Impact of low pharyngeal/esophageal pressure associated with sarcopenia on postendoscopic submucosal dissection pneumonia in patients with superficial esophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aging population, including patients with superficial esophageal cancer, encounters critical dysphagia- and postoperative pneumonia-related issues. Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) provides advantages over other modalities, older patients are at higher risk of postoperative pneumonia. Furthermore, the etiologies of pneumonia are complex and include patient- (such as sarcopenia) and treatment- (including ESD) related factors. Therefore, this study evaluated swallowing function in patients with superficial esophageal cancer and identified post-ESD pneumonia-associated factors. METHODS: Comprehensive swallowing function and sarcopenia were evaluated in patients pre-ESD and 2 months post-ESD using high-resolution manometry and several swallowing studies by multiple experts. The effects of mucosal resection and sarcopenia on swallowing function changes post-ESD, the relationship between preoperative swallowing function and sarcopenia, and the factors influencing postoperative pneumonia were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the study. Patients with preoperative sarcopenia had significantly lower pharyngeal/upper esophageal sphincter and tongue pressures than those without sarcopenia. However, ESD did not worsen pharyngeal or upper esophageal pressure. Post-ESD pneumonia incidence tended to be higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia. The lower upper esophageal sphincter-integrated relaxation pressure (UES-IRP) was a significant factor in pneumonia development. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve for UES-IRP in pneumonia yielded an area under the curve of 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is associated with preoperative dysphagia, which increases post-ESD pneumonia risk. Therefore, postoperative pneumonia incidence is expected to increase with an aging population, making preoperative sarcopenia and swallowing function evaluation crucial.

A comparative study of the sarcopenia screening in older patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) is the gold standard diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in Asian populations. The calf circumference (CalF), the strength, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) and the SARC-CalF questionnaires for sarcopenia screening have been used by AWGS 2019. The aim of this study was to assess accuracy of these three sarcopenia screening tools in patients with interstitial lung disease. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, stable patients with interstitial lung disease were enrolled. The SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and CalF, used in patients with interstitial lung disease, were compared to the diagnostic criteria proposed by AWGS 2019. The accuracy of screening tools was compared using sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were computed. RESULTS: Seventy eight patients were analyzed, and sarcopenia was identified in 25 (32.1%) patients with interstitial lung disease by the AWGS 2019 criteria. The sensitivity of the CalF was highest (96%) of the three screening tools, while the specificity was 60%. The sensitivity of SARC-F and SARC-CalF were 24% and 68%, while the specificity were 92% and 66%, respectively. The AUCs of CalF, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF in all patients were 0.78, 0.58, and 0.67, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CalF is most suitable for screening sarcopenia in patients with interstitial lung disease, while SARC-F and SARC-CalF are not.

Association between hospital acquired disability and post-discharge mortality in patients after living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired disability (HAD) in patients who undergo living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is expected to worsen physical functions due to inactivity during hospitalization. The aim of this study was to explore whether a decline in activities of daily living from hospital admission to discharge is associated with prognosis in LDLT patients, who once discharged from a hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the relationship between HAD and prognosis in 135 patients who underwent LDLT from June 2008 to June 2018, and discharged from hospital once. HAD was defined as a decline of over 5 points in the Barthel Index as an activity of daily living assessment. Additionally, LDLT patients were classified into four groups: low or high skeletal muscle index (SMI) and HAD or non-HAD. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between HAD and survival. RESULTS: HAD was identified in 47 LDLT patients (34.8%). The HAD group had a significantly higher all-cause mortality than the non-HAD group (log-rank: p < 0.001), and in the HAD/low SMI group, all-cause mortality was highest between the groups (log-rank: p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, HAD was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 16.54; P < 0.001) and HAD/low SMI group (HR: 16.82; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: HAD was identified as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality suggesting that it could be a key component in determining prognosis after LDLT. Future larger-scale studies are needed to consider the overall new strategy of perioperative rehabilitation, including enhancement of preoperative physiotherapy programs to improve physical function.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy with granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease improved after antiretroviral therapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Vacuolar encephalomyelopathy, a disregarded diagnosis lately, was a major neurological disease in the terminal stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection in the pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) was classically identified as a non-infectious complication of common variable immunodeficiency; however, it is now being recognized in other immunodeficiency disorders. Here, we report the first case of GLILD accompanied by vacuolar encephalomyelopathy in a newly diagnosed HIV-infected man. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Japanese man presented with chronic dry cough and progressing paraplegia. Radiological examination revealed diffuse pulmonary abnormalities in bilateral lungs, focal demyelinating lesions of the spinal cord, and white matter lesions in the brain. He was diagnosed with GLILD based on marked lymphocytosis detecting in bronchoalveolar lavage, and transbronchial-biopsy proven T-cellular interstitial lung disease with granulomas. Microbiological examinations did not reveal an etiologic agent. The patient was also diagnosed with HIV-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy on the basis of an elevated HIV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid. After initiating ART, the brain lesions and paraplegia improved significantly, and interstitial abnormalities of the lungs and cough disappeared. CONCLUSION: This report highlights that even in the post-ART era in developed countries with advanced healthcare services, HIV-associated vacuolar encephalomyelopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a progressive neurological disorder during the first visit. Furthermore, GLILD may represent an HIV-associated pulmonary manifestation that can be treated by ART.

[Timing of helicopter transportation for patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage on isolated islands].

Cerebral aneurysm re-rupture following subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)is a serious problem that is related with poor outcome. It is generally said that re-rupture occurs within 6 hours of the initial SAH;in the acute stage, strict management is needed even in the period before hospitalization. The aim of this study was to confirm whether patients on isolated islands should be transferred by helicopter > 6 hours after the initial SAH. Here we reviewed 125 cases of SAH in the isolated islands of Nagasaki prefecture between January 2007 and December 2012 who were transferred to Nagasaki Medical Center by helicopter as a result of consultation via TeleStroke(41 men, 84 women;mean age, 65.76 years). Re-rupture was observed in seven patients(5.6%), five of whom were diagnosed with re-rupture in a prior hospital on the isolated island. No patients demonstrated clinical deterioration during transport. Early helicopter transportation under adequate sedation and control of blood pressure within 6 hours is safe, and patients should be transferred as quickly as possible during the day. On the other hand, at night, flight safety must first be considered. Patients in stable clinical condition may be transferred the next day. We should pay special attention to patients with SAH and intracerebral hemorrhage, severe SAH, or vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm because their condition may gradually become more serious even if initially stable.

Peri-stent aneurysm formation following a stent implant for stenotic intracranial vertebral artery dissection: a technical report of two cases successfully treated with coil embolization.

INTRODUCTION: Although stenting for stenotic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) improves compromised blood flow, subsequent peri-stent aneurysm (PSA) formation is not well-known. We report two cases with PSA successfully treated with coil embolization. METHODS: Three patients with stenotic intracranial VAD underwent endovascular angioplasty at our institution because they had acute infarction in posterior circulation territory and clinical evidence of hemodynamic insufficiency. In two of three patients balloon angioplasty at first session failed to relieve the stenosis, and a coronary stent was implanted. Angiography immediately after stenting showed no abnormality in case 1 and minimal slit-like projection at proximal portion of the stent in case 2. RESULTS: Angiography obtained 16 months after the stenting revealed PSA in case 1. In case 2, angiography performed 3 months later showed that the projection at proximal portion enlarged and formed an aneurysm outside the stent. Because follow-up angiographies showed growth of the aneurysm in both cases, endovascular aneurysmal embolization was performed. We advanced a microcatheter into the aneurysm through the strut of existing stent and delivered detachable coils into the aneurysm lumen successfully in both cases. The post-procedural course was uneventful, and complete obliteration of aneurysm was confirmed on angiography in both cases. CONCLUSION: Stenting for stenotic intracranial VAD may result in delayed PSA; therefore, follow-up angiographies would be necessary after stenting for stenotic intracranial arterial dissection. Coil embolization through the stent strut would be a solution for enlarging PSA.

Early awareness of cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia after craniotomy for microsurgical aneurysmal clipping.

BACKGROUND: Mild cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia is a well-known clinical entity, but critical CSF hypovolemia that can cause transtentorial herniation is an unusual and rare clinical entity that occurs after craniotomy. We investigated CSF hypovolemia after microsurgical aneurysmal clipping for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHOD: This study included 144 consecutive patients with SAH. Lumbar drainage (LD) was inserted after general anesthesia or postoperatively as a standard perioperative protocol. CSF hypovolemia diagnosis was based on three criteria. RESULTS: Eleven patients (7.6%) were diagnosed with CSF hypovolemia according to diagnostic criteria in a postoperative range of 0-8 days. In all patients, signs or symptoms of CSF hypovolemia improved within 24 hours by clamping LD and using the Trendelenburg position. CONCLUSIONS: As a cause of acute clinical deterioration after aneurysmal clipping, CSF hypovolemia is likely under-recognized, and may actually be misdiagnosed as vasospasm or brain swelling. We should always take the etiology of CSF hypovolemia into consideration, and especially pay attention in patients with pneumocephalus and subdural fluid collection alongside brain sag on computed tomography. These patients are at higher risk developing of pressure gradients between their cranial and spinal compartments, and therefore, brain sagging after LD, than after ventricular drainage. We should be vigilant to strictly manage LD so as not to produce high pressure gradients.

[A rare case of developmental venous anomaly with diffuse arteriovenous shunt in the posterior fossa presented as massive cerebellar hemorrhage].

Developmental venous anomalies(DVAs), that have been previously called venous malformation, are extreme variations of normal transmedullary veins that are necessary for the drainage of white and gray matter. They are becoming the most commonly encountered intracranial vascular lesions in central nervous system imaging. Most DVAs are asymptomatic or uncomplicated, and surgery is no longer considered necessary. The author describes a rare case of an 8-year-old patient presenting with massive cerebellar hemorrhage due to DVA with diffuse arteriovenous(A-V)shunt. Cerebral angiography demonstrated diffuse A-V shunt from the basilar artery runs into the bilateral basal vein of Rosenthal through the enlarged transpontine vein. Caput medusae-like appearance was visualized, although the finding of nidus was not obvious. Moreover, three-dimensional computed tomography angiography demonstrated stenosis in part of the drainage routes. Then, we supposed that this lesion was a transitional form between a DVA and an arteriovenous malformation, and massive cerebellar hemorrhage might be caused by secondary venous hypertension due to venous stenosis. A careful follow-up should be made, because the prognosis of DVA with A-V shunt has not been fully elucidated.

[Rupture of an internal carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysm formerly presented with transient pupil-sparing oculomotor nerve palsy in an extremely elderly patient].

We recently encountered experienced a rare case of transient pupil-sparing oculomotor nerve palsy(PSONP)caused by an aneurysm at the junction of the internal carotid-and posterior communicating arteries(IC/PC AN)in an 87-year-old, non-diabetic woman. She initially presented with diplopia 4 years previously, and was diagnosed, based on incomplete right oculomotor paresis without pupil involvement(PSONP), as external ophthalmoplegia. MR-angiography revealed a long protrusion of the IC/PC AN with posterior-inferior projection, for which she chose to receive conservative management. Thirty nine months later, she presented with another transient PSONP. CT angiography(CTA)showed that the aneurysm was enlarged in the posterior-inferior direction. Two days after this last CTA imaging, the aneurysm ruptured with upward enlargement of the bleb. Despite complete external ophthalmoplegia and ptosis, her pupil involvement was still minimal and transient. By reviewing reported cases and our own case, we found that a narrow and long aneurysm body and posterior-inferior projection are characteristic for the IC/PC AN that causes PSONP, implying a possible mechanism for PSONP by upward compression of the oculomotor nerve. Though rare in its incidence, IC/PC AN could present with PSONP prior to their rupture. Therefore, immediate imaging evaluation in patients presenting with PSONP is essential to prevent devastating rupture events.

Urinary titin N-fragment as a predictor of decreased skeletal muscle mass in patients with interstitial lung diseases.

This study aimed to examine the validity of urinary N-terminal titin fragment/creatinine (urinary N-titin/Cr) reflecting muscle damage biomarker in patients with interstitial lung disease. This retrospective study enrolled patients with interstitial lung disease. We measured urinary N-titin/Cr. Furthermore, we measured the cross-sectional areas of the pectoralis muscles above the aortic arch (PMCSA) and erector spinae muscles of the 12th thoracic vertebra muscles (ESMCSA) to assess muscle mass until 1 year. We examined the correlation between urinary N-titin/Cr and the change in muscle mass. We plotted receiver operating characteristic curves to estimate the cut-off points for urinary N-titin/Cr for distinguishing the greater-than-median and smaller-than-median reduction of muscle mass after 1 year. We enrolled 68 patients with interstitial lung disease. The median urinary N-titin/Cr value was 7.0 pmol/mg/dL. We observed significant negative correlations between urinary N-titin/Cr and changes in the PMCSA after 1 year (p < 0.001) and changes in the ESMCSA after 6 months (p < 0.001) and 1 year (p < 0.001). The cut-off points for urinary N-titin/Cr were 5.2 pmol/mg/dL and 10.4 pmol/mg/dL in the PMCSA and ESMCSA, respectively. In summary, urinary N-titin/Cr may predict muscle loss in the long-term and act as a clinically useful biomarker reflecting muscle damage.

Dolichoectasic anterior cerebral artery and hemodynamics.

Dolichoectasia of the intracranial arteries is a rare condition, and the vertebrobasilar system and the internal carotid artery are the most commonly involved structures. We report a rare case of idiopathic dolichoectasia of the anterior cerebral artery in a 22-year-old female. The patient caused an automobile accident and was brought to our hospital in an ambulance. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no fresh lesions, but showed a prominent serpentine structure with calcification and flow void in the region of the interhemispheric fissure, which was suspicious for arteriovenous malformation or arteriovenous fistula. Cerebral angiography demonstrated extensive dilatation of the anterior cerebral artery, but no evidence of arteriovenous malformation or arteriovenous fistula. Single photon emission computed tomography revealed hypoperfusion of the right frontal lobe at rest. Electroencephalography showed no epileptic discharge. The patient's course was uneventful, and she was discharged with no neurologic deficit. There are few reports of hemodynamic changes in cases of dolichoectasia. In the diagnosis of cerebral dolichoectasia, cerebral hemodynamics should be examined carefully in addition to evaluating vascular disease by angiography.

[Spontaneous dissection of the anterior cerebral artery that simultaneously presented with cerebral infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage, successfully treated with conservative management: a case report].

We recently encountered a rare case of anterior cerebral artery dissection (ACAD) that accompanied fresh cerebral infarction (CI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). An initial head CT showed a thin SAH in the interhemispheric cistern and cortical sulcus of the left frontal surface. Subsequent MRI performed 10 min after head CT scan revealed a fresh infarction in the left ACA region. MR-and digital subtraction angiograms demonstrated a dissection in the A2 portion of the left ACA with a leak of contrast media around the left A3 portion, suggesting that the bleeding occurred in a distal portion of the main dilation. Without anti-thrombotic therapy, the patient recovered without complications by blood pressure control and administration of brain-function protection therapies. We found 11 cases similar to the present case in the literature. All cases presented with lower-extremity dominant hemiparesis; however, sudden onset headache was rare. Blood pressure was not well-controlled in 4 out of the 6 known hypertensive cases. Main sites of dissection were located at the A2 portion in all cases except one A3 lesion, and extended to A3 in 2 cases. Conservative therapy led to favorable outcome in 8 cases, while 4 cases underwent surgical interventions for increasing risk of aneurysm rupture after initial observational therapies. Re-bleeding did not occur in any of the 12 cases reviewed. These data suggest that conservative treatment can be considered for an initial management of ACAD with simultaneous CI and SAH. More evidence needs to be accumulated to establish the optimal therapeutic approach for ACAD associated with CI and SAH.

Early intervention to promote oral feeding in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of dysphagia, but little is known about when and how dysphagic patients should be fed and treated after an acute stroke. The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility, risks and clinical outcomes of early intensive oral care and a new speech and language therapist/nurse led structured policy for oral feeding in patients with an acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: A total of 219 patients with spontaneous ICH who were admitted to our institution from 2004 to 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. An early intervention program for oral feeding, which consisted of intensive oral care and early behavioral interventions, was introduced from April 2005 and fully operational by January 2006. Outcomes were compared between an early intervention group of 129 patients recruited after January 2006 and a historical control group of 90 patients recruited between January 2004 and March 2005. A logistic regression technique was used to adjust for baseline differences between the groups. To analyze time to attain oral feeding, the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were used. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who could tolerate oral feeding was significantly higher in the early intervention group compared with the control group (112/129 (86.8%) vs. 61/90 (67.8%); odds ratio 3.13, 95% CI, 1.59-6.15; P < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline imbalances, the odds ratio was 4.42 (95% CI, 1.81-10.8; P = 0.001). The incidence of chest infection was lower in the early intervention group compared with the control group (27/129 (20.9%) vs. 32/90 (35.6%); odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26-0.88; P = 0.016). A log-rank test found a significant difference in nutritional supplementation-free survival between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.94, 95% CI, 1.46-2.71; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the techniques can be used safely and possibly with enough benefit to justify a randomized controlled trial. Further investigation is needed to solve the eating problems that are associated with patients recovering from a severe stroke.

Restenosis after endovascular PTA/stenting for supra-aortic branches in Takayasu aortitis: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Recently, endovascular management has been reported as a feasible option for Takayasu aortitis. However, few papers have focused on restenosis in the follow-up, and therefore, it is important to predict high-risk cases for restenosis after endovascular treatment. We herein report three cases with Takayasu aortitis showing repeated restenosis after endovascular percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)/stenting and discuss its clinical implications with a review of the literature. We should keep in mind that endovascular PTA/stenting for Takayasu aortitis does not always keep the patency of the affected vessels, and severity of the stenosis and/or uncontrollable systemic inflammation could be a risk factor for restenosis. Therefore, careful follow-up under strict control of inflammation is mandatory. Overall, this method is effective as an initial treatment since repeated PTA is available until collateral supply develops.

[Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in isolated islands in Nagasaki Prefecture: a remote teleradiology and helicopter transportation system].

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) causes significant morbidity and mortality. The time required to transport the patients to a specialized hospital can influence the prognosis. In the isolated islands in Nagasaki prefecture, there is no medical institution which can offer emergent neurosurgical intervention. We reviewed the cases of HICH in this region from January 2006 to September 2010, who were transferred to Nagasaki Medical Center by a helicopter after consultation via teleradiology. Eighty four cases (23%) were transferred via helicopter to our institution from isolated islands. In three of them (4%), re-hemorrhage was demonstrated on computed tomography after helicopter transportation, and one of three had been administered an anti-coagulant agent. Only one case (1%) has deteriorated during helicopter transportation because of acute obstructive hydrocephalus. The outcome at discharge was as follows: modified Rankin Scale (mRS) I: 3 cases (4%), II: 5 cases (6%), III: 3 cases (4%), IV: 30 cases (36%), V: 31 cases (37%), VI: 12 cases (14%), 43 cases (51%) showed poor outcome (mRS V, VI). For medical management in isolated islands, a remote teleradiology system is indispensable to decide a strategy of treatment rapidly, and a helicopter transportation system is very useful in cases requiring emergent neurosurgical intervention, particular in cases of impending cerebral herniation or acute hydrocephalus. However, we may need to expand logistical supporting hospitals or secure other transportation facilities because many of the patients with poor outcome can not return to their home islands.

Assessment of the association between dysphagia and sarcopenia among elderly patients with cirrhosis: Usefulness of the finger-ring test.

AIM: Sarcopenic dysphagia has become an urgent matter of debate in our aging society. However, little is known about the relationship between sarcopenia and dysphagia in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our aim was to assess sarcopenia and dysphagia among elderly patients with cirrhosis using two easy-to-use screening tests, i.e., the eating assessment tool-10 and the finger-ring test. METHODS: The eating assessment tool-10, handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass index, computed tomography, and the finger-ring test were included in our analysis. One hundred patients with cirrhosis and without a history of aspiration pneumonia were divided into the elderly (≥75 years) and non-elderly (<75 years) groups. RESULTS: In the elderly group, sarcopenia was identified in 56.5% of the patients; of these, 30.4% and 13.0% had eating assessment tool-10 scores of ≥2 and ≥3, respectively. Sarcopenia-related factors correlated significantly with the eating assessment tool-10 scores (p<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with dysphagia (p=0.028; odds ratio, 7.27). Among the elderly patients, the calf size of the non-dominant lower limb was less than the finger-ring circumference in 37.0% of the patients. This group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with an eating assessment tool-10 score of ≥2 than those with a greater calf than finger-ring circumference (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia, rather than the hepatic reserve function, is associated with dysphagia among elderly patients with cirrhosis. The finger-ring test might be useful in screening for dysphagia.

Comparative study of the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and oral administration of branched-chain amino acid on preventing sarcopenia in patients after living-donor liver transplantation: study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis is the irreversible fibrosis of the liver and causes refractory ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which might not respond to treatment. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an effective treatment for patients with cirrhosis. However, post-LDLT patients are prone to muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. Therefore, physiotherapy of post-LDLT patients is essential for preventing the progression of sarcopenia. Recently, rehabilitation using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been reported to be useful for preventing the progression of sarcopenia. Similarly, nutrition therapy is essential for post-LDLT patients because these patients frequently experience malnutrition. However, the effects of combined NMES and nutrition therapy on post-LDLT patients remain unknown. METHODS/DESIGN: This open-label, randomized, parallel-group study will compare the effects of combined therapy with NMES and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) with those of NMES alone in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after LDLT. After LDLT, 50 patients with decompensated cirrhosis will be randomly assigned to receive NMES with BCAA or NMES without BCAA. The duration of the intervention will be 3 months. To analyze the change in skeletal muscle mass, InBody 770 body composition and body water analysis and ultrasonography will be performed before LDLT and 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-LDLT. The primary endpoint is changes in the skeletal muscle mass from baseline to 3 months. Important secondary endpoints are the changes in the skeletal muscle mass from baseline to 1 month and changes in the quadriceps strength from baseline to 1 month. DISCUSSION: The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effect of NMES combined with BCAA therapy on the skeletal muscle of post-LDLT patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Research jRCTs071190051 . Registered on February 26, 2020.

Efficacy of nasal high flow therapy on the coordination between breathing and swallowing of saliva during daytime nap in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A single center, randomized crossover controlled study.

BACKGROUND: There are some clinical reports on dysphagia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, its pathophysiology remains largely unknown.Changes in respiratory function occur in patients with COPD causing a decrease in tidal volume and an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea). In addition, it leads to lack of coordination between respiration and swallowing.A new treatment called nasal high flow (NHF) has been introduced for patients with COPD, replacing the traditional non-invasive ventilation (NIV) procedure. The NHF therapy involves inhalation of high flow of humidified air, which reduces respiratory effort in patients with COPD. Furthermore, NHF therapy facilitates swallowing of saliva even during respiratory management. A recent clinical study reported that high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for 6 weeks improved the health-related quality of life and reduced hypercapnia in patients with stable COPD. Taken together, NHF therapy is gaining attention in the clinical management of patients with COPD.Therefore, in this study, we aim to examine the efficacy of NHF therapy on the coordination between breathing and swallowing of saliva during daytime nap in patients with COPD. METHODS/DESIGN: This open-label, investigator-initiated, single center study will evaluate the efficacy of NHF therapy on the coordination between breathing and swallowing of saliva during the daytime nap in COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) of <70% during treatment at the Nagasaki University Hospital Respiratory Rehabilitation Center. Evaluations will be performed during the 90 to 180 minute "daytime nap" in the measurement room of the hospital. The primary endpoint will be the rate of appearance of the expiratory phase after swallowing of saliva and the frequency of swallowing during the measurement period. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this study is to obtain evidence regarding the utility of NHF as a potential therapeutic device for COPD patients to prevent aspiration of saliva during the sleep stage of daytime nap. The utility will be assessed by comparing the decrease in incidence rates of the expiratory phase after swallowing of saliva in the NHF device group and the control group, wherein this device was not used.

The pilot study examining the effects of swallowing position on lung volume fraction and the coordination between respiration and non-nutritive swallowing reflex.

BACKGROUND: Body position might affect the coordination between respiration and swallowing. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that during swallowing, coordinated movements of muscle groups such as the diaphragm and rectus abdominis muscles are important to control normal swallowing apnea. OBJECTIVE: To investigate this hypothesis, respiratory parameters, swallowing apnea and muscle activity were measured in each of four body positions: sitting position with feet on the floor, 30° reclining position, lateral position, and standing position. METHODS: All measurements were performed in nine healthy subjects. Nasal airflow was measured using a pneumotachometer and muscle activity was measured using an electromyograph. All lung volume fraction parameters were measured using spirometer and swallowing apnea time was calculated. RESULTS: The maximum inspiratory volume was 2.76 ± 0.83 L in the 30° reclining position, which was significantly larger than that in the other positions (p = .0001). The preliminary expiratory volume was 1.05 ± 0.42 L in the 30° reclining position, which was significantly smaller than that in the other positions (p < .0001). The swallowing apnea time during water swallowing was 1.17 ± 0.35 sec in the lateral position and 0.87 ± 0.28 sec in the 30° reclining position, which tended to be longer than the 0.78 sec in the sitting position. CONCLUSION: We conclude that both lateral and reclining positions require a longer period of swallowing apnea compared to the sitting and standing positions. Differences in body position may significantly influence the coordination between respiration and swallowing.