Gestione multidisciplinare nella disfagia pediatrica: l’esperienza di Padova

Introduction: Dysphagia affects about 1% of children, but the prevalence increases in the presence of specific pathological conditions. This condition can lead to inadequate caloric intake and predispose to aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach. Aims and methods: The authors present the experience of the Hospital-University of Padua, where 92 children were evaluated between 2022 and 2024. All patients underwent a complete diagnostic procedure that included an otolaryngological and logopedic evaluation. The diagnostic framing made use of endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or videofluoroscopy (VFS). Results and conclusions: The integration of clinical and instrumental assessment made it possible to identify patients at risk of aspiration and to direct them towards the most appropriate treatment, with speech therapy or enteral nutrition in the most complex and severe cases. Where indicated, logopedic treatment has proved effective in improving oral-motor skills. There is a need to develop standardized protocols and to adequately train families and caregivers.