Use of the G8 Geriatric Screening Tool in Surgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients Requiring Rehabilitation: A Multisite Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The G8 is a well-validated screening test for older cancer patients. The current study was undertaken to determine whether the G8 is predictive of short-term post-operative outcomes after head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients aged 65 years or more and referred for a preoperative assessment by a speech-language pathologist were consecutively screened by clinicians at 2 academic medical centers using the G8. The G8 was used to screen for vulnerability prior to surgery. Patients were deemed vulnerable if they had a total G8 score ≤14 according to published guidelines. Data were also collected on demographic characteristics, tumor staging, post-operative course, and tracheostomy and feeding tube (FT) status. RESULTS: Ninety patients were consecutively screened during the study period. Using the G8, 64% of the patients were deemed vulnerable. Vulnerable patients differed significantly from non-vulnerable patients with regard to age, health, tumor stage, and baseline dysphagia, and underwent more extensive surgery. Postoperatively, vulnerable patients had a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS; 10.17 vs 5.50 days, respectively, P < .001), were less likely to discharge home (76% vs 94%, P = .044), and were more likely to be FT dependent for over a month (54% vs 21%, P = .006) compared to non-vulnerable patients. In regression models, controlling for T-stage and surgical variables, the G8 independently predicted 2 post-operative outcomes of interest, namely LOS and FT dependency. CONCLUSIONS: The G8 may be a useful screening tool for identifying older adults at risk of a protracted postoperative medical course after HNC surgery. Future research should aim to identify the optimal screening protocol and how this information can be incorporated into clinical pathways to enhance the post-operative outcomes of older HNC patients.

The Association Between Dysphagia Symptoms, DIGEST Scores, and Severity Ratings in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

The Swallow Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) is a screening tool developed to identify patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) in need of objective swallowing evaluation. In a previous investigation, the SDQ did not predict abnormal airway protection on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). This investigation was undertaken to determine whether SDQ scores were more accurate when a global measure was used. The Dynamic Imaging Grade for Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) is a validated measure that provides a safety, efficiency, and total severity grade based on VFSS. A secondary analysis was performed using data from 20 patients with PD who had participated in a standardized VFSS protocol. The study sample was predominantly male (80%) with an average age of 71 years, and an average PD duration of 9 years. Using an established cut-off score, participants were subdivided into those with "normal" (n = 10) and "abnormal" SDQ scores (n = 10). Recordings were scored using the DIGEST protocol by two blinded raters who also rated overall dysphagia severity from the VFSS. There was good agreement between the two raters on the DIGEST and strong correlations between DIGEST scores and clinician perceptions of dysphagia severity. Higher SDQ scores were associated with poorer Efficiency on the DIGEST but not Safety or Total scores. Consistent with other PD studies, subjective perceptions of dysphagia were poorly predictive of objective findings on VFSS. There is little information about the validity of the DIGEST for rating neurogenic dysphagia. Our study provides preliminary support for the use of the DIGEST in the PD population.

Longitudinal Voice Outcomes and Neoglottic Function After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: The Development of a New Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an oncologically sound alternative to total laryngectomy that results in long-term alterations in vocal function. Little is known about long-term improvements in dysphonia and the mechanism of vocal recovery is unclear due to the lack of a standardized rating tool: The Pattern, Degree, and Vibration (PDV) Scale. METHODS: Data from 24 individuals were compared over 3 post-operative timepoints after SCPL: 3 to 11, 12 to 35, and over 35 months. Voice outcomes were assessed using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the GRBAS scale. Laryngeal exams were deidentified and rated using a novel rating scheme developed using literature review and consensus panel discussions. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in VHI scores, Grade, and Strain over time. There was an increase in the Degree of Closure and a decline in Mucosal Vibration across timepoints. Pattern of Movement (P) was associated with dysphonia Grade. Better Degree of Closure (D) was associated with lower VHI scores and better Grade and Roughness. Mucosal Vibration (V) was associated with reduced Breathiness and Strain but variable Roughness. Age, T-stage, radiation treatment, surgery type, and time to feeding-tube removal were also associated with voicing characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of improvement in several voice parameters over time after the first post-operative year. Various subcomponents of the new PDV rating scale were associated with voice outcomes. Its utility for research and clinical practice merits further investigation.

Characteristics associated with communicative participation after total laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify individual characteristics that are associated with communicative participation after total laryngectomy (TL). METHODS: This study was a single-institution investigation of individuals who had undergone TL. Data were collected at a single timepoint via patient self-report and medical record review. Thirty-five participants completed a questionnaire containing a communication survey as well as several published, validated instruments. Independent variables included characteristics related to demographics, health and medical history, social network composition, and communication. The dependent variable was communicative participation, which was assessed using the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB). Correlations between the independent variables and CPIB scores were calculated to assess the influence of these characteristics on communicative participation. The study participants were subdivided into three distinct groups based on whether their primary method of communication was spoken or non-spoken and the frequency of using alternate methods of communication. Outcomes across the three groups were then compared. A follow-up survey was also conducted to examine the impact of "stay at home" orders during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between communicative participation and some non-communication-related characteristics. Reduced communicative participation was associated with younger age, less time since TL, a history of reconstructive surgery, poorer self-rated health, more depressive symptoms, worse quality of life, and a weaker social network of friends. Several communication-related characteristics were also associated with CPIB scores. Increased communicative participation was associated with using fewer non-spoken communication methods, higher levels of satisfaction with speech and communication, and better communicative effectiveness. There were significant differences between the three groups for communicative effectiveness and satisfaction with speech. The three groups did not differ significantly for satisfaction with communication or communicative participation. There were no significant differences in CPIB scores measured before and during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Communicative participation is a complex measure that may be affected by a variety of factors related to demographics, health, social network status, and communication. Despite poorer communicative effectiveness and lower levels of satisfaction, individuals who use non-spoken methods of communication after TL did not demonstrate worse communicative participation than those using spoken methods. Surprisingly, CPIB scores did not decline as a result of social distancing.

The Safety and Efficacy of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Rehabilitation After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: A Pilot Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a safe, effective intervention that can be performed at home and may be beneficial for individuals with voice and swallowing disorders. To date there have been few studies of EMST in the head and neck cancer population, and there are no previous reports of its use after supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL). The current prospective clinical pilot study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of a 4-week treatment program. METHODS: Six participants were recruited who had previously undergone SCPL, were medically stable, and had no contraindications for use of the device. At baseline, objective respiratory measurements were collected, dietary status was recorded, and participants were asked to complete a series of validated self-report instruments relating to voice, swallowing, breathing, and cough. Following the completion of treatment, baseline measures were repeated, and participant feedback was solicited. RESULTS: The majority of individuals found the device easy to use (83%) and beneficial (83%). The side effects of treatment were relatively minor and included dizziness, muscle inflammation, and vocal fatigue. There were improvements in 2 measures from before to after treatment, namely, an average 21% increase in peak cough flow (from 371.67 to 451.33 L/min) and a 38% decrease on the Dyspnea Index (from 6.17 to 3.83). Other measures showed inconsistent changes. CONCLUSIONS: EMST appeared to improve cough strength and reduce dyspnea symptoms after SCPL. Further study of the relative efficacy of EMST compared to other rehabilitation protocols after SCPL is needed.

Long-term Functional and Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transoral Robotic Surgery in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer.

IMPORTANCE: In recent years, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a useful treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In appropriately selected patients, the use of TORS may allow avoidance of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, thereby avoiding the long-term adverse effects of these therapies. OBJECTIVE: To compare functional speech, swallowing, and quality-of-life outcomes longitudinally between those undergoing TORS only and those undergoing TORS and adjuvant radiotherapy (TORS+RT) or TORS and chemoradiotherapy (TORS+CRT). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective, longitudinal cohort study performed from June 1, 2013, through November 31, 2015, included 74 patients undergoing TORS for initial treatment of OPSCC at a single tertiary academic hospital. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Data were collected at baseline, postoperatively (7-21 days), at short-term follow-up (6-12 months), and at long-term follow-up (>12 months). The quality-of-life metrics included the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool and the University of Michigan Head and Neck Quality of Life instrument. Data were also collected on tumor staging, surgical and adjuvant therapy details, patient comorbidities, tracheostomy and feeding tube use, and functional speech and swallowing status using the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study (mean [SD] age, 61.39 [7.99] years; 68 [92%] male). Median long-term follow-up was 21 months (range, 12-36 months). The response rates were 86% (n = 64) postoperatively, 88% (n = 65) at short-term follow-up, and 86% (n = 64) at long-term follow-up. In all 3 groups, there was a significant worsening in pain and all swallowing-related measures postoperatively. There was subsequent improvement over time, with different trajectories observed across the 3 intervention groups. Postoperative dysphagia improved significantly more quickly in the TORS-only group. At long-term follow-up, weight loss differed between the TORS-only and TORS+RT groups (mean difference, -16.1; 97.5% CI, -29.8 to -2.4) and the TORS-only and TORS+CRT groups (mean difference, -14.6; 97.5% CI, -29.2 to 0) in a clinically meaningful way. In addition, the TORS-only group had significantly better scores than the TORS+CRT group on the Performance Status Scale-Eating in Public scale (mean difference, 21.8; 97.5% CI, 4.3-39.2) and Head and Neck Quality of Life-Eating scale (mean difference, 21.2; 97.5% CI, 4.0-38.3). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients who underwent TORS+CRT demonstrated poorer long-term outcomes, with continued dysphagia more than 1 year after surgery. These findings support the investigation of adjuvant de-escalation therapies to reduce the long-term adverse effects of treatment.