Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for aspiration with oral feeding with potential pulmonary consequences, and commonly have reduced nutrition/hydration status and prolonged stressful meal times. There is considerable variability in the nature and severity of swallowing problems in these children whose needs change over time. Children with generalized severe motor impairment (for example, spastic quadriplegia) are likely to experience greater swallowing deficits than those with diplegia, but oropharyngeal dysphagia is prevalent even in children with mild CP. This review is focused on dysphagia in children with CP: types of deficits, clinical and instrumental evaluation, management decision making and evidence of effectiveness of interventions.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2013) 67, S9-S12; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.224Keywords: cerebral palsy; dysphagia; pediatrics; feeding; swallowing
INTRODUCTIONChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly have feeding disorders and swallowing problems (dysphagia) that in many instances place them at risk for aspiration with oral feeding, with potential pulmonary consequences. They also commonly have reduced nutrition/hydration status and prolonged stressful meal times. The specific nature and severity of the swallowing problems may differ, at least to some degree, in relation to sensorimotor impairment, gross and fine motor limitations, and cognitive/ communication deficits. Children with generalized severe motor impairment (for example, spastic quadriplegia) are likely to experience greater swallowing deficits 1,2 than those with diplegia, but oropharyngeal dysphagia is prevalent even in children with mild CP. 3 Concerns are multifactorial and include issues of reduced volume of food and liquid consumed orally, nutrition deficits, inadequate hydration and limited range of textures with slow advance of oral skills.Children with moderate-to-severe dysphagia usually are managed most effectively with an interdisciplinary team that allows for multiple factors to be addressed in a coordinated way. These factors include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal issues, pulmonary status, nutrition/hydration, oral sensorimotor skills, behavioral issues and family interactions. The importance of a structured approach is stressed to handle these multiple problems. 4 It is critical that all decisions for the management of feeding and swallowing problems are made in consideration of the primary needs of the child that is, a stable airway with adequate nutrition and hydration. In addition, any feeding/ swallowing intervention should be pleasurable and non-stressful for patients and care givers. In some instances, tube feeding may be needed either temporarily or long term. [5][6][7][8] It is expected, with rare exceptions, that these children can cope with at least minimal tastes for pleasure, a practice that may have a positive impact on management of saliva/secretions while maintaining oral function and swallowing.This review paper is focused on dysphagia: types of deficit...