Clinical Characteristics and Lesions Responsible for Swallowing Hesitation After Acute Cerebral Infarction

Exploring the Effects of Action Observation Therapy on Swallowing Disorders in Stroke: A Functional Connectivity-Based fMRI Study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of action observation therapy (AOT) on swallowing disorders following a stroke. Utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, the study will examine adjustments in brain activity and functional connectivity (FC), providing novel insights for the rehabilitation of swallowing function in stroke patients. Methods: In this study, 11 healthy controls (HCs) and 11 stroke patients were included. The stroke patients underwent a 4-week AOT. To assess the differences in brain region activity between the patients before and after treatment and the HCs, regional homogeneity (ReHo), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated based on fMRI data separately. Important brain regions were selected as regions of interest (ROIs) for subsequent FC analysis, and finally, comparisons were made to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Results: Comparing stroke patients before treatment with HCs, the ReHo values were relatively higher in the inferior temporal gyrus, median cingulate, and paracingulate gyri, and relatively lower in the calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, middle occipital gyrus, and paracentral lobule. The DC values were relatively higher in the cerebellum, middle frontal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part, middle frontal gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus, and relatively lower in the cuneus and paracentral lobule. The FC between the parahippocampal gyrus and the superior parietal gyrus was relatively high, and the FC between the superior occipital gyrus and the superior parietal gyrus was relatively low. Comparing stroke patients after treatment with HCs, the ReHo values were relatively higher in the caudate nucleus, and relatively lower in the cerebellum, superior frontal gyrus, medial orbital, calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and middle temporal gyrus. The DC values were relatively higher in the middle frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus, and relatively lower in the temporal pole: superior temporal gyrus, calcarine fissure, and surrounding cortex. The FC between the caudate nucleus and the superior parietal gyrus was relatively high, and the FC between the calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, middle frontal gyrus, orbital part, and the superior parietal gyrus was relatively low. There was no significant difference in ReHo values between stroke patients before and after treatment. The DC value in the superior parietal gyrus increased, and the FC in the superior parietal gyrus and precuneus gyrus was also significantly enhanced before and after treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the AOT has a positive effect on enhancing the functional connection and information transmission capabilities of specific brain regions. The impact of this therapy on brain function helps us understand the potential mechanisms of swallowing function network reorganization deeper. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900021849.

Post-stroke dysphagia: identifying the evidence missing

Dysphagia is a high-profile dysfunction that often occurs after a stroke, with a prevalence of 50%-80%. Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) often leads to serious complications such as pneumonia and malnutrition, reducing the quality of life and leading to poor prognosis or even death. PSD causes these adverse physical and psychological impairments to patients, which becomes a challenge for both patients and physicians. This review intends to contribute to the international debate on evidence-based options on Stroke Rehabilitation and to better understand the need for further research on PSD and summarizing evidence on some of the most relevant topics and clarifying its clinical practice value for Neurology, stroke rehabilitation experts, rehabilitation and nursing staff, as well as patients. The article identifies and discusses the gaps in knowledge on PSD and elaborates on current evidence concerning the selection of subjects, examination methods, patient data extraction and analysis, classification of stroke lesions, details of dysphagia, significance of results, and neuromodulation of dysphagia, from the perspective of rehabilitation physicians. The review identified a set of 10 points and parameters for the international debate on PSD, namely: stroke onset, cognitive impairment, feeding method, contrast medium, swallowing reflex delay, swallowing evaluation form, division of brainstem, multiple stroke sites, basal ganglia lesions and neuromodulation techniques. The article explores available evidence on factors associated with dysphagia and stroke site. Although there is plenty of evidence exploring the correlation between stroke site and swallowing disorders, the pathophysiological mechanisms between the two are complex, and expert interpretations of the evidence and clinical opinions vary on which swallowing abnormalities occur. The study generates evidence on current evidence-based options on Stroke Rehabilitation and a better understanding of the need for further research on Post-Stroke Dysphagia. Taking a patient-centric approach, the ultimate goal is to generate on how can available evidence influence policy or practice or research or clinical education. The article provides a structured discussion clarifying key points on the relationship between stroke lesions and swallowing dysfunctions and contributes to clarifying the gaps in evidence to further improve the quality of life of the patients suffering from Post-Stroke Dysphagia.

Association Between Cognitive Impairment and Dysphagia: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

INTRODUCTION

Previous observational studies have implied a correlation between cognitive impairment and dysphagia, but some have indicated no correlation between the two. Such contradictory findings may have been influenced by small sample sizes and potential confounders. In this Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, we genetically estimated a causal relationship between cognitive impairment and dysphagia.

METHODS

The study included a large meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of cognitive impairment in 269,867 individuals of European ancestry and pooled data from a GWAS of dysphagia in 165,765 individuals of European ancestry (cases 3497, controls 161,968). We then used five different complementary MR methods, including IVW, MR-Egger, MR-RAPS, weighted median, and weighted mean, to estimate causality between cognitive impairment and dysphagia and finally also assessed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy by extensive sensitivity tests.

RESULTS

No evidence of heterogeneity in the effect of instrumental variables was found in Cochran's Q test; therefore, a fixed effects model was used. IVW analysis (OR: 1.206, 95% CI: [1.041, 1.371], p = 0.00508) found that cognitive impairment was associated with an increased risk of dysphagia and that there was a causal association between the two. Also, the weighted median (OR: 1.248, 95% CI: [1.012, 1.484], p = 0.0253), weighted mode (OR: 1.216, 95% CI: [1.043, 1.389], p = 0.0412), and MR-RAPS (OR: 1.225, 95% CI: [1.069, 1.381], p = 0.00627) validated the conclusions. Furthermore, extensive sensitivity analyses found no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy, confirming the reliability of this MR result.

CONCLUSION

Our MR study demonstrated a causal effect of cognitive impairment on dysphagia from a genetic perspective, suggesting that individuals with a history of cognitive impairment require specific clinical attention to prevent the development of dysphagia.

Impact of rTMS and iTBS on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Swallowing in Unilateral Stroke: Insights from fNIRS

BACKGROUND Swallowing is a complex behavior involving the musculoskeletal system and higher-order brain functions. We investigated the effects of different modalities of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the unaffected hemisphere and observed correlation between suprahyoid muscle activity and cortical activation in unilateral stroke patients when swallowing saliva, based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS From November 2022 to March 2023, twenty-five patients with unilateral stroke were screened using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and identified via a video fluoroscopic swallow study. Finally, patients were divided into rTMS (n=10) and iTBS (n=10) groups. Both groups received 2 weeks of stimulation on unaffected suprahyoid motor cortex. Surface electromyographic measured peak amplitude and swallowing time of bilateral suprahyoid muscles, and penetration-aspiration scale was assessed at baseline and after treatment. fNIRS monitored oxyhemoglobin beta values (OBV) in the primary motor, sensory, and bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvements in penetration-aspiration scale, peak amplitude, and swallowing time, compared with baseline (P<0.001), and increased OBV in unaffected regions (P<0.05), especially PFC (P<0.001). No significant OBV increases were seen in affected regions (P>0.05). After treatment, OBV in the unaffected PFC was significantly higher than in the unaffected primary sensory and motor cortex regions for both groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in outcome measures (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS rTMS and iTBS significantly improved swallowing function in unilateral stroke, relying on compensation by the unaffected cortex, particularly the PFC. iTBS may outperform rTMS by shortening treatment sessions and improving efficiency.

Prevalence and influencing factors of malnutrition in stroke patients with bulbar paralysis: a cross-sectional study in China

Background

Although malnutrition has been shown to influence the clinical outcomes of Stroke Patients with Bulbar Paralysis (SPBP), the prevalence and influencing factors have yet to be uncovered.

Objective

This study aims to assess the current prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in SPBP.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional investigation was conducted among SPBP in China from 2019 to 2021. Information was collected on basic information, health condition, diagnosis, treatment, neurological function, activities of daily living, swallowing function, and nutritional status. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors that influenced nutritional status. ROC analysis was used to assess the predictive value of each independent influencing factor and the logit model.

Results

In total, 774 SPBP were enrolled, and the prevalence of malnutrition was 60.59%. Pulmonary infection [aOR:2.849, 95%CI: (1.426, 5.691)], hemoglobin [aOR: 0.932, 95%CI: (0.875, 0.982)], serum albumin [aOR: 0.904, 95%CI: (0.871, 0.938)], total protein [aOR: 0.891, 95%CI: (0.819, 0.969)], prealbumin [aOR: 0.962, 95%CI: (0.932, 0.993)], and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores [aOR: 1.228, 95%CI: (1.054, 1.431)] were independent factors associated with malnutrition in SPBP. ROC analysis revealed that the logit model had the best predictive value [area under the curve: 0.874, 95% CI: (0.812, 0.936); specificity: 83.4%; sensitivity: 79.3%; p < 0.05]. Subgroup analysis showed that the nutritional status in dysphagic SPBP was additionally influenced by swallowing function and nutrition support mode.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malnutrition in SPBP was 60.59%. Pulmonary infection, hemoglobin level, and NIHSS score were the independent factors associated with malnutrition. Swallowing function and nutrition support mode were the factors associated with malnutrition in dysphagic SPBP.

A Case of Swallowing Apraxia Due to Acute Infarct in the Right Precentral Gyrus

Swallowing apraxia is an intriguing type of apraxia where the patient cannot swallow despite normal neurological examinations including motor, sensory and cerebellar function. In this case report, we present a 60-year-old hypertensive male with swallowing apraxia. There was no attempt to swallow when food materials were given inside his mouth. Although he had normal examination findings including intact lip, tongue, palatal movement, and gag reflex. His cognition was also intact, as he could follow simple commands accurately. Except for a small infarct in the right precentral gyrus in the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the brain, his investigation findings were normal. We treated him with nasogastric feeding, and he gradually recovered over a month. Clinicians should consider swallowing apraxia as one of the clinical features of stroke when patients present with acute onset of swallowing problems. This case report is believed to increase awareness regarding this condition and add valuable information to relevant further studies.

Post-stroke dysphagia: Clinical characteristics and evolution in a single-primary stroke center

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is a common manifestation after stroke and seems to play a major role in clinical and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To identify clinical predictors of higher degrees of dysphagia, as well as assess its burden in our hospital, in order to understand how to improve the approach to this symptom.

METHODS

We included 311 patients admitted in an acute stroke unit in a year-long period. The relationship of dysphagia with different outcomes, both in acute phase and within the first year after stroke, were investigated.

RESULTS

Using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, NIHSS score at admission was positively correlated with the degree of dysphagia (r = 0,783; p <  0,001) and total anterior circulation infarcts and age (>  70 years) were also associated with higher risk of dysphagia (p <  0.001). During hospitalization both respiratory infections and mortality occurred at significantly higher rates for dysphagic patients (p <  0.001) and we observed an increasing trend towards a higher mortality rate, the higher the degree of dysphagia. These patients stayed longer in the stroke unit, with less chance to be discharged home and more frequently transferred to inpatient rehabilitation care. One year after admission, dysphagic patients were more frequently readmitted due to pneumonia and we observed a higher mortality rate compared to patients without dysphagia (p <  0.001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of the above-mentioned dysphagia predictive factors should alert us to the need for an early approach, starting in the stroke unit, but also after discharge, taking into account its impact on clinical outcomes, mortality and healthcare costs.

Effect of Oral Apraxia on Dysphagia in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of post-stroke oral apraxia on dysphagia in patients with subacute stroke. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 130 supratentorial stroke patients from January 2015 to February 2021 who underwent a formal limb and oral apraxia test and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and we compared the patients in two groups: the apraxia and non-apraxia (oral apraxia score > 45 and ≤ 45 points, respectively). All the patients participated in the standardized testing battery. The test variables were videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS), oral transit time (OTT), pharyngeal delay time (PDT), pharyngeal transit time, and penetration-aspiration scale (PAS); we conducted multivariable regression analysis with those parameters to confirm the significance of oral apraxia as a clinical determinant of post-stroke dysphagia. The mean oral apraxia scores were 38.4 and 47.6 points in the apraxia and non-apraxia groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The apraxia group had a higher proportion of delayed OTT for the 2-mL-thick liquid than the non-apraxia group (17.6% and 4.2%, respectively; p = 0.011). Oral apraxia was a significant determinant of VDS (p < 0.001), delayed OTT of 2-mL-thick liquids (p = 0.028), delayed PDT of cup drinking for thin liquid (p = 0.044), and PAS scores (p = 0.003). The presence of oral apraxia was significantly associated with dysphagia, especially with the VFSS parameters of the oral phase (thick liquid), pharyngeal phase (cup drinking for thin liquid) of swallowing, and increased risk of aspiration in subacute stroke patients. Thus, a formal assessment of oral apraxia is needed for stroke patients with dysphagia.

Effects of Insular Cortex on Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Objective: To investigate the relationship of lobar and deep brain regions with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). Method: The databases of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from the establishment to May 2022. Studies that investigated the effects of lesions in lobar and deep brain regions on swallowing function after stroke were screened. The primary outcomes were PSD-related brain regions (including aspiration-related and oral transit time-related brain regions). The secondary outcomes were the incidence rate of PSD. The brain regions with the most overlap in the included studies were considered to be most relevant to PSD, and were presented as percentages. Data were compared utilizing the t-tests for continuous variables and χ2 for frequency-based variables. Result: A total of 24 studies and 2306 patients were included. The PSD-related lobar and deep brain regions included the insular cortex, frontal lobe, temporal gyrus, basal ganglia, postcentral, precentral, precuneus, corona radiate, etc. Among these brain regions, the insular cortex was most frequently reported (taking up 54.2%) in the included studies. Furthermore, the total incidence rate of PSD was around 40.4%, and the incidence of male was nearly 2.57 times as much as that of female (χ2 = 196.17, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In lobar and deep brain regions, the insular cortex may be most relevant to PSD and aspiration, which may be a potentially promising target in the treatment of PSD.

Observation of the Effect of Nursing BPR on Thrombolytic Efficacy and Prognosis of Patients with Cerebral Infarction Based on CT Images

Cerebral infarction has become the main cause of death among Chinese residents, especially ischemic cerebral infarction. The existing CT technology is not very effective for the detection of cerebral infarction, and some angiography has problems such as blurring and shadowing. In order to understand the treatment methods and effects of patients with cerebral infarction, this article observes the effect of nursing BPR on thrombolytic efficacy and prognosis of patients with cerebral infarction based on CT images. The patients were divided into thrombolytic group and nonthrombolytic group, and a simple rating scale was used to assess the motor function of the patients' limbs, and the stroke scale was used to assess the patient's neurological function. Compare the baseline data, the time of admission, 24 hours and 7 days, the scores before and after treatment, and the ratio between the two groups. According to the monitoring, record each time point. The analysis of the occurrence of primary endpoint was events and secondary endpoint events and risk factors affecting limb motor function. The results of the study found that, based on the computer scanning observation of nursing BPR, compared with the traditional model, the patient's bleeding was significantly reduced, and the time required for nursing was also reduced by more than 50% compared with the traditional model. Compared with the traditional nursing model, the satisfaction of patients with the BPR nursing model is nearly 40% higher than that of the traditional nursing model. This shows that the observation of thrombolytic effect in patients with cerebral infarction based on computed tomography and BPR nursing can produce good therapeutic effects.

Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping analysis for dysphagia in stroke patients with isolated cerebellar lesions

Because the cerebellum plays a role in motor coordination, timing, sequencing, and feedback, it is hypothesized to be involved in swallowing-related functions. The role of the cerebellum in deglutition has become increasing evident, but the exact nature of this role remains inconclusive because of limited data from pure cerebellar lesions. Therefore, we conducted location analysis in isolated cerebellar lesions to complement previous findings and provide additional information. We reviewed 40 stroke patients with isolated cerebellar lesion. Lesion location and volume were measured on brain magnetic resonance images. We generated statistical maps of lesions related to VDS using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM). We also created an overlay map of subgroups according to VDS score, those who have low risk and those who have high risk. Patients with cerebellar lesion had difficulty swallowing, both in the oral and pharyngeal phases. Multivariate analysis of cognitive function was selected as an independent predictor. In the group of high-risk patients, the overlay map showed some bilateral asymmetry, with a wider distribution in the left hemisphere and involvement of deep cerebellar nuclei. Using VLSM, we found that lesion location was associated with dysphagia. Although these results were not statistically significant, they showed a lesion pattern with predominant distribution in the left posterior lobe. Our results suggest that damage to the posterior lobe of the left cerebellum tends be related to severity of dysphagia in patients with isolated cerebellar lesion.

Predictive Model of Dysphagia and Brain Lesion-Symptom Mapping in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and purpose: Early recognition and management of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) based on MRI may reduce the incidence of complications. Combining clinical symptoms with applications of MRI, we aimed to identify the risk factors of PSD, develop a prediction scale with high accuracy and map key dysphagia brain areas.

Methods: A total of 275 acute ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in this study, and 113 (41.1%) patients were diagnosed with PSD. All patients underwent the water-swallowing test (WST) and volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) within first 24 h following admission to assess swallowing. Vascular factors were evaluated and MRI brain scans were obtained within 3 days after symptom onset for each participant admitted to the hospital. T-test, chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used to investigate the associations of various patient characteristics with dysphagia, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to construct a prediction scale. Scale accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We extracted white matter hyperintensities for each patient as potential brain lesions. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) was used to identify key brain areas for dysphagia.

Results: Risk factors related with PSD were older age, history of atrial fibrillation, higher fasting blood glucose, NIH stroke scale, TOAST classification, progressive stroke, middle cerebral artery lesion and anterior cerebral artery lesion. Three variables with most significant associations, including NIH stroke scale, TOAST classification and progressive stroke, combined with age and gender, were used to construct a dysphagia prediction scale with high accuracy (AUC = 0.86). VLSM identified left inferior parietal gyrus as a key brain region for PSD.

Conclusion: Risk factors of PSD were identified and a predictive model of dysphagia was constructed intelligently and automatically. The left inferior parietal gyrus was identified as a key brain area for dysphagia, which provides a new symptom-based treatment target for early rehabilitation in the future.

The influence of pharyngeal width on post-stroke laryngeal aspiration

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal penetration, which is a less serious form of aspiration, should be considered in patients with stroke to ensure early detection of risk of laryngeal aspiration and prevention of pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

As a follow-up to a previous study that demonstrated the association of pharyngeal width to laryngeal aspiration, the present study sought to determine whether the pharyngeal width was related to not only laryngeal aspiration but also laryngeal penetration in patients with deglutition disorder following stroke.

METHODS

The pharyngeal width on the roentgenogram was measured and compared based on the severity of aspiration. Moreover, the optimal cut-off points were determined for predicting the penetration and aspiration so that the difference between the penetration and the aspiration could be elucidated.

RESULTS

The pharyngeal width of the patients was wider than the controls. The increase of the pharyngeal width by aspiration severity was more evident in the patients with chronic and right cerebral stroke. The optimal cut-off point of the pharyngeal width was approximately 1 mm lesser for the prediction of penetration than for aspiration.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharyngeal width could be an ancillary method for detecting penetration and aspiration in stroke patients.

Evaluating the Efficacy of VitalStim Electrical Stimulation Combined with Swallowing Function Training for Treating Dysphagia following an Acute Stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the clinical efficacy of VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function training for patients with dysphagia following an acute stroke.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with dysphagia following an acute stroke were admitted to our hospital and were further divided into two groups using prospective research methods. There were 36 cases in each group according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional medical treatment and swallowing function training while the experimental group received conventional medical treatment and VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function training.

RESULTS

The overall response rate of the experimental group (94.44%) was higher than that of the control group (77.78%), and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the upward and forward movement speeds of the hyoid bone, anterior movement speed, the grading score of the Kubota drinking water test, Caiteng's grading score, serum superoxide dismutase, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine levels, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, and multiple quality of life scores of the two groups showed improvement after treatment. While the standard swallowing assessment score, serum malondialdehyde level, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decreased, the aforementioned indices showed a significant improvement in the experimental group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that VitalStim electrical stimulation combined with swallowing function is effective for treating dysphagia following an acute stroke. It can effectively improve swallowing, neurological, and limb motor functions, reduce complications, promote physical recovery, and improve overall quality of life of patients.

Association between serum lipoprotein levels and cognitive impairment in acute cerebral infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to examine the association between serum lipoprotein levels (SLL) and cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI).

METHODS

All published studies will be searched from the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inauguration of each electronic database up to March 1, 2020. In addition, we will also search other sources, such as dissertations, Google scholar, conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant reviews. We will not apply any language restrictions to the electronic databases. Two researchers will independently carry out literature selection, data collection, and methodological quality. A third researcher will help to solve any divergences by discussion. The RevMan 5.3 software will be employed to pool the collected data and to analyze the outcome data.

RESULTS

This study will scrutinize the association between SLL and CI in patients with ACI.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will present helpful evidence of the association between SLL and CI in patients with ACI.Registration number: INPLASY202040018.

The effect of intensified nonverbal facilitation of swallowing on dysphagia after severe acquired brain injury: A randomised controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

There is little high-level evidence for the effect of the nonverbal facilitation of swallowing on swallowing ability in the subacute stage of rehabilitation following severe acquired brain injury (ABI).

OBJECTIVE

To pilot test a randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of an intensification of the nonverbal facilitation of swallowing on dysphagia.

METHODS

Ten patients with severe ABI and dysphagia were randomised into two groups at a highly specialised neurorehabilitation clinic.The intervention group received an intensification of the nonverbal facilitation of swallowing and the control group received basic care of the face and mouth in addition to treatment as usual for two sessions of 20 minutes per day for three weeks.Outcomes were Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), and electrophysiological swallowing specific parameters (EMBI).

RESULTS

The intensified intervention was feasible. PAS and FOIS scores improved in both groups, with no differences between groups. The swallowing specific parameters reflected clinically observed changes in swallowing.

CONCLUSIONS

PAS and FOIS are feasible instruments to measure dysphagia. It is possible and valid to measure swallowing frequency and kinematics using electromyography and bioimpedance. The definitive study should have widened inclusion criteria and optimise intervention timing to maintain patient arousal.

The prevalence, risk factors and prognostic implications of dysphagia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery in Korea

Background

Dysphagia is prevalent in geriatric patients, such as elderly hip fracture patients, and is associated with a poor prognosis. This study investigated (1) the prevalence of dysphagia based on clinical screening and a video-fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), (2) the risk factors of dysphagia, and (3) the prognostic implications of dysphagia in elderly patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from 393 female and 153 male patients ≥65 years of age who underwent surgery for a hip fracture between 2015 and 2018 were analysed. Patients who were considered at high risk of dysphagia after screening underwent a VFSS. To identify risk factors of dysphagia, demographic factors, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, past medical history, known risk factors of dysphagia, and factors associated with surgery were analysed using a binary logistic regression model. Odds ratios (ORs) of dysphagia for having poor prognosis including postoperative pneumonia, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death within 6 months after surgery were obtained by logistic regression. The association of postoperative pneumonia with poor prognosis was also analysed.

Results

Dysphagia was seen in 5.3% of hip fracture patients. In multivariate regression analysis, a serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dL was identified as a risk factor for dysphagia (OR [95%CI] = 3.13 [1.40, 7.01]). Dysphagia was identified as a risk factor for postoperative pneumonia in regression analysis after adjustment (OR [95%CI] = 3.12 [1.05, 9.27]). Postoperative pneumonia was significantly associated with ICU admission (OR [95% CI] = 4.56 [1.85, 11.28]) and death within 6 months after surgery (OR [95% CI] = 2.56 [1.03, 6.33]).

Conclusions

Dysphagia in elderly hip fracture surgery patients was associated with postoperative pneumonia, a risk factor for poor outcomes including ICU admission and death within 6 months after surgery. A serum albumin level < 3.5 g/dL was identified as a risk factor for dysphagia. Therefore, diagnostic testing should be performed to detect dysphagia, especially in patients with a low serum albumin level. Finally, particular care should be taken to prevent postoperative complications in patients with dysphagia.

Early Path Nursing on Neurological Function Recovery of Cerebral Infarction

Purpose

to study the application of path type early rehabilitation nursing in the nursing of patients with cerebral infarction and to explore its impact on the recovery of neurological function.

Methods

Patients with acute cerebral infarction in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups. The control group used conventional treatment methods. The experimental group used path type early rehabilitation care based on conventional treatment methods and observed the curative effect.

Results

The NIHSS scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the P value was less than 0.05, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Path type early rehabilitation nursing has a positive effect on the treatment of patients with cerebral infarction, which contributes to the recovery of neurological function of patients and is worthy of promotion in treatment.

Swallowing apraxia in a patient with recurrent ischemic strokes: A case report

RATIONALE

Swallowing apraxia is defined as dysfunction in oral phase caused by the deficit in the coordination of tongue, lip, and chin movements, without motor weakness, sensory loss, and cognitive decline and has not been reported yet.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 69-year-old male with personal medical history of ischemic stroke about 10 years ago newly developed right striatocapular infarction. He had a problem in the oral phase of swallowing after recurrent ischemic strokes.

DIAGNOSES

He was diagnosed as swallowing apraxia via bed side examination and videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

INTERVENTION

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study was done in this case.

OUTCOMES

Symptoms and findings of VFSS were not improved after 2 months treatment.

LESSONS

This case implies that a clinician should be alert to swallowing apraxia as a possible cause when a patient with recurrent strokes complains of oral phase dysfunction of swallowing and considers proper diagnostic option such as videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

Post-Stroke Lingual Dystonia: Clinical Description and Neuroimaging Findings

Background

Lingual dystonia is extremely rare following stroke. We describe clinical features and neuroimaging findings in a series of 11 patients (seven acute and four chronic) with post-stroke lingual dystonia and review the literature.

Methods

This was a case series using a preformed structured proforma and review of literature using a PubMed search.

Results

In our case series, all patients had dysarthria as a presenting symptom. Seven patients had acute presentation (six had an ischemic infarct and one had thalamic hemorrhage) and four had chronic presentation (all had infarct). All patients except one had small infarcts, with the majority of them in the basal ganglia and subcortical white matter regions. Additional chronic ischemic lesions were seen in all patients with acute presentation. The majority of the patients with acute (five out of seven; 71.42%) presentation had left-sided involvement on imaging. We could identify only one case of acute post-stroke lingual dystonia following the PubMed search. Three other cases of post-stroke lingual dystonia with chronic presentation have been described; however, these were associated with oromandibular or cranial dystonia.

Discussion

Our results, based on brain lesions, suggest that all lingual dystonia patients with acute infarcts had underlying chronic infarcts. Overall, more left-sided than right-sided strokes were observed with post-stroke lingual movement disorders including dystonia; however, the data were not significant (p = 1). All patients had dysarthria, with only one having mild tongue weakness and only four having facial weakness. This suggests that the lingual dystonia was responsible for the dysarthria rather than weakness in these patients.

Differences in swallow physiology in patients with left and right hemispheric strokes

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the impact of lesion lateralization and lesion volume on swallow impairment on group-level by comparing patients with left and right hemisphere strokes and on patient-level by analyzing patients individually.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 46 patients with unilateral (22 left, 24 right), acute, first-ever, ischemic strokes who received a diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and modified barium swallow study (MBSS) during their acute hospital stay. We determined lesion side on the DW-MRI and measured swallow physiology using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™©), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), swallow timing, distance, area, and speed measures. We performed Pearson's Chi-Square and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests to compare patients with left and right hemisphere strokes, and Pearson or Spearman correlation, simple logistic regression, linear, and logistic multivariable regression modeling to assess the relationship between variables.

RESULTS

At the group-level, there were no differences in MBSImP oral swallow impairment scores between patients with left and right hemisphere stroke. In adjusted analyses, patients with right hemisphere strokes showed significantly worse MBSImP pharyngeal total scores (p = 0.02), worse MBSImP component specific scores for laryngeal vestibular closure (Bonferroni adjusted alpha p ≤ 0.0029), and worse PAS scores (p = 0.03). Patients with right hemisphere strokes showed worse timing, distance, area, and speed measures. Lesion volume was significantly associated with MBSImP pharyngeal residue (p = 0.03) and pharyngeal total scores (p = 0.04). At the patient-level, 24% of patients (4 left, 7 right) showed opposite patterns of MBSImP oral and pharyngeal swallow impairment than seen at group-level.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed differences in swallow physiology between patients with right and left unilateral strokes with patients with right hemisphere strokes showing worse pharyngeal impairment. Lesion lateralization seems to be a valuable marker for the severity of swallowing impairment at the group-level but less informative at the patient-level.

Association between oropharyngeal dysphagia, oral functionality, and oral sensorimotor alteration

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the oral functionality and the oral sensorimotor alterations are associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia in community-dwelling older persons and long-term care older residents.

METHODS

An exploratory study with 265 independent older persons of the southern state of Brazil. The diagnosis of dysphagia, as well as the condition of the oral sensorimotor system, was assessed by a speech-language therapist and the oral health status by a dentist. Poisson Regression with robust variance was used to calculate the crude and adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) and their respective confidence intervals of 95%.

RESULTS

The mean age was 73.5 (±8.9) years, women represented 59.2% of the sample. The frequency of dysphagia in the studied population was 45.3% (n = 120), being more frequent in the long-term care older residents (62.5%; n = 75) than in the community-dwelling older persons (37.5%; n = 45). Individuals with four or more oral sensorimotor alterations (PR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.27-3.18), as well as those who presented a non-functional oral status (PR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.02-2.54) presented a higher frequency of dysphagia. Subgroup analysis indicates the same trend of results, when stratified by community-dwelling older persons and long-term older residents.

CONCLUSION

A non-functional oral health status and oral sensorimotor alterations are associated with a higher prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Lesions Responsible for Delayed Oral Transit Time in Post-stroke Dysphagia

INTRODUCTION

Some stroke patients show oral phase dysphagia, characterized by a markedly prolonged oral transit time that hinders oral feeding. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics and lesions responsible for delayed swallowing.

METHODS

We reviewed 90 patients with stroke. The oral processing time plus the postfaucial aggregation time required to swallow semisolid food was assessed. The patients were divided into two groups according to oral transit time, and we analyzed the differences in characteristics such as demographic factors, lesion factors, and cognitive function. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the predictors of delayed oral transit time. Lesion location and volume were measured on brain magnetic resonance images. We generated statistic maps of lesions related to delayed oral phase in swallowing using voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM).

RESULTS

The group of patients who showed delayed oral transit time had significantly low cognitive function. Also, in a regression model, delayed oral phase was predicted with low K-MMSE (Korean version of the Mini Mental Status Exam). Using VLSM, we found the lesion location to be associated with delayed oral phase after adjusting for K-MMSE score. Although these results did not reach statistical significance, they showed the lesion pattern with predominant distribution in the left frontal lobe.

CONCLUSION

Delayed oral phase in post-stroke patients was not negligible clinically. Patients' cognitive impairments affect the oral transit time. When adjusting it, we found a trend that the lesion responsible for delayed oral phase was located in the left frontal lobe, though the association did not reach significance. The delay might be related to praxis function.