Isolated neonatal swallowing dysfunction: a case series and review of the literature

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Neonatal swallowing dysfunction can significantly impact infant feeding and growth.
• Understanding the natural history of isolated neonatal swallowing dysfunction (INSD) is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the natural history and clinical course of infants diagnosed with isolated neonatal swallowing dysfunction (INSD).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series describing nine infants with INSD.
• Detailed review of symptoms, feeding methods, neurological findings, and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eight infants presented within two weeks of birth with symptoms including choking, aspiration, apnea, and vomiting.
• Three infants had nonspecific neurological abnormalities, later diagnosed with underlying genetic disorders.
• All infants required tube feeding; six tolerated nasogastric (NG) feeding and received a gastrostomy tube, while three required jejunal feedings.
• Gastrostomy tubes were removed in 7/9 infants at a mean age of 37 months.
• INSD demonstrated a good long-term prognosis, with most infants improving over time.

Conclusions:

• Isolated neonatal swallowing dysfunction generally has a favorable long-term prognosis.
• The presence of neurological abnormalities may indicate an underlying disorder requiring further investigation.
• Nutritional support, including NG and gastrostomy tubes, is often necessary, with jejunal feeding required in some cases.
• Long-term nutritional support may be needed for up to three years or more.