Feeding Dysfunctions of FG Syndrome Patients. A Case Report.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to clarify the problems of feeding dysfunction in FG syndrome (an X-linked genetic and multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome) patient. Methods:Subjects studied were two males (10- and 19-years-old) with FG syndrome being treated in our clinic. Both subjects had moderate mental retardation and could be mostly independent for their personal cares. Dentists assessed their feeding functions before and after feeding training. Results:Main complains of both patients were slow eating, choking and drooling, and the case 2 had a history of aspiratory pneumonia. Their oral muscles were observed low tonicity. They had the gag swallow symptom with tongue thrust. Feeding training has been conducted for them about the appropriate meal type and the swallowing method. Although the case 1 patient choked and could not chew solid food before the feeding training, his choking symptom decreased and the meal length was lessened after the training. However, the case 2 patient did not improve obviously probably due to lack of understanding for his swallowing ability by his mother. Conclusions:It was concluded that the training of feeding functions for patients with FG Syndrome should be enforced with a developmental feeding therapy.