2018 Volume 9 Pages 11-21
Takayama M, Nishioka S, Okamoto T, Urushihara M, Kiriya Y, Shintani K, Nakagomi H, Hijioka S, Watanabe M, Sugawara H, Ishikawa M, Miyai I, Sonoda S. Multicenter survey of dysphagia and nutritional status of stroke patients in Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2018; 9: 11-21.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the current situation of nutritional status and swallowing training in stroke patients with dysphagia in Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards (KRWs).
Methods: We performed a retrospective study in the KRWs of 25 hospitals to investigate the swallowing function and nutritional status of stroke patients who had dysphagia at admission to the KRW. Nutritional status was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and swallowing function was assessed by Fujishima's swallowing grade (swallowing grade).
Results: A total of 440 subjects were analyzed. Malnutrition (GNRI < 92) was found in 63.4% of the subjects at admission, and the rate was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) to 42.7% at discharge. Among the 440 subjects, 94.1% underwent indirect swallowing training while 80.9% underwent direct training. The median swallowing grade improved significantly (p < 0.05) from 2 at admission to 7 at discharge. At discharge, 53.4% of the subjects achieved oral intake of three meals.
Conclusion: This multicenter survey revealed the outcome of oral intake and nutritional status in stroke patients with dysphagia in KRWs. These data are expected to be utilized as benchmarks for the goal of further improvement of the quality of nutritional care and dysphagia rehabilitation in the future.
