Oropharyngeal dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis alters quality of life

Dysphagia is one of the most important complications encountered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our aim was to determine whether oropharyngeal dysphagia impacted the quality of life (QoL) of patients with ALS. Thirty consecutive patients were recruited (3182years, 18 men). Swallowing function was evaluated using a standardised videofluoroscopic barium swallow. All the patients completed a specific questionnaire on quality of life in dysphagia (SWAL-QoL) immediately after the videofluoroscopy. The results of dysphagia outcome severity scale separated 14 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and 16 with normal swallowing function. There was no difference in the average age, weight and body mass index of the two groups (dysphagic patients: 68 +/- 11kg versus non-dysphagic patients: 69 +/- 14kg). Most of the dysphagic patients had a bulbar affection based on their Norris scores which determine the importance of cranial nerves illness (20 +/- 8), significantly lower than those of the non-dysphagic patients (35 +/- 5) (P<0 center dot 0001). There was no difference in the neurological peripheral symptoms evaluated by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale scores (dysphagic patients: 26 +/- 7 versus non-dysphagic patients: 27 +/- 8) (ns). The swallowing quality of life questionnaire revealed that the dysphagic patients had significant burden (P<0 center dot 001). They were affected by the necessity to applied a food selection (P<0 center dot 01), by the increase in eating duration (P<0 center dot 05) and described a decrease in eating desire (P<0 center dot 05). They complained of fear regarding the risk of dysphagia (P<0 center dot 05). They also described difficulties with oral communication (P<0 center dot 001). All of those complained about dysphagia which impacted directly mental health (P<0 center dot 05) and social life (P<0 center dot 05). In conclusion, oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common symptom accompanying ALS, which alters the patient's QoL, especially social health.