Article

Functional dysphagia therapy (FDT) is a noninvasive procedure that can accompany
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) treatment and supports transitioning
from tube to oral feeding. In this retrospective study, we investigated the
outcome of FDT with or without PEG feeding. Patients with dysphagia were divided
into two groups: those with PEG feeding (N = 117) and those with exclusively oral
feeding (N = 105). Both groups received functional training (oral motor
skills/sensation, compensatory swallowing techniques) from speech-language
therapists. Functional oral intake, weight, Barthel index, and speech and
language abilities were evaluated pre- and post-training. The non-PEG group
showed a significant post-treatment improvement in functional oral intake, with
diet improvement from pasty consistency to firm meals in most cases. However,
even severely disordered patients (with PEG feeding) showed a significant
increase in functional oral intake, still requiring PEG feeding post-treatment
but able to take some food orally. The sooner a PEG was placed, the more
functional oral intake improved. Significantly more complications and higher
mortality occurred in the PEG group compared to the group with exclusively oral
feeding. Dysphagia treatment in the elderly requires a multiprofessional setting,
differentiated assessment, and functional training of oral motor skills and sensation and swallowing techniques.

Langue : ANGLAIS