title: Can protein-calorie malnutrition cause dysphagia?
abstract: Nutrient deprivation has previously been shown to cause alterations in muscle and nerve function. Although an effect has never been studied in the neuromusculature of deglutition, the authors argue that an effect is likely. The proposed result is an increase in swallowing impairment in dysphagic individuals and associated risk of aspiration. Research studying the relationship between malnutrition and dysphagia is needed to verify clinical significance. Until controlled studies are completed, the authors suggest alternative alimentation in repleting severely malnourished dysphagic patients prior to attempting oral diet. A review of nutritional status indices is included to aid in identifying dysphagic patients at nutritional risk. Early identification of nutritional compromise and intervention can prevent malnutrition and its deleterious effects.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington Medical Center, Food and Nutrition Services, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Veldee
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Peth
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy; D012307:Risk Factors