The epiglottis plays an important role during swallowing to prevent food penetrating
into the airway by closing down the laryngeal vestibule during laryngeal
elevation. In case of the absence of the epiglottis, airway closure might fail. The
absence of the epiglottis is rarely seen in patients with Pierre Robin Sequence
(PRS). We report here the swallowing problems of a PRS case with absence of
the epiglottis and the results of our interventions. A male infant who was born
by cesarean section with a weight of 3 kilograms was diagnosed with PRS. When
he was 11 months old, he was referred to Hacettepe University, Department of
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Swallowing Disorders Units due to a history
of aspiration pneumonia. First, a fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing evaluation
(FEES) was performed and the absence of the epiglottis was recognized. Because
of the uncomfortable feeling during FEES, videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation
(VFSE) was also performed for a more detailed swallowing evaluation. Aspiration
was seen. A nasogastric tube was inserted after VFSE, and a swallowing
therapy program was followed for 2 months. Thermal tactile stimulation to trigger
swallowing reflex, laryngeal mobilization to support hyolaryngeal elevation, and
neuromuscular electrical stimulation were used. VFSE was repeated after rehabilitation.
Aspiration of liquid consistency continued, but he tolerated pudding consistency.
At that time, liquid-restricted oral intake was started. Early diagnosis and
intervention is very important in patients with absence of the epiglottis.
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | March 15, 2018 |
Submission Date | January 17, 2017 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 Volume: 8 Issue: 1 |