'Dysphagia Severity Score' system: clinical outcomes in paediatric dysphagia

Int J Lang Commun Disord. 1998:33 Suppl:268-72. doi: 10.3109/13682829809179434.

Abstract

Clinical evaluation and analysis of therapeutic intervention, by means of a user-friendly outcome measure system, is essential in the management of a paediatric dysphagia caseload. The objective of this study was to design a Dysphagia Severity Score (DSS) system and to evaluate its usefulness in profiling dysphagia outcomes. Clinical outcome data, based on ten clinical parameters describing dysphagic status pre- and post-intervention, were collated for 23 concurrent cases and recorded on a data base. Results indicate that all subjects scored an improvement in DSS percentage post-intervention, with an average improvement of 21%. Dysphagia Severity Score profiles are presented for two patients and the limitations and applications are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Physical Examination
  • Prospective Studies
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Treatment Outcome