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Inadequate fluid intakes in dysphagic acute stroke
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kings College London, UK.
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|September 6, 2001
Summary
Patients with dysphagia after stroke often have inadequate fluid intake. Using pre-thickened fluids, especially on non-specialist wards, significantly improves oral fluid consumption in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dysphagia is common in acute stroke patients, increasing dehydration risk.
- Adequate fluid intake is crucial for recovery and preventing complications.
- Current fluid management strategies may be insufficient for this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate fluid intake in acute stroke patients with dysphagia.
- Evaluate factors influencing oral fluid intake, including disability and ward type.
- Compare the effectiveness of powder-thickened versus pre-thickened fluids.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recruitment and random assignment to different fluid thickening methods.
- Monitoring of oral, parenteral, and enteral fluid intake over 14 days.
- Recording of urine output, clinical outcomes, and hydration status indicators.
Main Results:
- Mean thickened fluid intake was insufficient (455 ml/d), requiring significant supplementary fluids.
- Patients on non-specialist wards with pre-thickened fluids consumed nearly double the volume compared to those with powder-thickened fluids (P=0.04).
- Overall fluid intake remained inadequate due to insufficient volume and duration.
Conclusions:
- Fluid intake in dysphagic acute stroke patients is often inadequate.
- Healthcare professionals must ensure sufficient fluid provision, including supplementary fluids.
- Pre-thickened fluids enhance oral intake in dysphagic stroke patients, particularly on non-specialist wards.