Latest data on how increasing viscosity of liquids (‘thickness’) by a gum-based thickener enhances swallowing safety.
Danone Research & Innovation will present the study: The therapeutic viscosity range of a gum-based thickener in post stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, in collaboration with the team of Pere Clave, during the European Stroke Organization Conference (ESOC). Pere Clave (MD, PhD) is Associate Professor of Surgery at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Director of Academic Studies and R&D at the Hospital de Mataro, Catalonia Spain and President of the ESSD. The 5th edition of ESOC will take place in Milan, Italy from 22nd to 24th May 2019.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) refers to difficulty in swallowing. OD is highly prevalent in stroke (up to 45% during the acute phase) and is associated with malnutrition, respiratory infections, and increased mortality.
The study investigates the effect of a xanthan/guar gum-based thickener on safety and efficacy of swallowing in patients with post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia (PSOD). The investigation was conducted by evaluating 6 viscosities ranging from 150 to 2000 mPa.s compared to unthickened (thin) liquid in 120 patients. Results show that:
- The percentage of patients with safe swallowing significantly increased at each viscosity compared to thin liquid with a therapeutic effect between 150 and 800 mPa.s, and without a significant increase in pharyngeal residue (an increase in pharyngeal residue is considered to be unfavorable)
- More than 50% of patients were malnourished or at risk for malnutrition
It is concluded that the xanthan/guar gum-based thickener has therapeutic effects on the safety of swallowing and that the high percentage of patients with (risk of) malnutrition underline the importance of nutritional screening and management in PSOD.
About ESOC
European Stroke Organization Conference (ESOC) is a world-class platform for clinicians and scientists to present and discuss expertise in the most rapidly evolving area of stroke management and care. With 4,500 participants worldwide, ESOC 2019 will present major results of clinical trials, in combination with state-of-art talks by renowned clinicians and researchers as well as updates on the latest guidelines. Click here for further details.
