Effect of TRP-Stimulating Compounds to Reduce Swallowing Response Time in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

There is still controversy on evidence supporting compounds that stimulate the transient receptor potential cation channel (TRP) receptor, which can reduce the latency of swallowing reflex. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TRP-stimulating compounds to reduce swallowing reflex time in the elderly. We searched the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Central, Scopus, ISI, CINALH, LILACS, CRD database, and Open grey until June 1st, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared swallowing time between TRP-stimulating compounds and placebo or no treatment in population aged more than 60 years old. We assessed bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Three authors independently screened and selected studies. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed by two authors independently. Of 363 reviews, we included four RCTs. Two RCTs used black pepper, one RCT used capsaicinoids, and the other one used capsaicin ointment to stimulate the TRPV1 receptor. All of the studies were assessed at unclear bias except the study, which used capsaicin ointment with assessed as low risk of bias. Meta-analysis could not be done in this study due to the different baseline characteristics and definition of swallowing reflex time. This review demonstrates the potential effect of TRPV1-stimulating compounds to reduce swallowing response time in the elderly were remains unclear. Most studies had an unclear bias. Further larger and well-designed RCTs are needed to draw robust conclusions.

Ginger Orally Disintegrating Tablets to Improve Swallowing in Older People

We previously prepared and pharmaceutically evaluated ginger orally disintegrating (OD) tablets, optimized the base formulation, and carried out a clinical trial in healthy adults in their 20 s and 50s to measure their effect on salivary substance P (SP) level and improved swallowing function. In this study, we conducted clinical trials using the ginger OD tablets in older people to clinically evaluate the improvements in swallowing function resulting from the functional components of the tablet. The ginger OD tablets were prepared by mixing the excipients with the same amount of mannitol and sucrose to a concentration of 1% ginger. Eighteen healthy older adult volunteers aged 63 to 90 were included in the swallowing function test. Saliva was collected before and 15 min after administration of the placebo and ginger OD tablets. Swallowing endoscopy was performed by an otolaryngologist before administration and 15 min after administration of the ginger OD tablets. A scoring method was used to evaluate the endoscopic swallowing. Fifteen minutes after taking the ginger OD tablets, the salivary SP amount was significantly higher than prior to ingestion or after taking the placebo (p<0.05). Among 10 subjects, one scored 1-3 using the four evaluation criteria. Overall, no aspiration occurred and a significant improvement in the swallowing function score was observed (p<0.05) after taking the ginger OD tablets. Our findings showed that the ginger OD tablets increased the salivary SP amount and improved swallowing function in older people with appreciably reduced swallowing function.

[Update of pneumonia in the elderly]

The incidence of pneumonia increases with age and contributes to morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In our setting, pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death and the fourth most common diagnosis at discharge from acute hospitals. This article reviews current concepts in management of pneumonia in the elderly: healthcare-associated pneumonia, aspiration and oropharyngeal dysphagia, risk stratification, and indications of radiological, microbiological and biological markers. We present current evidence on antibiotic treatment (when to start, empirical coverage, duration, new drugs and combinations) and adjuvant treatment (steroids, early mobilization, oral hygiene, prevention and treatment of aspiration and cardiac complications). We emphasize preventive aspects and considerations regarding palliative treatment.

Milk temperature influences esophageal motility in the newborn lamb

Esophageal dysmotility is common in infants. We aimed to evaluate the influence of milk temperature on esophageal motility using multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). Five healthy lambs, ages 2 to 3 days, underwent a MII-pH whereas bottle-fed randomly with 50 mL of ewe milk at 26 °C, 38.5 °C, and 41.5 °C. Impedance motility parameters were studied on 5 swallows at each temperature. At 38.5 °C we noted a higher total propagation velocity and a shorter total bolus transit time (TBTT) (P < 0.05). These unique results suggest a potential role of milk temperature alterations in improving oral feeding in infants with esophageal dysmotility.