The Effect of Bolus Taste on Oral and Pharyngeal Transit of Patients with Stroke

Leda Alves,Roberto Dantas,Soraia Fabio

doi:10.4181/rnc.2014.22.899.5p

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of different bolus flavors in oral and pharyngeal transit duration of patients with stroke and normal volunteers. Method. The investigation had the participation of 36 patients (44-82 years, mean age: 63 years) with occurrence of stroke from 1 month to 84 months (median: 5.5 months) and 30 normal subjects (33-85 years, mean age: 59 years) who comprised the control group. The scintigraphic method was used to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal transit. Each subject swallowed in random sequence 5 mL of a liquid bolus of bitter, sour, sweet, and neutral taste, all labeled with 37 MBq of 99mTechnetium coupled with phytate. Results. Oral transit was longer in patients with stroke than in the control subjects for the sweet, bitter and sour tastes. Pharyngeal transit and clearance was longer in patients with stroke for the sweet and bitter tastes. In both groups there were no differences between neutral, sweet, sour or bitter tastes. Conclusion. Bolus tastes evaluated did not change oral and pharyngeal transit in normal subjects and patients with stroke.

Highlights

Stroke is a clinical syndrome described as a focal neurological deficit caused by changes in cerebral blood flow which has consequences in cognitive and sensorimotor plans, according to the affected area and its extension
Oral transit was longer in patients with stroke than in the control group for the sweet, bitter and sour tastes, but not for neutral taste
Pharyngeal transit and clearance was longer in patients with stroke for the sweet and bitter tastes and the amount of residues in pharynx was increased in patients with stroke than controls, excepted for the sweet bolus taste (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Stroke is a clinical syndrome described as a focal neurological deficit caused by changes in cerebral blood flow which has consequences in cognitive and sensorimotor plans, according to the affected area and its extension. Dysphagia occurs in 37% to 45% using screening tests and in 64% to 78% using instrumental tests[1]. Taste disorder in the first week after the onset of signs and symptoms of stroke are frequent, is associated with swallowing disorders and have a good prognosis[3]. It has been suggested that bolus taste may modify swallowing in patients with stroke[5,6] and, associated with cold temperature, may have a role in the treatment of patients with stroke and dysphagia[7,8,9]. Sour bolus with cold temperature has a shorter pharyngeal transit than sour bolus at room temperature[7,8,9]

Methods

Results

Conclusion