Nutritional Status and Muscle Function in Ambulatory Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Dysphagia

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between dysphagia severity and indicators of nutritional status and muscle function in ambulatory patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who have swallowing difficulties. In patients with MS, the prevalence of swallowing disorders increases with disease duration and greater neurological involvement. Dysphagia may lead to important clinical consequences such as aspiration risk, inadequate oral intake, involuntary weight loss, and reduced quality of life. Swallowing difficulties negatively affect both the adequacy and safety of nutrition, thereby increasing the risk of malnutrition. In addition, reduced energy and protein intake may lead to a decline in muscle strength and functional capacity. However, in the MS population, dysphagia, nutritional status, and muscle function are often evaluated separately, and studies that assess these domains together are limited. There is a need for real-world data in ambulatory MS patients, particularly using age-independent nutritional screening tools and functional muscle assessment tests in combination. This study aims to systematically and multidisciplinary evaluate nutritional status and muscle function in MS patients with dysphagia.

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details