Pulmonary consequences of aspiration

Laryngotracheal separation surgery for intractable aspiration: our experience with 12 patients

OBJECTIVE

Laryngotracheal separation surgery (LTS) was performed as a treatment for recurrent or intractable aspiration pneumonia in 12 pediatric patients. The effectiveness of LTS surgery for preventing aspiration pneumonia, and the complications of this procedure were investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review, conducted at a tertiary academic hospital in conjunction with a private practice, was used to identify children who underwent Laryngotracheal Separation Surgery (LTS) from September 2001 to July 2007. The main outcome measure was the number of hospital admissions for pneumonia in the pre LTS and post LTS period. A student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

LTS surgery decreased the frequency of pulmonary infections and respiratory events in all patients, resulting in far fewer hospitalizations. These patients experienced an average of 5 hospital admissions for pneumonia in the 2 years prior to LTS surgery, and an average of 1.1 hospital admissions for pneumonia after the LTS surgery. There were no major complications related to the surgery. Several minor complications following surgery were easily and effectively dealt with in the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

LTS surgery is an effective and safe procedure in children with intractable aspiration. Parents do not perceive the care of the LTS stoma as burdensome. This procedure should be considered as an option in the surgical intervention for the management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in severely neurologically impaired children.

Salivary bacteria and oral health status in children with disabilities fed through gastrostomy

OBJECTIVES

This study examined caries level, amount of calculus, and oral microbial environment in gastrostomy tube (GT)-fed children compared with healthy children and children with disabilities orally fed (PO).

STUDY DESIGN

The study group consisted of 12 GT-fed children and the two control groups consisted of 16 children with disabilities orally fed and 17 healthy children. DMF-T/dmf-t index, calculus index, Mutans Streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB) levels and salivary buffer capacity were examined.

RESULTS

DMF-T/dmf-t index was significantly lower in the tube-fed group. Calculus index was highest in the tube-fed group. MS and LB levels were the lowest in the tube-fed children. Correlation was found between MS and DMF-T/dmf-t.

CONCLUSIONS

Tube-fed children demonstrated significantly higher calculus levels and less caries, MS, and LB levels then healthy children or children with disabilities eating PO.

[Lung diseases and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease]

Gastro -oesophageal Reflux Disease is a consequence of pathological reflux from stomach to oesophagus. Whenever the refluxed contents extended beyond the oesophagus itself, is called Extraoesophageal Reflux Disease. The author proposes a review about pulmonary disorders and gastroesophageal reflux. Previously, it is evaluated in an abridged way, the concepts of each diseases and after that, in a systematic form, it is discussed the prevalence of gastro -oesophageal reflux in lung diseases, all the mechanisms studies and the impact of gastro -oesophageal treatment on lung disorders. The author concludes that is undeniable the link between Gastro -oesophageal reflux and lung diseases and further reaserch is mandatory in order to corroborate this association.

Salivary gland surgery for chronic pulmonary aspiration in children

INTRODUCTION

Chronic aspiration in the neurologically impaired child has a considerable morbidity and occasional morbidity. Hospitalization, physician visits and health costs associated with the sequelae of aspiration are considerable.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of salivary gland surgery to treat chronic aspiration in children.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric center.

STUDY DESIGN

A 6 year retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing salivary gland surgery to treat chronic aspiration.

OUTCOME PARAMETERS

(1) Rate of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI); (2) baseline oxygen saturation pre- and post-surgery.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients aged 7-279 months (mean 68 months) underwent four duct ligation or bilateral submandibular gland excision with unilateral or bilateral parotid duct ligation. The mean rate was 1.2/year pre-operatively and 0.7/year post-operatively (p=0.6). There was, however, a significant improvement in the baseline post-operative oxygen saturation (mean 94.3%) when compared to the pre-operative baseline oxygen saturation (mean 92.8%, p=0.003). Analysis of the cerebral palsy subgroup was performed (n=13). In this group there was no difference between mean pre- and post-operative LRTI rate (p=0.5) nor change in baseline oxygen saturation (p=0.83). Children under 3 years of age showed a reduction in the LRTI rate (mean of 2.1 versus 0.7 episodes per year, p=0.04) and an improvement in the post-operative baseline oxygen saturation (p=0.001) following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike a previous publication from this institution, when evaluating the population sample as a whole, there was no significant improvement in the rate of LRTI following salivary gland surgery, however, there was an improvement in baseline oxygen saturation, possibly reflecting an improvement in lung function. There was an improvement in neither outcome parameter in children with cerebral palsy and improvements in both outcome measures in children under the age of 3.

Deglutição e envelhecimento: enfoque nas manobras facilitadoras e posturais utilizadas na reabilitação do paciente disfágico

Resumo O propósito deste artigo é apresentar uma revisão de literatura sobre as manobras utilizadas na reabilitação das disfagias. O aumento da população idosa acarreta maior prevalência de doenças neurológicas que cursam com quadro de disfagia, o que reforça a necessidade de estudos sobre o tema. Esse fato vem despertando atenção de profissionais que atuam na reabilitação, em especial a fonoaudiologia. Dentro da reabilitação encontramos manobras facilitadoras e posturais que podem proporcionar maior segurança alimentar. Baseados na literatura, observamos que as manobras facilitadoras supraglótica, supersupraglótica e de esforço ajudam na proteção da via aérea através da técnica do controle da apnéia confortável, tendo como propósito a segurança alimentar do paciente disfágico. As manobras posturais de cabeça para baixo, cabeça para trás, rotação de cabeça para o lado comprometido e cabeça inclinada para o lado bom mostraram ter como propósito o fechamento do vestíbulo laríngeo, reduzir a distância hio-laríngea e a drenagem gravitacional do alimento em direção à faringe. Assim sendo, o estudo da dinâmica da deglutição através do método videofluoroscópico e o conhecimento, por parte dos profissionais, das diferentes manobras e suas complicações clínicas, mostraram ser importantes para a reabilitação do paciente idoso disfágico.

Intractable pulmonary aspiration in children: which operation?

Intractable aspiration is a life-threatening medical problem. There are many surgical procedures for the treatment of intractable aspiration. Our experience with three children was reported here. After failing initial conservative measures, the first two patients had supraglottic laryngeal closure performed through an endoscopic approach with a small hole left superiorly for phonation. However, both of them developed dehiscence of the closure postoperatively, necessitating a more definitive procedure to stop the aspiration. Their symptoms of aspiration were only relieved after they underwent laryngotracheal separation. In the third child, laryngotracheal separation was performed as the initial procedure and the symptoms of recurrent aspiration were relieved. In conclusion, the treatment of intractable aspiration requires a definitive procedure from the outset and we would suggest, based on literature review and on our experience, that laryngotracheal separation is the most effective and reliable option, albeit lack of phonation is inevitable. A comprehensive review of all procedures used for treatment of this condition was also undertaken.

Comparison of disordered swallowing patterns in patients with recurrent cortical/subcortical stroke and first-time brainstem stroke

OBJECTIVE

To describe the disordered swallowing patterns in recurrent cortical/subcortical stroke and first-time brainstem stroke.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SUBJECTS

Forty-seven consecutive patients, 28 with recurrent cortical/subcortical stroke and 19 with first-time brainstem stroke, referred for dysphagic evaluation to the rehabilitation department of a medical centre.

METHODS

Thirty-five male and 12 female patients with a mean age of 62.0+/-11.5 years were included. The median post-stroke duration was 17.0 days. The records of clinical examination and a videofluoroscopic study of swallowing were collected through chart review. The percentages of abnormalities seen at clinical examination and videofluoroscopic swallowing study between recurrent cortical/subcortical stroke and first-time brainstem stroke patients were compared using a chi-square test.

RESULTS

The recurrent cortical/subcortical patients suffered from a higher rate of impaired tongue movement, drooling and aphasia at clinical examination and a higher percentage of swallowing abnormalities in oral-preparatory and oral phases in the videofluoroscopic swallowing study. The abnormal videofluoroscopic findings in first-time brainstem stroke patients predominantly occurred in the pharyngeal phase. Both groups had more difficulties swallowing thin barium than they did swallowing the thick and paste barium.

CONCLUSION

The recurrent cortical/subcortical stroke and first-time brainstem stroke patients show different manifestations in some parameters of both clinical examination and videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

Dysphagia outcomes in patients with brain tumors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare functional dysphagia outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation for patients with brain tumors with that of patients following a stroke. Group 1 (n = 24) consisted of consecutive admissions to the brain injury program with the diagnosis of brain tumor and dysphagia. Group 2 (n = 24) consisted of matched, consecutive admissions, with the diagnosis of acute stroke and dysphagia. Group 2 was matched for age, site of lesion, and initial composite cognitive FIM score. The main outcome measures for this study included the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Outcome Measurement System (NOMS) swallowing scale, length of stay, hospital charges, and medical complications. Results showed that swallowing gains made by both groups as evaluated by the admission and discharge ASHA NOMS levels were considered to be statistically significant. The differences for length of stay, total hospital charges, and speech charges between the two groups were not considered to be statistically significant. Three patients in the brain tumor group (12.5%) demonstrated dysphagia complications of either dehydration or pneumonia during their treatment course as compared to 0% in the stroke group. This study confirms that functional dysphagia gains can be achieved for patients with brain tumors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and that they should be afforded the same type and intensity of rehabilitation for their swallowing that is provided to patients following a stroke.

Severe gastroesophageal reflux is associated with reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is associated with abnormalities in lung function including measures of lung volume and gas diffusion.

METHODS

Data from 147 patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] range, 31.7 to 70 kg/m(2)) who presented for obesity surgery was analyzed retrospectively. A questionnaire was completed preoperatively that included a history of GER, frequency and severity of symptoms, investigations, and medications used. A history of lung disease, sleep-disordered breathing, and smoking also was obtained. A physician who was blinded to lung function graded GER severity prospectively by the results of pH monitoring and/or gastroscopy, and medication use. Spirometry, lung volumes, and gas transfer were measured preoperatively.

RESULTS

Patients with severe GER had reduced levels of the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) [21.1 mL/min/mm Hg; 95% confidence interval (CI), 18.9 to 23.2], as measured by CO transfer, compared with those patients without GER (26.3 mL/min/mm Hg; 95% CI, 24.4 to 28.2; p = 0.001). This remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and smoking history. Gas transfer corrected for lung volume also was reduced in the group with severe GER (4.6 mL/min/mm Hg per L; 95% CI, 4.3 to 4.9) compared to the group without GER (5.3 mL/min/mm Hg per L; 95% CI, 5.1 to 5.5; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in other measures of lung function.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe GER is associated with an impairment of gas exchange. This may be due to microaspiration of gastric acid or fluid into the airways.

Postoperative dysphagia versus neurogenic dysphagia: scintigraphic assessment

In order to differentiate the features of dysphagia that occur after supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy from those that occur during neurologic diseases, we divided 38 subjects into 3 groups and submitted them to oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy. Group 1 (control group) included 15 healthy volunteeers; group 2 comprised 8 patients who had residual dysphagia at least 1 year after supraglottic laryngectomy; and group 3 included 15 patients with various neurologic and neuromuscular disorders. In group 1, the mean values (+/- 2 SD) of selected semiquantitative parameters were consistent with those reported in the literature for normal subjects. In group 2, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal transit times were not significantly altered, and moderate tracheobronchial post-deglutitive aspiration was present (maximum value, 6.7%; mean value, 2.04%). The pharyngeal retention index was significantly increased (p = .0003) as compared to normal subjects in all cases (maximum value, 40%; mean value, 23%) and was associated in all cases with slight but consistent post-deglutitive aspiration. In group 3, the oral and esophageal phases were significantly prolonged and the retention indices were significantly increased. Statistical analysis documented a significant increase in oral transit time (p = .003), esophageal transit time (p = .01), oral retention index (p = .006), pharyngeal retention index (p = .0007), and esophageal retention index (p = .009) as compared to normal subjects. The swallowing pattern was also altered by 1) an early loss of the bolus from the oral cavity; 2) bolus fragmentation due to double or triple deglutition, reduced lingual propulsion, or the return of a small part of the bolus into the oral cavity during deglutition; and/or 3) double pharyngeal peaks in the activity-time curves. Tracheobronchial aspiration (maximum value, 90%; mean value, 9.70%) was present in some cases, mainly in patients affected by post-stroke dysphagia. On the basis of the obtained results and considering the low doses of radiation delivered to the patient (0.043 Gy), the limited invasiveness, and the excellent patient tolerance, scintigraphy appears to be clinically valid in the functional study of swallowing and in identifying different deglutition disorders.

Tratamento cirúrgico para aspiração

Introdução: Quando o mecanismo protetor da laringe está comprometido, o paciente pode apresentar aspiração traqueal, com graves complicações pulmonares. Objetivo: Relatar 15 casos de tratamento cirúrgico para o controle da aspiração crônica, incluindo as técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas, seus resultados e complicações. Forma de estudo: Avaliação retrospectiva. Material e método: No período de 1997 a 2000, 15 pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia para controle da aspiração, na AACD - São Paulo/SP. As técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas foram classificadas em: oclusão laríngea supraglótica; oclusão laríngea glótica; oclusão subglótica ou separação laringotraqueal. Foi avaliado o perfil dos pacientes em relação a sexo, idade, etiologia de base, traqueotomia prévia, via preferencial de alimentação, redução das infecções pulmonares, tempo de seguimento pós-operatório e complicações. Resultados: Oito pacientes eram do sexo masculino e sete do feminino, com idade média de nove anos e dois meses. A doença etiológica de base mais comum foi a encefalopatia crônica. Dez pacientes foram submetidos à traqueotomia previamente à cirurgia. Nove pacientes apresentaram, no pós-operatório, dieta via oral de pelo menos 50% do volume requerido. Os 15 pacientes evoluíram com diminuição no número e na gravidade das infecções pulmonares. O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório variou de quatro a 36 meses. Um paciente evoluiu com deiscência parcial na técnica de oclusão laríngea supraglótica. Conclusão: A cirurgia para controle da aspiração traqueal, nas três técnicas utilizadas, foi eficaz para prevenção da aspiração, refletindo na melhora clínica e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Predictors of dysphagia after spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the incidence of swallowing deficits (dysphagia) and to identify factors that predict risk for dysphagia in the rehabilitation setting following acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

PATIENTS

Data were collected on 187 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury admitted for rehabilitation over a 4-year period who underwent a swallowing screen, in which 42 underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

VFSS was performed on patients with suspected swallowing problems. Possible antecedents of dysphagia were recorded from the medical record including previous history of spine surgery, surgical approach and technique, tracheostomy and ventilator status, neurologic level of injury, ASIA Impairment Classification, orthosis, etiology of injury, age, and gender.

RESULTS

On admission to rehabilitation 22.5% (n = 42) of spinal cord injury patients had symptoms suggesting dysphagia. In 73.8% (n = 31) of these cases, testing confirmed dysphagia (aspiration or requiring a modified diet), while VFSS ruled out dysphagia in 26.2% (n = 11) cases. Logistic regression and other analyses revealed three significant predictors of risk for dysphagia: age (p < .028), tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (p < .001), and spinal surgery via an anterior cervical approach (p < .016). Other variables analyzed had no relation or at best a slight relation to dysphagia. Tracheostomy at admission was the strongest predictor of dysphagia. The combination of tracheostomy at rehabilitation admission and anterior surgical approach had an extremely high rate of dysphagia (48%).

CONCLUSION

Swallowing abnormalities are present in a significant percentage of patients presenting to rehabilitation with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. Patients with a tracheostomy appear to have a substantially increased risk of development of dysphagia, although other factors are also relevant. Risk of dysphagia should be evaluated to decrease the potential for morbidity related to swallowing abnormalities.

Dysphagia in the patient with a tracheostomy: six cases of inappropriate cuff deflation or removal

Patients with tracheostomy tubes have altered motor and sensory functions that may decrease their swallowing efficiency. Failure to recognize disorders in deglutition may result in dangerous complications including aspiration and death. Assessment of dysphagia is especially important in the patient transferred from the intensive care unit to the ward--where resources are less abundant. We present six cases in which cuff deflation or change of tracheostomy tube were undertaken without documented swallowing assessment. In these cases each patient was found to be aspirating and required the cuff to be reinflated, or a cuffed tube to be reinstated when assessed by the multidisciplinary team. Dysphagia management in the patient with a tracheostomy should be approached from a multidisciplinary point of view so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding changes in management and the decannulation process.

Patient selection for primary laryngotracheal separation as treatment of chronic aspiration in the impaired child

Chronic aspiration in the neurologically impaired child is associated with significant medical and social complications. Traditional surgical management has often relied on tracheotomy. This may well fail to control aspiration. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine which neurologically impaired children would benefit from a laryngotracheal separation (LTS), as opposed to tracheotomy, as the primary surgical procedure to control chronic salivary aspiration. Patient selection was based on neurologic status, verbal communication ability, likelihood of neurologic recovery, and failure of previous treatments to control aspiration. Nineteen neurologically impaired children aged 8-172 months with chronic salivary aspiration underwent LTS. A total of 73.6% of these patients had prior tracheotomies, yet they continued to aspirate. Two early and three late complications were noted. No instances of fistula formation were noted. There were no deaths related to complications of the surgery or persistent aspiration. Follow-up 1-62 months after surgery demonstrated that complete control of the aspiration was achieved in all of these children. Two of the children who had achieved verbal communication prior to the procedure lost this ability. Improved general health and ability to resume oral intake was noted in all patients. This, combined with a decrease in the need of frequent suctioning, was felt by the families of these children to be a major improvement in the quality of life. Laryngotracheal separation appears to be a simple and effective means of controlling chronic aspiration. It should be considered as a primary treatment of aspiration in the properly selected child with neurologic disease.

The use of a laryngotracheal separation procedure in pediatric patients

The objective of this study was to review experience, outcome, and satisfaction after a laryngotracheal separation (LTS) procedure in pediatric patients. Chart reviews and phone questionnaires were used. Factors reviewed included hospitalizations and infections prior to and after LTS, morbidity, and impact on quality of life. Twenty-one pediatric patients ranging in age from 8 to 172 months underwent LTS. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 49 months. Complications were minor. Eighty-eight percent of patients had fewer hospitalizations or were discharged for the first time after LTS. Number of pneumonias and suctioning frequency decreased, mobility increased in patients with prior tracheostomies, and care requirements decreased in 95% of patients. Parents reported satisfaction and improved quality of life. LTS is a low-risk, successful procedure which increases quality of life and decreases morbidity in pediatric patients with irreversible upper airway dysfunction.

Assessment of risk factors for pneumonia in dysphagic children: significance of videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between aspiration, as identified by videofluoroscopic swallowing (VFS) study, and pneumonia in children with suspected dysphagia. Data were retrospectively collected and analysed from 142 children referred for VFS over a one-year period. The median age was 33 months. Aspiration was identified in 44 per cent of the children studied. A history of pneumonia within one year of the VFS was found in 35 per cent. Aspiration, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and age one year or less were significant risk factors for pneumonia. Children with traumatic brain-injury were at less risk for pneumonia than all other children with suspected dysphagia. These results lend objective support to the previously suspected relationship between aspiration and pneumonia in this patient population.

The association of swallowing dysfunction and aspiration pneumonia

The medical literature has emphasized that aspiration of gastric contents or oral bacteria is a common cause of aspiration pneumonia. Swallowing disorders have been implicated in this disease but not studied at the time that aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed. A significant difference was found in the incidence of videofluoroscopically confirmed oropharyngeal swallowing problems in a group of patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia (AP) when compared with patients with nonaspiration pneumonia (NAP). Six of the 9 patients in the AP group aspirated during the videofluoroscopic evaluation and 2 others were considered to be at risk for aspiration. None of the 7 NAP patients demonstrated swallowing problems or aspiration. A significant difference in oral transit time also occurred between the two groups. Liquid was found to have a significantly faster oral transit time than paste or a cookie. Pharyngeal transit times were not found to be significantly different. Although there were only a small number of patients who met the criteria for this pilot study, a strong association was found between swallowing dysfunction and aspiration pneumonia.

Effects of pollution on swallowing: how little we know

Swallowing is an essential function of the upper alimentary tract. It is highly complex, requiring precise coordination of numerous nerves and muscles of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Swallowing is integrated with other physiologic functions, including mastication and respiration. Impairments of swallowing may result from many different structural or physiologic disorders. Little is currently known about the direct effects of pollution on swallowing. Structures critical to swallowing, however, are vulnerable to damage by environmental hazards such as exposure to ionizing radiation or intake of toxins by ingestion or inhalation. The relationship of swallowing to environmental lung disease is an area of particular interest because impaired swallowing may result in aspiration of food particles into the lung, and because pollutants may hamper airway defense mechanisms. In this article, we discuss the possible impact of selected environmental agents on swallowing and suggest future directions for research.

Laryngologic aspects of bolus asphyxiation-bolus death

Among 12,982 forensic autopsies, 78 cases of café coronary due to bolus impaction in the larynx (bolus death) were observed from 1947 to 1988. In all cases bolus material occluded the entry to the larynx; only once was a singular occlusion of the glottis observed. The bolus frequently extended into the mouth, trachea, and bronchial tree or esophagus. In all cases small amounts of aspirated material were observed in the deeper parts of the bronchial tree. The most commonly observed bolus was not masticated meat or a meat product. In adults and the elderly the bolus was often too large to pass the physiological narrowings of the hypopharynx. It was commonly lodged above the arytenoid cartilages. Forty-five of the bolus events were observed by bystanders. In 43 of the victims vital reactions were observed by bystanders or at the autopsy. This justifies the hope that many lives could have been saved had the right diagnosis and immediate therapy been initiated. The first step should be manual extraction or use of the Heimlich maneuver; in cases of failure of both attempts, immediate tracheotomy followed by hospitalization and bronchial lavage are indicated.

Aspiration and the elderly

Aspiration is prevalent in the elderly but its association with impairment of oral intake and gastroesophageal reflux is often misunderstood. This paper describes the causes, pathophysiology, and consequences of aspiration and their unique features in aged persons. It also explains how videofluoroscopic evaluation can assess current function while limiting factors that result in misinformation. The management of aspiration is discussed, emphasizing the importance and difficulties in maintaining functional well-being and possible complications of therapy.