Dysphagia in stroke patients

A survey of dysphagia services practice in China

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia services have only recently been formalised within Chinese health services. There has been no comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of dysphagia services practice in China.

AIMS

To provide a profile for the dysphagia practice in China by assessing various facets of dysphagia services.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This is a survey study carried out from December 2022 to May 2023 online in China. One hundred fifty-nine respondents comprising doctors, nurses or therapists involved in the field of dysphagia rehabilitation completed a questionnaire via Sojump. The questionnaire included dichotomous (e.g., yes/no) and multiple-choice questions related to participants' general information and their provision of dysphagia management services. Results were analysed descriptively and the differences among different levels of hospitals were analysed.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Approximately two-thirds of hospitals (67.9%) started dysphagia services within the last 5 years. A significant difference in the initiation of dysphagia rehabilitation was observed across different hospital levels (χ2  = 32.70;p < 0.001). Routine dysphagia screening was a standard practice in most hospitals (71.7%), with the most frequently employed screening method being the water swallow test (95.6%). Clinical swallowing evaluation emerged as the preferred initial assessment method (80.5%) and the most utilised assessment method (91.8%). Video fluoroscopic swallow study and flexible endoscopic evaluation swallowing were used by 22.7% and 12.6% of respondents. A significant difference was observed in the choice of assessment methods across hospitals of different levels (χ2 = 43.397; p < 0.001). The majority of respondents (53.5%) primarily employed rehabilitation as the main intervention method (76%-100%). Most respondents indicated that they would reevaluate patients after treatment (74.8%) and reported routine follow-up with patients (60.4%).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Despite the relatively recent development of dysphagia management in China, the practice patterns uncovered in this study are broadly consistent with Chinese guidelines and consensus. However, the use of instrumental assessments remains low, resulting in a lack of objective evaluation of patient conditions and outcomes. There is a need for policy and resource support in the field of dysphagia rehabilitation in China.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject Assessment and treatment methods for dysphagia are various across different patients, medical facilities and settings. There has been no comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of dysphagia rehabilitation practice in China. What this study adds to existing knowledge The study assessed various facets of dysphagia rehabilitation in China through an online survey. We found that the relatively recent development of dysphagia management in China, but the practice patterns uncovered in this study are broadly consistent with Chinese guidelines and consensus. Variations in practice patterns between hospitals of different levels may be attributed to resource constraints and patient needs. Besides, while rehabilitation exercises are the primary intervention method for dysphagia in China, the assessment largely centres on clinical swallowing evaluation. The use of instrumental assessments remains low, resulting in a lack of objective evaluation of patient conditions and outcomes. What are the clinical implications of this work? The study assessed various facets of dysphagia rehabilitation in China, and the results indicate that the use of instrumental assessments needs to be improved and there is a need for policy and resource support in the field of dysphagia rehabilitation in China.

Prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of dysphagia after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke, which not only brings adverse outcomes but also greatly affects the quality of life of patients. At present, there is no systematic review or meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). A systematic review of the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of PSD is essential.

Methods

Through 31 December 2022, a comprehensive literature search was performed for observational studies related to PSD. Five databases were retrieved. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included, and the results showed that the overall prevalence of PSD was 46.6% (95% CI, 0.405-0.528). The prevalence of dysphagia in ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke was 43.6% (95% CI 0.370-0.501) and 58.8% (95% CI 0.519-0.654), respectively. The prevalence of PSD in Africa was 49.4% (95% CI, 0.196-0.792), in Asia was 40.1% (95% CI, 0.348-0.454), in Europe was 45.8% (95% CI, 0.327-0.590), in North America was 44.3% (95% CI, 0.370-0.517), in South America was 57.5% (95% CI, 0.441-0.708), and in Oceania was 64.1% (95%CI, 0.558, 0.724). In risk factor analysis, hypertension, previous stroke, and atrial fibrillation were significantly associated with the occurrence of PSD, pooled OR = 1.179 [(95% CI, 1.002-1.386), p < 0.05], pooled OR = 1.514 [(95% CI, 1.204-1.905), p < 0.001], and pooled OR = 1.980 [(95% CI, 1.580-2.481), p < 0.001]. In outcome studies, the prevalence of aphasia and dysarthria in PSD was 35.6% (95% CI, 0.213-0.499) and 54.5% (95% CI, 0.293-0.798), respectively. The prevalence of respiratory tract infection was 27.1% (95%CI, -0.038-0.579), and the prevalence of pneumonitis was 32.1% (95% CI, 0.224-0.418). Persistence of dysphagia at discharge and at 1 month was 74.5% (95% CI, 0.621-0.869) and 50.9% (95% CI, 0.142-0.876), respectively. Mortality rates for PSD patients during admission and discharge at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year were 11.8% (95% CI, 0.083-0.152), 26.5% (95% CI, 0.170-0.359), 25.7% (95% CI, 0.19-0.324), and 31.3% (95% CI, 0.256-0.369), respectively.

Conclusion

This study found that the overall prevalence of PSD was 46.6%. Prevalence is most influenced by the diagnosis method. Hypertension, history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, patient age, and stroke severity were risk factors significantly associated with PSD. The prevalence of aphasia, dysarthria, respiratory tract infection, and pneumonitis in PSD patients is 2-4 times that of patients without PSD.Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, PROSPERO, CRD42021252967.

Improving swallowing function with thickening agents in post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a real-world experience

INTRODUCTION

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a widely prevalent and possibly life-threatening consequence that may lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and higher mortality risk. Recommending thickened fluids (TF) is a longstanding practice in the management of dysphagia. Augmenting liquid viscosity with a xanthan gum-based thickener benefits patients with PSD by aiding in the enhancement of bolus control, facilitating improved coordination in the swallowing mechanism, and lowering the risk of aspiration. Despite the widespread use of TF, limited high-quality evidence supports its benefits in PSD.

CASE REPORT

This manuscript presents the clinical experience with four varied cases of PSD. A comprehensive approach to management with TF decreased the risk of aspiration pneumonia and facilitated effective management of dietary recommendations both during hospitalization and after discharge (all Cases). In addition, TF maintained nutrition and hydration in patients with multiple hospital admissions (Case 2), maintained hydration in those unable to engage in swallow rehabilitation due to complex medical conditions (Cases 2, 3, and 4), and those who needed slow and longer recovery due to long-term risk of silent aspiration (Cases 2, 3, and 4). In one case (Case 4), the use of TF was extended for more than two years post-stroke with no reported incidence of chest infection.

CONCLUSION

In routine clinical practice, a comprehensive management approach with xanthan gum-based TFs reduces the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in patients with PSD while maintaining nutritional and hydration and improving swallowing function based on formal instrumental assessments. This clinical experience highlights the pivotal role of instrumental assessment, patient education, and informed decision-making to optimize outcomes with TF.

Apraisal of the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia

Introduction

The gag reflex is a protection mechanism that prevents food and unwanted agents from entering the lower airways. It is usually part of the physical examination of swallowing to detect oropharyngeal dysphagia, but it is a potentially ambiguous sign.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and adults without it.

Materials and methods

We conducted an analytical observational study in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (cases) and patients without dysphagia (controls). We evaluated the absence or presence of the reflex bilaterally, by direct visualization, and adjusted it according to sex, age, and other interaction variables.

Results

We included 86 patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and 80 control subjects. The gag reflex on swallowing physical examination showed a positive relationship with the patients (right side: OR = 3.97; 95 % CI: 2.01-7.84; left side: OR = 4.84; 95 % CI: 2.41-9.72), but a negative association with the control group. In both groups, neither sex, nor age, nor other interaction variables modified the gag reflex.

Conclusions

The gag reflex absence or presence does not confirm or exclude the existence of oropharyngeal dysphagia due to neurological and neuromuscular causes. Therefore, health professionals must not rely on this reflex. Clinicians must go beyond a simple reflex revision, even in neurological patients where it is supposed to be absent.

The effect of behavioral therapy on dysphagia of acute ischemic stroke patients feeding with a nasogastric tube

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the impact of behavioral therapy on dysphagia in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing nasogastric tube feeding. The study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2022 at the Neurological Center of Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam, with a sample size of 230 patients divided into two groups: a normal and a behavioral therapy group. The normal therapy group received routine care and treatment based on standard protocols, while the behavioral therapy group underwent daily swallowing exercises for approximately 60 minutes. The Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) was utilized to screen individuals with dysphagia, and the difference-in-differences (DID) method was adopted to estimate the effect of behavioral therapy on dysphagia patients. The study concluded that behavioral therapy improved dysphagia in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing nasogastric tube feeding. This study highlights the potential of behavioral therapy as an effective intervention for dysphagia rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Best Practice Recommendations for Dysphagia Management in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Delphi Study from Multidisciplinary Experts in Turkey

There is no study about all aspects of oropharyngoesophageal (OPE) dysphagia from diagnosis to follow-up in a multidisciplinary manner in the world. In order to close this gap, we aimed to create a recommendation study that can be used in clinical practice, addressing all aspects of dysphagia in the ICU in detail with the opinion of experienced multidisciplinary experts. This recommendation paper was generated by a multidisciplinary team, using the seven-step process and a three-modified Delphi round via e-mail. Firstly, 15 open-ended questions were created, and then detailed recommendations including general principles, management, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and follow-up were created with the answers from these questions, Each recommendation item was voted on by the experts as overall consensus (strong recommendation), approaching consensus (weak recommendation), and divergent consensus (not recommended).In the first Delphi round, a questionnaire consisting of 413 items evaluated with a scale of 0-10 was prepared from the opinions and suggestions given to 15 open-ended questions. In the second Delphi round, 55.4% were accepted and revised suggestions were created. At the end of the third Delphi round, the revised suggestion form was approved again and the final proposals containing 133 items were created. This study includes comprehensive and detailed recommendations, including a broad perspective from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, as detailed as possible, for management of dysphagia in patients with both oropharyngeal- and esophageal-dysphagia in ICU.

Short-term and long-term effects of unilateral external carotid artery ligation on orofacial functions in rats

The external carotid artery (ECA) plays a major role in supplying blood to the head and neck. Although impeded blood flow in the ECA is expected to affect orofacial functions, few studies have shown how blood flow obstruction in the ECA contributes to impairment of these functions, including chewing and swallowing. This study was performed to investigate the effects of ECA ligation (ECAL) on immediate and long-term changes in masticatory and swallowing functions as well as the jaw-opening reflex evoked in the digastric muscle. The experiments were carried out using male Sprague-Dawley rats. In the acute experiment, the digastric reflex evoked by low-threshold electrical stimulation of the inferior alveolar nerve and the swallow reflex, identified by digastric and thyrohyoid electromyographic (EMG) bursts, were compared between before and 1 h after ECAL. The chronic experiment was conducted on freely moving rats. EMGs of the masseter, digastric, and thyrohyoid muscles were chronically recorded. The long-term effects of ECAL on behavior and muscle histology were compared between rats with an intact ECA and rats with ECAL. In the acute experiment, the peak amplitude of the digastric reflex on the ECAL side was significantly decreased 1 h after ECAL. In the chronic experiment, although most parameters of the masticatory and swallowing EMGs were not significantly different between the groups, the results suggest wide variation of the effect of ECAL on the muscles. Blood supply compensation from collaterals of the internal carotid artery may be permanent in some animals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The inhibitory effect of unilateral external carotid artery ligation (ECAL) on the ipsilateral digastric reflex was small but evident. Most parameters of masticatory and swallowing muscle activity were not significantly different after ECAL. Wide variation was noted in the effect of ECAL on the ipsilateral muscle activity. Blood supply compensation from collaterals of the internal carotid artery may occur in response to the impaired blood flow.

Machine-learning assisted swallowing assessment: a deep learning-based quality improvement tool to screen for post-stroke dysphagia

Introduction

Post-stroke dysphagia is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, rendering bedside screening of significant clinical importance. Using voice as a biomarker coupled with deep learning has the potential to improve patient access to screening and mitigate the subjectivity associated with detecting voice change, a component of several validated screening protocols.

Methods

In this single-center study, we developed a proof-of-concept model for automated dysphagia screening and evaluated the performance of this model on training and testing cohorts. Patients were admitted to a comprehensive stroke center, where primary English speakers could follow commands without significant aphasia and participated on a rolling basis. The primary outcome was classification either as a pass or fail equivalent using a dysphagia screening test as a label. Voice data was recorded from patients who spoke a standardized set of vowels, words, and sentences from the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Seventy patients were recruited and 68 were included in the analysis, with 40 in training and 28 in testing cohorts, respectively. Speech from patients was segmented into 1,579 audio clips, from which 6,655 Mel-spectrogram images were computed and used as inputs for deep-learning models (DenseNet and ConvNext, separately and together). Clip-level and participant-level swallowing status predictions were obtained through a voting method.

Results

The models demonstrated clip-level dysphagia screening sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 77% (F1 = 0.73, AUC = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.78-0.82]). At the participant level, the sensitivity and specificity were 89 and 79%, respectively (F1 = 0.81, AUC = 0.91 [95% CI: 0.77-1.05]).

Discussion

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of applying deep learning to classify vocalizations to detect post-stroke dysphagia. Our findings suggest potential for enhancing dysphagia screening in clinical settings. https://github.com/UofTNeurology/masa-open-source.

Swallowing capacity and gravity of the laryngotracheal aspiration risk in atypical cerebellar stroke: case report

This case report aimed to evaluate the swallowing capacity and the severity of the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration of a 52-year-old female patient with atypical and rare stroke, with major injury in the cerebellar pathway. In order to measure swallowing capacity and risk of aspiration a routine clinical assessment used in the speech therapy clinic was performed and two valid clinical tests were used: Massey Bedside Swallowing Screen (MBSS) and Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). After evaluation with the clinical tests, it was observed that the patient had reduced swallowing capacity, performance characterized as pathological, 100% dysfunction in the water swallowing test (MBSS), presence of choking, coughing, change in vocal quality and anterior escape. In the assessment of risk of aspiration with the GUSS, the patient presented moderate dysphagia and risk of laryngotracheal aspiration.This case report demonstrated that moderate dysphagia is found in a stroke patient with lesions that affect the cerebellum. Standardized and validated clinical tests such as GUSS and MBSS should also be used to assess the risk of dysphagia after stroke at ambulatory care.

Gustatory stimulus interventions for older adults with dysphagia: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Gustatory stimulus interventions have been shown to improve swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, the optimal intervention strategies as well as their effects and safety remain unclear.

AIMS

To explore current evidence regarding gustatory stimulus interventions for dysphagia in older adults.

METHODS

Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Sinomed) were searched from their inception to August 2022.

RESULTS

This review identified 263 articles, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. The types of gustatory stimulus interventions included spicy (n = 10), sour (n = 3), and mixed (sour-sweet) stimuli (n = 2), with most studies focusing on spicy stimuli. The most frequently reported spicy stimulus was capsaicin. Further, the most commonly reported intervention frequency was thrice a day before meals for 1-4 weeks. The stimuli concentrations and dosages could not be standardized due to the among-study heterogeneity. These studies reported 16 assessment tools and 42 outcomes, which mainly included videofluoroscopy and swallowing response time respectively. More than half of the included studies reported no adverse effects of gustatory stimulus interventions.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSIONS

Gustatory stimulus interventions improved swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, assessment tools and outcomes for dysphagia should be standardized in the future, and explore personalized interventions based on different diseases and their stages, to determine the most cost-effective interventions, and to prevent its complications.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting dysphagia in long-term care facility residents

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is a common problem that can seriously affect the health of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Early identification and targeted measures can significantly reduce the incidence of dysphagia.

AIM

This study aims to establish a nomogram to evaluate the risk of dysphagia for elderly residents in long-term care facilities.

METHODS

A total of 409 older adults were included in the development set, and 109 were included in the validation set. Least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select the predictor variables, and logistic regression was used to establish the prediction model. The nomogram was constructed based on the results of logistic regression. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Internal validation was performed using tenfold cross-validation with 1000 iterations.

RESULTS

The predictive nomogram included the following variables: stroke, sputum suction history (within one year), Barthel Index (BI), nutrition status, and texture-modified food. The area under the curve (AUC) for the model was 0.800; the AUC value for the internal validation set was 0.791, and the AUC value for the external validation set was 0.824. The nomogram showed good calibration in both the development set and validation set. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically valuable.

DISCUSSION

This predictive nomogram provides a practical tool for predicting dysphagia. The variables included in this nomogram were easy to assess.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram may help long-term care facility staff identify older adults at high risk for dysphagia.

The role of oral and pharyngeal motor exercises in post-stroke recovery: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze intervention goals, protocols, and outcome measures used for oral and pharyngeal motor exercises in post-stroke recovery.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched in September 2022.

METHODS

Studies were included if they (1) recruited post-stroke adult patients, (2) administered exercises for the oral and/ or pharyngeal muscles, and (3) reported results at baseline and post-exercise. The extracted data included intervention goals, protocols, and outcomes. All outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies were identified. Their intervention goals aimed to rehabilitate a broad spectrum of muscle groups within the oral cavity and pharynx and to improve the functions of swallowing, speech, facial expressions, or sleep breathing. Protocol duration ranged from 1 to 13 weeks, with various exercise repetitions (times per day) and frequency (days per week). Half of the studies reported using feedback to support the training, and these studies varied in the feedback strategy and technology tool. A total of 37 unique outcome measures were identified. Most measures represented the body functions and body structure component of the ICF, and several of these measures showed large treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrated inconsistency across published studies in intervention goals and exercise protocols. It has also identified current limitations and provided recommendations for the selection of outcome measures while advancing a multidisciplinary view of oral and pharyngeal exercises in post-stroke recovery across relevant functions.

A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Clinical Study of Cross Electro-Nape-Acupuncture (CENA) for the Treatment of Pseudobulbar Palsy in Patients with Tracheotomy Intubation for Severe Cerebral Haemorrhage

Objective

The objective is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of cross electro-nape-acupuncture (CENA) in the treatment of pseudobulbar palsy in patients with tracheotomy intubation for severe cerebral haemorrhage and to provide an innovative acupuncture method for the treatment of such patients.

Methods

A total of 126 patients from six trial centres who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method in the ratio of 1 : 1 : 1, with 42 patients in each group, and the three groups were divided into CENA group, electro-acupuncture group, and acupuncture group. Each group's acupuncture treatment lasted for 30 minutes, and the needles were removed at the end of the treatment. Acupuncture was performed once a week on Sunday only and twice a day from Monday to Saturday, a total of 4 weeks of treatment. The SWT, FDA, ChSWAL-QOL, and TCRGS scores of the three groups of patients before and after treatment were compared to evaluate the effect of CENA on remodelling the function of swallowing reflex and cough reflex and promoting the recovery of dysarthria and swallowing quality of life in pseudobulbar palsy in patients with tracheotomy intubation for severe cerebral haemorrhage.

Results

After treatment, the WST and TCRGS grade scores decreased and the FDA and ChSWAL-QOL scores increased significantly in all three groups compared with the pretreatment scores and were statistically significant. There was a significant difference between the three groups for these four indicators after treatment; the comparison between groups showed significant differences in the CENA group compared to the electro-acupuncture and acupuncture groups. The efficiency of the CENA group was significantly better than that of the electro-acupuncture and acupuncture groups.

Conclusion

Compared with the acupuncture and electro-acupuncture groups, the CENA could better promote the remodelling of swallowing function and cough reflex function, promote the recovery of dysarthria, and better improve the quality of life of patients with pseudobulbar palsy from tracheotomy intubation in severe cerebral haemorrhage.

Differences in the oral health status in hospitalised stroke patients according to swallowing function: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is one of the common complications caused by stroke, leading to poor oral health. Oral health is often neglected after stroke by clinical care providers and the patients. Identifying the status of oral health in hospitalised stroke patients with swallowing disorders will facilitate the attention of clinical care providers.

AIM

To investigate the differences in the oral health status between hospitalised post-stroke patients with dysphagia and non-dysphagia.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Participants included hospitalised post-stroke patients with dysphagia and without dysphagia. Stroke patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital in China. A total of 120 stroke patients completed the survey. The data collected included their demographics, the scores on the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). The study was compliant with the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

The average age of the dysphagia group was 67 (64~76) vs the participants without dysphagia group 67 (65~76), (p = .610). The mean standard deviation (SD) OHAT score of participants with dysphagia was 5.28 (2.33) compared to participants without dysphagia 8.89 (3.07), (p < .05). This result indicates post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) patients had worse oral health than stroke patients without dysphagia. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that oral health status was the independent influencing factor of swallowing function (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The participants with dysphagia had worse oral health status compared to those without dysphagia, illustrating the critical importance of improving attention to oral health management in patients with post-stroke swallowing disorders.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Oral health was often omitted when comparing to other functional impairments resulting from stroke. Health caregivers of post-stroke patients with dysphagia should be aware of the importance of evaluating patient's oral condition and implementing oral care.

Factors Contributing to Complete Oral Intake in Dysphagic Stroke Patients with Enteral Feeding Tubes in Convalescent Rehabilitation Wards

Objectives:

This study investigated the factors contributing to complete oral intake (COI) in dysphagic stroke patients with enteral feeding tubes in the local clinical setting.

Methods:

Data of patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding on admission to convalescent rehabilitation wards (CRWs) were extracted from the Kaga Regional Cooperation Clinical Pathway for Stroke database for multiple centers including 19 acute care hospitals and 11 hospitals with CRWs. Patients were divided into two groups based on their status regarding COI or incomplete oral intake (ICOI) at discharge. Logistic regression analysis with forced-entry variables was used to identify factors contributing to COI.

Results:

On discharge from CRWs, COI and ICOI were observed in 140 and 207 cases, respectively. The COI group was younger, had a higher rate of initial stroke, higher Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, higher Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor and cognitive scores, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), lower rate of patients with PEG, and shorter stays in acute care wards. Logistic regression analysis with forced entry revealed that younger age; initial stroke; higher FOIS score, FIM cognitive score, and BMI; and shorter stay in the acute care ward contributed to COI.

Conclusions:

The primary factors contributing to COI in dysphagic stroke patients with enteral feeding tubes were younger age, initial stroke, higher swallowing and cognitive function, good nutritional status, and shorter stay in the acute care ward.

Dosages of swallowing exercises in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To investigate the dosages of swallowing exercises reported in intervention studies on post-stroke dysphagia through systematic review.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched from inception until February 2022 with reference tracing of included studies. Studies were included, where adults with post-stroke dysphagia received rehabilitative, behavioural swallowing exercises, pre/post outcomes were reported, and intervention dosage was described in detail, including frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise. Two reviewers independently screened studies and rated quality using ASHA Levels of Evidence tool. Data was tabulated and narratively described.

RESULTS

54 studies were included with a total 1501 participants. Studies included 28 randomised controlled trials, 8 non-randomised controlled trials, 12 pre/post studies, 3 retrospective case controls and 3 case studies. Results showed inconsistent reporting of intervention dosage, with intensity the least consistently reported dosage component. While swallowing intervention was most commonly provided five times per week for four weeks, there was a wide breadth of type, frequency, intensity and duration of swallowing exercises reported. Dosage under-reporting and variation was particularly observed in "standard care" co-interventions or control groups. Study strengths included following PRISMA guidelines, providing a comprehensive review of swallowing exercise methodology and dosages, and including non-English studies. The limitation was lack of meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Dosages of swallowing exercises are inconsistently reported and vary significantly in post-stroke dysphagia studies. Results indicate the need for consistent and comprehensive dosage reporting in dysphagia studies, and for further research into evidence-based principles to optimise swallowing exercise dosages.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

131294.

The Effect of Sensory Level Versus Motor Level Electrical Stimulation of Pharyngeal Muscles in Acute Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Randomized Trial

Dysphagia is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in stroke survivors. Electrical stimulation is often included as part of the treatment plan for dysphagia and can be applied at a sensory or motor level intensity. However, evidence to support these different modes of stimulation is lacking. This study compared the effectiveness of sensory and motor level stimulation on post-stroke dysphagia. This is a randomized trial conducted in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Thirty-one participants who had dysphagia caused by stroke within 6 months prior to enrolment were included. Participants were excluded if they had a contraindication for electrical stimulation, previous stroke, psychiatric disorder, contraindications for modified barium swallow study (MBSS), or pre-morbid dysphagia. Each patient received ten sessions that included 45 min of anterior neck sensory or motor level electrical stimulation in addition to traditional dysphagia therapy. Motor stimulation was administered at an intensity sufficient to produce muscle contractions. Sensory stimulation was defined as the threshold at which the patient feels a tingling sensation on their skin. Swallow functional assessment measure (FAM), dysphagia outcome severity scale (DOSS), national outcome measurement system (NOMS), penetration aspiration scale (PAS), diet change, and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). Clinical outcomes were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann–Whitney U test, RM ANOVA, or chi-square analysis. There was no significant difference in age, length of stay, or initial swallow FAM between groups. Patients in the sensory group showed significant improvement on swallow FAM, DOSS, and NOMS, while those in the motor group did not (Sensory: Swallow FAM (S = 48, p = 0.01), DOSS (S = 49.5, p = 0.001), NOMS (S = 52.5, p = 0.006); Motor: Swallow FAM (S = 20.5, p = 0.2), DOSS (S = 21, p = 0.05), NOMS (S = 29.5, p = 0.2)). When the groups were combined, there was statistically significant improvement on all measures except the PAS (Swallow FAM (S = 138.5, p = 0.003), DOSS (S = 134.5, p < 0.001), NOMS (S = 164, p = 0.0004)). When comparing motor to sensory NMES, there was no significant difference between groups for Swallow FAM (p = .12), DOSS (p = 0.52), or NOMS (p = 0.41). There was no significant difference in diet change for solid food or liquids among the groups, although 50% more participants in the sensory group saw improvement in diet. This study supports the use of electrical stimulation as part of the treatment plan for post-stroke dysphagia. Sensory-level stimulation was associated with greater improvement on outcome measures compared to motor level stimulation.

Early assessment of aspiration risk in acute stroke by fiberoptic endoscopy in critically ill patients

Background

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been recommended to assess aspiration in stroke. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic roles of FEES in the early assessment of aspiration, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mortality in acute stroke patients.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with acute stroke admitted to the Alexandria Main University Hospital were included. Complete examinations and assessment of aspiration using the 8-point penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) with FEES protocol were performed.

Results

The patients were classified into three groups: normal with no or low risk of aspiration (n=15, 27.3%; PAS level 1), low to moderate risk (n=8, 14.5%; PAS level 2–4), and high risk (n=32, 58.2%; PAS ≥5). There was high incidence of aspiration pneumonia, prolonged ICU stay, and mortality in both moderate- and high-risk groups (P=0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The PAS score predicted aspiration pneumonia (hospital-acquired pneumonia) with sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 76.0%, respectively (negative predictive value [NPV], 76.0; positive predictive value [PPV], 80.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.706–0.940) and mortality with sensitivity and specificity of 88.46% and 68.97% (NPV, 87.0; PPV, 71.9; 95% CI, 0.749–0.951). The PAS score could predict the length of ICU stay with sensitivity and specificity of 70.21% and 87.50, respectively (NPV, 33.3; PPV, 97.1; 95% CI, 0.605–0.906).

Conclusions

The standard FEES protocol using PAS score is a useful tool to assess aspiration in acute stroke patients and could be used to predict length of ICU stay and mortality.

Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on post-stroke pneumonia: Current development status and research Frontiers

Background

As one of the most common complications of stroke, post-stroke pneumonia significantly increases the incidence of adverse outcomes, mortality, and healthcare costs for patients with stroke. As the field of post-stroke pneumonia has gained interest in the recent years, there has been an increasing number of publications on post-stroke pneumonia research worldwide. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the field is needed now. This paper is intended to analyze the research status and detect the research frontiers in this field.

Methods

VOS viewer, CiteSpace, and the online scientometric platform (https://bibliometric.com/) were the main visualization tools used in this paper. They were used to perform citation analysis of countries/institutions, co-citation analysis of authors/journals/references, co-authorship analysis of authors, co-occurrence analysis of keywords, and citation bursts analysis of references.

Results

The number of publications in this field has increased rapidly since 2010 and is expected to continue to increase in the next few years. The countries contributing most to post-stroke pneumonia research were the USA, China, and Germany. The most productive institution was Harvard University, followed by Humboldt University of Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Free University of Berlin from Germany. Meanwhile, the German authors Meisel A, Meisel C, and Dirnagl U, who have contributed significantly to this field, were all associated with these three German institutions. The high-quality and high output journal was STROKE. In the coming years, the hot topic keywords “risk & risk-factors,” “outcome & impact,” “management & guidelines,” and “predictors” will gain more attention in this field. Finally, hot keywords were grouped into four clusters in this paper: cluster 1 (risk-factors studies of post-stroke pneumonia), cluster 2 (clinically relevant studies of post-stroke pneumonia), cluster 3 (mechanism studies of post-stroke pneumonia), and cluster 4 (care studies of post-stroke pneumonia).

Conclusion

This study shows the knowledge structure and evolution of the field of post-stroke pneumonia research and predicts research trends through visualization analysis. The future trend of post-stroke pneumonia research will gradually shift from clinical and mechanistic studies to treatment and prevention studies.

Effects of vitamin C stimulation on rehabilitation of dysphagia after stroke: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a clinical syndrome of localized or global brain dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular disease.

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of vitamin C acid stimulation on the rehabilitation process, Nourishment State Index and immune function indicators of stroke patients with dysphagia.

DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at our hospital.

POPULATION

We analyzed stroke patients with dysphagia.

METHODS

A total of 120 stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into a routine group and a test group, with 60 cases in each group. Routine swallowing training was performed in the routine group, and the test group was stimulated with vitamin C acid. The water swallow test (WST) and video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were used to compare the rehabilitation of dysphagia in the two groups. Nourishment State Index was evaluated by BMI, serum albumin, total serum protein and hemoglobin. Immune Function Index was evaluated by IgA, IgM and IgG.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the WST level of patients treated with vitamin C acid stimulation intervention were significantly reduced, and the VFSS score were significantly increased. Serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin, total protein, IgA, IgM and IgG in the vitamin C acid stimulation group were remarkably increased than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C acid stimulation exhibits a good application effect in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Moreover, vitamin C acid stimulation can further improve the nutritional status and immune function after stroke and promote postoperative recovery of patients. Therefore, we believe that vitamin C stimulation therapy can be widely used in stroke rehabilitation management.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Vitamin C acid stimulation significantly improves rehabilitation of stroke patients with dysphagia and ameliorates the nutritional status and immune function of patients.

Incidence of Poststroke Depression in Patients With Poststroke Dysphagia

PURPOSE

Poststroke dysphagia and poststroke depression (PSD) can have devastating effects on stroke survivors, including increased burden of care, higher health care costs, poor quality of life, and greater mortality; however, there is a dearth of research examining depression in patients diagnosed with dysphagia after stroke. Thus, we aimed to study the incidence of PSD in patients with poststroke dysphagia to provide foundational knowledge about this patient population.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of individuals with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and secondary diagnoses of dysphagia and/or depression using administrative claims data from the 2017 Medicare 5% Limited Data Set.

RESULTS

The proportion of depression diagnosis in patients with poststroke dysphagia was significantly higher than the proportion of depression diagnosis in those without poststroke dysphagia during acute hospitalization: 12.01% versus 9.52%, respectively (p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that persons with poststroke dysphagia were as, or slightly more, likely to have PSD compared to the general stroke population, and to our knowledge, they establish the first reported incidence of PSD in Medicare patients with dysphagia after AIS. Future research is warranted to further explore the effects of PSD on poststroke dysphagia.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and jejunostomy: Indications and techniques

Nutritional support is essential in patients who have a limited capability to maintain their body weight. Therefore, oral feeding is the main approach for such patients. When physiological nutrition is not possible, positioning of a nasogastric, nasojejunal tube, or other percutaneous devices may be feasible alternatives. Creating a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a suitable option to be evaluated for patients that need nutritional support for more than 4 wk. Many diseases require nutritional support by PEG, with neurological, oncological, and catabolic diseases being the most common. PEG can be performed endoscopically by various techniques, radiologically or surgically, with different outcomes and related adverse events (AEs). Moreover, some patients that need a PEG placement are fragile and are unable to express their will or sign a written informed consent. These conditions highlight many ethical problems that become difficult to manage as treatment progresses. The aim of this manuscript is to review all current endoscopic techniques for percutaneous access, their indications, postprocedural follow-up, and AEs.

The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Cerebellar Swallowing Cortex on Brain Neural Activities: A Resting-State fMRI Study

Objective

The effects and possible mechanisms of cerebellar high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on swallowing-related neural networks were studied using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Method

A total of 23 healthy volunteers were recruited, and 19 healthy volunteers were finally included for the statistical analysis. Before stimulation, the cerebellar hemisphere dominant for swallowing was determined by the single-pulse TMS. The cerebellar representation of the suprahyoid muscles of this hemisphere was selected as the target for stimulation with 10 Hz rTMS, 100% resting motor threshold (rMT), and 250 pulses, with every 1 s of stimulation followed by an interval of 9 s. The motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the suprahyoid muscles in the bilateral cerebral cortex was measured before and after stimulation to evaluate the cortical excitability. Forty-eight hours after elution, rTMS was reapplied on the dominant cerebellar representation of the suprahyoid muscles with the same stimulation parameters. Rs-fMRI was performed before and after stimulation to observe the changes in amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homology (ReHo) at 0.01–0.08 Hz, 0.01–0.027 Hz, and 0.027–0.073 Hz.

Results

After cerebellar high-frequency rTMS, MEP recorded from swallowing-related bilateral cerebral cortex was increased. The results of rs-fMRI showed that at 0.01–0.08 Hz, ALFF was increased at the pons, right cerebellum, and medulla and decreased at the left temporal lobe, and ReHo was decreased at the left insular lobe, right temporal lobe, and corpus callosum. At 0.01–0.027 Hz, ALFF was decreased at the left temporal lobe, and ReHo was decreased at the right temporal lobe, left putamen, and left supplementary motor area.

Conclusion

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the swallowing cortex in the dominant cerebellar hemisphere increased the bilateral cerebral swallowing cortex excitability and enhanced pontine, bulbar, and cerebellar spontaneous neural activity, suggesting that unilateral high-frequency stimulation of the cerebellum can excite both brainstem and cortical swallowing centers. These findings all provide favorable support for the application of cerebellar rTMS in the clinical practice.

Improving Non-Invasive Aspiration Detection With Auxiliary Classifier Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks

Aspiration is a serious complication of swallowing disorders. Adequate detection of aspiration is essential in dysphagia management and treatment. High-resolution cervical auscultation has been increasingly considered as a promising noninvasive swallowing screening tool and has inspired automatic diagnosis with advanced algorithms. The performance of such algorithms relies heavily on the amount of training data. However, the practical collection of cervical auscultation signal is an expensive and time-consuming process because of the clinical settings and trained experts needed for acquisition and interpretations. Furthermore, the relatively infrequent incidence of severe airway invasion during swallowing studies constrains the performance of machine learning models. Here, we produced supplementary training exemplars for desired class by capturing the underlying distribution of original cervical auscultation signal features using auxiliary classifier Wasserstein generative adversarial networks. A 10-fold subject cross-validation was conducted on 2079 sets of 36-dimensional signal features collected from 189 patients undergoing swallowing examinations. The proposed data augmentation outperforms basic data sampling, cost-sensitive learning and other generative models with significant enhancement. This demonstrates the remarkable potential of proposed network in improving classification performance using cervical auscultation signals and paves the way of developing accurate noninvasive swallowing evaluation in dysphagia care.

Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Lateralization of the Human Swallowing Motor Cortex Excitability by Navigation-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Electromyography

Background

The use of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electromyography for the functional evaluation of the cerebral cortex in both clinical and non-clinical populations is becoming increasingly common. Numerous studies have shown that electro-acupuncture (EA) can regulate cerebral cortical excitability. However, the effect of EA on the lateralization of the human swallowing motor cortex excitability is not yet fully understood.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess whether lateralization is present in the swallowing motor cortex of healthy subjects, and to investigate the impact of EA at Lianquan (CV23) and Fengfu (GV16) on lateralization.

Methods

Forty subjects were randomized 1:1 into the EA group and the sham-EA group. The bilateral swallowing motor cortices was located by a neuroimaging navigation system. Then, the resting motor threshold (RMT) and motor evoked potential (MEP) of the mylohyoid of healthy subjects were recorded while applying combined transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography before and after EA or sham-EA.

Results

First, the RMT and MEP latency of the contralateral mylohyoid innervated by the right swallowing cortex (71.50 ± 1.67%, 8.30 ± 0.06 ms) were lower than those innervated by the left (79.38 ± 1.27%, 8.40 ± 0.06 ms). Second, EA at CV23 and GV16 reduced the bilateral RMT and enhanced the bilateral MEP latency and amplitude (P = 0.005, P < 0.001; P = 0.002, P = 0.001; P = 0.002, P = 0.009), while sham-EA did not (P > 0.05). Third, EA had an effect on the RMT and MEP latency in terms of lateralization changes, but this was not significant (P = 0.067, P = 0.156).

Conclusion

The right swallowing motor cortex of healthy subjects is more excitable than that of the left at resting state. Thus, we found that lateralization is present in the swallowing motor cortex of healthy people, which might indicate a hemispheric dominance of swallowing predominates in the right swallowing motor cortex. In addition, EA at CV23 and GV16 can instantly promote the excitability of the bilateral swallowing motor cortices. But there was no significant difference in EA stimulation in terms of lateralization.

The association between frailty of older stroke patients during hospitalization and one-year all-cause mortality: A multicenter survey in China

Objective

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome defined as multiple deficits, impairing the capacity to figure out insult. Previous studies have reported a significant association between frailty and mortality in stroke patients. This study aimed to explore the association between frailty and mortality among older Chinese stroke patients.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in older Chinese inpatients from October 2018 to February 2020, and patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke including hemorrhage and ischemia, were included in our study. Frailty of older inpatients with stroke from six hospitals was measured by the FRAIL scale, and a one-year follow-up was performed by well-trained nurses of these hospitals via telephone. Multivariable logistic regression was used to detect the association between frailty and one-year mortality.

Results

A total of 530 stroke patients with an average age of 72.94 (SD = 5.79) years were included in the present study. There were 37 (7.0%) hemorrhagic strokes and 493 (93.0%) ischemic strokes, with 228 (43.0%) females in this population. The prevalence of frailty was 22.5%. In the logistic regression model with adjustment for age, sex, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), basic activities of daily living (ADL), education, history of falls, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, low handgrip strength, type of stroke and polypharmacy, stroke patients with frailty had an increased risk of one-year mortality compared to those without frailty (OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.22–9.37, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that frailty was an independent risk factor for one-year all-cause mortality among older stroke patients in China. Frailty may be an essential factor for clinicians to consider before making a comprehensive treatment, and corresponding mixed interventions, including exercise training and nutritional programs, need to be conducted among older stroke patients.

The value of diffusion weighted imaging-alberta stroke program early CT score in predicting stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with acute cerebral infarction: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS) in predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 291 patients who suffered acute cerebral infarction for the first time were included in this retrospective study. DWI-ASPECTS was assessed and clinical data were collected in order to find the risk factors of SAP, and a logistic regression model was used to investigate the effect of predicting SAP. Furthermore, correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between DWI-ASPECTS and the immume status of the body.

RESULTS

Among the 291 patients, 74 (25.4%) subjects were diagnosed with SAP. Compared with non-SAP, the patients with SAP were older and had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. The SAP group also had a significantly lower DWI-ASPECTS than did the non-SAP group (P < 0.01). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the DWI-ASPECTS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.438; 95% CI [1.158-1.787]; P < 0.01) remained significant after adjusting for confounders. What's more, the predictive ability of DWI-ASPECTS (AUC = 0.743 >0.7, 95% CI [0.678-0.800]) had acceptable discriminatory abilities. By the correlation analysis, DWI-ASPECTS was found to be negatively correlated with the count of white blood cell, neutrophils, monocytes, neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and positively correlated with the count of lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

DWI-ASPECTS grades could predict stroke-associated pneumonia for patients with acute ischemic stroke, and combining grade with age, AF, or NIHSS could predict SAP events more accurately.

The effects of endovascular clot retrieval and thrombolysis on dysphagia in an Australian quaternary hospital: A retrospective review

Dysphagia (impaired swallowing) is known to contribute to decreased quality of life, and increased length of hospital stay and mortality post-stroke. Despite the advancements in stroke treatment with the introduction of thrombolysis and endovascular clot retrieval (ECR), patients continue to present with high rates of dysphagia. Speech and language therapists and stroke teams should consider the presence of haemorrhagic transformation, success of reperfusion and presence of communication deficits as risk factors for dysphagia post-ECR and/or thrombolysis.

PURPOSE

To establish incidence rates and patterns of dysphagia following the administration of reperfusion therapies in acute ischaemic stroke management.

METHOD

A retrospective review of 193 patients admitted with acute ischaemic stroke to a quaternary stroke unit in Australia over a three year period was completed. Clinical information extracted included demographics, type (thrombolysis and/or endovascular clot retrieval) and success of reperfusion therapy, and the progression of dysphagia and related factors.

RESULTS

Over half of all patients treated with reperfusion therapies presented with dysphagia on initial assessment by speech-language pathology (SLP). The type of reperfusion therapy administered was not significantly correlated with the presence of dysphagia. Dysphagia on initial assessment was significantly correlated with the presence of aphasia on initial assessment, the presence of haemorrhagic transformation, and the success of reperfusion. Increased rates of enteral feeding were also found in this study compared to figures reported in literature.

CONCLUSION

This study identified ongoing high rates of dysphagia amongst this patient population regardless of treatment type, demonstrating the need for ongoing SLP management post stroke. Further research is required in this area to develop an evidence-base for SLPs and the wider medical team and to inform clinical practice guidelines.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death internationally. Dysphagia (impaired swallowing), a common sequalae of stroke, is known to contribute to decreased quality of life, increased length of hospital stay and mortality. With advancements in technology, treatments for acute ischaemic stroke (endovascular clot retrieval and thrombolysis) are increasing in popularity. However, limited research exists exploring the impact of these therapies on dysphagia. What this paper adds Despite the advancements in stroke treatment, patients continue to present with high rates of dysphagia. Dysphagia following thrombolysis and/or ECR was found to be significantly correlated to the presence of aphasia, haemorrhagic transformation, and the success of reperfusion (regardless of treatment type). Additionally, increased rates of enteral feeding were found amongst this patient population compared to figures reported in the literature for patients following traditional stroke management. Clinical implications of this study Speech-language pathologists and the wider medical team should consider dysphagia as an ongoing consequence of stroke following reperfusion therapies, with consideration for success of reperfusion and adverse outcomes i.e., haemorrhagic transformation. Further research is required to provide an evidence-base and specific guidelines for the management of dysphagia post reperfusion therapies, including use of enteral feeding.

Stroke and breathing

Stroke remains a leading cause of neurologic disability with wide ranging effects, including a variety of respiratory abnormalities. Stroke may influence the central control of the respiratory drive and breathing pattern, airway protection and maintenance, and the respiratory mechanics of inspiration and expiration. In the acute phase of stroke, the central control of breathing is affected by changes in consciousness, cerebral edema, and direct damage to brainstem respiratory centers, resulting in abnormalities in respiratory pattern and loss of airway protection. Common acute complications related to respiratory dysfunction include dysphagia, aspiration, and pneumonia. Respiratory control centers are located in the brainstem, and brainstem stroke causes specific patterns of respiratory dysfunction. Depending on the exact location and extent of stroke, respiratory failure may occur. While major respiratory abnormalities often improve over time, sleep-disordered breathing remains common in the subacute and chronic phases and worsens outcomes. Respiratory mechanics are impaired in hemiplegic or hemiparetic stroke, contributing to worse cardiopulmonary health in stroke survivors. Interventions to address the respiratory complications are under researched, and further investigation in this area is critical to improving outcomes among stroke survivors.

Biofeedback as an Adjunctive Treatment for Post-stroke Dysphagia: A Pilot-Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-stroke dysphagia affects almost half of the survivors and severely influences quality of life, thus becoming swallowing rehabilitation of paramount importance. However, there is little adequate evidence on which the best rehabilitative strategy can be. Surface electromyography (sEMG) allows for recording swallowing muscles' activity and provides real time visual feedback, as a biofeedback adjunctive technique to improve treatment outcome. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of biofeedback rehabilitation of swallowing through sEMG compared to standard techniques, in post-stroke dysphagia.

METHODS

A pilot-randomized controlled trial included 17 patients diagnosed with post-stroke dysphagia. Nine underwent sEMG-biofeedback rehabilitation; seven controls were submitted to control treatment, one dropout. The primary outcome was the functional oral intake scale (FOIS), secondary outcomes was pharyngeal clearance and safe swallowing, assessed through fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

RESULTS

FOIS improved in all patients, regardless of treatment. sEMG-biofeedback rehabilitation led to improvements of the pharyngeal clearance and swallowing safety. The rehabilitative effects appeared stable at 2-months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of biofeedback based on sEMG in post-stroke dysphagia patients resulted in an effective rehabilitative technique, in particular for pharyngeal clearance improvements and safe swallowing, thus reducing the risk of aspiration and malnutrition.

Impact of early protein provision on the mortality of acute critically ill stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the leading cause of death in China, and dysphagia is a common symptom of stroke. For acute critically ill stroke patients, whether the protein provision overwhelming calorie provision impacts the outcome still requires investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospectively observational study. Acute stroke patients admitted to our neurocritical care unit between January 2013 and January 2017 were enrolled. Primary end points were short-term (30-day) and long-term (6-month) mortality, as well as long-term poor outcome with a modified Rankin scale score ≥4.

RESULTS

Of 208 eligible patients, 127 (61.1%) patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and 81 (38.9%) with intracranial hemorrhage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the increased protein provision was significantly associated with reduced 30-day and 6-month mortality (P = .041 and P = .020, respectively) but not 6-month functional outcome (P = .365), whereas calorie provision had no independent association with either mortality or functional outcome. When the protein provision ≤1.74 g/kg/day, there was a 9.37% decrease in short-term mortality and a 9.21% decrease in long-term mortality with each 0.1 g/kg/day increase in protein delivery. The patients were further divided into five subgroups based on the amount of protein provision, and Linear-by-Linear Association tests showed there was a negative linear relationship between the protein provision and 30-day and 6-month mortality (P = .048 and P = .017, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early protein provision during the first week is an independent predictor of short-term and long-term mortality in acute critically ill stroke patients.

Postoperative Dysphagia Aortica: Comparison with Other Dysphagia

Dysphagia can be classified as oropharyngeal or esophageal, and functional or structural deficits of the esophagus can cause esophageal dysphagia. Dysphagia aortica (DA) is defined as dysphagia caused by extrinsic compression of the esophagus by the aorta. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of DA by comparing the findings of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) with those of other dysphagia. Sixty-seven patients with postoperative dysphagia aortica (PDA), dysphagia after brainstem infarction (DBI), dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (DACDF), and subjective swallowing difficulty (SSD) without penetration and/or aspiration, who had undergone VFSS incorporating tests using 5 ml of thin and thick liquids, were included. The clinical data were collected retrospectively. The penetration-aspiration scale, functional dysphagia scale (FDS), esophageal transit time (ETT), and aortic lesion parameters (maximal diameter and distance between the lesion and the apex of the aortic arch) were assessed. The patients with PDA had higher FDS scores than the patients with SSD and lower scores than the patients with DBI did on thin liquids, while the FDS scores on thick liquids were lower in the patients with PDA than in those with DBI or DACDF. The patients with PDA had longer ETT than the other three groups. No correlation was found between the aortic lesion parameters and the VFSS findings. Although PDA has some oropharyngeal symptoms, the esophageal phase was affected mainly by PDA. After an operation on the aorta, VFSS should be considered before resuming oral feeding.

Post-stroke palatal tremor as a clinical predictor of dysphagia and its neuroanatomical correlates in patients with midbrain and pontine lesions

The precise associations between dysphagia and palatal tremor (PT) remain unknown. We aimed to identify the association between PT and dysphagia among patients with midbrain/pontine stroke, compare the characteristics of dysphagia between patients with PT (PT + dysphagia) and without PT (PT- dysphagia), and verify neuroanatomical predictors of PT + dysphagia in this patient population. This retrospective observational study enrolled 40 patients (34 males, 6 females; mean age: 95% confidence interval [CI], 56.6 ± 14.6 years) with first-ever midbrain or pontine stroke exhibiting brain stem lesions admitted to the stroke unit of a single rehabilitation hospital between January 2010 and April 2020. Main outcome measures included dysphagia and aspiration rates and videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings. Lesion localization was stratified according to established vascular territories. Associations between PT and dysphagia and lesion location according to PT and dysphagia were analyzed. Dysphagia and aspiration rates were greater among patients with PT than among those without PT (95% CI, p = 0.030 and p = 0.017, respectively). The proportion of patients exhibiting oral stage impairment (95% CI, p = 0.007) was greater in the PT + dysphagia group than in the PT- dysphagia group. The posterolateral portion of the midbrain and pons (95% CI, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) were the lesions more often involved in the PT + dysphagia group. Patients with PT following midbrain/pontine stroke more frequently present with dysphagia than those without PT. Thus, they should be carefully examined for PT and delayed dysphagia, including oral stage impairment, if initial brain images show posterolateral midbrain and pons lesions.

Dysphagic disorder in a cohort of COVID-19 patients: Evaluation and evolution

Background

COVID-19 is a multisystem disease complicated by respiratory failure requiring sustanined mechanical ventilation (MV). Prolongued oro-tracheal intubation is associated to an increased risk of dysphagia and bronchial aspiration. Purpose of this study was to investigate swallowing disorders in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective study analysing a consecutive cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of our hospital. Data concerning dysphagia were collected according to the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and related to demographic characteristics, clinical data, ICU Length-Of-Stay (LOS) and MV parameters.

Results

From March 2 to April 30, 2020, 31 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU were evaluated by speech and language therapists (SLT). Twenty-five of them were on MV (61% through endotracheal tube and 19% through tracheostomy); median MV length was 11 days. Seventeen (54.8%) patients presented dysphagia; a correlation was found between first GUSS severity stratification and MV days (p < 0.001), ICU LOS (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.03) and tracheostomy (p = 0.042). No other correlations were found. At 16 days, 90% of patients had fully recovered; a significant improvement was registered especially during the first week (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to non-COVID-19 patiens, a higher rate of dysphagia was reported in COVID-19 patients, with a more rapid and complete recovery. A systematic early SLT evaluation of COVID-19 patients on MV may thus be useful to prevent dysphagia-related complications.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Potential Adjuvant to Rehabilitation for Post-stroke Motor Speech Disorders

Stroke often leaves lasting impairments affecting orofacial function. While speech therapy is able to enhance function after stroke, many patients see only modest improvements after treatment. This partial restoration of function after rehabilitation suggests that there is a need for further intervention. Rehabilitative strategies that augment the effects of traditional speech therapy hold promise to yield greater efficacy and reduce disability associated with motor speech disorders. Recent studies demonstrate that brief bursts of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can facilitate the benefits of rehabilitative interventions. VNS paired with upper limb rehabilitation enhances recovery of upper limb function in patients with chronic stroke. Animal studies reveal that these improvements are driven by VNS-dependent synaptic plasticity in motor networks. Moreover, preclinical evidence demonstrates that a similar strategy of pairing VNS can promote synaptic reorganization in orofacial networks. Building on these findings, we postulate that VNS-directed orofacial plasticity could target post-stroke motor speech disorders. Here, we outline the rationale for pairing VNS with traditional speech therapy to enhance recovery in the context of stroke of speech motor function. We also explore similar treatments that aim to enhance synaptic plasticity during speech therapy, and how VNS differs from these existing therapeutic strategies. Based on this evidence, we posit that VNS-paired speech therapy shows promise as a means of enhancing recovery after post-stroke motor speech disorders. Continued development is necessary to comprehensively establish and optimize this approach, which has the potential to increase quality of life for the many individuals suffering with these common impairments.

Stroke rehabilitation and recovery

Stroke is the UK's leading cause of disability. Stroke rehabilitation can maximise recovery and improve quality of life. This article discusses some post-stroke impairments, including hemiplegia, dysphagia, communication impairments and neglect, and how rehabilitation can address these. Developing techniques of adaptation or compensation is vital, since the extent of stroke recovery is dependent on successful neuroplasticity, with healthy neurons adapting to compensate for damaged ones.

Oxygen desaturation and adverse outcomes in acute stroke: Secondary analysis of the HeadPoST study

OBJECTIVE

Uncertainty exists over the prognostic significance of low arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) in acute stroke. We aimed to determine the strength of association of SaO₂ and adverse outcomes among participants of the international Head Positioning in acute Stroke Trial (HeadPoST).

METHODS

Post-hoc analyzes of HeadPoST, a pragmatic cluster-crossover randomized trial of lying flat versus sitting up head positioning in 11,093 patients (age ≥18 years) with acute stroke at 114 hospitals in 9 countries during 2015-2016. Associations of the lowest recorded SaO₂ level, as a continuous measure and as a cut-point for desaturation (SaO₂ <93%), in the first 24 h and clinical outcomes of death or dependency (modified Rankin scale [mRS] scores 3-6) and any serious adverse event (SAE) at 90 days, were assessed in generalized linear mixed models adjusted for baseline and in-hospital management confounders.

RESULTS

There was an inverse J-shaped association between SaO₂ and death or dependency, with a nadir for optimal outcome at 96-97%. Patients with SaO₂ desaturation were older, and had greater neurological impairment, premorbid disability and cardiorespiratory disease. Desaturation was not clearly associated with death or dependency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-1.48) but was with SAEs (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.68), without heterogeneity by head position, cardiac-respiratory comorbidity, or other pre-specified subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Any change in SaO₂ outside of 96-97% is associated with poorer outcome after acute stroke.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

HeadPoST is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02162017).

Longer length of post-acute care stay causes greater functional improvements in poststroke patients

Post-acute care (PAC) is a type of transitional care for poststroke patients after the acute medical stage; it offers a relatively intensive rehabilitative program. Under Taiwan's National Health Insurance guidelines, the only patients who can transfer to PAC institutions are those who have had an acute stroke in the previous month, are in a relatively stable medical condition, and have the potential for improvement after aggressive rehabilitation. Poststroke patients receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy in PAC facility. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of PAC in poststroke patients since PAC's initiation in Taiwan. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the length of stay in a PAC institution correlates with patients' improvements.This retrospective and single-center study in Taiwan enrolled 193 poststroke patients who had received acute care at Chi-Mei Medical Center, Taiwan, at any period between 2014 and 2017. Data on their length of stay in the PAC institution were collected. Poststroke patients' functional ability-such as activities of daily living (ADL) function and swallowing ability-as well as their corresponding scales were assessed on the first and last day of PAC stay. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS version 21.0 .The average duration of PAC stay was 35.01 ± 16.373 days. Duration of PAC stay was significantly positively correlated with the Barthel index (P < .001), Berg balance test score (P < .001), gait speed (P = .002), and upper sensory function and upper motor function within the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (both P < .001).Poststroke patients with longer stay in a PAC institution had superior ADL function, balance and coordination, walking speed, and upper-limb dexterity and sensory function.

Effects of Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation on Swallow Timings, Clearance and Safety in Post-Stroke Dysphagia: Analysis from the Swallowing Treatment Using Electrical Pharyngeal Stimulation (STEPS) Trial

Swallowing impairment (dysphagia) post-stroke results in poorer outcomes. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) is a potential treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. In a post hoc analysis, we investigated PES using videofluoroscopy swallow studies (VFSS) from the STEPS trial incorporating multiple measures of safety (penetration aspiration scale-PAS), speed and duration (timing), and efficiency (clearance), as opposed to the original trial which only measured PAS scores. 81 randomised participants (PES (N = 43) versus sham (N = 38)) were analysed at baseline and 2 weeks. Participants swallowed up to 6 × 5 ml and 1 × 50 ml of thin liquid barium at 40% w/v, images at ≥25 fps. Based on PAS, the 5 ml mode bolus (most frequently occurring PAS from 6 × 5 ml) and the worst 50 ml bolus were chosen for further analysis. Eight timing measures were performed, including stage transition duration (STD) and pharyngeal transit time (PTT). Clearance measures comprised oral and pharyngeal residue and swallows to clear. Comparisons of change of scoring outcomes between PES and sham were done at 2 weeks. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was also used to evaluate longitudinal changes from both groups' combined results at two weeks. Between-group analysis showed no statistically significant differences. Issues with suboptimal image quality and frame rate acquisition affected final numbers. At two weeks, both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in most safety scores (PAS) and STD, possibly due to spontaneous recovery or a combination of spontaneous recovery and swallowing treatment and usual care. A nonsignificant trend for improvement was seen in other timing measures, including PTT. This study, which conducted additional measurements of kinematic and residue analysis on the STEPS data did not detect “missed” improvements in swallowing function that the PAS is not designed to measure. However, more studies with greater numbers are required.

Studying effects of neuromuscular electrostimulation therapy in patients with dysphagia: which pitfalls may occur? A translational phase I study

Background: Previous results of clinical studies suggest that neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) therapy, especially in combination with traditional dysphagia therapy, may be helpful in patients with neurogenic swallowing disorders. In these studies, repetitive application of a rectangular current impulse was used to increase muscle strength of the anterior neck. However, according to sports physiological findings, an increase of muscle strength can be better achieved by using different NMES stimulation protocols, e.g. KOTS. The aim of the translational investigator-initiated, non-commercial pilot study presented here was to provide data and insights for the planning of subsequent phase II and III studies on the effectiveness of such stimulation protocols in dysphagia therapy. Methods: 30 post-stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia were included in this prospective pilot study and randomly allocated to either neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) or sham stimulation in combination with traditional dysphagia therapy (TDT), a pre- and post-therapeutic fiberoptic-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) (primary outcome measure), Secretion Scale by Murray, Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) and throat clearance (TC) abilities. Recruitment rate, interrater comparison and number of relevant adverse events were recorded as metadata. Results: Despite a recruiting time of over 24 months, only twelve patients could be included. Moreover, clinical data indicated a significant variance of clinical pictures. Significant differences in verum versus sham therapy were not observed. DOSS values in both study groups showed general improvements at the end of the trial. Interrater reliability was low. No adverse events were reported. Discussion: When planning further dysphagia therapy studies, it must be taken into account that it can be problematic to recruit sufficiently large study collectives within an appropriate study period. This is especially important since a possible additional benefit of NMES to TDT is probably rather small or may only occur in certain deficit constellations. The low interrater reliability observed here must be improved by appropriate training measures. Fortunately, no relevant undesirable side effects occurred. This could have a positive effect on the acceptance of volunteers to participate in the study.

High protein intake after subarachnoid hemorrhage improves oral intake and temporal muscle volume

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Dysphagia is a common sequela following stroke. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often develop atrophy of the temporal muscle, but its clinical significance remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether temporal muscle volume (TMV) is related to subsequent oral intake in patients with SAH and evaluate the predictors of temporal muscle atrophy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 60 SAH patients receiving enteral nutrition in the acute hospitalization phase at a single center between 2009 and 2019. The TMV was segmented automatically from computed tomography images and measured on admission and at week 2. Patients with a ≥20% TMV reduction were assigned to the atrophy group (n = 24) and those with a <20% TMV reduction were included in the maintenance group (n = 36). The patients' oral intake status was assessed at week 2 using the Food Intake LEVEL Scale (grade of 7-9 considered good ingestion), and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used at discharge (grade of 0-2 considered good prognosis). Additional data on age, sex, body mass index, severity of SAH, and protein intake were collected on day 4.

RESULTS

The maintenance group had significantly better oral intake and mRS scores compared to the atrophy group. TMV maintenance significantly affected oral intake at week 2 and the mRS score at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that protein intake on day 4 significantly influenced the maintenance of TMV.

CONCLUSIONS

High protein nutrition in the acute stage of SAH contributes to temporal muscle maintenance and improves oral intake.

Crosstalk between gut microbiome and immunology in the management of ischemic brain injury

Ischemic brain injury is a serious neurological complication, which accrues an immense activation of neuroinflammatory responses. Several lines of research suggested the interconnection of gut microbiota perturbation with the activation of proinflammatory mediators. Intestinal microbial communities also interchange information with the brain through various afferent and efferent channels and microbial by-products. Herein, we discuss the different microelements of gut microbiota and its connection with the host immune system and how change in immune-microbial signatures correlates with the stroke incidence and post-injury neurological sequelae. The activated inflammatory cells increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases and adhesive proteins that are involved in the systemic inflammation, blood brain barrier disruption, gut dysbiosis and aggravation of ischemic brain injury. We suggest that fine-tuning of commensal gut microbiota (eubiosis) may regulate the activation of CNS resident cells like microglial, astrocytes, mast cells and natural killer cells.

Hyoid kinematic features for poor swallowing prognosis in patients with post-stroke dysphagia

Identification of prognostic factors for swallowing recovery in patients with post-stroke dysphagia is crucial for determining therapeutic strategies. We aimed at exploring hyoid kinematic features of poor swallowing prognosis in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Of 122 patients who experienced dysphagia following ischemic stroke, 18 with poor prognosis, and 18 age- and sex-matched patients with good prognosis were selected and retrospectively reviewed. Positional data of the hyoid bone during swallowing were obtained from the initial videofluoroscopic swallowing study after stroke onset. Normalized hyoid profiles of displacement/velocity and direction angle were analyzed using functional regression analysis, and maximal or mean values were compared between the good and poor prognosis patient groups. Kinematic analysis showed that maximal horizontal displacement (P = 0.031) and velocity (P = 0.034) in forward hyoid motions were significantly reduced in patients with poor prognosis compared to those with good prognosis. Mean direction angle for the initial swallowing phase was significantly lower in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis (P = 0.0498). Our study revealed that reduced horizontal forward and altered initial backward motions of the hyoid bone during swallowing can be novel kinematic features indicating poor swallowing prognosis in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.

Do stroke clinical practice guideline recommendations for the intervention of thickened liquids for aspiration support evidence based decision making? A systematic review and narrative synthesis

RATIONALE

Aspiration is a common sequela post stroke as a result of oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is primarily managed using the poorly empirically supported intervention of thickened liquids. Where evidence is limited, clinicians may rely on clinical practice guidelines to support decision making. The purpose of this systematic review and narrative synthesis was to evaluate the evidentiary bases of recommendations made by stroke clinical practice guidelines regarding the thickened liquids intervention.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted on stroke clinical guidelines retrieved via searches conducted across a range of databases including Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library as well as through association websites. Guidelines were eligible for inclusion if they focused on adult stroke populations, made recommendations relating to the thickened liquid intervention and were published between January 2010 and December 2018. Four independent reviewers rated methodological quality using the AGREE-II instrument. Intervention recommendations were extracted and analysed using the Criteria for Levels of Evidence Reported from the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations and a novel framework examining the appropriateness of the supporting evidence.

RESULTS

Thirteen clinical guidelines were included in the review. Methodological quality was variable with seven rating as good-excellent overall. Thirty recommendations regarding the intervention were extracted. Of these, 16 recommendations were classed as a recommendation to use the treatment and all guidelines made this recommendation. Much of the evidence used to scaffold recommendations did not directly support the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limited evidence base for the thickened liquid intervention, there was consensus among stroke guidelines in recommending it. This is despite limited empirical support. Furthermore, much of the evidence used to support recommendations was not appropriate, suggesting less than satisfactory evidence-based practices in formulating recommendations. In this case, clinical guidelines may not be reliable decision-support tools for facilitating clinical decision making.

Alterations in drug disposition in older adults: a focus on geriatric syndromes

INTRODUCTION

Age-associated physiological changes can alter the disposition of drugs, however, pathophysiological changes associated with geriatric syndromes in older adults may lead to even greater heterogeneity in pharmacokinetics. Geriatric syndromes are common health problems in older adults which have multifactorial causes and do not fit into distinct organ-based disease categories. With older adults being the greatest users of medications, understanding both age- and geriatric syndrome-related changes is important clinically to ensure safe and effective medication use.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of current evidence regarding pharmacokinetic alterations that occur with aging and in common geriatric syndromes, including frailty, sarcopenia, dementia, polypharmacy and enteral feeding. The evidence is presented according to the four primary pharmacokinetic processes (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion).

EXPERT OPINION

There is some evidence to inform our understanding of the impact of chronological aging and various geriatric syndromes on drug disposition. However, many areas require more research, including drug induced inhibition and induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes and the clinical utility of emerging methods for estimating renal function. There is a need to develop tools to predict alterations in drug disposition in subgroups of older adults, particularly where the currently available clinical information is sparse.

Effect of Dysphagia Rehabilitation Using Kinesiology Taping on Oropharyngeal Muscle Hypertrophy in Post-Stroke Patients: A Double Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: It has recently been shown that suprahyoid muscle exercise using kinesiology taping (KT) increases the activation of the suprahyoid muscle in healthy adults, suggesting a potential therapeutic clinical exercise for dysphagia rehabilitation. This study investigated the effect of dysphagia rehabilitation using KT in stroke patients with dysphagia. Methods: Thirty subjects in South Korea were enrolled in this prospective placebo-controlled double-blind study. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and sham groups. In the experimental group, the tape was attached to the hyolaryngeal complex, pulled downward with approximately 70% tension, and then attached to the sternum and the clavicle bilaterally. In the sham group, the tape was applied similarly but without the tension. Both groups performed voluntary swallowing 50 times (10 times swallowing per set, times 5 sets) a day for 4 weeks with KT applied. Outcome measures were assessed using portable ultrasound equipment. The parameter measured was the change in thickness of the tongue muscle, mylohyoid muscle, and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant changes in the thickness of the tongue muscle, mylohyoid muscle, and anterior belly of the digastric muscle than the sham group (p = 0.007, 0.002, and 0.001). Conclusion: Dysphagia rehabilitation using KT is a technique that may promote oropharyngeal muscle thickness in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated as a tool for dysphagia recovery after stroke in several single-center randomized controlled trials (RCT).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of tDCS on dysphagia recovery after a stroke utilizing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Major databases were searched through October 2019 using a pre-defined set of criteria. Any RCT investigating the efficacy of tDCS in post-stroke dysphagia using a standardized dysphagia scale as outcome measure was included. Studies were assessed for risk of bias and quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Effect sizes were calculated from extracted data and entered into a random effects analysis to obtain pooled estimates of the effect.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs with a total sample size of 217 patients fulfilled the criteria and were included in the analysis. The overall results revealed a small but statistically significant pooled effect size (0.31; CI 0.03, 0.59; p = 0.03). The subgroup which explored the stimulation intensity yielded a moderately significant effect size for the low-intensity stimulation group (g = 0.44; CI = 0.08, 0.81 vs. g = 0.15, CI - 0.30, 0.61). For the other subgroup analyses, neither comparisons of affected vs. unaffected hemisphere or acute vs. chronic stroke phase revealed a significant result.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates a modest but significant beneficial effect of tDCS on improving post-stroke dysphagia. Whether benefits from this intervention are more pronounced in certain patient subgroups and with specific stimulation protocols requires further investigation.

To PEG or not to PEG that is the question

Nutrition support involves the use of oral supplements, enteral tube feeding or parenteral nutrition. These interventions are considered when oral intake alone fails to meet nutritional requirements. Special diets and oral supplements are usually the first approach to managing malnutrition; however, their role becomes limited when oral intake is restricted or if swallowing is unsafe. Enteral tube feeding or parenteral nutrition are alternative means of providing nutrition support for this select group of patients. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding was introduced into clinical practice in 1980. It describes a feeding tube placed directly into the stomach under endoscopic guidance. It is an established means of providing enteral nutrition to those who have functionally normal gastrointestinal tracts, but who cannot meet their nutritional requirements due to inadequate oral intake. The intervention is usually reserved when nutritional intake is likely to be inadequate for more than 4-6 weeks. Although the benefits of PEG have been shown for a select group of patients, there currently exists concerns about the increasing frequency of this intervention, and also uncertainty about the long-term benefits for certain patients. The 2004 UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death report emphasised this concern, with almost a fifth of PEG being undertaken for futile indications that negatively influenced morbidity and mortality. The present review paper discusses the indications for, controversies surrounding and complications of gastrostomy feeding and provides practical advice on optimising patient selection for this intervention.

Involvement of swallowing therapy is associated with improved long-term survival in patients with post-stroke dysphagia

BACKGROUND

The effects of swallowing therapy (ST) on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) remain unclear.

AIM

This study explores the effect of ST, initiated within 6 months of the stroke onset, on long-term pneumonia-free and overall survival rates in PSD patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Longitudinal Health Insurance Database.

POPULATION

The study included 2994 eligible PSD patients between 2005 and 2013.

METHODS

Among the scrutinized PSD patients, ST was initiated during the nasogastric intubation (NGI) period and was implemented by physician discretion. Therefore, subjects who underwent ST were classified into the ST-intervention (STI) group and those without ST were classified into the non-ST (NST) group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match age, sex, pneumonia events during the NGI period, the Charlson comorbidity index, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale between the two groups. We started to follow all selected PSD patients 6 months after the onset of stroke for four years. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier estimations were conducted to assess the effects of ST and the ST duration on pneumonia-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 1497 PSD patients aged approximately 68 years in each group were selected in this study. The pneumonia-free survival rate in STI subjects was 57.4% and was significantly greater (P=0.003) than that (54.2%) in NST subjects during the follow-up (F/U). A significantly improved (P<0.0001) overall survival rate was observed in STI subjects (75.0%) compared to NST subjects (63.7%) during the F/U. In STI subjects, ST duration ≥ 1 month was significantly (P=0.009) associated with reduced pneumonia incidence compared to those with ST duration<1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation of ST within 6 months of the stroke onset is associated with decreased pneumonia incidence and improved long-term survival in selected PSD patients. In the selected STI subjects, longer ST duration may be valuable in pneumonia prevention.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

This study reveals that ST initiated within 6 months of the stroke onset may be associated with improved long-term survival in selected PSD patients.