Peer-reviewed article
Swallowing disorders in cerebral palsy: a systematic review of oropharyngeal Dysphagia, nutritional impact, and health risks.
Andrea Calderone, David Militi, Davide Cardile, Francesco Corallo, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This systematic review examines swallowing disorders (oropharyngeal dysphagia) in children with cerebral palsy, which affects up to 85% of this population. Swallowing difficulties lead to serious nutritional deficits, malnutrition, and growth delays in affected children. The review identifies that assessment methods like videofluoroscopic swallowing studies are used but inconsistently applied. The authors emphasize that standardized evaluation methods and personalized interventions are needed to address both the swallowing problem and nutritional needs.
Key points
- Up to 85% of children with cerebral palsy experience oropharyngeal dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
- 81.5% of children with cerebral palsy suffer from dysphagia, commonly associated with reduced motor skills
- Swallowing difficulties result in nutritional complications, malnutrition, and growth delays
- Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study is identified as a primary evaluation method but assessment is limited by methodological inconsistencies
- Personalized interventions and standardized evaluation methods are needed to address nutritional needs and mealtime strategies
Limitations
This is a systematic review of existing literature and does not provide primary data on interventions or their effectiveness. The review does not specify which countries' research was included or whether findings apply universally across different healthcare settings.
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent disorder affecting movement and posture due to nonprogressive brain issues, often leading to various sensory, cognitive, and musculoskeletal challenges. Among these complications, oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) is prevalent, impacting up to 85% of children with CP and resulting in significant nutritional deficits. This systematic review aims to explore the prevalence and types of OPD in CP patients, its effects on nutritional status, and its associated health complications, emphasizing the need for thorough assessment and intervention to mitigate risks. The review adheres to PRISMA guidelines, searching five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) without time range restrictions to capture studies addressing swallowing disorders and their impact on nutritional status in CP. This review has been registered on Open OSF (n) 3KUQX. Individuals with CP often experience swallowing impairments, including delayed pharyngeal transit and aspiration. Research indicates that 81.5% of kids with CP suffer from dysphagia, commonly associated with reduced motor skills and general health. Moreover, as a result of these swallowing difficulties, nutritional complications may occur, with elevated levels of gastroesophageal symptoms causing malnutrition and growth delays, which require thorough evaluations and personalized interventions for successful treatment. Tools like the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study were identified as primary methods for evaluation, but assessment remains limited by methodological inconsistencies. This systematic review underscores the significant health impacts of OPD in children with CP, which affects nutrition and overall well-being. Future research should address the need for standardized evaluation methods and effective interventions to balance nutritional needs with practical mealtime strategies.