Article

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and the
clinical predictors of dysphagia and to determine the characteristics of
videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings in infants after open heart
procedures. This study is a retrospective review of 146 infants who
underwent open heart surgery. The infants with dysphagia were compared with those
without dysphagia. The videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings of the infants
with dysphagia were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 146 infants who underwent
open heart surgery, 35 (24.0%) had dysphagia symptoms. The infants with dysphagia
had lower body weight at operation, more malformation syndromes, longer operation
times, and more complex operations than did the infants without dysphagia. In
addition, the infants with dysphagia required more time to achieve full oral
feeding and had longer hospital stays. Thirty-three infants underwent
videofluoroscopic swallowing study: 32 (97.0%) exhibited at least one abnormal
finding among the videofluoroscopic swallowing study parameters and 21 (63.6%)
exhibited tracheal aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high rate of aspiration in
the infants who underwent open heart procedures, monitoring and prompt
recognition of the signs and the risk factors of dysphagia may substantially
improve infant care with oral feeding and reduce the duration of hospital stays.

Langue : ANGLAIS