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The British Journal of Surgery Sep 2023Active surveillance is being investigated as an alternative to standard surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer. It is unknown whether...
BACKGROUND
Active surveillance is being investigated as an alternative to standard surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer. It is unknown whether dysphagia persists or develops when the oesophagus is preserved after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dysphagia during active surveillance in patients with an ongoing response.
METHODS
Patients who underwent active surveillance were identified from the Surgery As Needed for Oesophageal cancer ('SANO') trial. Patients without evidence of residual oesophageal cancer until at least 6 months after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were included. Study endpoints were assessed at time points that patients were cancer-free and remained cancer-free for the next 4 months. Dysphagia scores were evaluated at 6, 9, 12, and 16 months after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Scores were based on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer oesophago-gastric quality-of-life questionnaire 25 (EORTC QLQ-OG25) (range 0-100; no to severe dysphagia). The rate of patients with a (non-)traversable stenosis was determined based on all available endoscopy reports.
RESULTS
In total, 131 patients were included, of whom 93 (71.0 per cent) had adenocarcinoma, 93 (71.0 per cent) had a cT3-4a tumour, and 33 (25.2 per cent) had a tumour circumference of greater than 75 per cent at endoscopy; 60.8 to 71.0 per cent of patients completed questionnaires per time point after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. At all time points after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, median dysphagia scores were 0 (interquartile range 0-0). Two patients (1.5 per cent) underwent an intervention for a stenosis: one underwent successful endoscopic dilatation; and the other patient required temporary tube feeding. Notably, these patients did not participate in questionnaires.
CONCLUSION
Dysphagia and clinically relevant stenosis are uncommon during active surveillance.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Watchful Waiting; Constriction, Pathologic; Esophageal Neoplasms; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 37418342
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad211 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Feb 2024Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain. Impairment of vagal function has been reported in achalasia. This...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain. Impairment of vagal function has been reported in achalasia. This study evaluated autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions in patients with achalasia to establish a correlation between an ANS dysfunction and the clinical symptoms of achalasia.
METHODS
Nineteen patients with achalasia (six males/13 females; mean age, 47.1±16.3 years) and 10 healthy controls (four males/six females; 34.8±10.7 years) were enrolled prospectively at Gangnam Severance Hospital between June 2013 and June 2014. All patients completed a questionnaire on ANS dysfunction symptoms and underwent a heart rate variability (HRV) test.
RESULTS
ANS dysfunction symptoms were present in 13 patients with achalasia (69%) and three controls (30%). The ANS dysfunction score was significantly higher in patients with achalasia than in the controls (p=0.035). There were no significant differences in the standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), and LF/HF ratio in the HRV test. In subgroup analysis comparing female achalasia patients with controls, the cardiac activity was significantly higher in the female achalasia patients than in the controls (p=0.036). The cardiac activity (p=0.004) and endurance to stress (p=0.004) were significantly higher in the achalasia patients with ANS dysfunction symptoms than the achalasia patients without ANS dysfunction symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
ANS dysfunction symptoms are common in patients with achalasia. Female achalasia patients and those with ANS dysfunction symptoms showed increased cardiac activity. Hence, more attention should be paid to cardiac overload in achalasia patients who are female or have ANS dysfunction symptoms.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Autonomic Nervous System; Esophageal Achalasia; Heart; Heart Rate
PubMed: 38389461
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.144 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Swallowing is essential for human health, and the cerebellum is crucial for motor movement regulation. Cerebellar strokes may cause dysphagia, but their exact effects...
Swallowing is essential for human health, and the cerebellum is crucial for motor movement regulation. Cerebellar strokes may cause dysphagia, but their exact effects remain unexplored in swallowing function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the precise clinical characteristics of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing after cerebellar stroke and to critically discuss the cerebellum's contribution to swallowing. The study involved 34 participants with cerebellar strokes, gathered through convenience sampling. Neurologists diagnosed isolated strokes, and a speech and language pathologist examined swallowing ability using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability. The study found that 52.9% of people experienced dysphagia after a cerebellar stroke. Dysphagia was significantly associated with a higher risk of aspiration. Age was also significantly correlated with dysphagia. No significant correlation was found between swallowing ability and sex. In conclusion, this study suggests isolated cerebellar stroke can adversely affect the motor and non-motor aspects of swallowing and cause severe dysphagia and aspiration risk. Thus, early diagnosis and timely management of dysphagia following a cerebellar stroke can help prevent serious consequences.
PubMed: 38033782
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1276243 -
Critical Care (London, England) Oct 2023
Randomized Controlled Trial
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Pilot Projects; Stroke; Deglutition; Electric Stimulation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37789340
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04665-6 -
Digestion 2024The 3rd edition of the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 2021 from the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology states... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The 3rd edition of the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 2021 from the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology states that the treatment strategy for potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB)-refractory GERD remains unclear. Furthermore, even if GERD improves with the administration of an acid secretion inhibitor, it is feared that GERD may flare up after discontinuation of the drug, resulting in some cases in which patients are forced to take vonoprazan semipermanently (the so-called PCAB-dependent cases). From a global perspective, PCAB is not yet used in all countries and regions, and measures that can be taken now for cases in which a conventional proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is inadequately effective need to be devised.
SUMMARY
Endoscopic treatment for GERD may be effective in cases where conventional proton pump inhibitors are ineffective; however, there are insufficient long-term studies to corroborate this, and its cost effectiveness is unknown. Other treatment options for PCAB or PPI-refractory GERD include surgical procedures (Nissen and Toupet operations), which have a longer history than endoscopic treatment for GERD. However, their long-term results are not as good as those of acid secretion inhibitors, and they are not cost effective. Endoscopic treatment for GERD may fill gaps in inadequate surgical treatment. In April 2022, endoscopic anti-reflux mucosal resections (ARMS [anti-reflux mucosectomy] and ESD-G [endoscopic submucosal dissection for GERD]) were approved for reimbursement, making endoscopic treatment of GERD possible throughout Japan.
KEY MESSAGES
It is important to identify the background factors in cases in which endoscopic treatments are effective.
Topics: Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Japan; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37591209
DOI: 10.1159/000533200 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2023Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, and myotomy is one of the most used treatment techniques. However, symptom persistence or recurrence occurs in 9 to 20% of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, and myotomy is one of the most used treatment techniques. However, symptom persistence or recurrence occurs in 9 to 20% of cases.
AIMS
This study aims to provide a practical approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy.
METHODS
A critical review was performed to gather evidence for a rational approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy.
RESULTS
To properly manage an achalasia patient with significant symptoms after myotomy, such as dysphagia, regurgitation, thoracic pain, and weight loss, it is necessary to classify symptoms, stratify severity, perform appropriate tests, and define a treatment strategy. A systematic differential diagnosis workup is essential to cover the main etiologies of symptoms recurrence or persistence after myotomy. Upper digestive endoscopy and dynamic digital radiography are the main tests that can be applied for investigation. The treatment options include endoscopic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, redo surgery, and esophagectomy, and the decision should be based on the patient's individual characteristics.
CONCLUSIONS
A good clinical evaluation and the use of proper tests jointly with a rational assessment, are essential for the management of symptoms recurrence or persistence after achalasia myotomy.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Endoscopy; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Esophagectomy; Myotomy; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38088726
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020230062e1780 -
Bioscience Trends Jun 2024Dysphagia is a common complication of various clinical conditions, with an increased incidence as age advances. Complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, and... (Review)
Review
Dysphagia is a common complication of various clinical conditions, with an increased incidence as age advances. Complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia caused by dysphagia significantly affect the overall treatment outcomes of patients. Scholars both domestically and internationally are increasingly focusing on early rehabilitation for dysphagia. This article summarizes common conditions causing dysphagia, clinical manifestations, complications, screening assessment, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and nutritional support related to dysphagia. It emphasizes the arrival at a multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and formulation of a rehabilitation management plan for dysphagia in general hospitals in order to provide strategic suggestions for establishing a multidisciplinary collaborative model for swallowing disorder management in general hospitals.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Hospitals, General; Patient Care Team
PubMed: 38599879
DOI: 10.5582/bst.2024.01076 -
Dysphagia Feb 2024Data collected during the 2020-21 COVID-19 alpha wave indicated dysphagia prevalence rates up to 93%. Whilst many patients recovered during hospital admission, some... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Data collected during the 2020-21 COVID-19 alpha wave indicated dysphagia prevalence rates up to 93%. Whilst many patients recovered during hospital admission, some experienced persistent dysphagia with protracted recovery. To explore (1) prevalence, (2) treatment, and (3) recovery patterns and outcomes for swallowing, in the ICU patient with Delta and subsequent variants of COVID-19. Prospective observational study. Patients admitted to 26 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) over 12 months, diagnosed with COVID-19, treated for survival and seen by Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) for clinical swallowing assessment were included. Demographic, medical, SLP treatment, and swallowing outcome data were collected. 235 participants (63% male, median age = 58 years) were recruited. Median mechanical ventilation was 16 days, and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) were 20 and 42 days, respectively. ICU-Acquired Weakness (54%) and delirium (49%) were frequently observed. Prevalence of dysphagia was 94% with the majority (45%) exhibiting profound dysphagia (Functional Oral Intake Scale = 1) at initial assessment. Median duration to initiate oral feeding was 19 days (IQR = 11-44 days) from ICU admission, and 24% received dysphagia rehabilitation. Dysphagia recovery by hospital discharge was observed in 71% (median duration = 30 days [IQR = 17-56 days]). Positive linear associations were identified between duration of intubation, mechanical ventilation, hospital and ICU LOS, and duration to SLP assessment (p = 0.000), dysphagia severity (p = 0.000), commencing oral intake (p = 0.000), dysphagia recovery (p < 0.01), and enteral feeding (p = 0.000). Whilst older participants had more severe dysphagia (p = 0.028), younger participants took longer to commence oral feeding (p = 0.047). Dysphagia remains highly prevalent in ICU COVID-19 patients. Whilst invasive ventilation duration is associated with swallowing outcomes, more evidence on dysphagia pathophysiology is required to guide rehabilitation.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Critical Illness; Deglutition Disorders; Intensive Care Units; Prevalence; Respiration, Artificial; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 37347254
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10598-7 -
BMC Palliative Care Oct 2023Although oncological palliative care is increasingly being offered by multidisciplinary teams, there is still a lack of data about some symptoms handled by these teams,...
BACKGROUND
Although oncological palliative care is increasingly being offered by multidisciplinary teams, there is still a lack of data about some symptoms handled by these teams, such as dysphagia, in patients with advanced cancer outside swallow regions. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of dysphagia in prognosis studies of adults with advanced cancer outside the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract, and to determine if there is an association with mortality.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies that evaluated dysphagia and mortality was conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42021257172).
DATA SOURCES
BVS, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data between 2011 and 2023 were selected.
RESULTS
Among the 608 articles screened, only 14 were included, which covered different types of cancer, primarily Lung, and Genitourinary, Skin, Hematological, and Central Nervous System as well. Dysphagia demonstrated a variable frequency, and almost half of the studies found a percentage of dysphagia above 60%, appearing most as a symptom that affects health-related quality of life and prove to be a toxicity of treatment. The association between dysphagia and mortality was only evaluated in three articles that studied advanced lung cancer, in which, after controlling for covariates, swallowing disorders were associated with worse survival, with prevalences of dysphagia and hazard ratios of 78.5% (1.12 [1.04-1.20]), 4% (1.34 [1.28-1.35]), and 3% (1.40 [1.07-1.81]), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of dysphagia in advanced cancer outside the head, neck, and upper GI tract is common, and there seems to be an association with significantly decreased survival in patients with advanced lung cancer.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Deglutition Disorders; Deglutition; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Lung Neoplasms; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
PubMed: 37798715
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01268-4 -
Endoscopy Oct 2023Dysphagia palliation in inoperable esophageal cancer continues to be a challenge. Self-expandable metal stents have been the mainstay of endoscopic palliation but have a... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Dysphagia palliation in inoperable esophageal cancer continues to be a challenge. Self-expandable metal stents have been the mainstay of endoscopic palliation but have a significant risk of adverse events (AEs). Liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy is an established modality that can be used with systemic therapy. This study reports the outcomes of cryotherapy, including dysphagia and quality of life (QoL), in patients receiving systemic therapy.
METHODS
This was a prospective multicenter cohort study of adults with inoperable esophageal cancer who underwent cryotherapy. QoL and dysphagia scores before and after cryotherapy were compared.
RESULTS
55 patients received 175 cryotherapy procedures. After a mean of 3.2 cryotherapy sessions, mean QoL improved from 34.9 at baseline to 29.0 at last follow-up ( < 0.001) and mean dysphagia improved from 1.9 to 1.3 ( = 0.004). Patients receiving more intensive cryotherapy (≥ 2 treatments within 3 weeks) showed a significantly greater improvement in dysphagia compared with those not receiving intensive therapy (1.2 vs. 0.2 points; = 0.003). Overall, 13 patients (23.6 %) received another intervention (1 botulinum toxin injection, 2 stent, 3 radiation, 7 dilation) for dysphagia palliation. Within the 30-day post-procedure period, there were three non-cryotherapy-related grade ≥ 3 AEs (all deaths). The median overall survival was 16.4 months.
CONCLUSION
In patients with inoperable esophageal cancer receiving concurrent systemic therapy, adding liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy was safe and associated with improvement in dysphagia and QoL without causing reflux. More intensive treatment showed a greater improvement in dysphagia and should be considered as the preferred approach.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Quality of Life; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Esophageal Neoplasms; Cryotherapy; Stents; Nitrogen; Palliative Care
PubMed: 37268010
DOI: 10.1055/a-2105-2177