Accuracy of Dysphagia Screening by Non-clinical Research Staff in the Emergency Department.

Although the emergency department (ED) is the initial care setting for the majority of older adults requiring hospital admission, there is a paucity of ED-based dysphagia research in this at-risk population. This is driven by barriers to dysphagia evaluation in this complex care environment. Therefore, we assessed the reliability of trained, non-clinical ED research staff in administering dysphagia screening tools compared to trained speech pathologists (SLPs). We also aimed to determine perceptual screening discrepancies (e.g. voice change) between clinical and non-clinical staff. Forty-two older adults with suspected pneumonia were recruited during an ED visit and underwent dysphagia (Toronto Bedside Swallow Screening Tool; TOR-BSST©) and aspiration (3-oz water swallow test; 3-oz WST) screening by trained non-clinical research staff. Audio-recordings of screenings were re-rated post-hoc by trained, blinded SLPs with discrepancies resolved via consensus. Cohen's kappa (unweighted) revealed moderate agreement in pass/fail ratings between clinical and non-clinical staff for both the TOR-BSST© (k = 0.75) and the 3 oz WST (k = 0.66) corresponding to excellent sensitivity and good specificity for both the TOR-BSST (SN = 94%, SP = 85%) and the 3 oz WST (SN = 90%, SP = 81%). Further analysis of TOR-BSST perceptual parameters revealed that most discrepancies between clinicians and non-clinicians resulted from over-diagnosis of change in vocal quality (53%). These results support the feasibility of non-clinical research staff administering screening tools for dysphagia and aspiration in the ED. Dysphagia screening may not necessitate clinical staff involvement, which may improve feasibility of large-scale ED research. Future training of research staff should focus on perceptual assessment of vocal quality.

Dysphagia Is an Underrecognized Risk Factor for Viral Pneumonia Severity.

The aim of this study was to examine the role of pre-existing dysphagia as a risk factor for COVID-19 severity among adults ≥50 years of age presenting to the emergency department (ED). This was a retrospective cohort study that used electronic health record data from two Midwestern EDs in the same health care system. The sample included patients ≥50 years of age who tested positive for SARS-COV-2 during an ED visit between March 15, 2020 and November 19, 2020. Patients were dichotomized based on documented history of dysphagia. The primary outcome was the highest World Health Organization COVID-19 clinical severity score within 30-days of ED arrival. Patients with a score of <4 were classified as non-severe whereas a score ≥4 was considered severe. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in clinical severity scores between patients with and without dysphagia. A logistic regression model was created to estimate the odds of a severe COVID-19 clinical score. The sample included 126 patients without dysphagia and 40 patients with dysphagia. Patients with a history of dysphagia were more likely to develop severe COVID-19 disease compared to patients without (65.0% vs. 41.3%, p = 0.015). In multivariable analysis, patients with preexisting dysphagia (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.05-5.42; p = 0.038) and diabetes (OR 2.42 95% CI: 1.15-5.30; p = 0.021) had significantly increased odds of developing severe COVID-19. This study showed that a pre-existing diagnosis of dysphagia was independently associated with COVID-19 severity in adults ≥50 years of age.

New horizons in understanding oral health and swallowing function within the context of frailty.

Frailty is a complex and multidimensional condition wherein declines in physiologic reserve and function place individuals in a state of heightened vulnerability and decreased resiliency. There has been growing interest in both research and clinical settings to understand how to best define, assess and characterise frailty in older adults. To this end, various models and clinical assessment tools have been used to define and measure frailty. While differences exist among these models and tools, a common unifying theme is a focus on physical function and activity. Notably absent across many available conceptual models and clinical tools are items directly related to oral and swallowing function. This is an important oversight as widespread changes to both oral and swallowing function are evident in older adults. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests many of the functional domains affected in frail older adults, such as nutrition and sarcopenia, have cyclical relationships with impairments in oral (oral hypofunction) and swallowing function (dysphagia) as well. The increasing appreciation for the interrelationships among oral hypofunction, dysphagia and frailty provides an opportunity for refinement of frailty assessment and characterisation in older adults to incorporate metrics specific to oral and swallowing function.

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.

Swallowing Safety and Efficiency Impairment Profiles in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Dysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and associated with reductions in quality of life and health-related outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of dysphagia in ALS, functional impairment profiles of swallowing safety and efficiency have not been comprehensively examined. We therefore aimed to determine the relative prevalence of unsafe and inefficient swallowing in a large cohort of individuals with ALS. We further sought to examine the impact of global and bulbar disease progression (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised "ALSFRS-R" total and bulbar scores, respectively), disease duration, and onset type on swallowing impairment profiles. One hundred individuals with ALS completed a standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing examination Two independent and blinded raters performed validated ratings of safety (Penetration-Aspiration Scale, PAS) and efficiency (Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics, and Timing, ASPEKT % residue). Binary classifications of safety (unsafe: PAS ≥ 3), efficiency (inefficient: total residue ≥ 3% of C2-42) and global swallowing status were derived. The ALSFRS-R was completed to derive ALSFRS-R total and bulbar subscale scores. Demographic data (disease duration and onset type) for each participant was also recorded.  Descriptives, 2 × 2 contingency tables with Fishers exact test, and independent samples t-tests were performed (α = 0.05). Prevalence of unsafe and inefficient swallowing was 48% and 73%, respectively. Global swallowing profiles were, in rank order: unsafe and inefficient (39%), inefficient but safe (34%), safe and efficient (18%), and unsafe but efficient (9%). There were no differences in global disease progression or disease duration across swallowing impairment profiles. ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale scores were significantly lower in unsafe versus safe swallowers, p < 0.05. Spinal onset patients had a greater proportion of safe swallowers as compared to bulbar onset patients (p = 0.000, Fisher's exact test). Both spinal and bulbar onset patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of inefficient swallowers as compared to efficient swallowers (p = 0.04, Fisher's exact test). Dysphagia was prevalent in this group of individuals with ALS. Approximately half demonstrated safety impairments and two-thirds had impairments in swallowing efficiency. Inefficient swallowing was approximately four times more likely to be the initial functional impairment in patients with one pathophysiologic functional impairment. A longitudinal study is needed to examine the temporal evolution of dysphagia in ALS.

Impact of expiratory strength training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results of a randomized, sham-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an in-home expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) program on pulmonary, swallow, and cough function in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: EMST was tested in a prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of 48 ALS individuals who completed 8 weeks of either active EMST (n = 24) or sham EMST (n = 24). The primary outcome to assess treatment efficacy was change in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Secondary outcomes included: cough spirometry; swallowing; forced vital capacity; and scoring on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised. RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated with 96% of patients completing the protocol. Significant differences in group change scores were noted for MEP and Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity scores (P < 0.02). No differences were noted for other secondary measures. DISCUSSION: This respiratory training program was well-tolerated and led to improvements in respiratory and bulbar function in ALS. Muscle Nerve 59:40-46, 2019.

Impact of expiratory strength training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the feasibility and impact of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on respiratory and bulbar function in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Twenty-five ALS patients participated in this delayed intervention open-label clinical trial. Following a lead-in period, patients completed a 5-week EMST protocol. Outcome measures included: maximum expiratory pressure (MEP); physiologic measures of swallow and cough; and penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) scores. RESULTS: Of participants who entered the active phase of the study (n = 15), EMST was well tolerated and led to significant increases in MEPs and maximum hyoid displacement during swallowing post-EMST (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for PAS scores or cough spirometry measures. CONCLUSIONS: EMST was feasible and well tolerated in this small cohort of ALS patients and led to improvements in expiratory force-generating pressures and swallow kinematics. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings. Muscle Nerve 54: 48-53, 2016.

Defining Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Profiles in Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Although it is known that dysphagia contributes to significant malnutrition, pneumonia, and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it remains unclear how swallowing impairment impacts quality of life in this vulnerable patient population. The aim of the current study was to (1) delineate swallow-related quality of life (SR-QOL) profiles in individuals with ALS and (2) evaluate relationships between SR-QOL, degree of swallowing impairment, and ALS global disease progression. Eighty-one ALS patients underwent a standardized videofluoroscopic swallow study and completed the swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) instrument and ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores were derived by a blinded rater. Correlation analyses and a between groups ANOVA (safe vs. penetrators vs. aspirators) were performed. Mean SWAL-QOL score for this cohort was 75.94 indicating a moderate degree of SR-QOL impairment with fatigue, eating duration, and communication representing the most affected domains. Correlations were revealed between the SWAL-QOL and (1) PAS (r = -0.39, p < 0.001) and (2) ALSFRS-R (r = 0.23, p < 0.05). Mean (SD) SWAL-QOL scores for safe versus penetrator versus aspirator groups were 81.2 (2.3) versus 77 (3.4) versus 58.7 (5.9), respectively, with a main effect observed [F(2,78) = 9.71, p < 0.001]. Post hoc testing revealed lower SWAL-QOL scores for aspirators versus safe swallowers (p < 0.001) and aspirators versus penetrators (p < 0.001). Overall, SR-QOL was moderately reduced in this cohort of ALS patients and profoundly impacted in ALS aspirators and individuals with advanced disease. These findings highlight the importance of early multidisciplinary intervention to not only avoid malnutrition, weight loss, and pulmonary sequelae but also the associated reduced QOL seen in these individuals.

Voluntary Cough Airflow Differentiates Safe Versus Unsafe Swallowing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Dysphagia and aspiration are prevalent in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and contribute to malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Early detection of at risk individuals is critical to ensure maintenance of safe oral intake and optimal pulmonary function. We therefore aimed to determine the discriminant ability of voluntary cough airflow measures in detecting penetration/aspiration status in ALS patients. Seventy individuals with ALS (El-Escorial criteria) completed voluntary cough spirometry testing and underwent a standardized videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation (VFSE). A rater blinded to aspiration status derived six objective measures of voluntary cough airflow and evaluated airway safety using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS). A between groups ANOVA (safe vs. unsafe swallowers) was conducted and sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and likelihood ratios were calculated. VFSE analysis revealed 24 penetrator/aspirators (PAS ≥3) and 46 non-penetrator/aspirators (PAS ≤2). Cough volume acceleration (CVA), peak expiratory flow rise time (PEFRT), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were significantly different between airway safety groups (p < 0.05) and demonstrated significant discriminant ability to detect the presence of penetration/aspiration with AUC values of: 0.85, 0.81, and 0.78, respectively. CVA <45.28 L/s/s, PEFR <3.97 L/s, and PEFRT >76 ms had sensitivities of 91.3, 82.6, and 73.9 %, respectively, and specificities of 82.2, 73.9, and 78.3 % for identifying ALS penetrator/aspirators. Voluntary cough airflow measures identified ALS patients at risk for penetration/aspiration and may be a valuable screening tool with high clinical utility.

Pre-hospitalization dysphagia and feeding tube placement in nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

BACKGROUND: Despite research demonstrating the risks of using feeding tubes in persons with advanced dementia, they continue to be placed. The natural history of dysphagia among patients with advanced dementia has not been examined. We conducted a secondary analysis of a national cohort of persons with advanced dementia staying at a nursing home stay before hospitalization to examine (1) pre-hospitalization dysphagia prevalence and (2) risk of feeding tube placement during hospitalization based on preexisting dysphagia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study consisting of all nursing home (NH) residents (≥66 years) with advanced dementia (Cognitive Function Scale score ≥2), a hospitalization between 2013-2017, and a Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 assessment within 120 days before hospitalization. Pre-hospitalization dysphagia status and surgically placed feeding tube insertion during hospitalization were determined by MDS 3.0 swallowing items and ICD-9 codes, respectively. A multivariate logistic model clustering on hospital was used to examine the association of dysphagia with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube placement after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2017, 889,983 persons with NH stay with advanced dementia (mean age: 84.5, SD: 7.5, and 63.5% female) were hospitalized. Pre-hospitalization dysphagia was documented in 5.4% (n = 47,574) and characterized by oral dysphagia (n = 21,438, 2.4%), pharyngeal dysphagia (n = 24,257, 2.7%), and general swallowing complaints/pain (n = 14,928, 1.7%). Overall, PEG feeding tubes were placed in 3529 patients (11.2%) with pre-hospitalization dysphagia, whereas 27,893 (88.8%) did not have pre-hospitalization dysphagia according to MDS 3.0 items. Feeding tube placement risk increased with the number of dysphagia items noted on the pre-hospitalization MDS (6 vs. 0 dysphagia variables: OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 3.19-9.27). CONCLUSIONS: Based on MDS 3.0 assessment, only 11% of PEG feeding tubes were inserted in persons with prior dysphagia. Future research is needed on whether this represents inadequate assessment or the impact of potentially reversible intercurrent illness resulting in feeding tube placement.

Ready for Discharge, but Are They Ready to Go Home? Examining Neighborhood-Level Disadvantage as a Marker of the Social Exposome and the Swallowing Care Process in a Retrospective Cohort of Inpatients With Dementia.

PURPOSE: Socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more resource poor, impacting adherence to swallowing care recommendations. Neighborhood-level disadvantage metrics, such as the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), allow for examination of social determinants of health (SDOH) in a precise region. We examined ADI in a cohort of persons living with dementia (PLWD) to determine representation of those residing in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage (high ADI), distribution of swallowing care provided, and frequency of SDOH-related counseling or resource linking prior to discharge. METHOD: A retrospective chart abstraction was performed for all inpatients with a diagnosis of dementia (N = 204) seen by the Swallow Service at a large academic hospital in 2014. State ADI Deciles 1 (least) to 10 (most socioeconomic disadvantage) and decile groups (1-3, 4-7, and 8-10) were compared with the surrounding county. Frequency of videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluations (VFSEs) based on ADI deciles was recorded. To determine whether SDOH-related counseling or resource linking occurred for those in high ADI (8-10) neighborhoods, speech-language pathology notes, and discharge summaries were reviewed. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t tests, and one-way analysis of variance were calculated. RESULTS: ADI was significantly higher in this cohort (M = 3.84, SD = 2.58) than in the surrounding county (M = 2.79, SD = 1.88, p = .000). There was no significant difference in utilization of swallowing services across decile groups (p = .88). Although the majority (85%) in high ADI areas was recommended diet modifications or alternative nutrition likely requiring extra resources, there was no documentation indicating that additional SDOH resource linking or counseling was provided. CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise important questions about the role and responsibility of speech-language pathologists in tailoring swallowing services to challenges posed by the lived environment, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. This underscores the need for further research to understand and address gaps in postdischarge support for PLWD in high-ADI regions and advocate for more equitable provision of swallowing care.

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.

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.

Dysphagia in Older Adults is Associated With Food Insecurity and Being Homebound.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate relationships between swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) and social determinants of health (SDOH) in older adults ≥65 years. Method: Cross-sectional analyses were performed in community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries from the National Health & Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The primary exposure was self-reported difficulty chewing/swallowing in the prior month. Dependent measures included a variety of SDOH outcomes (e.g., food insecurity [FI]). Weighted logistic regression models were estimated to determine associations between dysphagia and SDOH outcomes. Results: Of 4041 participants, 428 (10.6%) self-reported dysphagia. In the adjusted model, dysphagia was associated with significantly increased odds for FI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06, 2.07, p = .023) and being homebound (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.13, 1.55, p= < .001). Discussion: Older adults with dysphagia had increased odds of FI and being homebound. These associations have implications for health-promoting interventions at the individual and policy levels in older adults.

Acute Antipsychotic Use and Presence of Dysphagia Among Older Veterans with Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: Examine whether new antipsychotic (AP) exposure is associated with dysphagia in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: AP-naïve Veterans hospitalized with HF and subsequently discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) between October 1, 2010, and November 30, 2019. METHODS: We linked Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic medical records with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 3.0 assessments and CMS claims. The exposure variable was administration of ≥1 dose of a typical or atypical AP during hospitalization. Our main outcome measure was dysphagia presence defined by (1) inpatient dysphagia diagnosis codes and (2) the SNF admission MDS 3.0 swallowing-related items to examine post-acute care dysphagia status. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used for risk adjustment. RESULTS: The analytic cohort consisted of 29,591 Veterans (mean age 78.5 ± 10.0 years; female 2.9%; n = 865). Acute APs were administered to 9.9% (n = 2941). Those receiving APs had differences in prior dementia [37.1%, n = 1091, vs 22.3%, n = 5942; standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.33] and hospital delirium diagnoses (7.7%, n = 227 vs 2.8%, n = 754; SMD = 0.22). Acute AP exposure was associated with nearly double the risk for hospital dysphagia diagnosis codes [adjusted (adj.) relative risk (RR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.8, 2.1]. At the SNF admission MDS assessment, acute AP administration during hospitalization was associated with an increased dysphagia risk (adj. RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5) both in the oral (adj. RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2, 2.0) and pharyngeal phases (adj. RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.7). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In this retrospective study, AP medication exposure was associated with increased dysphagia coding and MDS assessment. Considering other adverse effects, acute AP should be cautiously administered during hospitalization, particularly in those with dementia. Swallowing function is critical to hydration, nutrition, and medical management of HF; therefore, when acute APs are initiated, a swallow evaluation should be considered.

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.

Dysphagia Profiles Among Inpatients with Dementia Referred for Swallow Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) patients who are hospitalized often develop oropharyngeal dysphagia, increasing risk for adverse outcomes, such as aspiration pneumonia. However, prevalence estimates of dysphagia are highly variable and often based on patient report or clinical testing rather than visualization of the swallow. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to determine prevalence and severity of dysphagia among inpatients with ADRD referred for swallowing evaluation. METHODS: Electronic health record (EHR) abstraction of ADRD diagnosis and presence and severity of clinically-determined dysphagia on bedside swallow evaluation (BSE) and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). RESULTS: 16% (n = 268) had an ADRD diagnosis or were taking dementia-specific medication based on the EHR. 75% (n = 202) were diagnosed with dysphagia on the BSE. 60% subsequently underwent VFSS (n = 122) with dysphagia confirmation in 92% (n = 112). ADRD inpatients were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with dysphagia based on the BSE (p < 0.0001) than those without ADRD. Additionally, dysphagia on the VFSS was more severe in the ADRD group (p < 0.03). DISCUSSION: ADRD individuals may be vulnerable to developing or worsening dysphagia during hospitalization. Results underscore the importance of evaluating swallowing function in hospitalized patients with ADRD in order to facilitate targeted intervention.

Diagnostic utility of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised to detect pharyngeal dysphagia in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is the most commonly utilized instrument to index bulbar function in both clinical and research settings. We therefore aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and swallowing item to detect radiographically confirmed impairments in swallowing safety (penetration or aspiration) and global pharyngeal swallowing function in individuals with ALS. METHODS: Two-hundred and one individuals with ALS completed the ALSFRS-R and the gold standard videofluoroscopic swallowing exam (VFSE). Validated outcomes including the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) were assessed in duplicate by independent and blinded raters. Receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed to assess accuracy of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and swallowing item to detect radiographically confirmed unsafe swallowing (PAS > 3) and global pharyngeal dysphagia (DIGEST >1). RESULTS: Although below acceptable screening tool criterion, a score of ≤ 3 on the ALSFRS-R swallowing item optimized classification accuracy to detect global pharyngeal dysphagia (sensitivity: 68%, specificity: 64%, AUC: 0.68) and penetration/aspiration (sensitivity: 79%, specificity: 60%, AUC: 0.72). Depending on score selection, sensitivity and specificity of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale ranged between 34-94%. A score of < 9 optimized classification accuracy to detect global pharyngeal dysphagia (sensitivity: 68%, specificity: 68%, AUC: 0.76) and unsafe swallowing (sensitivity:78%, specificity:62%, AUC: 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale or swallowing item did not demonstrate adequate diagnostic accuracy to detect radiographically confirmed swallowing impairment. These results suggest the need for alternate screens for dysphagia in ALS.

A Cross-Sectional, Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Swallowing Physiology and Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Purpose To date, research characterizing swallowing changes in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has primarily relied on subjective descriptions. Thus, the degree to which swallowing physiology is altered in ALS, and relationships between such alterations and swallow safety and/or efficiency are not well characterized. This study provides a quantitative representation of swallow physiology, safety, and efficiency in a sample of individuals with ALS, to estimate the degree of difference in comparison to published healthy reference data and identify parameters that pose risk to swallow safety and efficiency. Secondary analyses explored the therapeutic effect of thickened liquids on swallowing safety and efficiency. Method Nineteen adults with a diagnosis of probable-definite ALS (El-Escorial Criteria-Revised) underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, involving up to 15 sips of barium liquid (20% w/v), ranging in thickness from thin to extremely thick. Blinded frame-by-frame videofluoroscopy analysis yielded the following measures: Penetration-Aspiration Scale, number of swallows per bolus, amount of pharyngeal residue, degree of laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC), time-to-LVC, duration of LVC (LVCdur), pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, diameter of upper esophageal sphincter opening, and duration of UES opening (UESOdur). Measures of swallow physiology obtained from thin liquid trials were compared against published healthy reference data using unpaired t tests, chi-squared tests, and Cohen's d effect sizes (adjusted p < .008). Preliminary relationships between parameters of swallowing physiology, safety, and efficiency were explored using nonparametric Cochrane's Q, Friedman's test, and generalized estimating equations (p < .05). Results Compared to healthy reference data, this sample of individuals with ALS displayed a higher proportion of swallows with partial or incomplete LVC (24% vs. < 1%), increased time-to-LVC (d = 1.09), reduced UESwidth (d = 0.59), enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, prolonged LVCdur (d = 0.64), and prolonged UESOdur (d = 1.34). Unsafe swallowing (i.e., PAS ≥ 3) occurred more frequently when LVC was partial/incomplete or time-to-LVC was prolonged. Pharyngeal residue was associated with larger pharyngeal areas at maximum constriction. Unsafe swallowing occurred less frequently with extremely thick liquids, compared to thin liquids. No significant differences in pharyngeal residue were observed based on liquid thickness. Conclusions Quantitative videofluoroscopic measurements revealed moderate-to-large differences in swallow physiology between this sample of individuals with ALS and healthy reference data. Increased time-to-LVC, noncomplete LVC, and enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction were associated with impaired swallow safety or efficiency. Thickened liquids may mitigate the risk of acute episodes of aspiration in individuals with ALS. Further work is needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and explore how swallowing profiles evolve throughout disease progression.

Combined respiratory training in an individual with C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

This case study examined the impact of a respiratory strength training program targeting inspiratory and expiratory musculature in an individual with C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The individual tolerated 24 months of respiratory training completed at home, 50 repetitions per day, and 5 days per week. Significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure (from 71 to 134 centimeters of water), maximum expiratory pressure (from 108 to 197 centimeters of water) and peak cough flow (from 331 to 655 Liters per minute) were noted and forced vital capacity remained unchanged. A moderate intensity respiratory strength training program applied early in the disease progression improved function in this C9orf72 ALS individual.