Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. The original English version of the DYMUS was translated using the forward-backward technique, cross-culturally adaptated, pilot-tested in 40 patients, and then applied to 100 multiple sclerosis patients to assess the reliability and construct validity. Construct validity was assessed by Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and inter-item correlation. DYMUS-BR internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.72); Cronbach’s alpha was 0.65 for the ‘dysphagia for solids’ subscale and 0.67 for the ‘dysphagia for liquids’ subscale and positive inter-item correlations was found between all items, except for weight loss question. Significant association (p<0.001) and correlation (rs = 0,357; p = 0.01) was found between DYMUS-BR and dysphagia self-assessment. The DYMUS-BR questionnaire maintained the characteristics of that originally described, demonstrating to be a reliable, valid, easy and consistent tool to be used by health professionals for preliminary selection of Brazilian MS patients who need more specific instrumental analyses of swallowing.

Introduction: Coronaviruses patients may develop various neurological complications, including loss of smell and taste. Rehabilitation programs should be considered for patients with disabilities lasting longer than two weeks. The present pilot study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as a treatment option for olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions. Case Representation: The study included six patients with coronavirus disease with olfactory and gustatory complaints who were part of a cohort of 172 coronavirus disease patients monitored for late neurological manifestations. Olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated using visual analog scales applied at baseline, end, and 6 months after treatment. 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey and a questionnaire containing closed questions were also administered. All scales were applied by a researcher blinded to the results of the given intervention. An intranasal PBMT protocol was applied, with 16 laser sessions performed twice a week at a 48-hour interval. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the medians of the visual analogue scale scores for olfactory and gustatory disorders before, after, and six months later. The medians of the physical role, social functioning, general health, and emotional role SF-36 domains were higher after treatment, suggesting improved quality of life. Conclusion: The results observed in this study suggest that PBMT can be an effective resource for patients with long-term COVID-19.

Background Patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) often face swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) as part of their condition. Objective To determine the prevalence of self-reported swallowing disorders in patients with rare NMDs and examine their correlation with related quality of life (QoL). Methods The study included 103 patients with confirmed rare NMDs. Dysphagia risk was assessed using the validated Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and QoL related to swallowing was measured with the SWAL-QoL survey. Correlations between EAT-10 and SWAL-QoL scores were analyzed. Additionally, the mean questionnaire scores were compared among patients classified as dysphagic, dysphagic with high aspiration risk, and nondysphagic. Results The estimated prevalence of dysphagia in the cohort, based on EAT-10, was 52.4%. Higher scores were significantly correlated with poorer swallowing-related QoL, except for the sleep domain. The most affected SWAL-QoL domains were burden, eating desire, eating duration, food selection, communication, fear, mental health, social functioning, and dysphagia battery score (DBS), with significant differences observed among the classifications (p < 0.001 for most domains, and p = 0.015 for eating desire). No statistically significant difference in swallowing QoL was found between sitters and walkers. Conclusion Dysphagia is a prevalent symptom in patients with rare NMDs, affecting 52.4% of the cohort and significantly impacting QoL in nearly all domains except sleep.

Background: Among the frequently reported symptoms in long-term COVID-19 syndrome, we can highlight olfactory disorders depression, anxiety, and fatigue. OD can affect people's physical and mental health and can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Objective: Determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in patients with olfactory disorders induced by long-term COVID-19; and investigate this impact on the quality of life. Methods: The study included 30 patients with confirmed long-term COVID-19, with persistent complaints of olfactory dysfunction. OD was evaluated by the connecticut smell test. Neuropsychiatric disorders were evaluated by the fatigue severity and hospital anxiety and depression scales. Quality of life was accessed using the SF-36. Results: 70% of the patients had different degrees of hyposmia and 20% had anosmia. The most prevalent symptom was depression with 66.7% of the sample. More than half of patients also had symptoms of anxiety and fatigue (53,3% both). The most affected dimensions of SF-36 were emotional, vitality, role physical and mental health (36.6 ± 44.0, 44.3 ± 28.7, 47.5 ± 42.7, 49.8 ± 24.7 respectively). There was a moderate negative correlation between symptoms of depression and the physical role and mental health dimension. There was a moderate negative correlation between anxiety and general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health dimensions. Symptoms of fatigue obtained a moderate negative correlation in the physical function dimension. Conclusion: The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue is high in patients with olfactory disorders induced by long-term COVID-19, with a negative impact on the quality of life of these patients, highlighting the role emotional aspect.

Xantomatose cerebrotendínea (XCT) é uma doença congênita autossômica recessiva rara multissistêmica do metabolismo do ácido biliar que leva ao acúmulo de intermediários do colesterol em diversos tecidos. A principal manifestação da doença é o acometimento neurológico progressivo e irreversível, que inicia na infância e evolui com disfunção neurológica grave na fase adulta. Sintomas não neurológicos característicos como xantomas tendíneos, cataratas de início na infância e diarreia crônica infantil também podem estar presentes. No Brasil, não existe terapia medicamentosa para a doença. A principal abordagem terapêutica para retardar a progressão do quadro é o acompanhamento multidisciplinar com o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade de vida. Apesar dos sintomas iniciarem na infância, a maioria dos pacientes demora em média 16 anos para receber o diagnóstico, fase na qual o dano neurológico já é extenso e as abordagens terapêuticas não são mais eficazes. Neste estudo é relatado o caso de paciente de 47 anos com XCT que iniciou os sintomas na infância, com piora neurológica aos 38 anos e diagnóstico aos 44 anos, fase na qual a neurodegeneração já era grave e irreversível. Os testes laboratoriais e Imagem de Ressonância Magnética indicaram alterações características da doença. Ressalta-se a importância de ter a XTC como diagnóstico diferencial na presença de um quadro neurológico progressivo, amplo e variado, associado com xantomas tendíneos e outros sinais e sintomas específicos. Por tratar-se de doença crônica e degenerativa, o diagnóstico precoce é essencial para que se possa instituir medidas que melhorem a qualidade de vida.