Gradual onset of dysphagia: a study of patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

This study describes five patients with slowly developing dysphagia secondary to oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), a progressive neurological disorder characterized by gradual onset of dysphagia, ptosis, and facial and trunk limb weakness. OPMD is a genetic disorder that affects formerly healthy adults who typically begin to experience symptoms in the fourth or fifth decade of life. Despite the debilitating nature of the disease, it is common for affected individuals to live to old age. Because of the gradual progression of dysphagia, as well as the deterioration of articulation, resonance, and breath support, patients with OPMD may come to the attention of physicians, nurses, and speech pathologists before a diagnosis is made. We hope to heighten awareness of how these subjects developed strategies to cope with their swallowing problems without medical intervention until the disease was producing marked symptoms. Patients with suspected dysphagia should be questioned about overt problems with eating and swallowing, but also about their adaptations and compensatory strategies. A Clinical Interview Questionnaire is included that may yield additional information about hidden dysphagia.

Developing a dysphagia program in an acute care hospital: a needs assessment.

A needs assessment for a hospital-based dysphagia program was conducted to determine incidence, management procedures, and outcome for stroke patients with swallowing disorders. Using a chart review of 225 patients, it was found that 28% had documented evidence of dysphagia. When dysphagia co-occurred with stroke, significantly more functional problems and medical complications were reported, as well as increased need for dietary modifications and alternative feeding methods. The dysphagic patients were more often aphasic and dysarthric and less able to communicate. Mental status was more likely to be reduced and the need for staff supervision during mealtime was increased. Dysphagic patients had significantly longer hospital stays, thus increasing the cost of their care. At discharge, almost half of them continued to need feeding modifications, which may have delayed rehabilitation or transfer to facilities with other levels of care. The dysphagia group clearly displayed a wide range of clinical symptoms that would alert staff to their risk for medical complications because of swallowing problems. We believe that this needs assessment clearly showed that a multidisciplinary dysphagia management program has the potential to enhance patient care while decreasing the cost of health care delivery for the hospital.