The experience of eating for older nursing home residents with dysphagia: A qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the experience of eating for nursing home residents with dysphagia is essential for developing effective and holistic compensatory intervention programmes for older adults with dysphagia. However, there is a lack of studies on the experience of eating for older adults with dysphagia, especially for individuals in Asian cultures. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the experience of eating for older nursing home residents who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which is often a problem for this population. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study recruited older nursing home residents with dysphagia from facilities in central Taiwan. Residents were recruited by purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual in-depth semistructured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed interview data were analysed with content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 20 residents participated in the study; the mean age was 78.7 years (standard deviation = 8.54 years); male and female residents were equally represented. The main core theme describing the experience of eating for nursing home residents with dysphagia was irregular coughing, which often occurred spontaneously. Three subthemes described how residents responded: making adjustments to eating and swallowing, receiving assistance from NH staff and fear of eating. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings can serve as an evidence-based reference for clinical care aimed at nursing home residents with dysphagia. Support programmes that provide safe swallowing skills and emotional support for managing dysphagia are recommended. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nursing home residents with dysphagia should receive interventions focussed on self-supporting care, training in swallowing skills and emotional support.

Clinical and therapeutic features of Plummer-Vinson syndrome in a Tunisian population: a case series.

Plummer Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a rare entity and most publications are case or series of cases. Thus, we report a series from southern Tunisia. Our aim was to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, the therapeutic modalities as well as the evolution of this pathology. Thus we carried out a retrospective study from 2009 until 2019. For each patient with PVS, we collected the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical data and therapeutic modalities. A total of 23 patients were enrolled with a median age of 49.52 years [18-82 years] and a clear female predominance (M/F=2/21). The median duration of dysphagia was 42 months [4-92 months]. Moderate microcytic hypochromic anemia was noted in 16 patients. The anemia was without obvious cause in 60.8% (n=14) of cases. The main endoscopic finding was a diaphragm in the cervical area. Treatment was based on iron supplementation followed by endoscopic dilatation with Savary dilators in 90.9% (n=20) and balloons for 9.1% of patients (n=2). Dysphagia recurred in 5 patients after a median of 26.6 months [2-60 months]. Three cases of PVS were complicated by esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In conclusion, our series confirms that PVS affects mostly women. Anemia is frequently noted in these patients. Treatment is based on endoscopic dilatation which is often an easy and risk-free procedure and iron supplementation.

Swallowing, nutritional status, and salivary flow in patients after head and neck cancer treatment, a pilot study.

Determine the relationship between swallowing function, nutritional status, and salivary flow in patients after head and neck cancer treatment. This pilot study included 17 patients. Swallowing was assessed through videofluoroscopy and surface electromyography (sEMG), nutritional status through anthropometry and dietary assessment, and salivary flow both with and without mechanical stimulation. Test analysis showed that 66.7% of patients had functional limitations in swallowing in 58.3%, 66.7%, and 58.3% residue scale with an average of a line of barium on a structure for pudding, honey, and liquid consistencies, respectively. Laryngeal penetration was found in 8.3% during the swallowing of liquid. Surface electromyography (sEMG) showed above normal values for muscle activity time during the swallowing of pudding. Anthropometric assessment and muscle and adipose tissue indicated eutrophy. Salivary flow test with mechanical stimulus showed that 82.3% of patients' salivary production was well below the appropriate level. There was a significant correlation between muscle tissue reserve and muscle activity time during swallowing in the studied muscles (left masseter p = 0.003, right masseter p = 0.001, suprahyoid p = 0.001, orbicularis oris = 0.020), all in pudding consistency. This pilot study confirmed the relationship between swallowing and nutritional status for its participants, showing that appropriate protein intake influences muscle activity during swallowing in head and neck cancer survivors.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia frequency in older adults living in nursing homes: an integrative review. / Frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados: uma revisão integrativa.

PURPOSE: To synthesize the scientific knowledge on the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: The study question followed the PECO strategy and the search was performed in the Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS and SciELO databases, using keywords and specific free terms. SELECTION CRITERIA: articles with no time or language restrictions that reported the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes and the diagnostic criteria. DATA ANALYSIS: it was analyzed the population characteristics, the concept of "oropharyngeal dysphagia", the methods for identifying the outcome and the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles followed the criteria of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). RESULTS: Fifteen articles were included. There was great variability in relation to the sample size, with a predominance of longevous old women. The concept of dysphagia, when mentioned, was heterogeneous. Diagnostic criteria were diverse and mostly comprised of questionnaires or clinical trials results. No studies used instrumental tests. The frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the studied population ranged from 5.4% to 83.7%, being higher in studies that used clinical tests, but with greater precision of confidence intervals in studies that used questionnaires and large sample size. CONCLUSION: The frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes has wide variability. Methodological discrepancies among studies compromise the reliability of frequency estimates and highlight the need for research with better defined and standardized methodological criteria.

OBJETIVO: Sintetizar o estado do conhecimento científico sobre a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: A pergunta de pesquisa foi formulada de acordo com a estratégia PECO e a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS e SciELO, utilizando descritores e termos livres específicos. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEÇÃO: Artigos sem restrição de tempo ou idioma, que relatassem a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados e o critério utilizado para diagnóstico. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: Foram analisadas as características da população, conceito de "disfagia orofaríngea", métodos para identificação do desfecho e a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos artigos seguiu os critérios do Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos quinze artigos. Houve grande variabilidade quanto ao tamanho da amostra, com predomínio de idosos longevos do sexo feminino. O conceito de disfagia, quando mencionado, foi heterogêneo. Os critérios diagnósticos foram diversos e compostos, em sua maioria, por resultados de questionários ou testes clínicos. Nenhum estudo utilizou exames instrumentais. A frequência de disfagia orofaríngea na população estudada oscilou entre 5.4% e 83.7%, sendo mais elevada nos estudos que utilizaram testes clínicos, porém, com intervalos de confiança mais precisos naqueles que usaram questionários e amostras maiores. CONCLUSÃO: A frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados possui ampla variabilidade. As discrepâncias metodológicas entre os estudos comprometem a confiabilidade das estimativas de frequência e apontam a necessidade de pesquisas com critérios metodológicos mais bem definidos e padronizados.

Trends in, and predictors of, swallowing and social eating outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors: A longitudinal analysis of head and neck 5000.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recovery trajectory and predictors of outcome for swallowing difficulties following head and neck cancer treatment in a large prospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 5404 participants of the Head and Neck 5000 study were collected from 2011 to 2014. Patient-reported swallowing was measured using the EORTC HN35, recorded at baseline (pre-treatment) and 4 and 12 months post-baseline. Mixed-effects linear multivariable regression was used to investigate time trends, compare cancer sites, and identify associations between clinical, socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: 2458 participants with non-recurrent oral (29%) oropharyngeal (46%) and laryngeal (25%) cancer were included in the analysis. There was a clinically significant deterioration in scores between baseline and four months for swallowing (11.7 points; 95% CI 10.7-12.8) and trouble with social eating (17.9 points; 95% CI 16.7-19.2), but minimal difference between baseline and 12 months. Predictors of better swallowing and social eating were participants with larynx cancer, early-stage disease, treatment type, age, gender, co-morbidity, socio-economic status, smoking behaviour and cohabitation. CONCLUSION: Swallowing problems persist up to a year after head and neck cancer treatment. These findings identify disease and demographic characteristics for particularly vulnerable groups, supporting the need for holistic interventions to help improve swallowing outcomes. People diagnosed with head and neck cancer at risk of severe eating and drinking problems following treatment can be identified earlier in the pathway, receive more accurate information about early and late post-treatment side-effects, which can inform shared decision-making discussions.

Profiles of polypharmacy in older adults and medication associations with signs of aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy and specific medication classes are prevalent in older adults. Their relationships with swallowing disorders are not well explored, which would best be managed holistically, with consideration of medication profiles. This study aimed to establish profiles of polypharmacy in older adults and investigate the associations of polypharmacy and medication class with signs of aspiration during swallowing. METHODS: This was a secondary retrospective analysis of data from 291 adults aged 60 years and older. Polypharmacy was profiled numerically and described. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associations between medication classes with signs of aspiration, while controlling for independent variables of demographics, functional status, and medical history. RESULTS: Three distinct profiles of polypharmacy were described. Higher numbers of medications were associated with higher age, lower functional status, nursing home residency, multimorbidity, and showing signs of aspiration. Thirty-four classes of medications were found in this study, benzodiazepines were the only class independently associated with signs of aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Different profiles of polypharmacy can be observed in older adults, but none were independently associated with signs of aspiration. In addition to known demographic and functional status variables, benzodiazepine-use was found to be independently associated with signs of aspiration (p = .005, B = 7.94).

Frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados: uma revisão integrativa / Oropharyngeal dysphagia frequency in older adults living in nursing homes: an integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo Sintetizar o estado do conhecimento científico sobre a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados. Estratégia de pesquisa A pergunta de pesquisa foi formulada de acordo com a estratégia PECO e a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS e SciELO, utilizando descritores e termos livres específicos. Critérios de seleção Artigos sem restrição de tempo ou idioma, que relatassem a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados e o critério utilizado para diagnóstico. Análise dos dados Foram analisadas as características da população, conceito de "disfagia orofaríngea", métodos para identificação do desfecho e a frequência de disfagia orofaríngea. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos artigos seguiu os critérios do Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Resultados Foram incluídos quinze artigos. Houve grande variabilidade quanto ao tamanho da amostra, com predomínio de idosos longevos do sexo feminino. O conceito de disfagia, quando mencionado, foi heterogêneo. Os critérios diagnósticos foram diversos e compostos, em sua maioria, por resultados de questionários ou testes clínicos. Nenhum estudo utilizou exames instrumentais. A frequência de disfagia orofaríngea na população estudada oscilou entre 5.4% e 83.7%, sendo mais elevada nos estudos que utilizaram testes clínicos, porém, com intervalos de confiança mais precisos naqueles que usaram questionários e amostras maiores. Conclusão A frequência de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados possui ampla variabilidade. As discrepâncias metodológicas entre os estudos comprometem a confiabilidade das estimativas de frequência e apontam a necessidade de pesquisas com critérios metodológicos mais bem definidos e padronizados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To synthesize the scientific knowledge on the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes. Research strategies The study question followed the PECO strategy and the search was performed in the Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS and SciELO databases, using keywords and specific free terms. Selection criteria articles with no time or language restrictions that reported the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes and the diagnostic criteria. Data analysis it was analyzed the population characteristics, the concept of "oropharyngeal dysphagia", the methods for identifying the outcome and the frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles followed the criteria of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Results Fifteen articles were included. There was great variability in relation to the sample size, with a predominance of longevous old women. The concept of dysphagia, when mentioned, was heterogeneous. Diagnostic criteria were diverse and mostly comprised of questionnaires or clinical trials results. No studies used instrumental tests. The frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the studied population ranged from 5.4% to 83.7%, being higher in studies that used clinical tests, but with greater precision of confidence intervals in studies that used questionnaires and large sample size. Conclusion The frequency of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults living in nursing homes has wide variability. Methodological discrepancies among studies compromise the reliability of frequency estimates and highlight the need for research with better defined and standardized methodological criteria.

Effectiveness of expiratory flow acceleration in patients with Parkinson's disease and swallowing deficiency: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes dysfunction both to swallowing and to the cough mechanism. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the main cause of pneumonia, due to silent aspiration of food and saliva. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in PD. Different strategies exist to reduce the risk of inhalation and associated lung infections, but evidence of their efficacy is still unclear. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate if adding an expiratory flow acceleration (EFA®) technique to standard therapy (ST) for dysphagia can reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary infections and improve quality of life, respiratory function parameters, cough, and airways encumbrance perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with PD were randomized to two groups: ST vs. ST + EFA. Patients were re-assessed at 30, 180 and 360 days from start of treatment. The primary outcome was the incidence of respiratory exacerbations together with quality of life score (PDQ-39). Secondary outcomes were changes in respiratory function tests, cough capacity (CPEF), perceived health status (Euro-QOL-VAS), cough, and upper airways encumbrance perception evaluated by visual numeric scale (VNS). RESULTS: Twenty patients concluded the study (10 each group). Albeit the difference was not significant, less respiratory infections, symptoms, hospital admissions and medical visits were found in the study group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in cough effectiveness measured with the peak cough expiratory flow (PCEF) and other spirometry parameters (FEV1, FVC), and also in specific and generic health-related quality of life measures (PDQ-39, Euro-QoL-VAS). CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary study support the use of EFA® technology in Parkinson's patients with dysphagia to reduce the risk of respiratory complications. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in a larger, more representative sample to definitively confirm the usefulness of this technique in PD patients.

Postoperative Dysphagia Following Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

The addition of posterior cruroplasty to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA-PC) has been shown to be effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the predictors of persistent postoperative dysphagia, one of the major complaints after MSA-PC. From August 2015 to February 2018 the medical records of 118 patients (male=59, female=59) receiving MSA-PC for GERD were reviewed. Postoperative dysphagia was present in 80 patients (67.8%), with 20 (16.9%) requiring dilation for persistent dysphagia. Three patients (2.5%) had the magnetic sphincter augmentation device removed for persistent dysphagia, one was converted to a Nissen fundoplication. The median number of dilations was 1, mean time from surgery to dilation was 5.6 months, and 15/20 (75%) had symptom resolution after 1 to 2 dilations. Dilated patients were more likely than nondilated patients to have atypical GERD symptoms preoperatively (70% vs. 44.7%, P=0.042). After dilation, 93.3% of patients reported a good quality of life.

Cervical Interferential Current Transcutaneous Electrical Sensory Stimulation for Patients with Dysphagia and Dementia in Nursing Homes.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the efficacy of interferential current transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation (IFC-TESS) in patients with dementia who were being treated for dysphagia in nursing homes under normal living conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study recruited 54 nursing home residents (13 males, 41 females; mean age, 84.5 ± 10.7 years) with dysphagia and dementia. IFC-TESS was performed with Gentle Stim® (Careido Co. Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan) for 15 minutes. Two sessions per day were administered 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. The outcomes included the improvement of the patients' cough reflexes and nutritional states across the 3 weeks of intervention; the former was evaluated with the cough test based on the changes in cough latency time and cough frequency, while the latter was assessed based on changes in the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score and oral calorie intake. RESULTS: The cough latency times before and after the 3-week intervention were 15.8 (7.0-60.0) and 6.7 (3.6-30.7) s/min, respectively; the cough frequencies were 5.0 (0.0-5.0) and 5.0 (5.0-5.0) t/min, respectively; the FOIS scores were 5.0 (5.0-6.0) and 5.0 (5.0-6.0), respectively; and oral calorie intakes were 1300.0 (862.5-1420.0) and 1300.0 (1005.0-1462.5) kcal/day, respectively. All parameters significantly improved across the intervention (p < 0.05). When the results were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, mini nutritional assessment results, Barthel index, and mini-mental state examination scores, IFC-TESS improved the cough reflex and oral calorie intake in older nursing home residents with dementia. CONCLUSION: Cervical IFC-TESS can improve the cough reflexes and nutritional states of patients with dysphagia and dementia in nursing homes. As it has previously been difficult to perform active rehabilitation with dementia patients, IFC-TESS may be effective and practicable for the rehabilitation of this patient population.

Resolution of anemia and improved quality of life following laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Cameron lesions (CL) are common complications of large hiatal hernia (HH) disease and are known to result in chronic blood loss with resultant microcytic anemia. There is support in the literature that repair of HH may lead to resolution of CL and restore normal hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to determine the impact of elective HH repair on resolution of anemia and the quality of life (QOL) in patients with CL. METHOD: A single-institution, retrospective review analyzed all patients with history of CL or anemia (hemoglobin < 12.0 gm/dl in women, < 13.5 gm/dl in men) who underwent HH repair from January 2012 to May 2019. Four validated surveys were used to assess QOL: Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related QOL (GERD-HRQL), laryngopharyngeal reflux health-related QOL (LPR-HRQL), and QOL and swallowing disorders (SWAL) survey. History of iron supplements and perioperative hemoglobin were also noted. RESULT: Ninety-six patients were included in this study. The mean age was 67.4 ± 10.8 years and 79% of patients were female. CL were endoscopically identified in 61.5% of patients preoperatively, and the rest of the patients experienced anemia of undiagnosed origin but had a high suspicion for CL. Mean follow-up after HH repair was 17.3 months (range, 1 month-5 years). Mean preoperative hemoglobin was 11.01 ± 2.9 gm/dl and 13.23 ± 1.6 gm/dl postoperatively (p < 0.01). Forty-two (73.7%) patients had resolution of anemia during follow-up and 94.5% stopped supplemental oral iron. Finally, QOL scores significantly improved after surgical intervention: RSI (63%), GERD-HRQL (77%), LPR-HRQOL (72%), and SWAL (13%). CONCLUSION: Elective HH repair in patients with chronic anemia secondary to CL may potentially resolve CL and anemia and contribute to significant QOL improvements. Future studies will prospectively assess the resolution of CL with biochemical and endoscopic follow-up to confirm the preliminary findings of our analysis.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para disfagia orofaríngea em idosos frágeis com fraturas traumato-ortopédicas / Prevalence and risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia in fragile older adults with orthopedic fractures

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e fatores de risco para disfagia orofaríngea em indivíduos idosos hospitalizados por fraturas traumato-ortopédicas. Métodos Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, incluindo comorbidades clínicas, autopercepção do desempenho de deglutição (Eating Assessment Tool) e identificação de risco nutricional (Mini Avaliação Nutricional). Para avaliar o sistema estomatognático e a deglutição, foram utilizados os protocolos Avaliação Miofuncional para Pessoas Idosas e o Volume Viscosity Swallow Test, compilados para composição do desfecho a partir da Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Resultados O estudo evidenciou que 58% dos indivíduos apresentaram restrições de consistências alimentares devido à disfagia orofaríngea (FOIS ≤ 6). Observou-se, também, risco de diminuição funcional entre aqueles com idade maior ou igual a 70 anos, com piores condições dentárias, diminuição da funcionalidade global, doenças neurológicas associadas e com percepção de alterações na deglutição. Conclusão Houve prevalência de disfagia orofaríngea em seis a cada dez indivíduos, sendo a fragilidade, idade avançada, múltiplas doenças e condições orais deficitárias os fatores de risco para a alteração, fatores estes que devem ser identificados para a prevenção de aspiração alimentar.

ABSTRACT Purpose To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults hospitalized for orthopedic trauma fractures. Methods Sociodemographic data, clinical comorbidities, auto-perception of swallowing performance (Eating Assessment Tool) and identification of nutritional risk (Mini Nutritional Assessment) were collected. In order to evaluate the stomatognathic system and swallowing, the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation Protocol for older people and the Volume Viscosity Swallow Test protocols were used to assess the outcome through the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Results 58% individuals presented dietary consistency restrictions due to oropharyngeal dysphagia (FOIS ≤ 6). A risk for functional decrease was observed among patients 70 years or older, with worse dental conditions, global functionality decreased, neurologic disorders and self-perception of swallowing changes. Conclusion The study observed a prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in six out of ten individuals. Frailty, advanced age, multiple comorbidities and deficient oral conditions are risk factors that should be identified in order to prevent food aspiration.

A stimulus for eating. The use of neuromuscular transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients affected by severe dysphagia after subacute stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common problem in subacute stroke patients leading to aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Non-invasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) coupled with traditional therapy could be best treatment option for patients with post-stroke dysphagia, however results are still inconclusive and more studies are requested. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of laryngopharyngeal neuromuscular electrical stimulation on dysphagia caused by stroke. METHODS: Thirty-three patients affected by subacute stroke and dysphagia participated in this study. The subjects were divided into NMES plus traditional dysphagia training (n = 17) and traditional dysphagia training alone in a time matched condition (n = 16). Both groups were treated 5 days/week for 8 weeks. All patients were evaluated before and after the treatment. The study was designed as a single blind randomized controlled trial. Primary outcomes were considered the status of swallowing function according to the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the instrumental Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing examination, the Penetration Aspiration Scale and the Pooling score and the presence of oropharyngeal secretion. Secondary outcomes were the type of diet taken by mouth; the need for postural compensations and the duration of the dysphagia training. RESULTS: A functional improvement was observed in both groups but treatment group showed a significant improvement for primary outcome with the exception of the pooling Score (p = 0.015, p = 0.203; p = 0.003; p = 0.048 respectively) and for secondary outcome p <0.005. The results confirm that laryngopharyngeal neuromuscular electrical stimulation in post-stroke patients with dysphonia improve outcome of the training. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngopharyngeal neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be considered as an additional and effective treatment option for dysphagia after stroke.

Prevalencia de disfagia orofaríngea en ancianos institucionalizados y su relación con síndromes geriátricos / Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in institutionalized elderly patients and its relationship with geriatric syndroms

Antecedentes y objetivo. La disfagia orofaríngea es un síntoma, a menudo infravalorado, con una gran trascendencia clínica por las graves complicaciones que puede provocar. El objetivo general de este estudio es estimar la prevalencia de disfagia orofaríngea en adultos mayores institucionalizados y, específicamente, conocer su relación con síndromes geriátricos. Pacientes y método. La población de estudio estaba compuesta por 30 sujetos mayores de 80 años institucionalizados en una residencia geriátrica. Todas las variables analizadas se extrajeron de la valoración clínica multidisciplinar. Las herramientas de valoración usadas han sido el Mini-Nutritional Assessment®, el Índice de Barthel, la Escala de depresión geriátrica, el Método de exploración clínica volumen-viscosidad y el Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Los datos se han gestionado con SAS® 9.4 y han sido importados desde la base de datos original en Excel mediante SAS® Enterprise 6.1. Resultados. La prevalencia de disfagia orofaríngea en esta población es de 41,5%. Existe una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el Índice de Barthel y la presencia de disfagia orofaríngea (p=.0279), al contrario del estado cognitivo (p=.8951), nutricional (p=.1470) o a la presencia de depresión (p=.999). Conclusiones. La disfagia orofaríngea es muy prevalente en ancianos institucionalizados. La situación funcional puede ser un factor de riesgo a padecer disfagia orofaríngea. La presencia de depresión no parece influir en la aparición de este síntoma. Se observa una tendencia a presentar disfagia orofaríngea cuando el estado cognitivo o nutricional es peor

Background and objective. oropharyngeal dysphagia is often an underestimated symptom, with clinical significance because of the severe complications it may cause. The main objective of this project is to estimate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalized elderly people and, specifically, to determine its relationship with geriatric syndromes or giants. Patients and method. the study population was composed of 30 subjects older than 80 years institutionalized in a Nursing Home. All variables analyzed were obtained from a multidisciplinary clinical assessment. The assessment tools used were: the Mini-Nutritional Assessment®, the Barthel Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. The data were managed with SAS® 9.4 and imported from the original database into Excel using SAS® Enterprise 6.1. Results. prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in this population is 41.5%. There is a statistically significant relationship between the Barthel Index and the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (P=.0279), unlike the cognitive status (P=.8951), nutrition (P=.1470) or the presence of depression (P=.999). Conclusions. oropharyngeal dysphagia is highly prevalent among elderly institutionalized patients. Functional health status may be a risk factor for suffering oropharyngeal dysphagia. The presence of depression does not appear to influence the onset of this symptom. Worse cognitive and nutritional status is significantly related to the incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia

Vagus nerve magnetic modulation facilitates dysphagia recovery in patients with stroke involving the brainstem - A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Stroke involving the brainstem (SBS) causes severe oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Research on the therapeutic efficacy of vagus nerve modulation (VNM) by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in SBS patients with OD has been limited thus far. We aimed to assess the effect of VNM by using rTMS in improving swallowing function after SBS. METHOD: We conducted a sham-controlled, double-blinded, parallel pilot study in 28 SBS patients with OD randomly allocated to a real rTMS group (n = 13; TMSreal) or a sham group (n = 15; TMSsham). For VNM, 5-Hz rTMS was applied to the left mastoid in 10 sessions. We evaluated all patients for swallowing function before and after rTMS conditioning, assessed on the 8-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) through videofluoroscopy and the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures-Swallowing scale (AusTOMs). We measured the amplitude and latency of cricopharyngeal motor evoked potentials (CP-MEPs) as the neurophysiological parameters. RESULTS: TMSreal exhibited significant improvement in all swallowing outcomes-neurophysiological, radiological, and functional-compared with TMSsham: We noted higher CP-MEP amplitude (p = 0.004), shorter CP-MEP latency (p = 0.004), a lower PAS score (p = 0.001), and a higher AusTOMs score (p < 0.001) following rTMS in TMSreal. Moreover, the neurophysiological improvements were significantly correlated with the functional outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage the application of VNM by using rTMS for improving swallowing function after SBS. The immediate therapeutic effects suggest that this novel intervention can be an effective complementary therapy to traditional oropharyngeal rehabilitation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02893033.

Persistent Dysphagia After Induction Chemotherapy in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Predicts Poor Post-Operative Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Preoperative therapy is frequently employed in the management of esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, many patients are found to have advanced pathologic stage and have poor outcomes. A prognostic factor which identifies this patient population before surgery would be desirable, as alternative treatment strategies may be warranted. METHODS: Between 2/08 and 1/12, 60 evaluable patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma enrolled in single-arm phase II trial of induction chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT). A clinical stage of T3, N1, or M1a (AJCC 6th) was required for eligibility. Induction chemotherapy with epirubicin 50 mg/m2 d1, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 d1, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks, was given every 21 days for 3 cycles and was followed by surgical resection. Adjuvant CRT consisted of 50-55 Gy @ 1.8-2.0 Gy/day and 2 cycles of cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/day) given as 96-h infusions during weeks 1 and 4 of radiotherapy. Dysphagia was assessed at baseline and after induction chemotherapy. RESULTS: Persistent dysphagia was associated with worse distant metastatic control [HR 3.48 (1.43-8.43), p = 0.006], recurrence free survival [HR 3.04 (1.34-6.92), p = 0.008], and overall survival [HR 3.31 (1.43-7.66), p = 0.005]. Persistent dysphagia was associated with more advanced pathologic T descriptor (pT) (p = 0.048) and N descriptor (pN) (p = 0.002), a greater median number of involved lymph nodes (3 v 1, p = 0.003), and greater residual tumor viability (p = 0.05). No patients with persistent dysphagia had pT0-T2 or pN0 disease. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent dysphagia after induction chemotherapy is associated with more advanced pathologic stage and inferior outcomes.

Anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. Ultrasound-guided superficial/intermediate cervical plexus block combined with carotid sheath infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy carries a significant risk of intraoperative brain ischaemia. Various methods for intraoperative cerebral function monitoring can be utilized, but the assessment of the patient's consciousness remains the easiest and most available method, requiring that the patient remain awake and under local/regional anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare infiltration anaesthesia with an ultrasound-guided superficial/combined cervical plexus block for patient safety and comfort. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were randomly assigned to receive either infiltration anaesthesia performed by the surgeon or an US-guided superficial/combined cervical plexus block. The pain intensity using the numerical rating scale (NRS), the volume of local anaesthetic used and the anaesthesia-related complications were recorded. The data were analysed using selected statistical tools. RESULTS: In the US-guided group, a significantly lower volume of local anaesthetic was used (25 mL vs. 30 mL), and lower mean (1 vs. 3) and maximal (2 vs. 6) NRS scores were observed. However, hoarseness, cough and difficulty swallowing were significantly more frequent among those patients (90% vs. 27%, 30% vs. 12%, and 36% vs. 6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with infiltration anaesthesia, an US-guided superficial/combined cervical plexus block is an effective method for improving the comfort of the patient and the surgeon. The technique is safe, relatively simple and easy to master and requires little time to perform.

Dysphagia Post Subcortical and Supratentorial Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Studies have recognized that the damage in the subcortical and supratentorial regions may affect voluntary and involuntary aspects of the swallowing function. The current study attempted to explore the dysphagia characteristics in patients with subcortical and supratentorial stroke. METHODS: Twelve post first or second subcortical and supratentorial stroke patients were included in the study. The location of the stroke was ascertained by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The characteristics of swallowing disorder were assessed by video fluoroscopic swallowing assessment/fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. The following main parameters were analyzed: oral transit time, pharyngeal delay time, presence of cricopharyngeal muscle achalasia (CMA), distance of laryngeal elevation, the amounts of vallecular residue and pyriform sinus residue (PSR), and the extent of pharyngeal contraction. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of the 12 patients were found suffering from pharyngeal dysphagia, with 50% having 50%-100% PSRs, 50% having pharyngeal delay, and 41.6% cases demonstrating CMA. Simple regression analysis showed PSRs were most strongly associated with CMA. Pharyngeal delay in the study can be caused by infarcts of basal ganglia/thalamus, infarcts of sensory tract, infarcts of swallowing motor pathways in the centrum semiovale, or a combination of the three. CONCLUSION: Subcortical and supratentorial stroke may result in pharyngeal dysphagia such as PSR and pharyngeal delay. PSR was mainly caused by CMA.

Safety analysis of first 1000 patients treated with magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Antireflux surgery with a magnetic sphincter augmentation device (MSAD) restores the competency of the lower esophageal sphincter with a device rather than a tissue fundoplication. As a regulated device, safety information from the published clinical literature can be supplemented by tracking under the Safe Medical Devices Act. The aim of this study was to examine the safety profile of the MSAD in the first 1000 implanted patients. We compiled safety data from all available sources as of July 1, 2013. The analysis included intra/perioperative complications, hospital readmissions, procedure-related interventions, reoperations, and device malfunctions leading to injury or inability to complete the procedure. Over 1000 patients worldwide have been implanted with the MSAD at 82 institutions with median implant duration of 274 days. Event rates were 0.1% intra/perioperative complications, 1.3% hospital readmissions, 5.6% endoscopic dilations, and 3.4% reoperations. All reoperations were performed non-emergently for device removal, with no complications or conversion to laparotomy. The primary reason for device removal was dysphagia. No device migrations or malfunctions were reported. Erosion of the device occurred in one patient (0.1%). The safety analysis of the first 1000 patients treated with MSAD for gastroesophageal reflux disease confirms the safety of this device and the implantation technique. The overall event rates were low based on data from 82 institutions. The MSAD is a safe therapeutic option for patients with chronic, uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease.