Accuracy of endoscopic and videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing for oropharyngeal dysphagia

Prevalence of Swallowing and Eating Difficulties in an Elderly Postoperative Hip Fracture Population-A Multi-Center-Based Pilot Study

Elderly patients operated for hip fracture are characterized by high age and high degree of comorbidity and need of care, factors previously found to be associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of swallowing and eating difficulties in an elderly postoperative hip fracture population and to identify factors associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. A cross-sectional multi-center pilot study was performed, including patients ≥65 years, operated for hip fracture, and able to participate in a swallowing and eating assessment. A clinical assessment was conducted using Danish versions of the standardized tools Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test and Minimal Eating Observation Form-version II. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were examined. A total of 78 patients (mean age 81.4 years (SD 7.8), 30.8% male) were included. Swallowing and eating difficulties were present in 60 patients (77%). Swallowing and eating difficulties were significantly associated with living in a nursing home before hospital admission (p = 0.014), low habitual New Mobility Score (p = 0.018), and absence of cardiac comorbidity (p = 0.023). The results underline the importance of focusing on swallowing and eating difficulties in elderly patients operated for hip fracture to ensure effectivity and safety and optimize the prognosis for the patient.

Association between maximum tongue pressure and swallowing safety and efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading to a reduction of swallowing safety and efficacy. The tongue has an important role in swallowing function for oral processing and bolus propulsion through the pharynx. The study aims to analyze the association between instrumental findings of OD and tongue pressure.

METHODS

Patients with ALS referred for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were recruited. FEES was conducted to test swallowing function with liquid (5, 10, and 20 ml), semisolid (5, 10, and 20 ml), and solid. FEES recordings were assessed for swallowing safety, using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), and for swallowing efficacy, using the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS). PAS scores >2 were suggestive of penetration, PAS scores >5 of aspiration, and YPRSRS scores >2 of residue. Maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and tongue endurance were measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Tongue pressure measurements were compared between patients with and without penetration, aspiration, or residue.

KEY RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with ALS were included. Mean MTP was 29.7 kPa, and median tongue endurance was 10 seconds. Patients with residue in the pyriform sinus had a significantly lower MTP than patients without residue in the pyriform sinus with semisolids 10 ml (P = .011) and 20 ml (P = .032). Patients with a tongue endurance <10 seconds exhibited higher frequency of penetration with liquids 5 ml (P = .046), liquids 10 ml (P = .015), and solids (P = .22).

CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES

In patients with ALS, MTP is significantly associated with an impairment of swallowing efficacy and tongue endurance was significantly associated with an impairment of swallowing safety.

Impact of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Outcomes and Dysphagia Management in Neurodegenerative Diseases

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To determine the incidence of abnormal fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) findings in patients with progressive neurologic disorders and identify the most commonly implemented dysphagia management strategies.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Review.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with neurodegenerative disease who underwent FEES at a tertiary-care center between 2008 and 2019. Patient demographics, diagnosis, and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) scores were recorded. Rates of penetration, aspiration, and functional change in management (FCIM) to include dietary modifications, home exercises, swallow therapy, surgical intervention (injection augmentation or esophageal dilation), or alternative means of nutrition (i.e., percutaneous enteral gastrostomy [PEG] tube) were calculated.

RESULTS

Two hundred nine FEES assessments were performed in 178 patients with a mean age of 64.8 years (standard deviation = ±14). The most common diagnoses were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (32%) followed by Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism (26%). FEES demonstrated penetration in 72.5% of patients and aspiration in 14.6%. Mean EAT-10 scores differed between patients with aspiration versus penetration versus normal FEES (24.7 vs. 14.9 vs. 13.9, respectively, P < .001). An FCIM was recommended in 88% of patients and most commonly included self-directed modifications (43%). Overall, 4.5% of patients underwent surgical intervention. A PEG tube was recommended for either supplemental or sole form of nutrition in 19% of the entire cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with neurodegenerative diseases presenting with dysphagia demonstrated abnormal FEES findings necessitating an FCIM, suggesting early dysphagia evaluation may be warranted in this cohort. These findings correlate with worsened EAT-10 scores in patients with aspiration or penetration on FEES.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:726-730, 2021.

Management of dysphagia in Huntington's disease: a descriptive review

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by involuntary choreatic movements, cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric disturbances. Most HD suffer from dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia is the leading cause of death. However, little is known about dysphagia management in HD. A revision of the literature was conducted to depict the state of the art on the assessment and treatment of dysphagia in HD. Literature search of the last 10 years was performed using PubMed and EMBASE. Twenty-four studies were included: 16 cross-sectional studies, 2 case reports, 2 case series, 2 open-label trials, 1 pre-post study, and 1 randomized controlled trial. Based on the studies retrieved, dysphagia should be assessed from the early stage of the disease, especially when specific clinical markers occur. Timing for dysphagia re-assessment should be based on the recommendation of the swallowing experts on the individual case. Instrumental assessment of swallowing by videofluoroscopy or videoendoscopy is feasible and recommended to diagnose dysphagia in patients with HD. Clinical assessment tools and patient-reported outcome measures may be used to complete the swallowing examination, but not to replace instrumental assessment. The impact of pharmacological and rehabilitative treatments on dysphagia in HD has been little studied in literature. While the effect of tetrabenazine on swallowing is still controversial, compensatory strategies seem to be applicable and efficacious. To date, there are no well-proven rehabilitative strategies to improve swallowing function in patients with HD. The topic of dysphagia in HD remains poorly studied compared with its clinical relevance.

The speech pathology workforce in intensive care units: Results from a national survey

BACKGROUND

Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) with mechanical ventilation can lead to patients experiencing impaired swallowing and communication function. This can negatively affect patient experiences and outcomes. There is increasing research supporting early intervention for swallowing and communication; however, there are no published ICU workforce data to determine patient access.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe national ICU access to speech pathology (SP) services and to describe the nature of this workforce.

METHODS

Prospective audit of Australian ICUs with a focussed workforce survey of SP service including workforce demographics, clinical practices, team environments, and training was conducted. Data are described as percentage (%, n) and as median (interquartile range). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic frameworks.

RESULTS

SP services were available at 99% (n = 165) of the sites; 62 sites provided workforce data (45% response rate). Seventy-one percent of respondents serviced the ICU ≤10 h per week, with 23% reporting dedicated funding. Almost a third (32%) reported not participating in ICU team activities, and more than half of the sites (56%) did not provide ICU-specific training with resulting varied clinical confidence ratings. Facilitator and barriers both highlighted team working relationships. Facilitator themes were building working relationships, understanding the SP role in the multidisciplinary team, physical presence in the unit, and access to resources. Barrier themes were the multidisciplinary team's understanding of SP roles and lack of presence of SP services in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

SP services are not standard across Australian ICUs, with variations in confidence, funding, training, and team environments. Further research into the impact of these variations on patient outcomes is needed.

Effectiveness of Swallowing Care on Safe Oral Intake Using Ultrasound-Based Observation of Residues in the Epiglottis Valley: A Pragmatic, Quasi-Experimental Study

The demand for methods to ensure safe oral consumption of food and liquids in order to prevent aspiration pneumonia has increased over the last decade. This study investigated the safety of swallowing care selected by adding ultrasound-based observation, evaluated its efficacy, and determined effective content of selected swallowing care. The study employed a pragmatic quasi-experimental research design. Participants were 12 community-dwelling adult patients (age: 44-91 years) who had experienced choking within 1 month prior to the study. After the control phase, in which conventional swallowing care was provided, trained nurses provided ultrasound observation-based swallowing care for a minimum period of 2 weeks. Outcome measurements were compared across three points, namely T1-beginning of the control phase, T2 and T3-before and end of the intervention phase. The mean durations of intervention were 30.8 days in the control phase and 36.5 days in the intervention phase. Pneumonia and suffocation did not occur in the control phase or the intervention phase. The safe intake food level and the food intake level score significantly improved during the intervention phase (p = 0.032 and 0.017, respectively) by adding eating training based on the ultrasound observation. However, there was no significant improvement in the strength of the muscle related to swallowing by the selected basic training. Our results suggest that swallowing care selected based on the ultrasound observation, especially eating training, safely improved safe oral intake among community-dwelling adults with swallowing dysfunction.

[Application of fibreoptic endoscope evaluating of oropharyngeal swallowing in post-irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fibreoptic endoscopic of sallowing （FEES） in the assessment of pharyngeal dysphagia in post-irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Method:Fifty-three NPC patients with post-irradiated underwent FEES and video fluoroscopy（VF）.The results were analyzed using the Bolus Residue Scale and Rosenbek's penetration aspiration scale. Result:The agreement in the detection of penetration and aspiration between FEES and VF of liquid（κ=0.56, 95%CI 0.38-0.73） and porridge（κ=0.64, 95%CI 0.43-0.81） was "fair". The detection rates of penetration on FEES with liquid and porridge were 60% and 51%, the detection rates of aspiration on VF with liquid and porridge were 70% and 53%. There were no statistical differences. The agreement in the detection of pharyngeal residue between FEES and VF of liquid （κ=0.38, 95%CI0.12-0.62） and porridge （κ=0.66, 95%CI 0.44-0.86） was "fair". The detection rates of pharyngeal residue on FEES and VF with porridge were 43% and 45%, the difference was not statistically significant. The detection rates of pharyngeal residue on FEES and VF with liquid were 44% and 24%, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion:FEES is an effective and valuable tool for evaluating pharyngeal dysphagia in post-irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Oropharyngeal swallowing functions are impaired in patients with naive-achalasia

BACKGROUND

It is generally accepted that achalasia is limited to the pathology of the esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter. However, patients with achalasia still have symptoms such as aspiration and weight loss after even a succesfull treatment, suggesting that additional oropharyngeal pathologies may be frequent in patients with achalasia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the oropharyngeal/hypopharyngeal swallowing functions of patients with naive-achalasia.

METHODS

We evaluated the oropharyngeal functions with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) in 36 patients with naive-achalasia(mean age 47.8 ± 14.7; 20F, 20M) diagnosed with and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, HRM, radiology compared the results with 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 48.25 ± 12.37; 23F, 17M) as controls. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) were used for psychological analysis and to assess quality of life.

RESULTS

Mean integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) values were significantly higher (12.7 ± 10.9) for all patients compared to controls (0 ± 4.40). In the presence of pharyngeal residue IRP was 18.6 ± 11.8 mmHg compare to patients without pharyngeal residue which was 7.2 ± 6.4 mmHg (p < 0.05). Resting pressures were 105.7 ± 60.4 mmHg in study group vs 116 ± 55.1 mmHg in the control group (NS). In the study group we determined that residues of semisolid and liquid food were significantly higher in the vallecula, retrocricoid region, pharyngeal wall, and piriform sinuses with FEES. The average MDADI score was 58.1 ± 19.8 and 87.6 ± 10.7 in the study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Depression may be significantly higher in achalasia patients based on the BDI.

CONCLUSION

Relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter is insufficient especially in patient with residue. This finding is supported by the presence of residue during FEES evaluation. In the assessment of patients with achalasia, in the presence of residue symptoms,oropharyngeal phases of swallowing should be examined with FEES. Furthermore, the effect of exercises to improve the pathological findings should be evaluated.

Simultaneous Videofluoroscopy and Endoscopy for Dysphagia Evaluation in Preterm Infants-A Pilot Study

Introduction: The assessment of dysphagia in preterm infants has been limited to clinical bedside evaluation followed by videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) in selected patients. Recently, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is being described more in literature for preterm infants. However, it is unclear if one test has a better diagnostic utility than the other in this population. Furthermore, it is also unclear if performing FEES and VFSS simultaneously will increase the sensitivity and specificity of detecting dysphagia compared to either test performed independently. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of performing VFSS and FEES simultaneously in preterm infants. Our secondary objective is to determine whether simultaneously performed VFSS-FEES improves the diagnostic ability in detecting dysphagia in preterm infants compared to either test done separately. Methods: In this pilot study, we describe the process involved in performing simultaneous VFSS-FEES in five preterm infants (postmenstrual age ≥36 weeks) with dysphagia. A total of 26 linked VFSS-FEES swallows were analyzed, where the same bolus during the same swallow was compared using simultaneous fluoroscopy and endoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting penetration and aspiration were evaluated in simultaneous VFSS-FEES compared with each test done independently. Results: Our results demonstrated that performing simultaneous VFSS-FEES is feasible in preterm infants with dysphagia. All patients tolerated the procedures well without any complications. Our pilot study in these five symptomatic preterm infants demonstrated a low incidence of aspiration but a high incidence of penetration. Simultaneous VFSS-FEES (26 linked swallows) improved the ability to detect penetration compared to each test done separately. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of performing VFSS and FEES simultaneously in symptomatic preterm infants with dysphagia resulting in potentially higher diagnostic yield than either procedure done separately.

Safety and the effectiveness of a new education program for nurses to assess swallowing function using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)

AIM

Nurses have the potential to perform fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in Japan, which can aid in their provision of swallowing care appropriate to individual patients' swallowing functions. We aimed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of a new nursing education program on FEES by examining its impact on autonomy in performing FEES and accuracy in observing bolus swallowing.

METHODS

In this prospective descriptive study, we developed a FEES education program comprising three phases: (a) obtaining knowledge and skills through e-leaning and a practical workshop; (b) becoming proficient in skills for assessing healthy adults through self-learning; and (c) obtaining clinical competence through 30 cases of on-the-job training (OJT). The trends in autonomy and in accuracy of FEES were evaluated by the data during OJT.

RESULTS

Of the three certified nurses in dysphagia nursing, a trainee completed 30 cases of OJT and the other two trainees experienced 20 cases and 10 cases, respectively without any adverse event. Autonomy in the four major FEES skills gradually increased over the OJT. The correct answer rate, sensitivity, and specificity of the penetration-aspiration scale and severity of residue in the pyriform sinus and epiglottis valley were above 95% at the first 10 cases of OJT among three trainees and they were 100% after the 11th case of OJT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the developed education program helped nurses with experience being present at FEES obtain sufficient knowledge and skills to appropriately and safely perform FEES with 30 cases of OJT.

Research-based Updates in Swallowing and Communication Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease: Implications for Evaluation and Management

PURPOSE

Individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) present with complex and variable symptoms, with recent findings suggesting that the etiology of PD extends beyond the involvement of just the basal ganglia. These symptoms include significant impairments in the speech and swallowing domains, which can greatly affect quality of life and therefore require therapeutic attention. This research-based update reviews the neurophysiological basis for swallowing and speech changes in PD, the effectiveness of various types of treatments, and implications for symptom evaluation and management.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms responsible for swallowing and speech symptoms in PD remain largely unknown. Dopaminergic medication and deep-brain-stimulation do not provide consistent benefits for these symptoms suggesting a non-dopaminergic network is involved. Importantly, evidence suggests that symptoms of dysphagia and hypokinetic dysarthria may be early indications of PD, so it is critical to investigate the cause of these changes.

Comparing videofluoroscopy and endoscopy to assess swallowing in bottle-fed young infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy (VFSS) and endoscopy (FEES) in detecting laryngeal penetration and tracheal aspiration in bottle-fed young infants in the NICU.

STUDY DESIGN

VFSS and FEES findings of 22 infants were compared to each other and to a composite reference standard in this prospective study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each assessment.

RESULT

Agreement between VFSS and FEES was high (92%) for aspiration and moderate (56%) for penetration, with FEES detecting more instances of penetration. Compared to the composite reference standard, FEES had greater sensitivity and a higher negative predictive value for penetration than VFSS. Because of the low prevalence of aspiration, diagnostic accuracy could not be determined for aspiration for either assessment.

CONCLUSION

FEES appears to be more accurate in detecting penetration in this population, and both assessments are valuable tools in a comprehensive feeding and swallowing evaluation.

Static endoscopic swallow evaluation in children

OBJECTIVES

Static Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (SEES) has been demonstrated to have a strong correlation with the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) in adults. In children, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallow (FEES) are frequently performed to avoid repeated VFSS; however, a subset of the population does not tolerate FEES. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a modified SEES in children.

METHODS

Charts of 50 consecutive patients who underwent FEES evaluations were reviewed. Patients age 3 months to 12 years undergoing SEES, FEES, and VFSS were extracted. We compared a binary assessment of outcome on SEES versus VFSS as the diagnostic standard to report characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predicted value.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients met all inclusion criteria (mean age 2.8 years). Using the VFSS as the diagnostic standard, residue seen on SEES had a sensitivity of 80.0%, specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 88.9%, and a negative predictive value of 75.0% for predicting deep penetration or aspiration.

CONCLUSION

SEES may be helpful for developing an initial diagnostic impression and may serve as a platform for patient and caregiver counseling. In children who are unable to cooperate with FEES, SEES may provide clinical insight in predicting an abnormal swallow study; however, a normal SEES was less reliable in predicting a safe swallow on subsequent VFSS in this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1590-1594, 2020.

Aspiration in the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Associated with an Increased Risk of Mortality in a Cohort of Patients Suspected of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

There is a general lack of published studies on the risk of mortality due to alterations in the safety of swallowing detected during the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). We aimed at assessing the risk of mortality of the detection of aspiration, penetration, and pharyngeal residues by FEES. A cohort of consecutively evaluated patients suspected of experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia undergoing FEES at a tertiary care university hospital were prospectively followed up on to assess mortality. The FEES findings, comorbidities, and potential confounders were studied as predictors of death using a Cox multivariate regression analysis. A total of 148 patients were included, 85 of whom were male (57.4%). The mean age (± standard deviation) was 52.7 years (± 22.1). The median of the follow-up time was 4.5 years. The most frequent conditions were stroke in 50 patients (33.8%), brain and spine traumas in 27 (18.2%), and neurodegenerative diseases in 19 (12.8%). Variables associated with mortality in bivariate analyses were age > 65 years (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.046), aspiration of any consistency (p < 0.001), and pharyngeal residues (p = 0.017). Variables independently associated with mortality in the Cox multivariate model were age (> 65 years) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 5.76; 95% CI 2.72 to 17.19; p = 0.001] and aspiration (adjusted HR: 3.96; 95% CI 1.82 to 14.64; p = 0.003). Aspiration detected by FEES and an age > 65 years are independent predictors of mortality in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Detection of Airway Invasion During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Comparing Barium, Blue Dye, and Green Dye

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effects of barium, blue dye, and green dye on the frequency and reliability of detecting airway invasion (penetration and aspiration) seen during flexible endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES). Method Thirty patients with neurodegenerative disease and suspected dysphagia underwent an FEES. Patients were presented with 10-cc boluses of water colored with blue dye, green dye, and barium, within the same examination, in a randomized order. Airway protection outcomes were blindly analyzed by a panel of expert raters. Outcomes included the presence of residue on airway structures (epiglottis, laryngeal vestibule, vocal folds, subglottis) and abnormal Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS; Rosenbek, Robbins, Roecker, Coyle, & Wood, 1996 ) scores (PAS ≥ 3). Statistical analyses were performed to determine group differences in the frequency of airway residue and abnormal PAS scores, as well as reliability. Results Airway residue was observed most frequently with barium when compared to blue dye ( p < .05) or green dye ( p < .05). Abnormal PAS scores were also observed most frequently with barium when compared to blue dye ( p < .0005) and green dye ( p < .0005). There were no significant differences in the observed frequency of airway residue nor abnormal PAS scores when comparing blue and green dye ( p > .05). Intrapanel reliability scores for airway residue and PAS scores, respectively, were very good ( k = .83) and good ( k = .67) for barium, very good ( k = 1.00) and moderate ( k = .50) for green dye, and moderate ( k = .47) and fair ( k = .33) for blue dye. Conclusion Airway invasion was detected significantly more frequently and with greater reliability with barium when compared to blue and green dye. Given these findings, standardized use of barium is recommended at some point during FEES, especially when attempting to detect subtle signs of airway invasion.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia in early stages of myotonic dystrophy type 1

INTRODUCTION

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder characterized mainly by skeletal muscle alterations. Although oropharyngeal dysphagia is a prominent clinical feature of DM1, it remains poorly studied in its early disease stages.

METHODS

Dysphagia was investigated in 11 presymptomatic DM1 carriers, 14 patients with DM1 and 12 age-matched healthy controls, by using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and clinical scores.

RESULTS

Scores for the FEES variables, delayed pharyngeal reflex, posterior pooling, and postswallow residue were significantly greater in patients with DM1 and in presymptomatic DM1 carriers than in healthy controls (P < 0.05); oropharyngeal dysfunction was more severe in patients than in presymptomatic carriers. Penetration/aspiration was found altered exclusively in patients with DM1 (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Swallowing dysfunction occurs in presymptomatic DM1 carriers. Timely diagnosis of dysphagia in preclinical stages of the disease will aid in the timely management of presymptomatic carriers, potentially preventing medical complications. Muscle Nerve, 2019.

Risk scores for predicting dysphagia in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aimed at developing and validating a scoring model to stratify critically ill patients after cardiac surgery based on risk for dysphagia, a common but often neglected complication.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected and analyzed from January 2016 to June 2017 from 395 consecutive post cardiac surgery patients at the cardiac care unit (CCU) at a single center; 103 (26.1%) developed dysphagia. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to identify independent predictors for dysphagia. The survival nomogram was developed on the basis of a multivariable Cox model, which allowed us to obtain survival probability estimations. The predictive performance of the nomogram was verified for discrimination and calibration. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to illustrate and evaluate the diagnostic performance of the novel model.

RESULTS

The final novel scoring model, named SSG-OD, consists of three independent factors: gastric intubation (OR = 1.024, 95% CI 1.015-1.033), sedative drug use duration (OR = 1.031, 95% CI 1.001-1.063) and stroke or not (OR = 6.182, 95% CI 3.028-12.617). SSG-OD identified patients at risk for dysphagia with sensitivity of 68.5% and specificity of 89.0% (OR = 0.833, 95% CI: 0.782-0.884). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 6.22 and 0.35.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel SSG-OD scoring system to risk stratify CCU patients for dysphagia is an easy-to-use bedside prognostication aid with good predictive performance and the potential to reduce aspiration incidence and accelerate recovery.

A Targeted Swallow Screen for the Detection of Postoperative Dysphagia in Liver Transplant Patients

Introduction:

Postoperative dysphagia leads to aspiration pneumonia, prolonged hospital stay, and is associated with increased mortality. We have demonstrated the validity of a bedside targeted swallow evaluation following cardiac surgery. Since dysphagia following liver transplantation is not well examined, we evaluated the efficacy of this swallow screen method in postoperative liver transplant patients.

Methods:

This was a prospective trial involving adult patients who underwent liver transplant surgery at our institution over a 5-month period. Within 24 hours of extubation and prior to the initiation of oral intake, all patients were evaluated using the targeted swallow screen, which is a direct assessment of mental status and laryngeal sensation/elevation upon swallowing of progressively larger amounts of water. A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was requested for failed screenings.

Results:

During the study, 50 patients were screened. Twenty (40%) failed the targeted swallow screen, while 18 (90%)/20 failed the subsequent fiberoptic endoscopic examination (overall dysphagia incidence = 40%). Patients with dysphagia were older and had significantly longer intensive care unit and hospital stays. The screening test had a 90% sensitivity and a specificity of 83% for detecting dysphagia.

Conclusion:

The true incidence of dysphagia following liver transplantation appears to be significantly higher than previously recognized. A simple bedside swallow screen can efficiently screen these patients for dysphagia. Our findings require further validation and may support programs for reduction and early detection of dysphagia.

Recent progress in perioperative management of patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Esophagectomy remains the mainstay of curative intent treatment for esophageal cancer. Oncologic esophagectomy is a highly invasive surgery and both morbidity and mortality rates still remain high. Recently, it has been revealed that multidisciplinary perioperative management can decrease the postoperative complications after esophagectomy. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in each component of multidisciplinary perioperative care bundle, including oral hygiene, cessation of smoking and alcohol, respiratory training, measurement of physical fitness, swallowing evaluation and rehabilitation, nutritional support, pain control and management of delirium. The accumulation of evidence and the popularization of knowledge will increase safety of esophagectomy and thus improve the outcome of patients with esophageal cancer.

International consensus (ICON) on assessment of oropharyngeal dysphagia

OBJECTIVE

To present international recommendations regarding the proper evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), both objectively and subjectively (self-evaluation).

METHODS

Following a thorough review of the literature, 5 experts in the field from 4 different continents answered separately a questionnaire regarding the work-up of OD. Individual answers were presented and discussed during the world ENT conference that was held in Paris in June 2017. This article will present the recommendations issued from that meeting.

RESULTS

For the initial objective assessment of OD, it is recommended to perform either a functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). FEES is the more popular investigation given its increased ease of use and accessibility. When evaluating for the presence of aspiration during the objective evaluation of OD, it is recommended to perform either a FEES or a VFSS. In this case, FEES is the favored investigation given its likely increased sensitivity. In order to highlight the presence of oropharyngeal food residue following the deglutition process, it is recommended to perform either a FEES or a VFSS; FEES likely being the more sensitive investigation while VFSS allows a better quantification of the amount of pharyngeal residue. Is it also recommended to objectify the quality of the deglutition process by means of a score during the objective evaluation of OD. Finally, it is recommended to utilize a self-evaluation questionnaire during research studies exploring the deglutition process.

Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation and Management of Hyperkinetic Disorders Affecting Speech and Swallowing Function

Background

Hyperkinetic dysarthria is characterized by abnormal involuntary movements affecting respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory structures impacting speech and deglutition. Speech–language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in the evaluation and management of dysarthria and dysphagia. This review describes the standard clinical evaluation and treatment approaches by SLPs for addressing impaired speech and deglutition in specific hyperkinetic dysarthria populations.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using the data sources of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Search terms included 1) hyperkinetic dysarthria, essential voice tremor, voice tremor, vocal tremor, spasmodic dysphonia, spastic dysphonia, oromandibular dystonia, Meige syndrome, orofacial, cervical dystonia, dystonia, dyskinesia, chorea, Huntington’s Disease, myoclonus; and evaluation/treatment terms: 2) Speech–Language Pathology, Speech Pathology, Evaluation, Assessment, Dysphagia, Swallowing, Treatment, Management, and diagnosis.

Results

The standard SLP clinical speech and swallowing evaluation of chorea/Huntington’s disease, myoclonus, focal and segmental dystonia, and essential vocal tremor typically includes 1) case history; 2) examination of the tone, symmetry, and sensorimotor function of the speech structures during non-speech, speech and swallowing relevant activities (i.e., cranial nerve assessment); 3) evaluation of speech characteristics; and 4) patient self-report of the impact of their disorder on activities of daily living. SLP management of individuals with hyperkinetic dysarthria includes behavioral and compensatory strategies for addressing compromised speech and intelligibility. Swallowing disorders are managed based on individual symptoms and the underlying pathophysiology determined during evaluation.

Discussion

SLPs play an important role in contributing to the differential diagnosis and management of impaired speech and deglutition associated with hyperkinetic disorders.

Dysphagia in the Elderly

OPINION STATEMENT

Dysphagia is a common problem in the elderly population with an especially high prevalence in hospitalized and institutionalized patients. If inadequately addressed, dysphagia leads to significant morbidity and contributes to decreased quality of life. Dysphagia can be categorized as emanating from either an oropharyngeal or esophageal process. A disproportionate number of elderly patients suffer from oropharyngeal dysphagia with a multifactorial etiology. Historically, treatment options have been limited and included mostly supportive care with a focus on dietary modification, food avoidance, and swallow rehabilitation. Nascent technologies such as the functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) and advances in esophageal manometry are improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Recent developments in the treatment of specific causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia, including endoscopic balloon dilations for upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction, show promise and are expected to enhance with further research. Esophageal dysphagia is also common in the elderly and more commonly due to an identifiable cause. The full breadth of treatment options is frequently unavailable to elderly patients due to comorbidities and overall functional status. However, the increasing availability of less invasive solutions to specific esophageal pathologies has augmented the number of treatment options available to this population, where an individualized approach to patient care is paramount. This review focuses on the evaluation and management of dysphagia in the elderly and delineates how standard and novel therapeutics are contributing to more nuanced and personalized management.