Dysphagia in neurological patients after mechanical ventilation

Objective: To investigate the presence of dysphagia in neurological patients after mechanical ventilation (MV) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Method: Study case control study carried out in the ICU of a public hospital in the South. We evaluated 38 patients with primary neurological disorder, divided into group dysphagia and no dysphagia, which were on MV for a longer period than 24 hours and they were in the process of extubation of endotracheal tube (TOT) or Weaning from tracheostomy (TQT). Prior to extubation process was performed strength tests of the respiratory muscles, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Peak Cough Flow Reflex Test (PFTR) in patients. Between 24 and 48 hours after extubation or wean TQT, patients underwent clinical test by Protocol Risk Assessment for Dysphagia (PARD). Results: It was possible to verify that the two groups had similarity in respiratory muscle strength, GCS and PFTR. Already age and time hospitalization showed significant statistical differences between the two groups. Conclusion: dysphagia neurological patients have more advanced age and require greater hospital stay. Thus, advanced age affect the swallowing function in neurological patients and detect early dysphagia in this sample can reduce hospital stay.