Relationship between pulmonary, cough, and swallowing functions in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Evaluations of pulmonary, cough, and swallow function are frequently performed to assess disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet the relationship between these functions remains unknown. We therefore aimed to determine relationships between these measures in individuals with ALS. METHODS: One hundred individuals with ALS underwent standardized tests: forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum expiratory/inspiratory pressure (MEP, MIP), voluntary cough peak expiratory flow (PEF), and videofluoroscopic swallow evaluation (VF). Duplicate raters completed independent, blinded ratings using the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) scale. Descriptives, Spearman's Rho correlations, Kruskal-Wallis analyses, and Pearson's chi-squared tests were completed. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation across pulmonary and cough measures were FVC: 74.2% predicted (± 22.6), MEP: 91.6 cmH2O (± 46.4), MIP cmH2O: 61.1 (± 28.9), voluntary PEF: 352.7 L/min (± 141.6). DIGEST grades included: 0 (normal swallowing): 31%, 1 (mild dysphagia): 48%, 2 (moderate dysphagia): 10%, 3 (severe dysphagia): 10%, and 4 (life-threatening dysphagia): 1%. Positive correlations were observed: MEP-MIP: r = .76, MIP-PEF: r = .68, MEP-PEF: r = .61, MIP-FVC: r = .60, PEF-FVC: r = .49, and MEP-FVC: r = .46, p < .0001. MEP (p = .009) and PEF (p = .04) differed across DIGEST safety grades. Post hoc analyses revealed significant between group differences in MEP and PEF across DIGEST safety grades 0 versus 1 and grades 0 versus 3, (p < .05). DISCUSSION: In this cohort of individuals with ALS, pulmonary function, and voluntary cough were associated. Expiratory metrics (MEP, PEF) were diminished in individuals with unsafe swallowing, increasing their risk for effectively defending the airway.

Longitudinal changes of swallowing safety and efficiency in infants with spinal muscular atrophy who received disease modifying therapies.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common feature of the natural history of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Literature regarding swallowing safety and efficiency is scarce in patients with SMA, particularly in the era of newborn screening programs and disease-modifying therapies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the longitudinal changes of swallowing safety and efficiency in children with SMA who received one or more disease modifying therapies METHODS: Case series of patients with SMA followed at the University of Florida from 1 May 2019 to 31 December 2022 who had two or more videofluoroscopy swallowing studies (VFSS), with the first being within 30 days of their first treatment. Data extracted from the electronic health record included: neuromotor outcomes, VFSS penetration aspiration scores (PAS), presence of abrnormal oral or pharyngeal residue, clinical history, and timing of disease-modifying therapies administration. RESULTS: Seven subjects were included (five male); three were diagnosed via newborn screen. Median age at diagnosis was 10 days (range: 4-250). Median age at initial VFSS was 29 days (range: 9-246), and age at the last VFSS was 26.1 months (range: 18.2-36.2). All subjects received onasemnogene-abeparvovec (OA); four received additional therapies. PAS at diagnosis was abnormal in four subjects. Six subjects required feeding modifications after VFSS results. Of these, three had silent aspiration (PAS 8) and three of them improved after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing safety and efficiency can be impaired in patients with SMA despite early treatment. Larger, prospective studies are needed to define optimal timiing of longitudinal instrumental evaluations.

Preoperative respiratory strength training is feasible and safe and improves pulmonary physiologic capacity in individuals undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Objective: To determine the safety, feasibility, and physiologic impact of a preoperative respiratory strength training (RST) program in individuals undergoing elective cardiac surgery (CS). Methods: Twenty-five adults undergoing an elective CS at an academic hospital setting enrolled and completed RST 5 days/week (50 repetitions, 50% training load, ≥3 weeks) at home via telehealth in this open-label prospective cohort study. RST adherence, telehealth attendance, and adverse events were tracked. Pre- and post-RST outcomes of maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), voluntary cough spirometry, and patient-reported dyspnea were collected. Descriptive analyses and Wilcoxon signed rank-tests were performed. Results: Two participants (9%) did not complete the prescribed RST program. No significant RST-related adverse events occurred. Treatment adherence for all enrolled participants was 90%, and telehealth attendance was 99%. Of the CS patients who completed the prescribed program (n = 23; 91%), treatment adherence and telehealth attendance were excellent (98% and 100%, respectively). Significant increases in primary outcomes were observed: MEP mean change, +15.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], +3.4 to +27.3, P < .007); MIP mean change, +14.9 (95% CI, +9.4 to +20.4, P < .0001). No statistically significant differences in voluntary cough or perceived dyspnea outcomes were observed (P > .05). Conclusions: These preliminary data demonstrate that a preoperative RST program is safe and feasible and can improve short-term respiratory physiologic capacity (MEP and MIP) in CS patients. Future research is warranted to validate the current findings in a larger cohort of CS patients and to determine whether RST improves postoperative extubation outcomes, airway clearance capacity, and aspiration following cardiac surgery.

Utility of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Objective Dysphagia following cardiac surgery is common and associated with adverse outcomes. Among patients receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), we evaluated the impact of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) on outcomes. Methods A single-center pilot study was conducted in adults (≥18 years of age) undergoing durable LVAD (February 2019 - January 2020). Six patients were prospectively enrolled, evaluated, and underwent FEES within 72 hours of extubation-they were compared to 12 control patients. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Unpaired two-sided t-tests and Fisher's exact tests were performed. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Intraoperative criteria including duration of transesophageal echo (314 ± 86 min) and surgery (301 ± 74 min) did not differ. The mean time of intubation was comparable (57.3 vs. 68.7 hours, p=0.77). In the entire cohort, 30-day, one-year, two-year, and three-year mortality were 0%, 5.6%, 5.6%, and 16.7%, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of the patients that underwent FEES had inefficient swallowing function. The FEES group trended to a shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) (29.1 vs. 46.6 days, p=0.098), post-implantation LOS (25.3 vs 30.7 days, p=0.46), and lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia (16.7% vs. 50%, p=0.32) and sepsis (0% vs. 33.3%, p=0.25). Conclusion FEES did not impact 30-day, one-year, two-year, or three-year mortality. Though not statistically significant, patients who underwent FEES trended toward shorter LOS and lower postoperative pneumonia and sepsis rates. Additionally, we report a higher incidence of dysphagia among patients undergoing FEES despite comparable baseline risk factors with controls.

Profiling Number of Swallows per Bolus and Residue in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Swallowing efficiency impairments are the most prevalent and earliest manifestation of dysphagia in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS). We aimed to profile number of swallows elicited in pALS across thin liquid, moderately thick liquid, extremely thick liquid, and crackers compared to expected healthy reference data and to determine relationships between degree of pharyngeal residue, number of elicited swallows, and swallowing safety. METHOD: pALS underwent standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing studies of 10 bolus trials. Trained raters performed duplicate, independent, and blinded ratings to derive Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) efficiency and safety grades and Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics, and Timing (ASPEKT) percent total pharyngeal residue. Number of swallows per bolus was quantified (1 = typical, 2 = atypically high, 3 = extremely high). Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson chi-square, and odds ratio analyses were performed at bolus and participant levels. KEY RESULTS: At the bolus level (N = 2,523), number of swallows per bolus was observed to be, in rank order, as follows: atypically high (49.1%), extremely high (28.5%), and typical (22.4%). Mean number of swallows significantly differed by International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative level (p < .0001), with a higher number of swallows elicited in pALS for moderately thick versus thin liquids, extremely thick liquids, and crackers, p < .0001. Number of swallows per bolus increased with increasing DIGEST efficiency grades (p < .0001). Positive correlations were observed between ASPEKT percent residue and number of swallows for thin (r = .24) and moderately thick (r = .16) liquids, p < .05. DIGEST efficiency and safety grades were not significantly associated (p > .05). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: pALS demonstrated a higher number of swallows per bolus compared to healthy reference data that may represent a compensation for reductions in swallowing efficiency to clear pharyngeal residue.

Dextromethorphan/quinidine for the treatment of bulbar impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: No efficacious treatments exist to improve or prolong bulbar functions of speech and swallowing in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS). This study evaluated the short-term impact of dextromethorphan/quinidine (DMQ) treatment on speech and swallowing function in pALS. METHODS: This was a cohort trial conducted between August 2019 to August 2021 in pALS with a confirmed diagnosis of probable-definite ALS (El-Escorial Criteria-revisited) and bulbar impairment (ALS Functional Rating Scale score ≤ 10 and speaking rate ≤ 140 words per minute) who were DMQ naïve. Efficacy of DMQ was assessed via pre-post change in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised bulbar subscale and validated speech and swallowing outcomes. Paired t-tests, Fisher's exact, and χ2 tests were conducted with alpha at 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-eight pALS enrolled, and 24 participants completed the 28-day trial of DMQ. A significant increase in ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale score pre- (7.47 ± 1.98) to post- (8.39 ± 1.79) treatment was observed (mean difference: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.46-1.36, p < 0.001). Functional swallowing outcomes improved, with a reduction in unsafe (75% vs. 44%, p = 0.003) and inefficient swallowing (67% vs. 58%, p = 0.002); the relative speech event duration in a standard reading passage increased, indicating a greater duration of uninterrupted speech (mean difference: 0.33 s, 95% CI: 0.02-0.65, p = 0.035). No differences in diadochokinetic rate or speech intelligibility were observed (p > 0.05). INTERPRETATION: Results of this study provide preliminary evidence that DMQ pharmacologic intervention may have the potential to improve or maintain bulbar function in pALS.

Provision of Oral Care in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit: Survey of Nursing Staff Training, Confidence, Methods, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers.

BACKGROUND: Poor oral health is associated with adverse outcomes in critical care settings. Although provision of oral care is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, both formal training and practice among nursing staff remain unclear. METHOD: Cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurses were recruited to complete a 16-item survey regarding training, confidence, methods, prioritization, and barriers to provision of oral care. RESULTS: A total of 108 nurses participated (70% response rate). Formal training in oral care was reported by 38%, most frequently reported as less than 1 hour (53%) in duration. Of the respondents, 70% reported confidence in providing oral care. Nine methods and 16 products were identified, with variability in the frequency of provision. Prioritization of oral care was rated most frequently as moderate (53%), with 28% reporting barriers. CONCLUSION: Despite limited formal training, surveyed nurses reported confidence in providing oral care. Methods, frequency, and prioritization were variable. Both development of formal curricula and evaluation of adherence to standardized protocols for oral care are warranted. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(7):313-321.].

Sensitivity and specificity of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised to detect dysarthria in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Given the widespread use of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) to measure disease progression in ALS and recent reports demonstrating its poor sensitivity, we aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and speech item to detect validated clinical ratings of dysarthria in individuals with ALS. METHODS: Paired ALSFRS-R and validated Speech Intelligibility Test (SIT) data from individuals with ALS were analyzed. Trained raters completed duplicate, independent, and blinded ratings of audio recordings to obtain speech intelligibility (%) and speaking rate (words per minute, WPM). Binary dysarthria profiles were derived (dysarthria ≤96% intelligible and/or <150 WPM). Data were obtained using the Kruskal-Wallis test, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity percentages, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV). RESULTS: A total of 250 paired SIT and ALSFRS-R data points were analyzed. Dysarthria was confirmed in 72.4% (n = 181). Dysarthric speakers demonstrated lower ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale (8.9 vs. 11.2) and speech item (2.7 vs. 3.7) scores (P < .0001). The ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale score had an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.86). A subscale score of ≤11 yielded a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 84%, and NPV of 60% to correctly identify dysarthria status. The ALSFRS-R speech item score demonstrated an AUC of 0.81 to detect dysarthria (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85), with sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 75%, PPV of 89%, and NPV of 58% for a speech item cutpoint of ≤3. DISCUSSION: The ALSFRS-R bulbar and speech item subscale scores may be useful, inexpensive, and quick tools for monitoring dysarthria status in ALS.

Differences in pharyngeal swallow event timing: Healthy aging, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objective: The pharyngeal phase of swallowing involves a coordinated sequence of events. Event durations may be prolonged in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS); however, the cumulative effect of these changes is unexplored. We compared event latencies relative to hyoid burst (HYB) (time zero) to understand differences in deglutatory event timing. We hypothesized PwPD and PwALS would display similarly prolonged cumulative pharyngeal phase durations compared to healthy controls, with greater prolongations with increasing bolus viscosity. Method: We retrospectively evaluated videofluoroscopic data of healthy adults (n = 78), PwPD (n = 17), and PwALS (n = 20). Participants swallowed 15 boluses of 20% (w/v) barium across five liquid consistencies. Paired raters evaluated nine deglutitive events using the ASPEKT method. Latencies were plotted by consistency relative to HYB and compared across cohorts using Mann-Whitney U tests (p ≤ .05). Cohen's d was calculated for all statistically significant results to determine effect size. Results: In PwPD, significantly prolonged latencies were observed on thin liquid boluses compared to healthy controls. Latencies to all post-HYB events were significantly prolonged except for maximum upper esophageal sphincter distension. In PwALS, significantly prolonged latencies for events preceding and following HYB were noted on all consistencies compared to healthy controls and PwPD. Conclusion: In PwPD, event latencies for multiple components of the swallowing sequence were prolonged culminating in overall prolongation of the pharyngeal phase on thin liquid. A similar pattern, but with significantly greater prolongation, was seen in the PwALS, and extended to swallows of all liquid consistencies.

Maximum Phonation Time as a Surrogate Marker for Airway Clearance Physiologic Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: The increased use of telehealth practices has created a critical need for home-based surrogate markers for prognostic respiratory indicators of disease progression in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS). Given that phonation relies on the respiratory subsystem of speech production, we aimed to examine the relationships between maximum phonation time (MPT), forced vital capacity, and peak cough flow and to determine the discriminant ability of MPT to detect forced vital capacity and peak cough flow impairments in pALS. METHOD: MPT, peak cough flow, forced vital capacity, and ALS Functional Rating Scale scores were obtained from 62 pALS (El-Escorial Revised) every 3 months as part of a longitudinal natural history study. Pearson's correlations, linear regressions, and receiver operator characteristic curve analyses with the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of pALS was 63.14 ± 10.95 years, 49% were female, and 43% had bulbar onset. MPT predicted forced vital capacity, F(1, 225) = 117.96, p < .0001, and peak cough flow, F(1, 217) = 98.79, p < .0001. A significant interaction was noted between MPT and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised respiratory subscore for forced vital capacity, F(1, 222) = 6.7, p = .010, and peak cough flow, F(1, 215) = 4.37, p = .034. The discriminant ability of MPT was excellent for peak cough flow (AUC = 0.88) and acceptable for forced vital capacity (AUC = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: MPT is a simple clinical test that can be measured via telehealth and represents a potential surrogate marker for important respiratory and airway clearance indices. Further larger studies are required to validate these findings with remote data collection. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22186408.

Respiratory Strength Training in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Multicenter, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term physiologic effect and one-year functional effect of a 12-week inspiratory and expiratory respiratory strength training (RST) program in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: A double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted in 45 individuals with early-stage ALS. Participants were randomized into 12 weeks of active RST (30% load, n = 23) or sham RST (0% load, n = 22). An intent-to-treat analysis was conducted. Linear regression of pre-post change with group status and pretest scores as predictors was conducted. Primary outcomes included maximum expiratory and inspiratory pressure (MEP, MIP), and secondary outcomes were cough spirometry and forced vital capacity. Exploratory follow-up outcomes included one-year global and bulbar decline (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised [ALSFRS-R] total and bulbar subscale slope), oral intake status, and time to noninvasive ventilation (NIV). RESULTS: TheRST completion rate was 91% with no RST-related adverse events. A 12-week RST program led to increases in MEP (p = 0.004), but not MIP (p = 0.33). On average, MEP increased by 20.8 cm H2O after active RST (95% CI +7.6 to +33.9) and decreased by 1.0 cm H2O (95% CI -9.1 to +7.2) after sham RST. Mean MIP increased by 8.9 cm H2O (95% CI +1.5 to +16.3) and 4.8 cm H2O (95% CI -0.6 to +10.2) for the active and sham groups, respectively. Regarding secondary outcomes, RST led to significant increases in cough peak inspiratory flow (p = 0.02); however, it did not affect cough expiratory flow (p = 0.06) or FVC (p = 0.60). Regarding 12-month outcomes, a significant difference in the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale slope was observed across treatment groups, with a more than two-fold faster rate of bulbar decline in the sham vs active RST groups observed (-0.29 vs -0.12 points/month, p = 0.02). Total ALSFRS-R slope, feeding status, and time to NIV did not differ across treatment groups (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: RST was well tolerated and led to improvements in some, but not all, short and long-term outcomes. RST represents a proactive rehabilitative intervention that could increase physiologic capacity of specific breathing and airway clearance functions during the early stages of ALS. Further work is needed to determine optimal training intensity, resistance load specifications, and potential long-term functional outcomes. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that a mild-intensity respiratory strength training program improves maximum expiratory pressure, but not maximum inspiratory pressure, in patients with early-stage ALS.

Profiles of Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: While dysarthria and dysphagia are known bulbar manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the relative prevalence of speech and swallowing impairments and whether these bulbar symptoms emerge at the same time point or progress at similar rates is not yet clear. We, therefore, sought to determine the relative prevalence of speech and swallowing impairments in a cohort of individuals with ALS and to determine the impact of disease duration, severity, and onset type on bulbar impairments. METHOD: Eighty-eight individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of ALS completed the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), underwent videofluoroscopy (VF), and completed the Sentence Intelligibility Test (SIT) during a single visit. Demographic variables including disease duration and onset type were also obtained from participants. Duplicate, independent, and blinded ratings were completed using the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) scale and SIT to index dysphagia (DIGEST ≥ 1) and dysarthria (< 96% intelligible and/or < 150 words per minute) status. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-squared tests, independent-samples t tests, and odds ratios were performed. RESULTS: Dysphagia and dysarthria were instrumentally confirmed in 68% and 78% of individuals with ALS, respectively. Dysarthria and dysphagia were associated (p = .01), and bulbar impairment profile distributions in rank order included (a) dysphagia - dysarthria (59%, n = 52), (b) no dysphagia - dysarthria (19%, n = 17), (c) no dysphagia - no dysarthria (13%, n = 11), and (d) dysphagia - no dysarthria (9%, n = 8). Participants with dysphagia or dysarthria demonstrated 4.2 higher odds of exhibiting a bulbar impairment in the other domain than participants with normal speech and swallowing (95% CI [1.5, 12.2]). There were no differences in ALSFRS-R total scores or disease duration across bulbar impairment profiles (p > .05). ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale scores were significantly lower in individuals with dysphagia versus no dysphagia (8.4 vs. 10.4, p < .0001) and dysarthria versus no dysarthria (8.5 vs. 10.9, p < .0001). Dysphagia and onset type (p = .003) and dysarthria and onset type were associated (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the individuals with ALS in this study demonstrated both dysphagia and dysarthria. Of those with only one bulbar impairment, speech was twice as likely to be the first bulbar symptom to degrade. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the longitudinal progression of bulbar impairments in this patient population.

Maximum lingual pressure impacts both swallowing safety and efficiency in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Although reduced lingual strength is a confirmed early manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its functional impact on swallowing remains unclear. We therefore sought to examine relationships between maximum anterior isometric lingual pressure (MAIP) with swallowing safety, swallowing efficiency, and swallowing timing metrics in a large cohort of individuals with ALS. METHODS: Ninety-seven participants with ALS completed a standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing examination (VF) and lingual pressure testing (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument). Duplicate and blinded ratings of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing (ASPEKT) percent efficiency (%C2-C42 ) and timing (laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) duration: amount of time (milliseconds, msec) between LVC onset and laryngeal vestibule opening; time-to-LVC: hyoid burst to onset of LVC (msec); and swallow reaction time: interval between bolus passing ramus of mandible and onset of LVC (msec)) were performed across bolus trials. Swallowing safety (safe PAS: 1, 2, 4; unsafe PAS: 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8) and efficiency (inefficient: ≥3% worst total residue) were derived. Statistical analyses including descriptives, binary logistic regressions, and Spearman's rho correlations were performed (α = 0.05). KEY RESULTS: Mean MAIP was 36.3 kPa (SD: 18.7). Mean MAIP was higher in those with safe swallowing as compared to those who penetrated (mean difference: 12 kPa) or aspirated (mean difference: 18 kPa). Individuals with efficient swallowing demonstrated higher MAIP than those with inefficient swallowing (mean difference: 11 kPa). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed increasing MAIP was significantly associated with a 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.09) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.06) greater odds of safe and efficient swallowing, respectively. No relationships were observed between MAIP and swallow reaction time across all bolus trials. Longer time-to-LVC (5 ml thin liquid: rs  = -0.35, p = 0.002; cup sip thin liquid: rs  = -0.26, p = 0.02; moderately thick liquid: rs  = -0.28, p = 0.01) and prolonged LVC duration (cup sip thin liquid, rs  = -0.34, p = 0.003) were associated with lower MAIP. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Reduced lingual strength was confirmed in this group of 97 individuals with ALS that was associated with a diminished ability to effectively transport boluses and aide in laryngeal vestibule closure to prevent entry of material into the airway.

Functional Lingual Pressure Thresholds for Swallowing Safety and Efficiency Impairments in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Although reductions in lingual strength are reported in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that are associated with dysphagia; determination of a functional lingual pressure threshold (FLPT) has not yet been established. The present study therefore sought to identify an FLPT for impaired swallowing safety and efficiency in individuals with ALS.Thirty individuals with ALS completed a standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing examination and maximum anterior isometric lingual pressure testing using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Duplicate, blinded ratings of the validated Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores and Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing (ASPEKT) were performed. Binary classifications of safety (unsafe: PAS: ≥ 3) and efficiency (inefficient: ≥ 3% worst total pharyngeal residue) were derived. Descriptives and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses (AUC, sensitivity, specificity) were performed.Unsafe and inefficient swallowing were instrumentally confirmed in 57% and 70% of ALS patients, respectively. Across the entire cohort, the mean maximum lingual physiologic capacity was 32.1 kilopascals ('kPa'; SD: 18.1 kPa). The identified FLPT for radiographically confirmed unsafe swallowing was 43 kPa (sensitivity: 94%, specificity: 62%, AUC 0.82, p = 0.003). FLPT for inefficient swallowing was 46 kPa (sensitivity: 86%, specificity: 56%, AUC = 0.77, p = 0.02).These data provide preliminary FLPT data in a small cohort of individuals with ALS that need to be further investigated in larger cohorts to inform clinical screening practices.

Dysphagia after cardiac surgery: Prevalence, risk factors, and associated outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of swallowing impairment in adults after cardiac surgery and examine associated risk factors and health-related outcomes. METHODS: A prospective single-center study was conducted in postoperative adult cardiac surgery patients with no history of dysphagia. A standardized fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed within 72 hours of extubation. Blinded raters completed validated outcomes of swallowing safety and efficiency. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative health-related outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In 182 patients examined, imaging confirmed inefficient swallowing (residue) in 52% of patients and unsafe swallowing in 94% (65% penetrators, 29% aspirators). Silent aspiration was observed in 53% of aspirators, and 32% did not clear aspirate material. Independent risk factors for aspiration included New York Heart Association III and IV (OR, 2.9; CI, 1.2-7.0); reoperation (OR, 2.0; CI, 0.7-5.5); transesophageal echocardiogram images greater than 110 (OR, 2.6; CI, 1.1-6.3); intubation greater than 27 hours (OR, 2.1; CI, 0.8-5.3); and endotracheal tube size 8.0 or greater (OR, 3.1; CI, 1.1-8.6). Patients with 3 or 4 identified risk factors had a 16.4 (CI, 3.2-148.4) and 22.4 (CI, 3.7-244.7) increased odds of aspiration, respectively. Compared with nonaspirators, aspirators waited an additional 85 hours to resume oral intake, incurred $49,372 increased costs, and experienced a 43% longer hospital stay (P < .05). Aspiration was associated with pneumonia (OR, 2.6; CI, 1.1-6.5), reintubation (OR, 5.7; CI, 2.1-14.0), and death (OR, 2.8; CI, 1.2-9.0). CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal aspiration was prevalent, covert, and associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Predictors of Peak Expiratory Cough Flow in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Dystussia is prevalent in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading to a diminished physiologic capacity to effectively defend the airway. We aimed to identify predictors of peak expiratory cough flow rate in individuals with ALS. One hundred and thirty-four individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of ALS (El-Escorial criteria revised) completed the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and underwent pulmonary function and cough spirometry testing. Pearson's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression modeling were conducted to determine predictors of voluntary cough peak expiratory flow rate (p < 0.05). The full model including age, bulbar disease, cough spirometry metrics, and respiratory parameters had a marginal R2 = 0.635, F (7, 126) = 30.241, p < 0.0005, adjusted R2 = 0.61. Maximum expiratory pressure, compression phase, and vital capacity did not contribute and were therefore removed (p < 0.05). The most parsimonious predictive model included age, bulbar disease, peak inspiratory flow rate and duration, peak expiratory rise time, and inspiratory pressure generation with a marginal R2 = 0.543. Although expiratory pressure generation has historically served as the therapeutic target to improve dystussia in ALS, the current dataset highlighted that the inability to quickly and forcefully inspire during the inspiratory phase of voluntary cough places patients at a mechanical disadvantage to generate subsequent high-velocity expiratory airflow to clear the airway. Thus, therapeutic training programs that include both inspiratory and expiratory strength targets may optimize airway clearance capacity in this challenging patient population.

A prospective examination of swallow and cough dysfunction after lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Swallow and cough dysfunction are possible surgical complications of lung transplantation (LT). We examined voluntary cough strength, sensorimotor reflexive cough integrity, and swallow-related respiratory rate (RR) across swallowing safety and aspiration response groups in recovering LT recipients. METHODS: Forty-five LT recipients underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing indexed by the validated Penetration Aspiration Scale. RR before and after a 3-ounce water drinking task was measured. Voluntary and reflexive cough screening were performed to index motor and sensory outcomes. T-tests, one-way ANOVAs, and chi-square (odds ratios) were used. RESULTS: 60% of patients exhibited laryngeal penetration (n = 27) and 40% demonstrated tracheal aspiration (n = 18); 72% (n = 13) demonstrated silent aspiration. Baseline RR was higher in aspirators versus non-aspirators (26.5 vs. 22.6, p = 0.04) and in silent aspirators compared to non-silent aspirators (27.9 vs. 20.7, p = 0.01). RR change post-swallowing did not differ between aspiration response groups; however, it was significantly higher in aspirators compared to non-aspirators (3 vs. -2, p = 0.02). Compared to non-silent aspirators, silent aspirators demonstrated reduced voluntary cough peak expiratory flow (PEF; 166 vs. 324 L/min, p = 0.01). PEF, motor and urge to cough reflex cough ratings did not differ between aspirators and non-aspirators. Silent aspirators demonstrated a 7.5 times higher odds of failing reflex cough screening compared to non-silent aspirators (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: During the acute recovery period, all LT participants demonstrated some degree of unsafe swallowing and reduced voluntary cough strength. Silent aspirators exhibited elevated RR, reduced voluntary cough physiologic capacity to defend the airway, and a clinically distinguishable blunted motor response to reflex cough screening.

Comparison of Lingual Pressure Generation Capacity in Parkinson Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Healthy Aging.

PURPOSE: The tongue plays a key role in bolus propulsion during swallowing, with reduced lingual pressure generation representing a risk factor for impaired swallowing safety and efficiency. We compared lingual pressure generation capacity in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD), people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS), and healthy older adults. We hypothesized that both patient cohorts would demonstrate reduced maximum anterior isometric pressure (MAIP) and regular effort saliva swallow (RESS) pressures compared with healthy controls, with the greatest reductions expected in the ALS cohort. METHOD: We enrolled 20 PwPD, 18 PwALS, and 20 healthy adults over 60 years of age. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used to measure MAIP, RESS, and lingual functional reserve (LFR, i.e., MAIP - RESS). Descriptive statistics were calculated; between-groups differences were explored using univariate analyses of variance and post hoc Sidak tests with alpha set at .05. RESULTS: Mean MAIPs for the PD, ALS, and heathy cohorts were 54.7, 33.5, and 47.4 kPa, respectively. Significantly lower MAIP was found in PwALS compared with PwPD and healthy controls. RESS values did not differ significantly across groups. LFR was significantly higher in PwPD versus PwALS and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Lingual pressure generation capacity and functional reserve were reduced in PwALS, but not in PwPD, beyond changes seen with healthy aging. Both patient cohorts displayed preserved lingual pressure during saliva swallows. Future studies exploring longitudinal changes in tongue pressure generation on isometric and saliva swallowing tasks will be needed to confirm whether tongue pressure measures serve as noninvasive clinical biomarkers of swallowing impairment.

Incidence, risk factors, and sequelae of dysphagia mediated aspiration following lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine dysphagia profiles before and after lung transplantation (prevalence, incidence) and to examine predictors and health-related outcomes of aspiration in individuals undergoing lung transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of consecutive adults undergoing lung transplantation and completing a postoperative videofluoroscopic swallowing study between 2017 and 2020 was conducted. The validated penetration aspiration scale indexed swallowing safety and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. T-tests, chi square with odds ratios, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: Two hundred five participants were identified who underwent lung transplantation and a postoperative swallowing exam. Of those who underwent both a pre- and postoperative swallowing exam (n = 170), preoperatively 83% demonstrated safe swallowing and 17% unsafe swallowing. Following lung transplantation, 16% demonstrated safe swallowing and 84% demonstrated unsafe swallowing (39% penetration, 45% aspiration). Independent predictors of postoperative aspiration were venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio [OR]: 6.7, confidence interval [CI]: 2.0-81.5) and reintubation (OR: 4.5, CI: 1.0-60.3), p < .05. Compared to non-aspirators, aspirators demonstrated higher odds of being discharged to a dependent care setting (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.2-4.5), p < .05. Aspirators spent significantly longer NPO (median = 138.0 hours, 25th percentile, 75th percentile = 75.7, 348.3) compared to non-aspirators (median = 85.0 hours, 25th percentile, 75th percentile = 48.0, 131.6, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing dysphagia was low in this cohort of patients undergoing lung transplantation, however increased approximately 5-fold following lung transplantation and was associated with increased morbidity.

Comparison of Validated Videofluoroscopic Outcomes of Pharyngeal Residue: Concordance Between a Perceptual, Ordinal, and Bolus-Based Rating Scale and a Normalized Pixel-Based Quantitative Outcome.

PURPOSE: This study compared the concordance between two validated videofluoroscopic pharyngeal residue outcome scales used in clinical and research settings: the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) and the Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing (ASPEKT) percent residue metric. METHOD: Two trained raters completed independent and blinded videofluoroscopic ratings of both DIGEST efficiency and ASPEKT percent pharyngeal residue outcomes for bolus trials of 5 cc Varibar thin liquid (n = 223), thin liquid comfortable cup sips (n = 223), and 5 cc Varibar thin honey (n = 223). Spearman's rho and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were performed for each bolus type. RESULTS: Significant associations between DIGEST and ASPEKT pharyngeal residue outcomes were noted for 5 cc thin (r = .54, p < .001), cup sip thin (r = .41, p < .001), and 5 cc thin honey (r = .60, p < .001) bolus trials. ASPEKT percent residue increased across worsening DIGEST efficiency ordinal scale levels, with a main effect for each bolus type. Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences in the ASPEKT percent residue values between each DIGEST pairwise comparison for the thin cup sip bolus trial and for each pairwise comparison except between the moderate-to-severe (less than half vs. majority) ordinal levels for the 5 cc thin and 5 cc honey bolus trials, p < .05. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptual, ordinal (DIGEST) and quantitative, pixel-based (ASPEKT) videofluoroscopic pharyngeal residue outcomes were associated in this data set of 669 bolus trials. Future research is warranted to confirm these results.