Evaluation of Swallow Function Post-Extubation: Is It Necessary to Wait 24 Hours?

Steven B. Leder, Heather L. Warner, Debra M. Suiter, Nwanmegha O. Young, Bishwajit Bhattacharya, Jonathan M. Siner, Kimberly A. Davis, Linda L. Maerz, Stanley H. Rosenbaum, Peter S. Marshall, Margaret A. Pisani, Mark D. Siegel, Joseph J. Brennan, Kevin M. Schuster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Post-extubation dysphagia is associated with an increased incidence of nosocomial pneumonias, longer hospitalizations, and higher re-intubation rates. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is necessary to delay swallow evaluation for 24 hours post-extubation. Methods: A prospective investigation of swallowing was conducted at 1, 4, and 24 hours post-extubation to determine if it is necessary to delay swallow evaluation following intubation. Participants were 202 adults from 5 different intensive care units (ICU). Results: A total of 166 of 202 (82.2%) passed the Yale Swallow Protocol at 1 hour post-extubation, with an additional 11 (177/202; 87.6%) at 4 hours, and 8 more (185/202; 91.6%) at 24 hours. Only intubation duration ≥4 days was significantly associated with nonfunctional swallowing. Conclusions: We found it is not necessary to delay assessment of swallowing in individuals who are post-extubation. Specifically, the majority of patients in our study (82.2%) passed a swallow screening at 1 hour post-extubation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)619-624
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
Volume128
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2019.

Keywords

  • deglutition
  • deglutition disorders
  • extubation
  • intensive care unit
  • oral alimentation
  • swallowing assessment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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