[Study of the predictive value of detection tests for silent aspirations]

Screening for aspiration in patients with swallowing disorders is important in preventing complications. The tests used in this regard are insufficient due to silent aspiration relating to abnormal protective reflexes in many patients with swallowing problems.

The aim of this study is to determine the predictive values of simple tests in screening for silent aspiration.

The reference test used was videofluoroscopic examination on swallowing. In the presence of aspiration (FR+) the presence (ME+) or not (ME-) of a cough of throat clearing was noted. The tests being studied were a nasal test with isotonic saline and swallowing according to a set time.

For screening for aspiration the presence of a "wet voice" was considered to be a sign of reduced protective reflexes. 1) During the nasal test, the results are 100% for the positive predictive value (VPp) and 83.3% for the negative predictive value (VPn); 2) These results are respectively 84.6% and 35.9% during the swallowing test. Regarding screening for silent aspiration, 1) during the nasal test, the results are 62.5% for the positive predictive value (VPp) and 36.3% for the negative predictive value (VPn); 2) These results are respectively 54.5% and 26.6% during the swallowing test.

This preliminary study points out the lack of predictive value of the nasal test and the swallow test for the silent aspirations. However the results could be useful for other researchers developing other tests in this area.