The association between saliva control, silent saliva penetration, aspiration, and videofluoroscopic findings in Parkinson's disease patients.
BACKGROUND
Dysphagia is a common disorder among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). It occurs in up to 80% of all (PD) patients during the early stages of the disease and up to 95% in the advanced stages; but professionals may not hear from the patients about dysphagia symptoms until these symptoms reach an advanced stage and lead to medical complications.


METHODS
Thirty-three PD patients (mean age 66.09 ± 9.4 years; 24 men, nine women) participated in this study at our Neurology Institute, between April 20, 2013, and October 26, 2013. They were asked two questions; one about saliva control and the other about silent saliva penetration and aspiration. Next, they underwent the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).


RESULTS
The Pearson Correlation coefficient between the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores and question 1 scores was 0.48 (P < 0.05, =0.25), and there was a significant correlation between the PAS scores and question 2 scores, and also question 1 scores + question 2 scores (r = 0.589, P < 0.05, =0 and r = 0589, P < 0.05, =0).


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed a significant correlation between the questions about saliva control, silent saliva penetration, and aspiration, and laryngeal penetration and aspiration during VFSS. Therefore, by using these two questions, the potential silent laryngeal penetration and aspiration during meals could be detected before it led to aspiration pneumonia. Taking the benefit of these questions, as a part of the swallowing assessment of PD patients, is recommended.
Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Ali
A
Rajaei
Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ; Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Fereshteh
F
Ashtari
Mahoor Clinic of Speech and Language Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Seyed Abolfazl
SA
Azargoon
Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ; Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Ahmad
A
Chitsaz
Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Mohammad Hussein
MH
Nilforoush
Department of Radiology, Isfahan Health Management of Social Security Organization, Isfahan, Iran.
Masoud
M
Taheri
Mahoor Clinic of Speech and Language Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Saba
S
Sadeghi
Dysphagia; Parkinson's disease; saliva control; silent saliva penetration and aspiration; videofluoroscopic swallow study