Purpose : Dysphagia is a medical condition that significantly affects feeding and nutritional intake, thereby impeding pediatric growth and development. With the rising prevalence of pediatric dysphagia, research is essential for a better understanding of its characteristics and management. This study aimed to examine the demographic and clinical profiles of pediatric patients diagnosed with dysphagia, focusing on underlying etiologies and nutritional management (tube feeding). Additionally, the study explored the presence of dysphagia and aspiration using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS).Methods : This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2018. Medical records of 200 children, aged 0 to 5 years and 7 months, who were referred to the VFSS, were reviewed.Data were analyzed to identify demographic characteristics, etiologies, dysphagia diagnosis rates, the presence of aspiration, and the prevalence of tube feeding.Results : The etiologies identified were neurological disorders (37.0%), genetic conditions (24.5%), mixed etiologies (18.0%), anatomical abnormalities (5.5%), cardiorespiratory disorders (8.0%), and dysphagia diagnosis without a specific medical diagnosis (7.0%). VFSS results showed that 81.5% of patients were diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia.33.0% did exhibit aspiration. Regarding nutritional intake, 45.5% of patients relied entirely on tube feeding, and 14% received a combination of oral and tube feeding.Conclusions : Pediatric dysphagia patients with complex etiologies and comorbidities often require tube feeding for nutritional support and early management of dysphagia. These conditions are frequently associated with additional challenges, such as impaired motor and cognitive development. An interdisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensive diagnoses and effective intervention planning.
Park et al. (2026) studied this question.