Video-fluoroscopic study of swallowing in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
BACKGROUND
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders can have feeding problems. Malnutrition and recurrent aspiration pneumonia can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Video-fluoroscopic study of swallowing (VFSS) is essential in understanding the pathological mechanisms involved during swallowing.


METHODS
The aim of the present study was to assess the role of VFSS in assessment and management of four children with various neurodevelopmental disorders in a multidisciplinary feeding team. We describe the team approach, with the participation of child neurologist, radiologist with the rehabilitation team including the speech therapist, occupational therapist and dietician, in the assessment and plan of management.


RESULTS
Video-fluoroscopic study of swallowing had been useful in assessing the type of swallowing problems with treatment goals targeted to the basic underlying pathophysiological mechanism.


CONCLUSIONS
A child neurologist should be involved in the multidisciplinary oromotor rehabilitation program for neurologically impaired children with feeding problems.
Fung
Cheuk-Wing
CW
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Khong
Pek-Lan
PL
To
Raymond
R
Goh
Winnie
W
Wong
Virginia
V
D000293:Adolescent; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009849:Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014741:Video Recording