Abstract
Objective: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor functions, may compromise feeding and swallowing, gastrointestinal function, and nutritional status. We conduct a questionnaire survey for addressing the prevalence and risk factors of feeding and swallowing problems in SMA type II and type III patients.
Methods: A dedicated questionnaire survey was conducted from September 2008 to November 2009, and 111 genetically confirmed SMA patients are participated. The questionnaire includes demographic data, current ambulatory and respiratory status, feeding and swallowing difficulties, gastrointestinal and respiratory dysfunctions.
Results: Total 108 SMA patients met the inclusion criteria (age range: 3-45 years old, 60 type II and 48 type III). The prevalence of feeding and swallowing difficulties in total SMA types II and III were 25.9% in pre-oral phase, 25.9% in oral phase, 30.6% in pharyngeal phase, and 16.7% in esophageal phase. Respiratory support is a significant risk factor in pre-oral, oral and pharyngeal phases of feeding and swallowing difficulty in SMA types II and III. SMA type II is a significant risk factor in pre-oral and pharyngeal phases compared with type III. Sitters and non-sitters have significantly higher prevalence of feeding and swallowing difficulties than walkers. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also have significantly higher prevalence than patients without GERD.
Conclusions: Feeding and swallowing difficulties were common in SMA types II and III, especially in type II. Need respiratory support, poor current ambulatory status, and GERD increase the risk of feeding and swallowing difficulties. SMA patients need multidisciplinary medical care.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, YS., Shih, HH. & Jong, YJ. 231 Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Types Ii and Iii. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 120 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00231
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00231