Clinical study of swallowing function in infants after long-term intubation without oral intake

Abstract

This study investigated swallowing function and its prognosis in postoperative congenital heart disease children who were late to start taking food orally. We showed that the decrease in swallowing function was mainly due to the muscle weakness associated with long-term rest and delayed development of the body and swallowing and malnutrition. Of the four patients who were followed, one refused to eat, while the remaining three patients had an improved ability to eat safely and smoothly with the appropriate intervention. Their prognoses were good.

In the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) descent of the hyoid bone was a useful indicator of decreased pharyngeal contractility, poor esophageal opening, and risk of laryngeal invasion. Since the risk of suffocation is high in cases with descent of the hyoid bone, it is important to understand the causes and pathological conditions, provide guidance on eating styles in accordance with the development of the body, oropharynx, and larynx, and adjust the posture of the neck and bend forward slightly. Aggressive intervention, such as stimulation and toy licking to increase tongue muscle strength, is required.