Cerebral Palsy Dysphagia: A Systematic Review
Revista CEFAC
Menezes, E. D. C., Santos, F. A. H., et al. (2017).
Revista CEFAC, 19, 565-574.
This systematic review explores dysphagia evaluation and management in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Not stated
2009 to 2017
Systematic reviews, controlled studies, and intervention studies
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<div>One study found that clinical phonoaudiological evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia (i.e., a clinical evaluation with pass/fail results for suspected aspiration based upon presence of coughing, choking, wet voice, dyspnea and change in cervical auscultation) in children with CP had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 46.7%. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of this evaluation for children with CP.</div>
<div>Limited findings demonstrated that oral sensory-motor therapy in combination with care partner education and training (e.g., feeding posture, volume, food consistency), “may be effective in promoting oral motor function [in children with CP], but may not be in promoting the efficiency of oral feeding, caloric intake and weight gain” (p. 570). However, due to overall paucity of evidence, small sample sizes, and potential for bias, further research is needed.</div>
<div>Limited findings demonstrated that multidisciplinary care involving the SLP resulted in a decrease in the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia, a reduced number of signs and symptoms of aspiration, and increased clinical stability (i.e., weight gain, fewer episodes of bronchopneumonia) for children with CP. One study noted a continued need for alternative feeding despite improvements “not only because of the risk, but because of the need for greater nutritional support, since oral feeding in these children usually requires more time and compensations” (p. 572). Further research is needed due to an overall paucity of evidence, small sample sizes, heterogeneity between studies, and potential for bias.</div>
