Ultrasound Study of the Submentonian Musculature and Its Relationship in Dysphagia

Launched by UNIVERSIDAD EUROPEA DE MADRID · Apr 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how certain muscles in the throat and tongue change in patients who have been on a ventilator for more than 48 hours and how these changes might relate to difficulties with swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. Researchers will use ultrasound technology to look at the muscles involved in swallowing and see if there are any connections between the muscle changes and the development of dysphagia after patients are taken off the ventilator. The study aims to gather information about how common dysphagia is in these patients and identify any factors that might increase the risk of developing it.

To participate in this study, individuals must be over 18 years old and have been intubated (a tube placed in the throat for breathing assistance) for more than 48 hours. However, certain conditions, like previous strokes or severe nerve damage, may prevent someone from being eligible. Participants can expect to undergo assessments that measure their swallowing ability and muscle function. It’s important to note that this trial is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be no immediate action required for those interested.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • • Subjects \>18 years old.
• • Having received an episode of orotracheal intubation for \>48h
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Congenital or acquired conditions of the Central Nervous System (CNS) such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or any other condition that may bias the attribution of dysphagia to factors other than exclusively clinical ones.
• • Involvement of the cranial nerves or the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) as well as diseases of the neuromuscular junction such as Myasthenia Gravis or any other condition that may bias the attribution of dysphagia to other factors that are not exclusively clinical.
• • Neck morphology incompatible with exploration through ultrasound procedures.
• • Secondary musculoskeletal injuries, including vertebral fractures, unstable extremity fractures or any condition that requires absolute bed rest as prescribed by a doctor.
• • Malignant tumor lesions or previous head and/or neck surgeries.
• • Medical-surgical history due to pathology of the larynx, oropharynx and/or esophagus.
• • Diagnosis of dysphagia or swallowing disorders prior to the intubation episode with IMV.
• • Patients unable to eat orally, at least partially.
• • Known prior cognitive impairment upon admission to the ICU.