Relationship between oral intake, patient perceived swallowing impairment, and objective videofluoroscopic measures of swallowing in patients with head and neck cancer

Background We aimed to: (1) examine relationships between the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and objective measures of swallowing (Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile [MBSImP (c)] and penetration-aspiration scale [PAS]) in patients with head and neck cancer, (2) compare outcomes between oral intake vs tube-dependent patients, and (3) compare outcomes across time points. Methods A total of 58 patients with head and neck cancer completed the FOIS, EAT-10, and underwent a standardized videofluoroscopy (VFSS). VFSS were analyzed using the PAS and MBSImP (c). Nonparametric analyses were performed. Results A relationship between the FOIS and EAT-10 (r = -0.46; P < .001) was revealed. No other associations were observed (P < .05). Feeding status did not impact PAS or MBSImP (c); however, patients with head and neck cancer who were tube dependent demonstrated higher (worse) EAT-10 scores (P = .01). Conclusions In this cohort, a relationship between patient-perceived swallowing impairment and functional oral intake was revealed; however, no associations were observed between the FOIS and objective measures of swallowing impairment or swallowing safety.