Association between postextubation dysphagia and physical function in survivors of critical illness: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background & aims: Dysphagia following endotracheal intubation, also known as postextubation dysphagia (PED), is generally observed in survivors of critical illness. However, its association with physical function remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between PED and physical function in patients after intensive care.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study. Medical records of adult patients who required emergency admission and were intubated and mechanically ventilated were retrospectively reviewed. Swallowing and physical function were assessed using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) and functional status score for the intensive care unit (FSS-ICU) at discharge, respectively. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association between dysphagia and physical dysfunction at discharge.

Results: A total of 103 patients (63 men and 40 women) with a mean age of 67.3 years were enrolled. PED was observed in 20 patients (19.4%) at hospital discharge. The FILS score at hospital discharge was significantly and independently associated with the FSS-ICU (β = 0.458, p < 0.001); however, the FILS score was not an independent risk factor for non-home discharge (95% confidence interval, 0.547-1.160).

Conclusions: PED is significantly associated with physical dysfunction at discharge in survivors of critical illness. PED should be considered as a component of post-intensive care syndrome, and early intervention to prevent and improve swallowing dysfunction may be necessary.

Keywords: Physical function; Post-intensive care syndrome; Postextubation dysphagia; Rehabilitation.