Interjudge and intrajudge reliabilities in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (fees) using the penetration-aspiration scale: a replication study

This study used Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES(R)) to assess the reliability of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) using 79 swallows and four judges in a replication of a study using videofluoroscopy (VFSS). The swallows were diagnosed using FEES, which allowed for comparison between the two techniques. The findings indicated that all categories of the PAS achieved adequate reliability, both on intrajudge and interjudge assessments. Reliabilities, with the exception of Scale Score 7, were higher in this study than in the original study by Rosenbek and associates. Data analysis indicated that judges were more highly consistent on second ratings compared with their original ratings, indicating a learning curve on the PAS. In addition, findings suggested that the FEES was more reliable on assessing penetration than VFSS, but that VFSS was more reliable on the assessment of the various severities of aspiration. The two techniques were equally effective in discriminating between penetration and aspiration. This study found that FEES was just as reliable as VFSS when using the PAS.     

The significance of accumulated oropharyngeal secretions and swallowing frequency in predicting aspiration

This study retrospectively investigated the value of both endoscopically visible oropharyngeal secretions in the hypopharynx and swallowing frequency in the prediction of aspiration of food and liquid. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed on a total of 69 individuals that included hospitalized elderly, nonhospitalized elderly, and young normal subjects. A four-level rating scale for determining the severity of accumulated orpharyngeal secretions was developed and employed to rate subjects prior to the presentation of food or liquid during the FEES. Spontaneous dry swallows were also counted during the observation period of the FEES. It was found that the accumulation of endoscopically visible oropharyngeal secretions located within the laryngeal vestibule was highly predictive of aspiration of food or liquid. There were significantly fewer spontaneous swallows in hospitalized subjects when compared with nonhospitalized subjects. There was also a significant decrease in the frequency of spontaneous swallows in aspirating hospitalized subjects when compared with nonaspirating hospitalized subjects. Results are discussed in terms of integrating this information with clinical bedside examination techniques.     

Dysphagia Due to Unilateral Infarction in the Vascular Territory of the Anterior Insula

We describe a patient who suddenly developed dysphagia for liquids as the sole manifestation of stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right-sided infarction of the superior part of the anterior insula and a small portion of the adjacent medial frontal operculum. These findings confirm the role of the anterior insula as a critical area in humans with regard to the origin of dysphagia.

Diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation dysphagia: Results from a national survey

Purpose

This study sought to determine the utilization of speech-language pathologist (SLPs) for the diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation dysphagia in survivors of mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We designed, validated, and mailed a survey to 1,966 inpatient SLPs who routinely evaluate patients for post-extubation dysphagia.

Results

Most SLP diagnostic evaluations (60%; 95% CI, 59%-62%) were performed using clinical techniques with uncertain accuracy. Instrumental diagnostic tests (such as fluoroscopy and endoscopy) are more likely to be available at university than community hospitals. After adjusting for hospital size and academic affiliation, instrumental test use varied significantly by geographical region. Treatments for post-extubation dysphagia usually involved dietary adjustment (76%; 95% CI, 73-79%) and postural changes/compensatory maneuvers (86%; 95% CI, 84-88%), rather than on interventions aimed to improve swallowing function (24%; 95% CI, 21-27%).

Conclusions

SLPs frequently evaluate acute respiratory failure survivors. However, diagnostic evaluations rely mainly upon bedside techniques with uncertain accuracy. The use of instrumental tests varies by geographic location and university affiliation. Current diagnostic practices and feeding decisions for critically ill patients should be viewed with caution until further studies determine the accuracy of bedside detection methods.     

Physiological and clinical outcomes associated with use of one-way speaking valves on tracheostomised patients: A systematic review

BackgroundThe one way speaking valve was first engineered in 1985 to allow patients with tracheostomies to communicate. The research has indicated alternative physiological benefits of using a speaking valve, however this literature has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for one-way speaking valve in a range of physiological domains, including vital signs, aspiration, olfaction, ventilation and tracheostomy weaning, length of stay, and quality of life.MethodsA literature search was conducted in September 2017. Studies were eligible if they compared the use of a one-way speaking valve against no speaking valve, across any physiological or clinical parameter.Results16 eligible studies were included in this review. A meta-analysis random-effect model (I² = 71.96, p = 0.006) found reduced instances of aspiration with a speaking valve in situ, compared to without a speaking valve in situ (OR 0.122; 95% confidence interval, 0.031–0.479; p = 0.003). Statically significant results were also found across the domains of olfaction, secretion management and ventilation.ConclusionThere is emerging evidence of additional benefits for using speaking valves. Further studies should focus on clinical outcomes that have the potential to reduce healthcare costs as well as patient outcomes.     

Predictive value of the Hyodo score in endoscopic evaluation of aspiration during swallowing

Objective

The Hyodo scoring system during the endoscopic procedure has been proposed as a new tool for evaluating oral intake feasibility. However, the effectiveness of the information obtained from this procedure in predicting aspiration is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of clinical factors, including Hyodo scores, for predicting the risk of aspiration.

An appraisal of current dysphagia diagnosis and treatment strategies

Dysphagia is a common, serious health problem with a wide variety of etiologies and manifestations. This review gives a general overview of diagnostic and therapeutic options for oropharyngeal as well as esophageal swallowing disorders respecting the considerable progress made over recent years. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires expertise in interpretation of symptoms and patient history. Endoscopy, barium radiography and manometry are still the diagnostic mainstays. Classification of esophageal motor-disorders has been revolutionized with the introduction of high-resolution esophageal pressure topography and a new standardized classification algorithm. Automated integrated impedance manometry is a promising upcoming tool for objective evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia, in non-obstructive esophageal dysphagia and prediction of post fundoplication dysphagia risk. Impedance planimetry provides new diagnostic information on esophageal and LES-distensibility and allows controlled therapeutic dilatation without the need for radiation. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a promising therapeutic approach for achalasia and spastic motility disorders.