Swallowing Problem in Patients with Stroke: Multi-Center Study in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Swallowing problems are a common symptom in patients suffering from stroke. The severity of swallowing problems associate with age, stroke types, and brain lesion. Early recognition of the problem can prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition.

Objective: To report the prevalence and the long-term outcome of dysphagia in patients with stroke.

Material and method: Data of patients with stroke admitted at nine rehabilitation wards/centers in Thailand were extracted from the Thai Stroke Rehabilitation Registry (TSRR) I and II (1-year follow-up).

Results: Of 327 stroke patients [mean age 62 (SD 12) years and male: female = 193:134], 49 (15%) had swallowing dysfunction at admission. Dysphagic patients had significantly more cognitive impairment (TMSE score <24) than non-dysphagic group (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in age, gender, onset-admission interval, type of stroke, and modified Barthel Index score (mBI) between the two groups. Moreover, there was no relationship between dysphagia and poor functional outcome (mBI ≤12). One year after discharge, only 214 (65.4%) patients returned for follow-up and seven patients (3.27%) had swallowing problem.

Conclusion: After a stroke attack, about 15% of patients had swallowing dysfunction. Those with cognitive impairment at admission were more prone to swallowing functions impairment.