Swallow characteristics in patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective investigation evaluates oral weakness and its impact on swallow function, weight, and quality of life in patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD).


METHODS
Intraoral pressure, swallow pressure, and endurance were measured using an Iowa Oral Performance Instrument in participants with OPMD and matched controls. Timed water swallow, weight, and quality of life were also assessed.


RESULTS
Participants with OPMD were weaker than controls. Oral weakness impacted strength, swallow pressure, swallow capacity, swallow volume, swallow time, and quality of life. Tongue endurance was not affected by oral weakness.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation provides further insight into the swallow function of patients with myopathic disease. Muscle fiber loss leads to weakness, which results in reductions in swallow function and quality of life. Weight and endurance are not greatly altered.
Palmer
Phyllis M
PM
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC01 1195, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. ppalmer@unm.edu
Neel
Amy T
AT
Sprouls
Gwyneth
G
Morrison
Leslie
L
D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D039141:Muscular Dystrophy, Oculopharyngeal / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D011788:Quality of Life; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology; D014059:Tongue / Q000502:physiology; D014867:Water
D014867:Water