Systematic Review of Pharyngeal and Esophageal Manometry in Healthy or Dysphagic Older Persons (>60 years)

Normative High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry: Impact of Age, Size of System, and Sex on Primary Metrics and Pressure Stability

There have been many reports of normative pharyngeal swallowing pressures using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry, but there is a fair amount of between-subject variance in reported pressure parameters. The purpose of this study was to put forward normative pharyngeal high-resolution manometry measures across the lifespan and investigate the effects of age, size of system, and sex. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry was performed on 98 healthy adults (43 males) between the ages 21 and 89. Pressure duration, maxima, integral, and within-individual variability metrics were averaged over 10 swallows of 10-ml thin liquid. Multiple linear and logistic regressions with model fitting were used to examine how pharyngeal pressures relate to age, pharyngeal size, and sex. Age was associated with tongue base maximum pressure, tongue base maximum variability, and upper esophageal sphincter-integrated relaxation pressure (F3,92 = 6.69; p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.15). Pharyngeal area during bolus hold was associated with velopharynx integral (F1,89 = 5.362; p = 0.02; adjusted R2 = 0.05), and there was no significant model relating pharyngeal pressures to C2-C4 length (p < 0.05). Sex differences were best described by tongue base integral and hypopharynx maximum variability (χ2 = 10.27; p = 0.006; pseudo R2 = 0.14). Normative data reveal the distribution of swallow pressure metrics which need to be accounted for when addressing dysphagia patients, the importance of pressure interactions in normal swallow, and address the relative stability of swallow metrics with normal aging.

Esophageal motor disorders across ages: A retrospective multicentric analysis

BACKGROUND

Age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system are common and may be influenced by physiological aging processes. To date, a comprehensive analysis of esophageal motor disorders in patients belonging to various age groups has not been adequately reported.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective assessment of high-resolution manometry (HRM) studies in a multicenter setting. HRM parameters were evaluated according to the Chicago Classification version 4.0. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical data, and main manometric parameters, were collected at the time of the examination. Age groups were categorized as early adulthood (<35 years), early middle-age (35-49 years), late middle-age (50-64 years), and late adulthood (≥65 years).

RESULTS

Overall, 1341 patients (632, 47.0% male) were included with a median age of 55 years. Late adulthood patients reported more frequently dysphagia (35.2%) than early adulthood patients (24.0%, p = 0.035), early middle-age patients (21.0%, p < 0.0001), and late middle-aged patients (22.7%, p < 0.0001). Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction was more prevalent in late adulthood (16.7%) than in early adulthood (6.1%, p = 0.003), and in early middle-age (8.1%, p = 0.001). Patients with normal esophageal motility were significantly younger (52.0 years) than patients with hypercontractile esophagus (61.5 years), type III achalasia (59.6 years), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (59.4 years), absent contractility (57.2 years), and distal esophageal spasm (57.0 years), in multivariate model (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The rate of esophageal motor disorders is higher in older patients, in particular esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and hypercontractile esophagus. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm our results and to find tailored strategies to improve clinical outcomes.

Speech-Swallow Dissociation of Velopharyngeal Incompetence with Pseudobulbar Palsy: Evaluation by High-Resolution Manometry

Patients with pseudobulbar palsy often present with velopharyngeal incompetence. Velopharyngeal incompetence is usually observed during expiratory activities such as speech and/or blowing during laryngoscopy. These patients typically exhibit good velopharyngeal closure during swallowing, which is dissociated from expiratory activities. We named this phenomenon "speech-swallow dissociation" (SSD). SSD on endoscopic findings can help in diagnosing the underlying disease causing dysphagia. This endoscopic finding is qualitative, and the quantitative characteristics of SSD are still unclear. Accordingly, the current study aimed to quantitatively evaluate SSD in patients with pseudobulbar palsy. We evaluated velopharyngeal pressure during swallowing and expiratory activity in 10 healthy subjects and 10 patients with pseudobulbar palsy using high-resolution manometry, and compared the results between the two groups. No significant differences in maximal velopharyngeal contraction pressure (V-Pmax) were observed during dry swallowing between the pseudobulbar palsy group and healthy subjects (190.5 mmHg vs. 173.6 mmHg; P = 0.583). V-Pmax during speech was significantly decreased in the pseudobulbar palsy group (85.4 mmHg vs. 34.5 mmHg; P < 0.001). The degree of dissociation of speech to swallowing in V-Pmax, when compared across groups, exhibited a larger difference in the pseudobulbar palsy group, at 52% versus 80% (P = 0.001). Velopharyngeal pressure during blowing was similar to that during speech. Velopharyngeal closure in patients with pseudobulbar palsy exhibited weaker pressure during speech and blowing compared with swallowing, quantitatively confirming the presence of SSD. Pseudobulbar palsy often presents with SSD, and this finding may be helpful in differentiating the etiology of dysphagia.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics of dabigatran-induced oesophagitis

OBJECTIVES

Dabigatran-induced oesophagitis has emerged in recent years. However, the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with dabigatran-induced oesophagitis have not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics of the disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of the literature on dabigatran-induced oesophagitis in Chinese and English from 2008 onwards.

RESULTS

There were 20 men (74.07%) and seven women (25.93%) in the study; their median age was 75 years (range 37-90). The main clinical symptoms were dysphagia (42.31%), odynophagia (26.92%), retrosternal pain (23.08%) and heartburn (23.08%). Endoscopy mainly showed sloughing mucosal casts (14 cases, 56%), ulcers (8 cases, 32%) and erosion (6 cases, 24%). The main injury sites were the mid to lower oesophagus (32%) and the mid oesophagus (32%). Withdrawal of dabigatran or giving the correct medication regimen resulted in rapid recovery of clinical symptoms from 1 day in some patients and up to 4 weeks, and mucosal recovery (2-5 weeks) in a median time of 3 weeks (range 0.29-48) in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Oesophagitis is a rare complication of dabigatran with a good prognosis. Patients should be given proper medication instructions to prevent the occurrence of dabigatran-induced oesophagitis.

Toward a robust swallowing detection for an implantable active artificial larynx: a survey

Total laryngectomy consists in the removal of the larynx and is intended as a curative treatment for laryngeal cancer, but it leaves the patient with no possibility to breathe, talk, and swallow normally anymore. A tracheostomy is created to restore breathing through the throat, but the aero-digestive tracts are permanently separated and the air no longer passes through the nasal tracts, which allowed filtration, warming, humidification, olfaction, and acceleration of the air for better tissue oxygenation. As for phonation restoration, various techniques allow the patient to talk again. The main one consists of a tracheo-esophageal valve prosthesis that makes the air passes from the esophagus to the pharynx, and makes the air vibrate to allow speech through articulation. Finally, swallowing is possible through the original tract as it is now isolated from the trachea. Yet, many methods exist to detect and assess a swallowing, but none is intended as a definitive restoration technique of the natural airway, which would permanently close the tracheostomy and avoid its adverse effects. In addition, these methods are non-invasive and lack detection accuracy. The feasibility of an effective early detection of swallowing would allow to further develop an implantable active artificial larynx and therefore restore the aero-digestive tracts. A previous attempt has been made on an artificial larynx implanted in 2012, but no active detection was included and the system was completely mechanic. This led to residues in the airway because of the imperfect sealing of the mechanism. An active swallowing detection coupled with indwelling measurements would thus likely add a significant reliability on such a system as it would allow to actively close an artificial larynx. So, after a brief explanation of the swallowing mechanism, this survey intends to first provide a detailed consideration of the anatomical region involved in swallowing, with a detection perspective. Second, the swallowing mechanism following total laryngectomy surgery is detailed. Third, the current non-invasive swallowing detection technique and their limitations are discussed. Finally, the previous points are explored with regard to the inherent requirements for the feasibility of an effective swallowing detection for an artificial larynx. Graphical Abstract.

Differences in upper esophageal sphincter function and clinical characteristics among the three subtypes of Japanese patients with esophageal achalasia

BACKGROUND

The rarity of esophageal achalasia has resulted in little being known about the characteristics of its three subtypes. The upper esophageal sphincter is considered one key factor to prevent aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication of esophageal achalasia. This study aimed to reveal the subtype characteristics of esophageal achalasia and how the upper esophageal sphincter functions and relates to other clinical parameters of the disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of patients diagnosed with esophageal achalasia. All participants underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and then, within 2 weeks, high-resolution manometry. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using a previously validated self-reported questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients with esophageal achalasia were enrolled: 50 with type I, 40 with type II, and 20 with type III. Mean age at diagnosis was 54.5, 50.4, and 66.1 years for types I, II, and III, respectively. Mean resting upper esophageal sphincter pressure was 28.0, 51.8, and 43.6 mmHg for patients with types I, II, and III, respectively (p < 0.01). Patients with type III esophageal achalasia more frequently reported stomachache than those with type I (p = 0.03). A negative correlation between resting upper esophageal sphincter pressure and age was observed in all subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

A negative correlation was confirmed between resting upper esophageal sphincter pressure and age in all subtypes of esophageal achalasia. Type III patients were older at diagnosis, type II patients showed higher upper esophageal sphincter pressure, and type I patients showed a lower upper esophageal sphincter pressure at the early life stage.

Applying High-Resolution Impedance Manometry for Detecting Swallowing Change in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery Patients

Background

Objectively detecting perioperative swallowing changes is essential for differentiating the reporting of subjective trouble sensations in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Swallowing indicates the transmission of fluid boluses from the pharynx (velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx) through the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Abnormal swallowing can reveal fluid accumulation at the pharynx, which increased the aspiration risk. However, objective evidence is limited. High-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) was applied for an objective swallowing evaluation for a more detailed analysis. We aimed to elucidate whether HRIM can be used to detect perioperative swallowing changes in patients undergoing ACSS.

Methods

Fourteen patients undergoing elective ACSS underwent HRIM with the Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ, score: 0–18) preoperatively (PreOP), on postoperative at day 1 (POD1), and postoperative at day seven (POD7). We calculated hypopharyngeal and UES variables, including hypopharyngeal mean peak pressure (PeakP) and UES peak pressure, representing their contractility (normal range of PeakP, 69–280 mmHg; peak pressure, 149–548 mmHg). The velopharynx-to-tongue base contractile (VTI) was also calculated (normal range, 300–700 mmHg.s.cm), indicating contractility. The swallowing risk index (SRI) from HRIM combined with four hypopharyngeal parameters, including PeakP, represents the global swallowing function (normal range, 0–11). A higher SRI value indicated higher aspiration.

Results

SRI was significantly higher on POD1 (10.88 ± 5.69) than PreOP (6.06 ± 3.71) and POD7 (8.99 ± 4.64). In all patients, PeakP was significantly lower on POD1 (61.8 ± 18.0 mmHg) than PreOP (84.9 ±34.7 mmHg) and on POD7 (75.3 ± 23.4 mmHg). The UES peak pressure was significantly lower on POD1 (80.4 ± 30.0 mmHg) than PreOP (112.9 ± 49.3 mmHg) and on POD7 (105.6 ± 59.1 mmHg). Other variables, including VTI, did not change significantly among the three time points. DSQ scores were 1.36, 3.43, and 2.36 at PreOP, POD1, and POD7 respectively.

Conclusions

With similar trends in DSQ and SRI, swallowing was significantly decreased on POD1 because of decreased hypopharyngeal and UES contractility but recovered to the preoperative state on POD7 after ACSS. Applying HRIM is superior to DSQ in detecting mechanisms and monitoring the recovery from swallowing dysfunction.

Clinical Trial Registration

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03891940).

Clinical utility of cricopharyngeal distensibility measurements during endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (FECM) allows minimally invasive treatment of patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD); however, retreatment rates are substantial. We hypothesized that the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) may provide insight into ZD pathophysiology and serve as an intraprocedural guide to adequacy of myotomy.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 11 ZD patients undergoing FECM and compared the baseline cricopharyngeal (CP) distensibility with 16 control subjects. Intraprocedural CP distensibility was measured immediately pre- and postmyotomy. The CP distensibility index (CP-DI) was defined as a ratio of the narrowest cross-sectional area (nCSA) and the corresponding intrabag pressure at 40 mL distension. Same-procedure myotomy extension was undertaken in a subgroup if threshold distensibility changes were not met.

RESULTS

ZD patients had reduced baseline nCSA and CP-DI compared with control subjects, (169.6 vs 227.5 mm² [P < .001] and 3.8 vs 7.6 mm²/mm Hg [P < .001], respectively). After CP myotomy, both nCSA and CP-DI increased significantly by an average of 74.2 mm² (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.1-113.3; P = .002) and 2.2 mm²/mm Hg (95% CI, .6-3.8; P = .01), respectively. In the subgroup with no significant change in CP distensibility after initial myotomy (n = 6), myotomy extension resulted in significant increases in both mean nCSA and CP-DI of 66.6 mm² (95% CI, 16.4-116.8; P = .03) and 1.9 mm²/mm Hg (95% CI, .4-3.3; P = .015), respectively. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

CP distensibility is reduced in ZD patients and is partially reversible by FECM. An intraprocedural FLIP CP distensibility measurement is safe and sensitive in detecting myotomy-induced changes. These findings support using FLIP to optimize FECM outcome. Further studies are required to derive precise metrics predictive of clinical response.

Modulation of pharyngeal swallowing by bolus volume and viscosity

Oropharyngeal swallowing involves complex neuromodulation to accommodate changing bolus characteristics. The pressure events during deglutitive pharyngeal reconfiguration and bolus flow can be assessed quantitatively using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry with impedance. An 8-French solid-state unidirectional catheter (32 pressure sensors, 16 impedance segments) was used to acquire triplicate swallows of 3 to 20 ml across three viscosity levels using a Standardized Bolus Medium (SBMkit) product (Trisco, Pty. Ltd., Australia). An online platform (https://swallowgateway.com/; Flinders University, South Australia) was used to semiautomate swallow analysis. Fifty healthy adults (29 females, 21 males; mean age 46 yr; age range 19-78 yr old) were studied. Hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) maximum admittance, UES relaxation pressure, and UES relaxation time revealed the most significant modulation effects to bolus volume and viscosity. Pharyngeal contractility and UES postswallow pressures elevated as bolus volumes increased. Bolus viscosity augmented UES preopening pressure only. We describe the swallow modulatory effects with quantitative methods in line with a core outcome set of metrics and a unified analysis system for broad reference that contributes to diagnostic frameworks for oropharyngeal dysphagia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The neuromodulation of the healthy oropharyngeal swallow response was described in relation to bolus volume and viscosity challenges, using intraluminal pressure and impedance topography methods. Among a wide range of physiological measures, those indicative of distension pressure, luminal opening, and flow timing were most significantly altered by bolus condition, and therefore can be considered to be potential markers of swallow neuromodulation. The study methods and associated findings inform a diagnostic framework for swallow assessment in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Jackhammer esophagus: A meta-analysis of patient demographics, disease presentation, high-resolution manometry data, and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a newly described esophageal motility disorder. However, there are limited data on JE and this entity remains misunderstood.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of clinical series on JE through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data from included studies were then extracted, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of JE was 1.97% [95% CI: 1.39%-2.78%] among patients referred for high-resolution manometry (HRM). The mean age at diagnosis was 60.8 years [95% CI: 57.1-64.4] and 65% [95% CI: 58%-72%] of patients were female. JE was significantly more prevalent in postlung transplant patients and morbidly obese patients undergoing HRM (23.99% [95% CI: 9.00%-38.97%] and 5.18% [95% CI: 1.76%-14.3%] respectively). Dysphagia was the most common presentation of JE (64% [95% CI: 52%-77%]) followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease (46% [95% CI: 26%-67%]). The pooled mean distal contractile integral (DCI) of all standard HRM swallows was 9249 mm Hg·s·cm [95% CI: 7834-10 663], and the pooled mean integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 13.9 mm Hg [95% CI: 8.2-19.7]. Overall, 73.6% [95% CI: 64.0%-83.1%] of JE patients who underwent treatment achieved clinical symptom improvement (79% [95% CI: 74%-85%] for endoscopic treatment and 63% [95% CI: 47%-79%] for medical treatment). The pooled clinical success rate of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) specifically was 82% [95% CI: 75%-90%].

CONCLUSIONS

JE is a new motility disorder most commonly presenting with dysphagia. High clinical suspicion is important because the diagnosis can only be made through HRM.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Barrett Esophagus in the Elderly

As our population continues to age, the early diagnosis and optimal management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease becomes paramount. Maintaining a low threshold for evaluating atypical symptoms in this population is key to improving outcomes. Should patients develop complications including severe esophagitis, peptic stricture, or Barrett esophagus, then a discussion of medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatments that accounts for patient's comorbidities and survival is important. Advances in screening, surveillance, and endoscopic treatment of Barrett esophagus have allowed us to dispel concerns of futility and treat a larger subset of the at-risk population.

Diagnosis and treatments for oropharyngeal dysphagia: effects of capsaicin evaluated by newly developed ultrasonographic method

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common symptom in the older people, and may cause fatal complications such as aspiration pneumonia. However, there is no established treatment for OD. The relationship between the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and substance P released by activated TRPV1 was recently demonstrated. Further, there are several reports showing that capsaicin, a specific agonist of TRPV1, can improve OD. Currently, the evaluation of swallowing is mainly performed by videofluoroscopic examination. However, there are no reports on the clinical application of ultrasonography using tissue Doppler imaging. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology and treatments for OD, introduce our novel US method to evaluate cervical esophageal motility, and then outline our clinical study examining the effects of capsaicin, a specific TRPV1 agonist, in older patients with OD.

Relationship Between Tongue Pressure and Pharyngeal Function Assessed Using High-Resolution Manometry in Older Dysphagia Patients with Sarcopenia: A Pilot Study

Tongue pressure is often used to evaluate swallowing muscle strength in dysphagia patients with sarcopenia. However, the amount of tongue pressure that reflects pharyngeal swallowing function is unclear. The aims of this descriptive study were (1) to assess the association between tongue pressure and swallowing function using high-resolution manometry (HRM), (2) to evaluate whether manometric parameters were related to maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and other sarcopenia-related factors, and (3) to evaluate the manometric characteristics of pharyngeal swallowing in sarcopenic dysphagia. Sixteen patients with dysphagia (13 men; mean age 85.0 ± 6.6) who were diagnosed with sarcopenia and sixteen healthy subjects (10 men; mean age 33.6 ± 7.2) were included. Evaluation of HRM parameters including velopharyngeal contractile integral (VPCI), mesohypopharyngeal contractile integral (MHPCI), upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation duration, and UES nadir pressure was performed. HRM parameters of patients were compared with MTP, sarcopenia factors, and manometric parameters of healthy subjects. The VPCI showed no statistically significant differences between patient and healthy groups. In the patient group, the MHPCI was significantly lower (126.1 ± 76.6 vs 193.2 ± 34.1 mmHg cm s; p = 0.003), UES nadir pressure was significantly higher (10.5 ± 27.5 vs - 11.2 ± 6.7 mmHg; p < 0.001), and UES relaxation duration (318.0 ± 152.4 vs 520.6 ± 60.0 ms; p = 0.007) was significantly shorter than those in the healthy group. HRM parameters were not significantly correlated with MTP and sarcopenia factors. Older dysphagia patients with sarcopenia had weaker pharyngeal contractility and UES dysfunction. Manometric evaluation of pharyngeal function may not be significantly associated with MTP and sarcopenia-related factors. Further study is needed to clinically apply tongue pressure for evaluating sarcopenic dysphagia.

A Systematic Review of Physiological Changes in Swallowing in the Oldest Old

Age-related swallowing changes are well-researched in deglutology, usually distinguishing those over 60 years as older aged. World-wide, older adults are healthier and forecast to live longer: many over 85 years. It is necessary for clinicians to understand healthy swallowing changes in this 'oldest old' in order to appropriately manage swallowing complaints in older patients. This systematic review collated and critically appraised studies investigating swallowing changes in adults over 85 years using instrumental assessment. Criteria for inclusion were healthy subjects over 85 years. Exclusion criteria included studies focused on anatomy and oral processing. Studies published until December 2018 were retrieved from BIOSIS, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Scopus, totaling 2125 articles. During data screening, 64% of studies investigating age-related swallowing changes were excluded, as the oldest old were not recruited. After PRISMA screening, 44 articles met criteria. These were further reviewed for data extraction, bias and quality. Main quantitative age-related changes in swallowing included increases in delay in swallow onset, bolus transit times, duration of UES opening, pressure above the UES and UES relaxation pressure, and reduction in pressure at the UES. Few studies detected increased residue or airway compromise in the form of aspiration. Results were not easily comparable due to differences in age ranges, methods for deeming participants 'healthy', measures used to define swallowing physiology, and swallowing tasks. Age-related swallowing changes are identified that do not compromise safety. The oldest old are underrepresented in normative deglutition research. It is essential future studies plan accordingly to recruit those over 85 years.

Dysphagia in Frail Patients Is Not Frailty Dysphagia

Society revolves around food, both as a physical necessity and a social nicety; thus, eating and drinking (and, hence, swallowing safely) have become a cornerstone of social life. [...].