Recovery of Swallowing Function and Prognostic Factors Associated with Exacerbation of Post-stroke Dysphagia

Post-stroke dysphagia is a common and debilitating complication affecting millions of people worldwide, often leading to malnutrition, pneumonia, and reduced quality of life. This study, an interim analysis of the Korean Study Cohort for Functional and Rehabilitation, aimed to identify long-term changes and predictive factors associated with post-stroke dysphagia at 3 years after stroke. A total of 4735 patients with acute first-ever stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic subgroups, were followed, and dysphagia was assessed using the ASHA-NOMS scale. All the patients were then followed up for up to 36 months. The results showed significant improvements in dysphagia up to 12 months after stroke in the total and hemorrhagic stroke group, and the decline in swallowing function after 24 months in the total stroke and ischemic stroke groups was a novel finding. The hemorrhagic stroke group showed worsening dysphagia after 30 months. It is unclear whether patients who experienced worsening of swallowing function had other conditions, including new strokes, that might have contributed to this decline. Male gender, age at stroke, K-FAST at 7 days, ASHA-NOMS scale, mRS score at 3 months, and early comprehensive rehabilitation were identified as predictors of a decrease in the ASHA-NOMS score after 24 months. Additionally, the K-MBI score at 3 months post-stroke was found to be a significant factor influencing long-term improvements in swallowing function. These findings suggest that patients should be closely monitored for dysphagia beyond 24 months after stroke onset, as swallowing function may decline over time. During follow-up, it is essential to carefully consider the multiple factors associated with this decline.