Swallowing dysfunction in patients hospitalized due to a COPD exacerbation

  1. M. Gonzalez Lindh1,2⇑,
  2. C. Janson3,
  3. M. Blom Johansson1,
  4. M. Jonsson1,
  5. E. Mälberg1,
  6. E. Allansson1,
  7. C. Holm1,
  8. M. Jennische1 and
  9. H. Koyi2,4
  1. 1Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  2. 2Centre for Research & Development, Uppsala University/Region Gävleborg, Uppsala, Sweden
  3. 3Department Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy & Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  4. 4Department of Respiratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
  1. M. Gonzalez Lindh, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: margareta.gonzalez.lind{at}regiongavleborg.se

Abstract

Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported and clinically screened swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) in COPD patients with severe exacerbations and to identify any associated factors. Findings were then compared to a control group.

Methods Participants included 30 patients hospitalized due to a COPD exacerbation. The control group consisted of 30 adults hospitalized with acute cardiac symptoms. Data were derived from spirometry, the 150mL timed water swallow test, a cookie swallow test and a dyspnea questionnaire (mMRC). Scores from the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) were calculated to assess patient perception of swallowing dysfunction.

Results Self-reported swallowing dysfunction and clinical signs thereof was more common in COPD patients than in the control group (67% versus 23% and 80% versus 37%, respectively, p≤0.001). Clinical signs of swallowing dysfunction in the AECOPD group were associated with self-reported swallowing dysfunction (p=0.02) and xerostomia (p=0.04). Dyspnea (MRC≥2) was more common among the COPD patients (90% versus 47%, p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between lung function and self-reported dysphagia (r=−0.39, p=0.03), but not between lung function and clinically screened dysphagia (r=−0.23, p=0.21).

Conclusion COPD patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation experienced significantly more self-reported and clinically screened swallowing dysfunction compared to a control group of patients with cardiac symptoms. Both patient groups experienced dyspnea, but it was twice as common in the AECOPD group. Both groups also experienced xerostomia.

Footnotes

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Conflict of interest: Mrs Gonzalez Lindh has nothing to disclose.<CE: please check coi of ‘Gonzalez Lindh’>

Conflict of interest: Dr. Janson has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Dr. Blom Johansson has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Ms Jonsson has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Ms Mälberg has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Ms Allansson has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Ms Holm has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Dr. Jennsiche has nothing to disclose.

Conflict of interest: Dr. Koyi has nothing to disclose.

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  • Received January 19, 2021.
  • Accepted March 31, 2021.
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