Prevalence of Neurogenic Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition in Healthcare Institutions

Description

To determine prevalence of neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition in healthcare institutions.. Cross-sectional study was conducted at Riga East University Hospital Neurology and Neurosurgery clinic and Rehabilitation clinic, Daugavpils Regional Hospital and National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari” Neurorehabilitation ward. Study sample consisted of adult neurological inpatients who were hemodynamically stable and signed informed consent form. Intubated patients and patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 points were excluded. OD was assessed with Standardized Swallowing Assessment and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Malnutrition was determined according to GLIM criteria. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, calculating median and average values, range, and proportions.. Study sample consisted of 133 patients – 62 from hospitals and 71 from rehabilitation centres. 47% were woman and 53% - men. Median age was 63 years (range 20-94). Majority of patients were diagnosed with cerebral infarction – 61 patient, or sequelae of cerebral infarction – 26 patients. Other diagnoses included epilepsy, traumatic or nontraumatic intracranial hematoma, brain neoplasm, neurodegenerative disease or other. Results illustrated that prevalence of OD in study sample was 26% and malnutrition – 13%. According to FOIS, oral intake level for patients ranged from Level 2 (Tube dependent with minimal attempts of food or liquid) to Level 7 (Total oral diet with no restriction). Average oral intake level was 6 (Total oral diet with multiple consistencies without special preparation, but with specific food limitations).. Results obtained regarding OD prevalence in Latvian healthcare institutions are similar to prevalence in other European countries and Australia. However, malnutrition prevalence in Latvia might be higher, based on scientific trials conducted by other authors globally. Potential underdiagnosis of malnutrition in this study might be explained by insufficient sensitivity of the chosen malnutrition assessment tools. FOIS levels indicate that patients with OD are most often prescribed oral diet with some restrictions.

Period	27 Mar 2023 → 31 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event type	Conference
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International