Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficits as a predictor of aspiration

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates whether patients with severe sensory deficits in the hypopharynx are at increased risk for aspiration and determines the relationship between pharyngeal muscular weakness and hypopharyngeal sensory deficits. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Forty patients with dysphagia who underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing were prospectively divided into 2 groups. One group included patients with severe sensory deficits determined by an absent laryngeal adductor reflex and the other with normal sensitivity Subjects were given liquid and puree consistencies and were evaluated for aspiration as well as pharyngeal muscle contraction. RESULTS: The differences in incidence of aspiration and pharyngeal muscular weakness between the 2 groups were significant (P < 0.001 Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between motor function deficits and hypopharyngeal sensory deficits. SIGNIFICANCE: The association of sensory loss and motor deficits together with the use of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing can predict those patients who are at highest risk for aspiration.