Higher risk of complications in odynophagiaassociated dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: This investigation aimed to identify associated factors with dysphagia severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Method: We performed a cross-sectional study of 49 patients with ALS. All patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopy evaluation of swallowing and answered a verbal questionnaire about swallowing complaints. The patients were divided into groups according to dysphagia severity. Results: Among the factors analyzed, only odynophagia was associated with moderate or severe dysphagia. Conclusion: Odynophagia was associated with moderate and severe dysphagia in ALS and suggests a high risk of pulmonary and nutritional complications.