[Analysis of disturbances of oesophageal phase of swallowing in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)].

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of the disturbances of oropharyngeal phases of swallowing in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients has been well documented.

THE AIM OF STUDY

Assessment of the oesophageal manometry for detection of the oesophageal phase of swallowing in ALS patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out in 12 dysphagic ALS patients and 10 sex- and age- matched healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

The mean upper oesophageal contractile: amplitude, duration and velocity during the wet and dry swallows in ALS individuals were statistically differ as compared to control subjects. The abnormalities of vocal folds function was also found in the fiberoscopy examination of larynx in all ALS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveal the occurrence of disturbances of the oesophageal phase of swallowing in ALS patients with dysphagia.