Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Clinical characteristics associated with aspiration or penetration in children with swallowing problem
Soon Ook Bae1, Gang Pyo Lee1, Han Gil Seo1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Children under two years old with a history of prematurity and unclear causes of dysphagia are more likely to experience swallowing difficulties, requiring videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). Central nervous system disease is a common cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Dysphagia in children presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating pediatric dysphagia.
- Understanding demographic and clinical factors associated with swallowing impairment is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize demographic factors of children with suspected dysphagia undergoing VFSS.
- To identify predictors of penetration or aspiration during VFSS in pediatric populations.
- To elucidate the relationship between clinical conditions and swallowing abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 352 children (197 boys, 155 girls) referred for VFSS.
- Evaluation of clinical characteristics and VFSS findings using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.
- Focus on age, prematurity, underlying medical conditions, and referral reasons.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of the subjects (49%) were under 24 months; 18% were born prematurely.
- Central nervous system (CNS) disease was the most frequent condition associated with dysphagia.
- Penetration or aspiration occurred in 59% of children. Factors significantly associated with penetration/aspiration included age under 24 months (p=0.026) and prematurity (<34 weeks gestation).
- Unclear etiology for dysphagia and age under 24 months were identified as independent predictors through multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients under 24 months with a history of prematurity and unclear dysphagia etiology warrant VFSS.
- CNS disease is the predominant condition linked to pediatric dysphagia.
- Early identification of risk factors can guide diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pediatric swallowing disorders.
Objective:
To evaluate demographic characteristics of children with suspected dysphagia who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and to identify factors related to penetration or aspiration.
Methods:
Medical records of 352 children (197 boys, 155 girls) with suspected dysphagia who were referred for VFSS were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics and VFSS findings were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results:
Almost half of the subjects (n=175, 49%) were under 24 months of age with 62 subjects (18%) born prematurely. The most common condition associated with suspected dysphagia was central nervous system (CNS) disease. Seizure was the most common CNS disorder in children of 6 months old or younger. Brain tumor was the most important one for school-age children. Aspiration symptoms or signs were the major cause of referral for VFSS in children except for infants of 6 months old or where half of the subjects showed poor oral intake. Penetration or aspiration was observed in 206 of 352 children (59%). Subjects under two years of age who were born prematurely at less than 34 weeks of gestation were significantly (p=0.026) more likely to show penetration or aspiration. Subjects with congenital disorder with swallow-related anatomical abnormalities had a higher percentage of penetration or aspiration with marginal statistical significance (p=0.074). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age under 24 months and an unclear etiology for dysphagia were factors associated with penetration or aspiration.
Conclusion:
Subjects with dysphagia in age group under 24 months with preterm history and unclear etiology for dysphagia may require VFSS. The most common condition associated with dysphagia in children was CNS disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...