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To evaluate the effects of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) timing after the nasogastric tube (NGT) removal on swallowing function of the patients with dysphagia.
This study was conducted on 40 NGT-fed patients with dysphagia. To assess the patients' swallowing function, VFSS was performed twice using a 5-mL 35% diluted barium solution. For the initial examination, VFSS was performed immediately after the NGT removal (VFSS 1). For the second examination, VFSS was performed five hours after the NGT removal (VFSS 2). We used the functional dysphagia scale (FDS) to assess swallowing function. In the FDS, a significant difference in the four items in the oral phase, seven items in the pharyngeal phase, and total scores were assessed (p<0.05). We also used modified penetration-aspiration scale (mPAS) to compare the two examinations (p<0.05).
A paired t-test was performed to confirm the statistical significance of the two examinations (p<0.05). The overall swallowing function was assessed as better in VFSS 2 than in VFSS 1. In the FDS, significant differences in the residue in valleculae (p=0.002), the residue in pyriform sinuses (p=0.001), the coating of pharyngeal wall after swallow (p=0.001), and the total scores (p<0.001) were found between the two examinations. Also, in the mPAS that assessed the degree of penetration-aspiration, a significant difference was found between the two examinations (p<0.001).
The results of this study confirmed that the timing of the VFSS after the NGT removal affects the swallowing function. Thus, to accurately assess the swallowing function, VFSS must be performed in NGT-fed patients after they have rested for a certain period following the removal of their NGT.
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A ganglion cyst is a relatively common benign tumor on the wrist. Conservative and surgical approaches have been used for its treatment. Various conservative treatment methods have been suggested such as reassurance, aspiration, sclerosant injection, and direct compression. But, there is no acceptable treatment of choice yet because each suggested method has a relatively high recurrence rate. We want to report two cases in which the size of the wrist ganglion was decreased by using electroacupuncture. One patient presented with a chronic ganglion for six years and the other patient presented with a recently occurred acute ganglion. We applied electroacupuncture for 20 minutes once a week for eight weeks to both of them. Afterwards, the size of the wrist ganglion diminished in the follow-up sonography and the accompanying pain was also relieved. Herein we report both cases along with a review of the relevant literature.
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To determine whether a routine ultrasonography (US) is necessary for diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH), presenting with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT).
Cases of 133 patients (81 males, 52 females) diagnosed as CMT were reviewed, retrospectively. We reviewed the medical charts and diagnostic examination. We also assessed the coincidence of CMT and DDH, and investigated the clinical features of CMT related to DDH.
Twenty (15.0%) patients out of 133 CMT patients were diagnosed as having DDH by US. Of whom, 8 patients were radiographically positive and 4 patients were both clinically and radiographically positive. Nine patients were treated with a harness and 1 of them needed closed reduction and casting. Out of 9 patients treated with a harness, only 4 were clinically positive. The difference and ratio of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle thickness between the normal and abnormal side was significantly greater in DDH patients (p=0.014). Further, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed when the SCM ratio is greater than 2.08 and the SCM difference is greater than 6.1 mm, the efficiency of US for the diagnosis of the DDH was found to be the best (p<0.05).
To evaluate DDH, physical examination showed low sensitivity and radiologic study has limitation for the child before 4 to 6 months of age. Therefore, we recommend that hip is screened by US for the diagnosis of DDH associated with CMT when physical examination is positive or CMT patients with large SCM difference and high SCM ratio.
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