Clinical prognostic indicators of dysphagia following prolonged orotracheal intubation in ICU patients.

INTRODUCTION: The development of postextubation swallowing dysfunction is well documented in the literature with high prevalence in most studies. However, there are relatively few studies with specific outcomes that focus on the follow-up of these patients until hospital discharge. The purpose of our study was to determine prognostic indicators of dysphagia in ICU patients submitted to prolonged orotracheal intubation (OTI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study from 2010 to 2012 of all patients over 18 years of age admitted to a university hospital ICU who were submitted to prolonged OTI and subsequently received a bedside swallow evaluation (BSE) by a speech pathologist. The prognostic factors analyzed included dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment and at hospital discharge, age, time to initiate oral feeding, amount of individual treatment, number of orotracheal intubations, intubation time and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: After we excluded patients with neurologic diseases, tracheostomy, esophageal dysphagia and those who were submitted to surgical procedures involving the head and neck, our study sample size was 148 patients. The logistic regression model was used to examine the relationships between independent variables. In the univariate analyses, we found that statistically significant prognostic indicators of dysphagia included dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment, time to initiate oral feeding and amount of individual treatment. In the multivariate analysis, we found that dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment remained associated with good treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of prognostic indicators in different populations with dysphagia can contribute to the design of more effective procedures when evaluating, treating, and monitoring individuals with this type of disorder. Additionally, this study stresses the importance of the initial assessment ratings.

Oral motor movements and swallowing in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal motility disorders were found to be the most important causes of aspiration pneumonia in patients with myotonic dystrophy. The purpose of this report was to evaluate clinical characteristics of the oral motor movements and swallowing of individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) using a standardized clinical protocol and surface electromyography (sEMG). Participants were 40 individuals divided in two groups: G1 composed of 20 adults with DM1 and G2 composed of 20 healthy volunteers paired by age and gender to the individuals in G1. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA with two factors for within- and between-group comparisons and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Patients with DM1 presented deficits in posture, position, and mobility of the oral motor structures, as well as compromised mastication and deglutition. The sEMG data indicated that these patients had longer muscle activations during swallowing events. The longer duration of sEMG in the group of patients with DM1 is possibly related to myotonia and/or incoordination of the muscles involved in the swallowing process or could reflect a physiological adaptation for safe swallowing.

Computer game-based and traditional learning method: a comparison regarding students' knowledge retention.

BACKGROUND: Educational computer games are examples of computer-assisted learning objects, representing an educational strategy of growing interest. Given the changes in the digital world over the last decades, students of the current generation expect technology to be used in advancing their learning requiring a need to change traditional passive learning methodologies to an active multisensory experimental learning methodology. The objective of this study was to compare a computer game-based learning method with a traditional learning method, regarding learning gains and knowledge retention, as means of teaching head and neck Anatomy and Physiology to Speech-Language and Hearing pathology undergraduate students. METHODS: Students were randomized to participate to one of the learning methods and the data analyst was blinded to which method of learning the students had received. Students' prior knowledge (i.e. before undergoing the learning method), short-term knowledge retention and long-term knowledge retention (i.e. six months after undergoing the learning method) were assessed with a multiple choice questionnaire. Students' performance was compared considering the three moments of assessment for both for the mean total score and for separated mean scores for Anatomy questions and for Physiology questions. RESULTS: Students that received the game-based method performed better in the pos-test assessment only when considering the Anatomy questions section. Students that received the traditional lecture performed better in both post-test and long-term post-test when considering the Anatomy and Physiology questions. CONCLUSIONS: The game-based learning method is comparable to the traditional learning method in general and in short-term gains, while the traditional lecture still seems to be more effective to improve students' short and long-term knowledge retention.

Correlation between findings of the oral myofunctional clinical assessment, pressure and electromyographic activity of the tongue during swallowing in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. / Correlação entre achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, a pressão e a atividade eletromiográfica da língua na deglutição em indivíduos com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial.

PURPOSE: To correlate the findings regarding the myofunctional orofacial examination, tongue pressure and surface electromyography (sEMG) of deglutition in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. METHODS: 44 patients (20 males and 24 females, aged between 17 and 63 years old) with different orofacial myofunctional changes were clinically assessed using the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E). In addition, the range of mandibular movements and facial anthropometry were measured, along with the assessment of the tongue pressure (tip and dorsum) and of the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during deglutition, using surface electromyography (sEMG). RESULTS: The statistical analysis found weak correlations between tongue dorsum pressure values, suggesting that the greater the measurement of the lower third of the face, the lower the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the greater the measurement of the overlaps (vertical and horizontal), the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the higher the score from the orofacial evaluation and orofacial functions assessment, the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; and the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum, the higher the pressure of the tongue tip. CONCLUSION: The present study results indicate that the orofacial myofunctional changes found in different groups of patients are more related to the maxillomandibular discrepancies than to the pathologies investigated herein.

OBJETIVO: correlacionar os achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, pressão de língua e da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) da deglutição de grupos de pacientes com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial. MÉTODO: 44 pacientes (20 homens e 24 mulheres com idades entre 17 e 63 anos), com diferentes alterações miofuncionais orofaciais foram avaliados por meio da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandido (AMIOFE-E), avaliação da amplitude mandibular e antropometria facial, mensuração da pressão de língua (ponta e dorso) e exame de Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMGs) em região supra hioidea na tarefa de deglutição de saliva e diferentes volumes de água. RESULTADOS: a análise estatística encontrou algumas correlações fracas que envolvem a pressão do dorso de língua e sugerem que quanto maior for a medida do terço inferior, menor será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a medida dos trespasses (vertical e horizontal) maior será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a pontuação da avaliação de postura e funções orofaciais, maior será a pressão do dorso de língua e quanto maior for a pressão do dorso de língua, maior será a pressão da ponta da língua. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados sugerem que as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais encontradas nos diferentes grupos de pacientes estão mais relacionadas às discrepâncias maxilomandibulares do que às patologias pesquisadas no presente estudo.

Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions. / Análise de preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente: percepção familiar e quantidade de rupturas da fala.

PURPOSE: To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions. METHODS: Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering. RESULTS: For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions. CONCLUSION: The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar duas variáveis independentes consideradas como possíveis preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente (GP): percepção familiar da gagueira e quantidade de rupturas da fala. MÉTODO: Participaram 452 crianças, com idade entre 3 a 11:11 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (GGQ), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 2 (GGS), 42 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e sem queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 3 (FQ), 94 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9% com queixa familiar de gagueira e grupo 4 (FS), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9 sem queixa familiar de gagueira. RESULTADOS: Para o grupo GGQ há relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala típicas da gagueira e houve predominância de crianças do sexo masculino. Para o grupo GGS não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FQ não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FS houve relação significante entre a ausência de queixa familiar de gagueira e a reduzida quantidade de rupturas de fala. CONCLUSÃO: O percentual de rupturas ≥3% é um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de rupturas do tipo repetições pode ser um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de gagueira, isoladamente, não deve ser considerada como indicador de GP.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). RESULTS: The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. CONCLUSION: The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Clinical Manifestation of Nebulin-Associated Nemaline Myopathy.

Background and Objectives: Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited myopathy related with at least 12 genes, whereas pathogenic variants in NEB gene are the most common genetic cause. The clinical spectrum of NM caused by NEB pathogenic variants (NM-NEB) is very broad, ranging from mild to severe presentations manifesting with generalized weakness, as well as respiratory and bulbar involvement. There is currently not enough data regarding the progression of the disease. In this study, we present a genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of 33 patients with NM caused by NEB variants (NM-NEB) classified according to age groups and the use of ventilatory support. We focused on interventional support, genotype-phenotype correlation, and association between respiratory, bulbar, and motor systems in groups of patients stratified by age and by the use of ventilatory support (VS). Methods: Clinical and genetic data from patients with NM-NEB followed up in one specialized center were collected through regular consultations. Patients were evaluated regarding motor, bulbar, and respiratory functions. Results: Thirty-three patients with NM-NEB were evaluated consisting of 15 females and 18 males with an average age of 18 (±12) years and a median of 17 (±11) years. 32% of patients with NM-NEB used a G tube, 35% were not able to walk without support, and 55% needed VS. Scoliosis and dysphagia were more common among patients who used VS. Described for the first time, half of the patients presented tongue atrophy in a triple furrow pattern, and the presence of the atrophy was associated with dysphagia. Comparing the patients grouped by age, we found that, proportionally, older patients had more scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction than younger groups, suggesting the progression of the disease in these domains. In addition to that, we showed that VS use was associated with scoliosis and dysphagia. Discussion: NM-NEB is a very debilitating disease. There is an association between scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction while patients using VS have more often scoliosis than the no-VS group. Triple furrow tongue atrophy is a novel and frequent finding, which is directly associated with dysphagia. Grouping patients by age suggested disease stability in motor and swallow function, but a progression in respiratory dysfunction and skeletal deformities. All observations are relevant in the management care of patients with NM.

Exchange of disfluency with age from function to content words in Brazilian Portuguese speakers who do and do not stutter.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the exchange of disfluencies from function words to content words with age in Brazilian Portuguese speakers who do and do not stutter. Ninety stuttering individuals and 90 controls, native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, were divided into three age groups (children, adolescents and adults). The study method involved analyzing the occurrence of stuttering on content and function words based on spontaneous speech samples. Results indicated that children tend to be more disfluent on function words. With the increase in age, teenagers and adults who stutter presented a higher number of disfluencies on content words. These findings support the current literature, indicating that with the aging process, there is an exchange of disfluencies from function to content words. This shift in the disfluency pattern may account for a more advanced type of stuttering. The study also demonstrated that disfluencies in Portuguese speakers follow the same pattern of shifting from function to content words with age as for English speakers.

Risk Factors for the Development of Persistent Stuttering: What Every Pediatrician Should Know.

Early identification and adequate treatment of children who stutter is important, since it has an impact on speech development. Considering the importance of aiding pediatricians to recognize children at risk for developing persistent stuttering, the aim of the present study was to correlate speech fluency characteristics of children, whose parents reported stuttering behaviors, to the risk factors of persistent stuttering. The participants were 419 children aged 2:0 to 11:11 years, who were divided into two groups: children with stuttering complaints (CSC), composed of children whose parents reported the presence of stuttering behaviors; and children with no stuttering complaint (CNSCs), composed of children with no stuttering behaviors. Risk variables were gathered based on a questionnaire answered by parents involving the following variables: sex, presence of family history of stuttering, whether stuttering behaviors were observed for more than 12 months, whether stuttering behaviors began before 5 years of age, increased effort to speak (i.e., syllable and sound repetitions and fixed articulatory positions), negative family attitude towards the child's speech, and negative attitude towards the child's own speech. The diagnosis of stuttering was determined by a formal speech assessment by a pathologist (SLP). The risk analysis indicated that increased effort to speak, negative family attitude towards the child's speech, and complaints of stuttering for more than 12 months were associated with a higher risk of stuttering in children. Therefore, when pediatricians are faced with complaints about the presence of stuttering behaviors and these factors are present, they should immediately refer the patient to an SLP for specific assessment.

The effects of treatment timing on the management of patients with multiple facial fractures and on the self-perception of TMD recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of time on the orofacial functions and on the self-perception of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) recovery in a population of patients with multiple facial fractures. METHODS: Orofacial functions and self-perception of TMD recovery was verified in patients with midface and/or lower face fractures. Patients were divided according to the time between fracture reduction and the clinical assessments: 0-1 month (Group 1), 1-3 months (Group 2), and 15 >3 months (Group 3). RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 presented a greater compromise of swallowing and mastication when compared to patients with older fractures (p = 0.015), whereas patients in Group 3 presented a poorer TMD recovery (TMJ pain: p = 0.010 and tinnitus: p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Delays in functional treatments involving the myofunctional orofacial system have a negative impact on the recovery of essential orofacial functions and on TMD symptoms..

Decannulation: a retrospective cohort study of clinical and swallowing indicators of success.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and swallowing indicators related to a successful decannulation process during the hospital stay. METHODS: A retrospective cohort clinical study. The study sample comprised a heterogeneous patient population who had submitted to a tracheostomy procedure in a tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups (decannulated vs. non-decannulated) and compared not only in terms of demographic and clinical data but also the results of a swallowing assessment and intervention outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included in the present study: 25 (39%) who had been successfully decannulated, and 39 (61%) who could not be decannulated. Between-group comparisons indicated that both groups presented similar clinical and demographic characteristics. The groups also presented similar swallowing assessment results prior to intervention. However, significant differences were observed regarding the time to begin swallowing rehabilitation. The decannulated group was assessed nine days earlier than the non-decannulated group. Other significant differences included the removal of the alternate feeding method (72.0% of decannulated patients vs. 5.1% of non-decannulated patients) and the reintroduction of oral feeding (96.0% of decannulated patients vs. 41.0% of non-decannulated patients) and functional swallowing level at patient disclosure. The non-decannulated patient group presented higher death rates at disclosure. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that the following parameters were associated with a successful decannulation process: early swallowing assessment, swallowing rehabilitation, and improvement in the swallowing functional level during the hospital stay. The maintenance of low swallowing functional levels was found to be negatively associated with successful decannulation.

Characteristics of postintubation dysphagia in ICU patients in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak: A report of 920 cases from a Brazilian reference center.

The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a swallowing dysfunction in patients affected by critical COVID-19. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of critical patients with COVID-19, who were admitted to a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) and required prolonged orotracheal intubation (≥48 hours). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ICU admission and/or at hospital discharge or in-hospital death. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment: in-hospital resolved dysphagia-patients with FOIS levels 6 and 7; non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome-patients with FOIS levels 1 to 5. Nine hundred and twenty patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome in critical COVID-19 patients. indicated that increasing age (p = 0.002), severity at admission (p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.008), use of neuromuscular blockers (p = 0.028), presence of neurologic diseases (p = 0.038), presence of Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.043) and lower FOIS levels on the initial swallowing assessment (p<0.001) were associated with higher chances of presenting dysphagia at hospital outcome. Critical patients with COVID-19 may experience post-acute COVID-19 dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Linguistic-Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer of childhood. Impairment in linguistic and memory skills is a possible late sequela in cancer survivors that can limit their quality of life and the overall performance of the individual in society. There is evidence that survivors of ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy demonstrate significant differences in long-term linguistic and memory functions and also changes in neuroanatomical integrity. However, most studies described do not count on a speech-language pathologist in their team, which we consider important to discuss. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess memory and vocabulary skills in the pediatric population diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia during chemotherapy treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted over a 1.8-year period. Participants of this research were children diagnosed with ALL. All participants were assessed on their linguistic-cognitive skills (ie, vocabulary, short-term memory and lexical access). All data underwent statistical analyses. RESULTS: The results of the current study found no major significant difference in the linguistic-cognitive performance of children with ALL and their healthy controls. Regarding the linguistic variables, we believe that there should be a differentiation between the effects of the drugs and the effects of social communication skills on performance. CONCLUSION: This first characterization of the linguistic-cognitive abilities of children with ALL did not identify differences between these children and their healthy peers, although we were able to identify variables regarding the multidisciplinary team and social communication that should be considered in future studies.

Orofacial rehabilitation after severe orofacial and neck burn: Experience in a Brazilian burn reference centre.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the benefits of a functional oral rehabilitation program for impairment caused by full thickness orofacial and neck burns, comparing the effects of early and late intervention. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a burn reference center over a two-year period. Patients with full thickness orofacial and neck burns were divided in two groups: Group 1 was composed by 14 patients who began the rehabilitation program 3-12 months after the burn injury; Group 2 was composed by 15 patients who began the rehabilitation program more than 12 months after the burn injury. Treatment was based on current strategies of non-surgical exercises for orofacial contracture management. Outcome measurements included an oral motor clinical evaluation and the assessment of the mandibular range of movement. RESULTS: The functional rehabilitation program was effective in reestablishing the oral motor functions (i.e deficits reduced to approximately 15% when compared to the optimal possible scores) and in restoring horizontal mouth opening dimensions, with more than 70% of the patients presenting measurements within the expected normal limits at the end of treatment. Our results did not indicate differences in performance between the group of patients in neither set of assessments, i.e. pre and post treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that non-invasive orofacial contracture management is effective for patients with orofacial and neck burns, including those with long term sequelae.

Functional development of swallowing in ICU patients with COVID-19. / Evolução funcional da deglutição em pacientes com COVID-19 internados em UTI.

PURPOSE: to describe de functional development of swallowing in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, who were submitted to a swallowing intervention. METHODS: participants of the study were 77 patients (both gender, mean age 53.4±15.9; score on the Glasgow Coma Scale ≥14 and stable respiratory condition). The functional scale of swallowing used for assessment was the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS). RESULTS: the results indicate that there was a significant recovery of the functional swallowing patterns when comparing the measurements pre and post swallowing intervention. CONCLUSION: 83% of the patients needed up to 3 swallowing interventions to recover a safe swallowing pattern.

OBJETIVO: descrever a evolução funcional da deglutição em pacientes com COVID-19 submetidos à intervenção fonoaudiológica na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (UTI). MÉTODO: participaram do estudo 77 pacientes (ambos os gêneros; idade média 53.4±15.9; escore na Escala de Coma de Glasgow ≥14; e condição respiratória estável). A escala funcional utilizada para a avaliação da deglutição foi a American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS). RESULTADOS: os resultados indicam que houve recuperação significativa nos padrões funcionais da deglutição na comparação pré e pós-intervenção fonoaudiológica. CONCLUSÃO: 83% dos pacientes necessitam de até 3 intervenções para a recuperação dos padrões seguros de deglutição.

Diagnostic precision for bronchopulmonary aspiration in a heterogeneous population. / Precisão diagnóstica para o risco de broncoaspiração em população heterogênea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of a simple instrument for screening dysphagia used in a large public hospital in Brazil with heterogeneous adult population. METHOD: The Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol (DREP) - screening version contains four items (altered cervical auscultation, altered vocal quality, coughing and choking before / during / after swallowing) that were previously indicated as independent risk factors associated to the presence of dysphagia in the swallowing test with water. Trained speech therapists administered and scored DREP - screening version to consecutive patients referred by hospital's medical team to perform Video Fluoroscopic for Swallowing Study (VFSS). RESULTS: 211 patients received the swallowing screen (DREP): 99 failed and 112 passed. One in every five patients was randomized to receive a VFSS. The DREP screening version demonstrated excellent validity with sensitivity at 92.9%, specificity at 75.0%, negative predictive values at 95.5% and an accuracy of 80.9%. CONCLUSION: The DREP - screening version is a simple and accurate tool to identify the risk for penetration and / or aspiration in patients who are not tube-fed, who have a good level of alertness, have no history of recurrent pneumonia, are not on pneumonia, and that do not use a tracheostomy cannula.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a validação de um instrumento simples de triagem da disfagia utilizado em um hospital público de grande porte no Brasil em população adulta heterogênea. MÉTODO: O Protocolo de Avaliação de Risco para Disfagia versão de triagem (PARDt) contém quatro itens (ausculta cervical alterada, alteração da qualidade vocal, tosse e engasgo antes/durante/após a deglutição) que foram previamente indicados como fatores de risco independentes associados à presença de disfagia no teste de deglutição com água. Fonoaudiólogos treinados administraram e classificaram o PARDt para pacientes consecutivos encaminhados pela equipe médica do hospital para realizar a videofluoroscopia da deglutição (VDF). RESULTADOS: 211 pacientes foram submetidos ao PARDt: 99 falharam e 112 passaram. Um em cada cinco pacientes foram randomicamente selecionados para VDF. O PARDt apresentou excelente validade: sensibilidade de 92,9%; especificidade de 75,0%; valores preditivos negativos de 95,5%; acurácia de 80,9%. CONCLUSÃO: O PARDt é uma ferramenta simples e precisa para identificar o risco de penetração e/ou aspiração em pacientes que não são alimentados por sonda, que apresentam bom nível de alerta, sem histórico de pneumonias de repetição, que não estejam em vigência de pneumonia e que não façam uso de cânula de traqueostomia.

Clinical swallowing prognostic indicators in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: A swallowing disorder is present in more than 50% of patients with acute stroke. To identify clinical prognostic indicators of the swallowing function in a population with acute ischemic stroke and to determine prioritization indicators for swallowing rehabilitation. METHODS: Participants were adults admitted to the emergency room who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Data gathering involved a swallowing assessment to determine the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS) and the verification of demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The study sample included 295 patients. For analysis purposes, patients were grouped as follows: ASHA NOMS levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n = 51); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n = 96); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n = 148). Statistical analyses indicated that patients who presented a poorer swallowing function (ASHA1) were older (age ≥ 70 years); had anterior circulation infarct; had lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤ 14 points); took longer to initiate swallowing rehabilitation; had longer hospital stays; made more use of alternative feeding methods; needed more sessions of swallowing rehabilitation to remove alternate feeding methods; took longer to return to oral feeding and had poorer outcomes (fewer individuals discharged from swallowing rehabilitation sessions and increased mortality). CONCLUSION: Patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted to the emergency room, aged ≥ 70 years, score on the GCS ≤ 14, anterior circulation infarct and dementia should be prioritized for swallowing assessment and rehabilitation.

Comparison between the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in ICU patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). / Comparação dos aspectos funcionais da deglutição e indicadores clínicos em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico em UTI.

PURPOSE: To characterize and compare the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in intensive care patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). METHODS: Participants of this study were 113 adults diagnosed with TBI. Data collection stage involved: clinical assessment of the risk for bronchoaspiration performed by a speech-language therapist; assessment of the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS ); assessment of the patient' health status (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment - SOFA). RESULTS: After the inclusion criteria were applied, patients were grouped according to their swallowing functional level: levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n=25); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n=37); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n=51). The statistical analyses indicated the following significant results: the ASHA3 group presented lower severity levels of TBI at the clinical assessment of bronchoaspiration, remained less time intubated (approximately um third less than the more severe group), remained fewer days in hospital and needed less therapy sessions to return to safe oral feeding. The clinical predictor signs for bronchoaspiration that best characterized the groups were the presence of altered auscultation and the presence of coughing after swallowing. Patients in the ASHA3 group presented these signs less frequently. CONCLUSION: The score obtained on the SOFA and the time of orotracheal intubation were identified as the prognostic indicators of functional swallowing. The presence of altered cervical auscultation and coughing were clinical predictors of dysphagia.

OBJETIVO: caracterizar e comparar os aspectos funcionais da deglutição e indicadores clínicos na população com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) em unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 113 adultos com diagnóstico de TCE. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: a avaliação fonoaudiológica clínica do risco de broncoaspiração, determinação do nível funcional da deglutição (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System ­ ASHA NOMS), determinação da gravidade clínica do indivíduo de acordo com a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). RESULTADOS: Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, os pacientes selecionados foram agrupados de acordo com os níveis funcionais de deglutição: níveis 1 e 2 ­ ASHA1 (n=25); níveis 3, 4 e 5 ­ ASHA2 (n=37); níveis 6 e 7 ­ ASHA3 (n=51). As análises estatísticas indicaram os seguintes resultados significantes: o grupo ASHA3 apresentou menor gravidade do TCE no momento da avaliação fonoaudiológica, menor tempo de intubação orotraqueal (um terço a menos que o grupo mais grave), ficou menos tempo hospitalizado e necessitou de menos sessões de atendimento fonoaudiológico para o retorno seguro para via oral de alimentação. Os sinais clínicos preditores de broncoaspiração que mais diferenciaram os grupos foi a presença de ausculta cervical alterada e presença de tosse após a deglutição, sendo que o grupo ASHA3 apresentou esses sinais com menor frequência. CONCLUSÃO: O escore SOFA e o tempo de intubação orotraqueal foram indicadores do prognóstico da funcionalidade da deglutição. A presença ausculta cervical alterada e tosse foram preditores clínicos de disfagia.

Criteria for tracheostomy decannulation: literature review. / Critérios para decanulação da traqueostomia: revisão de literatura.

PURPOSE: To perform a literature review on the existing international criteria and protocols for tracheostomy decannulation. RESEARCH: strategies: Literature review using the PubMed database with the English keywords "Tracheostomy", "Weaning", "Decannulation", "Removal Tube", "Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences", "Intensive Care Units", "Dysphagia", "Swallowing", "Deglutition" and "Deglutition Disorders ". SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies published in the last five years (2012 to 2017); studies with human adult population (i.e. ages above 18 years); articles published in English; unrestricted full access articles; and research related to the objectives of the study. DATA ANALYSIS: we analyzed sample characterization; professionals involved in the decannulation process; steps of the decannulation process; total time in days of tracheostomy use; total time in days to complete decannulation process; and failure factors to complete the decannulation process. RESULTS: Most of the studies investigated tracheostomy decannulation in a sample of males with neurological impairments. The professionals involved in the decannulation process were doctors, speech therapists, physiotherapists and nurses. The most cited decannulation steps were: swallowing assessment; occlusion training; evaluation of air permeability; ability to manipulate secretion and exchange of cannula; cuff deflation and cough training; use of speech valve. CONCLUSION: Speech therapists are of great help during the decannulation process, since the assessment of swallowing was one of the decisive steps of the investigated studies. The processes of decannulation includes a multidisciplinary approach and should be performed by the cooperation between physicians, physiotherapists and speech therapists.

OBJETIVO: Realizar um levantamento bibliográfico a respeito da decanulação da traqueostomia para verificar os fatores e protocolos utilizados em estudos internacionais. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: Estudo de revisão de literatura utilizando a base de dados PubMed com os descritores em língua inglesa "Tracheostomy", "Weaning", "Decannulation", "Removal tube", "Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences", "Intensive Care Units", "Dysphagia", "Swallowing", "Deglutition" e "Deglutition Disorders". CRITÉRIOS DE SELEÇÃO: Estudos publicados nos últimos cinco anos (2012 a 2017), com população acima de 18 anos de idade; pesquisas realizadas somente com seres humanos; artigos publicados em língua inglesa; artigos com acesso completo irrestrito; pesquisas relacionadas aos objetivos do estudo. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: foram analisados quanto aos seguintes itens: caracterização da amostra; profissionais envolvidos no processo da decanulação; etapas do processo de decanulação; tempo total em dias de uso da traqueostomia; tempo total em dias para concluir processo de decanulação; fatores de insucesso para conclusão do processo de decanulação. RESULTADOS: A maior parte da população estudada foi do gênero masculino e com alterações neurológicas. Dos profissionais envolvidos no processo de decanulação, participaram em ordem decrescente médicos, fonoaudiólogos, fisioterapeutas e enfermeiros. As etapas da decanulação mais citadas foram: avaliação da deglutição; treino de oclusão; avaliação da permeabilidade de passagem do ar; habilidade de manipulação de secreção e troca de cânula; desinsuflação do cuff e treino de tosse; uso de válvula de fala. Além disso, obtiveram-se dados a respeito do tempo total de traqueostomia e de decanulação. CONCLUSÃO: A presença do fonoaudiólogo é extremamente importante no processo de decanulação, visto que a avaliação da deglutição foi a etapa mais citada nos estudos, sendo esse trabalho realizado em conjunto com médicos e fisioterapeutas.

Correlation between scar assessment scales and orofacial myofunctional disorders in patients with head and neck burns. / Correlação entre escalas de avaliação da cicatrização e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes com queimaduras de cabeça e pescoço.

PURPOSE: Verify the correlation between two scar assessment scales and the presence of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in patients with head and neck (H&N) burns. METHODS: Participants of this study were 16 adult individuals with H&N full-thickness burns. Data were collected through assessment of mandibular range of movement and application of the following instruments: Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Vancouver Scar Scale, and Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES). RESULTS: Results showed moderate negative correlation between the variables deglutition, breathing, total score of the functions, total score on the OMES and scores on the scar assessment scales, indicating that the higher (more severe) the scores on these scales, the lower the scores on the items of the OMES (indicative of greater OMD severity). No correlations were observed between the items of the OMES and the POSAS Patient scale. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that there is correlation between scar severity in burn patients, measured through clinical scales, and presence of OMD. Patients who present scores indicative of H&N pathological scars should be immediately referred to orofacial myofunctional assessment.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre duas escalas para avaliação das cicatrizes pós-queimaduras com as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes queimados. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 16 adultos com sequelas de queimaduras de terceiro grau em cabeça e pescoço. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: aplicação das escalas de avaliação da cicatrização Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) e Vancouver Scar Scale, aplicação da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandidos (AMIOFE-E) e avaliação da mobilidade mandibular. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa moderada entre os itens de deglutição, respiração, escore total de funções e escore total na AMIOFE-E e as escalas de cicatriz, indicando que, quanto mais grave a pontuação nessas escalas, menor a pontuação nos itens do AMIOFE-E (indicativo de maior alteração). Não foram observadas correlações entre os itens da avaliação clínica da motricidade orofacial e a escala de gravidade da cicatriz preenchida pelos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que existe uma correlação entre a gravidade da cicatriz de pacientes queimados, medida por meio de escalas médicas, e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais. Pacientes que apresentarem pontuação indicativa de cicatrizes patológicas em região de cabeça e pescoço devem ser imediatamente encaminhados para avaliação miofuncional orofacial.