Dysphagia in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy: A Rapid Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose: Dysphagia is a common symptom of the rare genetic disease oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). There are, however, limited resources and recommendations for speech-language pathologists who treat individuals with this condition. This review provides a consolidation of the literature to understand how the components and outcomes of intervention for dysphagia rehabilitation are described and studied in adults with OPMD. Method: A rapid scoping review was completed to identify studies related to dysphagia interventions for adults with OPMD. Data were extracted and analyzed through the lens of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health frameworks. Results: A total of eight studies met the review criteria. Six of the studies described rehabilitative interventions, and three focused on outcomes of intervention. Rehabilitation interventions were not described in detail, and a wide variety of outcome measures were used. Conclusions: There is limited research to guide clinical decision-making and intervention for dysphagia rehabilitation in OPMD at this time. Neurodegenerative disorder research may be beneficial in guiding clinical practice. Further research is required to determine the most effective interventions for individuals with OPMD.