The health risks of dysphagia for patients with head and neck cancer: a multicentre prospective observational study

Abstract

It is well known that malnutrition is a frequent co-morbidity in cancer patients, especially in those with head and neck neoplasms. This may be due both to the presence of dysphagia symptoms and to the appearance of adverse effects on chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy. The aim of this retrospective observational multicentric study is to evaluate the nutritional status between dysphagia cancer patients and non-dysphagia cancer patients. Data from 60 patients were analysed, 31 of which without dysphagia and 29 with dysphagia. Results highlight that patients with dysphagia had higher involuntary body weight loss than non-dysphagia ones (p < 0.001). By analysing the entire population, it stands out a weight loss rate of 12 ± 9% compared to the usual weight was observed and a prevalence of moderate / severe malnutrition diagnosis of 53%. Furthermore, 76% of the population who manifested the symptom of dysphagia presented severe malnutrition already at the first visit, compared to 32% of non-dysphagia subjects.

Relation of Malnutrition and Nosocomical Infections in Cancer Patients in Hospital: An Observational Study

“…Patients with H&N cancer presented the worse nutritional status, with most of the patients being malnourished and/or sarcopenic [ 1 , 31 ]. In this group of patients, severe malnutrition is associated with the presence of dysphagia symptoms in 76% of the patients [ 42 ].…”

Effectiveness of an evidence-based swallowing facilitation strategy for patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Literature reports that approximately 30% to 80% of HNC patients have varying degrees of dysphagia postradiotherapy,6–8 with 60% ranking it as their most distressing post-treatment symptom 9. Dysphagia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy can not only accelerate weight loss and increase the risk of malnutrition10 but also lead to dehydration,11 aspiration, aspiration pneumonia and many other adverse outcomes 12. Furthermore, it has been linked to psychological and social interaction disorders 13.…”

Texture properties of foods targeted for individuals with limited oral processing capabilities: the elderly, dysphagia, and head and neck cancer patients

“…21 Dysphagia is prevalent in approximately 50% of HNC patients, especially following total glossectomy and chemoradiotherapy. 22 About 20–50% of these cases are malnourished. 23 For individuals with limited OPC, food texture may be the most critical variable affecting palatability, eating safety, and good health via the modulation of food and nutrient intake.…”

“…22 About 20–50% of these cases are malnourished. 23 For individuals with limited OPC, food texture may be the most critical variable affecting palatability, eating safety, and good health via the modulation of food and nutrient intake.…”