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Molino C, Bergantini L, Santucci S, Pitinca MT, d'Alessandro M, Cameli P, Taddei S, Bargagli E. SARS-CoV-2 and Dysphagia: A Retrospective Analysis of COVID-19 Patients with Swallowing Disorders. Dysphagia 2024:10.1007/s00455-024-10715-0. [PMID: 38782803 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-024-10715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 can lead to impairment of neural networks involved in swallowing, since the act of swallowing is coordinated and performed by a diffuse brain network involving peripheral nerves and muscles. Dysphagia has been identified as a risk and predictive factor for the severest form of SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between swallowing disorders and COVID-19 in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS We collected demographic data, medical information specific to dysphagia and data on medical treatments of patients with COVID-19. RESULTS A total of 43 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty (46%) were evaluated positive for dysphagia and 23 (54%) were evaluated negative. Neurocognitive disorders and diabetes were mostly associated with patients who resulted positive for dysphagia. Respiratory impairment caused by COVID-19 seems to be a cause of dysphagia, since all patients who needed oxygen-therapy developed symptoms of dysphagia, unlike patients who did not. In the dysphagic group, alteration of the swallowing trigger resulted in the severest form of dysphagia. An association was found between the severest form of COVID-19 and dysphagia. This group consisted predominantly of males with longer hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Identification of COVID-19 patients at risk for dysphagia is crucial for better patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Molino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena University, Viale Bracci, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Laura Bergantini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena University, Viale Bracci, Siena, 53100, Italy.
| | | | | | - Miriana d'Alessandro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena University, Viale Bracci, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena University, Viale Bracci, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | | | - Elena Bargagli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena University, Viale Bracci, Siena, 53100, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pandemic has affected over 182 million coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases worldwide. Accumulated evidence indicates that anosmia is one of the significant characteristics of COVID-19 with a high prevalence. However, many aspects of COVID-19-induced anosmia are still far from being fully understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments in COVID-19-induced anosmia to increase awareness of the condition. METHODS A literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. We reviewed the latest literature on COVID-19-induced anosmia, including mechanisms of pathogenesis, olfactory testing, anosmia as predictive tool, pathological examinations, imaging findings, affected factors, co-existing diseases, treatments, prognosis, hypothesis theories, and future directions. RESULTS The possible pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced anosmia may involve inflammation of the olfactory clefts and damage to the olfactory epithelium or olfactory central nervous system by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The D614G spike variant may also play a role in the increased number of anosmia patients. Anosmia may also be an essential indicator of COVID-19 spread and an early indicator of the effectiveness of political decisions. The occurrence and development of COVID-19-induced anosmia may be influenced by smoking behaviors and underlying diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal disorders, and rhinitis. Most patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia can fully or partially recover their olfactory function for varying durations. COVID-19-induced anosmia can be treated with various approaches such as glucocorticoids and olfactory training. CONCLUSION Anosmia is one of the main features of COVID-19 and the underlying disease of the patient may also influence its occurrence and development. The possible pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced anosmia is very complicated, which may involve inflammation of the olfactory clefts and damage to the olfactory epithelium or olfactory central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, P.R. China
| | - Yuandan Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, P.R. China
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Guillen-Sola A, Ramírez C, Nieto S, Duarte E, Tejero M, Grillo C, Bel H, Boza R. Therapeutic approach to dysphagia in post-COVID patients in a rehabilitation unit: a descriptive longitudinal study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2024; 60:373-381. [PMID: 38502558 PMCID: PMC11112509 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.24.08234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high rate of hospitalized patients for COVID-19 had dysphagia, frequently underdiagnosed, and not treated, inducing a prolonged dysphagia with protracted recovery. Specific treatments and protocols have not been well described yet. AIM Given the potential benefits of respiratory muscle training (IEMT) and neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) in dysphagia treatment, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of the protocol used for treating dysphagia in patients who experienced prolonged hospitalization for COVID-19. DESIGN Observational, descriptive, prospective study. SETTING Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a tertiary University hospital. POPULATION Fifty-eight COVID-19 patients were admitted for intensive rehabilitation (March 2020 to October 2021) were prospectively studied. METHODS Dysphagia was diagnosed using videofluoroscopy and treated with a 3-week protocol adapted from neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) in a motor threshold and inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength training (IEMST), five sets of five repetitions three times daily for 3 weeks. Feasibility was assessed with adherence, outcomes achieved, and occurrence of adverse/unexpected events. Respiratory function (peak cough flow, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures) and swallow function (Penetration-Aspiration Scale and Bolus Residue Scale measured by videofluoroscopy) were recorded descriptive statistics, Student's t test for numerical data, and Wilcoxon Test for ordinal variables were applied. SPPSS vs28 and STATA version 15.1 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) were used for statistical analysis. P values 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Dysphagia was highly prevalent in severe COVID-19 patients (86.6%); all respiratory and swallow parameters improved after a 3-week intervention and 12 of 18 patients dependent on tube feeding resumed a normal diet (66.7%; McNemar P=0.03), and 84.09% attended a no restriction diet at discharge. Adherence to treatment was 85%. No significant adverse events were detected. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that a structured swallowing-exercise training intervention based on IEMT and NMES is feasible and safe in prolonged hospitalization post-COVID patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT To describe rehabilitation protocols used to treat dysphagia in post-COVID patients will help us to optimize the available techniques in each center and to induce a faster recovery avoiding potential complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Guillen-Sola
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain -
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain -
| | - Cindry Ramírez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Nieto
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Duarte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Tejero
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Grillo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Bel
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Boza
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
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Martín-Martínez A, Viñas P, Carrillo I, Martos J, Clavé P, Ortega O. The Impact of Frailty, Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition on Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized for Covid-19. Aging Dis 2024; 15:927-938. [PMID: 37548930 PMCID: PMC10917529 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 hospital mortality is higher among older patients through as yet little-known factors. We aimed to assess the effect of frailty (FR), oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition (MN) on mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 older patients. Prospective cohort study of older patients (>70 years) with COVID-19 admitted to a general hospital from April 2020 to January 2021. Patients were evaluated on admission, discharge and at 1- and 3-months follow up. FR was assessed with FRAIL-VIG, OD with Volume-Viscosity Swallowing Test and MN with GLIM criteria. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including intra-hospital, 1- and 3-month mortality, were analyzed. 258 patients were included (82.5±7.6 years; 58.9% women); 66.7% had FR (mild 28.7%, moderate 27.1% and severe 10.9%); 65.4%, OD and 50.6%, MN. OD prevalence increased from non-FR patients through the severity levels of FR: mild, moderate and severe (29.8%, 71.6%, 90.0%, 96.2%; p<0.0001, respectively), but not that of MN (50.6%, 47.1%, 52.5%, 56.0%). Mortality over the whole study significantly increased across FR categories (9.3% non-FR; 23.0% mild; 35.7% moderate; 75.0% severe; p<.001). Functionality (Barthel pre-admission, HR=0.983, CI-95%:0.973-0.993; p=0.001), OD (HR=2.953, CI-95%:0.970-8.989; p=0.057) and MN (HR=4.279, CI-95%:1.658-11.049; p=0.003) were independent risk factors for intra-hospital mortality. FR, OD and MN are highly prevalent conditions in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Functionality, OD and MN were independent risk factors for intra-hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Martín-Martínez
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory CIBERehd CSdM-UAB, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paula Viñas
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory CIBERehd CSdM-UAB, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
| | - Irene Carrillo
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
| | - Josep Martos
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
| | - Pere Clavé
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory CIBERehd CSdM-UAB, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Omar Ortega
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory CIBERehd CSdM-UAB, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Mataró, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Clayton NA, Freeman-Sanderson A, Walker E. Dysphagia Prevalence and Outcomes Associated with the Evolution of COVID-19 and Its Variants in Critically Ill Patients. Dysphagia 2024; 39:109-118. [PMID: 37347254 PMCID: PMC10781836 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Data collected during the 2020-21 COVID-19 alpha wave indicated dysphagia prevalence rates up to 93%. Whilst many patients recovered during hospital admission, some experienced persistent dysphagia with protracted recovery. To explore (1) prevalence, (2) treatment, and (3) recovery patterns and outcomes for swallowing, in the ICU patient with Delta and subsequent variants of COVID-19. Prospective observational study. Patients admitted to 26 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) over 12 months, diagnosed with COVID-19, treated for survival and seen by Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) for clinical swallowing assessment were included. Demographic, medical, SLP treatment, and swallowing outcome data were collected. 235 participants (63% male, median age = 58 years) were recruited. Median mechanical ventilation was 16 days, and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) were 20 and 42 days, respectively. ICU-Acquired Weakness (54%) and delirium (49%) were frequently observed. Prevalence of dysphagia was 94% with the majority (45%) exhibiting profound dysphagia (Functional Oral Intake Scale = 1) at initial assessment. Median duration to initiate oral feeding was 19 days (IQR = 11-44 days) from ICU admission, and 24% received dysphagia rehabilitation. Dysphagia recovery by hospital discharge was observed in 71% (median duration = 30 days [IQR = 17-56 days]). Positive linear associations were identified between duration of intubation, mechanical ventilation, hospital and ICU LOS, and duration to SLP assessment (p = 0.000), dysphagia severity (p = 0.000), commencing oral intake (p = 0.000), dysphagia recovery (p < 0.01), and enteral feeding (p = 0.000). Whilst older participants had more severe dysphagia (p = 0.028), younger participants took longer to commence oral feeding (p = 0.047). Dysphagia remains highly prevalent in ICU COVID-19 patients. Whilst invasive ventilation duration is associated with swallowing outcomes, more evidence on dysphagia pathophysiology is required to guide rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Clayton
- Speech Pathology Department & Intensive Care Unit, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Building 42, Hospital Rd, Concord, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Amy Freeman-Sanderson
- Speech Pathology Department & Intensive Care Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Critical Care Division, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Walker
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Zayed AM, Afsah O, Elhadidy T, Abou-Elsaad T. Screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a prospective study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:2623-2631. [PMID: 36607433 PMCID: PMC9821362 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To screen for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted on 500 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the age range of 19-65 years who were admitted to the main university isolation hospital (whether admitted in the ward or the intensive care unit). Screening for OD was done using the Arabic version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Yale swallow protocol. RESULTS 45.4% of the admitted and 40.97% of the discharged COVID-19 patients had a positive screen for OD. Several risk factors for OD could be detected. These include older age, longer duration of presenting symptoms of COVID-19, presence of ageusia and anosmia, presence of dysphonia, ICU admission, lower oxygen saturation, higher respiratory rate, presence of OD at admission, longer duration of hospital stay, and use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). CONCLUSIONS Screening for OD in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is a mandatory procedure, whether for admitted or discharged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Zayed
- Phoniatric Unit, ORL Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Omayma Afsah
- Phoniatric Unit, ORL Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elhadidy
- Chest Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Tamer Abou-Elsaad
- Phoniatric Unit, ORL Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
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Miles A, Brodsky MB. Current opinion of presentation of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 30:393-399. [PMID: 36004777 PMCID: PMC9612417 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dysphagia and dysphonia are common presentations of both acute and long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The majority of peer-reviewed publications in 2020 and early 2021 were expert guidance and consensus statements to support dysphagia management in multidisciplinary teams while protecting clinicians and patients from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This review discusses dysphagia and dysphonia primary data published in 2021-2022, focusing on patient presentations, pathophysiology, and evidence for interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Clinicians and researchers amassed knowledge of the cross-system presentation of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with COVID-19, from severe disease requiring ICU stays to those with mild-to-moderate disease presenting to outpatient clinics. Pre-COVID-19 health status, hospitalization experience, presence of neurological symptoms, and impact of the virus to the upper aerodigestive and respiratory system need consideration in patient management. Long-term dysphagia and dysphonia manifested from COVID-19 require otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist input. SUMMARY Changes in immunity through population vaccination and variations in COVID-19 from SARS-CoV-2 mutations means prevalence data are challenging to interpret. However, there is no doubt of the presence of long-term dysphagia and dysphonia in our clinics. Long-term dysphagia and dysphonia are complex and a multidisciplinary team with a tailored approach for each patient is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Miles
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martin B. Brodsky
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Research Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Martin-Martinez A, Ortega O, Viñas P, Arreola V, Nascimento W, Costa A, Riera SA, Alarcón C, Clavé P. COVID-19 is associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia and malnutrition in hospitalized patients during the spring 2020 wave of the pandemic. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:2996-3006. [PMID: 34187698 PMCID: PMC8205257 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Prevalence and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition (MN) in COVID-19 patients is unknown. Our aim was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of OD and MN in a general hospital during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study involving clinical assessment of OD (Volume-Viscosity Swallowing Test), and nutritional screening (NRS2002) and assessment (GLIM criteria) in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in general wards at the Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Catalonia, Spain. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were assessed at pre-admission, admission and discharge, and after 3 and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS We included 205 consecutive patients (69.28 ± 17.52 years, Charlson 3.74 ± 2.62, mean hospital stay 16.8 ± 13.0 days). At admission, Barthel Index was 81.3 ± 30.3; BMI 28.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2; OD prevalence 51.7% (44.1% impaired safety of swallow); and 45.5% developed MN with a mean weight loss of 10.1 ± 5.0 kg during hospitalization. OD was an independent risk factor for MN during hospitalization (OR 3.96 [1.45-10.75]), and hospitalization was prolonged in patients with MN compared with those without (21.9 ± 14.8 vs 11.9 ± 8.9 days, respectively; p < 0.0001). OD was independently associated with comorbidities, neurological symptoms, and low functionality. At 6-month follow-up, prevalence of OD was still 23.3% and that of MN only 7.1%. Patients with OD at discharge showed reduced 6-month survival than those without OD at discharge (71.6% vs 92.9%, p < 0.001); in contrast, those with MN at discharge did not show 6-month survival differences compared to those without (85.4% vs 83.8%, p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence and burden of OD and MN in patients hospitalized in COVID-19 wards is very high. Our results suggest that optimizing the management of MN might shorten the hospitalization period but optimizing the management of OD will likely impact the nutritional status of COVID-19 patients and improve their clinical outcomes and survival after hospital discharge. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT04346212.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Martin-Martinez
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Omar Ortega
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Viñas
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Viridiana Arreola
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Weslania Nascimento
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Alícia Costa
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Stephanie A Riera
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Claudia Alarcón
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain
| | - Pere Clavé
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Mataró, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain.
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Viñas P, Martín-Martínez A, Alarcón C, Riera SA, Miró J, Amadó C, Clavé P, Ortega O. A Comparative Study between the Three Waves of the Pandemic on the Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19. Nutrients 2022; 14:3826. [PMID: 36145215 PMCID: PMC9502091 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenotype of patients affected by COVID-19 disease changed between the waves of the pandemic. We assessed the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), malnutrition (MN), and mortality between the first three waves of COVID-19 patients in a general hospital. METHODS a prospective observational study between April 2020-May 2021. Clinical assessment for OD was made with the volume-viscosity swallowing test; nutritional assessment was performed consistent with GLIM criteria. A multimodal intervention was implemented in the second and third wave, including (a) texturized diets-fork mashable (1900 kcal + 90 g protein) or pureed (1700 kcal + 75 g protein), (b) oral nutritional supplements (500-600 kcal + 25-30 g protein), and (c) fluid thickening (250 mPa·s or 800 mPa·s). RESULTS We included 205 patients (69.3 ± 17.6 years) in the 1st, 200 (66.4 ± 17.5 years) in the 2nd, and 200 (72.0 ± 16.3 years;) in the 3rd wave (p = 0.004). On admission, prevalence of OD was 51.7%, 31.3% and 35.1%, and MN, 45.9%, 36.8% and 34.7%, respectively; mortality was 10.7%, 13.6% and 19.1%. OD was independently associated with age, delirium, and MN; MN, with age, OD, diarrhea and ICU admission; mortality, with age, OD and MN. (4) Conclusions: Prevalence of OD, MN and mortality was very high among COVID-19 patients. OD was independently associated with MN and mortality. An early and proactive multimodal nutritional intervention improved patients' nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Viñas
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Martín-Martínez
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Alarcón
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephanie A. Riera
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Miró
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Amadó
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Clavé
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Omar Ortega
- Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08304 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Mulheren R, Westemeyer RM, Dietsch AM. The effect of taste on swallowing: A scoping and systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:1256-1282. [PMID: 36036968 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2115003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Consuming foods and liquids for nutrition requires the coordination of several muscles. Swallowing is triggered and modified by sensory inputs from the aerodigestive tract. Taste has recently received attention as a potential modulator of swallowing physiology, function, and neural activation; additionally, taste impairment is a sequela of COVID-19. This review presents factors impacting taste and swallowing, systematically summarizes the existing literature, and assesses the quality of included studies. A search was conducted for original research including taste stimulation, deglutition-related measure(s), and human participants. Study design, independent and dependent variables, and participant characteristics were coded; included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias. Forty-eight articles were included after abstract and full-text review. Synthesis was complicated by variable sensory components of stimuli (taste category and intensity, pure taste vs. flavor, chemesthesis, volume/amount, consistency, temperature), participant characteristics, confounding variables such as genetic taster status, and methods of measurement. Most studies had a high risk of at least one type of bias and were of fair or poor quality. Interpretation is limited by wide variability in methods, taste stimulation, confounding factors, and lower-quality evidence. Existing studies suggest that taste can modulate swallowing, but more rigorous and standardized research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mulheren
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ross M Westemeyer
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Angela M Dietsch
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Nascimento Junior JRD, Ceron CF, Signorini AV, Klein AB, Castelli CTR, Silvério CC, Otto DM, Antunes HDA, Sotero LKB, Cirino PB, Vizioli PT, Lima VC. DYSPHAGIA OCCURRENCE IN COVID-19-POSITIVE PATIENTS IN TWO HOSPITALS IN BRAZIL. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2022; 59:439-446. [PMID: 36102445 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202203000-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 comprises a respiratory infection resulting from contamination by SARS-CoV-2, with acute respiratory failure being one of its main characteristics, leading to a high frequency of orotracheal intubation (OTI), which in turn increases the risk for dysphagia. Since this can lead to pulmonary impairment, knowing the real occurrence of dysphagia in part of the Brazilian population and its associations allows early and effective clinical management of the multidisciplinary team in relation to patients. OBJECTIVE To verify the occurrence of dysphagia in COVID-19-positive adult patients in two Brazilian reference hospitals in the care of the pandemic. METHODS This was a prospective, longitudinal observational study carried out in two private hospitals in Brazil, both references in the care of patients with coronavirus isolation. Data were initially collected by consulting the medical records of each patient. Information was collected regarding sex, age, previous diseases, COVID-19 testing, and the OTI period. After data collection, the clinical speech-language assessment of swallowing for each patient was carried out using the adapted Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS), the ASHA NOMS and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). RESULTS A total of 129 participants were evaluated, with a mean age of 72 years. According to the GUSS scale, 9.3% of the patients presented normal/functional swallowing, while 90.7% presented dysphagia, with mild dysphagia in 17.05%, moderate dysphagia in 33.33%, and severe dysphagia in 37.98%. As for the results of the ASHA NOMS, the majority (36.5%) of the patients were at level 1, which represents the patient who is not able to receive his or her food supply orally, having the need to use tube feedings. This is in line with the results observed with the FOIS scale, whereby most patients (42.1%) were classified as Level I, when food intake occurs exclusively through feeding tubes, with no oral supply. Of the 129 participants, 59% of them required OTI. When comparing the time of OTI and the severity of dysphagia, there was a statistically significant difference, with more severe dysphagia, the longer the patient remained intubated. CONCLUSION There is a high incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with COVID-19, with increased severity during longer periods of OTI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paula Tasca Vizioli
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Serviço de Fonoaudiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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Self-perceived dysphagia in non-invasively ventilated COVID-19 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:5929-5937. [PMID: 35947148 PMCID: PMC9363266 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 is known to present with a wide range of clinical symptoms. COVID-19-related dysphagia has been frequently investigated in patients who were critically ill and mechanically ventilated, but not in those with less severe presentations. This study aims to identify the frequency, characteristics, and severity of self-perceived oropharyngeal dysphagia in non-intubated COVID-19 patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from patients using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). RESULTS The study included 359 participants with a median age of 34 (range: 18-65) years. Self-perceived dysphagia (EAT-10 total score > 2) was identified in 64.62%, and their median EAT-10 total score was 13 (range 3-40). The most prevalent symptoms were painful swallowing, affected pleasure of eating, stressful swallowing, and coughing while eating. Age, gender, and hospitalization were not statistically significantly associated with the presence of dysphagia, while re-infection, duration, and severity of COVID-19 diagnosis were. The EAT-10 total score was higher in moderate and severe COVID-19 cases as compared to mild cases, and showed a statistically significant inverse correlation with the duration of COVID-19 (r = - 0.267). CONCLUSION Self-perceived dysphagia was prevalent in non-intubated COVID-19 patients. Its severity was related to that of COVID-19 and its duration.
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Dysphagia Severity and Management in Patients with COVID-19. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2021; 47:147-156. [PMID: 34765231 PMCID: PMC8551886 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.47.02.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented numbers of patients treated at intensive care units (ICUs). Dysphagia is a key concern in critical illness survivors. We investigated the severity of dysphagia in COVID-19 and the need to adapt practices to provide efficient care. We reviewed the literature on COVID-19, post-critical-illness dysphagia, and dysphagia and tracheostomy guidelines during the pandemic. Critically ill COVID-19 patients present a high incidence of dysphagia, aggravated by respiratory distress, deconditioning, and neurological complications. Mechanical ventilation (MV), delirium, sedation and weakness are worse in COVID-19 than in other etiologies of critical care. In awake patients, respiratory compromise impairs breathing-swallowing-coughing coordination. Tracheostomy reduces laryngopharyngeal trauma, sedation, delirium, ICU stay and improves swallowing rehabilitation. Tracheostomy weaning and swallowing evaluation is complex in COVID-19 due to respiratory instability and a team discussion will guide adaptations. Patients assessed in the ICU were 67% recommended to be nil by mouth (were aspirating). Two months following hospital discharge, 83% of those who had undergone tracheostomy were managing a normal diet. Severely ill COVID-19 patients are expected to regain swallow function. Dysphagia care is based on adaptation of practices to the patients' multiple impairments.
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Tseng FH, Yeh SH, Basiago K, Miyares W, Zangwill KM. Is Acute Solid Food Aversion a Proxy for COVID-19-Related Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction? Pediatrics 2021; 149:e2021052534. [PMID: 34654753 PMCID: PMC9645688 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We present 2 cases of children <2 years old with acute solid food aversion, likely as a manifestation of COVID-19–related OGD. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD) may be observed in adult and pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In young preverbal patients, the presence of OGD may go undetected. We describe 2 children <2 years of age with acute solid food aversion most likely as a manifestation of OGD immediately after COVID-19 infection, with slow to minimal improvement over 6 to 8 months in both children. A review of the literature on COVID-19–related OGD in children is presented, revealing <100 cases and none associated with documented food aversion. We believe the presence of acute food aversion in preverbal children, in the appropriate epidemiological and clinical context, should trigger testing for COVID-19 because it may be the first and only symptom of infection and for pediatricians to provide anticipatory guidance for parents after acute COVID-19 infection in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farn-Hsuan Tseng
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Sylvia H Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance California
| | - Kevin Basiago
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Wendy Miyares
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
| | - Kenneth M Zangwill
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California;
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance California
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Langton-Frost N, Brodsky MB. Speech-language pathology approaches to neurorehabilitation in acute care during COVID-19: Capitalizing on neuroplasticity. PM R 2021; 14:217-226. [PMID: 34595841 PMCID: PMC8661644 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurologic manifestations associated with a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis are common and often occur in severe and critically ill patients. In these patients, the neurologic symptoms are confounded by critical care conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with dual diagnoses of COVID‐19 and neurologic changes such as myopathy, polyneuropathy, and stroke are likely at a higher risk of experiencing deficits with swallowing, communication, and/or cognition. Speech‐language pathologists are an integral part of both the critical care and neurologic disorders multi‐disciplinary teams, offering valuable contributions in the evaluation, treatment, and management of these areas. Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) who require mechanical ventilation often experience difficulty with communication and benefit from early speech‐language pathology intervention to identify the most efficient communication methods with the medical team and caregivers. Moreover, patients with neurologic manifestations may present with cognitive‐linguistic impairments such as aphasia, thereby increasing the need for communication‐based interventions. Difficulties with voice and swallowing after extubation are common, often requiring frequent treatment sessions, possibly persisting beyond ICU discharge. After leaving the ICU, patients with COVID‐19 often experience physical, cognitive, and mental health impairments collectively called post‐intensive care syndrome. This is often a lengthy road as they progress toward full recovery, requiring continued speech‐language pathology treatment after hospital discharge, capitalizing on the principles of neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Langton-Frost
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martin B Brodsky
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Research Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Recovery Focused Nutritional Therapy across the Continuum of Care: Learning from COVID-19. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093293. [PMID: 34579171 PMCID: PMC8472175 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted nutritional therapy should be started early in severe illness and sustained through to recovery if clinical and patient-centred outcomes are to be optimised. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shone a light on this need. The literature on nutrition and COVID-19 mainly focuses on the importance of nutrition to preserve life and prevent clinical deterioration during the acute phase of illness. However, there is a lack of information guiding practice across the whole patient journey (e.g., hospital to home) with a focus on targeting recovery (e.g., long COVID). This review paper is of relevance to doctors and other healthcare professionals in acute care and primary care worldwide, since it addresses early, multi-modal individualised nutrition interventions across the continuum of care to improve COVID-19 patient outcomes. It is of relevance to nutrition experts and non-nutrition experts and can be used to promote inter-professional and inter-organisational knowledge transfer on the topic. The primary goal is to prevent complications and support recovery to enable COVID-19 patients to achieve the best possible nutritional, physical, functional and mental health status and to apply the learning to date from the COVID-19 pandemic to other patient groups experiencing acute severe illness.
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Grilli GM, Giancaspro R, Del Colle A, Quarato CMI, Lacedonia D, Foschino Barbaro MP, Cassano M. Dysphagia in non-intubated patients affected by COVID-19 infection. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:507-513. [PMID: 34468824 PMCID: PMC8408570 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Patients affected by COVID-19 are assumed to be at high risk of developing swallowing disorders. However, to our best knowledge, data on the characteristics and incidence of dysphagia associated with COVID-19 are lacking, especially in non-intubated patients. Therefore, we investigated the onset of swallowing disorders in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who have not been treated with invasive ventilation, in order to evaluate how the virus affected swallowing function regardless of orotracheal intubation. Methods We evaluated 41 patients admitted to the COVID department of our Hospital when they had already passed the acute phase of the disease and were therefore asymptomatic but still positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. We examined patients’ clinical history and performed the Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (VVST). Each patient also answered the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ). After 6 months, we performed a follow-up in patients with swallowing disorders. Results Eight of 41 patients (20%) presented with dysphagia symptoms during hospitalization and 2 of them (25%) still presented a SDQ high score and swallowing disorders with liquid consistency after 6 months. Conclusion Non-intubated patients can experience various grades of swallowing impairment that probably directly related to pulmonary respiratory function alterations and viral direct neuronal lesive activity. Although these symptoms show natural tendency to spontaneous resolution, their impact on a general physical impaired situation should not be underestimated, since it can adversely affect patients’ recovery from COVID-19 worsening health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Mariano Grilli
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rossana Giancaspro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Anna Del Colle
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Irene Quarato
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Donato Lacedonia
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Foschino Barbaro
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Cassano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
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Osbeck Sandblom H, Dotevall H, Svennerholm K, Tuomi L, Finizia C. Characterization of dysphagia and laryngeal findings in COVID-19 patients treated in the ICU-An observational clinical study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252347. [PMID: 34086717 PMCID: PMC8177545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysphagia appears to be common in patients with severe COVID-19. Information about the characteristics of dysphagia and laryngeal findings in COVID-19 patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) is still limited. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate oropharyngeal swallowing function and laryngeal appearance and function in patients with severe COVID-19. Method A series of 25 ICU patients with COVID-19 and signs of dysphagia were examined with fiberendoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) during the latter stage of ICU care or after discharge from the ICU. Swallowing function and laryngeal findings were assessed with standard rating scales from video recordings. Results Pooling of secretions was found in 92% of patients. Eleven patients (44%) showed signs of silent aspiration to the trachea on at least one occasion. All patients showed residue after swallowing to some degree both in the vallecula and hypopharynx. Seventy-six percent of patients had impaired vocal cord movement. Erythema of the vocal folds was found in 60% of patients and edema in the arytenoid region in 60%. Conclusion Impairment of oropharyngeal swallowing function and abnormal laryngeal findings were common in this series of patients with severe COVID-19 treated in the ICU. To avoid complications related to dysphagia in this patient group, it seems to be of great importance to evaluate the swallowing function as a standard procedure, preferably at an early stage, before initiation of oral intake. Fiberendoscopic evaluation of swallowing is preferred due to the high incidence of pooling of secretion in the hypopharynx, silent aspiration, and residuals. Further studies of the impact on swallowing function in short- and long-term in patients with COVID-19 are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Osbeck Sandblom
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Dotevall
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Svennerholm
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Tuomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zanon A, Cacciaguerra L, Martelli G, Filippi M. Neurosensory dysphagia in a COVID-19 patient. J Neurol 2021; 268:3992-3994. [PMID: 33876325 PMCID: PMC8055053 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Zanon
- Surgical Department, Otorhinolaryngology Unit, General Hospitals of Dolo and Mirano, Via Mariutto 76, 30035, Venice, Mirano, Italy.
| | - Laura Cacciaguerra
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Martelli
- Intensive Care Unit "U.O.C. Anestesia E Rianimazione, Department of Surgery, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Unit, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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