Dysphagia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Acute, First-Ever, Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and dysphagia are prevalent in acute stroke patients.
• Both conditions are linked to increased complications and poorer prognoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the prevalence of OSA and dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke.
• Investigate clinical correlates of OSA and dysphagia.
• Determine the association between OSA and dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• 140 patients with acute ischemic stroke (<48 hours) were enrolled.
• Diagnosis confirmed via CT/MRI; neurological deficit assessed using NIHSS.
• Dysphagia evaluated with Gugging Swallowing Screen; OSA assessed via cardiorespiratory sleep study.

Main Results:

• 51.4% of patients had OSA (OSA+); 57.8% had dysphagia (Dys+).
• OSA+ patients were older with higher BMI, neck circumference, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Dys+ patients showed greater NIHSS, lower ASPECTS, and higher BMI.
• A significant association was found between OSA and dysphagia (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnea and dysphagia are significantly associated in patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke.