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Swallowing in Alzheimer's disease.

Using a prospective case series design, we examined the incidence of oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities in 25 patients with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease by videofluoroscopy. Aspiration occurred in 6 of 25 (28.6%). Only four patients showed unequivocally normal performance. Exploratory statistical analyses showed that swallowing abnormalities associated significantly with duration of dementia, eating dependency, and abnormal oral praxis. We observed a trend toward a higher incidence of aspiration in patients with more severe dementia. We conclude that oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities, including aspiration, are more prevalent in patients with Alzheimer's disease than in normal elderly individuals.

Aged↗

Evaluation and treatment of speech and swallowing disorders associated with myopathies.

Dysphagia, or disordered swallowing, can be demonstrated at any time over the course of many myopathies. Ability to swallow may be impaired because of weakness, inflammation, or dysfunction of the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal musculature. Dysphagia may occur during the progression of disease regardless of whether the patient is properly treated. The presentation of signs of dysphagia can vary among patients because of differing patterns of weakness or incoordination of the facial muscles, lips, tongue, palate, pharyngeal constrictors, or smooth and striated muscles of the esophagus. Although the literature has focused on problems in the esophagus, scant attention has been paid to the oropharynx, which is often equally affected. Studies suggest that surgical myotomy and botulinum toxin injection may provide benefits for some patients with esophageal dysfunction. Although the condition is pervasive, there is little information on the incidence of dysphagia in muscular disorders. Because a major complication of dysphagia is aspiration, any sign of swallowing impairment demands medical attention and treatment.

Deglutition Disorders↗

Postextubation fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing after prolonged endotracheal intubation: a randomized, prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill trauma patients frequently require prolonged endotracheal intubation and ventilator support. After extubation, swallowing difficulties may exist in < or = 50% of patients. We sought to determine whether performing a swallowing evaluation would reduce the incidence of postextubation aspiration and subsequent pneumonia. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective clinical trial of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) vs. routine clinical management in patients after prolonged intubation. METHODS: Seventy patients who were intubated for > 48 hrs were randomized. FEES examinations were performed within 24 +/- 2 hrs after extubation. Silent aspiration was defined as the appearance of liquid or puree bolus below the true vocal cords without coughing during a FEES examination. Clinical aspiration was defined as the removal of enteral content from below the vocal cords, usually during endotracheal tube placement. RESULTS: There were five episodes of aspiration and pneumonia in the FEES group (14%, two silent) and two in the clinical group (6%, not significant, Fisher exact test). Patients aged > 55 yrs and those with vallecular stasis on FEES examination were at significantly higher risk of postextubation aspiration. All patients with pneumonia had an associated aspiration episode. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with prolonged orotracheal intubation are at risk of aspiration after extubation. The addition of a FEES examination did not change the incidence of aspiration or postextubation pneumonia.

Adult↗

Timing in the normal pharyngeal swallow. Prospective selection and evaluation of 16 normal asymptomatic patients.

A review of timing of pharyngeal events with radiography has been made. A prospective selection of normal asymptomatic patients presenting for a gastrointestinal evaluation was made and timing of 55 events in the videorecorded pharyngeal swallow in these patients was performed. Only 16 normal asymptomatic patients as defined for selection were found among 870 patients presenting for gastroesophageal examination. A detailed description of their timing observations is presented. The timing data were used to temporally order events in the pharyngeal swallow. This ordering of events in the pharyngeal swallow and the data upon which it is based are reported here in detail.

Adolescent↗

Duration of dysphagic symptoms and swallowing outcomes after thermal burn injury.

Levels of swallowing disability, patterns of dysphagia rehabilitation and swallowing outcomes on discharge were retrospectively reviewed for 30 patients with thermal burn injury (with or without inhalation injury), referred to speech pathology services for dysphagia management. The average total surface burn area of the group was 50%. All patients were mechanically ventilated for an average of 24 days, with 80% of patients requiring subsequent tracheostomy. Initial dysphagia assessment occurred approximately 20 days after admission, whereas first safe oral intake was achieved by approximately 30 days. Supplementary nutrition and hydration was necessary for all patients. The time to achieve oral intake without supplementation was 53 days. Outcome measures revealed a significant improvement in swallowing function throughout the duration of inpatient stay, with 90% of patients discharged safely tolerating a normal diet, 6.7% of patients managing soft diet consistencies, and 3.3% managing soft puree consistencies on discharge.

Adolescent↗

Esophageal pseudomass at the thoracic inlet on barium swallow: CT findings.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to describe the CT findings in patients with an apparent mass at the thoracic inlet on barium swallow and to further explore its etiology by making appropriate measurements on CT. METHOD: Barium swallows and CT scans of five patients with esophageal pseudomass were reviewed and compared with CT scans of 65 controls. Anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the thoracic inlet were measured, and the relationships of the esophagus to the trachea were determined on CT. RESULTS: Absence of a demonstrable mass on CT in patients with an extrinsic impression on barium swallow was associated with narrowed AP diameter of the thoracic inlet (< 5 cm) and the esophagus to the left of the trachea. A significant correlation was observed between the AP diameter of the inlet and the position of the esophagus in relation to the trachea in control subjects (r = 0.52, p < 0.001); with diminished diameter, the esophagus is more frequently located to the left side of the trachea. CONCLUSION: An apparent mass is simulated by lateral deviation of the lower cervical esophagus, due to diminished available space between the trachea and the esophagus in subjects with a narrow (< 5 cm) AP diameter of the thoracic inlet.

Adult↗

Swallowing problems in patients with motor neuron disease.

A postal questionnaire was sent to 800 members of the Motor Neurone Disease Association about difficulties experienced in eating and swallowing foods and liquids. Replies were received from 310 patients or their relatives. In 45 cases the reply was from the relative of a patient who had died recently. Seventy-three percent of patients had difficulty in chewing or swallowing and this was most marked in patients who had died. Most problems were encountered with solid food rather than liquids. Aspiration was a common problem and may have contributed to some patients' death. Surprisingly, swallowing was often painful.

Adult↗

Speech and swallowing rehabilitation following devastating caustic ingestion: techniques and indicators for success.

Caustic material ingestion, either accidental or intentional, may result in tissue and organ destruction leading to a wide range of complications, including loss of speech and the ability to eat. The esophagus can be reconstructed successfully, but reopening the larynx and upper airway poses a significant therapeutic dilemma. External reconstruction may put the neoesophagus at risk. Loss of the normal swallowing mechanism and the protective supraglottic structures often results in fatal aspiration. The authors present three cases of successful endoscopic laser recannulation of the larynx with esophageal replacement. The discussion includes surgical technique and the tools used to determine the success of the reconstruction, including computed tomographic scanning, modified barium swallow, placement of an upper esophageal anastomosis, psychologic support, and speech and swallowing therapy.

Adult↗

Videoendoscopic swallowing study for diagnosis of Zenker's diverticuli.

The videoendoscopic swallowing study (VESS) provides an efficient, cost-effective method for swallowing evaluation in the clinic. Previously thought to be of little value for disorders of the proximal esophagus, this retrospective study (n = 33) demonstrates a high level of sensitivity (85%) and specificity (86%) of VESS for detecting Zenker's diverticuli in patients with symptoms of swallowing dysfunction. Furthermore, the key finding of postswallow reflux into the hypopharynx reliably distinguishes cricopharyngeus dysfunction from diverticuli in this population. This study shows that VESS can provide useful information about the proximal esophagus.

Deglutition↗

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic and rehabilitative usefulness of routine fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in the pediatric population. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive, blinded. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty pediatric inpatients from a large, urban, tertiary care teaching hospital participated. Their ages ranged from 11 days to 20 years (mean, 10 years and 4 months). In a random fashion, seven subjects were assessed with both videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (VFES) and FEES and 23 subjects were assessed solely with FEES. Diagnosis of dysphagia was determined by spillage, residue, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration. Rehabilitative strategies, e.g., positioning and modification of bolus consistencies, were based on diagnostic findings. RESULTS: There was 100% agreement between the blinded diagnostic results and implementation of rehabilitative strategies for subjects randomly assigned to receive both VFES and FEES and for subjects who received solely FEES. Of the 23 subjects assessed solely with FEES, 13 of 23 (57%) exhibited normal swallowing and 10 of 23 (43%) exhibited dysphagia. The feeding recommendation for 4 of 10 subjects with dysphagia (40%) was for a non-oral diet because of aspiration. FEES allowed for specific feeding recommendations (i.e., bolus consistency modifications, positioning, and feeding strategies) to reduce aspiration risk in 6 of 10 subjects with dysphagia (60%). CONCLUSION: FEES can be used routinely to diagnose and treat pediatric dysphagia in the acute care setting.

Adolescent↗

Swallowing function and tracheotomy dependence after combined-modality treatment including free tissue transfer for advanced-stage oropharyngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: There are many treatments available for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Organ-sparing protocols reserve surgery for salvage and are thought to provide adequate rehabilitation. Surgical resection with free tissue transfer may also provide adequate functional rehabilitation. The objective was to describe swallowing status and time to decannulation in a series of patients treated with combined-modality therapy that included free flap reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Patient data were obtained from medical records of 20 patients with stage III or IV oropharyngeal carcinoma, who were consecutively treated with surgical tumor extirpation, free flap reconstruction, and postoperative irradiation at a tertiary academic center from 1985 to 2002. The following variables were identified: patient and tumor characteristics, free flap type, irradiation data, and airway and swallowing status before and after treatment. RESULTS: One patient underwent total laryngopharyngectomy, and the remaining 19 patients underwent tracheotomy at the time of definitive surgery. Free flap reconstructions included 1 ulnar and 15 radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps and 4 fibula osteocutaneous flaps. Postoperatively, all 19 tracheotomized patients had successful decannulation. Average time to decannulation was 15 days (range, 3-42 d). After surgery and before irradiation, 13 patients initiated oral intake, on average, at 19.5 days (range, 7-28 d); 6 patients required no additional supplementation. By 4 months after surgery, having completed radiation therapy, 10 patients were consuming all nutrition orally; the other 10 patients still required tube-feed supplementation, although 6 of these patients were also eating by mouth. CONCLUSION: Combined-modality treatment that includes free flap reconstruction for advanced-stage oropharyngeal cancer may provide reasonable functional rehabilitation with respect to postoperative airway and swallowing.

Aged↗

Fetal swallowing and voiding in relation to hydramnios.

Fetal swallowing and voiding were measured using colloidal gold and an ultrasonic scanner, respectively. Subjects in the study were in their 38-40th week of pregnancy. Cases were divided into 3 groups: normal, hydramnios, and oligohydramnios. The normal group had a mean swallowing rate of 198 ml/day and a mean voiding rate of 23.6 ml/hr. No significant differences were found among these rates and the corresponding rates in the other 2 groups. It is concluded that mechanisms other than fetal swallowing and voiding can contribute to the control of amniotic fluid volume at term.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Oropharyngeal function study: radiologic means of evaluating swallowing difficulty.

The oropharyngeal function study is a videotaped radiographic examination of the oropharynx and cervical esophagus used in patients who are at major risk for aspiration because of swallowing difficulty. Preceding the radiographic evaluation, the patient is assessed clinically by a swallowing therapist who attends the examination with the radiologist. Close cooperation between the therapist and radiologist better defines the specific swallowing problems, avoids inadvertent aspiration of large amounts of contrast material, and best directs proper management of the patient. We describe our cooperative approach to evaluating oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Aged↗

Clinical validation of the related factors and defining characteristics of impaired swallowing for patients with stroke.

This exploratory study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of related factors and defining characteristics of impaired swallowing for stroke patients. Sample of the study included (1) 12 nursing experts, (2) 52 nurses who work in neurological wards, and (3) 107 stroke patients who were divided into a BDST (Burks Dysphagia Screening Test)-positive group (n = 51) and a BDST-negative group (n = 56). Data were collected and validated based on expert validity, diagnostic content validity (DCV), construct validity, and discriminate validity. Results showed that the DCV scores of 17 related factors and 12 defining characteristics were all greater than 0.5. The internal consistency of the 12 defining characteristics was demonstrated by a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.89. Two factors were extracted from the 12 defining characteristics after factor analysis; these were "high risk of aspiration with speech disorder" and "ineffectiveness of swallowing". Five major defining characteristics, i.e. pocketing of food, signs of acute aspiration, burning or tickling at the back of the throat, spitting food or food leaking from the mouth, and weak or hoarse cough, were determined by logistic regression. The findings of this study suggest that the 17 related factors and 12 defining characteristics are reliable and valid in diagnosing the problem of impaired swallowing for stroke patients.

Aged↗

Patient-controlled comparison of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) and videofluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the results of videofluoroscopy (VFS) with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) in dysphagia testing. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of data collected over a 4-year period at a tertiary care medical center. The FEESST and VFS results for patients receiving both examinations within a 2-week period were compared with respect to swallowing function. Comparisons were categorized as full agreement, minor disagreement that would not result in a significant difference in diet recommendations, and major disagreement that would result in a significant difference in diet recommendations. Kappa with quadratic weighting was calculated to evaluate the inter-test agreement. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Forty-one percent of patients were not eating by mouth at the time of FEESST and the mean interval between the two examinations was 5 days. Laryngeal examination revealed edema/erythema in 93%, impaired pharyngeal squeeze in 66%, decreased laryngopharyngeal sensation in 82%, and absent laryngeal adductor reflex in 30%. FEESST with all consistencies revealed pooling in 89%, penetration in 83%, and aspiration in 65% of patients. VFS revealed pooling in 65%, penetration in 67%, and aspiration in 54% of patients. Comparison of FEESST and VFS revealed full agreement in 52%, minor disagreement in 13%, and major disagreement in 35% of patients. A weighted kappa value of 0.324 signified only "fair" agreement between the two tests. CONCLUSIONS: FEESST and VFS may not represent comparable tests of dysphagia. Further comparative studies of tests of swallowing function are required to determine the ideal approach to dysphagia testing.

Adult↗

Climate change has affected the breeding date of tree swallows throughout North America

Increasing evidence suggests that climate change has affected the breeding and distribution of wildlife. If such changes are due to global warming, then we should expect to see large-scale effects. To explore for such effects on avian reproduction, we examined 3450 nest records of tree swallows from across North America. The egg-laying date in tree swallows advanced by up to nine days during 1959-1991. This advance in phenology was associated with increasing surface air temperatures at the time of breeding. Our analysis controlled for several potentially confounding variables such as latitude, longitude, breeding density and elevation. We conclude that tree swallows across North America are breeding earlier and that the most likely cause is a long-term increase in spring temperature.

Journal Article↗

Is food particle size a criterion for the initiation of swallowing?

A small study on fifteen subjects found that brazil nut particles always broke down much more rapidly per chew than raw carrot particles. Both foods were swallowed, on average, after similar numbers of chews. However, a relationship was found which suggested that subjects that swallowed after few chews took less for carrots than brazils and vice versa for those that took more chews. An extended study with carrot showed a significant correlation between the rate of size breakdown and the number of chews required for swallowing in dentate subjects (r = 0.69) but not in full denture wearers. The whole sample (n = 79 including six wearers of partial dentures) gave a significant correlation of r = 0.65. It is concluded that some consideration of the physical properties (texture) of foods is necessary before results from this type of study can be interpreted as relevant or not for dentistry.

Adolescent↗

Swallowing-induced tachycardia: electrophysiologic and pharmacologic observations.

A 38-year-old man developed palpitations after swallowing. Intracardiac recordings and esophageal manometry were obtained during episodes of swallowing-induced tachycardia. These studies demonstrated that the site of origin of the tachycardia was the high right atrium and that the onset of the tachycardia occurred prior to the arrival of the peristaltic wave in the esophagus. Evaluation of the tachycardia revealed that the likely mechanism for the tachycardia was triggered automaticity. Autonomic blockade and other pharmacologic interventions failed to prevent episodes of tachycardia. Swallowing-induced tachycardia is a rare disorder triggered by an undefined neural reflex arc.

Adult↗