[Videofluorographic study of swallowing in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities--I. Recurrent pulmonary infections].
We studied swallowing movements of 8 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and recurrent pulmonary infectious diseases. All the patients were orally fed with no problems, but had frequent episodes of pyrexia, mostly due to pulmonary infections. Videofluorographic studies revealed severe impairments in the transitional and pharyngeal phases. The patients aspirated liquids, most frequently during swallowing. Prior to swallowing pooling of liquid barium was frequently observed in the hypopharynx, and that of purees in the pharynx after swallowing. The delay of cricopharyngeal relaxation was also frequently observed. Based on the videofluorographic findings, we made some efforts to provide patients with evident or latent aspiration with better management: changes in food textures and posture during drinking and eating. These efforts significantly reduced the frequency of pyrexic episodes. Since latent aspiration is not uncommon among patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities, swallowing disturbance should be evaluated in detail by videofluorographic examination to improve QOL.
Ishizuka
C
C
Department of Pediatrics, Daiichi Biwako Gakuen, Kusatsu, Shiga.
D000328:Adult; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D014741:Video Recording