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Dhar SI, Nativ-Zeltzer N, Starmer H, Morimoto LN, Evangelista L, O'Rourke A, Fritz M, Rameau A, Randall DR, Cates D, Allen J, Postma G, Kuhn M, Belafsky P. The American Broncho-Esophagological Association Position Statement on Swallowing Fluoroscopy. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:255-268. [PMID: 35543231 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop an expert consensus statement on the clinical use of swallowing fluoroscopy in adults that reduces practice variation and identifies opportunities for quality improvement in the care of patients suffering from swallowing impairment. METHODOLOGY A search strategist reviewed data sources (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus) to use as evidence for an expert development group to compose statements focusing on areas of controversy regarding swallowing fluoroscopy. Candidate statements underwent two iterations of a modified Delphi protocol to reach consensus. RESULTS A total of 2184 publications were identified for title and abstract review with 211 publications meeting the criteria for full text review. Of these, 148 articles were included for review. An additional 116 publications were also included after reviewing the references of the full text publications from the initial search. These 264 references guided the authors to develop 41 candidate statements in various categories. Forty statements encompassing patient selection, fluoroscopic study choice, radiation safety, clinical team dynamics, training requirements, videofluoroscopic swallow study and esophagram techniques, and interpretation of swallowing fluoroscopy met criteria for consensus. One statement on esophagram technique reached near-consensus. CONCLUSIONS These 40 statements pertaining to the comprehensive use of swallowing fluoroscopy in adults can guide the development of best practices, improve quality and safety of care, and influence policy in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. The lack of consensus on some aspects of esophagram technique likely reflects gaps in knowledge and clinical practice variation and should be a target for future research. Laryngoscope, 133:255-268, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumon Ian Dhar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A
| | - Nogah Nativ-Zeltzer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, U.S.A
| | - Heather Starmer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, U.S.A
| | | | - Lisa Evangelista
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, U.S.A
| | - Ashli O'Rourke
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A
| | - Mark Fritz
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A
| | - Anaïs Rameau
- The Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, U.S.A
| | - Derrick R Randall
- Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel Cates
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, U.S.A
| | - Jacqueline Allen
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory Postma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.A
| | - Maggie Kuhn
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, U.S.A
| | - Peter Belafsky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, U.S.A
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Smith LS, Barkmeier-Kraemer JM. Conceptual Framework Behind the Development of a Level of Confidence Tool: The Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Value Scale. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:689-704. [PMID: 35201847 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is the most commonly used instrumental procedure for evaluating swallowing in pediatric populations suspected of having dysphagia. Assessment and interpretation of a VFSS in pediatric populations is frequently challenged by testing-specific factors that can raise concerns regarding the representativeness of swallow events observed during testing compared to daily feeding/swallowing physiology. When VFSS findings do not represent typical swallowing patterns, treatment recommendations can result in suboptimal outcomes. To address this current challenge to pediatric VFSS interpretation and associated treatment recommendations, the pediatric VFSS Value Scale (pVFSS Value Scale) was developed within a tertiary regional pediatric medical center. This clinical focus article summarizes the initial scale development phases and resulting conceptual framework for rating clinical testing factors that influence a clinician's level of confidence regarding pediatric VFSS findings. Future goals for scientific evaluation and clinical utilization of this new rating scale are also reported. CONCLUSIONS The pVFSS Value Scale was developed to assist clinicians with interpretation of pediatric VFSS assessment outcomes and to efficiently communicate factors influencing impressions and treatment recommendations with team members and caregivers. This clinical concept article summarizes potential uses of this tool to inform treatment planning as well as future clinical research to evaluate its psychometrics and clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leann Schow Smith
- Department of Rehabilitation, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
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Nativ-Zeltzer N, Ueha R, Nachalon Y, Ma B, Pastenkos G, Swackhamer C, Bornhorst GM, Lefton-Greif MA, Anderson JD, Belafsky PC. Inflammatory Effects of Thickened Water on the Lungs in a Murine Model of Recurrent Aspiration. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:1223-1228. [PMID: 32770795 DOI: 10.1002/lary.28948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liquid thickeners are commonly recommended in individuals with dysphagia and recurrent aspiration as a strategy for pneumonia prevention. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of small amounts of aspirated liquid thickener on the lungs. STUDY DESIGN Animal model. Prospective small animal clinical trial. METHODS Adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 19) were divided into two groups and underwent three intratracheal instillations of either xanthan gum-based nectar-thick water (0.1-0.25 mL/kg) or water-only control over the course of 8 days. Blood was collected from a peripheral vein on days 1 and 8 and submitted for complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Rats were euthanized 10 days after the last instillation, and the lungs were harvested. Histopathology was conducted on lung specimens by a blinded licensed veterinary pathologist and scored for evidence of lung injury and pneumonia. RESULTS Fifteen animals (8 nectar-thickener group, 7 control group) survived until the endpoint of the study (day 18). Serum CBC did not show abnormalities at any timepoint in either group. Histological evidence of lung inflammation and edema were significantly greater in the nectar-thick group compared to controls (P < .05). Signs of inflammation included aggregates of foamy macrophages, expansion of bronchiolar lymphoid tissue, and large numbers of eosinophilic intraalveolar crystals. Histiocytic and neutrophilic pneumonia was noted in one animal that received thickened liquids. CONCLUSION Recurrent aspiration of small amounts of thickened water resulted in significant pulmonary inflammation in a murine model of aspiration. Results of this study support the need for further investigation of liquid thickener safety and its efficacy in reducing the pulmonary complications of swallowing disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:1223-1228, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nogah Nativ-Zeltzer
- Center for Voice and Swallowing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Rumi Ueha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuval Nachalon
- Center for Voice and Swallowing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Betty Ma
- Office of Research: Campus Veterinary Services, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Gabrielle Pastenkos
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Clay Swackhamer
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Gail M Bornhorst
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Maureen A Lefton-Greif
- Department of Pediatrics, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Johnathon D Anderson
- Center for Voice and Swallowing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A
| | - Peter C Belafsky
- Center for Voice and Swallowing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, California, U.S.A
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Martin-Harris B, Canon CL, Bonilha HS, Murray J, Davidson K, Lefton-Greif MA. Best Practices in Modified Barium Swallow Studies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 29:1078-1093. [PMID: 32650657 PMCID: PMC7844340 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-19-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a widely used videofluoroscopic evaluation of the functional anatomy and physiology of swallowing that permits visualization of bolus flow throughout the upper aerodigestive tract in real time. The information gained from the examination is critical for identifying and distinguishing the type and severity of swallowing impairment, determining the safety of oral intake, testing the effect of evidence-based frontline interventions, and formulating oral intake recommendations and treatment planning. The goal of this review article is to provide the state of the science and best practices related to MBSS. Method State of the science and best practices for MBSS are reviewed from the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and radiologists who clinically practice and conduct research in this area. Current quandaries and emerging clinical and research trends are also considered. Results This document provides an overview of the MBSS and standards for conducting, interpreting, and reporting the exam; the SLPs' and radiologist's perspectives on standardization of the exam; radiation exposure; technical parameters for recording and reviewing the exam; the importance of an interdisciplinary approach with engaged radiologists and SLPs; and special considerations for examinations in children. Conclusions The MBSS is the primary swallowing examination that permits visualization of bolus flow and swallowing movement throughout the upper aerodigestive tract in real time. The clinical validity of the study has been established when conducted using reproducible and validated protocols and metrics applied according to best practices to provide accurate and reliable information necessary to direct treatment planning and limit radiation exposure. Standards and quandaries discussed in this review article, as well as references, provide a basis for understanding the current best practices for MBSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Martin-Harris
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Cheri L. Canon
- Department of Radiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine
| | - Heather Shaw Bonilha
- Department of Health Science and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Joseph Murray
- Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, MI
| | - Kate Davidson
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Maureen A. Lefton-Greif
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Abstract
Videofluoroscopy (VFS) is considered one of the gold-standard assessments of swallowing. Whilst guidelines for the application and conduct of VFS exist, their translation into clinical practice remain challenging. To build a greater understanding on how VFS clinics operate in the UK. A web-based survey was shared with speech and language therapists (SLTs) working in VFS clinics via professional networks and social media from October 2018 to January 2019. 101 responses were received. Two thirds of clinics were SLT-led, with the majority of clinics being run by two SLTs (73.6%) and a radiographer (95.5%) also known as radiologic technologists, diagnostic radiographers and medical radiation technologists. Less than 50% of radiographers had received specialist training. Around half of the clinics used a standard assessment or analysis protocol and 88.1% a rating scale. Set recipes for a range of textures were used in 53.4% of VFS clinics. Barium and water soluble contrasts were used, but only 15.8% knew the concentration of contrast used. The most commonly reported VFS pulse and frame rate was 15 per second. There was evidence of a lack of SLT knowledge regarding technical operation of VFS. Screening times varied from 0.7–10 min (median 3 min, IQR 2.5–3.5). Around 50% of respondents reported quality issues affecting analysis. In a survey of UK SLTs, translation of VFS guidance into practice was found to be limited which may impact on the quality of assessment and analysis. Collaboration with radiology, strengthening of guidelines and greater uptake of specialist training is deemed essential.
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