Clinical Characteristics of Oral Structures and Feeding Function in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the characteristics of oral structures and feeding in patients with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE).Methods: Twenty SSPE patients were included. Clinical evaluation of oral structures and oral hygiene were performed. Each patient was requested to take liquid, pudding and solid food consistencies during feeding evaluation. The Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) was used to determine the level of chewing function. The 3-ounce water swallow test was used to screen patients for aspiration risk. Results:The mean age was 13.76±1.92 years, of which 55% were male. Seven children (35%) had open mouth posture at rest, 5 (25%) had open bite, 12 (60%) had high arched palate, and 8 (40%) had tongue thrust. Eighteen children (90%) had oral hygiene problems. Feeding positions were variable with 1 child fed in supine, 6 in semi-sitting position, and 13 in upright sitting position. Findings during clinical feeding evaluation revealed the following: food acceptance (20, 100%), liquid intake (20, 80%), pudding intake (17, 85%), and solid food intake (5, 25%). Five children (25%) were in level I, 7 children (35%) were in level II, 3 children (15%) were in level III, and 5 children (25%) were in level IV according to the KCPS. Four children (25%) failed in 3 ounce water swallow test.Discussion: Problems with oral structures, oral hygiene, chewing and swallowing function can be seen in SSPE patients. Thus, clinical oral structure and feeding functions should be considered to evaluate in routine evaluation procedure in patients with SSPE. Tartışma: SSPE hastalarında oral yapılar, oral hijyen, çiğneme ve yutma fonksiyonunda problemler görülebilmektedir. Bu yüzden, SSPE hastalarının rutin değerlendirmesinde klinik oral yapı ve beslenme fonksiyonlarının değerlendirilmesi de düşünülmelidir.