Affective Symptoms and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a high impact morbidity in head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients. A wide variety of instruments are developed to screen for affective symptoms and OD. The current paper aims to systematically review and appraise the literature to obtain insight into the prevalence, strength, and causal direction of the relationship between affective symptoms and OD in HNC patients. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Embase. All available publications reporting on the relationship between affective conditions and swallowing function in HNC patients were included. Conference papers, tutorials, reviews, and studies with less than 5 patients were excluded. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The level of evidence and methodological quality were assessed using the ABC-rating scale and QualSyst critical appraisal tool. Eleven studies reported a positive relationship between affective symptoms and OD. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of affective symptom screening in dysphagic HNC patients as clinically relevant affective symptoms and OD seems to be prevalent and coincident in this population. Considering the impact of affective symptoms and OD on patients' daily life, early detection and an integrated interdisciplinary approach are recommended. However, due to the heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes, and outcome measures, the generalization of study results is limited.

Intra and interobserver agreement of the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity Scale (DIGEST) in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES): the importance of observer-tailored training.

PURPOSE: The Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) is a scale to quantify the severity of pharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. This study (1) described the training process of the observers for DIGEST in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), (2) determined observer agreement on the DIGEST in FEES, (3) explored the effect of bolus consistency on observer agreement, and 4) explored criterion validity of the DIGEST in FEES. METHODS: Twenty-seven dysphagic HNC patients were enrolled. Two observers completed a training program for DIGEST in FEES. Observer agreement on the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), percentage of pharyngeal residue (PPR), and DIGEST grades was determined using linearly weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS: Due to insufficient observer agreement after the first measurement attempt, additional training was organized using an elaborated manual with descriptions of the visuoperceptual variables, thereby improving observer agreement. Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect on the PAS (κ = 0.86-0.88) and PPR (κ = 0.84-0.86). Interobserver agreement was substantial on the PAS (κ = 0.78), almost perfect on the PPR (κ = 0.82), substantial on the safety grade (κ = 0.64), almost perfect on the efficiency grade (κ = 0.85), and substantial on the summary grade (κ = 0.71). Bolus consistency had an effect on observer agreement. A significant correlation was found between DIGEST efficiency grade and EAT-10. CONCLUSION: The DIGEST showed to be a reproducible measurement for FEES in terms of observer agreement. However, agreement between novice observers on the DIGEST was only reached after specific observer-tailored training. Observer agreement should be analyzed by taking bolus consistency into account during training, as this might affect the interpretation of the outcome. A manual with well-defined descriptions can optimize the reproducibility of DIGEST measurements.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Metabolic Profiling by Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Toward More Radical Oral Cavity Cancer Resections.

Radical resection for patients with oral cavity cancer remains challenging. Rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) of electrosurgical vapors has been reported for real-time classification of normal and tumor tissues for numerous surgical applications. However, the infiltrative pattern of invasion of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) challenges the ability of REIMS to detect low amounts of tumor cells. We evaluate REIMS sensitivity to determine the minimal amount of detected tumors cells during oral cavity cancer surgery. A total of 11 OSCC patients were included in this study. The tissue classification based on 185 REIMS ex vivo metabolic profiles from five patients was compared to histopathology classification using multivariate analysis and leave-one-patient-out cross-validation. Vapors were analyzed in vivo by REIMS during four glossectomies. Complementary desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) was employed to map tissue heterogeneity on six oral cavity sections to support REIMS findings. REIMS sensitivity was assessed with a new cell-based assay consisting of mixtures of cell lines (tumor, myoblasts, keratinocytes). Our results depict REIMS classified tumor and soft tissues with 96.8% accuracy. In vivo REIMS generated intense mass spectrometric signals. REIMS detected 10% of tumor cells mixed with 90% myoblasts with 83% sensitivity and 82% specificity. DESI-MSI underlined distinct metabolic profiles of nerve features and a metabolic shift phosphatidylethanolamine PE(O-16:1/18:2))/cholesterol sulfate common to both mucosal maturation and OSCC differentiation. In conclusion, the assessment of tissue heterogeneity with DESI-MSI and REIMS sensitivity with cell mixtures characterized sensitive metabolic profiles toward in vivo tissue recognition during oral cavity cancer surgeries.

Tooth extractions prior to chemoradiation or bioradiation are associated with weight loss during treatment for locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: Prior to radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (CRT) or biotherapy (BRT) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), teeth with poor prognosis that pose a risk for post-RT osteoradionecrosis (ORN) are removed. The effect of tooth loss on body weight loss and tube feeding (TF) dependency during CRT/BRT is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incomplete dentition, tooth extractions prior to CRT/BRT, and the subsequent loss of functional units on (1) weight loss during CRT/BRT and (2) the need for TF during CRT/BRT for OPSCC. METHODS: OPSCC patients treated with CRT/BRT between 2013 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Dental status was determined during the dental assessment at first visit and after tooth extractions prior to the start of CRT/BRT. Weight loss during CRT/BRT was scored dichotomously, comparing weight loss > 5% to stable or increased weight. Potential factors associated with weight loss were identified, including patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. RESULTS: Seventy-seven OPSCC patients were included. Forty patients (52%) experienced weight loss > 5% during CRT/BRT. Extractions were performed in 66% of the OPSCC patients. The mean number of extracted teeth was 4.1 ± 5.6 per patient. Tooth extractions prior to CRT/BRT were associated with weight loss > 5% during CRT/BRT (HR 1.130 (95% CI 1.011-1.262), p = 0.031). None of the dental status-related parameters showed any significant associative value for TF during CRT/BRT. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-CRT/BRT tooth extractions intended to reduce the risk of ORN, are a risk factor for weight loss during CRT/BRT for OPSCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the MUMC + (METC 2020-1589) on July 28, 2020.

Phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists approaching oropharyngeal dysphagia: an update on FEES.

PURPOSE: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common phenomenon in otorhinolaryngology and phoniatrics. As both sub-disciplines have a strong tradition and clinical experience in endoscopic assessment of the upper aerodigestive tract, the implementation of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was an almost self-evident evolution. This review aims to provide an update on FEES and the role of phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists using FEES in Europe. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed by experts in the field of FEES both in the clinical context and in the field of scientific research. RESULTS: FEES is the first-choice OD assessment technique for both phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists. FEES is becoming increasingly popular because of its usefulness, safety, low costs, wide applicability, and feasibility in different clinical settings. FEES can be performed by health professionals of varying disciplines, once adequate knowledge and skills are acquired. FEES aims to determine OD nature and severity and can provide diagnostic information regarding the underlying etiology. The direct effect of therapeutic interventions can be evaluated using FEES, contributing to design the OD management plan. Standardization of FEES protocols and metrics is still lacking. Technological innovation regarding image resolution, frame rate frequency, endoscopic light source specifications, and endoscopic rotation range has contributed to an increased diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: The rising number of phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists performing FEES contributes to the early detection and treatment of OD in an aging European population. Nevertheless, a multidisciplinary approach together with other disciplines is crucial for the success of OD management.

The Effect of Cranial Nerve Stimulation on Swallowing: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review summarizes published studies on the effect of cranial nerve stimulation (CNS) on swallowing and determines the level of evidence of the included studies to guide the development of future research on new treatment strategies for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) using CNS. Studies published between January 1990 and October 2019 were found via a systematic comprehensive electronic database search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers screened all articles based on the title and abstract using strict inclusion criteria. They independently screened the full text of this initial set of articles. The level of evidence of the included studies was assessed independently by the two reviewers using the A-B-C rating scale. In total, 3267 articles were found in the databases. In the majority of these studies, CNS was used for treatment-resistant depression or intractable epilepsy. Finally, twenty-eight studies were included; seven studies on treatment of depression, thirteen on epilepsy, and eight on heterogeneous indications. Of these, eight studies reported the effects of CNS on swallowing and in 20 studies the swallowing outcome was described as an adverse reaction. A meta-analysis could not be carried out due to the poor methodological quality and heterogeneity of study designs of the included studies. These preliminary data suggest that specific well-indicated CNS might be effective in reducing OD symptoms in selective patient groups. But it is much too early for conclusive statements on this topic. In conclusion, the results of these studies are encouraging for future research on CNS for OD. However, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trials with sufficiently large sample sizes are necessary.

ESSD Commentary on Dysphagia Management During COVID Pandemia.

Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic a Global Public Health Emergency, experts in swallowing are seeking guidance on service delivery and clinical procedures. The European Society for Swallowing Disorders provides considerations to support experts in swallowing disorders in clinical practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, assessment and treatment of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia should be provided, while at the same time balancing risk of oropharyngeal complications with that of infection of patients and healthcare professionals involved in their management. Elective, non-urgent assessment may be temporarily postponed and patients are triaged to decide whether dysphagia assessment is necessary; instrumental assessment of swallowing is performed only if processing of the instruments can be guaranteed and clinical assessment has not provided enough diagnostic information for treatment prescription. Assessment and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia is a high-risk situation as it must be considered an aerosol-generating procedure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used. Telepractice is encouraged and compensatory treatments are recommended.

Evaluating the safety of oral methylene blue during swallowing assessment: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Methylene blue (MB) is frequently administered during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to enhance visualization of pharyngeal bolus transit. However, the safety of MB is being questioned since serious adverse events (AEs) such as hemodynamic instability, hemolysis, and serotonin syndrome were reported. The aim of this study is a systematic analysis of the literature to obtain an evidence-based overview of AEs due to oral administration of MB and to determine its safety as a food dye during swallowing assessment. METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently selected articles describing oral administration of MB as a main diagnostic/therapeutic intervention, dosage, and AEs. Expert opinions, conference papers, sample size < 10, and animal studies were excluded. Level of evidence of the included studies was determined. RESULTS: A total of 2264 unduplicated articles were obtained. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria with 100% agreement between the two reviewers. Among these, twelve studies were randomized controlled trials. In a pooled population of 1902 patients receiving oral MB, three serious AEs were reported related to MB. Non-serious AEs showed a dose-related trend and were usually mild and self-limiting. A meta-analysis could not be performed as studies were methodologically too heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: Serious AEs due to oral administration of MB are rare (n = 3, 0.16%). MB-related non-serious AEs are mild, self-limiting, and show a dose-related trend. These findings indicate that it is safe to use small amounts of MB as a food dye during swallowing examinations.

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. METHODS: Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. RESULTS: Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. CONCLUSION: This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.

Patients with Head-and-Neck Cancer: Dysphagia and Affective Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Affective symptoms are common in patients with head-and-neck cancer. This study determined the association between the presence of aspiration and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as patient characteristics in patients with head-and-neck cancer and dysphagia. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with head-and-neck cancer and dysphagia completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and underwent a standardized fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the associations. RESULTS: Fifty-two (61.9%) patients presented clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety or depression. Forty-eight (57.1%) patients presented with aspiration during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. A significant negative association was found between the presence of aspiration and affective (anxiety and depression) symptoms (p = 0.04). Male patients presented significantly lower symptom scores of anxiety compared to females (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant affective symptoms were present in more than half of all patients with head-and-neck cancer and dysphagia. Surprisingly, a significant negative association was found between the presence of aspiration and these affective symptoms. Gender was also significantly associated with affective symptoms. These results suggest that there is a need for further investigation into the impact of psychological distress on patients with head-and-neck cancer and dysphagia.

Validation of the Dutch Version of the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory for Neurogenic Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to validate the Dutch-language version of the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) for patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight patients with neurogenic OD and 92 healthy control subjects completed the MDADI and the Dutch version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL-NL). Exclusion criteria were: suffering from a concurrent head-and-neck oncological disease, scoring below 23 on a Mini Mental State Examination, being older than 85 years, and being illiterate or blind. None of the patients was in a palliative state of disease. Floor and ceiling effects, known-groups validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity were assessed. RESULTS: The MDADI total score showed no floor or ceiling effects for the patient group. Known-groups validity was confirmed by group differences in score distributions between patients and healthy control subjects. The internal consistency showed Cronbach's α-values ranging from 0.77 to 0.92. Correlations between the MDADI subscales and SWAL-QOL-NL domains were moderate to strong: 0.71, 0.70, and 0.62 (convergent construct validity). Correlations between the MDADI scores and the SWAL-QOL-NL domains general burden, food selection, eating duration, communication, mental health, social functioning, and frequency of symptoms were moderate to strong, ranging from 0.41 to 0.75. Weak correlations (<0.4) were found between the MDADI scores and the SWAL-QOL-NL domains eating desire, sleep, and fatigue. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the Dutch translation of the MDADI is a psychometrically validated and suitable dysphagia-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with neurogenic OD.

Design of the DYNAMO study: a multi-center randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of pre-thickened oral nutritional supplements in nursing home residents with dysphagia and malnutrition (risk).

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition are frequently reported conditions in nursing home residents, and are often interrelated. Best care for dysphagic residents with, or at risk of, malnutrition should target adequate nutritional intake and the safety and efficacy of swallowing. The effect of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) suitable for nursing home residents with concurrent OD and malnutrition (risk) on nutritional status has not been investigated before. The current study aims to investigate the effect of daily use of a range of pre-thickened ONS on the body weight of nursing home residents with OD and malnutrition (risk) compared to standard OD and nutritional care. METHODS / DESIGN: The DYNAMO study is a randomized, controlled, multi-center, open label trial with two parallel groups. Study participants will be recruited in nursing homes of several care organizations in the south of the Netherlands. Study duration is 12 weeks. Residents in the control group will receive standard OD and nutritional care, and residents in the test group will receive standard OD and nutritional care with extra daily supplementation of pre-thickened ONS. The main outcome parameter is the difference in body weight change between the control and test groups. An a priori estimation of the required sample size per group (control / test) totals 78. Other outcome parameters are differences in: nutritional intake, health-related quality of life, OD-specific quality of life, activities of daily living, vital signs, and blood nutrient and metabolite levels. DISCUSSION: Regular ONS could address the nutritional needs of nursing home residents with malnutrition (risk), but might be too thin and unsafe for residents with OD. Pre-thickened ONS is suitable for residents with OD. It offers the advantage of being a ready-to-use amylase-resistant product available in several consistencies which are able to increase swallowing efficacy and safety. The DYNAMO study is the first to investigate the effects of pre-thickened ONS on nutritional status in nursing home residents with concurrent OD and malnutrition (risk). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR NL7898. Registered 24 July 2019, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7898.

Association Between Pharyngeal Pooling and Aspiration Using Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Dysphagia.

Postswallow pharyngeal pooling may be a risk factor for tracheal aspiration. However, limited literature shows the potential association between pharyngeal pooling and aspiration in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. This study investigates the relationship between postswallow pharyngeal pooling and aspiration in HNC patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Furthermore, the effects of tumor stage, tumor location, and cancer treatment on aspiration were examined. Ninety dysphagic HNC patients underwent a standardized fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) using thin and thick liquid boluses. For each swallow, three visuoperceptual ordinal variables were scored: postswallow vallecular pooling, postswallow pyriform sinus pooling, and aspiration. Logistic regression analyses with correction for the location of pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, and cancer treatment were performed to explore the association between pooling and aspiration. No significant association was found between postswallow vallecular pooling and aspiration for thin liquid. However, severe versus mild-to-moderate postswallow vallecular pooling of thick liquid was significantly associated to aspiration. Similar results were seen after correction for the presence of pyriform sinus pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, or type of cancer treatment. This study showed a significant association between severe postswallow pyriform sinus pooling of thick liquid and aspiration, independent of the presence of vallecular pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, or cancer treatment. Concluding, location (valleculae versus pyriform sinuses), liquid bolus consistency (thin versus thick liquid), and amount of postswallow pharyngeal pooling (no pooling, mild/moderate pooling, severe pooling) have an influence on the probability of aspiration in dysphagic HNC patients, and they should be carefully considered during FEES, even in the absence of aspiration during the examination.

Swallow-related quality of life and oropharyngeal dysphagia in myotonic dystrophy.

PURPOSE: This study describes swallow-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and investigates its association with swallowing function and disease severity. METHODS: A SWAL-QOL questionnaire was completed by 75 DM1 patients and 25 healthy control subjects. The severity of the disease was evaluated using the muscular impairment rating scale (MIRS). Twenty-eight DM1 patients underwent a videofluroscopic swallowing examination (VFS). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to measure the direction and strength of associations. RESULTS: The SWAL-QOL median scores were significantly lower for the DM1 group than for the healthy control group. The scores for the majority of the SWAL-QOL domains were lower in patients with proximal muscular weakness (MIRS 4 and 5). Postswallow vallecular pooling and piecemeal deglutition were the most impaired VFS outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a multidimensional swallowing assessment is recommended for DM1 patients as SWAL-QOL and VFS measure different aspects of the swallowing function, thus providing complementary information.

Medically Unexplained Oropharyngeal Dysphagia at the University Hospital ENT Outpatient Clinic for Dysphagia: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

Medically unexplained oropharyngeal dysphagia (MUNOD) is a rare condition. It presents without demonstrable abnormalities in the anatomy of the upper aero-digestive tract and/or swallowing physiology. This study investigates whether MUNOD is related to affective or other psychiatric conditions. The study included patients with dysphagic complaints who had no detectible structural or physiological abnormalities upon swallowing examination. Patients with any underlying disease or disorder that could explain the oropharyngeal dysphagia were excluded. All patients underwent a standardized examination protocol, with FEES examination, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS). Two blinded judges scored five different FEES variables. None of the 14 patients included in this study showed any structural or physiological abnormalities during FEES examination. However, the majority did show abnormal piecemeal deglutition, which could be a symptom of MUNOD. Six patients (42.8%) had clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The DSS scores did not differ significantly between patients with and without affective symptoms. Affective symptoms are common in patients with MUNOD, and their psychiatric conditions could possibly be related to their swallowing problems.

Observers' Agreement on Measurements in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing.

This study analyzed the effect that dysphagia etiology, different observers, and bolus consistency might have on the level of agreement for measurements in FEES images reached by independent versus consensus panel rating. Sixty patients were included and divided into two groups according to dysphagia etiology: neurological or head and neck oncological. All patients underwent standardized FEES examination using thin and thick liquid consistencies. Two observers scored the same exams, first independently and then in a consensus panel. Four ordinal FEES variables were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear weighted kappa coefficient and Bayesian multilevel model. Intra- and interobserver agreement on FEES measurements ranged from 0.76 to 0.93 and from 0.61 to 0.88, respectively. Dysphagia etiology did not influence observers' agreement level. However, bolus consistency resulted in decreased interobserver agreement for all measured FEES variables during thin liquid swallows. When rating on the consensus panel, the observers deviated considerably from the scores they had previously given on the independent rating task. Observer agreement on measurements in FEES exams was influenced by bolus consistency, not by dysphagia etiology. Therefore, observer agreement on FEES measurements should be analyzed by taking bolus consistency into account, as it might affect the interpretation of the outcome. Identifying factors that might influence agreement levels could lead to better understanding of the rating process and assist in developing a more precise measurement scale that would ensure higher levels of observer agreement for measurements in FEES exams.

Identifying Patterns of FEES-Derived Swallowing Trajectories Using Group-Based Trajectory Model.

The present study delineates and visualizes swallowing trajectories along seven swallow trials in dysphagic patients using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). This model facilitates the recognition of swallowing functional categories, estimates their frequency of occurrence, and enhances the understanding of swallowing dynamics. Two hundred and five dysphagic patients underwent a standardized FEES examination protocol. Five ordinal variables were blindly assessed for each swallow by two observers independently. GBTM analysis was conducted to find and characterize trajectories of FEES responses. For most FEES outcome variables, trajectories were qualitatively distinct in degree and kind (level of impairment and how this changed over the seven swallow trials). Two FEES outcome variables-delayed initiation of the pharyngeal reflex and postswallow pyriform sinus pooling-showed the highest prevalence of severe swallowing impairment. Highly impaired categories were more stable throughout the different swallow trials. Intermediate trajectories, by contrast, were erratic, responding more sensitively to shifts in bolus consistency. GBTM can identify distinct developmental trajectories of measured FEES variables in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. In clinical practice, classification into distinct groups would help to identify the subgroup of dysphagic patients who may need specific medical attention.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia in myotonic dystrophy type 1: a systematic review.

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of and diagnostic procedures for oropharyngeal dysphagia in myotonic dystrophy (MD). The electronic databases Embase, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library were used. The search was limited to English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese publications. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the included articles. Swallowing assessment tools, the corresponding protocols, the studies' outcome measurements, and main findings are summarized and presented. The body of literature on pathophysiology of swallowing in dysphagic patients with MD type 1 remains scant. The included studies are heterogeneous with respect to design and outcome measures and hence are not directly comparable. More importantly, most studies had methodological problems. These are discussed in detail and recommendations for further research on diagnostic examinations for swallowing disorders in patients with MD type 1 are provided.

FEES protocol derived estimates of sensitivity: aspiration in dysphagic patients.

Aspiration is a common phenomenon in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. It can be studied using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). FEES is well known and widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. However, various protocols exist, and there is no consensus on the examination protocol. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the FEES protocol derived estimates of sensitivity (Se') to detection of aspiration in dysphagic patients. The study estimated the probability of aspiration as a function of the number of swallow trials in dysphagic patients using FEES. The derived sensitivity was calculated based on presence or absence of aspiration in a ten-swallow trial protocol as arbitrary 'gold standard'. Eighty-four persons were included, comprising two patient populations with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia in one group was due to head and neck cancer and possible oncological treatment effects on swallowing; in the other it was a result of neurological disease. All patients underwent a standardized FEES examination using ten swallows of thin liquid followed by ten swallows of thick liquid, all in boluses of 10 cc each. FEES recordings were rated for aspiration by an expert panel blinded to patients' identity and clinical history. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis techniques, and Log Rank/Mantel-Cox tests were used. In both patient populations the aspiration risk was underestimated when using a limited number (three or four) of swallow trials. The oncology and neurology patients differed significantly in the number of swallow trials required to determine aspiration for thin liquids (median values 2 and 7 respectively, P = 0.006). FEES protocols using a limited number of swallow trials can underestimate the aspiration risk in both oncological and neurological patients suffering from oropharyngeal dysphagia, especially when using boluses with a thin liquid consistency.