Effects of thickened feeds on swallowing in children with dysphagia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how different liquid viscosities affect swallowing physiology in infants with oropharyngeal dysphagia and brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE). It aims to quantify differences in swallowing mechanics using advanced techniques like pharyngeal high-resolution impedance manometry and videofluoroscopic swallow studies. By systematically examining the impact of thickened feedings, the research seeks to identify safe and effective interventions to improve swallowing function in affected children.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 0 to 21 years
* Admitted to Boston Children's Hospital after experiencing first lifetime BRUE, or with dysphagia symptoms such that they would be at risk for BRUE or other symptoms of swallowing difficulty
* Have had videofluoroscopic swallow study performed or might have future videofluoroscopic swallow study performed.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any pre-existing medical diagnoses that exclude brief resolved unexplained event diagnosis including seizure disorders and cyanotic congenital heart disease
* Any nasal/pharyngeal/esophageal anomalies that might affect safe placement of the pharyngeal motility catheter
* Children fed exclusively by enteral tube
* Allergy to rice cereal or Gelmix thickener, which will be used to adjust liquid viscosity

Where it's running

• Boston Children's Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Daniel R Duncan, MD, MPH — Boston Children's Hospital
• Study coordinator: Daniel R Duncan, MD, MPH
• Email: daniel.duncan@childrens.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-355-0897

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.