Tube feeding predictors after ischemic hemispheric stroke during hospitalization

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) are common after ischemic stroke.
• Tube feeding is a critical intervention for patients unable to maintain adequate oral intake.
• Limited research exists on specific predictors for tube feeding in post-stroke patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with the need for tube feeding (TF) in patients hospitalized after an ischemic stroke.
• To investigate the relationship between TF and various clinical and demographic variables.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 70 adult patients with ischemic hemispheric stroke.
• Data collected included demographics, stroke severity (NIHSS, FOIS), stroke characteristics, complications (pneumonia), and swallowing assessments.
• Statistical analysis to determine associations between TF and measured variables.

Main Results:

• 33 participants (47%) required tube feeding.
• Significant predictors for TF included higher NIHSS and FOIS scores, extensive stroke, left hemisphere involvement, pneumonia, longer hospital stay, and signs of laryngeal penetration/aspiration.
• Dysphagia identified in speech-language assessments strongly correlated with TF need.

Conclusions:

• Stroke severity and signs of airway compromise (penetration/aspiration) are key predictors for tube feeding in ischemic stroke patients.
• These findings underscore the importance of swallowing and airway assessments in managing post-stroke patients.
• Early identification of these risk factors can guide timely intervention and improve patient outcomes.