Long-term outcomes in children with swallowing dysfunction

Purpose: To evaluate swallowing function using a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), and to identify factors related to long-term swallowing function in children with swallowing dysfunction.

Methods: Ninety children, aged 1–120 months (mean 27.5 months) were randomly selected from among children referred for the evaluation of swallowing dysfunction. We retrospectively reviewed the charts, and long-term outcomes were tracked up to 5 years.

Results: Baseline American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) scale was 3.4?±?2.5. Supraglottic penetration and subglottic aspiration comfirmed by VFSS were detected in 30 children. After follow-up, oral feeding was possible in 74 patients, and the ASHA NOMS swallowing scale improved significantly, from 3.4?±?2.5 to 5.8?±?2.0. Baseline VFSS severity, serum albumin concentration, baseline weight percentile and neurologic conditions were significantly correlated with long-term swallowing function.

Conclusions: The long-term outcomes in children with swallowing dysfunction were favorable, and baseline videofluoroscopic severity was significantly correlated with long-term swallowing function.