Article

The aim of this study was to report the characteristics of dysphagia
in children with cerebral palsy (CP), related to gross motor function. DESIGN: Videofluoroscopic swallow study was performed in 29 children with CP, according
to the manual of Logemann. Five questions about oromotor dysfunction were
answered. Gross motor function level was classified by the Gross Motor Function
Classification System Expanded and Revised.
RESULTS: The results of the
videofluoroscopic swallowing studies showed that reduced lip closure, inadequate
bolus formation, residue in the oral cavity, delayed triggering of pharyngeal
swallow, reduced larynx elevation, coating on the pharyngeal wall, delayed
pharyngeal transit time, multiple swallow, and aspiration were significantly more
common in the severe group (Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded
and Revised IV or V). As for aspiration, 50% of the children with severe CP had
problems, but only 14.3% of them with moderate (Gross Motor Function
Classification System Expanded and Revised III) CP and none of them with mild CP
had abnormalities. In addition, five of the seven aspiration cases occurred
silently. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that dysphagia is closely related to
gross motor function in children with CP. Silent aspiration was observed in the
moderate to severe CP groups. Aspiration is an important cause of medical
problems such as acute and chronic lung disease, and associated respiratory
complications contribute significantly in increasing morbidity and mortality in
these patient groups. Therefore, the authors suggest that early dysphagia
evaluation including videofluoroscopic swallow study is necessary in managing
feeding problems and may prevent chronic aspiration, malnutrition, and
infections.

Langue : ANGLAIS