Characteristics of adults with potential refractory chronic cough identified using an algorithm designed for administrative claims databases: A descriptive study.

Objective As population-based studies describing the characteristics of patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) are sparse, the objective of this descriptive study was to identify and describe such patients using an algorithm developed for administrative claims databases and requiring validation in future. Methods We identified adults with chronic cough (N = 782,121) from Optum Clinformatics™ Data Mart as individuals with a 'cough event' (primary cough event; based on ICD codes/relevant prescriptions) and ≥2 cough events in the 56-180 preceding days. We applied several exclusion criteria to identify potential RCC cases and stratified them into probable, possible, and unlikely RCC cohorts by the number of cough events during 1-year follow up (≥3, 1-2 or 0 events, respectively). Patient characteristics were described during the year before the primary cough event and follow up. Results 16.8% (n = 131,772) of patients with chronic cough were potential RCC cases: 25.8% probable, 35.9% possible and 38.3% unlikely. The majority were female (66.4-70.5%); median age was 53-60 years. The most common comorbidities and cough-associated complications at baseline were: allergic rhinitis (30.7-39.1%), hypertension (37.3-47.7%), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (23.7-34.3%), asthma (18.1-27.3%), insomnia (6.3-8.3%) and stress incontinence (2.5-3.9%). Among probable RCC cases, use of several medications was higher during follow up versus baseline: 52.7% versus 49.0% (cough treatments), 73.3% versus 69.0% (respiratory drugs), 40.5% versus 34.2% (gastrointestinal drugs) and 58.8% versus 56.1% (psychotherapeutics). Conclusion Our algorithm requires validation but provides a starting point to identify patients with RCC in claims databases in future studies.

Depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free flap reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing treatment with free-flap (FF) reconstruction. METHODS: Participants with HNC undergoing FF reconstruction were given the validated 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire prior to surgery. Patient factors and responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included. Mean (SD) pre-operative PHQ-9 was 7.6 (7.04) with 34 % (n = 24) having moderate to severe depression. Mean (SD) pre-operative GAD-7 was 6.5 (6.86) with 30 % (n = 21) having moderate to severe anxiety. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in this cohort and undiagnosed in 22 % and 18 % of patients, respectively. Due to the findings, it is prudent to screen HNC patients at initial diagnosis and offer mental health services.

Importance of PET/CT in Initial Workup of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: Assess the impact of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) on disease staging at presentation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional review. Setting: Academic multicenter single institution (Geisinger Health System). Methods: All patients who had PET/CT imaging during workup for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. Pre- and post-PET/CT clinical staging were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed for patients with a change in clinical staging or detection of second primary malignancies on PET/CT. Results: A total of 292 patients were included in the study, 238 of whom underwent PET/CT imaging as part of their initial workup. Twenty-eight (11.9%) patients were clinically upstaged on PET/CT with 7 patients having treatment alterations based on imaging. Eighteen (7.6%) patients were found to have second primary malignancies on PET/CT. Conclusion: The current study further illustrates the importance of PET/CT in the workup of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Without the inclusion of PET/CT imaging, 19.3% of patients would have either been staged inappropriately or had second primary malignancies missed, again confirming the necessity of comprehensive functional imaging during the initial pretreatment workup.

Cancer Risk in Barrett's Esophagus: A Clinical Review.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly increasing in incidence and is associated with a poor prognosis. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This review aims to explore Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the progression from the former to the latter. An overview of the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors for both entities are presented, with special attention being given to the areas of debate in the literature. The progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma is reviewed and the relevant molecular pathways are discussed. The definition of Barrett's esophagus remains debated and without international consensus. This, alongside other factors, has made establishing the true prevalence of Barrett's esophagus challenging. The degree of dysplasia can be a histological challenge, but is necessary to guide clinical management. The progression of BE to EAC is likely driven by inflammatory pathways, pepsin exposure, upregulation of growth factor pathways, and mitochondrial changes. Surveillance is maintained through serial endoscopic evaluation, with shorter intervals recommended for high-risk features.

Pepsinogen/Proton Pump Co-Expression in Barrett's Esophageal Cells Induces Cancer-Associated Changes.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should better understand the carcinogenic potential of pepsin and proton pump expression in Barrett's esophagus. OBJECTIVE: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a well-known risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Gastric H+ /K+ ATPase proton pump and pepsin expression has been demonstrated in some cases of BE; however, the contribution of local pepsin and proton pump expression to carcinogenesis is unknown. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to examine global transcriptomic changes in a BE cell line ectopically expressing pepsinogen and/or gastric H+ /K+ ATPase proton pumps. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro translational. METHODS: BAR-T, a human BE cell line devoid of expression of pepsinogen or proton pumps, was transduced by lentivirus-encoding pepsinogen (PGA5) and/or gastric proton pump subunits (ATP4A, ATP4B). Changes relative to the parental line were assessed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: Top canonical pathways associated with protein-coding genes differentially expressed in pepsinogen and/or proton pump expressing BAR-T cells included those involved in the tumor microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Top upstream regulators of coding transcripts included TGFB1 and ERBB2, which are associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of BE and EAC. Top upstream regulators of noncoding transcripts included p300-CBP, I-BET-151, and CD93, which have previously described associations with EAC or carcinogenesis. The top associated disease of both coding and noncoding transcripts was cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the carcinogenic potential of pepsin and proton pump expression in BE and reveal molecular pathways affected by their expression. Further study is warranted to investigate the role of these pathways in carcinogenesis associated with BE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:59-69, 2023.

Incidence and Prevalence of Cough in a Rural Health System: A 20-Year Study.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the cough population is critical to addressing clinical needs and gaps in best practice. We sought to characterize and stratify cough patients with the hypothesis that there are opportunities to improve access to care in our health system and characterize the population. METHODS: Following institutional review board exempt status, a retrospective electronic record review was performed on all patients coded with ICD-9 786.2 or ICD-10 is R05 from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2020 at our health system. Inclusion criteria were one or more visits for cough. The subgroup with more than one visit in each of 2 years was classified as multiple encounters. Patients were characterized by sex, age at first cough encounter, number of cough encounters, smoking status, and insurance status. Results were stratified by year, calculating frequencies, and percentages. RESULTS: There were 302,284 unique patients diagnosed with cough, among 1,764,387 patients seen in our health system, representing an average incidence of 3.0% (2.7%-3.7%) and prevalence of 4.9% (3.1%-5.6%). New single encounter cough patients totaled 179,963, and new multiple encounter cough patients totaled 122,321. Of the 39,828,073 total encounters, there were 469,802 for new or existing cough (1.17%-1.73% annually). The age at initial presentation demonstrated 36.5% seen <10 years old, with an even distribution over the remaining decades of life. The majority were seen for cough once, but 23.8% of group two patients had two or more visits for cough in a year. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a lower-than-expected incidence and prevalence of cough in our health population, suggesting challenges with access to care when compared to 10% prevalence and 3% of encounters previously documented in the literature. The study also provides a platform to explore the importance of pediatric cough, as well as population health and the longitudinal journey of cough patients in underserved areas. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1191-1196, 2023.

H+/K+ATPase Expression in the Larynx of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Laryngeal Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The gastric H+/K+ ATPase proton pump has previously been shown to be expressed in the human larynx, however its contribution to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) signs, symptoms and associated diseases such as laryngeal cancer is unknown. Proton pump expression in the larynx of patients with LPR and laryngeal cancer was investigated herein. A human hypopharyngeal cell line expressing the proton pump was generated to investigate its effects. STUDY DESIGN: In-vitro translational. METHODS: Laryngeal biopsies were obtained from three LPR and eight LSCC patients. ATP4A, ATP4B and HRPT1 were assayed via qPCR. Human hypopharyngeal FaDu cell lines stably expressing proton pump were created using lentiviral transduction and examined via transmission electron microscopy and qPCR for genes associated with inflammation or laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: Expression of ATP4A and ATP4B was detected in 3/3 LPR, 4/8 LSCC-tumor and 3/8 LSCC-adjacent specimens. Expression of ATP4A and ATP4B in FaDu elicited mitochondrial damage and expression of IL1B, PTGS2, and TNFA (P < .0001); expression of ATP4B alone did not. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric proton pump subunits are expressed in the larynx of LPR and LSCC patients. Mitochondrial damage and changes in gene expression observed in cells expressing the full proton pump, absent in those expressing a single subunit, suggest that acid secretion by functional proton pumps expressed in upper airway mucosa may elicit local cell and molecular changes associated with inflammation and cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:130-135, 2021.

Biomarkers for Malignant Potential in Vocal Fold Leukoplakia: A State of the Art Review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore biomarkers that are candidates for understanding potential degeneration to malignancy of vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL), with the goal of guiding future diagnostic and treatment recommendations. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Medline search engines. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching the following key words: vocal fold or laryngeal, coupled with leukoplakia or dysplasia, and combined with the term prognostic markers. We collated the biomarkers and their significance, followed by observing the power of their evidence by assessing the quality of the studies according to guidelines of tumor marker prognostic studies (REMARK). CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic biomarkers in the 16 studies are generally divided into 3 categories according to their biological roles: proliferation (Ki-67, CK-1 RS14024 SNP), cell cycle control (P53, p16, cyclin D1, p57kip2, interleukin-10 [IL-10], miR-10a, and miR-34c), cell adhesion, and invasion (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, OPN/CD44v6 axis, MMP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, MMP-9, serpin peptidase inhibitor 1, plasminogen activator, CTNN/B1, ß-catenin, NANOG, HERG1). The prognostic use of these biomarkers is limited due to the variable methodologies, study design, assay methods, and statistical analysis performed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Prognostic factors in vocal fold leukoplakia have important clinical implications regarding the potential for malignant degeneration. Although further study is needed, the currently available evidence suggests that p53, p16, cyclin D1, IL-10, NLR, OPN and CD44v6, CTNNB1, and CTTN and FAK might be of particular interest in determining prognosis of VFL as related to malignancy. Future, large, well-designed, prospective studies are expected to determine the prognostic power of these biomarkers before their implementation in routine clinical practice.

Laryngeal Leukoplakia: State of the Art Review.

OBJECTIVE: This state-of-the-art article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of vocal fold leukoplakia, with focus on recent advances. It focuses on the clinical challenges that otolaryngologists face balancing both oncological efficacy and functional outcomes in leukoplakia and presents the current philosophies and techniques to consider when managing such patients. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted a detailed review of publications related to vocal cord and laryngeal leukoplakia, dysplasia, hyperkeratosis, leukoplakia endoscopy, and leukoplakia management focusing specifically on oncologic outcomes, voice preservation, current and emerging diagnosis, and management techniques. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a paradigm shift away from performing "vocal cord stripping" procedures that can cause irreversible hoarseness toward voice preservation surgery while achieving comparable oncologic control. Surgical technical and instrumental developments have been designed to maximally treat superficial disease while preserving underling vibratory mucosa. Recent improvements in histopathological grading systems and advances in biomarker classification may allow for improved oncologic risk stratification. Furthermore, improvements in endoscopic imaging capabilities and contact endoscopy are currently being studied for their potential diagnostic significance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To optimally manage vocal fold leukoplakia, the otolaryngologist should become familiar with the oncologic implications of the disease and the importance of obtaining pathologic diagnosis to rule out malignancy. In addition, the surgeon should maintain surgical techniques and knowledge of available instruments and lasers that can assist in surgical management while prioritizing the preservation of vibratory tissue and voice quality. Finally, the surgeon and the patient should understand the clinical importance of routine endoscopic surveillance.

Esophageal pepsin and proton pump synthesis in barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease and associated metaplasia of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus [BE]) are primary risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Widespread use of acid suppression medications has failed to stem the rise of EAC, suggesting that nonacid reflux may underlie its pathophysiology. Pepsin is a tumor promoter in the larynx and has been implicated in esophageal carcinogenesis. Herein, specimens from the esophageal cancer spectrum were tested for pepsin presence. Pepsin-induced carcinogenic changes were assayed in an esophageal cell culture model. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory analysis. METHODS: Pepsin was assayed in reflux and cancer free esophagi, BE, EAC, and esophageal cancer lacking association with reflux (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]). Refluxed or locally synthesized pepsin was assayed by Western blot. Local synthesis of pepsin and proton pumps was assayed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The effect of pepsin on BE and EAC markers was investigated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in human esophageal epithelial cells treated with pepsin or control diluent. RESULTS: Pepsinogen and proton pump mRNA were observed in BE (3/5) and EAC (4/4) samples, but not in normal adjacent specimens, SCC (0/2), or reflux and cancer-free esophagi. Chronic pepsin treatment (0.1-1 mg/mL, 4 weeks) of human esophageal cells in vitro induced BE and EAC markers interleukin 8 and KRT8 and depleted normal esophageal marker KRT10 (P < .05) expression. CONCLUSIONS: Local synthesis of pepsin and proton pumps in BE and EAC is not uncommon. Absence of these molecules in normal (noncancer) esophagi, SCC, and in vitro data support a role for pepsin in reflux-attributed carcinogenic changes in the esophagus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:2687-2695, 2019.

Laryngeal inflammatory response to smoke and vape in a murine model.

PURPOSE: To build a murine model for tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor exposure to characterize the inflammatory and immune responses in the larynx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot study, twenty-four wild-type C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: smoke, vapor with nicotine, vapor without nicotine, and air only. Following daily exposure for 4 months, larynges were dissected and processed with cytokine detection arrays. Each laryngeal cytokine level between the four different groups was analyzed statistically by using statistical analysis software (SAS) to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: IL-4 was the only cytokine found to achieve statistically significant different levels in this study, with elevated levels of IL-4 in the tobacco smoke and vapor with nicotine groups compared to the levels found in the vapor without nicotine and air only groups (p = 0.0418). While statistically non-significant, prominent findings revealed up-regulation of TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 in the smoke group, but near-normal levels of TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 and suppression of IL-10 in the vapor groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The potential utility of the murine model is established for studying the inflammatory and immune effects of tobacco smoke and vapor on the mammalian larynx. IL-4 levels in mice larynges were significantly elevated in the tobacco smoke and vapor with nicotine groups.

Chronic Cough Due to Gastroesophageal Reflux in Adults: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: We updated the 2006 ACCP clinical practice guidelines for management of reflux-cough syndrome. METHODS: Two population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) questions were addressed by systematic review: (1) Can therapy for gastroesophageal reflux improve or eliminate cough in adults with chronic and persistently troublesome cough? and (2) Are there minimal clinical criteria to guide practice in determining that chronic cough is likely to respond to therapy for gastroesophageal reflux? RESULTS: We found no high-quality studies pertinent to either question. From available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing question #1, we concluded that (1) there was a strong placebo effect for cough improvement; (2) studies including diet modification and weight loss had better cough outcomes; (3) although lifestyle modifications and weight reduction may be beneficial in suspected reflux-cough syndrome, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) demonstrated no benefit when used in isolation; and (4) because of potential carryover effect, crossover studies using PPIs should be avoided. For question #2, we concluded from the available observational trials that (1) an algorithmic approach to management resolved chronic cough in 82% to 100% of instances; (2) cough variant asthma and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) (previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome) from rhinosinus conditions were the most commonly reported causes; and (3) the reported prevalence of reflux-cough syndrome varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: The panelists (1) endorsed the use of a diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm addressing causes of common cough, including symptomatic reflux; (2) advised that although lifestyle modifications and weight reduction may be beneficial in suspected reflux-cough syndrome, PPIs demonstrated no benefit when used in isolation; and (3) suggested that physiological testing be reserved for refractory patients being considered for antireflux surgery or for those in whom there is strong clinical suspicion warranting diagnostic testing.

Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults: Chest Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: In response to occupational and environmental exposures, cough can be an isolated symptom reflecting exposure to an irritant with little physiological consequence, or it can be a manifestation of more significant disease. This document reviews occupational and environmental contributions to chronic cough in adults, focusing on aspects not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline or our more recent systematic review, and suggests an approach to investigation of these factors when suspected. METHODS: MEDLINE and TOXLINE literature searches were supplemented by articles identified by the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup members, to identify occupational and environmental aspects of chronic cough not previously covered in the 2006 ACCP Cough Guideline. Based on the literature reviews and the Delphi methodology, the cough panel occupational and environmental subgroup developed guideline suggestions that were approved after review and voting by the full cough panel. RESULTS: The literature review identified relevant articles regarding: mechanisms; allergic environmental causes; chronic cough and the recreational and involuntary inhalation of tobacco and marijuana smoke; nonallergic environmental triggers; laryngeal syndromes; and occupational diseases and exposures. Consensus-based statements were developed for the approach to diagnosis due to a lack of strong evidence from published literature. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increased understanding of cough related to occupational and environmental triggers, there remains a gap between the recommended assessment of occupational and environmental causes of cough and the reported systematic assessment of these factors. There is a need for further documentation of occupational and environmental causes of cough in the future.

Airway reflux.

An ever-increasing number of adult and pediatric disorders have been shown to be influenced or caused by airway reflux. This has become a controversial and complicated aspect of medicine that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Evidence indicates that it is not only the acidic components of gastric refluxate that injure extraesophageal tissues but also the nonacidic components, such as pepsin and bile. There is a realization that proton pump inhibitors will not be effective when nonacidic components of refluxate are causing the problem. New in vitro and in vivo models for the study of airway reflux and new therapeutic and surgical approaches are discussed in this review article.

Intraoral midline mandibulotomy improves laryngeal access for transoral resection of laryngeal cancer.

Intraoral midline mandibulotomy is a technique that can be used to increase exposure for transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery (TLS). We describe the case of a 51 year old male with persistent T1 glottic carcinoma. At initial diagnosis, he had been referred for curative radiotherapy as laryngeal access was not sufficient for TLS. For treatment of his recurrence, we describe the technique of performing a midline mandibular osteotomy to improve access to the larynx allowing for safe and effective transoral endoscopic laser microsurgery. Surgical access to the larynx was greatly improved, and we were able to perform TLS in a case that would have otherwise not been amenable to TLS. An intraoral midline mandibulotomy can improve access to the larynx and allow for successful transoral resection of laryngeal cancer in patients with otherwise inaccessible tumors.

Complications and Failures of Office-Based Endoscopic Angiolytic Laser Surgery Treatment.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Although office-based laser surgery applications for benign and premalignant lesions of the larynx are appealing, there are scant data on their complications and failures. We review office-based angiolytic laser surgery in patients with benign laryngeal pathology for rates of complication and failure. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-five patients who underwent in-office angiolytic laser surgery treatment over 4 years were reviewed. The criteria for complications and failures were based on postprocedure stroboscopy and clinical findings. RESULTS: The majority of patients had unilateral disease, which included polyps (46%), leukoplakia (14%), papilloma (13%), scar (12%), and varix (11%). There were 382 laser treatments, of which 56% were by pulsed potassium titanyl phosphate laser. Average energy delivery was lesion specific, with papilloma receiving the most (mean 351 J) and varices receiving the least (mean 53 J) energy. Most in-office treatments were tolerated well. Four percent of patients had complications including stiffness, atrophy, and transient but prolonged hyperemia. Twenty-seven percent of patients required multiple laser treatments. Multiple treatments were more likely in papilloma and leukoplakia. CONCLUSIONS: While in-office laser therapy for benign vocal fold lesions is appealing, repeated treatment due to incomplete resolution may be needed. Risks of transient and long-term complications are low but real. Patient selection and standardized laser energy parameters may help in decreasing complications and need for repeat procedures.

The utility of office-based biopsy for laryngopharyngeal lesions: comparison with surgical evaluation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Advances in flexible endoscopy with working-channel biopsy forceps have led to excellent visualization of laryngopharyngeal lesions with capability for in-office awake biopsy. Potential benefits include prompt diagnosis without risk of general anesthesia, preoperative counseling, and avoiding an anesthetic should the lesion return benign. We evaluate the accuracy of these biopsies in order to determine their role and diagnostic value. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed from January 1, 2010, through July 31, 2013, of patients who underwent office-based current procedural terminology code 31576 and were taken to the operating room for direct microlaryngoscopy with biopsy/excision. Clinical diagnoses and pathology reports were reviewed. For statistical analysis, we considered three groups: 1) malignant and premalignant, 2) lesions of uncertain significance, and 3) benign lesions. RESULTS: In the study period, 76 patients with an office biopsy had a clinical picture to warrant direct microlaryngoscopy and biopsy/excision. Kendall's coefficient for each group indicated moderate correlation only. When groups 1 and 2 were considered together, there was a substantial and statistically significant correlation. For malignant and premalignant lesions, the office biopsy analysis was as follows: sensitivity = 60%, specificity = 87%, positive predictive value = 78%, and negative predictive value = 74%. CONCLUSION: Office biopsy may offer early direction and avoid operative intervention in some cases; however, for suspected dysplastic or malignant lesions, direct microlaryngoscopy should be the standard of care to ensure adequate full-thickness sampling and staging. For benign pathology, office biopsy is a safe and viable alternative to direct microlaryngoscopy and biopsy/excision.

The role of gastrostomy tube placement in advanced dementia with dysphagia: a critical review.

PURPOSE: Over 4.5 million people in North America had a diagnosis of dementia in the year 2000, and more than half had advanced disease with potential aspiration risk. There is much controversy regarding the use and timing of enteral feeding support in these patients with dysphagia. The management of dysphagia is far more complex when considering quality of life, "comfort care" hand feeding, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG), and associated mortality rates. This study seeks to critically review the literature that evaluates PEG placement in this population. METHODS: A systematic literature review of PubMed, from 1995-2012, was conducted to identify studies relating to PEG placement in dementia patients with dysphagia. The principal outcomes and related survival rates for this population were compared. RESULTS: In total, 100 articles were identified in the search. Of these, ten met the search criteria and were analyzed. There was one study with a 2b level of evidence, one with 3b, and the remainder had level 4. All studies discussed long-term survival in the PEG versus non-PEG populations. No studies showed definitive evidence to suggest long-term survival rates improved in patients who underwent PEG placement as compared to those who did not. Two studies documented median survival worse in patients over age 80 with dementia and PEG placement. CONCLUSION: There is presently no evidence to suggest long-term survival rates improved in patients with advanced dementia who underwent PEG placement for dysphagia. Relevance to quality of life, need for nutrition and hydration, and ethical considerations in the decision process are discussed.