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Prevalence and Severity of Dysphagia Using Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study in Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia

  • DYSPHAGIA and ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
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Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and severity of dysphagia in patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, with and without neurologic disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of inpatients with aspiration pneumonia who underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) for evaluation of dysphagia. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of neurologic disorders. The prevalence and severity of aspiration and pharyngeal residue due to dysphagia were assessed using the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) and pharyngeal residue grade (PRG).

Results

A total of 784 patients were enrolled; of these, 58.7% were males and the mean age was 76.12 ± 6.69. Penetration–aspiration-related dysphagia (PAS scores 3–8) was seen in 56.5% of all subjects, and 32.5% showed silent aspiration (PAS 8). Pharyngeal residue-related dysphagia (PRG scores 2–3) was seen in 65.2% of all patients, and the PAS and PRG were positively correlated. On dividing the subjects into two groups based on the presence of neurologic disorders, there was no significant difference in prevalence of the dysphagia between groups (PAS: p = 0.641; PRG: p = 0.872) with the proportion of silent aspiration (p = 0.720).

Conclusion

In patients hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia, there was a high prevalence of dysphagia. There were no differences in the prevalence and severity of dysphagia in patients with aspiration pneumonia based on the presence or absence of a neurologic disorder. Therefore, diagnostic evaluation of dysphagia is necessary regardless of the presence of neurologic disorders.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to extend thanks to all the members who work with us for performing VFSS in our dysphagia clinic. We would like to thank Editage for English language editing services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, 20, Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

    Zee Won Seo, Ji Hong Min, Sungchul Huh, Yong-Il Shin, Hyun-Yoon Ko & Sung-Hwa Ko

  2. Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, 20, Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

    Ji Hong Min, Sungchul Huh, Yong-Il Shin, Hyun-Yoon Ko & Sung-Hwa Ko

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  1. Zee Won Seo
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Correspondence to Sung-Hwa Ko.

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All the authors declared that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (No. 05-2020-100).

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Seo, Z.W., Min, J.H., Huh, S. et al. Prevalence and Severity of Dysphagia Using Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study in Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia. Lung 199, 55–61 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-020-00413-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-020-00413-7

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