Sensitivity and specificity of the EAT-10 and SDQ-DP in identifying the risk of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: The early identification of risk for dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is essential for the prevention of nutritional and pulmonary complications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) and the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in identifying dysphagia risk in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with PD participated in the study. EAT-10 and SDQ-PD questionnaires were applied, and a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was used to classify the presence and severity of dysphagia, and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was used to identify the presence of penetration/aspiration. In the statistical analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of the risk questionnaires were calculated, as well as positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. RESULTS: EAT-10 to identify the risk of penetration/aspiration revealed a sensitivity of 71.42% and specificity of 45.45%; in the identification of the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 47.61%, and the specificity was 12.5%. The SDQ-PD questionnaire for risk of penetration/aspiration demonstrated a sensitivity of 28.57%, and a specificity of 68.18%. In terms of identifying the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 20%, while the specificity was 44.44%. CONCLUSION: The SDQ-PD revealed low sensitivity and low specificity to identify the presence of dysphagia and/or penetration/aspiration in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD in this sample. Despite its low specificity, the EAT-10 exhibited good sensitivity in indicating the risk of penetration/aspiration.

ANTECEDENTES: A identificação precoce de risco para disfagia nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é fundamental para a prevenção de complicações nutricionais e pulmonares. OBJETIVO: Analisar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos questionários Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) e Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) para a identificação do risco de disfagia em pacientes com DP nos estágios iniciais e intermediários da doença. MéTODOS: Participaram 29 pacientes com DP. Foi realizado a aplicação dos questionários EAT-10 e SDQ-PD e o exame de videofluoroscopia da deglutição. Para a classificação da presença e gravidade da disfagia foi utilizada a escala Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale e, para identificação da presença de penetração/aspiração, a escala Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). Na análise estatística, calcularam-se a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos questionários de risco EAT-10 e SDQ-DP e o valor preditivo positivo, o valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia. RESULTADOS: A análise do EAT-10 para identificar o risco de penetração/aspiração revelou sensibilidade de 71.42% e especificidade de 45.45%; para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 47,61% e a especificidade de 12.5%. Em relação ao questionário SDQ-PD, para identificar risco de penetração/aspiração, a sensibilidade foi de 28.57% e a especificidade de 68.18% e, para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 20% e a especificidade de 44.44%. CONCLUSãO: O questionário SDQ-PD revelou baixa sensibilidade e baixa especificidade para identificar presença de disfagia e/ou penetração/aspiração em pacientes com DP em estágios iniciais e intermediários para essa amostra. O EAT-10 revelou boa sensibilidade na indicação de risco de penetração/aspiração, apesar de baixa especificidade.

Sensitivity and specificity of the EAT-10 and SDQ-DP in identifying the risk of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease / Sensibilidade e especificidade do EAT-10 e SDQ-DP na identificação do risco de disfagia na doença de Parkinson

Abstract Background The early identification of risk for dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is essential for the prevention of nutritional and pulmonary complications. Objective To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) and the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in identifying dysphagia risk in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD. Methods Twenty-nine patients with PD participated in the study. EAT-10 and SDQ-PD questionnaires were applied, and a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was used to classify the presence and severity of dysphagia, and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was used to identify the presence of penetration/aspiration. In the statistical analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of the risk questionnaires were calculated, as well as positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. Results EAT-10 to identify the risk of penetration/aspiration revealed a sensitivity of 71.42% and specificity of 45.45%; in the identification of the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 47.61%, and the specificity was 12.5%. The SDQ-PD questionnaire for risk of penetration/aspiration demonstrated a sensitivity of 28.57%, and a specificity of 68.18%. In terms of identifying the presence of dysphagia, the sensitivity was 20%, while the specificity was 44.44%. Conclusion The SDQ-PD revealed low sensitivity and low specificity to identify the presence of dysphagia and/or penetration/aspiration in patients with early and intermediate stages of PD in this sample. Despite its low specificity, the EAT-10 exhibited good sensitivity in indicating the risk of penetration/aspiration.

Resumo Antecedentes A identificação precoce de risco para disfagia nos pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é fundamental para a prevenção de complicações nutricionais e pulmonares. Objetivo Analisar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos questionários Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ-PD) e Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) para a identificação do risco de disfagia em pacientes com DP nos estágios iniciais e intermediários da doença. Métodos Participaram 29 pacientes com DP. Foi realizado a aplicação dos questionários EAT-10 e SDQ-PD e o exame de videofluoroscopia da deglutição. Para a classificação da presença e gravidade da disfagia foi utilizada a escala Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale e, para identificação da presença de penetração/aspiração, a escala Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). Na análise estatística, calcularam-se a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos questionários de risco EAT-10 e SDQ-DP e o valor preditivo positivo, o valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia. Resultados A análise do EAT-10 para identificar o risco de penetração/aspiração revelou sensibilidade de 71.42% e especificidade de 45.45%; para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 47,61% e a especificidade de 12.5%. Em relação ao questionário SDQ-PD, para identificar risco de penetração/aspiração, a sensibilidade foi de 28.57% e a especificidade de 68.18% e, para identificar a presença de disfagia, a sensibilidade foi de 20% e a especificidade de 44.44%. Conclusão O questionário SDQ-PD revelou baixa sensibilidade e baixa especificidade para identificar presença de disfagia e/ou penetração/aspiração em pacientes com DP em estágios iniciais e intermediários para essa amostra. O EAT-10 revelou boa sensibilidade na indicação de risco de penetração/aspiração, apesar de baixa especificidade.

Isometric tongue endurance and incomplete laryngeal vestibule closure in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). A delay in laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) and a reduction in tongue pressure, may affect swallowing safety and increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between tongue pressure and airway protection in PD patients: (1) comparing tongue pressure measures and physiological events in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing between PD and controls and (2) analysing the association between tongue pressure and LVC in the PD group. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with idiopathic PD (64.9 years) and 24 healthy controls (64.1 years) participated in this study. All participants underwent the following procedures to verify tongue pressure measurements using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument: maximum anterior and posterior pressure, isotonic and isometric tongue endurance and anterior and posterior tongue pressure during saliva swallowing. To verify swallowing safety, videofluoroscopic swallowing studies focusing on the pharyngeal phase were performed based on the MBSImP protocol. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, PD exhibited a statistically significant decline in tongue pressure tasks: posterior maximum pressure, isotonic endurance, anterior and posterior isometric endurance and tongue pressure during posterior swallowing. Patients with PD had worse pharyngeal scores, including LVC scores, than controls. PD and incomplete LVC had lower anterior isometric endurance scores when compared to those with complete LVC. CONCLUSION: PD with incomplete LVC scored lower in the anterior isometric endurance task. We observed a potential clinical use of this task for the assessment and management of dysphagia in patients with PD.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We meta-analysed the sarcopenia prevalence among patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD) in comparison to a control group and tested the effects of age, sex, sarcopenia assessments, and PD progression in the sarcopenia prevalence. The literature search was performed using five databases in March 2022. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with PD was 3 times higher than in the control group (OR 3.98). Subgroup analyses showed that among individuals aged ≥ 70 years the higher prevalence of sarcopenia in PD compared to controls (OR 5.32, P=0.08) tended to be higher (P=0.08) than the group < 70 years. Regarding PD progression, the prevalence of sarcopenia was not different between individuals scoring < 2.5 and ≥ 2.5 in the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Patients with PD have a higher probability of developing sarcopenia when compared with the control group and older PD patients trended to have even higher chance of sarcopenia than their older controls.

Flow test by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative reveals distinct viscosity parameters of three thickening agents.

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) flow test is useful for the global standardization of food consistencies of dysphagia patients. In clinical practice, different compositions of food thickeners are commonly used, directly influencing viscosity parameters and swallowing physiology. We aimed to compare the IDDSI thickness levels, remaining volume in the syringe (RVS), and viscosity parameters of three different food thickeners. As a secondary objective, we compared the cost of preparing 100 mL of thickened drinks using the studied thickeners. Thickeners A (xanthan gum), B (corn starch, tara gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum), and C (corn starch) were prepared in increasing concentrations from 1 to 7 g/100 mL and were assayed in quintuplicate using the IDDSI flow test. Thickeners A, B, and C presented statistically different results for the IDDSI levels, RVS, and viscosity parameters at all concentrations. Thickener A reached higher levels in the IDDSI framework, RVS, and viscosity parameters compared with thickeners B and C. A large range of RVS was observed at different concentrations for thickener B compared with C. Regarding viscosity, thickeners B and C, with corn starch in their composition, showed exponential behavior as concentrations increased, while thickener A presented a linear trend. The thickener composition was significantly influenced by IDDSI classification, RVS, and viscosity parameters. The study shows that xanthan gum thickeners present less variability in IDDSI, RVS, and viscosity compared with starch-based thickeners.

Translation into Brazilian Portuguese and Cultural Adaptation of the Component Scores Definition from the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImPTM). / Tradução para o português brasileiro e adaptação cultural da Definição de Pontuações de Componentes (Component Scores Definition) pertencentes ao Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile ­ MBSImP(™).

PURPOSE: Translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapt the component scores definition from the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile - MBSImP videofluoroscopy protocol. METHODS: This study was conducted based on international guidelines for creation, translation and transcultural adaptation according to domestic publications for the validation of international speech-language pathology tests. A specialist committee was convened with two otorhinolaryngologists and three speech-language pathologists familiar with videofluoroscopy examinations. Translation into Brazilian Portuguese was carried out by two otorhinolaryngologists with subsequent back translation performed independently by two U.S.-born translators. The final Brazilian Portuguese version was written by speech-language pathologists after revision of translations and back translations resolved semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, linguistic and contextual inconsistencies. This version was tested by committee members, who assessed subjects with no disease, with head and neck cancer and with mild cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Translation of the component scores definition from MBSImP was performed independently and translators agreed on a final version. The MBSImP protocol was renamed "Martin-Harris scale for swallowing videofluoroscopy". Some terms were adapted for the final Brazilian Portuguese version. Use of the translated protocol did not reveal any deviations from the original. CONCLUSION: Translation of the MBSImP fragment into Brazilian Portuguese was consistent with the original version. Approval from specialist committee members refined the protocol adaptation, allowing precise concepts to be accurately translated.

OBJETIVO: Traduzir para o português brasileiro e adaptar culturalmente a definição dos componentes e pontuação (Component Scores Definition) pertencentes ao protocolo para videofluoroscopia Modified Barium Swallow Impairment ­ MBSImPTM. MÉTODO: Esse estudo foi desenvolvido com base nas recomendações internacionais para elaboração, tradução e adaptação transcultural em consonância com publicações nacionais para validação de testes internacionais em Fonoaudiologia. Foi formado um comitê de especialistas, composto por dois médicos otorrinolaringologistas e três fonoaudiólogas conhecedoras do exame de videofluoroscopia. A tradução para o português brasileiro foi realizada por dois otorrinolaringologistas com retrotradução de forma independente por dois nativos norte-americanos. A versão final em português brasileiro foi elaborada pelas fonoaudiólogas certificadas após a revisão das traduções e das retrotraduções com resolução de discrepâncias semânticas, idiomáticas, conceituais, linguísticas e contextuais. Essa versão foi testada pelas fonoaudiólogas membros do Comitê, que avaliaram indivíduos saudáveis, com Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço e Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve. RESULTADOS: A tradução da definição dos componentes e pontuação do MBSImP foi realizada de forma independente e os tradutores chegaram a um consenso para a versão final. O protocolo original Modified Barium Swallow Impairment, foi traduzido para "Escala Martin-Harris para videofluoroscopia da deglutição". Na versão final em português brasileiro alguns termos foram adaptados. A aplicação do protocolo traduzido não apresentou discrepâncias em relação ao protocolo original. CONCLUSÃO: A tradução do excerto do protocolo MBSImP para o português brasileiro foi compatível com a versão original. A certificação de membros do comitê favoreceu a adaptação do material, permitindo a adaptação conceitual.

Professional qualification of Brazilian Speech-Language Pathologists and its impacts on the Blue Dye Test (BDT). / Formação profissional do fonoaudiólogo brasileiro e seu impacto na aplicação do Blue Dye Test (BDT).

PURPOSE: To characterize the professional profile of Speech Pathologists working in health services in Brazil and to verify if the time length of professional practice, specialized formation and experience in dysphagia contribute to the more adequate interpretation and application of the Blue Dye Test (BDT). METHODS: Through social medias and class entities, speech pathologists from all over Brazil were contacted by e-mail, that provided them a link from which they could access the online quiz, containing questions about the professional profile and the application of the BDT. The responses were categorized dichotomously according to the most robust scientific researches on the BDT and were compared statistically according to time length of professional practice, specialized formation and experience in dysphagia. RESULTS: 145 speech pathologists participated, 91.7% of them females. Most work in hospitals, have 11 to 15 years of profession (27.6%), and working from 1 to 5 years in the area of dysphagia (32.4%). Professionals with lato sensu training (54.3%) and with more than a decade of profession (58.1%) showed greater adequacy in interpreting the positive result of BDT. CONCLUSION: The present study reinforces the important role of specialized training in dysphagia in addition to continuing health educational practices in determining the excellence of clinical speech therapy, especially with tracheostomized patients after intubation and at risk of bronchoaspiration.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil dos profissionais de Fonoaudiologia atuantes nos serviços de saúde do território brasileiro e verificar se o tempo de profissão, formação especializada e o tempo de experiência em disfagia contribuem para a interpretação e aplicação mais adequada do Blue Dye Test (BDT). MÉTODO: Por meio de mídias sociais e órgãos de classe, profissionais fonoaudiólogos de todo território nacional foram contactados por e-mail, com envio de um link para acessar um questionário online, contendo perguntas sobre o perfil profissional e a aplicação do BDT. As respostas foram categorizadas de forma dicotômica de acordo com as referências científicas mais robustas do BDT e foram comparadas estatisticamente de acordo com o tempo de profissão, formação especializada e o tempo de experiência. RESULTADOS: Participaram 145 fonoaudiólogos, com predomínio do sexo feminino (91,7%). A maioria atuante em hospitais, com 11 a 15 anos de profissão (27,6%) e de 1 a 5 anos na área de disfagia (32,4%). Profissionais com formação lato sensu (54,3%) e com mais de uma década de profissão (58,1%) apresentaram maior adequação na interpretação do resultado positivo do BDT. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo reforça o importante papel da formação especializada em disfagia e das práticas de educação continuada em saúde, na determinação da atuação fonoaudiológica clínica de excelência, principalmente com pacientes traqueostomizados pós intubação e com risco de broncoaspiração.

Potential Influence of Olfactory, Gustatory, and Pharyngolaryngeal Sensory Dysfunctions on Swallowing Physiology in COVID-19.

Persistent smell and taste disorders have been reported as some of the most common symptoms after COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Sensory, olfactory, and gustatory functions perform an important role in the initiation and modulation of oropharyngeal swallow biomechanics and salivation as well as in mealtime enjoyment and appetite. Yet, the details of this interaction remain relatively unknown in patients who are infected with and recovering from COVID-19. In this commentary, we discuss the possible impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the central and peripheral nervous system and consider the pathophysiology of olfactory, gustatory, and pharyngolaryngeal sensory deficits and its influence on deglutition, describing hypotheses and offering guidance for future research.

Formação profissional do fonoaudiólogo brasileiro e seu impacto na aplicação do Blue Dye Test (BDT) / Professional qualification of Brazilian Speech-Language Pathologists and its impacts on the Blue Dye Test (BDT)

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil dos profissionais de Fonoaudiologia atuantes nos serviços de saúde do território brasileiro e verificar se o tempo de profissão, formação especializada e o tempo de experiência em disfagia contribuem para a interpretação e aplicação mais adequada do Blue Dye Test (BDT). Método Por meio de mídias sociais e órgãos de classe, profissionais fonoaudiólogos de todo território nacional foram contactados por e-mail, com envio de um link para acessar um questionário online, contendo perguntas sobre o perfil profissional e a aplicação do BDT. As respostas foram categorizadas de forma dicotômica de acordo com as referências científicas mais robustas do BDT e foram comparadas estatisticamente de acordo com o tempo de profissão, formação especializada e o tempo de experiência. Resultados Participaram 145 fonoaudiólogos, com predomínio do sexo feminino (91,7%). A maioria atuante em hospitais, com 11 a 15 anos de profissão (27,6%) e de 1 a 5 anos na área de disfagia (32,4%). Profissionais com formação lato sensu (54,3%) e com mais de uma década de profissão (58,1%) apresentaram maior adequação na interpretação do resultado positivo do BDT. Conclusão O presente estudo reforça o importante papel da formação especializada em disfagia e das práticas de educação continuada em saúde, na determinação da atuação fonoaudiológica clínica de excelência, principalmente com pacientes traqueostomizados pós intubação e com risco de broncoaspiração.

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize the professional profile of Speech Pathologists working in health services in Brazil and to verify if the time length of professional practice, specialized formation and experience in dysphagia contribute to the more adequate interpretation and application of the Blue Dye Test (BDT). Methods Through social medias and class entities, speech pathologists from all over Brazil were contacted by e-mail, that provided them a link from which they could access the online quiz, containing questions about the professional profile and the application of the BDT. The responses were categorized dichotomously according to the most robust scientific researches on the BDT and were compared statistically according to time length of professional practice, specialized formation and experience in dysphagia. Results 145 speech pathologists participated, 91.7% of them females. Most work in hospitals, have 11 to 15 years of profession (27.6%), and working from 1 to 5 years in the area of dysphagia (32.4%). Professionals with lato sensu training (54.3%) and with more than a decade of profession (58.1%) showed greater adequacy in interpreting the positive result of BDT. Conclusion The present study reinforces the important role of specialized training in dysphagia in addition to continuing health educational practices in determining the excellence of clinical speech therapy, especially with tracheostomized patients after intubation and at risk of bronchoaspiration.

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.

The Role of the Corpus Callosum in Pediatric Dysphagia: Preliminary Findings from a Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the structural integrity of the corpus callosum (CC) and clinical feeding/swallowing performance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). Twenty children with USCP, (11 males, 5.11-17.6 yoa) were assessed via the Dysphagia Disorder Survey (DDS) and diffusion tensor imaging. Children were grouped into left hemisphere lesion (LHL; n = 13) and right hemisphere lesion (RHL; n = 7) groups. DTI variables analyzed for three CC regions (anterior, middle, posterior) were: fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), mean diffusivity (MD), and fibers count. Children with RHL presented with higher clinical dysphagia severity (p = 0.03). Six of seven children with RHL had lesions affecting periventricular/subcortical areas, and 8/13 children with LHL had lesions affecting the sensorimotor cortex. In the LHL group, as FA and fiber count of the anterior CC decreased and RD increased (all indicating reduced CC structural integrity), signs of dysphagia increased (r = -0.667, p = 0.013; r = -0.829, p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.594, p = 0.032, respectively). Reduced fiber count in the middle and posterior CC was also significantly associated with increased DDS scores (r = -0.762, p = 0.002; r = -0.739, p = 0.004, respectively). For the RHL group no significant correlations were observed. We provide preliminary evidence that corpus callosum integrity correlates with feeding/swallowing performance in children with USCP, especially when cortical sensorimotor areas of the left hemisphere are impacted. In this sample, CC integrity appeared to enable interhemispheric cortical plasticity for swallowing, but was not as critical when intrahemispheric connections were disrupted, as seen in the RHL group.

Dysarthria as a predictor of dysphagia following stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Important sequels are frequent, including dysphagia and communication disorders. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of dysphagia and communication disorders following stroke, and to identify if communication disorders can predict dysphagia. METHODS: Thirty-one prospective and consecutive patients were admitted to the Otolaryngology-Dysphagia Outpatient Clinic with diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke was confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and medical evaluation. All patients had a swallowing and communication evaluation. We compared patients with and without dysphagia, and established the co-occurrence among dysphagia and communication disorders. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients presented dysphagia. Aphasia occurred in 32.3% of the patients; dysarthria in 45.2%. Dysphagia and aphasia co-occurred in 29% of the population; dysphagia and dysarthria in 45.2%; the three conditions co-occurred in 22.6%. Dysarthria was a predictor of dysphagia, and it was associated with the presence of oral stage problems. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive evaluation of dysphagia, aphasia, and dysarthria are important to improve clinical outcome following stroke. The identification of dysarthria as a predictor of dysphagia can help identify risk for dysphagia in stroke and assist in the therapeutic process of swallowing problems.

Vocal Effects in Military Students Submitted to an Intense Recruit Training: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims at evaluating the vocal parameters of military officers before and after an Intense Recruit Training (IRT), consisting of a 48-hour exercise protocol involving high vocal demand combined with physical effort, lower body hydration levels, and fewer hours of sleep. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-three young male military officers (aged between 18 and 22 years) were recorded on three occasions: before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the IRT. METHODS: Maximum phonation times (MPTs) using vocalization of the vowel /a/, the fricative consonants /s/ and /z/, and connected speech samples were collected. A number of acoustic parameters were analyzed: mean fundamental frequency, mean intensity, jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, spectral emphasis (acoustic correlate of vocal effort), H1-H2 (difference between the amplitude of the first and the second harmonic), and the frequency and intensity ranges. For the immediate effects, statistical analyses were conducted using a paired sample t test (P = 0.05) to compare two moments: before and after the IRT. For the long-lasting effect, statistical analyses were conducted using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P = 0.05) to compare between all three moments (before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the IRT). RESULTS: The MPTs of /a/, /s/, and /z/, the acoustic parameters as spectral emphasis, and the mean of intensity showed statistically significant changes between the data from before and immediately after training took place. The MPT of /a/ and the intensity range showed statistically significant changes between the measurements taken immediately after training and the ones taken 2 weeks after training; there were significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups of data acquired. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the acoustic parameters were able to identify changes in the vocal conditions of the military students as consequence of high intensity voice and physical military training. The changes in the vocal intensity and MPT parameters seem to be related to general fatigue and lower hydration. The absence of impact in some parameters, specially 2 weeks after the IRT, may reveal that the students' voice is getting used to the military activities.

Estudo da associação entre doenças crônicas naturais do envelhecimento e alterações da deglutição referidas por idosos da comunidade / Association study between natural chronic diseases of aging and swallowing changes referred by community elderly

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar associação entre as alterações de deglutição autorreferidas com doenças crônicas naturais do envelhecimento, aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos, nutricionais e de saúde bucal, em idosos da comunidade. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal, proveniente de um inquérito de saúde com 900 idosos de 65 anos ou mais, recrutados em domicílio, na zona urbana de Campinas, São Paulo/Brasil, no contexto do estudo "Fragilidade em Idosos Brasileiros". Todos foram submetidos a medidas sociodemográficas, antropométricas, de rastreio cognitivo, entre outras. Aos idosos sem sinais sugestivos de demência foi aplicado protocolo com questões dicotômicas (sim/não), baseadas no autorrelato de doenças crônicas, sintomas depressivos, saúde bucal e alteração da deglutição. As associações e as razões de prevalência foram investigadas por meio de regressão de Cox e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 507 idosos com 72 (+/-5,2) anos de idade, em média, sendo a maioria mulheres (62%). As doenças crônicas naturais do envelhecimento mais referidas foram hipertensão (62,1%) e artrite/reumatismo (43,5%). Apenas 12,4% não relataram nenhuma doença crônica. Sensação de alimento parado (16%) e engasgos ao se alimentar ou ingerir líquido (14,4%) foram as alterações de deglutição mais referidas. Sensação de boca seca, maior número de doenças crônicas, cardiopatias e osteoporose foram associados com alterações de deglutição. O aumento de idade foi relacionado apenas ao pigarro, após ingestão de algum alimento. Conclusão A coocorrência de doenças crônicas e a sensação de boca seca foram os fatores mais relacionados às alterações de deglutição. A idade foi associada apenas ao relato de pigarro após alimentação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the association between self-reported swallowing changes with natural chronic diseases of aging, socioeconomic, demographic, nutrition and oral health aspects in the elderly community. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, from a health survey of 900 elderly with 65 years or older, recruited at home, in the urban area of Campinas, São Paulo/Brazil, in the context of the "Frailty in Elderly Brazilians". All patients underwent sociodemographic and anthropometric measures, of cognitive screening, among others. The elderly with no signs suggestive of dementia was applied protocol with dichotomous questions (yes/no), based on self-reported chronic disease, depressive symptoms, oral health and swallowing changes. Associations and prevalence ratios were investigated by Cox regression and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results The sample comprised 507 elderly with 72 (+/- 5.2) years, on average, most women (62%). Natural chronic diseases of aging were most mentioned hypertension (62.1%) and arthritis / rheumatism (43.5%). Only 12.4% reported no chronic disease. Sensation of food stopped (16%) and gagging to feed or drinking liquid (14.4%) were the most mentioned swallowing changes. Dry mouth sensation, more diseases that are chronic, heart disease and osteoporosis were associated with swallowing changes. Increasing age was only related to the hoarseness after ingestion of a food. Conclusion The co-occurrence of chronic diseases and the sensation of dry mouth were the most related to factors of swallowing changes. The age was associated only to report of throat clearing after feeding.

Dysarthria and Quality of Life in neurologically healthy elderly and patients with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: To compare the speech and voice of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and neurologically healthy elderly adults (control group, CG), to find out whether these features are related to the disease or the normal aging process, and investigate the impact that dysarthria has on the Quality of Life (QoL) of these individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 25 individuals, 13 patients with PD and 12 CG. All the participants underwent vocal assessment, perceptual and acoustic analysis, based on "Dysarthria Assessment Protocol" and analysis of QoL using a questionnaire, "Living with Dysarthria". The data underwent statistical analysis to compare the groups in each parameter. RESULTS: In the assessment of dysarthria, patients with PD showed differences in prosody parameter (p=0.012), at the habitual frequency for females (p=0.025) and males (p=0.028), and the extent of intensity (p=0.039) when compared to CG. In QoL questionnaire, it was observed that patients with PD showed more negative impact on the QoL compared to CG, as indicated by the total score (p=0.005) with various aspects influencing this result. CONCLUSION: The degree of modification of speech and voice of patients with PD resembles those seen in normal aging process, with the exception of prosody and the habitual frequency, which are related to the greatest negative impact on the QoL of patients with PD.

Dysarthria and Quality of Life in neurologically healthy elderly and patients with Parkinson's disease / Disartria e Qualidade de Vida em idosos neurologicamente sadios e pacientes com doença de Parkinson

PURPOSE: To compare the speech and voice of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and neurologically healthy elderly adults (control group, CG), to find out whether these features are related to the disease or the normal aging process, and investigate the impact that dysarthria has on the Quality of Life (QoL) of these individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 25 individuals, 13 patients with PD and 12 CG. All the participants underwent vocal assessment, perceptual and acoustic analysis, based on "Dysarthria Assessment Protocol" and analysis of QoL using a questionnaire, "Living with Dysarthria". The data underwent statistical analysis to compare the groups in each parameter. RESULTS: In the assessment of dysarthria, patients with PD showed differences in prosody parameter (p=0.012), at the habitual frequency for females (p=0.025) and males (p=0.028), and the extent of intensity (p=0.039) when compared to CG. In QoL questionnaire, it was observed that patients with PD showed more negative impact on the QoL compared to CG, as indicated by the total score (p=0.005) with various aspects influencing this result. CONCLUSION: The degree of modification of speech and voice of patients with PD resembles those seen in normal aging process, with the exception of prosody and the habitual frequency, which are related to the greatest negative impact on the QoL of patients with PD. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar a fonoarticulação de um grupo com doença de Parkinson (DP) e um Grupo Controle (GC) de sujeitos neurologicamente sadios, a fim de descobrir se essas características são relacionadas à doença ou ao processo normal de envelhecimento, e investigar o impacto que a disartria acarreta à Qualidade de Vida (QV) desses sujeitos. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com a participação de 25 sujeitos, sendo 13 pacientes com DP e 12 GC. Todos os participantes foram avaliados quanto à disartria, análise perceptivo-auditiva e acústica, com base no "Protocolo de Avaliação da Disartria", e à QV, utilizando-se o questionário "Vivendo com Disartria". Os dados foram comparados entre os grupos em cada parâmetro. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação da disartria, o grupo com DP apresentou diferenças no parâmetro prosódia (p=0,012), na frequência habitual para os gêneros feminino (p=0,025) e masculino (p=0,028), e na média da extensão de intensidade (p=0,039), quando comparado ao GC. Em relação à QV, observou-se que a disartria apresenta um impacto mais negativo na QV dos pacientes com DP, quando comparados aos sujeitos do GC, conforme observado no escore total (p=0,005) e nos aspectos que influenciaram esse resultado. CONCLUSÕES: O grau de modificação da fonoarticulação dos pacientes com DP assemelha-se aos presentes no processo normal de envelhecimento, com exceção da prosódia e da frequência habitual, que estão relacionadas com o impacto mais negativo na QV dos sujeitos com DP. .

Dysphagia progression and swallowing management in Parkinson's disease: an observational study / Progressão e tratamento da disfagia na doença de Parkinson: estudo observacional

Introduction: Dysphagia is relatively common in individuals with neurological disorders. Objective: To describe the swallowing management and investigate associated factors with swallowing in a case series of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: It is a long-term study with 24 patients. The patients were observed in a five-year period (2006-2011). They underwent Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Functional Oral Intake Scale and therapeutic intervention every three months. In the therapeutic intervention they received orientation about exercises to improve swallowing. The Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's tests were used. The period of time for improvement or worsening of swallowing was described by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: During the follow-up, ten patients improved, five stayed the same and nine worsened their swallowing functionality. The median time for improvement was ten months. Prior to the worsening there was a median time of 33 months of follow-up. There was no associated factor with improvement or worsening of swallowing. The maneuvers frequently indicated in therapeutic intervention were: chin-tuck, bolus consistency, bolus effect, strengthening-tongue, multiple swallows and vocal exercises. Conclusion: The swallowing management was characterized by swallowing assessment every three months with indication of compensatory and rehabilitation maneuvers, aiming to maintain the oral feeding without risks. There was no associated factor with swallowing functionality in this case series. .

Introdução: A disfagia é frequente em indivíduos com distúrbios neurológicos. Objetivo: Descrever o tratamento da disfagia e investigar fatores associados à deglutição em uma série de casos com doença de Parkinson. Método: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal com 24 pacientes acompanhados por um período de cinco anos (2006-2011). Todos foram submetidos à videoendoscopia da deglutição, classificação de acordo com a Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) e receberam orientações sobre o tratamento da deglutição a cada três meses. As orientações do tratamento da deglutição compreenderam exercícios para a melhora da deglutição. Os testes Qui-quadrado, Kruskal-Wallis e Fisher foram utilizados para investigar associação entre o estado da deglutição e variáveis clínicas. Resultados: Durante o acompanhamento, dez pacientes melhoraram, cinco mantiveram e nove pioraram a funcionalidade da deglutição. Uma mediana de dez meses foi observada até a me-lhora na deglutição ser obtida. Foi observada uma mediana de 33 meses de acompanhamento até a piora na deglutição. As manobras mais frequentemente indicadas na terapia foram: queixo para baixo, mudança na consistência e no efeito do bolo, exercícios para força e mobilidade de língua, deglutições múltiplas e exercícios vocais. Conclusão: O tratamento da disfagia foi caracterizado por avaliações trimestrais da deglutição com indicação de manobras compensatórias e reabilitadoras. Nesta casuística não foram identificados fatores associados às mudanças na funcionalidade da deglutição. .

Qualidade de vida em laringectomizados totais: uma análise sobre diferentes instrumentos de avaliação / Quality of life in total laryngectomy patients: an analysis of different assessment tools

OBJETIVO: verificar a contribuição dos diferentes questionários e de entrevista na avaliação de qualidade de vida em sujeitos laringectomizados totais que se comunicam pela voz esofágica. MÉTODOS: estudo quantitativo e qualitativo baseado na realização de entrevista aberta e aplicação de questionários específicos para câncer de cabeça e pescoço - UW-QOL, FACT (H&N) e EORTC QLQ (H&N35) - em quatro pacientes com idade entre 62-68 anos, submetidos à retirada total da laringe e que estão em acompanhamento fonoaudiológico para aquisição de voz esofágica. RESULTADOS: a entrevista possibilitou a melhor 'escuta' do paciente, no entanto, quando se trata de estudos populacionais sua aplicação se torna inviável, sendo os questionários ainda a melhor opção. O EORTC QLQ (H&N) demonstrou ser o questionário mais específico para questões fonoaudiológicas, enquanto o UW-QOL explora mais as questões físicas e o FACT (H&N) aborda melhor o domínio emocional/psicológico. CONCLUSÃO: os questionários e a entrevista avaliados apresentaram especificidades e contribuem para a avaliação da QV de maneira diferente. Por isso, conhecer os domínios prevalentes nos questionários e a temática abordada na entrevista permite a escolha criteriosa do instrumento de avaliação de qualidade de vida mais adequado a ser aplicado ao sujeito laringectomizado total. .

PURPOSE: to verify the contribution of different questionnaires and a semi-structured interview in the assessment of quality of life in individuals with total laryngectomy. METHODS: quantitative and qualitative research with a semi-structured interview and specific questionnaires for head and neck cancer - UW-QOL, FACT (H&N) and EORTC QLQ (H&N35) - in four patients aged 62-68 years who underwent total removal of the larynx and are in speech therapy for the acquisition of the esophageal speech. RESULTS: the semi-structured interview allowed a better listening. However, population studies hinder its application, and interview questionnaires become the better choice. The EORTC QLQ (H&N) proved to be the most specific questionnaire for speech therapist questions, while the UW-QOL explores further physic questions and the FACT (H&N) covers the emotional/psychological domain. CONCLUSION: the questionnaires and the semi-structured interview presented many specifications and their contribution for the assessment of the quality of life are different. The more appropriate choice depends on the goals of the research and the main factor for the assessment of the quality of life. .

Dysphagia progression and swallowing management in Parkinson's disease: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphagia is relatively common in individuals with neurological disorders. OBJECTIVE: To describe the swallowing management and investigate associated factors with swallowing in a case series of patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: It is a long-term study with 24 patients. The patients were observed in a five-year period (2006-2011). They underwent Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Functional Oral Intake Scale and therapeutic intervention every three months. In the therapeutic intervention they received orientation about exercises to improve swallowing. The Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's tests were used. The period of time for improvement or worsening of swallowing was described by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: During the follow-up, ten patients improved, five stayed the same and nine worsened their swallowing functionality. The median time for improvement was ten months. Prior to the worsening there was a median time of 33 months of follow-up. There was no associated factor with improvement or worsening of swallowing. The maneuvers frequently indicated in therapeutic intervention were: chin-tuck, bolus consistency, bolus effect, strengthening-tongue, multiple swallows and vocal exercises. CONCLUSION: The swallowing management was characterized by swallowing assessment every three months with indication of compensatory and rehabilitation maneuvers, aiming to maintain the oral feeding without risks. There was no associated factor with swallowing functionality in this case series.

Dysarthria and dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with spinal onset: a study of quality of life related to swallowing.

BACKGROUND: Dysarthria and dysphagia are the most common clinical problems encountered in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and may reduce the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association of dysarthria and dysphagia and to evaluate the impact of dysphagia on swallowing quality of life in patients with ALS with spinal onset. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent to speech and swallowing evaluation and filled out self-report assessment of the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL). The dysarthria severity was graded using the Speech Subscale of ALS Severity Scale. The dysphagia severity was graded using a scale proposed by Dziweas et al., and the Functional Oral Intake Scale. RESULTS: Over 70% of the ALS patients with spinal onset had dysarthria and dysphagia. The correlation of dysarthria and dysphagia scales was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The correlation between dysarthria and dysphagia severity and SWAL-QOL outcomes was significant for the same domains: "symptom frequency", "communication" and "fear of eating". The SWAL-QOL domains presented a mild to moderate impact on quality of life. Disease duration did not impact on SWAL-QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Dysarthria and dysphagia were common symptoms in patients with spinal onset of ALS and the swallowing quality of life decrease was directly related to with severity of dysarthria and dysphagia.