ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this case study was to describe the symptoms and treatment of dermatomyositis patients with dysphagia. Methods: The subject was a 20-year old dermatomyositis patient with dysphagia. He was evaluated based on the Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS) and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) employing a videofluoroscopic method, and on the American Speech Language and Hearing Association: National outcome measurement system (ASHA NOMS). From November 10th, 2009, to January 30th, 2010, while hospitalized in the department of rehabilitation medicine, he received the treatment once a day 6 times a week, and while hospitalized in the department of rheumatology, he received the treatment once a day 5 times a week. The treatment was implemented by an occupational therapist. The treatment included postural control, oroesophageal tube feeding, diet modification, strengthening of the neck muscles, airway protection, vocal cord adduction, laryngeal elevation, head lift, thermal tactile stimulation, cough exercises, and movement. Result: The patient's total FDS score decreased from 60 to 56, the to 52, 48, and 36, consecutively. His PAS level decreased from 3 to 2, increased from 2 to 3, and then decreased from 3 to 2, and from 2 to 1, consecutively. His ASHA NOMS level increased from 2 to 4, and from 4 to 5, consecutively. Conclusion: In this particular case study, the swallowing function in a dermatomyositis patient with dysphagia improved though dysphagia therapy intervention