[Analysis of oropharyngeal phase of swallowing in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia is a common symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and leads to increased risk of aspiration, malnutrition and dehydration. Swallowing mechanism in ALS patients has not been systematically studied.

Material and methods: Based on the manometry analysis of upper investigate tract we have measured base of tongue contraction, resting pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter and average pharyngeal bolus velocity 10 ALS patients with slight dysphagia and have compared them to control group.

Results: All parameters measured were significantly changed in ALS patients indicting disturbances of oro-pharyngeal phase of swallowing even in ALS patients with slight dysphagia.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of the swallowing disturbances is important for symptomatic therapy.