Oral muscles are progressively affected in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: implications for dysphagia treatment

van den Engel-Hoek L, Erasmus CE, Hendriks JC, Geurts AC, Klein WM, Pillen S, Sie LT, de Swart BJ, de Groot IJ.
J Neurol. 2013. 260(5):1295-303.
Dysphagia is reported in advanced stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Authors aimed to describe the dysphagia in consecutive stages and to assess the underlying mechanisms of dysphagia in DMD, in order to develop mechanism based recommendations for safe swallowing. In this cross-sectional study, participants were divided into: early and late ambulatory stage (n = 6), early non-ambulatory stage (n = 7), and late non-ambulatory stage (n = 11). MFM was used to describe the patient population at inclusion.
Conclusion of authors are, in case of swallowing problems in DMD, based on the disturbed mechanisms of swallowing, it is suggested to (1) adjust meals in terms of less solid food, and (2) drink water after meals to clear the oropharyngeal area.

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Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Dysphagia, Oral muscles, Ultrasound , Video fluoroscopic swallow study, Surface electromyography

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