Dysphagia in progressive supranuclear palsy: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the most prevalent types of atypical Parkinsonian syndrome is progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). PSP is associated with early onset of dysphagia which can result in malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, affecting quality of life and increasing mortality rate. To date, research describing dysphagia in PSP and its impact is scant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to determine the characteristics of dysphagia in PSP, differences in dysphagia presentation according to PSP subtype, principal methods used for identifying and diagnosing dysphagia and the impact dysphagia has on quality of life in individuals with PSP. METHODS: The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to guide the reporting of the review (Tricco et al., 2018). Articles completed at any time, which include participants with dysphagia and a clinical diagnosis of PSP will be included. Studies involving participants who have a co-morbidity/morbidities which could cause dysphagia and secondary research will be excluded. Relevant electronic databases, trial registries and grey literature without any date or language restrictions will be searched. Two independent reviewers will assess articles for eligibility and will extract relevant data. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review will provide important evidence on dysphagia and PSP. It will describe the principal methods used for identifying and diagnosing dysphagia in this population. The results will guide future research in dysphagia and PSP.