Dysphagia in the intensive care unit: epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical management

Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation prior to extubation - Reduction of extubation failure rate in acute stroke patients?

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to assess if PES before extubation can minimize the extubation failure risk in orally intubated, mechanically ventilated stroke patients at high risk of severe dysphagia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two ICU patients were prospectively enrolled in this study presenting with a high risk for dysphagia as defined by a DEFISS (Determine Extubation Failure In Severe Stroke) risk score and compared 1:1 to a retrospective matched patient control group. The prospective patient group received PES prior to extubation. Endpoints were need for reintubation, swallowing function as assessed with FEES, pneumonia incidence and length of stay after extubation.

RESULTS

Post-extubation, the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Score (FEDSS, 4.31 ± 1.53vs.5.03 ± 1.28;p = 0.047) and reintubation rate within 72 h (9.4vs.34.4%;p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the PES group than in the historical control group. Pulmonary infections after extubation were less common in PES-treated patients although this difference was not significant (37.5vs.59.4%;p = 0.133). Time from extubation to discharge was significantly shorter after PES compared with the control group (14.09 ± 11.58vs.26.59 ± 20.49 days;p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In orally intubated and mechanically ventilated stroke patients at high risk of severe dysphagia, PES may improve swallowing function, reduce extubation failure risk and decrease time from extubation to discharge. Further research is required.

Dysphagia management by nurses in Spanish intensive care units

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

Dysphagia is a disorder that presents with specific signs and symptoms in critically ill patients. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are responsible for monitoring and detecting abnormalities in critically ill patients, so they must be trained to assess swallowing and the complications that may arise. The aim of this research is to analyse the dynamics of the detection and assessment of dysphagia by ICU nurses.

METHOD

Cross-sectional descriptive study using an electronic questionnaire to nurses from different Spanish ICUs. The survey was adapted from previous research and consisted of 6 sections with 30 items of qualitative questions. The collection period was between December 2022 and March 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-Square test was used for bivariate analysis.

OUTCOMES

43 nurses were recruited. Dysphagia is considered an important problem (90,7%) but in 50,3% of the units there is no standard or care protocol for this disorder. The most common technique is the swallowing test (32,6%). There is a consensus in our sample that aspiration pneumonia is the main problem; however, nurses in the busiest care units consider sepsis to be a frequent complication (p = ,029). The most common treatment is modification of food consistency (86,0%).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this research show a low systematisation of dysphagia screening in the units included. There is a need for greater implementation of interventions and clinical protocols for monitoring complications as well as for compensatory and rehabilitative management.

Effects of high-flow nasal therapy on swallowing function: a scoping review

Background

High-flow nasal therapy is widely used in patients with respiratory failure in different clinical settings, but the effect of high-flow nasal therapy on respiratory-swallow coordination is unknown. Understanding this relationship is crucial, considering the necessity for patients to maintain adequate nutrition during daytime high-flow nasal therapy. This scoping review aims to synthesise available data on the effects of high-flow nasal therapy flow rates on swallowing function and the possible risk of aspiration during treatment, focusing on knowledge and evidence gaps.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to 30 May 2023 for studies reporting data on swallowing assessment in healthy adults or patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure receiving high-flow nasal therapy. Data on study design, patients' characteristics and quality outcomes were extracted.

Results

Eight studies were included, four including cohorts of healthy volunteers (n=148) and four including patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure (n=151). Study designs, patient populations and quality outcome measures were heterogeneous. Two studies indicated improvement while four articles showed impairment in swallowing function during high-flow nasal therapy; two studies showed that patients' overall clinical picture and underlying medical conditions influenced swallowing-breathing coordination rather than high-flow nasal therapy per se.

Conclusion

This scoping review found limited and controversial evidence on the impact of high-flow nasal therapy on swallowing function. Remarkably, methods for swallowing function assessment were quite heterogeneous. Additional research is required to test the effect of high-flow nasal therapy on respiratory-swallowing coordination.

Swallowing rehabilitation of patients undergoing T-tube implantation for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) often have dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction with T-tube insertion, which affects the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of swallowing rehabilitation therapy on the improvement of quality of life in patients of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery with dysphagia undergoing T-tube implantation treatment through longitudinal study.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with LTS who experienced dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction and T-tube implantation were recruited. All patients received swallowing rehabilitation therapy. The assessment of swallowing function was performed using the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), the 30 mL water swallow test (WST), and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES).

RESULTS

After swallowing rehabilitation therapy, timing of swallowing, grade of dysphagia, performance on FEES and 30 mL WST, and EAT-10 score all improved. Thirty-eight patients successfully transitioned to oral feeding and were able to remove their nasogastric tubes without experiencing any complications, including aspiration pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

For patients with LTS who experienced dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction and T-tube implantation, swallowing rehabilitation therapy could improve swallowing function of the patients, so as to reduce the potential harm caused by the pain and complications of surgery experienced by patients.

Decrease in Tongue Pressure in Frail Patients in the Sitting Position and Its Alleviation by Plantar Grounding

PURPOSE

The deterioration of oral function has received much attention, also being referred to as "Oral frailty". This study evaluated the change in tongue pressure, one of the objective items of oral frailty, to examine the relationship between body position and tongue pressure.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, observational study conducted in a single center. The participants were categorized by their Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores. Tongue pressure was measured in the following positions: dorsal, sitting, and sitting with plantar grounding. Differences in tongue pressure between CFS and between body positions were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in tongue pressure was demonstrated in CFS4 compared to CFS3. Furthermore, in CFS5 and CFS6, tongue pressure decreased in the sitting position compared to that in the dorsal position, and tongue pressure recovered to the dorsal level with plantar grounding.

CONCLUSIONS

Tongue pressure decreased with the progression of frailty. It was decreased by sitting, and this decrease was alleviated by plantar grounding.

Dynamic assessment of prealbumin for nutrition support effectiveness in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Serum prealbumin is considered to be a sensitive predictor of clinical outcomes and a quality marker for nutrition support. However, its susceptibility to inflammation restricts its usage in critically ill patients according to current guidelines. We assessed the performance of the initial value of prealbumin and dynamic changes for predicting the ICU mortality and the effectiveness of nutrition support in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This monocentric study included patients admitted to the ICU between 2009 and 2016, having at least one initial prealbumin value available. Prospectively recorded data were extracted from the electronic ICU charts. We used both univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to estimate the performance of prealbumin for the prediction of ICU mortality. Additionally, the association between prealbumin dynamic changes and nutrition support was assessed via a multivariable linear mixed-effects model and multivariable linear regression. Performing subgroup analysis assisted in identifying patients for whom prealbumin dynamic assessment holds specific relevance.

RESULTS

We included 3136 patients with a total of 4942 prealbumin levels available. Both prealbumin measured at ICU admission (adjusted odds-ratio (aOR) 0.04, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.01-0.23) and its change over the first week (aOR 0.02, CI 95 0.00-0.19) were negatively associated with ICU mortality. Throughout the entire ICU stay, prealbumin dynamic changes were associated with both cumulative energy (estimate: 33.2, standard error (SE) 0.001, p < 0.01) and protein intakes (1.39, SE 0.001, p < 0.01). During the first week of stay, prealbumin change was independently associated with mean energy (6.03e-04, SE 2.32e-04, p < 0.01) and protein intakes (1.97e-02, SE 5.91e-03, p < 0.01). Notably, the association between prealbumin and energy intake was strongest among older or malnourished patients, those suffering from increased inflammation and those with high disease severity. Finally, prealbumin changes were associated with a positive mean nitrogen balance at day 7 only in patients with SOFA <4 (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Prealbumin measured at ICU admission and its change during the first-week serve as an accurate predictor of ICU mortality. Prealbumin dynamic assessment may be a reliable tool to estimate the effectiveness of nutrition support in the ICU, especially among high-risk patients.

Dysphagia characteristics at FEES examination in post-extubation patients with COVID-19

Objective

The aims of this study was to analyse fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) findings in tube-fed patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Seventeen patients who had been intubated during intensive care unit (ICU) stay were enrolled. Pooling of secretions, dysphagia phenotype, penetration/aspiration and residue after swallow were assessed through FEES. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores were also collected. Patients with significant swallowing impairment were evaluated again after 2 weeks.

Results

All patients were tube-fed at enrollment. According to the FEES results, 7 started total oral feeding with at least one consistency. The more common dysphagia phenotypes were propulsive deficit and delayed pharyngeal phase. Pooling of secretions, penetration/aspiration, and residue after swallow were frequently documented. A significant improvement in FOIS scores was found during the second FEES examination.

Conclusions

Swallowing impairment in patients with severe COVID-19 after discharge from the ICU is characterised by propulsive deficit and delayed pharyngeal phase. Most of these patients required feeding restrictions even if feeding abilities seem to improve over time.

Post intensive care syndrome: A review of clinical symptoms, evaluation, intervention

Post intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a typical complication of critically ill patients during or after their stay in intensive care unit (ICU), characterized by a high incidence and impairment rate. It significantly impacts the quality of life of patients and their families, as well as consumes a substantial amount of medical resources. Therefore, early intervention and assessment of PICS is crucial. This paper aims to provide clinical professionals with a reference base by focusing on the clinical symptoms, diagnostic assessment, and preventative measures of PICS.

Accuracy of Dysphagia Screening by Non-clinical Research Staff in the Emergency Department

Although the emergency department (ED) is the initial care setting for the majority of older adults requiring hospital admission, there is a paucity of ED-based dysphagia research in this at-risk population. This is driven by barriers to dysphagia evaluation in this complex care environment. Therefore, we assessed the reliability of trained, non-clinical ED research staff in administering dysphagia screening tools compared to trained speech pathologists (SLPs). We also aimed to determine perceptual screening discrepancies (e.g. voice change) between clinical and non-clinical staff. Forty-two older adults with suspected pneumonia were recruited during an ED visit and underwent dysphagia (Toronto Bedside Swallow Screening Tool; TOR-BSST©) and aspiration (3-oz water swallow test; 3-oz WST) screening by trained non-clinical research staff. Audio-recordings of screenings were re-rated post-hoc by trained, blinded SLPs with discrepancies resolved via consensus. Cohen's kappa (unweighted) revealed moderate agreement in pass/fail ratings between clinical and non-clinical staff for both the TOR-BSST© (k = 0.75) and the 3 oz WST (k = 0.66) corresponding to excellent sensitivity and good specificity for both the TOR-BSST (SN = 94%, SP = 85%) and the 3 oz WST (SN = 90%, SP = 81%). Further analysis of TOR-BSST perceptual parameters revealed that most discrepancies between clinicians and non-clinicians resulted from over-diagnosis of change in vocal quality (53%). These results support the feasibility of non-clinical research staff administering screening tools for dysphagia and aspiration in the ED. Dysphagia screening may not necessitate clinical staff involvement, which may improve feasibility of large-scale ED research. Future training of research staff should focus on perceptual assessment of vocal quality.

SARS-CoV-2 and Dysphagia: A Retrospective Analysis of COVID-19 Patients with Swallowing Disorders

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.

Dysphagia Rehabilitation in Dysphagic Patients with Acute or Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dysphagia or swallowing dysfunction is common in patients with acute or critical illness, and diverse methods of dysphagia rehabilitation are provided worldwide. We aimed to examine the efficacy of rehabilitation to treat dysphagia in patients with acute or critical illness. We searched PubMed, ICHUSHI, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to November 22, 2023 for relevant randomized controlled trials. We focused on dysphagic patients with acute or critical illness who were not orotracheally intubated. Our target intervention included conventional rehabilitation and nerve stimulation/neuromodulation techniques as dysphagia rehabilitation. Comparators were conventional or standard care or no dysphagia interventions. Primary outcomes included mortality, incidence of pneumonia during the study period, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores within 90 days of hospital discharge. We pooled the data using a random-effects model, and classified the certainty of evidence based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,096 participants were included. Dysphagia rehabilitation was associated with a reduced incidence of pneumonia (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.81; moderate certainty), but not with reduced mortality (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.61-1.39; very low certainty) or improved HRQoL scores (mean difference, -0.20; 95% CI, -20.34 to 19.94; very low certainty). Based on the available moderate- or very low- quality evidence, while dysphagia rehabilitation had no impact on mortality or HRQoL, they might reduce the incidence of pneumonia in dysphagic patients with acute or critical illness.

Therapeutic approach to dysphagia in post-COVID patients in a rehabilitation unit: a descriptive longitudinal study

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.

Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, Weaning, and the Role of Tracheostomy

Depending on the definitional criteria used, approximately 5% to 10% of critical adults will require prolonged mechanical ventilation with longer-term outcomes that are worse than those ventilated for a shorter duration. Outcomes are affected by patient characteristics before critical illness and its severity but also by organizational characteristics and care models. Definitive trials of interventions to inform care activities, such as ventilator weaning, upper airway management, rehabilitation, and nutrition specific to the prolonged mechanical ventilation patient population, are lacking. A structured and individualized approach developed by the multiprofessional team in discussion with the patient and their family is warranted.

Interventions for Postextubation Dysphagia in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of dysphagia interventions for patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation (⩾48 h) in critical care units.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, Wanfang (China), CNKI (China), and ProQuest Dissertations for studies published up to December 31, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized trials, and cohort studies comparing dysphagia rehabilitation - such as swallowing stimulation, swallowing and respiratory muscle exercise, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation - with standard care or no treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were dysphagia severity, time to resume oral intake, and incidence of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia.

DATA EXTRACTION

Detailed information on study design, setting, participant demographics, interventions, and outcomes was systematically extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Our analysis included ten studies with a total of 1031 participants. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in dysphagia severity, time to oral intake and the risk of aspiration pneumonia, and an improvement in quality of life among patients receiving swallowing therapy. However, no substantial difference was found in nutritional status. Limited data availability necessitated a descriptive presentation of outcomes like the risk of aspiration, ICU/hospital stay duration, pharyngeal/oral residue severity, and intervention-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence for the effectiveness of dysphagia interventions in critically ill patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation is limited. There is a pressing need for future research, particularly high-quality RCTs employing standardized outcome measures, to substantiate these findings.

Serotonin therapies for opioid-induced disordered swallow and respiratory depression

Opioids are well-known to cause respiratory depression, but despite clinical evidence of dysphagia, the effects of opioids on swallow excitability and motor pattern are unknown. We tested the effects of the clinically relevant opioid buprenorphine on pharyngeal swallow and respiratory drive in male and female rats. We also evaluated the utility of 5-HT1A agonists (8-OH-DPAT and buspirone) to improve swallowing and breathing following buprenorphine administration. Experiments were performed on 44 freely breathing Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Bipolar fine wire electrodes were inserted into the mylohyoid, thyroarytenoid, posterior cricoarytenoid, thyropharyngeus, and diaphragm muscles to measure electromyographic (EMG) activity of swallowing and breathing. We evaluated the hypotheses that swallowing varies by stimulus, opioids depress swallowing and breathing, and that 5-HT1A agonists improve these depressions. Our results largely confirmed the following hypotheses: 1) swallow-related EMG activity was larger during swallows elicited by esophageal distension plus oral water infusion than by either stimulus alone. 2) Buprenorphine depressed swallow in both sexes, but females were more susceptible to total swallow suppression. 3) Female animals were also more vulnerable to opioid-induced respiratory depression. 4) 8-OH-DPAT rescued breathing following buprenorphine-induced respiratory arrest, and pretreatment with the partial 5-HT1A agonist buspirone prevented buprenorphine-induced respiratory arrest in female animals. 5) 8-OH-DPAT enhanced mylohyoid and thyropharyngeus EMG amplitude during swallow but did not restore excitability of the swallow pattern generator following total suppression by buprenorphine. Our results highlight sex-specific and behavior-specific effects of buprenorphine and provide preclinical evidence of a 5HT1A agonist for the treatment of respiratory depression and dysphagia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study, to our knowledge, to evaluate sex-specific effects of opioid administration on pharyngeal swallow. We expand on a small but growing number of studies that report a lower threshold for opioid-induced respiratory depression in females compared with males, and we are the first to produce this effect with the partial μ-opioid-receptor agonist buprenorphine. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that activation of 5-HT1A receptors can improve swallow and breathing outcomes following systemic buprenorphine administration.

Functional electrical stimulation cycling-based muscular evaluation method in mechanically ventilated patients

BACKGROUND

Intensive care acquired muscle weakness is a common feature in critically ill patients. Beyond the therapeutic uses, FES-cycling could represent a promising nonvolitional evaluation method for detecting acquired muscle weakness.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether FES-cycling is able to identify muscle dysfunctions, and to evaluate the survival rate in patients with detected muscle dysfunction.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was carried out, with 29 critically ill patients and 20 healthy subjects. Maximum torque and power achieved were recorded, in addition to the stimulation cost, and patients were followed up for six months.

RESULTS

Torque (2.64 [1.53 to 4.81] vs 6.03 [4.56 to 6.73] Nm) and power (3.31 [2.33 to 6.37] vs 6.35 [5.22 to 10.70] watts) were lower and stimulation cost (22 915 [5069 to 37 750] vs 3411 [2080 to 4024] μC/W) was higher in patients compared to healthy people (p < 0.05). Surviving patients showed a nonsignificant difference in power and torque in relation to nonsurvivors (p > 0.05), but they had a lower stimulation cost (4462 [3598 to 11 788] vs 23 538 [10 164 to 39 836] μC/W) (p < 0.05). In total, 34% of all patients survived during the six months of follow-up. Furthermore, 62% of patients with a stimulation cost below 15 371 μC/W and 7% of patients with a stimulation cost above 15 371 μC/W survived.

CONCLUSIONS

FES-cycling has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting muscle disorders. Critical patients have low torque and power and a high stimulation cost. Stimulation cost is related to survival. A low stimulation cost was related to a 3 times greater chance of survival.

Research hotspots and frontiers in post-stroke dysphagia: a bibliometric analysis study

Background

Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke that can result in serious consequences. In recent years, more and more papers on post-stroke dysphagia have been published in various journals. However, there is still a lack of bibliometric analysis of post-stroke dysphagia. This study visually analyzes the global research situation of post-stroke dysphagia from 2013 to 2022, aiming to explore the current research status, frontier trends, and research hotspots in this field.

Methods

Articles and reviews relevant to post-stroke dysphagia were obtained and retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database in the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2022). CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used for bibliographic analysis.

Results

A total of 1,447 articles were included in the analysis. The number of publications showed an overall upward trend, from 72 in 2013 to 262 in 2022. The most influential authors, institutions, journals, and countries were Hamdy S, University of London, Dysphagia, and the People's Republic of China. An analysis of keywords and the literature indicated that current studies in the field of post-stroke dysphagia focused on dysphagia and aspiration, dysphagia classification, dysphagia rehabilitation, and daily living.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis reveals the latest advancements and emerging trends in the field of post-stroke dysphagia, spanning the years 2013 to 2022. It highlights the paramount importance of conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of dysphagia screening protocols and non-invasive intervention techniques in improving the quality of life for these patients. Such research efforts hold significant academic implications for the development of evidence-based treatment strategies in this field.

Management of swallowing disorders in ICU patients - A multinational expert opinion

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, yet it remains underrecognized and often unmanaged despite being associated with life-threatening complications, prolonged ICU stays and hospitalization.

PURPOSE

To propose an expert opinion for the diagnosis and management of dysphagia developed from evidence-based clinical recommendations and practitioner insights.

METHODS

A multinational group of dysphagia and critical care experts conducted a literature review using a modified ACCORD methodology. Based on a fusion of the available evidence and the panel's clinical experience, an expert opinion on best practice management was developed.

RESULTS

The panel recommends adopting clinical algorithms intended to promote standardized, high-quality care that triggers timely systematic dysphagia screening, assessment, and treatment of extubated and tracheostomized patients in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the lack of robust scientific evidence, two clinical management algorithms are proposed for use by multidisciplinary teams to improve early systematic detection and effective management of dysphagia in ICU patients. Additionally, emerging therapeutic options such as neurostimulation have the potential to improve the quality of ICU dysphagia care.

Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model to Predict Postextubation Dysphagia in Elderly Patients After Endotracheal Intubation Under General Anesthesia: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

At present, the incidence and risk factors for dysphagia after extubation in elderly inpatients are still unclear, and we aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model that prospectively identifies high-risk patients to reduce the occurrence rate of dysphagia. The 469 patients recruited were randomly divided into modeling and validation groups in a 7:3 ratio. In the modeling group, the postextubation dysphagia (PED) risk factors were analyzed, and a risk prediction model was established. In the validation group, the model was validated and evaluated. The model was constructed based on the risk factors determined by a binary logistic regression analysis. The discrimination ability of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The calibration curve and Hosmer‒Lemeshow test were performed to evaluate the model's calibration ability. The clinical utility of the risk prediction model was analyzed by decision curve analysis (DCA). The results showed that the incidence of PED was 15.99%, and age, duration of indwelling gastric tube, difficult endotracheal intubation, atomization after extubation, anesthesia risk level and frailty assessment were identified as important risk factors. The model was validated to have favorable discrimination, calibration ability and clinical utility. It has a certain extension value and clinical applicability, providing a feasible reference for preventing the occurrence of PED.

Prediction Models for Dysphagia in Intensive Care Unit after Mechanical Ventilation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Dysphagia is a common condition that can independently lead to death in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), particularly those who require mechanical ventilation. Despite extensive research on the predictors of dysphagia development, consistency across these studies is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors and summarize existing prediction models for dysphagia in ICU patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

We searched five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Studies that developed a post-extubation dysphagia risk prediction model in ICU were included. A meta-analysis of individual predictor variables was performed with mixed-effects models. The risk of bias was assessed using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST).

RESULTS

After screening 1,923 references, we ultimately included nine studies in our analysis. The most commonly identified risk predictors included in the final risk prediction model were the length of indwelling endotracheal tube ≥72 h, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score ≥15, age ≥65 years, and duration of gastric tube ≥72 h. However, PROBAST analysis revealed a high risk of bias in the performance of these prediction models, mainly because of the lack of external validation, inadequate pre-screening of variables, and improper treatment of continuous and categorical predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

These models are particularly susceptible to bias because of numerous limitations in their development and inadequate external validation. Future research should focus on externally validating the existing model in ICU patients with varying characteristics. Moreover, assessing the acceptance and effectiveness of the model in clinical practice is needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:517-525, 2024.

Post-intensive care syndrome follow-up system after hospital discharge: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is the long-lasting impairment of physical functions, cognitive functions, and mental health after intensive care. Although a long-term follow-up is essential for the successful management of PICS, few reviews have summarized evidence for the efficacy and management of the PICS follow-up system.

MAIN TEXT

The PICS follow-up system includes a PICS follow-up clinic, home visitations, telephone or mail follow-ups, and telemedicine. The first PICS follow-up clinic was established in the U.K. in 1993 and its use spread thereafter. There are currently no consistent findings on the efficacy of PICS follow-up clinics. Under recent evidence and recommendations, attendance at a PICS follow-up clinic needs to start within three months after hospital discharge. A multidisciplinary team approach is important for the treatment of PICS from various aspects of impairments, including the nutritional status. We classified face-to-face and telephone-based assessments for a PICS follow-up from recent recommendations. Recent findings on medications, rehabilitation, and nutrition for the treatment of PICS were summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review aimed to summarize the PICS follow-up system after hospital discharge and provide a comprehensive approach for the prevention and treatment of PICS.

Speech pathology assessment of dysphagia post endotracheal extubation: A service-model evaluation

BACKGROUND

As postextubation dysphagia (PED) is correlated with pneumonia, feeding-tube placement, and in-hospital mortality, early identification is paramount. Endotracheal intubation duration of ≥48 h is independently predictive for PED. Therefore, a blanket intensive care unit (ICU) referral protocol was implemented to conduct PED assessment of patients intubated for ≥48 h.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to review outcomes of an established blanket referral model for PED assessment in patients intubated for ≥48 h. Outcomes of the model were examined over a 2-year period (June 2015-June 2017) for (i) numbers and clinical characteristics of patients meeting criteria and referred for speech pathology (SP) assessment; (ii) frequency identified with PED on clinical swallow examination; (iii) severity and duration of PED; and (iv) SP management within the ICU.

RESULTS

There was 96% adherence to the pathway with 108 participants (68% male) assessed. Median intubation duration was 142 h (mode = 61; interquartile range [IQR] = 131.75), and median ICU admission was 9 days (mode = 8; IQR = 6.75). SP referral occurred at a median of 19.5 h (mode = 4; IQR = 18.75) after extubation. Dysphagia assessment occurred at a median of 22 h (mode = 4; IQR = 19), with 34% assessed on the same day and 77% within 24 h of extubation. PED was observed in 89%, with 26% exhibiting profound PED. Dysphagia recovery occurred at a median of 7 days (mode = 2; IQR = 11). Dysphagia severity was associated with duration to swallow recovery (p = 0.001). A median of two occasions of service and 90 min clinical time was spent by the speech pathologist in the ICU.

CONCLUSION

The blanket referral model enabled timely triage and assessment of dysphagia in a patient cohort at high risk of PED in our facility.

Evaluation and Treatment of Dysphagia in Public and Private Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Greece

Introduction  Dysphagia is a significant but underrecognized clinical issue in the intensive care unit (ICU), and it is associated with various complications. Despite its clinical importance, there is limited research and no Greek ICU-specific guidelines for managing dysphagic patients. Additionally, only a few ICUs in Greece have dysphagia specialists, specifically speech-language pathologists (SLPs) providing their expertise. Objective  Τo identify the current practices for dysphagia management (screening, assessment, treatment) and gain insight into ICU directors' awareness/perceptions of the prevalence, complications, and risk of dysphagia. Materials and Methods  We identified 138 Greek ICUs. Data were collected from ICU (including pediatric and neonatal) directors, working in public and private hospitals, via a 24-item, anonymous online questionnaire, within a 4-month period. Results  Our survey was completed by 45 ICU directors. Most participants (84.4%) reported that dysphagia is a relevant clinical problem in their ICU, and 51.1% estimated a frequency rate < 20%. Non-instrumental approaches are mainly utilized to screen and diagnose dysphagia, whereas enteral nutrition and diet modifications are used to manage dysphagia. Additionally, 64.4% of ICU directors agreed that SLPs are essential for the management of dysphagic patients, and 66.7%, that awareness of dysphagia in their ICU could be increased. Conclusion  The current study documented the methods and approaches used to manage dysphagic patients in Greek ICUs. The ICU directors seem to recognize the clinical significance of dysphagia and its complications. According to our findings, the employment of SLPs could result in a more comprehensive and intensive approach and improve the quality of care for these patients.

Ultrasonographic Features of Muscular Weakness and Muscle Wasting in Critically Ill Patients

Muscle wasting begins as soon as in the first week of one's ICU stay and patients with multi-organ failure lose more muscle mass and suffer worse functional impairment as a consequence. Muscle wasting and weakness are mainly characterized by a generalized, bilateral lower limb weakness. However, the impairment of the respiratory and/or oropharyngeal muscles can also be observed with important consequences for one's ability to swallow and cough. Muscle wasting represents the result of the disequilibrium between breakdown and synthesis, with increased protein degradation relative to protein synthesis. It is worth noting that the resulting functional disability can last up to 5 years after discharge, and it has been estimated that up to 50% of patients are not able to return to work during the first year after ICU discharge. In recent years, ultrasound has played an increasing role in the evaluation of muscle. Indeed, ultrasound allows an objective evaluation of the cross-sectional area, the thickness of the muscle, and the echogenicity of the muscle. Furthermore, ultrasound can also estimate the thickening fraction of muscle. The objective of this review is to analyze the current understanding of the pathophysiology of acute skeletal muscle wasting and to describe the ultrasonographic features of normal muscle and muscle weakness.

Translation, and validation of Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS): Swedish version

BACKGROUND

Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) significantly impacts patient and medical outcomes. In Sweden, there is no comprehensive outcome measure for dysphagia that incorporates holistic assessment and dysphagia impact on a person's impairment, function and participation. The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) was developed and validated (in English) and incorporates the World Health Organisation's (WHO) aforementioned, International Classification of Functioning (ICF) aspects. This study translated then evaluated the validity and reliability of the Swedish version, DOSS-S.

METHOD

Translation occurred based on WHO recommendations. The Content Validity Index (CVI) of the translated version (DOSS-S) was assessed twice by 11 (multi-professional) dysphagia experts. Criterion validity and rater reliability was calculated using 18 Speech Pathologists assessing patient cases from International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative-Functional Diet Scale (IDDS-FDS) research.

RESULTS

Very high CVI values (0.96-0.99) for the linguistic correlation, and high CVI values (0.84-0.94) for applicability correlation were achieved. High criterion validity of DOSS-S with IDDSI-FDS was demonstrated (rs = 0.89, p < 0.01), with very high inter and intra rater reliabilities (ICC > 0.90).

CONCLUSION

The DOSS-S demonstrated very high validity values, and very high inter and intra rater reliability. This research contributes to improved dysphagia management by providing interprofessional dysphagia clinicians with a validated scale to identify patient progression, communicate dysphagia status between regions and countries, and document patient outcomes using an ICF framework.

Effectiveness of Swallowing and Oral Care Interventions on Oral Intake and Salivary Flow of Patients Following Endotracheal Extubation at a Tertiary Care Center: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are the most frequently used life-sustaining interventions in critical care. Prolonged intubation can lead to post-extubation dysphagia, affecting the individual's nutritional level and communication ability. Thereupon, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of swallowing and oral care interventions in resuming oral intake and increasing salivary flow in post-extubation patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in critical care units of a tertiary care setting, where 92 post-extubation patients who had undergone intubation for≥48 hours were enrolled. The intervention group received swallowing and oral interventions, including safe swallowing education (SSE), toothbrushing, salivary gland massage, oral cavity, and swallowing exercises. In contrast, the control group received standard oral care every 8th hour. Oral intake was assessed daily with the Functional Oral Intake Scale, and the salivary flow measurement was assessed with oral Schirmer's test on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day after extubation.

Results

The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics showed that the groups were homogenous. The intervention group achieved total oral intake two days earlier than the control group. Findings also showed that the participants in the intervention group had a significant increase in salivary flow than in the control group on the 3rd and 7th days of the intervention.

Conclusion

Swallowing and oral care interventions help post-extubation patients resume early oral intake and increase salivary flow after prolonged intubation. Hence, it improves the patient's outcome toward a healthy life.

Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Severe weakness associated with critical illness (CIW) is common. This narrative review summarizes the latest scientific insights and proposes a guide for clinicians to optimize the diagnosis and management of the CIW during the various stages of the disease from the ICU to the community stage.

MAIN BODY

CIW arises as diffuse, symmetrical weakness after ICU admission, which is an important differentiating factor from other diseases causing non-symmetrical muscle weakness or paralysis. In patients with adequate cognitive function, CIW can be easily diagnosed at the bedside using manual muscle testing, which should be routinely conducted until ICU discharge. In patients with delirium or coma or those with prolonged, severe weakness, specific neurophysiological investigations and, in selected cases, muscle biopsy are recommended. With these exams, CIW can be differentiated into critical illness polyneuropathy or myopathy, which often coexist. On the general ward, CIW is seen in patients with prolonged previous ICU treatment, or in those developing a new sepsis. Respiratory muscle weakness can cause neuromuscular respiratory failure, which needs prompt recognition and rapid treatment to avoid life-threatening situations. Active rehabilitation should be reassessed and tailored to the new patient's condition to reduce the risk of disease progression. CIW is associated with long-term physical, cognitive and mental impairments, which emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary model of care. Follow-up clinics for patients surviving critical illness may serve this purpose by providing direct clinical support to patients, managing referrals to other specialists and general practitioners, and serving as a platform for research to describe the natural history of post-intensive care syndrome and to identify new therapeutic interventions. This surveillance should include an assessment of the activities of daily living, mood, and functional mobility. Finally, nutritional status should be longitudinally assessed in all ICU survivors and incorporated into a patient-centered nutritional approach guided by a dietician.

CONCLUSIONS

Early ICU mobilization combined with the best evidence-based ICU practices can effectively reduce short-term weakness. Multi-professional collaborations are needed to guarantee a multi-dimensional evaluation and unitary community care programs for survivors of critical illnesses.

Early detection and assessment of intensive care unit-acquired weakness: a comprehensive review

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a serious complication in critically ill patients. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of ICU-AW are crucial for effectively preventing its associated morbidity and mortality. This article provides a comprehensive review of ICU-AW, focusing on the different methods used for its diagnosis and monitoring. Additionally, it highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in muscle assessment and early detection of ICU-AW. Furthermore, the article explores potential strategies for preventing ICU-AW. Healthcare providers who manage critically ill patients utilize diagnostic approaches such as physical exams, imaging, and assessment tools to identify ICU-AW. However, each method has its own limitations. The diagnosis of ICU-AW needs improvement due to the lack of a consensus on the appropriate approach for its detection. Nevertheless, bedside ultrasound has proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective tool for muscle assessment in the ICU. Combining the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score assessment, and ultrasound can be a convenient approach for the early detection of ICU-AW. This approach can facilitate timely intervention and prevent catastrophic consequences. However, further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Dysphagia in adult intensive care patients: Results of a prospective, multicentre binational point prevalence study

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia occurs in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on the prevalence of dysphagia in adult ICU patients.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of dysphagia in nonintubated adult patients in the ICU.

METHODS

A prospective, multicentre, binational, cross-sectional point prevalence study was conducted in 44 adult ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Data were collected in June 2019 on documentation of dysphagia, oral intake, and ICU guidelines and training. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic, admission, and swallowing data. Continuous variables are reported as means and standard deviations (SDs). Precisions of estimates were reported as 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of the 451 eligible participants, 36 (7.9%) were documented as having dysphagia on the study day. In the dysphagia cohort, the mean age was 60.3 years (SD: 16.37) vs 59.6 years (SD: 17.1) and almost two-thirds were female (61.1% vs 40.1%). The most common admission source for those patients with dysphagia were from the emergency department (14/36, 38.9%), and seven of 36 (19.4%) had a primary diagnosis of trauma (odds ratio: 3.10, 95% CI 1.25 - 7.66). There were no statistical differences in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores between those with and without a dysphagia diagnosis. Patients with dysphagia were more likely to have a lower mean body weight of 73.3 kg vs 82.1 kg than patients not documented as having dysphagia (95% CI of mean difference: 0.43 to 17.07) and require respiratory support (odds ratio: 2.12, 95% 1.06 to 4.25). The majority of patients with dysphagia were prescribed modified food and fluids in the ICU. Less than half of ICUs surveyed reported unit-level guidelines, resources, or training for management of dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of documented dysphagia in adult ICU nonintubated patients was 7.9%. There were a higher proportion of females with dysphagia than previously reported. Approximately two-thirds of patients with dysphagia were prescribed oral intake, and the majority were receiving texture-modified food and fluids. Dysphagia management protocols, resources, and training are lacking across Australian and New Zealand ICUs.

FT-GAT: Graph neural network for predicting spontaneous breathing trial success in patients with mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Intensive care unit (ICU) physicians perform weaning procedures considering complex clinical situations and weaning protocols; however, liberating critical patients from mechanical ventilation (MV) remains challenging. Therefore, this study aims to aid physicians in deciding the early liberation of patients from MV by developing an artificial intelligence model that predicts the success of spontaneous breathing trials (SBT).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data of 652 critical patients (SBT success: 641, SBT failure: 400) who received MV at the Chungbuk National University Hospital (CBNUH) ICU from July 2020 to July 2022, including mixed and trauma ICUs. Patients underwent SBTs according to the CBNUH weaning protocol or physician's decision, and SBT success was defined as extubation performed by the physician on the SBT day. Additionally, our dataset comprised 11 numerical and 2 categorical features that can be obtained for any ICU patient, such as vital signs and MV setting values. To predict SBT success, we analyzed tabular data using a graph neural network-based approach. Specifically, the graph structure was designed considering feature correlation, and a novel deep learning model, called feature tokenizer graph attention network (FT-GAT), was developed for graph analysis. FT-GAT transforms the input features into high-dimensional embeddings and analyzes the graph via the attention mechanism.

RESULTS

The quantitative evaluation results indicated that FT-GAT outperformed conventional models and clinical indicators by achieving the following model performance (AUROC): FT-GAT (0.80), conventional models (0.69-0.79), and clinical indicators (0.65-0.66) CONCLUSIONS: Through timely detection critical patients who can succeed in SBTs, FT-GAT can help prevent long-term use of MV and potentially lead to improvement in patient outcomes.

Persistent Features of Laryngeal Injury Following Endotracheal Intubation: A Systematic Review

This systematic review examined (i) prevalence, severity, and impact of persistent post-extubation laryngeal injury beyond hospital discharge and (ii) differences in persistent laryngeal injury between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 populations. The review was completed following PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, CINHAL complete, EMBASE, Web of Science) were searched (inception to March 2021). Screening, full text review and data extraction were completed by two reviewers. Primary outcomes were swallow, voice and cough and airway measures obtained after hospital discharge. Quality assessment was measured using Downs & Black Tool and Johanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Cohort Studies. Meta-analysis was not completed due to study heterogeneity. Six cohort studies were included. Total number of participants across the included studies was 436. ICU admission diagnoses included respiratory disease 46% (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19), sepsis 14%, non-sepsis-related organ dysfunction 9%, general medical 11%, general surgical 10%, trauma 2%, ENT 0.6% and other not specified by authors 7%. Outcomes were obtained between 2 and 60 months post hospital discharge. Assessment methods included endoscopic evaluation, clinician ratings and patient-reported outcomes. Persistent features of laryngeal injury identified were airway abnormalities (18.9-27%), dysphonia (13.2-60%) and dysphagia (23-33%). Persistent laryngeal injury was associated with ICU length of stay, respiratory diagnosis and tracheostomy. Study quality ranged from poor-good. This is the first systematic review to examine post-extubation laryngeal injury beyond hospital discharge. Significant gaps in the literature were identified. Given the impact on clinical and patient outcomes, large scale, well-designed research is needed to guide post-ICU service delivery.

Understanding Post-Sepsis Syndrome: How Can Clinicians Help?

Sepsis is a global health challenge, with over 49 million cases annually. Recent medical advancements have increased in-hospital survival rates to approximately 80%, but the escalating incidence of sepsis, owing to an ageing population, rise in chronic diseases, and antibiotic resistance, have also increased the number of sepsis survivors. Subsequently, there is a growing prevalence of "post-sepsis syndrome" (PSS). This syndrome includes long-term physical, medical, cognitive, and psychological issues after recovering from sepsis. PSS puts survivors at risk for hospital readmission and is associated with a reduction in health- and life span, both at short and long term, after hospital discharge. Comprehensive understanding of PSS symptoms and causative factors is vital for developing optimal care for sepsis survivors, a task of prime importance for clinicians. This review aims to elucidate our current knowledge of PSS and its relevance in enhancing post-sepsis care provided by clinicians.

Prevalence and clinical predictors of dysphagia after heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Dysphagia is a common complication after heart transplantation (HTPL), but few studies exist on dysphagia after HTPL, and the prevalence is unknown. The objective of our current study was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for dysphagia after HTPL and to classify its characteristics through Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS).

METHODS

The recipients of HTPL carried out at a single center from January 2011 to November 2019 were assessed retrospectively. Dysphagia was evaluated by a bedside swallowing exam and VFSS to evaluate for evidence of aspiration. The duration of ventilator and preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, intensive care unit, hospital stay, the progress of oral feeding after surgery, the presence of a tracheostomy, and vocal cord palsy were analyzed. On the third and seventh days following surgery, we looked at the relationship between risk factors and oral feeding progress, respectively. Additionally, we contrasted these risk variables with the no penetration/aspiration (PA) group and the PA group on VFSS.

RESULTS

Among the study cohort of 421 patients, 222 (52.7%) patients had access to oral feeding on the third day of surgery. The number of patients who underwent VFSS due to clinically suspected dysphagia was 96 (22.8%). Of these, 54 (56.2%) had aspiration or penetration (PA group), while 42 (43.8%) had no abnormal findings (No-PA group). In the multivariable regression model, preoperative ECMO support, vocal cord abnormalities, tracheostomy, and emergent need for HTPL were identified as independent risk variables for oral feeding progress on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 7. Among these factors, preoperative ECMO support had the highest odds ratio (OR) at PODs 3 (OR: 4.73, CI: 1.997, 11.203, p < .001) and 7 (OR: 5.143, CI: 2.294, 11.53, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

We identified the prevalence and potential risk factors for postoperative dysphagia in this retrospective analysis of 421 heart transplant recipients. The pathophysiology of postoperative dysphagia was multifactorial, and it was more common than the incidence after general cardiothoracic surgery.

Strategies of Screening and Treating Post-Extubation Dysphagia: An Overview of the Situation in Greek-Cypriot ICUs

Post-extubation dysphagia (PED) can lead to serious health problems in critically ill patients. Contrasting its high incidence rate of 12.4% reported in a recent observational study, many ICUs lack routine bedside screening, likely due to limited awareness. This study aimed to establish baseline data on the current approaches and the status of perceived best practices in PED screening and treatment, as well as to assess awareness of PED. A nationwide cross-sectional, online survey was conducted in all fourteen adult ICUs in the Republic of Cyprus in June 2018, with a 100% response rate. Over 85% of ICUs lacked a standard screening protocol for PED. The most commonly reported assessment methods were cough reflex testing and the water swallow test. Treatment approaches included muscle strengthening exercises without swallowing and swallowing exercises. Only 28.6% of ICUs acknowledged PED as a common issue. The study identified significant gaps in awareness and knowledge regarding PED screening and treatment in Greek-Cypriot ICUs. Urgent implementation of comprehensive dysphagia education programs within the units is necessary, and interdisciplinary collaboration among nurses, intensivists, and speech and language therapists is crucial to improve the quality of care provided.

Dysphagia in intensive care, a real problem: analysis of risk factors

AIMS

To identify risk factors present in patients with dysphagia in a population of critically ill patients.

METHODS

Case series of a cohort of patients recruited in the intensive care unit (ICU) until hospital discharge. Patients who gave consent and met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The Volume-Viscosity clinical examination method was used for the screening of dysphagia. An uni- and bivariate statistical analysis was performed using odds ratio (OR) to detect risk factors for dysphagia.

OUTCOMES

103 patients were recruited from 401 possible. The mean age was 59,33 ± 13,23, men represented 76,7%. The severity of the sample was: APACHE II (12,74 ± 6,17) and Charlson (2,98 ± 3,31). 45,6% of patients showed dysphagia, obtaining significant OR values (p < 0,050) for the development of dysphagia: older age, neurological antecedents, COVID19, long stay in ICU and hospitalization, and the presence of tracheotomy. COVID19 patients represented 46,6% of the sample, so an analysis of this subgroup was performed, showing similar results, with a Charlson risk (OR:4,65; 95% CI:1,31-16,47; p = 0,014) and a hospital stay (OR: 8,50; 95%CI: 2,20-32,83; p < 0,001) On discharge from the ICU, 37,9% of the population still had dysphagia; 12,6% maintained this problem at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of our patients developed dysphagia. Clinical severity and the presence of tracheotomy were risk factors. We observed in patients with dysphagia a longer stay in both ICU and hospitalization.

Impact of anxiety and depression on the swallowing process among patients with neurological disorders and head and neck neoplasia: systemic review

Background

Dysphagia is associated with depression and anxiety due to the severity, impact of symptoms itself or secondary to the underlying cause. This is more recognizable to brain diseases that has consequences common to the neural supply of the swallowing act and the cognition and behavior. Limited data are available to explore, quantitate and monitor these neurological outcomes. Our aim of this research to review the literature pertinent to depressive disorders, anxiety, and/or the quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being. Search of Medline and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles had revealed a total of 1568 citations; 30 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Data about the direct effect of dysphagia on psychiatric aspects are limited. Studies of the relationship between severity of dysphagia and depressive symptoms demonstrated that several evaluation tools are available for objective and subjective assessment. The severity and progression of dysphagia was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Dysphagia is associated with and positively correlated to depression and anxiety scores observed in Parkinson disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke. Similar association is observed in patients with head and neck cancer, tongue cancer and oral cancer. A bidirectional positive correlation exists with a vicious circle that loops between dysphagia and psychological disease. Moreover, the severity of dysphagia shows correlation with depression and/or anxiety scores (Fig. 1, Graphical abstract).

Graphical Abstract

Swallowing biomechanics in tracheostomised critically ill patients compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls

Objective

The mechanistic effects of a tracheostomy on swallowing are unclear. Pharyngeal high-resolution manometry with impedance (P-HRM-I) is a novel swallow assessment tool providing quantifiable metrics. This study aimed to characterise swallowing biomechanics in tracheostomised critically ill (non-neurological) patients.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Australian tertiary hospital intensive care unit.

Participants

Tracheostomised adults, planned for decannulation.

Main outcome measures

Swallowing assessment using P-HRM-I, compared to healthy age- and gender-matched controls.

Results

In this tracheostomised cohort (n = 10), the Swallow Risk Index, a global measure of swallow function, was significantly elevated (p < 0.001). At the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS), hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure and UOS integrated relaxation pressure were significantly elevated (control 0.65 mmHg [-1.02, 2.33] v tracheostomy 13.7 mmHg [10.4, 16.9], P < 0.001; control -4.28 mmHg [-5.87, 2.69] v tracheostomy 12.2 mmHg [8.83, 15.6], P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, UOS opening extent and relaxation time were reduced (control 4.83 mS [4.60, 5.07] v tracheostomy 4.33 mS [3.97, 4.69], P = 0.002; control 0.52 s [0.49, 0.55] v tracheostomy 0.41 s [0.37, 0.45], P < 0.001, respectively). Total pharyngeal contractility (PhCI) measuring pharyngeal pressure generation was significantly elevated (control 199.5 mmHg cm.s [177.4, 221.6] v tracheostomy 326.5 mmHg cm.s [253.3, 399.7]; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In a critically ill tracheostomised cohort, UOS dysfunction was the prevalent biomechanical feature, with elevated pharyngeal pressures. Pharyngeal weakness is not contributing to dysphagia in this cohort. Instead, elevated pharyngeal pressures may represent a compensatory mechanism to overcome the UOS dysfunction. Further studies to extend these findings may inform the development of timely and targeted rehabilitation.

Negative impact of computed tomography-based low skeletal muscle mass on swallowing recovery in patients with post-stroke dysphagia

OBJECTIVES

Dysphagia due to stroke has a high prevalence, and evaluating the swallowing function of dysphagia and promoting oral intake is essential in patients with stroke. The psoas muscle mass index（cm2/height2（m2））, calculated by the psoas muscle area at the L3 level via abdominal computed tomography （CT）, can predict the development of dysphagia. However, knowledge about the impact of CT-based skeletal muscle mass on swallowing recovery, remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether CT-based low skeletal muscle mass impacted swallowing recovery.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with post-stroke dysphagia who underwent acute treatments along with a videofluoroscopic swallowing study（VFSS）. Swallowing recovery was identified as the improvement of the Functional Oral Intake Scale （FOIS） from the time of VFSS to discharge（observational period: ObPd）. The psoas muscle mass index's cut-off values for low skeletal muscle mass were 3.74 cm2/m2 and 2.29 cm2/m2 for men and women respectively.

RESULTS

There were 53 subjects （36 male, median age 73.9）. The median during the ObPd was 26 days, and the median days from onset to admission and admission to VFSS were 0 and 18, respectively. Sixteen patients had low skeletal muscle mass. The median improvement of FOIS during the ObPd was 2, and the median length of hospital stay was 51 days. In the stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for the improvement of FOIS during the ObPd, low skeletal muscle mass （β - 0.245; 95% confidence interval - 2.248 to - 0.127; p = 0.029） was a significant factor, even adjusted for serum albumin at admission, disturbance of consciousness at VFSS, FOIS at VFSS, and aspiration during VFSS.

CONCLUSION

CT-based low skeletal muscle mass negatively impacted swallowing recovery during the ObPd in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.

How oral intake, mobility, and activity measures can inform discharge recommendations: A retrospective analysis of hospitalized inmate and non-inmate COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Patients who were incarcerated were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 compared to the general public. Further, the impact of multidisciplinary rehabilitation assessments and interventions on the outcomes of patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To compare functional outcomes of oral intake, mobility, and activity between inmates and non-inmates who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and examine the relationships among these functional measures and discharge destination.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 at a large academic medical center. Scores on functional measures including Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) were collected and compared between inmates and non-inmates. Binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the odds of 1) whether patients were discharged to the same place they were admitted and 2) patients being discharged with a total oral diet with no restrictions. Independent variables were considered significant if the 95% CIs of the odds ratios (ORs) did not include 1.0.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients (inmates, n=38; non-inmates, n=45) were included in the final analysis. There were no differences between inmates and non-inmates on initial (P=.39) and final FOIS scores (P=.35) or on initial, final, or change scores (P>.05) on the AM-PAC. When examining separate regression models using AM-PAC mobility or AM-PAC activity scores as independent variables, greater age upon admission decreased the odds (OR=0.922; 95%CI=0.875 to 0.972 and OR=0.918; 95%CI=0.871 to 0.968) of patients being discharged with a total oral diet with no restrictions. The following factors increased the odds of patients being discharged to the same place they were admitted from: being an inmate (OR=5.285; 95%CI= 1.334 to 20.931) and (OR=6.083; 95%CI=1.548 to 23.912); "Other" race (OR=7.596; 95%CI=1.203 to 47.968) and (OR=8.515; 95%CI=1.311 to 55.291); and female sex (OR=4.671; 95%CI=1.086 to 20.092) and (OR=4.977; 95%CI=1.146 to 21.615).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study provide an opportunity to learn how functional measures may be used to better understand discharge outcomes in both inmate and non-inmate patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 during the initial period of the pandemic.

CLINICALTRIAL

Association Between Daily Average of Mobility Achieved During Physical Therapy Sessions and Hospital-Acquired or Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Critically Ill Patients

PURPOSE

Hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonias (HAP and VAP) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Immobility is a risk factor for developing ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). Early mobilization is associated with improved physical function, but its association with hospital-acquired (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAP) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during physical therapy (PT) and incidence of HAP or VAP among critically ill patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study of progressive mobility program participants in the medical ICU, we used a validated method to abstract new diagnoses of HAP and VAP. We captured scores on a mobility scale achieved during each inpatient physical therapy session and used a Bayesian, discrete time-to-event model to evaluate the association between daily average of highest level of mobility achieved and occurrence of HAP or VAP.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of HAP/VAP occurred in 55 (26.8%) of the 205 participants. Each increase in the daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during PT (0-6 mobility scale) exhibited a protective association with occurrence of HAP or VAP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI 0.44, 0.85). Age, baseline ambulatory status, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and previous day's mechanical ventilation (MV) status were not significantly associated with the occurrence of HAP/VAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Among critically ill patients in a progressive mobility program, a higher daily average of highest level of mobility achieved during PT was associated with a decreased risk of HAP or VAP.

Does Dysphagia Predict Inpatient Morbidity and Mortality in Geriatric Patients Admitted for Aspiration Pneumonia?

Background Aspiration pneumonia is common in older adults admitted for community-acquired pneumonia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Factors that put this population at higher risk of aspiration include cognitive impairment, neuromuscular dysfunction, and dysphagia. This study aimed to determine whether a concurrent diagnosis of dysphagia conferred a higher risk of complications in the elderly admitted for aspiration pneumonia. Methods The National Inpatient Sample 2001-2013 database was queried for patients, aged 65 or older, with a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Sepsis, respiratory failure, and intubation were identified with their respective ICD-9 codes. A chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to examine socio-demographic and complication variables, with a significance level of α <0.001. Results A total of 1,097,325 patients were admitted for aspiration pneumonia, of which 349,861 (24.2%) had dysphagia. After incorporating socio-demographic variables, the dysphagia group had a significantly lower likelihood of having sepsis (OR=0.72), respiratory failure (OR=0.92), intubation (OR=0.52), and inpatient mortality (OR = 0.59). Patients with dysphagia had a significantly higher likelihood of increased length of stay (OR=1.24). Conclusions Elderly patients admitted with aspiration pneumonia with a co-diagnosis of dysphagia were less likely to have inpatient morbidity and mortality compared to their counterparts. This may be due to improved speech evaluation and treatment in patients with dysphagia allowing for better control of macro and micro aspiration. Future research is needed to examine if universal speech therapy can reduce hospitalization and long-term mortality for such patients.

Position Statement of the Union of European Phoniatricians (UEP): Fees and Phoniatricians' Role in Multidisciplinary and Multiprofessional Dysphagia Management Team

The need for multidisciplinary and multiprofessional management of dysphagia is constantly increasing and creating a major challenge for healthcare professionals and society, especially in terms of professional expertise and human resources. The distribution of tasks among the dysphagia team members, which includes phoniatricians, otolaryngologists, and speech-language therapists, is flexible and overlapping. For assessing dysphagia, the (fibreoptic) flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), with or without videofluoroscopy, is a pivotal diagnostic tool. This position paper aims to illustrate the phoniatrician's role in performing a FEES, which is an indispensable component of the diagnostic workup of patients suffering from oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is based on the current collaborative expert view of the Swallowing Committee of the Union of European Phoniatricians and a literature review. A FEES is one of the core competences of phoniatricians due to their endoscopic expertise and experience in the field of dysphagia and diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract. Therefore, the phoniatrician is an important member of the dysphagia team, for the medical diagnostics of the aerodigestive tract and dysphagia as well as for FEES. Phoniatric competence is especially important for head and neck cancer patients, infants, and complex cases.

How Valid and Reliable Is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) When Translated into Another Language?

Swallowing difficulties are estimated to affect 590 million people worldwide and the modification of food and fluids is considered the cornerstone of dysphagia management. Contemporary practice uses the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), however, the validity and reliability of IDDSI when translated into another language has not been investigated. This study describes the translation process and confirms the validity and reliability of IDDSI when translated into another language (Swedish). The translation used a 12-step process based on the World Health Organization recommendations. Validity was tested using Content Validity Index (CVI) based on three ratings by a panel of 10-12 experts (Dietitians and Speech-Language Pathologists [SLPs]). The translation was rated for linguistic correlation as well as understandability and applicability in a Swedish context. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) from 20 SLP assessments of 10 previously published patient cases. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) of CVI between Expert Panel assessments was shown for linguistic correlation (improvement from 0.74-0.98) and understandability/applicability (improvement from 0.79-0.93 across ratings). Excellent validity (Item-CVI > 0.78 and Scale-CVI/Average > 0.8) and very high inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.9) were demonstrated. Results show that, when using a multi-step translation process, a translated version of IDDSI (into Swedish) demonstrates high validity and reliability. This further contributes to the evidence for use of IDDSI.

Perspectives on speech and language pathology practices and service provision in adult critical care settings in Ireland and international settings: A cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

Patients admitted to critical care (CC) are at risk of impaired swallowing and communication function. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in this context. In Ireland and internationally speech-language pathology CC guidelines are lacking, with possible variations in practice. To compare clinical practices in dysphagia, communication and tracheostomy management among SLPs working in adult CC units in Ireland and internationally, and explore their perspectives on training, skills and resources.

METHOD

Participants were SLPs working in CC. An international online survey sought information on (i) SLP workforce demographics and staffing levels, (ii) current dysphagia and communication assessment and management practices, (iii) practices and perspectives on training, skills and resources.

RESULT

366 responses were received across 29 countries. 18.03% (66/366) of these respondents worked in Ireland. Findings showed similarities and differences in practices. Total CC SLP whole-time equivalent (WTE) at each staff grade was lower (mean difference: -0.21 to -0.65 WTE p <.001) than desired for optimal service delivery. Negative effects of under-staffing were reported. Recommendations that all tracheostomised patients receive SLP input was unmet in 66% (220/334) of services.

CONCLUSION

SLP input in CC is limited in terms of dedicated posts, multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement, consistent management approaches and training opportunities internationally. Implications of findings are discussed.