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Self-rating questionnaires are necessary to quantify the impairment and the impact of impairment on the quality of life, provided that these questionnaires are delivered in the patient's native language. There are no questionnaires to assess the symptom severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Kannada-speaking individuals. The Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ) is one such explicit tool to assess the symptoms of dysphagia, especially among patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. The SSQ is a simple and easy-to-understand questionnaire. Therefore, the present study aimed to adapt and validate the SSQ in Kannada. English version of the SSQ was translated to Kannada and was administered to two groups of native Kannada-speaking participants - Group 1 included 53 participants (66.49 + 12.65 years) diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia, and Group 2 included 53 age and gender-matched native Kannada speakers with normal swallowing ability with no history and symptoms of swallowing disorders. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was assessed using the split-half correlation. The concurrent validity of the Kannada version of SSQ (KSSQ) was measured by determining the correlation between the total scores of KSSQ and the Kannada version of Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI). The discriminant validity was assessed by comparing the KSSQ scores between the participants of both groups. The results indicated that the KSSQ had excellent test-retest reliability, strong internal consistency, and good concurrent and discriminant validity. Therefore, it was inferred that the KSSQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the symptoms of dysphagia, especially among Kannada-speaking patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

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Dysphagia, characterized by abnormal swallowing, presents as oropharyngeal or esophageal dysphagia. Dysphagia aortica, a rare manifestation, results from external aortic compression, leading to swallowing difficulties. Limited literature exists on this condition. We report a 22-year-old male with a complex surgical history, including aortic repairs, who presented with dysphagia and chest pain. Extensive evaluations ruled out other causes. Imaging revealed esophageal compression by an aortic graft. Endoscopy confirmed extrinsic compression. A barium swallow study was unremarkable. A diagnosis of dysphagia aortica was made, and conservative treatment was initiated. Dysphagia aortica remains a rare but noteworthy cause of dysphagia with this case highlighting the importance of considering vascular compression in patients with previous history of aortic surgery. Increased clinical awareness is essential for timely diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies. Further research is needed to establish guidelines for managing this condition, given its diverse causes.

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Objective: The objective of this study is to assess disparities in adherence to swallowing therapy for clinically diagnosed oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) patients. Methods: Analysis was conducted on data from 600 patients with OD and confirmed impairments in swallowing safety and/or efficiency on a videofluoroscopic swallow study. Patients were classified based on their adherence to treatment sessions, defined as the number of swallow treatment sessions attended. The outcome of treatment adherence was categorized into two groups: those who attended fewer than 50% of the prescribed treatment sessions and those who attended 50% or more of the sessions. Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation or median ± interquartile range. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-square tests and Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with successful adherence. Results: Approximately 79% adhered to swallowing treatment. We found no significant relationship between adherence and age, sex, race, ethnicity, primary language, marital status, insurance status, occupation, median income, distance, education, OD severity, and diagnosis year (p > 0.05). We found no covariables to be significant predictors to swallowing treatment nonadherence in both univariable and multivariable binary regression models (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The variables analyzed in this study were not significantly associated with nonadherence to swallow therapy. Nevertheless, our study still addressed an important knowledge gap and future studies would benefit from exploring other relevant socioeconomic and disease-related factors. Level of evidence: Level 4.

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Case summary: A 6-month-old male entire domestic shorthair cat presented for presumptive Toxoplasma myopathy that was non-responsive to antiprotozoal therapy. Clinical features included marked macroglossia, dysphagia, regurgitation, truncal muscle hypertrophy, pelvic limb gait abnormalities and megaoesophagus. Relevant diagnostics included serial creatine kinase activity, cardiac troponin I, fluoroscopic swallow study and routine muscle histopathology. Ultimately, post-mortem histopathology with immunostaining demonstrated markedly decreased or absent staining for the rod and carboxy terminus of dystrophin, confirming a dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy (MD). The misdiagnosis of toxoplasmosis was based on an increased IgG titre and muscle histopathology submitted to a local laboratory. Treatment for megaoesophagus included vertical feeding of wet food only, sildenafil and omeprazole. Dysphagia and regurgitation improved moderately. Presumptive hyperaesthesia and muscle pain were managed with anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone. The patient was ultimately euthanased as a result of progressive MD signs and uraemia at 2 years of age. Relevance and novel information: This case report highlights the collective clinical features of MD, as they could be considered pathognomonic for this rare condition and must be differentiated from other myopathies via specific immunostaining of muscle biopsies. This is crucial to obtain a correct and early diagnosis, allowing instigation of potentially valuable treatments. Megaoesophagus is an inconsistent feature in feline MD in addition to the more commonly observed oropharyngeal dysphagia. Management with a canned diet, sildenafil, omeprazole and upright feeding was beneficial with moderate improvement in the frequency of regurgitation. Prednisolone was thought to minimise the presumptive myalgia.

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Introduction: Bedside test are important tool for evaluating aspiration during swallowing. FEES that is functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is a gold standard method used in evaluation of dysphagia patients. Through this study we aim to assess the sensitivity and specificity of Bedside Clinical swallow evaluation in comparison with Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. Objective: To analyze which physiological examination amongst oro motor labial examination, lingual examination, gag reflex, coughs during or post swallow, change in voice quality and hyo-laryngeal excursion during swallow with semisolid and thin liquid consistency in the Bedside Clinical swallow evaluation is better indicator for presence or absence of aspiration. Methodology: 38 patients with different diagnostic entities were presented& included in the study for the assessment of swallowing difficulties as presence or absence of aspiration and possibility of weaning from nasogastric or Nasojejunal tube between March 2016 to October 2016. They were 32 (86%) males and 6 (14%) females. Aspiration correlates were assessed using bedside test (labial movement, lingual movement, gag reflex, strength of productive cough, hyo-laryngeal excursion, And post swallow changes in the quality of voice). FEES was then performed and sensitivity and specificity was compared. Result: Bedside test showed 84.62% sensitivity and 100% specificity in comparison to FEES. Gag and voice quality were noted to have significant difference with value of 0.009 and 0.033 respectively. Conclusion: Bedside tests can be considered as an important, easy, sensitive, and specific for the detection of aspiration. Combination of gag reflex and change of voice as parameters of aspiration compared with FEES showed high sensitivity and specificity.

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The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale is used both clinically and within dysphagia research, internationally. Although it was developed using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, it is frequently used to rate Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing. The validity and reliability of DOSS-use with FEES, however, has not previously been evaluated. This study investigated the validity and rater reliability of clinicians using DOSS to rate FEES. Eleven Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with varied dysphagia experience were recruited to review and DOSS-rate 17 soundless FEES (198 bolus swallows) recorded from 11 heterogenic dysphagic patients (2 cases with repeat FEES) and 4 healthy adults. The SLPs DOSS-ratings were compared against the initial comprehensive dysphagia evaluation (including patient diagnosis, interview, cranial nerve and complete FEES assessment) with Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and DOSS outcome measures. The SLPs were blinded to patient details and comprehensive dysphagia examination. Re-randomised rating of FEES cases occurred two weeks later (intra rater reliability). Criterion validity for DOSS-ratings (compared against comprehensive dysphagia evaluation with FOIS and DOSS) were strong-very strong (rs = 0.858 and 0.936 respectively; p < 0.001). Inter rater reliability demonstrated high agreement (α = 0.891), also intra rater reliability demonstrated almost perfect agreement (Kw = 0.945). This study's results, with strong-very strong criterion validity and high rater reliability by SLPs, adds to the evidence for DOSS-use with FEES. Future validity research comparing DOSS with both FEES and VFSS simultaneously is recommended.

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Background and Objectives: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is defined as a swallowing disorder in which it becomes difficult to form a bolus and move food from the mouth to the proximal part of the esophagus. Several factors can cause this disorder in geriatric patients. With oropharyngeal dysphagia, the patient's social isolation and the risk of depression increase, while the quality of life deteriorates. Materials and Methods: In this study, oropharyngeal dysphagia was suspected based on the EAT-10 questionnaire and diagnosed with the water drink test and endoscopic swallowing evaluation, which assesses the aspiration risk by using an eight-point Penetration-Aspiration scale. Patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia received complex treatment: exercises to strengthen the swallowing muscles, electrostimulation of the swallowing muscles, and a modified diet. The quality of life of 64 patients was assessed by using the DHI, SWAL-QoL, and EAT-10 questionnaires before complex treatment and after treatment. The results show that the quality of life improved after the complex treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Results: The mean age of patients was 77.8 (9.1) years, and 56.3% of patients were women. At baseline, mild oropharyngeal dysphagia was found in 18.8% of patients; moderate-in 51.6%; and severe-in 29.7%. Aspiration risk was low in 28.1% of patients; medium-in 39.1%; and high-in 32.8%. The severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration risk significantly decreased after treatment (p = 0.002). The EAT-10 score mean was 15.23 (8.92) points before treatment and decreased to 11.50 (6.12) points after treatment (p < 0.001). Before treatment, the DHI physical score was 15.75 (6.813), the DHI functional score was 14.56 (8.659), and the DHI emotional score was 11.06 (7.848) (p < 0.001), and after complex treatment, the DHI physical score was 14.56 (8.659), the DHI functional score was 9.74 (7.165), and the DHI emotional score was 7.94 (6.588) (p < 0.001). The total SWAL-QoL score mean was 132.71 (34.392) points before treatment and increased to 152.42 (30.547) points after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Complex treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia plays an important role in improving the quality of life and reducing aspiration risk in older people affected by this condition.

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Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscles that leads to a hallmark triad of muscle weakness, fatigue, and myalgia. Extra-muscular manifestations are sometimes seen and involve various organ systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this case series, two patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), both of whom developed dysphagia as a complication of myositis, are discussed. Case 1 was a female with a known history of biopsy-proven dermatomyositis who presented with progressive peripheral edema and weakness affecting all extremities. Concurrently, she displayed symptoms of pneumonia and dysphagia associated with frequent spontaneous or self-induced vomiting to alleviate retrosternal discomfort. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed esophageal dilatation and an absence of a contractile response, consistent with myositis. Treatment comprised intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), mycophenolate, and lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and maintaining an upright position postprandial. The second case was a female with muscle weakness and dysphagia. Video-fluoroscopic swallow assessment was significant for pharyngeal dysfunction without a sensory response to penetrated material, and the patient was at high risk of aspiration with any oral intake. The presence of pharyngeal dysfunction and dysphagia prompted treatment with IVIG, mycophenolate, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. These cases have highlighted the upper GI complications observed in patients with myositis, accentuating the necessity for a personalized treatment approach. Timely intervention has shown promising results in symptomatic relief and improving patient outcomes. This emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when addressing myositis-related upper GI manifestations.

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Oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty initiating swallowing, is a frequent problem in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The efficacy of pharmacological options is limited. Postural strategies, such as a chin-down manoeuvre when drinking, have had some degree of success but may be difficult for people who have other limitations such as dementia or neck rigidity, to reproduce consistently. Using a user-centred design approach and a multidisciplinary team, we developed and tested an anti-choking mug for people with PD that helps angle the head in the optimum position for drinking. The design reflected anthropometric and ergonomic aspects of user needs with features including regulation of water flow rate and sip volume, an inner slope, a thickened handle and a wide base, which promoted a chin-down posture when used. Prototype testing using digital technology to compare neck flexion angles (the primary outcome), plus clinical outcomes assessed using standard tools (Swallowing Clinical Assessment Score in Parkinson's Disease (SCAS-PD) and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts II and III), found significant improvements in a range of parameters related to efficient swallowing and safe drinking when using the anti-choking mug versus a sham mug.

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Dysphagia is a symptom that appears with high prevalence in persons diagnosed with dementia, intellectual disability, or severe mental illness. Risk of aspiration pneumonia or even death is very high in these populations. However, screening for dysphagia risk in these patients is complicated by the fact that most of them suffer from cognitive impairments and behavioral manifestations that hinder the assessment process using the existing screening tests. The aim of this study was to validate the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals, in patients with cognitive impairment (dementia/intellectual disability) or with severe mental illness (schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder). For this purpose, 148 institutionalized patients were evaluated by professionals responsible for their food intake. The Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals was used to assess its validity in screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with cognitive impairments and in patients with severe mental illness. Also, the Eating Assessment Tool-10 and the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire were used for convergent reliability procedures. Four comparison groups were established: patients with cognitive impairment with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia, and patients with severe mental illness with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia. Results from the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals adequately distinguished between groups with and without dysphagia, in addition to presenting adequate levels of convergent validity and reliability. These results were obtained from other-reports (professionals responsible for patients' food intake), using a simple, quickly applied test that does not require the use of food in patients with an altered cognitive state or with severe mental illness. With this study we expand the validity of the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals in populations with severe cognitive deficits and mental illness in which there is a great deficiency of oropharyngeal dysphagia screening instruments.

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Aims: The oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) poses substantial health risks and affects quality of life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are gaining prominence for their crucial role in early detection and adapting rehabilitation and management decisions. This highlights the need for culturally pertinent versions in different languages, especially when addressing conditions like OD. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and assess the test-retest reliability of the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ), a PROM designed to detect the risk of OD, for Dutch-speaking populations. Materials and Methods: The SSQ was translated and adapted based on Beaton's guidelines. Validity and test-retest reliability were assessed in 100 healthy participants, with a subset of 30 participants assessed over a 15-day interval. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values were calculated to determine test-retest reliability. Results: The SSQ-Dutch was well received and well understood, with a median total score of 65.5/1700. Notably, 95% of participants scored below the established dysphagia risk cut-off, consistent with previous validations. The 15-day interval ICC for the SSQ-Dutch total scores was 0.82 (CI 95%: 0.66-0.91), indicating good reliability. While most questions had moderate-to-good reliability, five showed slightly lower ICC. Conclusion: The SSQ-Dutch emerges as a validated and reliable tool for assessing OD risk in Dutch-speaking individuals. Future studies should evaluate its efficacy in symptomatic populations and consider cultural variations in Dutch-speaking regions. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04484-3.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between presenting symptoms and oropharyngeal dysphagia diagnoses, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnoses, and treatment with acid suppression medication in infants with brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective cohort study of infants with BRUE to review presenting symptoms and their potential impact on testing and treatment. Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) results and explanatory diagnoses were obtained from medical record review; acid suppression use was determined by parental survey. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between presenting symptoms and obtaining VFSS, VFSS results, GERD diagnoses, and acid suppression medication. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were varied in 157 subjects enrolled at 51.0 ± 5.3 days of age, with many symptoms that may be related to GERD or dysphagia. Of these, 28% underwent VFSS with 71% abnormal. Overall, 42% had their BRUE attributed to GERD, and 33% were treated with acid suppression during follow-up. Presenting symptoms were significantly associated with the decision to obtain VFSS but not with abnormal VFSS results. Presenting symptoms were also associated with provision of GERD explanatory diagnoses. Both presenting symptoms and GERD explanatory diagnoses were associated with acid suppression use (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.03-5.3, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Presenting symptoms may play a role in clinicians' decisions on which BRUE patients undergo VFSS but are unreliable to make a diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Presenting symptoms may also influence assignment of GERD explanatory diagnoses that is associated with increased acid suppression medication use.

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BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) can be functionally debilitating in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). OPD induces alterations in safety and efficiency of food and/or liquid ingestion and may incur negative sequalae such as aspiration pneumonia or malnutrition/dehydration. Early detection and timely management of OPD in pwMS could prevent such complications and reduce mortality rates. Identifying risk factors of OPD relative to its onset or repeat manifestation will enable the development of care pathways that target early assessment and sustained management. The aims of this systematic review are to compile, evaluate, and summarize the existing literature reporting potential risk factors and associated long-term outcomes (e.g., aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and/or death) of OPD in pwMS. METHODS: We will undertake a systematic review to identify studies that describe patterns and complications of OPD in pwMS. Variables of interest include predictors of OPD along with long-term outcomes. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. We will consider studies for inclusion if they involve at least 30 adult participants with MS and report risk factors for OPD and/or its long-term outcomes. Studies will be excluded if they refer to esophageal or oropharyngeal dysphagia induced by causes other than multiple sclerosis. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent assessors for abstract and full article review. We will present study characteristics in tables and document research findings for dysphagia-related risk factors or its complications via a narrative format or meta-analysis if warranted (e.g., mean difference and/or risk ratio measurements). All included studies will undergo risk-of-bias assessment conducted independently by two authors with consensus on quality ratings. DISCUSSION: There is a lacune for systematic reviews involving risk factors and long-term outcomes of dysphagia in pwMS to date. Our systematic review will provide the means to develop accurate and efficient management protocols for careful monitoring and evaluation of dysphagia in pwMS. The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022340625.

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BACKGROUND: Although oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common finding in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), specific recommendations are not provided in the current clinical guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of OD and its associated factors among patients hospitalized for CAP and to assess one-year outcomes according to the presence or absence of OD. METHODS: We studied 226 patients hospitalized for CAP and 226 patients hospitalized for respiratory conditions other than CAP. We screened the risk of OD using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), followed by the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST). RESULTS: A total of 122 (53.9%) patients with CAP had confirmed OD compared with 44 (19.4%) patients without CAP. Patients with CAP and OD were older (p < 0.001; 1.02-1.07) and had less familial/institutional support (p = 0.036; 0.12-0.91) compared to patients with CAP and no OD. OD was more prevalent as the CURB-65 score increased (p < 0.001). Patients with OD spent more time in the hospital (14.5 vs. 11.0 days; p = 0.038) and required more visits to the emergency room (ER). Twenty (16.4%) patients with CAP and OD died after discharge vs. one (0.8%) patient with CAP and no OD (p < 0.001; CI = 2.24-42.60). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OD in hospitalized patients with CAP is higher than in patients hospitalized for other respiratory diagnoses. Advanced age, lower familial/institutional support, and increased CAP severity are associated with OD. Patients with CAP and OD are more frequent ER visitors after discharge and have a higher mortality. In patients with CAP and OD, aspiration pneumonia is likely underestimated.

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Patients with oral and pharyngeal dysphagia have difficulty forming a cohesive bolus and/or transferring food from the mouth into the pharynx and esophagus to initiate the involuntary swallowing process. This may be accompanied by nasopharyngeal regurgitation, aspiration, and a sensation of residual food remaining in the pharynx. Abnormalities affecting the upper esophageal sphincter, pharynx, larynx, or tongue, in isolation or combination, result in oropharyngeal dysphagia affecting either or both transit and airway protection. These issues can be addressed with a combination of management of the underlying systemic disease, with surgical intervention or with swallow therapy.

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OBJECTIVE: To characterize swallowing biomechanics and neurophysiology in older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). METHODS: Observational study in 12 young healthy volunteers (HV), 9 older HV (OHV) and 12 older patients with OD with no previous diseases causing OD (OOD). Swallowing biomechanics were measured by videofluoroscopy, neurophysiology with pharyngeal sensory (pSEP) and motor evoked-potentials (pMEP) to intrapharyngeal electrical and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), respectively, and salivary neuropeptides with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: 83.3% of OOD patients had unsafe swallows (Penetration-Aspiration scale = 4.3 ± 2.1; p < 0.0001) with delayed time to laryngeal vestibule closure (362.5 ± 73.3 ms; p < 0.0001) compared to both HV groups. OOD patients had: (a) higher pharyngeal sensory threshold (p = 0.009) and delayed pSEP P1 and N2 latencies (p < 0.05 vs HV) to electrical stimulus; and (b) higher pharyngeal motor thresholds to TMS in both hemispheres (p < 0.05) and delayed pMEPs latencies (right, p < 0.0001 HV vs OHV/OOD; left, p < 0.0001 HV vs OHV/OOD). CONCLUSIONS: OOD patients have unsafe swallow and delayed swallowing biomechanics, pharyngeal hypoesthesia with disrupted conduction of pharyngeal sensory inputs, and reduced excitability and delayed cortical motor response. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest new elements in the pathophysiology of aging-associated OD and herald new and more specific neurorehabilitation treatments for these patients.

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Background/Objectives: The Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) is commonly used in oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) research as a self-report measure of functional health status and health-related quality of life. The DHI was developed and validated using classic test theory. The aim of this study was to use item response theory (Rasch analysis) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DHI. Methods: Prospective, consecutive patient data were collected at dysphagia or otorhinolaryngology clinics. The sample included 256 adults (53.1% male; mean age 65.2) at risk of OD. The measure's response scale, person and item fit characteristics, differential item functioning, and dimensionality were evaluated. Results: The rating scale was ordered but showed a potential gap in the rating category labels for the overall measure. The overall person (0.91) and item (0.97) reliability was excellent. The overall measure reliably separated persons into at least three distinct groups (person separation index = 3.23) based on swallowing abilities, but the subscales showed inadequate separation. All infit mean squares were in the acceptable range except for the underfitting for item 22 (F). More misfitting was evident in the Z-Standard statistics. Differential item functioning results indicated good performance at an item level for the overall measure; however, contrary to expectation, an OD diagnosis presented only with marginal DIF. The dimensionality of the DHI showed two dimensions in contrast to the three dimensions suggested by the original authors. Conclusions: The DHI failed to reproduce the original three subscales. Caution is needed using the DHI subscales; only the DHI total score should be used. A redevelopment of the DHI is needed; however, given the complexities involved in addressing these issues, the development of a new measure that ensures good content validity may be preferred.

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The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of dysphagia in patients with ischaemic stroke. It was crucial to evaluate the relationship between swallowing disorders and selected demographic and clinical indicators. Additionally, the association between various patient feeding methods and selected demographic and clinical factors was assessed. Based on the analysis of medical documentation, we identified the most important clinical parameters, including demographic data, the frequency of stroke risk factors, the location of the ischaemic lesion, cortical involvement, stroke severity as measured by the NIHSS (Nationale Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and the methods of feeding post-stroke patients. Dysphagia was observed in 65.9% of the patients in the study group. Hypertension was the most common chronic illness in the studied population of ischemic stroke patients (91.8% of patients). Diet modification (35.7%) and PEG (25%) were the frequent methods of feeding in patients with confirmed dysphagia. Age played a significant role in determining the feeding methods in patients with dysphagia. Patients with a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) tube were the oldest (79.37 ± 10.80) and 75% of them had pneumonia. Early identification of swallowing difficulties in stroke patients is critical in determining an appropriate and safe feeding plan, as well as initiating logopedics therapy to improve swallowing efficacy and minimize pulmonary complications.

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La disfagia orofaríngea (DO) es una enfermedad con una alta prevalencia en diferentes fenotipos de pacientes. La manometría de alta resolución faringoesofágica (MARFE) con impedancia (MARFE-I) se ha convertido en los últimos años en una técnica fundamental para el mejor entendimiento de la fisiopatología de las disfunciones de la faringe y del esfínter esofágico superior (EES) en pacientes con DO. Diversos grupos de expertos han propuesto una metodología para la práctica de la MARFE-I y para la estandarización de las diferentes métricas para el estudio de las disfunciones de la motilidad faríngea y del EES basadas en el la cuantificación de 3fenómenos principales: la relajación del EES, la resistencia al flujo a través del EES y la propulsión del bolo a través de la faringe hacia el esófago. De acuerdo a las alteraciones de estas métricas, se proponen 3patrones de disfunción que permiten un abordaje terapéutico específico: a) restricción al flujo del EES con propulsión faríngea normal; b) restricción al flujo del EES con propulsión faríngea inefectiva, y c) contracción faríngea inefectiva con normal relajación del EES. Presentamos una revisión práctica de la metodología y la métrica que emplean los principales grupos de trabajo junto con la descripción de los principales patrones de disfunción de acuerdo con nuestra experiencia para poner de relevancia la utilidad de la MARFE-I en el estudio de la fisiopatología y selección de un tratamiento específico en pacientes con DO. (AU)

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a pathology with a high prevalence in different patient phenotypes. High-resolution pharyngoesophageal manometry (HRPM) with impedance (HRPM-I) has become in recent years a fundamental technique for better understanding the pathophysiology of pharynx and upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunctions in patients with OD. Various groups of experts have proposed a methodology for the practice of the HRPM-I and for the standardization of the different metrics for the study of pharyngeal motility and UES dysfunctions based on the quantification of 3main phenomena: relaxation of the UES, resistance to flow through the UES and propulsion of the bolo through the pharynx into the oesophagus. According to the alterations of these metrics, 3patterns of dysfunction are proposed that allow a specific therapeutic approach: (a) UES flow restriction with normal pharyngeal propulsión; (b) UES flow restriction with ineffective pharyngeal propulsion, and (c) ineffective pharyngeal contraction with normal relaxation of the UES. We present a practical review of the methodology and metrics used by the main working groups together with the description of the main patterns of dysfunction according to our experience to highlight the usefulness of the HRPM-I in the study of the pathophysiology and selection of a specific treatment in patients with OD. (AU)

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BACKGROUND:  Speech-language therapists (SLTs) may recommend tube feeding even with minimal research evidence of its effectiveness, and an understanding of SLTs' perceived practices is warranted. OBJECTIVES:  To qualitatively describe a sample of South African SLTs' perceived practices regarding feeding tube placement in people with advanced dementia. METHOD:  Semi-structured online interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams. Eight South African SLTs with a particular interest in advanced dementia, in public and private settings, were recruited. Data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS:  Three main themes were identified: (1) factors influencing SLTs' decisions for feeding tube placement in people with advanced dementia; (2) nature of clinical setting and SLTs' decision-making and (3) SLTs' considerations to improve management of people with advanced dementia. Existing local palliative care guidelines were not employed in decisions about tube feeding. Most participants did not recommend tube feeding during end-of-life care. Perceived burden of care influenced participants' decisions about tube feeding. CONCLUSION:  Speech-language therapists in South Africa likely have an increased reliance on clinical experience rather than recent research and guidelines for decisions about feeding tube placement. Findings accentuate the importance of clinical supervision, mentoring and continuous professional development in the workplace. The findings are an urgent call to action to improve SLTs' overall practices and ethical service delivery for people with advanced dementia and their families.Contribution: Factors and needs regarding SLTs' decision-making about feeding tubes in people with advanced dementia are highlighted.

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