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Koyel D, Nongrum HB, Ruchira M, Dinesh B. A Case Report in the Management of Dysphagia in Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome Using Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA). Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 76:2755-2760. [PMID: 38883499 PMCID: PMC11169427 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS) is one of the primary cause of demyelination in alcoholics and malnourished resulting in various kind of clinical manifestations in pontine symptoms, neuro-behavioural symptoms movement disorders as well as speech and language and swallowing difficulties. The study was done to introspect the prognosis of swallowing therapy in a patient with ODS using MASA (Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability). A 36 years old male with a history of regular alcohol intake and hypertensiom reported in our healthcare centre with hypoaklemia and speech, language and swallowing difficulty. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed bilateral symmetrical T2 and T2 FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) hyperintensity lesion in the bilateral basal ganglia involving the caudate nuclei, putaminal region and bilateral thalami with similar lesion along the mid brain. There were no areas of acute restriction in diffusion study. The findings suggested of Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS).When accessed with N-DAT, WAB and MASA; patient was diagnosed with Spastic Dysarthria, Transcortical Motor Aphasia and Moderate Dysphagia. Intervention was provided using speech and swallowing therapy and when introspected with MASA scores, improvement was seen within 5 days and statistically 97% of variance was seen inferring the progressing trend in the MASA scores. This study concludes that MASA can be an effective tool in introspecting the prognosis of Dysphagia in ODS and early intervention in the management of dysphasia shows positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Das Koyel
- Department of ENT, Nazareth Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya India
| | | | - Mukherjee Ruchira
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Bhatia Dinesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya India
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Govender R, Gilbody N, Simson G, Haag R, Robertson C, Stuart E. Post-Radiotherapy Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer: Current Management by Speech-Language Pathologists. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:703-718. [PMID: 38691257 PMCID: PMC11222272 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Dysphagia, difficulty in eating and drinking, remains the most common side effect of radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) with devastating consequences for function and quality of life (QOL). Over the past decade, 5-year survival has improved due to multiple factors including treatment advances, reduction in smoking, introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and more favourable prognosis of HPV-related cancers. Increased prevalence of HPV-positive disease, which tends to affect younger individuals, has led to an elevated number of people living for longer with the sequelae of cancer and its treatment. Symptoms are compounded by late effects of radiotherapy which may lead to worsening of dysphagia for some long-term survivors or new-onset dysphagia for others. Speech-language pathology (SLP) input remains core to the assessment and management of dysphagia following HNC treatment. In this article, we present current SLP management of dysphagia post-radiotherapy. We discuss conventional treatment approaches, the emergence of therapy adjuncts and current service delivery models. The impact of adherence on therapy outcomes is highlighted. Despite treatment advancements, patients continue to present with dysphagia which is resistant to existing intervention approaches. There is wide variation in treatment programmes, with a paucity of evidence to support optimal type, timing and intensity of treatment. We discuss the need for further research, including exploration of the impact of radiotherapy on the central nervous system (CNS), the link between sarcopenia and radiotherapy-induced dysphagia and the benefits of visual biofeedback in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roganie Govender
- Head & Neck Academic Centre& UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional ScienceGround Floor Central, University College London Hospital, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PQ, UK.
| | - Nicky Gilbody
- North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ceri Robertson
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma Stuart
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Romford, UK
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Cheng JT, Ramos Emos M, Leite V, Capozzi L, Woodrow LE, Gutierrez C, Ngo-Huang A, Krause KJ, Parke SC, Langelier DM. Rehabilitation Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:S62-S71. [PMID: 38364033 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to identify and appraise current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in head and neck cancer. DESIGN A previously published scoping review spanning 1990 through April 2017 was updated through January 11, 2023 and narrowed to include only interventional studies (Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;100(12):2381-2388). Included studies had a majority head and neck cancer population and rehabilitation-specific interventions. Pairs of authors extracted data and evaluated study quality using the PEDro tool. Results were organized by intervention type. RESULTS Of 1338 unique citations, 83 studies with 87 citations met inclusion criteria. The median study sample size was 49 (range = 9-399). The most common interventions focused on swallow (16 studies), jaw (11), or both (6), followed by whole-body exercise (14) and voice (10). Most interventions took place in the outpatient setting (77) and were restorative in intent (65 articles). The overall study quality was fair (median PEDro score 5, range 0-8); none were of excellent quality (PEDro >9). CONCLUSIONS Most head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions have focused on restorative swallow and jaw exercises and whole-body exercise to address dysphagia, trismus, and deconditioning. More high-quality evidence for head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions that address a wider range of impairments and activity and social participation limitations during various cancer care phases is urgently needed to reduce head and neck cancer-associated morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Cheng
- From the Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, California (JTC); Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York (ME); Rehabilitation Department, Instituto do Cancer, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (VL); Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (LC); Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada (LC); Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada (LEW); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, Texas (CG); Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (AN-H); Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (KJK); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona (SCP); and Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (DML)
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Tuomi L, Petersson K, Pauli N, Finizia C. Response to comments on "A randomized controlled study evaluating the head-lift exercise in head and neck cancer patients with radiation-induced dysphagia: effect on swallowing function and health-related quality of life over 12 months". Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:531-532. [PMID: 37966541 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Tuomi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Speech and Language Pathology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Kerstin Petersson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Institute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nina Pauli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Institute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Frölunda Specialist Hospital, SV Hospital Group, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Institute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Regnier A, Mélotte E, Aubinet C, Alnagger N, Fischer D, Lagier A, Thibaut A, Laureys S, Kaux JF, Gosseries O. Swallowing dysfunctions in patients with disorders of consciousness: Evidence from neuroimaging data, assessment, and management. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:91-107. [PMID: 38217621 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Following severe brain injuries, a subset of patients may remain in an altered state of consciousness; most of these patients require artificial feeding. Currently, a functional oral phase and the presence of exclusive oral feeding may constitute signs of consciousness. Additionally, the presence of pharyngo-laryngeal secretions, saliva aspiration, cough reflex and tracheostomy are related to the level of consciousness. However, the link between swallowing and consciousness is yet to be fully understood. The primary aim of this review is to establish a comprehensive overview of the relationship between an individual's conscious behaviour and swallowing (reflexive and voluntary). Previous studies of brain activation during volitional and non-volitional swallowing tasks in healthy subjects are also reviewed. We demonstrate that the areas activated by voluntary swallowing tasks (primary sensorimotor, cingulate, insula, premotor, supplementary motor, cerebellum, and operculum) are not specific to deglutitive function but are shared with other motor tasks and brain networks involved in consciousness. This review also outlines suitable assessment and treatment methods for dysphagic patients with disorders of consciousness. Finally, we propose that markers of swallowing could contribute to the development of novel diagnostic guidelines for patients with disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Regnier
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Mélotte
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Naji Alnagger
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - David Fischer
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurocritical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aude Lagier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Joint International Research Unit on Consciousness, CERVO Brain Research Centre, CIUSS, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Petersson K, Finizia C, Pauli N, Dotevall H, Tuomi L. A randomized controlled study evaluating the head-lift exercise in head and neck cancer patients with radiation-induced dysphagia: effect on swallowing function and health-related quality of life over 12 months. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:5445-5457. [PMID: 37584752 PMCID: PMC10620310 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dysphagia is common after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) and can affect health-related quality of life (HRQL). This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of the head-lift exercise (HLE) over 12 months in HNC patients with radiation-induced dysphagia. METHODS Sixty-one patients with dysphagia were randomized to intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 31) at 6-36 months after completion of radiotherapy for HNC. Dysphagia-specific HRQL was measured with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI); general and HNC-specific HRQL was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-H&N35. Measurements were made at baseline, and at 8 weeks and 12 months after start of intervention. RESULTS Adherence to the intervention was good throughout the year. When comparing change from baseline reports to each follow-up no statistically significant differences between the groups were found in any of the HRQL instruments. There were some statistically significant changes within groups compared to baseline. The intervention group improved self-rated swallowing function on the MDADI at 8 weeks (emotional domain, p = 0.03; functional domain, p = 0.007; total score, p = 0.01) and the control at twelve months (emotional domain, p = 0.03; functional domain, p = 0.02; physical domain, p = 0.004; total score, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION In this randomized control study, no effect was observed short term or at 12 months on HRQL after use of the HLE as rehabilitation for radiation-induced dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Petersson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nina Pauli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Dotevall
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Tuomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Speech and Language Pathology Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Gao M, Xu L, Wang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang H, Song J, Zhou F. Efficacy and safety of oropharyngeal muscle strength training on poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072638. [PMID: 37758672 PMCID: PMC10537832 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate how oropharyngeal muscle strength training affected the safety and performance of swallowing in patients with poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Central Register of Controlled of Trials, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched, for publications in English, from database inception to December 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies comparing the effect of oropharyngeal muscle strength training with conventional dysphagia therapy in patients with poststroke. Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were assessed as the main outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies, with disagreements resolved by another researcher. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Review Manager V.5.3 was employed for the meta-analysis. Random effect models were used for meta-analysis. RESULTS Seven studies with 259 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that oropharyngeal muscle strength training could reduce PAS score compared with conventional dysphagia therapy (mean difference=-0.98, 95% CI -1.34 to -0.62, p<0.0001, I2=28%). The results also showed that oropharyngeal muscle strength training could increase FOIS score (mean difference=1.04, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.54, p<0.0001, I2=0%) and the vertical displacement of the hyoid bone (mean difference=0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.38, p=0.04, I2=0%) compared with conventional dysphagia therapy. CONCLUSION In patients with poststroke oropharyngeal dysphagia, oropharyngeal muscle strength training can improve swallowing safety and performance. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022302471.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxing Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Second Clinical College China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lingyuan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Heying Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinan Song
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fenghua Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Patterson JM, Lawton M. Dysphagia Advances in Head and Neck Cancer. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 11:1-8. [PMID: 36816911 PMCID: PMC9930077 DOI: 10.1007/s40136-023-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review summarises the current literature regarding head and neck cancer-associated dysphagia. Up-to-date evidence for dysphagia outcome measurement for this population is provided, in addition to recent innovations that aim to prevent, reduce or remediate the common and debilitating side effects of treatment. Recent Findings Both patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures are necessary to capture the multi-dimensional nature of swallowing. A minimally important difference in scores has been calculated for some of these measures, to aid interpretation and powering of clinical trials. The number of dysphagia-related trials has increased, predominantly investigating optimal treatment for oropharyngeal HPV-positive disease, and speech and language pathology interventions using an impairment-based approach. Summary Although substantial progress has been made, further work is necessary to establish a consensus over outcome measures. Modifying treatments may improve outcomes. Several trials are underway to establish the effectiveness of speech and language pathology dysphagia interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Patterson
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, 1.17 Thompson Yates Building, The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB USA
| | - M. Lawton
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, 1.17 Thompson Yates Building, The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB USA
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Treatment with head-lift exercise in head and neck cancer patients with dysphagia: results from a randomized, controlled trial with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:56. [PMID: 36526734 PMCID: PMC9758100 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This randomized study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Shaker head-lift exercise (HLE) to improve dysphagia following oncologic treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS Patients with dysphagia following oncologic treatment for HNC were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 23) or control (standard dysphagia management, n = 24) groups. Swallowing was evaluated at baseline and at 8-week follow-up using flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and self-perceived swallowing with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Analysis was performed regarding secretion, initiation of swallow, residue after swallowing, and penetration/aspiration. RESULTS Few statistically significant differences were found in the FEES analysis. Some improvement of self-perceived swallowing function was found in both groups. Adherence to training was high. CONCLUSIONS This randomized study regarding the effect of the HLE demonstrated that swallowing outcome measures used in assessment of FEES did not improve in patients treated with radiotherapy for patients with dysphagia following HNC.
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