Current Dysphagia Research Projects Underway in Australasia
Dr Julie Cichero - Queensland
Improving Pureed Foods in Aged Care
People in aged care facilities often require pureed or minced (texture-modified) diets. This may come about because of loss of strength for chewing, or because a swallowing problem causes the person to be at a greater risk of choking. Since 2008, Julie has been working with Chemical Engineers, Biochemists, Food Scientists (UQ) and RSL-Care (Aged Care providers) to improve the taste, texture, nutrient density and visual appeal of pureed food served in aged care facilities.
j.cichero@uq.edu.au
Babies with Feeding Problems
Some Mums and babies may find breastfeeding difficult, for a number of reasons. For some babies, special formula is required to overcome difficulties. Julie is working with colleagues from Speech Pathology and Chemical Engineering (UQ) to unravel some of the issues around thickened infant formulas.
j.cichero@uq.edu.au
Trouble Swallowing Tablets
Conservatively, 5% of people living in the community have dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. Even if someone has no difficulty eating or drinking, between 20%-40% of people have difficulties swallowing tablets! To overcome this, some may cut or crush their medications. Many people are unaware that crushing a tablet can void the manufacturer’s warranty as it may affect the ability of the medication to do its job – some medications have special coatings so they pass through the stomach to more effectively release their ingredients.
Julie is working with Speech Pathologists, Pharmacists and Chemical Engineers (UQ) to determine ways to deliver medications safely.
j.cichero@uq.edu.au
Dr Sebastian Doeltgen - South Australia
Further information about the project: sebastian.doeltgen@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Claire Langdon - Western Australia
Claire.Langdon@health.wa.gov.au
Dr Bernice Mathisen - Victoria
Evaluation of the Effects of Tongue Strength Exercises in People With Swallowing Disorders
Doctoral project with Valerie Adams - University of Newcastle, New South Wales
Does Intensive Swallowing Rehabilitation Improve Outcomes for Patients With Stroke?
Masters Project with Kathryn Vickers - University of Newcastle, New South Wales
Further Information about these projects: Bernice.Mathisen@newcastle.edu.au
Dr Martha Karagiannis - Victoria
Effects of the Consumption of Thin Fluids in Patients Prescribed Thickened Fluids
Further information about this project: Martha.Karagiannis@wwhs.net.au
Professor Ian Cook & Dept Gastroenterology and Hepatology - New South Wales
The role of afferent pathways in the mediation of oesophageal reflexes and symptoms (oesophago-pharyngeal regurgitation, chest pain, functional heartburn, globus and dysphagia).
Szczensiak MM, Fuentealba S, Omari T, Chen CL, Cook IJ.
The role of secondary peristalsis in non-obstructive dysphagia.
Szczensiak MM, Chen CL, Fuentealba S, Cook IJ
Safety and outcomes following treatment of oesophageal disorders causing dysphagia.
Kumbahri V, Fuentealba S, Elliott T, Wu PI, Metz A, Cook IJ.
Biomechanics of the pharyngeal swallow following laryngectomy.
Szczesniak MM, MacLean J, Perry A, Cook IJ.
Impact of head and neck radiotherapy on pharyngeal swallowing and biomechanics.
Szczesniak MM, MacLean J, Graham P, Cook IJ.
A fibre optic catheter for simultaneous measurement of longitudinal and circumferential muscular activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Arkwright JW, Blenman NG, Underhill ID, Maunder SA, Spencer NJ, Costa M, Brooks SJ, Szczesniak MM, Dinning PG.
Automated analysis of high resolution colonic manometry.
Wiklendt L, Dinning PG.
Jenny Gibney - New South Wales
Improving Oral Hygiene in Acute Aged Care Wards
This study intends to develop a clinical pathway for oral hygiene practice on the Aged Care wards of an acute hospital. The project involves input from all levels of the hospital including Dr Anita Sharma (Geriatrician), Nurses, Dentists and Speech Pathologists.
Further Information about the project: gibneyj@wahs.nsw.gov.au
Bianca Gordon - Auckland, New Zealand
The Impact of Dysphagia on Quality of Life
Our group are interested in what life is like for people with dysphagia. The difficulties with eating and drinking can impact on more than just the person with the difficulty. Family and carers often have to change how they shop, cook, eat and socialize. We are talking to family and carers about their experience of living with dysphagia, their own beliefs, attitudes and cultural perspectives about eating and drinking. Identifying the personal values relevant to swallowing difficulties can help therapists improve the clients' quality of life.
The Transition to Full Oral Feeding for Preterm Infants in New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units
B.Gordon@auckland.ac.nz
Recent Dysphagia Research Projects Completed in Australasia
Arkwright JW, Blenman NG, Underhill ID, Maunder SA, Szczesniak MM, Dinning PG, Cook IJ. In-vivo demonstration of a high resolution optical fiber manometry catheter for diagnosis of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Optics Express 2009;17(6):4500-4508.
Chen CL, Szczesniak MM, Cook IJ. Evidence for esophageal visceral hypersensitivity and aberrant symptom referral in patients with globus. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009;21:1142-e96.
Cichero J, Nicholson T, Dodrill P. (2011). Liquid barium is not representative of infant formula: characterisation of rheological and material properties. Dysphagia. 2011 Sep;26(3):264-71
Jukes S, Cichero JA, Haines T, Wilson C, Paul K, O'Rourke M. (2012). Evaulation of the uptake of the Australian standardized terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids.Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2012 Jun;14(3):214-25.
Langdon PC, Mulcahy KM, Shepherd KL, Low VH, Mastaglia FL. (2012). Pharyngeal dysphagia in inflammatory muscle diseases resulting from impaired suprahyoid musculature. Dysphagia 27(1):64-9.
Steele CM, Cichero JA. (2012). Screening for aspiration risk. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012 Jul;73(1):292-3
Szczesniak MM, Rommel N, Dinning PG, Fuentealba SE, Cook IJ, Omari T. Intraluminal impedance detects failure of pharyngeal clearance during swallowing: A validation study in adults with dysphagia. Neurogastroenterol Mot. 2009: 21(3):244-52.
Szczesniak M.M., Williams R.B.H., Brake H.M., Maclean J.C., Cole I.E., Cook I.J. Upregulation of the oesophago-UOS relaxation response: a possible pathophysiological mechanism in suspected reflux laryngitis. Neurogastroenterology & Motility 2009; 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01452.
Chen CL, Szczesniak MM, Cook IJ. Evidence for esophageal visceral hypersensitivity and aberrant symptom referral in patients with globus. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009;21:1142-e96.
Cichero J, Nicholson T, Dodrill P. (2011). Liquid barium is not representative of infant formula: characterisation of rheological and material properties. Dysphagia. 2011 Sep;26(3):264-71
Jukes S, Cichero JA, Haines T, Wilson C, Paul K, O'Rourke M. (2012). Evaulation of the uptake of the Australian standardized terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids.Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2012 Jun;14(3):214-25.
Langdon PC, Mulcahy KM, Shepherd KL, Low VH, Mastaglia FL. (2012). Pharyngeal dysphagia in inflammatory muscle diseases resulting from impaired suprahyoid musculature. Dysphagia 27(1):64-9.
Steele CM, Cichero JA. (2012). Screening for aspiration risk. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012 Jul;73(1):292-3
Szczesniak MM, Rommel N, Dinning PG, Fuentealba SE, Cook IJ, Omari T. Intraluminal impedance detects failure of pharyngeal clearance during swallowing: A validation study in adults with dysphagia. Neurogastroenterol Mot. 2009: 21(3):244-52.
Szczesniak M.M., Williams R.B.H., Brake H.M., Maclean J.C., Cole I.E., Cook I.J. Upregulation of the oesophago-UOS relaxation response: a possible pathophysiological mechanism in suspected reflux laryngitis. Neurogastroenterology & Motility 2009; 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01452.