitation" in the Cochrane Library. We extracted and summarized the available evidence using a map. We grouped the included CSRs for health conditions and interventions, indicating the effect and the quality of evidence. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We found 170 CSRs published between 2016 and 2021 and 1 was included. It provided data on dysphagia in acute and subacute stroke. Interventions included were acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and behavioral interventions, and swallowing therapy, with very low- to moderate-quality evidence. We did not find any CSR on dysphonia and olfactory disease. CONCLUSIONS: These results are the first step of indirect evidence able to generate helpful hypotheses for clinical practice and future research. They served as the basis for the three recommendations on treatments for these PCC symptoms published in the current WHO Guidelines for clinical practice.

Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia and risk of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis.

Background: Post-extubation and neurologic complications in COVID-19 patients have been shown to cause oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). We performed the first meta-analysis to explore and estimate the pooled prevalence of OD, risk of mortality, and associated factors among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: We searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, WHO COVID-19 database, and Web of Science for literature on dysphagia in COVID-19 patients. We used the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to determine the prevalence estimates of OD in the R software and the DerSimonian-Lard random-effects model in the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to explore the risk of mortality and associated factors of OD, presented as odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used Cochran's Q, τ2, and the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity and conducted a moderator analysis to identify moderator variables. Results: We included eighteen studies with a total of 2055 participants from the 910 studies retrieved from electronic databases. The prevalence of OD among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was estimated at 35% (95% CI = 21-52; low certainty of evidence) associated with a high risk of mortality (OR = 6.41; 95% CI = 1.48-27.7; moderate certainty of evidence). Intubation (OR = 16.3; 95% CI = 7.10-37.3; high certainty of evidence), use of tracheostomies (OR = 8.09; 95% CI = 3.05-21.5; high certainty of evidence), and proning (OR = 4.97; 95% CI = 1.34-18.5; high certainty of evidence) among hospitalized COVID-19 patients were highly associated with developing OD. The prevalence of OD was higher among hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were admitted in intensive care units (ICU), intubated, and mechanically ventilated. Conclusions: The prevalence of OD among hospitalized COVID-19 patients is estimated at 35% associated with a high risk of mortality. OD assessment among hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are managed in an ICU, prone position, intubated, and mechanical ventilated deserves more attention. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022337597.

Multi-Sensor Respiratory-Swallow Telecare System for Safe Feeding in Different Trunk Inclinations: System Development and Clinical Application.

Proper positioning is especially important to ensure feeding and eating safely. With many nursing facilities restricting visitations and close contact during the coronavirus pandemic, there is an urgent need for remote respiratory-swallow monitoring. This study aimed to develop a semiautomatic feeding telecare system that provides instant feedback and warnings on-site and remotely. It also aimed to analyze the effects of trunk positions on respiratory-swallow coordination. A signal collector with multiple integrated sensors for real-time respiratory-swallow monitoring and warning was developed. A repeated measures design was implemented to evaluate the effects of trunk inclination angles on the swallow-related functions. Significant differences in inclination angles were discovered for swallowing apnea (p = 0.045) and total excursion time of thyroid cartilage (p = 0.037), and pairwise comparisons indicated that these differences were mostly present at 5° to 45°. Alerts were triggered successfully when undesired respiratory patterns or piecemeal occurred. The results indicated that a care recipient can swallow more easily when sitting upright (5°) than when leaning backward (45°). This telecare system provides on-site and remote respiratory-swallow monitoring and alerting for residents in care facilities and can serve as a pipeline for the early screening of swallowing dysfunction.

Current opinion of presentation of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dysphagia and dysphonia are common presentations of both acute and long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The majority of peer-reviewed publications in 2020 and early 2021 were expert guidance and consensus statements to support dysphagia management in multidisciplinary teams while protecting clinicians and patients from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This review discusses dysphagia and dysphonia primary data published in 2021-2022, focusing on patient presentations, pathophysiology, and evidence for interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinicians and researchers amassed knowledge of the cross-system presentation of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with COVID-19, from severe disease requiring ICU stays to those with mild-to-moderate disease presenting to outpatient clinics. Pre-COVID-19 health status, hospitalization experience, presence of neurological symptoms, and impact of the virus to the upper aerodigestive and respiratory system need consideration in patient management. Long-term dysphagia and dysphonia manifested from COVID-19 require otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist input. SUMMARY: Changes in immunity through population vaccination and variations in COVID-19 from SARS-CoV-2 mutations means prevalence data are challenging to interpret. However, there is no doubt of the presence of long-term dysphagia and dysphonia in our clinics. Long-term dysphagia and dysphonia are complex and a multidisciplinary team with a tailored approach for each patient is required.

Dysphagia and mechanical ventilation in SARS-COV-2 pneumonia: It's real.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dysphagia can be a consequence of prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units (ICUs) due to severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. This study aims at Identifying the risk factors for dysphagia in ICU patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, and at determining the frequency of postextubation dysphagia in this population. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cohort study of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients admitted into the ICUs from March to May 2020. The Modified Viscosity Volume Swallowing Test (mV-VST) was used to screening for dysphagia during the first 48 h of extubation in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. A logistic regression was applied to construct a predictive model of dysphagia. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients were admitted into the ICUs (age [median 60.5 years (95% CI: 58.5 to 61.9)]; male [74.1% (95% CI: 68.1 to 79.4)]; APACHE II score [median 17.7 (95% CI: 13.3 to 23.2)]; length of mechanical ventilation [median 14 days (95% CI: 11 to 16)]; prone position [79% (95% CI: 72.1 to 84.6)]; respiratory infection [34.5% (95% CI: 28.6 to 40.9)], renal failure [38.5% (95% CI: 30 to 50)])). 72% (167) of patients required intubation; 65.9% (110) survived; and in 84.5% (93) the mV-VST was performed. Postextubation dysphagia was diagnosed in 26.9% (25) of patients. APACHE II, prone position, length of ICU and hospital stay, length of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, respiratory infection and kidney failure developed during admission were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with dysphagia. Dysphagia was independently explained by the APACHE II score (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.3; p = 0.04) and tracheostomy (OR: 10.2; 95% CI: 3.2 to 32.1) p < 0.001). The predictive model forecasted dysphagia with a good ROC curve (AUC: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia affects almost one-third of patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia requiring intubation in the ICU. The risk of developing dysphagia increases with prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and poorer prognosis on admission (worst APACHE II score).

Hazardous giant pharyngoesophageal liposarcoma.

A man in his early 80s presented to the otorhinolaryngology department with progressively worsening dysphagia to solids and a recent episode of difficulty breathing accompanied by a very brief expulsion of a solid mass from the mouth. Based on the endoscopic appearance of a fatty lesion of an elongated mass with a thick stalk on the posterior pharyngeal wall, a diagnosis of the benign fibrovascular polyp was given after clinical and radiological correlation. The pharyngeal polyp was resected at the base of its pedicle by transoral endoscopy with a thunder beat vessel sealing device. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma composed of mature adipocytes. Following surgical excision, the patient made a full recovery. This case signifies the integrated role of preoperative biopsy, new surgical technologies and targeted therapies in managing pharyngoesophageal polyps.

Telehealth Management of Dysphagia in Adults: A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists' Experiences and Perceptions.

The goal of this study was to explore telehealth use for dysphagia management in response to COVID-19 to understand variables associated with clinician confidence and perceived effectiveness of this service delivery model and determine clinician-perceived benefits and challenges of managing dysphagia via telehealth. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs, n = 235) completed a web-based survey, providing information on demographics, telehealth use during the pandemic, and perspectives on current and future tele-management of dysphagia. Analyses included descriptive statistics to examine usage patterns; logistic regression to determine which variables were associated with telehealth use, clinician confidence, and perceived-effectiveness; and conventional content analysis to analyze responses to open-ended questions. Results revealed a sharp increase in the tele-management of dysphagia during the pandemic. Years of experience with dysphagia management (p = .031) and pre-pandemic use of telehealth (p < .001) were significantly associated with current use patterns. Working in the outpatient setting was associated with greater clinician confidence (p = .003) and perceived effectiveness (p = .007), and use of guidelines (p = .042) was also associated with greater clinician confidence. Key challenges identified included inadequate technological infrastructure, inadequate patient digital literacy, and reimbursement restrictions. Key benefits were treatment continuity, improving access to care, and time savings. The majority (67%) of respondents reported that they would use telehealth in the future. These findings demonstrate SLPs' abilities and desire to expand their practice patterns to include telehealth for dysphagia management. Therefore, clinician training and more research on best practices for assessment and treatment of dysphagia via telehealth is warranted to refine models of care for dysphagia tele-management.

Prevalence and evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to assess the prevalence of dysphagia in the intensive care unit in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.Methods. A cohort, observational, retrospective study was conducted of patients admitted to the intensive care unit for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pneumonia at the University Hospital of Rouen in France. RESULTS: Over 4 months, 58 patients were intubated and ventilated, 43 of whom were evaluated. Screening revealed post-extubation dysphagia in 62.7 per cent of patients. In univariate analysis, a significant association was found between the presence of dysphagia and: the severity of the initial pathology, the duration of intubation, the duration of curare use, the degree of muscle weakness and the severity indicated on the initial scan. At the end of intensive care unit treatment, 22 per cent of the dysphagic patients had a normal diet, 56 per cent had an adapted diet and 22 per cent still received exclusive tube feeding. CONCLUSION: Post-extubation dysphagia is frequent and needs to be investigated.

Pediatric Cystic Deep Neck Mass Presenting With Stridor and Dysphagia.

A 6-month-old girl presented to the emergency department for evaluation of fever and was noted to have mild inspiratory stridor, which began acutely at 4 months of age without any inciting illness or event. What is your diagnosis?

Exploring patient experiences with a telehealth approach for the PRO-ACTIVE trial intervention in head and neck cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Following the COVID-19 directive to cease non-essential services, a rapid shift was made in the delivery of Speech Language Pathology (SLP) dysphagia management in the 3-arm, randomized PRO-ACTIVE trial. To inform future programs, this study explored patients' experiences with telehealth when the planned in-person SLP intervention was moved to a telehealth modality. METHODS: A theory-guided qualitative descriptive approach was used. Willing participants who had received at least one telehealth swallowing therapy session participated in a one-time semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were subjected to a standard qualitative content/theme analysis. Researchers reviewed all transcripts and used a multi-step analysis process to build a coding framework through consensus discussion. Summaries and key messages were generated for each code. RESULTS: Eleven participants recounted their telehealth experiences and reported feeling satisfied, comfortable and confident with the session(s). They identified that previous experience with teleconferencing, access to optimal technical equipment, clinician skill, and caregiver assistance facilitated their telehealth participation. Participants highlighted that telehealth was beneficial as it reduced commuting time, COVID-19 exposure and fatigue from travel; and also allowed caregiver participation particularly during COVID. In comparing their in-person SLP sessions to telehealth sessions, limitations were also identified, including: lack of previous experience with and/or poor access to technology, and less opportunity for personalization. Participants indicated that use of phone alone was less preferred than an audio/video platform. DISCUSSION: Patients reported that overall, telehealth sessions did not compromise their learning experience when compared to in-person sessions. Patients benefited from use of telehealth in several ways despite some limitations of the use of technology. Patient feedback about telehealth provides an important perspective that may be critical to inform best practices for care delivery.