Diagnostic utility of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised to detect pharyngeal dysphagia in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is the most commonly utilized instrument to index bulbar function in both clinical and research settings. We therefore aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and swallowing item to detect radiographically confirmed impairments in swallowing safety (penetration or aspiration) and global pharyngeal swallowing function in individuals with ALS.

Methods

Two-hundred and one individuals with ALS completed the ALSFRS-R and the gold standard videofluoroscopic swallowing exam (VFSE). Validated outcomes including the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) were assessed in duplicate by independent and blinded raters. Receiver operator chara

SUBMITTER: Chapin JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7425890 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature