A framework of research priorities in COVID rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID: an international consultation involving qualitative and quantitative research.

PURPOSE: To identify research priorities related to COVID rehabilitation from the perspectives of persons with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, community organization and policy representatives. MATERIALS & METHODS: We conducted five international consultations to identify key issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation using (i) web-based questionnaires, (ii) synchronous discussions, and (iii) content analysis of COVID rehabilitation research conference presentations. We collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques. RESULTS: The Framework of Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation includes five priorities that span health and disability across COVID-19 and Long COVID illness trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services. The Framework identifies target populations, methodological considerations, and highlights the importance of integrated knowledge translation and exchange in advancing scientific evidence, clinical education, practice, and COVID rehabilitation policy. CONCLUSIONS: This Framework provides a foundation to advance COVID, disability and rehabilitation research to advance the health and well-being of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.Implications for rehabilitationPersons with COVID-19 or Long COVID and their caregivers may experience multi-dimensional forms of disability spanning physical, cognitive, emotional health challenges, difficulties with daily function, and social inclusion, which individually and/or collectively may be unpredictable, episodic and/or chronic in nature.Rehabilitation has a role in preventing or mitigating disability and enhancing health outcomes for persons with COVID-19, Long COVID and their caregivers.The Framework of Research Priorities COVID Rehabilitation includes five overlapping research priorities spanning health and disability across COVID trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services.The research priorities in the Framework represent a comprehensive approach to examine disability and rehabilitation across COVID illness trajectories and the broad continuums of rehabilitation care to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to advancing evidence in COVID disability and rehabilitation.This Framework provides a foundation for international and interdisciplinary collaborations, to advance COVID disability and rehabilitation research to enhance health outcomes of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.

Microscopic anatomy of the upper aerodigestive tract in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina): Functional adaptations to swallowing.

Abandoned harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina) are frequently recovered by rehabilitation centers and often require intensive nursing, gavage feeding and swallowing rehabilitation prior to anticipated release. Seal upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) histology descriptions relevant to deglutition are limited, impacting advances in rehabilitation practice. Therefore, we examined the histological characteristics of the harbor seal UAT to understand species-specific functional anatomy and characterize adaptations. To this end, we conducted gross dissections, compiled measurements and reviewed histologic features of the UAT structures of 14 preweaned harbor seal pups that died due to natural causes or were humanely euthanized. Representative samples for histologic evaluation included the tongue, salivary glands, epiglottis, and varying levels of the trachea and esophagus. Histologically, there was a prominent muscularis in the tongue with fewer lingual papillae types compared to humans. Abundant submucosal glands were observed in lateral and pharyngeal parts of the tongue and rostral parts of the esophagus. When compared to other mammalian species, there was a disproportionate increase in the amount of striated muscle throughout the length of the esophageal muscularis externa. This may indicate a lesser degree of autonomic control over the esophageal phase of swallowing in harbor seals. Our study represents the first detailed UAT histological descriptions for neonatal harbor seals. Collectively, these findings support specific anatomic and biomechanical adaptations relevant to suckling, prehension, and deglutition. This work will inform rehabilitation practices and guide future studies on swallowing physiology in harbor seals with potential applications to other pinniped and otariid species in rehabilitation settings.

Non-Pharmacological and Non-Surgical Feeding Interventions for Hospitalized Infants with Pediatric Feeding Disorder: A Scoping Review.

Infants born prematurely or with complex medical conditions often require treatment to facilitate safe and efficient feeding. Practice is based on evidence, so frontline clinicians look to the literature to make informed clinical decisions. The aim of this scoping review was to map and describe the literature base for infant feeding and swallowing interventions and to identify areas for further research. Four electronic databases were searched from the sources' inceptions through April 2020 using a search strategy designed by a health sciences research librarian. Thirteen grey literature sources were searched and forward and backward citation chasing was performed. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies reporting non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for hospitalized infants. Exclusion criteria included interventions exclusively for infants with cleft lip or palate or for infants being fed exclusively though enteral feeding. Data were extracted using a form created a priori and data were reported descriptively. We reviewed 6654 abstracts: 725 were chosen for full-text review and 136 met inclusion. Most studies explored interventions for infants born prematurely (n = 128). Studies were stratified by intervention domain: bridging (n = 91) and feeding/swallowing (n = 45); intervention approach: direct (n = 72), indirect (n = 31), or combination (n = 33); and outcome: feeding performance (n = 125), physiologic stability (n = 40), and swallowing physiology (n = 12). The body of research in infant feeding has grown; however, a need remains for research focused on populations of infants with various medical complexities and for frequently used interventions that lack supporting evidence.

Respiratory support effect on pharyngeal area in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A fluoroscopic comparison of NIV, helmet/CPAP, and high-flow nasal cannula.

The global use of noninvasive respiratory support provided by different supportive ventilation delivery methods (SVDMs) has increased, but the impact of these devices on the upper airway structures of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not known. We aimed to compare the pharyngeal cross-sectional area during spontaneous breathing with four different SVDMs: intranasal masks, oronasal masks, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and helmet in patients with ALS. We compared measures of the pharyngeal area during spontaneous breathing and SVDM use. The greatest increase was observed with intranasal mask use, followed by HFNC, oronasal mask, and helmet respectively. In conclusion, upper airway opening in patients with ALS is enhanced by positive pressure with intranasal masks and HFNC, showing promise for increasing pharyngeal patency. Future studies should explore its applicability and effectiveness in maintaining long-term pharyngeal patency, especially in this population with bulbar weakness.

A Consensus Statement for the Management and Rehabilitation of Communication and Swallowing Function in the ICU: A Global Response to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To identify core practices for workforce management of communication and swallowing functions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive patients within the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: A modified Delphi methodology was used, with 3 electronic voting rounds. AGREE II and an adapted COVID-19 survey framework from physiotherapy were used to develop survey statements. Sixty-six statements pertaining to workforce planning and management of communication and swallowing function in the ICU were included. SETTING: Electronic modified Delphi process. PARTICIPANTS: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) (N=35) from 6 continents representing 12 countries. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was consensus agreement, defined a priori as ≥70% of participants with a mean Likert score ≥7.0 (11-point scale: 0=strongly disagree, 10=strongly agree). Prioritization rank order of statements in a fourth round was also conducted. RESULTS: SLPs with a median of 15 years of ICU experience, working primarily in clinical (54%), academic (29%), or managerial positions (17%), completed all voting rounds. After the third round, 64 statements (97%) met criteria. Rank ordering identified issues of high importance. CONCLUSIONS: A set of global consensus statements to facilitate planning and delivery of rehabilitative care for patients admitted to the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic were agreed by an international expert SLP group. Statements focused on considerations for workforce preparation, resourcing and training, and the management of communication and swallowing functions. These statements support and provide direction for all members of the rehabilitation team to use for patients admitted to the ICU during a global pandemic.

Translating Dysphagia Evidence into Practice While Avoiding Pitfalls: Assessing Bias Risk in Tracheostomy Literature.

Critically ill patients who require a tracheostomy often have dysphagia. Widespread practice guidelines have yet to be developed regarding the acute assessment and management of dysphagia in patients with tracheostomy. In order for clinicians to base their practice on the best available evidence, they must first assess the applicable literature and determine its quality. To inform guideline development, our objective was to assess literature quality concerning swallowing following tracheostomy in acute stages of critical illness in adults. Our systematic literature search (published previously) included eight databases, nine gray literature repositories and citation chasing. Using inclusion criteria determined a priori, two reviewers, blinded to each other, conducted an eligibility review of identified citations. Patients with chronic tracheostomy and etiologies including head and/or neck cancer diagnoses were excluded. Four teams of two reviewers each, blinded to each other, assessed quality of included studies using a modified Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB). Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data were summarized descriptively according to study design and RoB domain. Of 6,396 identified citations, 74 studies met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 71 were observational and three were randomized controlled trials. Across all studies, the majority (> 75%) had low bias risk with: participant blinding, outcome reporting, and operationally defined outcomes. Areas requiring improvement included assessor and study personnel blinding. Prior to translating the literature into practice guidelines, we recommend attention to study quality limitations and its potential impact on study outcomes. For future work, we suggest an iterative approach to knowledge translation.

Swallowing and Communication Management of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy in the Context of COVID-19: A Review.

IMPORTANCE: The care of patients with a surgically modified airway, such as tracheostomy or laryngectomy, represents a challenge for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective was to review available publications and practice guidelines on management of tracheostomy and laryngectomy in the context of COVID-19. This study performed a review and synthesis of information available in the PubMed database and from national SLP organizations across 6 countries. OBSERVATIONS: From the search, 22 publications on tracheostomy and 3 referring to laryngectomy were identified. After analysis of titles and abstracts followed by full-text review, 4 publications were identified as presenting guidelines for specific approaches to tracheostomy and were selected; all 3 publications on laryngectomy were selected. The main guidelines on tracheostomy described considerations during management (eg, cuff manipulation, suctioning, valve placement) owing to the increased risk of aerosol generation and transmission during swallowing and communication interventions in this population. Regarding laryngectomy, the guidelines focused on the care and protection of both the professional and the patient, offering recommendations on the management of adverse events and leakage of the tracheoesophageal prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Frequent guideline updates for SLPs are necessary to inform best practice and ensure patient and health care worker protection and safety while providing high-quality care and rehabilitation.

Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Dysphagia in Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2: A Review of the Literature and International Guidelines.

Purpose Speech-language pathologists are playing a crucial role in the assessment and management of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Our goal was to synthesize peer-reviewed literature and association guidelines from around the world regarding dysphagia assessment and management for this specific population. Method A review of publications available in the PubMed database and official guidelines of international groups was performed on May 23, 2020. The information was synthesized and categorized into three content areas for swallowing: clinical evaluation, instrumental assessment, and rehabilitation. Results Five publications were identified in the PubMed database. Following title, abstract, and full-text review, only three publications met inclusion criteria: two reviews and one narrative report. Additionally, 19 international guidelines were reviewed. To assess swallowing, a modified clinical evaluation was recommended and only following a risk assessment. Instrumental assessments were often considered aerosol generating, especially transnasal procedures such as endoscopy and manometry. For this reason, many associations recommended that these examinations be performed only when essential and with appropriate personal protective equipment. Guidelines recommended that intervention should focus on compensatory strategies, including bolus modification, maneuvers/postural changes, and therapeutic exercises that can be conducted with physical distancing. Respiratory training devices were not recommended during rehabilitation. Conclusions International associations have provided extensive guidance regarding the level of risk related to the management of dysphagia in this population. To date, there are no scientific papers offering disease and/or recovery profiling for patients with dysphagia and coronavirus disease 2019. As a result, research in this area is urgently needed.

Laryngeal and soft palate valving in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina).

Effective 'valving' in the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) is essential to temporarily separate the digestive and respiratory pathways. Marine mammals are largely dedicated to feeding underwater, and in many cases swallowing prey whole. In seals, little work has been done to explore the anatomy and function of the UAT in the context of valving mechanisms that function to separate food and air pathways. Here we use videofluoroscopy, gross dissection, histology and computed tomography (CT) renderings to explore the anatomy of the larynx and soft palate in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), and generate models for how valving mechanisms in the head and neck may function during breathing, phonating, diving and swallowing. Harbour seals have an elevated larynx and the epiglottis may rise above the level of the soft palate, particularly in pups when sucking. In addition, the corniculate and arytenoid cartilages with associated muscles form most of the lateral margins of the laryngeal inlet and vestibule, and move independently to facilitate airway closure. The corniculate cartilages flex over the laryngeal inlet beneath the epiglottis to completely close the laryngeal vestibule and inlet. The vocal folds are thick and muscular and the medial margin of the folds contains a small vocal ligament. The soft palate has well-defined levator veli palatini muscles that probably function to elevate the palate and close the pharyngeal isthmus during feeding. Our results support the conclusion that harbour seals have evolved UAT valving mechanisms as adaptations to a marine environment that are not seen in terrestrial carnivores.

A Tutorial on Saliva's Role in Swallowing With a Focus on Sjögren's Syndrome.

Purpose Saliva is integral to swallowing and necessary for oral health. Understanding saliva's origin and properties is important for swallowing assessment and management. Diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome (SS) can affect saliva negatively, often contributing to dysphagia. Our objectives are to (a) highlight saliva's fundamental role in swallowing, (b) provide a bibliometric overview of literature pertaining to SS pathophysiology and effects on saliva, (c) explore implications of salivary changes on swallowing and quality of life in SS and other populations, and (d) provide suggestions for systematic saliva assessment in practice. Method This tutorial reviews saliva production, composition, and involvement in swallowing within health and disease. Using rapid review methodology, we outline the effect of SS on saliva and describe SS etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. We discuss formal saliva assessments and a multidisciplinary approach. Results Saliva plays a vital role in swallowing, particularly lubrication, bolus formation, and oral health. SS affects the salivary glands altering salivary flow rate and composition. We identified 55 studies (N) measuring salivary changes, grouping them according to four strata demarcated by SS classification criteria updates. For some, xerostomia, dysphagia, and reduced life quality result. Formal saliva assessments include the Clinical Oral Dryness Score, Xerostomia Inventory, and Secretion Rating Scale. Multidisciplinary care is optimal for patients with salivary changes. Conclusion Understanding salivary changes in disease may enhance understanding of swallowing and inform dysphagia practice. Expanding swallowing assessments with formal saliva evaluations, and patient perspectives thereof, may aid in developing bespoke treatments, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12456449.

A Systematic Review of Tracheostomy Modifications and Swallowing in Adults.

Dysphagia occurs in 11% to 93% of patients following tracheostomy. Despite its benefits, the tracheostomy often co-exists with dysphagia given its anatomical location, the shared pathway of the respiratory and alimentary systems, and the medical complexities necessitating the need for the artificial airway. When tracheostomy weaning commences, it is often debated whether the methods used facilitate swallowing recovery. We conducted a systematic review to determine whether tracheostomy modifications alter swallowing physiology in adults. We searched eight electronic databases, nine grey literature repositories and conducted handsearching. We included studies that reported on oropharyngeal dysphagia as identified by instrumentation in adults with a tracheostomy. We accepted case series (n > 10), prospective or retrospective observational studies, and randomized control trials. We excluded patients with head and neck cancer and/or neurodegenerative disease. Two independent and blinded reviewers rated abstracts and articles for study inclusion. Data abstraction and risk of bias assessment was conducted on included studies. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A total of 7079 citations were identified, of which, 639 articles were reviewed, with ten articles meeting our inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous in study design, patient population, and outcome measures. For these reasons, we presented our findings descriptively. All studies were limited by bias risk. This study highlights the limitations of the evidence and therefore the inability to conclude whether tracheostomy modifications alter swallowing physiology.

Investigating Swallowing and Tracheostomy Following Critical Illness: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheostomy and dysphagia often coexist during critical illness; however, given the patient's medical complexity, understanding the evidence to optimize swallowing assessment and intervention is challenging. The objective of this scoping review is to describe and explore the literature surrounding swallowing and tracheostomy in the acute care setting. DATA SOURCES: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2017 inclusive, using a search strategy designed by an information scientist. We conducted manual searching of 10 journals, nine gray literature repositories, and forward and backward citation chasing. STUDY SELECTION: Two blinded reviewers determined eligibility according to inclusion criteria: English-language studies reporting on swallowing or dysphagia in adults (≥ 17 yr old) who had undergone tracheostomy placement while in acute care. Patients with head and/or neck cancer diagnoses were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted data using a form designed a priori and conducted descriptive analyses. DATA SYNTHESIS: We identified 6,396 citations, of which 725 articles were reviewed and 85 (N) met inclusion criteria. We stratified studies according to content domains with some featuring in multiple categories: dysphagia frequency (n = 38), swallowing physiology (n = 27), risk factors (n = 31), interventions (n = 21), and assessment comparisons (n = 12) and by patient etiology. Sample sizes (with tracheostomy) ranged from 10 to 3,320, and dysphagia frequency ranged from 11% to 93% in studies with consecutive sampling. Study design, sampling method, assessment methods, and interpretation approach varied significantly across studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base surrounding this subject is diverse, complicated by heterogeneous patient selection methods, design, and reporting. We suggest ways the evidence base may be developed.

Late Dysphagia Following Radiotherapy After Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Series.

Purpose Standard treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is radiation therapy (RT); however, long-term effects of RT frequently include significant swallowing impairments (dysphagia; Gaziano, 2002; Hui, Chan, & Le, 2018). Our objective was to describe swallowing physiology in consecutive outpatients with a history of NPC following RT using standardized methods. Understanding dysphagia characteristics in this patient population could ultimately inform rehabilitation strategies and improve patient outcomes. Method We conducted a retrospective, observational, descriptive study of consecutive outpatients undergoing videofluoroscopic swallowing (VFS) exams at our clinic, from 2009 to 2014. We included those with a diagnosis of NPC treated with RT. Those with other cancer diagnoses; previous tracheostomy; acute neurological injury; and progressive, degenerative neurological conditions were excluded. Two registered MBSImP clinicians, blinded to each other, reviewed and scored the VFS exams according to previously published methods (Martin-Harris et al., 2008). Following unblinding, a single reviewer collected demographic data from the electronic medical record. We reported overall impairment and MBSImP component scores descriptively. Results Of 158 outpatients undergoing VFS, 6 (N) met our inclusion criteria. The median time from completion of RT to outpatient VFS was 21.0 years. Patients reported a variety of dysphagia symptoms. All patients had high oral and pharyngeal residue scores (scores ≥ 2) and high impairment scores on components contributing to bolus transport and airway closure. Conclusions All patients presented with impairments in oral-pharyngeal bolus transport and airway protection. Our results identify specific swallowing impairments for this patient group highlighting possible latent RT effects on swallowing. This population would benefit from dysphagia rehabilitation and maintenance programs informed by multimodal diagnostic approaches.

Swallowing behaviours and feeding environment in relation to communication development from early infancy to 6 years of age: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the influences of early swallowing function and feeding environment on the development of communication will enhance prevention and intervention initiatives for young children. This scoping review will help elucidate key elements affecting the developmental trajectory of communicative systems, typically robust and well-developed by formal school entry. We aim to (1) map the current state of the literature in a growing field of interest that has the potential to advance knowledge translation, (2) identify existing gaps and (3) provide research direction for future investigations surrounding feeding-swallowing functions and environment that support or forestall communication development in young children. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are proposing a scoping review to identify the breadth and depth of the existing literature regarding swallowing-feeding functions and environment relative to the onset and progression of communicative behaviours from infancy to 6 (<6;0) years of age. Our protocol delineates rigorous methods according to Arskey and O'Malley's framework and includes elaborations by Levac and colleagues. We will search the literature based on 10 databases, 17 peer-reviewed journals, 4 conference proceedings and 6 grey literature sources. Two authors will independently screen abstracts and review full articles, remaining blind to each other's results. A third author will contribute to resolving any discrepant results from both the abstract and article review. Subsequently, we will extract data and chart information from accepted articles using a pre-established data collection form. We will stratify results according to healthy versus impaired swallowing-feeding functions and communication development. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our scoping review does not require ethical approval. We will disseminate our final study results through international and national conference presentations, publication in a peer-reviewed journal and knowledge translation activities with stakeholders.

The feasibility of assessing swallowing physiology following prolonged intubation after cardiovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia following prolonged intubation after cardiovascular (CV) surgery is common occurring in 67% of patients; however, this population's swallowing physiology has never been prospectively evaluated using standardized methods. Hence, prior to conducting a larger study, our primary objective was to determine the feasibility of assessing swallowing physiology using instrumentation and validated interpretation methods in cardiovascular surgical patients following prolonged intubation. METHOD: From July to October 2011, we approached adults undergoing CV surgery at our institution who were intubated > 48 h. Those with a tracheostomy were excluded. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFS) and nasendoscopy were completed within 48 h after extubation. Feasibility measurements included recruitment rate, patient participation, task completion durations, and the inter-rater reliability of VFS measures using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). VFSs were interpreted using perceptual rating tools (Modified Barium Swallow Measurement Tool for Swallow Impairment™© and Penetration Aspiration Scale) and objective displacement measurements (hyoid displacement and pharyngeal constriction ratio). RESULTS: Of the 39 patients intubated > 48 h, 16 met inclusion criteria with three enrolled and completing the VFS. All refused nasendoscopy. Across all VFSs, rating completion time ranged from 14.6 to 51.7 min per patient with ICCs for VFS scales ranging from 0.25 (95% CI - 0.10 to 0.59) to 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: This study design was not feasible as recruitment was slow, few patients participated, and no patient agreed to all procedures. We discuss necessary methodological changes and lessons learned that would generalize to future research.

Poststroke Aphasia Frequency, Recovery, and Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review to elucidate the frequency, recovery, and associated outcomes for poststroke aphasia over the long-term. DATA SOURCES: Using the Cochrane Stroke Strategy, we searched 10 databases, 13 journals, 3 conferences, and the gray literature. STUDY SELECTION: Our a priori protocol criteria included unselected samples of adult stroke patients from randomized controlled trials or consecutive cohorts. Two independent reviewers rated abstracts and articles for exclusion or inclusion, resolving discrepancies by consensus. DATA EXTRACTION: We documented aphasia frequencies by stroke type and setting, and computed odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: We retrieved 2168 citations, reviewed 248 articles, and accepted 50. Median frequencies for mixed stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) were 30% and 34% for acute and rehabilitation settings, respectively. Frequencies by stroke type were lowest for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (9%) and highest for acute ischemic stroke (62%) when arrival to the hospital was ≤3 hours from stroke onset. Articles monitoring aphasia for 1 year demonstrated aphasia frequencies 2% to 12% lower than baseline. Negative outcomes associated with aphasia included greater odds of in-hospital death (OR=2.7; 95% CI, 2.4-3.1) and longer mean length of stay in days (mean=1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.3) in acute settings. Patients with aphasia had greater disability from 28 days (OR=1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7) to 2 years (OR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.6-2.0) than those without aphasia. By 2 years, they used more rehabilitation services (OR=1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.6) and returned home less frequently (OR=1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Reported frequencies of poststroke aphasia range widely, depending on stroke type and setting. Because aphasia is associated with mortality, disability, and use of health services, we recommend long-term interdisciplinary vigilance in the management of aphasia.

Valid and reliable techniques for measuring fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer postradiotherapy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is a common side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Although treatments for fibrosis have been developed, valid and reliable measurement tools are needed to verify their efficacy. The purpose of this review was to identify and appraise tools used to measure head and neck fibrosis. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for primary research published through April 2014. Main search terms included head and neck cancer, radiotherapy, fibrosis, validity, and reliability. Methodological quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Two blinded raters conducted all assessments. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: The search retrieved 534 unique citations. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, representing 9 different tools. Only 1 tool was assessed for reliability and validity. QUADAS-2 revealed that all studies were at risk for bias. CONCLUSION: To date, there are no valid and reliable techniques for measuring fibrosis postradiotherapy for head and neck cancer, especially within the suprahyoid and pharyngeal regions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2322-E2334, 2016.

Dysphagia and associated risk factors following extubation in cardiovascular surgical patients.

Following cardiovascular (CV) surgery, prolonged mechanical ventilation of >48 h increases dysphagia frequency over tenfold: 51 % compared to 3-4 % across all durations. Our primary objective was to identify dysphagia frequency following CV surgery with respect to intubation duration. Our secondary objective was to explore characteristics associated with dysphagia across the entire sample. Using a retrospective design, we stratified all consecutive patients who underwent CV surgery in 2009 at our institution into intubation duration groups defined a priori: I (≤ 12 h), II (>12 to ≤ 24 h), III (>24 to ≤ 48 h), and IV (>48 h). Eligible patients were >18 years old who survived extubation following coronary artery bypass alone or cardiac valve surgery. Patients who underwent tracheotomy were excluded. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative patient variables were extracted from a pre-existing database and medical charts by two blinded reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Across the entire sample, multivariable logistic regression analysis determined independent predictors of dysphagia. Across the entire sample, dysphagia frequency was 5.6 % (51/909) but varied by group: I, 1 % (7/699); II, 8.2 % (11/134); III, 16.7 % (6/36); and IV, 67.5 % (27/40). Across the entire sample, the independent predictors of dysphagia included intubation duration in 12-h increments (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 1.93, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.63-2.29) and age in 10-year increments (p = 0.004; OR 2.12, 95 % CI 1.27-3.52). Patients had a twofold increase in their odds of developing dysphagia for every additional 12 h with endotracheal intubation and for every additional decade in age. These patients should undergo post-extubation swallow assessments to minimize complications.

Complications after cardiovascular surgery in a case of undiagnosed spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy disease).

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with life-threatening declines in respiratory and swallowing mechanisms. We report the case of a 70-year-old man who had postoperative dysphagia and respiratory failure that required reintubation after coronary artery bypass surgery. Impairment of the patient's speech, swallowing, and respiratory mechanisms identified during postoperative clinical and instrumental examinations was suggestive of a neurodegenerative disease. Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy disease). This case report aims to highlight increased morbidity in patients with undiagnosed neuromuscular disorders in the critical care setting and the benefits of vigilant postoperative monitoring and multidisciplinary involvement throughout the care of complex patients.

MRI-based neuroanatomical predictors of dysphagia after acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Considering that the incidence of dysphagia is as high as 55% following acute stroke, we undertook a systematic review of the literature to identify lesion sites that predict its presence after acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We searched 14 databases, 17 journals, 3 conference proceedings and the grey literature using the Cochrane Stroke Group search strategy and terms for MRI and dysphagia. We evaluated study quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and extracted individual-level data. We calculated relative risks in order to model dysphagia according to neuroanatomical lesion sites. RESULTS: Of 964 abstracts, 84 articles met the criteria for full review. Of these 84 articles, 17 met the quality criteria. These 17 articles dealt exclusively with dysphagia after infratentorial stroke and provided MRI correlates of dysphagia for 656 patients. The incidence of dysphagia according to stroke region was 0% in the cerebellum, 6% in the midbrain, 43% in the pons, 40% in the medial medulla and 57% in the lateral medulla. Within these regions, pontine (relative risk 3.7, 95% confidence interval 1.5-7.7), medial medullary (relative risk 6.9, 95% confidence interval 3.4-10.9) and lateral medullary lesions (relative risk 9.6, 95% confidence interval 5.9-12.8) predicted an increased risk of dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: We sought to develop a neuroanatomical model of dysphagia throughout the whole brain. However, the literature that met our quality criteria addressed the MRI correlates of dysphagia exclusively within the infratentorium. Although not surprising, these findings are a first step toward establishing a neuroanatomical model of dysphagia after infratentorial ischemic stroke and provide insight into the assessment of individuals at risk for dysphagia.