Giovanni Ruoppolo

Myofunctional and speech rehabilitation after orthodontic-surgical treatment of dento-maxillofacial dysgnathia

OBJECTIVES The lingual dysfunctions play a considerable role in the pathogenesis of dentoskeletal dysmorphisms. The treatment of dento-maxillofacial dysgnathia implies a functional rehabilitation to re-harmonize the stomatognathic system. This study aims to demonstrate the importance of a rehabilitation protocol of functional orofacial parameters at the end of a surgical-orthodontic treatment in order to achieve long-term success. MATERIALS AND METHODS After orthognathic surgery, facial expression exercises and jaw exercises are prescribed to promote the recovery of neuromuscular function. At the end of treatment, a sample of 30 dysgnathic patients underwent a functional evaluation of the orofacial district to identify any lingual or articulatory dysfunctions. The information gathered led to an individual re-education program that consisted of an active myofunctional-logopedic approach integrated with appliances used as retention. RESULTS 19 patients needed myofunctional therapy to re-educate deglutition and tongue posture. Articulatory disorders were found in 7 patients originally suffering from Class III and/or open-bite skeletal disharmony; 5 of these completed rehabilitation with speech therapy. After rehabilitation the functional parameters were completely normalized in 12 patients; in 5 cases, partial improvements were obtained, while in 2 cases the therapy was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS In a patient undergoing post-surgical reconsolidation of his/her functional equilibrium even an uncontrolled speech defect may lead to an instable result. Only through an interdisciplinary approach it is possible to intercept and re-educate all the functions that are not compliant with the structural changes and to eliminate a tendency to relapse of the dysgnathia.

Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Impact on Patient Behavior, Diet Adaptation, and Riluzole Management

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical features associated with deteriorated swallow in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with spinal and bulbar onset, describe the modification of diet and liquid intake, and assess the impact of dysphagia on the use of riluzole. One hundred forty-five patients were observed periodically every 3–6 months. They underwent routinely fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and spirometry; dysphagia severity was classified according to the Penetration Aspiration Scale and the Pooling score (P-score) integrated with other parameters such as sensation, collaboration, and age (P-SCA score). During a mean follow-up period of about 2 years, the percentage of ALS patients suffering from dysphagia increased to 85 (rising from 35 to 73% in patients with spinal onset and from 95 to 98% in those with bulbar onset). Also, 8% of patients with dysphagia by FEES did not perceive the disorder. The frequency of normal and semi-solid diets decreased over time, while that of pureed diets and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) prescription increased. Forty-four percent of dysphagic patients refused thickeners or PEG. A significant difference was observed in the mortality rate between patients untreated with riluzole and patients treated with riluzole oral suspension (p < 0.05). Disease duration mainly impacted on the frequency of dysphagia in spinal onset patients, appearing very early in those with bulbar onset. Riluzole oral suspension would allow the safe administration in dysphagic ALS patients to avoid tablet crushing and consequent dispersion in food, common practices that are inconsistent with the safe and effective use of the drug.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Total Laryngectomy A Multicenter Time-Series Clinical Trial Evaluating the Provox XtraHME in HME-Naïve Patients

Background: Both the immediate beneficial physiological changes in a laboratory setting and the long-term clinical outcomes of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) use are well described. So far, there has not been any research published that provides detailed insight in the pattern of changes in both respiratory function and patients’ experiences with HMEs in the first weeks of use. Methods: A multicenter time-series study design with a 2-week double baseline period. All patients used the XtraHME for 12 weeks afterward. Data were collected 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the start of HME use. Results: Data of 30 patients were analyzed. Pulmonary symptoms decreased significantly during the 12 weeks of HME use. After 2 weeks, a significant decrease in daily coughs and daily forced expectorations was seen. The general quality of life showed a significant increase throughout the study. More general physical complaints also significantly decreased with HME use. Patient satisfaction with the HME was high. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a significant influence of the XtraHME on pulmonary status that can already be observed after 2 weeks of using the XtraHME and continues to improve further after 6 weeks of XtraHME use.

Reinke's Edema: investigations on the role of MIB-1 and hepatocyte growth factor

Reinkes edema is a benign disease of the human vocal fold, which mainly affects the sub-epithelial layer of the vocal fold. Microscopic observations show a strongly oedematous epithelium with loosened intercellular junctions, a disruption of the extracellular connections between mucosal epithelium and connective tissue, closely adherent to the thyroarytenoid muscle. Thickening of the basal layer of epithelium, known as Reinkes space, high deposition of fibronectin and chronic inflammatory infiltration it is also visible. We analyzed, together with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the expression level of MIB-1 in samples harvested from patients affected by Reinkes edema, in order to define its biological role and consider it as a possible prognostic factor in the follow-up after surgical treatment. We observed a moderate expression of HGF in the lamina propria of the human vocal fold and in the basal membrane of the mucosal epithelium. Our finding suggests that this growth factor acts as an anti - fibrotic agent in Reinkes space and affects the fibronectin deposition in the lamina propria. MIB-1, on the contrary, showed a weak expression in the basement membrane of the mucosal epithelium and a total absence in the lamina propria deep layer, thus suggesting that only the superficial layer is actively involved in the reparatory process with a high regenerative capacity, together with a high deposition of fibronectin. The latter is necessary for the cellular connections reconstruction, after the inflammatory infiltration.

Communication and its disorders: Definition and taxonomy from a phoniatric perspective

Abstract Objective: The aim of the paper is to describe communication sciences and disorders from a phoniatric perspective, i.e. from the point of view of medical doctors involved in the rehabilitation management of a communication disorder. Communication: Communication is a complex behaviour, combining physical and mental events, with the aim of exchanging messages between two or more individuals. Communication is the execution of a task by an individual in his daily life. Different body structures and functions, as well as environmental factors, strongly impact on communication and related activities. Communication disorders: A communication disorder is an impairment in sending and/or receiving a message; it could be the consequence of a disease, a treatment or an environmental situation. There are several professions, both medical and non-medical, involved in the management of patients with a communication disorder. The phoniatrician is the only medical doctor whose focus is the diagnosis and rehabilitation of communication disorders. Taxonomy of communication disorders: There are several diseases, conditions and situations that can lead to a limitation and/or restriction in communication. A list of diseases would be misleading in describing possible communication disorders; it might be more useful to offer a framework of the impaired functions that may lead to a communication disorder. A communication disorder taxonomy based on the direct and indirect impairment of voice, speech, language and hearing functions is presented. Conclusion: The presented taxonomy may contribute to the assessment and management of patients with communication disorders and represents a framework for clinical research in the different disciplines involved in the large field of communication science and disorders.

Adequate formal language performance in unilateral cochlear implanted children: is it indicative of complete recovery in all linguistic domains? Insights from referential communication.

OBJECTIVES Referential communication (RC) is a key element in achieving a successful communication. This case series aimed to evaluate RC in children with unilateral cochlear implants (CIs) with formal language skills within the normal range. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 31 children with CIs, with language development within the normal range, were assessed using the Pragmatic Language Skills test (MEDEA). RESULTS Of the children with CIs, 83.9% reached performance levels appropriate for their chronological ages. The results confirmed a positive effect of cochlear implantation on RC development, although difficulties remained in some CI users. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes emphasize the need to pay greater attention to the pragmatic aspects of language, assessing them with adequate testing in the early phase after cochlear implantation. Clear knowledge of childrens communicative competence is the key in optimizing their communicative environments in order to create the basis for future successful interpersonal exchanges and social integration.

Late radiation-associated dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients: evidence, research and management

In head and neck cancer (HNC) scenario, newer radiotherapy (RT) techniques, such as intensity modulated RT (IMRT), aim to reduce acute and late toxicity without impair tumor response and loco-regional control rates. However, late radiation-associated dysphagia (RAD) remains a major clinical problem and has gained a growing importance in the last few years, especially due to human papilloma virus (HPV)-related HNC favorable prognosis. The aim of this review was to provide clinical information about late RAD. The main anatomical structures involved in swallowing were described, in order to define potential organ at risk and available radiation-dose constraints in IMRT plan. Finally, possible rehabilitation strategies were proposed. This is expected to represent an opportunity for improved multidisciplinary management in HNC patients.

The Use of Fibrin Sealant in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Human fibrin sealant was successfully used in a study carried out at the II Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the University of Rome. Good results were achieved not only in middle ear surgery, an ideal field for fibrin sealant, but even in nose and larynx surgery.

Laryngeal Sensitivity in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Recent studies have shown the involvement of the sensory nervous system in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between the laryngeal sensitivity deficit and the type of ALS onset (bulbar or spinal) in a large series of 114 consecutive ALS patients. Participants were subdivided into two groups, bulbar and spinal ALS, according to the clinical onset of disease and submitted to a clinical and instrumental evaluation of swallowing, including a fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing. Dysphagia severity was scored using the Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) and the Pooling score (P-score). In addition, three patients with laryngeal sensitivity deficit were submitted to a laryngeal biopsy to assess the status of the sensory innervation. All patients showed a normal glottal closure during phonation and volitional cough. Fifty-six subjects (49%), 14 spinal- and 42 bulbar-onset ALS, showed dysphagia at the first clinical observation (PAS score >1; P-score >5). Dysphagia resulted more frequently in bulbar-onset ALS (P < 0.01). Thirty-eight (33%) patients had a sensory deficit of the larynx. The sensory deficit of the larynx was significantly more frequent in bulbar-onset ALS (P < 0.01). The sensory deficit of the larynx among dysphagic patients was also significantly more frequent in bulbar-onset ALS (P = 0.02). Several abnormalities were found in all three subjects who underwent a laryngeal biopsy: in one patient, no intraepidermal fiber was found; in the other two, the fibers showed morphological changes. Our observations are important to consider for assessment and management of dysphagia in patients with ALS.

S162 – Chronic Aspiration after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term swallowing status and the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pulmonary findings of chronic aspiration in patients who have undergone supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL), to demonstrate that SCPL causes a mild and well-tolerated degree of chronic aspiration, allowing the patient to avoid a nothing-by-mouth status. Methods Retrospective medical record review. Cohort study. Case series. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 13 years. 116 patients treated with SCPL were analyzed. The patients included in the study were NED, were followed for more than 3 years, were without tracheal cannula or nasogastric tube, and able to feed orally. A group of 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and normal deglutition was used as a control. Evaluation of postoperative swallowing disorders included a careful observation of the patients by the physician, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and videofluoroscopy (VFS). Clinical grading of postoperative aspiration was assessed according to the Leipzig and Pearson scale. The radiological manifestations of chronic aspiration were recorded at high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Results A higher incidence of pulmonary consolidation was found in the patients affected by postoperative chronic aspiration, compared to the control group (p<0.001). No significant differences were noted between the control group and the dysphagic group regarding the remaining radiological findings. Conclusions SCPL causes a mild and well-tolerated degree of chronic aspiration, determining low functional impairment and allows the patient a good quality of life.