[Position paper of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology - current state of clinical and endoscopic diagnostics, evaluation, and therapy of swallowing disorders in children and adults]

[Curriculum "Tracheostomy management in dysphagia therapy"]

The number of tracheotomized patients with dysphagia and their need for treatment are continuously increasing in clinical and community settings. The revised version of the directive on home care and community-based intensive care of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) requires that tracheotomized patients are regularly evaluated with the aim of identifying and promoting the therapeutic potential after hospital discharge. Dysphagia treatment plays a crucial role as without improvement of severe dysphagia there is practically no possibility for decannulation. Tracheotomized patients with dysphagia are treated by speech and language therapists (SLT); however, the contents of tracheostomy management (TM) are not obligatory in the speech and language therapeutic training curricula, so that there is a need for further education and treatment standards must be secured. Therefore, the German Interdisciplinary Society for Dysphagia (DGD) in cooperation with the participating German medical and therapeutic societies developed a postgraduate curriculum for TM. This should serve as the basis for contents in TM and qualification of therapists within the framework of the delegation of medical services. The goals of the TM curriculum are the definition of theoretical and practical contents of TM, the qualification to perform TM according to current standards of care and quality assurance. The curriculum defines two qualification levels (user and trainer), entry requirements, curricular contents, examination and qualification criteria as well as transitional regulations for SLTs already experienced in TM.

[Curriculum "Tracheostomy management in dysphagia therapy"]

The number of tracheotomized patients with dysphagia and their need for treatment are continuously increasing in clinical and community settings. The revised version of the directive on home care and community-based intensive care of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) requires that tracheotomized patients are regularly evaluated with the aim of identifying and promoting the therapeutic potential after hospital discharge. Dysphagia treatment plays a crucial role as without improvement of severe dysphagia there is practically no possibility for decannulation. Tracheotomized patients with dysphagia are treated by speech and language therapists (SLT); however, the contents of tracheostomy management (TM) are not obligatory in the speech and language therapeutic training curricula, so that there is a need for further education and treatment standards must be secured. Therefore, the German Interdisciplinary Society for Dysphagia (DGD) in cooperation with the participating German medical and therapeutic societies developed a postgraduate curriculum for TM. This should serve as the basis for contents in TM and qualification of therapists within the framework of the delegation of medical services. The goals of the TM curriculum are the definition of theoretical and practical contents of TM, the qualification to perform TM according to current standards of care and quality assurance. The curriculum defines two qualification levels (user and trainer), entry requirements, curricular contents, examination and qualification criteria as well as transitional regulations for SLTs already experienced in TM.

Validation of a Geriatric Bedside Swallowing Screen (GEBS): Protocol of a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Demographic changes will raise the need for specialized care of older patients. Oropharyngeal dysphagia has recently been declared a geriatric syndrome reflecting its multifactorial background. Alongside multimorbidity, sarcopenia, frailty, and disability, swallowing disorders increase with advancing age, with prevalence rates reported to be as high as 44% in acute geriatric hospital settings and 80% in long-term care facilities. Hence, systematic screening of older patients to diagnose dysphagia and initiate treatment is of paramount importance to prevent bolus death, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition and improve quality of life. Several screening tools have been evaluated in emergency and stroke units. However, no published dysphagia screening tool has been validated in the hospitalized, older adult population using a gold standard in dysphagia diagnostics as a reference test. The validation of the proposed test is a first step.

OBJECTIVE

The Geriatric Bedside Swallowing Screen (GEBS) study aims to validate a new screening tool developed specifically for older inpatients against an instrumental swallowing evaluation, the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), which is considered a gold standard. Primary outcomes to be evaluated are sensitivity and specificity for the GEBS in the detection of dysphagia in a mixed older adult population. The presence of dysphagia will be defined by an instrumental swallowing evaluation (FEES), analyzed by the standardized penetration-aspiration scale.

METHODS

To validate the GEBS, a prospective cohort study will be carried out. Two institutions, an acute geriatric department and a long-term care facility, will aim to recruit a total of 100 patients aged ≥75 years. After giving their informed consent, patients will undergo the full screening protocol described in the GEBS as well as an evaluation of swallowing function using the FEES. Investigators will be blinded to the results of the respective other testing. The analysis of pseudonymized data sets will be done by a third investigator. Outcomes to be considered are sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood quotient, and the reliability of the proposed dysphagia screening tool using the κ coefficient.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in October 2022 and will end in April 2024. Data publication is planned for early 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

If proven to be a valid screening tool for the early detection of dysphagia, further studies including different older adult populations as well as studies to determine the impact of systematic dysphagia screening on parameters, such as rates of aspiration pneumonia or nutritional status, should be planned. Effective screening of dysphagia will lead to earlier detection of patients with impaired swallowing. Those who fail the screening will be referred to speech language pathology for further diagnosis, thus optimizing care while streamlining personnel resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISCRTN Registry ISRCTN11581931; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11581931.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46252.

Phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists approaching oropharyngeal dysphagia: an update on FEES

Purpose

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common phenomenon in otorhinolaryngology and phoniatrics. As both sub-disciplines have a strong tradition and clinical experience in endoscopic assessment of the upper aerodigestive tract, the implementation of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was an almost self-evident evolution. This review aims to provide an update on FEES and the role of phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists using FEES in Europe.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was performed by experts in the field of FEES both in the clinical context and in the field of scientific research.

Results

FEES is the first-choice OD assessment technique for both phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists. FEES is becoming increasingly popular because of its usefulness, safety, low costs, wide applicability, and feasibility in different clinical settings. FEES can be performed by health professionals of varying disciplines, once adequate knowledge and skills are acquired. FEES aims to determine OD nature and severity and can provide diagnostic information regarding the underlying etiology. The direct effect of therapeutic interventions can be evaluated using FEES, contributing to design the OD management plan. Standardization of FEES protocols and metrics is still lacking. Technological innovation regarding image resolution, frame rate frequency, endoscopic light source specifications, and endoscopic rotation range has contributed to an increased diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

The rising number of phoniatricians and otorhinolaryngologists performing FEES contributes to the early detection and treatment of OD in an aging European population. Nevertheless, a multidisciplinary approach together with other disciplines is crucial for the success of OD management.

[Functional Hypersalivation in children and adults - therapy under consideration of recent guideline]

A functional hypersalivation reduces patient's quality of life by the need of repeated changes of cloths, skin damage around the mouth and reduced personal contacts. The indication to treat hypersalivation is justified furthermore when respiratory infections by saliva aspiration occur. Transnasal swallowing endoscopy allows to evaluate sufficiently dysphagia with limited risks. With this method therapy options can be judged for effectiveness. There are other additional radiologic assessments to complete diagnostic. Swallowing therapy should be initiated as first-line approach for hypersalivation and offers several treatment concepts to overcome the syndrome. Glycopyrrolate bromid received approval for children and adolescents as it reduces saliva flow relevantly with limited risk. Other anticholinergic drugs are restricted in use because of their side effects and off-label-use situation. Ultrasound guided injections of botulinum toxine in salivary glands are an established treatment option since decades. Meanwhile, the evidence for this method has improved, so Incobotulinum toxine is an approved therapy for chronic hypersalivation in adults, whereby new injections are needed about every four months. In the light of effective medical options, surgical approaches such as salivary duct relocation are recommended less often today because of invasiveness and failure. Radiotherapy is reserved mainly for neurodegenerative diseases and shows good response, but the cancer induction risks need to be discussed. A close follow-up regime is necessary to establish compliance not only by the patient, but also by his family and caregivers. By this, treatment effects can be optimized and therapies can be adjusted individually.

Pediatric Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Critical Analysis of Implementation and Future Perspectives

This study aimed to critically review pediatric swallowing assessment data to determine the future need for standardized procedures. A retrospective analysis of 152 swallowing examinations in 128 children aged 21 days to 18 years was performed. The children were presented at a university dysphagia center between January 2015 and June 2020 for flexible-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Descriptive analysis was conducted for the sample, swallowing pathologies, diagnosis, and missing values. Using binary logistic regression, the relationship between dysphagia and underlying diseases was investigated. The largest group with a common diagnosis in the cohort were children with genetic syndromes (n = 43). Sixty-nine children were diagnosed with dysphagia and 59 without dysphagia. The non-dysphagic group included 15 patients with a behavioral feeding disorder. The presence of an underlying disease significantly increased the chance of a swallowing problem (OR 13.08, 95% CI 3.66 to 46.65, p = .00). In particular, the categories genetic syndrome (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.15 to 5.88) and neurologic disorder (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.31 to 13.69) were associated with higher odds for dysphagia. All pediatric FEES were performed without complications, with a completion rate of 96.7%, and with a broad variability of implementation. Several charts lacked information concerning swallowing pathologies, though. Generally, a more standardized protocol and documentation for pediatric FEES is needed to enable better comparability of studies on epidemiology, assessment, and treatment outcomes in future.

Functional endoscopy in neurogenic dysphagia: a feasibility study focusing on the esophageal phase of swallowing

Background and study aims  Due to demographic transition, neurogenic dysphagia has become an increasingly recognized problem. Patients suffering from dysphagia often get caught between different clinical disciplines. In this study, we implemented a defined examination protocol for evaluating the whole swallowing process by functional endoscopy. Special focus was put on the esophageal phase of swallowing. Patients and methods  This prospective observational multidisciplinary study evaluated 31 consecutive patients with suspected neurogenic dysphagia by transnasal access applying an ultrathin video endoscope. Thirty-one patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were used as a control group. We applied a modified approach including standardized endoscopic positions to compare our findings with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and high-resolution manometry. The primary outcome measure was feasibility of functional endoscopy. Secondary outcome measures were adverse events (AEs), tolerability, and pathologic endoscopic findings. Results  Functional endoscopy was successfully performed in all patients. No AEs were recorded. A variety of disorders were documented by functional endoscopy: incomplete or delayed closure of the upper esophageal sphincter in retroflex view, clearance disturbance of tubular esophagus, esophageal hyperperistalsis, and hypomotility. Analysis of results obtained with the diagnostic tools showed some discrepancies. Conclusions  By interdisciplinary cooperation with additional assessment of the esophageal phase of deglutition using the innovative method of functional endoscopy, the diagnosis of neurogenic disorders including dysphagia may be significantly improved, leading to a better clinical understanding of complex dysfunctional patterns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that a retroflex view of the ultrathin video endoscope within the esophagus can be safely performed. [NCT01995929].

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe.

METHODS

Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion.

RESULTS

Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics.

CONCLUSION

This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.

[New possibilities with retroflexed functional endoscopy]

BACKGROUND

Anterograde transnasal flexible endoscopy of the pharynx, larynx, and proximal trachea without sedation has been established since the 1990s. Retroflexed endoscopic functional analysis has recently been introduced.

OBJECTIVES

Adding retroflexed functional endoscopy from the oral cavity up to the duodenum to anterograde diagnostics allows the precise demonstration of how different factors interact in a complex way, e. g., in case of dysphagia or pathological reflux.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 70-cm-long high-definition endoscope without a channel system is equipped with a 200° retroflexed view, a mm-cm scale, and a roller system. The endoscope can be lengthened, stopped, or shortened during the procedure. Standard positions, viewing directions and display details ensure that findings are comparable. Mastication, food transport and digestion are observed in the unsedated patient.

RESULTS

Depending on indication and symptoms, we defined a diagnostic algorithm including three specific pathways: (1) for conditions that originate in the oral cavity, larynx or pharynx, (2) for suspected reflux disease, or for neurological or neuromuscular disorders of food transport, (3) for duodenogastric, gastroesophageal and esophagopharyngeal reflux, as well for benign or malignant tumors.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of functional endoscopy have an impact not only on the medical staff and patients. Its precise and participatory approach is relevant to healthcare, enlarges the diagnostic horizon, and forms a basis for interdisciplinary collaboration.

[Sonographic analysis of swallowing in the cervical section of the esophagus]

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is a common symptom reported by patients in various medical fields, raising the question of diagnosis. In addition to otorhinolaryngologic examination with a mirror, the current gold standards videofluoroscopy and fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) are available. Ultrasound is frequently used in everyday clinical practice, although its application for swallowing diagnostics needs addressing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2012 and February 2014, 81 subjects (age 19-66 years) with no indication of a swallowing disorder were sonographically examined. The anatomic representation of swallowing structures was evaluated and videos of the cervical part of the esophagus during swallowing of different consistencies (saliva, water, jelly) were recorded and analyzed. In a pilot study, the examination was tested on 3 dysphagia patients.

RESULTS

The base of the tongue, the intralaryngeal structures, the cervical spine, and the thyroid glands were well visualized. Sonographic representation of the cervical esophagus section was particularly successful. Its length could be detected at 5.78 ± 1.66 cm, the diameter measured at 0.88 ± 0.10 cm. Sonographic inspection of the sinus piriformis was most difficult; it could not be seen in 39.5% of cases. Visualization of the sinus piriformis was better in cases of normal weight and age <25 years (odds ratios 5.6 and 11.3, respectively). In the examination of patients with a swallowing disorder, three different pathologies (Forestier's disease, esophageal stenosis, and motor neuron disease) were identified as the cause of complaints.

CONCLUSION

Sonography enables very good visualization of swallowing and evaluation of the cervical esophagus. Where available, the otorhinolaryngologist should consider ultrasound as a diagnostic option, as it enables repeated evaluation of swallowing and can complement previously available diagnostic tools.

[Feeding, eating, and swallowing disorders in infants and children : An overview]

Swallowing is a dynamic process that requires more than 30 muscles in the recruitment/coordination of the lips, tongue, palate, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. The eating and swallowing procedure is learned in sensitive or critical periods: when a certain degree of maturation has been achieved, the appropriate stimulus permits a certain milestone of development to occur. The swallowing procedure occurs in three main stages oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal. Therefore, swallowing disorders may present in any, some, or all of these stages in addition to feeding problems. Adult dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, has long been reported in the literature. Infants and children also experience feeding disorders and swallowing problems, either because of developmental disorders, syndromes, behavioral or neurological conditions, respiratory problems, and/or gastroesophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis or anatomical deficits. Feeding problems or dysphagia are seen in up to 25% of all children; approximately 40% of prematurely born infants have swallowing disorders, up to 64-78% with developmental disorders and up to 99% with cerebral palsy. Diagnostic options include health status, broad social environment, parent-child interactions, and parental concerns. Evaluation of dysphagia and feeding disorders involves a multifactorial approach. Imaging studies may include videofluoroscopy and/or fiberoptic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Successful oral feeding must be measured in quality of meal time experiences with best possible oral sensorimotor skills and safe swallowing while not jeopardizing a child's functional health status or the parent-child relationship. An interdisciplinary team approach enables coordinated global assessment and therapy planning.