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Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with multiple disabilities
Emeline Chane-Law1, Grégoire Prum1,2, Remi Mallart1
1Pediatric Department, Rouen Normandy University Hospital, Rouen, France.
Insights
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common in institutionalized children with multiple disabilities, often going undiagnosed. Early screening using tools like the F-PEDI-EAT-10 is crucial for identifying at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a significant concern in children with multiple disabilities.
- Limited research exists on the prevalence of this condition in institutionalized pediatric populations.
- Early identification and management are critical for improving health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in institutionalized children with multiple disabilities.
- To assess the utility of the F-PEDI-EAT-10 screening tool in this population.
- To highlight the underdiagnosis of dysphagia in this vulnerable group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 117 institutionalized children with multiple disabilities.
- The Food Intake Behavior Scale for Pediatric Dysphagia (F-PEDI-EAT-10) questionnaire was used for screening.
- Trained nurses administered the questionnaires to participants.
Main Results:
- 53% of children screened positive for oropharyngeal dysphagia using the F-PEDI-EAT-10.
- A significant proportion (29%) of those with positive scores lacked a formal dysphagia diagnosis.
- Children with positive screening scores showed higher rates of pneumopathy and undernutrition.
Conclusions:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia is highly prevalent among institutionalized children with multiple disabilities.
- The condition is frequently underdiagnosed, necessitating improved screening protocols.
- Screening tools like the F-PEDI-EAT-10 can aid in identifying children requiring further evaluation and intervention.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalised children with multiple disabilities, a topic with limited literature coverage.
Methods:
The study employed a questionnaire, specifically the F-PEDI-EAT-10, to screen for dysphagia in children. Trained nurses administered the questionnaire to the participants.
Results:
The study included 117 children with multiple disabilities (51.3 per cent boys and 48.7 per cent girls) with an average age of 14 ± 4.7 years. The questionnaire revealed that 53 per cent (n = 62) of the children had a positive score and, surprisingly, 29 per cent of them (n = 18) did not have a confirmed diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Notably, children with a positive F-PEDI-EAT-10 score had a significantly higher prevalence of pneumopathy and undernutrition compared with those with a negative score.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the high prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among children with multiple disabilities, a condition that is often underdiagnosed.
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