Article

Dysphagia is a critical symptom of Neuromuscular Diseases and is
often associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study
is designed to investigate the prevalence of dysphagia and to identify different
clinical profiles of swallowing disorders in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common Neuromuscular Diseases in
the adult age. METHODS: Consecutive DM1 and ALS patients from 2013 to 2015
referred to a Centre for Neuromuscular Disease were enrolled. A comprehensive
assessment of swallowing function with a Clinical Swallowing Examination and
Fluid and Food Trials was performed. RESULTS: 157 patients were included: 86 ALS,
71 DM1. The dysphagic patients affected by ALS and DM1 (79% and 86% of the
respective samples) showed two different profiles. ALS patients with dysphagia
were older and underweight. They experienced a global dysfunction of the oral and
pharyngeal phases with more difficulty in swallowing thin liquids. Conversely,
DM1 patients with dysphagia were younger and tended to obesity. Most of them
showed impairment of oral phase and had more frequently difficulty in swallowing
solid bolus. CONCLUSION: The recognition of specific clinical profiles supports
and guides the detection of swallowing disorders in patients with neuromuscular
diseases.

Langue : ANGLAIS