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World Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2024The peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure has revolutionized the management of achalasia in many centres around the world as it offers patients a minimally... (Review)
Review
The peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure has revolutionized the management of achalasia in many centres around the world as it offers patients a minimally invasive endoscopic solution to their dysphagia caused by achalasia. Alongside its success in alleviating dysphagia, concerns regarding postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease have emerged as a pertinent issue which are not fully resolved. In this study, Nabi have comprehensively reviewed the topic of the prediction, prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after POEM. POEM is a purely endoscopic procedure which is usually performed without any anti-reflux procedure. Certain patients may be better served by a laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and fundoplication and it is important that gastroenterologists and surgeons provide comprehensive risks and benefits of each achalasia treatment option so that patients can decide what treatment is best for them. This article by Nabi provides a comprehensive review of the current status of this issue to allow these discussions to occur.
Topics: Esophageal Achalasia; Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Fundoplication; Risk Assessment; Heller Myotomy; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Deglutition Disorders; Laparoscopy; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38899334
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i21.2740 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty initiating swallowing, is a frequent problem in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The...
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.
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Humans; Male; Female; Deglutition Disorders; Aged; User-Centered Design; Deglutition; Middle Aged; Airway Obstruction; Posture
PubMed: 38898235
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65071-8 -
Arquivos de Gastroenterologia 2024Chagas disease causes digestive anatomic and functional changes, including the loss of the myenteric plexus and abnormal esophageal radiologic and manometric findings.
BACKGROUND
Chagas disease causes digestive anatomic and functional changes, including the loss of the myenteric plexus and abnormal esophageal radiologic and manometric findings.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of abnormal esophageal radiologic findings, cardiac changes, distal esophageal contractions, and complaints of dysphagia and constipation in upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter basal pressure in Chagas disease patients.
METHODS
The study evaluated 99 patients with Chagas disease and 40 asymptomatic normal volunteers. The patients had normal esophageal radiologic examination (n=61) or esophageal retention without an increase in esophageal diameter (n=38). UES and LES pressure was measured with the rapid pull-through method in a 4-channel water-perfused round catheter. Before manometry, the patients were asked about dysphagia and constipation and submitted to electrocardiography and chest radiography.
RESULTS
The amplitude of esophageal distal contraction decreased from controls to chagasic patients with esophageal retention. The proportion of failed and simultaneous contractions increased in patients with abnormal radiologic examination (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in UES and LES pressure between the groups. UES pressure was similar between Chagas disease patients with cardiomegaly (n=27, 126.5±62.7 mmHg) and those without it (n=72, 144.2±51.6 mmHg, P=0.26). Patients with constipation had lower LES pressure (n=23, 34.7±20.3 mmHg) than those without it (n=76, 42.9±20.5 mmHg, P<0.03).
CONCLUSION
Chagas disease patients with absent or mild esophageal radiologic involvement had no significant changes in UES and LES basal pressure. Constipation complaints are associated with decreased LES basal pressure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Manometry; Middle Aged; Chagas Disease; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Case-Control Studies; Esophageal Motility Disorders; Adult; Esophageal Sphincter, Upper; Constipation; Aged; Deglutition Disorders; Pressure
PubMed: 38896574
DOI: 10.1590/S0004-2803.24612023-174 -
Nutrients May 2024(1) Background: Pediatric dysphagia presents significant nutritional challenges, often impacting growth and development due to reduced oral intake, increased nutritional...
(1) Background: Pediatric dysphagia presents significant nutritional challenges, often impacting growth and development due to reduced oral intake, increased nutritional needs, and gastrointestinal complications; (2) Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study assessed 117 children under 14 years old (20 patients were under 1 year old, 80 were aged 1-7 years, and 17 were older than 7 years), diagnosed with swallowing disorders, to analyze their caloric, macro-, and micronutrient intake and identify potential deficiencies. The severity of dysphagia was established using functional oral intake scales, and dietary records were reviewed over a 3-day period; (3) Results: The study revealed that 39.8% of participants did not meet their total energy expenditure (TEE), highlighting a high prevalence of malnutrition among these children. Furthermore, patients using feeding devices exhibited a significantly lower caloric intake, and over half required significantly modified food textures. After individualized speech therapy and nutritional rehabilitation, participants showed significant improvements in caloric intake, with their energy coverage increasing from 958% to 1198% of the daily requirement. Rehabilitation also improved tolerance to a broader range of food textures; (4) Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of multidisciplinary, individualized nutritional strategies to address the specific challenges of pediatric dysphagia, emphasizing the role of enteral nutrition and therapeutic interventions in improving the quality of life and nutritional outcomes of these children. Further studies are recommended to assess the long-term impact of such strategies.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Child; Child, Preschool; Male; Female; Prospective Studies; Infant; Nutritional Status; Energy Intake; Adolescent; Malnutrition; Enteral Nutrition; Energy Metabolism; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38892523
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111590 -
BMJ Case Reports Jun 2024Actinomycosis is a rare endogenous infection characterised by indolent progression, contiguous spreading, abscess formation and draining sinuses. Here, we present a case...
Actinomycosis is a rare endogenous infection characterised by indolent progression, contiguous spreading, abscess formation and draining sinuses. Here, we present a case of causing a mediastinal abscess that is unique in its acuity and location. Our patient presented with worsening dysphagia, and CT of her chest revealed a new mass in the posterior mediastinum displacing the oesophagus. Oesophagram revealed mild motility disorder, but no masses or ulcers within the oesophagus. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with endoscopic ultrasound revealed extrinsic compression of the oesophagus. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass yielded purulent fluid, which was cultured. A single colony of was isolated. Initially, medical treatment was favoured, but as she developed worsening dysphagia, the abscess was drained. She continued on long-term antibiotic therapy after drainage and had complete resolution of the abscess at 1 year.
Topics: Humans; Female; Actinomycosis; Deglutition Disorders; Mediastinal Diseases; Immunocompromised Host; Diagnosis, Differential; Abscess; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Drainage; Middle Aged; Mediastinum
PubMed: 38890117
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258996 -
Harefuah Jun 2024Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are very common in the general adult population. Dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and non-cardiac chest pain are the most common... (Review)
Review
Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are very common in the general adult population. Dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation and non-cardiac chest pain are the most common signs. The clinical approach in managing these symptoms starts with upper GI endoscopy in order to exclude inflammatory, neoplastic and fibrotic disorders that involve the esophagus. Upper GI endoscopy is mandatory especially when alarm signs exist. In patients with no structural abnormalities, physiological testing might aid to better understand the origin of the symptoms and to improve management.
Topics: Humans; Manometry; Esophageal pH Monitoring; Esophagus; Adult; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Esophageal Diseases; Deglutition Disorders; Barium Sulfate
PubMed: 38884294
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... May 2024Total or subtotal glossectomy defects cause significant functional deficits in swallowing and speech and subsequently impair patients' quality of life (QOL). Recently,...
BACKGROUND
Total or subtotal glossectomy defects cause significant functional deficits in swallowing and speech and subsequently impair patients' quality of life (QOL). Recently, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as a potential alternative for reconstructing extensive glossectomy defects. While previous studies assessing recovery of neurotized anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in head and neck reconstruction reported superior sensory recovery, improved swallow function, and improved overall patient satisfaction in patients with neurotized flaps vs. non-neurotized ALT flap reconstruction, PAP flap neurotization has not been described and systematically assessed in head and neck patients.
METHODS
Six patients underwent subtotal tongue reconstruction with neurotized PAP flaps at the authors' institution from May 2022 until August 2023. A branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve of the PAP flap was coaptated to the lingual nerve. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, pain, and temperature assessments were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively on the neo-tongue. The MD Anderson speech and deglutition scales and the EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 were used to record functional outcomes and QOL.
RESULTS
The mean age was 69 ± 4 years, and the mean body mass index was 25 ± 7 kg/m. Neo-tongue median 2-point discrimination at the tip improved from >10 mm at 3 months to 6 mm at 12 months. All patients had protective pain and temperature perception at the neo-tongue tip at the 6-month follow-up. Speech and swallowing functions were similar at the 12-month follow-up to data on neurotized ALT flaps from literature. No neuropathic pain was reported at the donor site at the 6-month follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first case series of PAP flap neurotization in head and neck patients, suggesting potential functional advantages with minimal donor-site morbidity.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
V Case Series.
PubMed: 38875869
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.05.028 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Jun 2024Limited data exist on the mid- to long-term masticatory capacity of mandibular overdenture (IOD) wearers, particularly regarding the use of posterior implants to...
BACKGROUND
Limited data exist on the mid- to long-term masticatory capacity of mandibular overdenture (IOD) wearers, particularly regarding the use of posterior implants to retention.
OBJECTIVES
To periodically evaluate mastication of IOD wearers, comparing the effectiveness of two to four implants to retain the prosthesis.
METHODS
In a randomised controlled clinical trial, 20 complete edentulous patients (14 women), aged 51-84 years (mean age 69.1 ± 9.6), received new bimaxillary complete dentures (CD). After adaptation, baseline measurements of masticatory performance (X) and swallowing threshold were conducted using the sieving method. Patients were then randomly assigned to groups: control (two intra-foraminal regular implants) and experimental (two intra-foraminal regular implants and two extra-short posterior implants) (n = 10 each). After 4 months, implants were splinted, and a new mandibular IOD was fabricated with bar/clip retention. Mastication was reassessed after 6, 12, and 48 months, and data analysed with repeated measures ANOVA and Sidak's post hoc (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
Despite a loss of two patients per group, masticatory performance significantly improved after mandibular IOD installation (p = .031) in both groups (p = .670). A second improvement was observed after 6 months (p = .027), with no subsequent changes (p > .05). Swallowing threshold improvements were noted with IOD, and no discernible differences between groups were observed (p > .05).
CONCLUSION
Masticatory function significantly improved after mandibular IOD installation, with the number of implants demonstrating minimal influence.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
The present study was not registered in a public database, as mandated. It is important to note that the recommendation for registration was initiated in 2017 by the Committee of Medical Journal Editors, while patient inclusion in the research took place in 2016. Given that the data presented in this manuscript cover a follow-up period of up to 4 years post-surgical intervention, delayed registration was not feasible.
PubMed: 38873742
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13781 -
Neurology Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula; Hoarseness; Deglutition Disorders; Male; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38870456
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209518 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jun 2024Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a rare lysosomal disorder with progressive neurological manifestations, historically recognized as a pediatric disease. However,...
BACKGROUND
Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a rare lysosomal disorder with progressive neurological manifestations, historically recognized as a pediatric disease. However, awareness of the adult-onset (AO) subtype is increasing, often with non-specific symptoms leading to delayed and misdiagnosis. Dysphagia, commonly recognized as a clinical morbidity in NPC1, raises concerns for swallowing safety and aspiration risk. This study aims to characterize swallowing function in AO NPC1, addressing the gap in understanding and clinical management.
METHODS
Fourteen AO NPC1 individuals in a prospective natural history study (NCT00344331) underwent comprehensive assessments, including history and physical examinations utilizing the NPC1 severity rating scale, videofluoroscopic swallowing studies with summary interpretive analysis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection for biomarker evaluation at baseline visit. Descriptive statistics and multivariate statistical modeling were employed to analyze NPC1 disease covariates, along with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measure (ASHA-NOMS) and the NIH Penetration Aspiration Scale (NIH-PAS).
RESULTS
Our cohort, comprised of 14 predominately female (n = 11, 78.6%) individuals, had an average age of 43.1 ± 16.7 years at the initial visit. Overall, our AO patients were able to swallow independently with no/minimal cueing, with 6 (43%) avoiding specific food items or requiring more time. Upon risk analysis of aspiration, the cohort demonstrated no obvious aspiration risk or laryngeal aspiration in 8 (57%), minimal risk with intermittent laryngeal penetration and retrograde excursion in 5(36%), and moderate risk (7%) in only one. Dietary modifications were recommended in 7 (50%), particularly for liquid viscosities (n = 6, 43%) rather than solids (n = 3, 21%). No significant correlations were identified between swallowing outcomes and NPC1-related parameters or CSF biomarkers.
CONCLUSION
Despite the heterogeneity in NPC1 presentation, the AO cohort displayed functional swallowing abilities with low aspiration risk with some participants still requiring some level of dietary modifications. This study emphasizes the importance of regular swallowing evaluations and management in AO NPC1 to address potential morbidities associated with dysphagia such as aspiration. These findings provide clinical recommendations for the assessment and management of the AO cohort, contributing to improved care for these individuals.
Topics: Humans; Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C; Female; Adult; Male; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 38863022
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03241-7