Can the aspiration detected by videofluoroscopic swallowing studies predict long-term survival in stroke patients with dysphagia?

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate whether the aspiration detected by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VSS) could predict the long-term survival in stroke patients with dysphagia in the post-acute phase of stroke. Methods: A cohort of 182 consecutive patients with stroke-related dysphagia referred for VSS from July 1994 to April 1999 was retrospectively constructed. VSS findings and clinical features in the post-acute phase of stroke were recorded. The records thus obtained were then linked to the National Death Register to track the occurrence of patient deaths until December 31, 2000. Results: Of the 182 patients, 91 (50%) showed aspiration during VSS performed for a median duration of 8.4 weeks after stroke, and 76 (42%) had silent aspiration. In the post-acute phase of stroke (14.7 +/- 8.7 weeks after stroke, mean +/- standard deviation), 56 (31%) were tube-fed, and 88 (48%) were wheelchair-confined. A total of 65 patients died in a median follow-up duration of 30.8 months after VSS. Patients were classified into three groups based on the findings of VSS-detected aspiration or penetration, but no difference was noted in their survival curves. In the Cox stepwise regression analysis, only advanced age, recurrent stroke ( hazard ratio 1.74, 95% CI 1.06 - 2.85), the need of tube-feeding ( hazard ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.19 - 3.59), and being wheelchair-confined ( hazard ratio 2.83, 95% CI 1.54 - 5.19) during follow-up were independent predictors of long-term survival. Conclusions: VSS-detected aspiration during the post-acute phase of stroke was not predictive for the long-term survival in stroke patients with dysphagia.