Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between parameters of the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) and the outcome of dysphagia to determine the usefulness of the VDS in patients admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards. Patients (n = 23) with stroke-related dysphagia admitted to our rehabilitation hospital between April 2007 and March 2009. Medical records and videofluoroscopy findings on admission to hospital were reviewed retrospectively and the VDS score was calculated by adding individual VDS parameters. Subjects were divided into two groups: those who were able to ingest orally without tube feeding before discharge (Group 1) and those who still needed tube feeding on discharge (Group 2). The VDS scores were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in any individual parameter on the VDS between the two groups. However, the total VDS score was significantly lower in Group 1 patients (p < 0.05), as was the time from stroke onset to admission to our hospital (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any other parameters evaluated. The findings of the present study suggest that the total VDS score may be useful in predicting the prognosis of stroke-related dysphagia.
