Valoración de la implantación de un programa de disfagia en una unidad de recuperación funcional / Assessment of the implementation of a dysphagia program at the functional recovery unit

Introducción: La disfagia se presenta cuando se produce una dificultad para la preparación o la contención bucal de los alimentos o los líquidos, con o sin dificultad para iniciar con seguridad la deglución o la propulsión del bolo a través de la faringe. Sus principales complicaciones son malnutrición, deshidratación y neumonía. El 80% de los ciudadanos europeos no están diagnosticados ni reciben tratamiento. Objetivos: Conocer las características de los pacientes afectados con disfagia en una unidad de recuperación funcional, y evaluar la educación dada a estos pacientes y a sus cuidadores. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal que tuvo como muestra a pacientes con sospecha de disfagia ingresados entre el período del 1 de febrero de 2019 al 31 de enero de 2020. La valoración se llevó a cabo mediante una revisión previa de la historia clínica, entrevista, exploración detallada y la realización del MECV-V. Tras su confirmación se llevaron a cabo cuidados dietéticos, cuidados bucales, posturales y educativos. Resultados: De los 101 pacientes valorados, un 87,1% presentaron disfagia orofaríngea. Se diagnosticó un 46,59% con disfagia leve, un 39,77% moderada y un 13,64% grave. Un 80,6% fue tratado por la logopeda. La educación realizada a los cuidadores se realizó en un 94,3% de los casos. Se revaluó un 13,6%, y todos presentaron mejoría. Conclusiones: La frecuente presencia de disfagia en pacientes con edad avanzada hace necesaria la implantación de programas para su valoración y tratamiento, con ellos se mejora la calidad asistencial y se previenen importantes complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: Dysphagia presents itself when there is difficulty in the preparation or management of food or liquids, with or without difficulty safely initiating swallowing or propulsion of the bolus through the pharynx. Its main complications are malnutrition, dehydration and pneumonia. 80% of European citizens are not diagnosed nor receive any treatment. Objectives: Understand the characteristics of patients affected with dysphagia in a functional recovery unit, and evaluate the training given to such patients and their care providers. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study showing patients with suspected dysphagia, attended between the period February 1st, 2019and January 31st, 2020. The evaluation was carried out through a previous review of the patient’s medical records, interviews, detailed tests and execution of the MECV-V. Once all information was gathered, adequate dietary, oral, postural and training care were carried out. Results: Of the 101 patients assessed, 87.1% had oropharyngeal dysphagia. 46.59%of those were diagnosed with mild dysphagia, whilst 39.77% were moderate and 13.64% severe. 80.6% were treated by the center’s speech therapist. The training given for care providers was completed in 94.3% of cases. It was re-evaluated for 13.6%, all showing improvement. Conclusions: The frequent presence of dysphagia in elderly patients makes it necessary to implement programs for their evaluation and treatment, which would improve the quality of care and prevent significant complications afterwards (AU)

Prader Willi Syndrome: Saliva quantification and culture in 10 patients

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a relatively rare neurogenetic illness. It is of interest to dentists for its clinical characteristics.The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of saliva and the presence of Streptococcus mutans (Smutans) in patients with this syndrome. We measured saliva stimulated by chewing paraffin tablets for 5 minutes, andcultured saliva samples in order to determine the colony-forming units (CFUs) of S mutans. The study was conductedin a group of 10 children with PWS at the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona. Results showed that patients withPWS had lower saliva secretion than considered normal for a standard population and most cultures presented ahigh number of colony-forming units. We conclude that these patients are likely to present caries, and stress the needto place special emphasis on prevention (AU)