Long-term outcome after stroke: does dysphagia matter?

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afl149
• Publication Date: 2006-12-17T01:13:09Z
• Authors: D. G. Smithard; N. C. Smeeton; C. D. A. Wolfe
• Keywords: Stroke

swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common following acute stroke and independent predictors of short-term outcome. It is uncertain as to whether these associated with outcome in the longer-term.insert determine dysphagia present first week long-term outcome.a population-based follow-up people a life-time stroke. Dysphagia was assessed within 1 patients were followed up at 3 months yearly for 5 years by face-to-face interview. Outcome defined survival place residence, using multinomial logistic regression. Barthel Scores divided into two groups 15-20 0-14, modelled multiple regression.there 567 (mean age 74.3 years) 621 safe swallow 69.6 years). Following regression, residence nursing home more likely occur those who failed test during their stroke; however, this only reached statistical significance (relative risk ratio (RRR)=1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 2.95), 4 (RRR 3.35, 1.37-8.19) 3.06, 1.06-8.83). There also significant association increased mortality three 2.03, 1.12 3.67).this study confirms that presence phase poor subsequent year, particularly months, institutionalisation rate long term.