Effects of liquid type, delivery method, and bolus volume on penetration-aspiration scores in healthy older adults during flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

OBJECTIVES

The type of liquid (eg, water or milk) that should be used during flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has received little investigation. Aspiration may vary as a function of the thin liquid type used during FEES.

METHODS

We measured the effects of liquid type (water, skim milk, 2% milk, and whole milk; all dyed with green food coloring), delivery method (cup and straw), and bolus volume (5, 10, 15, and 20 mL) on Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores in 14 healthy older adults (mean, 75 years; range, 69 to 85 years). Each participant generated 32 swallows.

RESULTS

The PAS scores differed significantly by liquid type (p = 0.003) and by bolus volume (p = 0.017), but not by delivery method (p = 0.442). The PAS scores were significantly greater for 2% milk and whole milk than for skim milk and water (p < 0.05), and for 20 mL versus smaller volumes. Penetration and aspiration were observed on 113 (25%) and 15 (3%) of 448 swallows, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that both milk and water should be used during FEES for an accurate assessment of aspiration status.