Schlucken und Schluckstörungen im Alter

[Swallowing and swallowing disorders at the focus of otorhinolaryngology : From diagnosis to individualized treatment]

Dysphagia refers to painless impairment of the transport of liquid or solid food from the oral cavity to the stomach. If pain accompanies swallowing, this is termed odynophagia, and discomfort when swallowing saliva suggests a globus pharyngis. Swallowing disorders can occur during any one or all phases of bolus transport. The causes are manifold, due to the involvement of central control areas within the brain as well as the peripheral nervous system. The diagnosis consists of a detailed case history as well as screening forms and questionnaires. In Germany, the gold standard diagnostic procedure is flexible (video-)endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Videofluoroscopy and electrophysiological examinations complement the diagnosis. Therapeutic options comprise functional strategies and rehabilitative exercises. However, the most important task of otorhinolaryngologists, in addition to the primary surgical treatment of tumors in the area of the upper swallowing tract (taking into account the preservation of swallowing structures), is the assessment of posttreatment dysphagia with the option of individualized surgical measures to improve swallowing.

A risk prediction model for dysphagia in older patients: a single-center prospective study

Surveys based on western populations have identified many risk factors for dysphagia in older people, but the potential risk factors consistent with the demographic characteristics of older, hospitalized Chinese patients require further study. This single-center prospective study aimed to determine the incidence of dysphagia in western China, and to develop and validate a model to predict the risk of dysphagia among older patients. A total of 343 inpatients (aged ≥ 65 years without dysphagia and cognitive impairment) were included. A score ≥ 2 on the Eating Assessment Tool-10 was defined as dysphagia. After a six-month follow-up, 70 (20.4%) patients were found to have dysphagia. The final model included age, wearing dentures, activities of daily living, cerebral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, and malignancy. The developed model has high predictive accuracy and can be easily implemented in daily practice.

Presbyphagia Diagnostics Using M-Mode Ultrasound: Changes in the Tongue Movement Pattern

Age-related physiological changes of the swallowing act impair particularly the oral phase and the tongue function, which is very important for bolus preparation and transfer. At present, there are no easily applicable methods for measurement of this phase of swallowing. This study was designed to investigate the deglutitive tongue movement by M-mode ultrasound and to compare the collected parameters of different age groups. In this exploratory prospective study, the tongue and its movements of 20 younger and 30 older women were examined during swallowing by B-mode and M-mode ultrasound. Preexisting dysphagia or malnutrition as well as psychic or neurological deficits were excluded by clinical examination and screening with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Barthel Index. The data were compared with each other and statistically analyzed. With increasing age, a change in the tongue movement pattern becomes apparent. In the group of older women, the vertical lingual movement had a smaller amplitude (p < 0.001) and a shorter time to the maximum amplitude (p < 0.03) than in the group of younger women. However, there were no differences in the tongue diameter (p > 0.4). The tongue movement pattern appears to be subject to age-specific changes, in contrast to anatomy. The use of M-mode ultrasonography is an easy, radiation-free and cost-effective method for the assessment of the oral phase of swallowing. Limitations are the widely scattered values of the ultrasound findings. Further studies are needed for validation and definition of standard values for this promising method.

Prevalence of dysphagia in a regional hospital setting: Acute care hospital and a geriatric sociosanitary care hospital: A cross-sectional study

RATIONALE

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) is a symptom commonly found in hospitalized patients and related to a vast array of clinical diagnosis and to high morbidity and mortality that is becoming very important to identify. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of OD in our hospital setting.

METHODS

Cross-sectional randomized study to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in an acute care hospital (ACH) and long term care hospital (LTCH). Multiquestionnaire test performed to assess dysphagia with the bedside validated volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST test), in those with the validated swallowing ability test, eating assessment tool (EAT-10)>3. Variables; sex, age (>65 y), diagnosis, mininutritional assessment (MNA), previous diagnosis of dysphagia (including any recommendations given before), EAT-10, V-VST, presence of dysphagia, type of diet prescribed (basal or therapeutic), use of thickener and diet texture (pureed with liquids allowed, pureed without liquids, soft diet, normal).

RESULTS

N = 200 patients (100 in each centre). 49% male; Age = 81.1 [65-101] years; Diagnostics: medical 70%/surgery 30%. Dysphagia analysis: 42% patients showed an EAT-10 > 3 so the V-VST test was done in these patients resulting in global prevalence of 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7-35.1). Among centres no significant differences were observed: ACH 30% (95% CI: 14-34) and LTCH 27% (95% CI: 19-36). Highlighting a greater concentration of dysphagia in Orthogeriatric and Neurological patients in the LTCH than in ACH (Pneumology, Internal Medicine and Cardiology). MNA analysis: 27% normal 44% risk 29% malnutrition. Malnutrition present in 50.9% of patients diagnosed with dysphagia, 44% in those at risc (EAT-10 +) and 27.6% in those without risc or dysphagia (p = 0.020). From the novo patients, 75.4% did not have adequate complete adapted treatment (diet and thickener). Only 13.3% had their thickener prescribed. In those with history of dysphagia 37% had an inappropriate treatment.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of OD matches with what is described in the literature. There is a high proportion of infradiagnostic and overall inadequate treatment, more than a third of patients do not have their diet adapted correctly. It is important to identify this symptom to treat it properly and to raise awareness among sanitary professionals for best adaptation of treatment.

Predictive clinical factors for penetration and aspiration in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Do the current swallow-specific subquestions of neurological diagnostic tools reflect the objective swallowing function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients or are clinical factors superior to predict critical aspiration?

METHODS

In a cross-sectional, observational study a total of 119 Parkinson outpatients were examined clinically and by flexible-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Self-reported dysphagia by subquestions of the MDS-UPDRS and NMS questionnaire and history of subjective aspiration signs were collected.

KEY RESULTS

Nearly, all PD patients showed deglutition abnormalities in FEES (113/119) while only 12%-27% of them reported swallowing problems in the swallow-specific subquestions of neurological standard diagnostic tools (MDS-UPDRS and NMS-Quest), and the answers were heterogeneous and poorly reproducible. With a sensitivity of up to a maximum of 50%, self-reported dysphagia is therefore no reliable tool for identifying dysphagia in PD. While most clinical parameters were linked to dysphagia to some extent, logistic regression analysis revealed high age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.1 in years, 95% CI 1.03-1.18, P < 0.01), gender (OR 0.3 for females, 95% CI 0.08-0.97, P = 0.04), and affirmed subjective aspiration signs (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.05-26.52, P < 0.001) as the most significant predictors for critical dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Self-perception of swallowing is no reliable tool for identifying dysphagia and questionnaires are insufficient for detecting previous aspiration. Consequent and specific asking for previous subjective aspiration signs is the single most important measure for identifying PD patients at risk for critical aspiration.

Oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with presbyphagia

[Purpose] This study investigated the characteristics of oropharyngeal swallowing function in patients with presbyphagia. [Participants and Methods] Data for 25 patients with presbyphagia were retrospectively analyzed. The oropharyngeal swallowing function was evaluated using VDS based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] Lip closure, mastication, laryngeal elevation, and aspiration showed a relative decrease in function. [Conclusion] This study showed a reduction in oropharyngeal swallowing in patients with presbyphagia. Our results may help in the diagnosis and treatment of presbyphagia.

[High resolution manometry study of pharyngeal function in patients with myotonic dystrophy]

BACKGROUND

Patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD) are known to suffer from oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal motility disorders, which are often the cause of aspiration pneumonia. So far only little is known about the pharyngeal contractility and the function of the upper esophageal sphincter in these patients, in particular only few data are available for manometric investigations allowing assessment of the pharyngeal pressure build-up during swallowing. The aim of this study was to collect such data in patients with MD using high resolution manometry.

METHOD

In two patients with MD high resolution manometry studies were performed during swallowing and phonation to determine pressure-dependent parameters. The results were compared with normal values from healthy subjects.

RESULTS

In both patients a reduced pressure in the entire pharynx during swallowing was determined. The duration of the contraction in the velopharynx and tongue base region was shortened. The structural course of the swallowing process and the opening and closing functions of the upper esophageal sphincter were regular. During realization of closed vowels a reduced pressure build-up in the velopharyngeal region was observed.

CONCLUSION

The force of contraction and the associated pharyngeal pressure build-up during swallowing were reduced resulting in an incomplete clearing of the pharynx. Beside myopathic disorders, neuromuscular disorders also have to be considered. The functional course of the swallowing process and the swallowing pattern was retained. The reduced pressure build-up in the velopharyngeal region can be considered as the cause for rhinophonia. To evaluate the pharyngeal function in patients with MD, high resolution manometry is a useful tool for assessing the pharyngeal function besides the basic diagnostics.

Comparison of maximal tongue strength and tongue strength used during swallowing in relation to age in healthy adults

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to measure and compare the maximal tongue strength and tongue strength used during swallowing in young and older adults. [Subjects and Methods] The study recruited 80 healthy young (aged 20 to 39 years) and older adults (aged ≥65 years) in public places. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used to measure maximal tongue strength and tongue strength used during swallowing. For each subject, the peak value of three measurements was recorded and analyzed. [Results] Maximal tongue strength was statistically significantly higher for the young adults group than the older adults group. Conversely, tongue strength used during swallowing was statistically significantly higher for the older adults group than the young adults group. The percentages of tongue strength used during swallowing for the young adults and older adults groups were approximately 38.8% and 53.8%, respectively. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that older adults have a lower maximal tongue strength than young adults, but a higher tongue strength used during swallowing.

Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - Current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children

Swallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration-induced pneumonia and malnutrition. In addition, quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract, and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities.

Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatricians are asked for diagnostics and therapy, and will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings.

A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom-oriented treatment is necessary for these mostly complex disorders. Integration of non-medical staff such as speech therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over in close cooperation.

In particular, an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff of intensive care medicine is essential.

The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists.

Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently, substitution of the physician is excluded.

[Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children and adults]

Position Paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - Current State of Clinical and Endoscopic Diagnostics, Evaluation, and Therapy of Swallowing Disorders in Children and AdultsSwallowing disorders are frequent. The main concern is mortality due to aspiration induced pneumonia and malnutrition. On the other hand quality of life is severely affected. The demographic trend indicates an increase of dysphagia in the future. Neurodegenerative diseases, tumors of the digestive tract and sequelae of tumor treatment in the head and neck region are the main pathologic entities.Predominantly ENT physicians and phoniatrists, are asked for diagnostics and therapy who will coordinate the interdisciplinary treatment according to the endoscopic findings.A differentiated approach in history, diagnostics, and symptom oriented treatment is necessary for the mostly complex disorders. The integration of non-medical personnel such as logopeds (speech language pathologists), physiotherapists, and occupational therapists in planning and executing an effective therapy expands and completes the patient-oriented care. Conservative treatment by these therapists is an important pillar in the treatment. Parts of the specific diagnostics can be taken over by them in close cooperation.In particular an interdisciplinary cooperation with the staff from intensive care medicine is indispensable.The diagnostic procedures of specific endoscopy as described in this position paper are part of the primary and fundamental tasks of ENT specialists and phoniatrists.Endoscopy is a medical service that is basically not delegable. Consequently substitution of the physician is precluded.