Banari A, Aghaz A, Shahriyari A, Fakhimi F. Dysphagia and Dysphonia in COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in the Ward Versus Intensive Care Unit. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2024; 22 (3) :485-498
URL:
http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1945-en.html
1- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
3- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (1401 Views)
Objectives: COVID-19 was triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, leading to a pandemic. The risk of developing dysphonia and dysphagia amongst COVID-19 patients is considered to be high.
Methods: In this prospective study, 150 patients affected by COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and the ward of Firoozgar Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were analyzed. Dysphagia and dysphonia were evaluated according to the swallowing impairment score and the consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice (CAPE-V). Also, the quality of life (QoL) was measured using the Persian version of the voice handicap index, the swallowing QoL and the Persian version of the dysphagia handicap index (DHI).
Results: A total of 150 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 59.64±17.87 years and 54.3% male; 75 admitted patients to the ICU and 75 patients admitted to the ward) were evaluated. A total of 115(77%) patients with COVID-19 were experiencing dysphagia, and the prevalence of dysphagia did not vary meaningfully between the two sets. According to the swallowing QoL, the QoL of the two groups was meaningly different (P<0.05). Also, the QoL of patients admitted to the ICU was lower than those admitted to the ward. A total of 91(61%) COVID-19 patients had dysphonia and dysphonia prevalence was significantly varied among the two groups (P<0.05). Investigating the relationship between dysphagia severity, dysphonia severity, and age showed a significantly positive correlation (P<0.01). However, the length of stay had a positive correlation only with the severity of dysphonia (P<0.05). Also, a negative correlation was found between swallowing QoL, dysphagia severity, and dysphonia severity (P<0.01).
Discussion: Dysphagia and dysphonia were prevalent among COVID-19 patients and more common in older patients. Early evaluation is required for timely and efficient intervention to avoid further complications and to progress their QoL.
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● Dysphonia prevalence and dysphagia prevalence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients were high and detrimental to their quality of life (QoL). As a result, these two problems can be considered the leading clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients and specialists, nurses and speech and language pathologists should be completely aware of these symptoms to be capable of taking the necessary protective and treatment actions.
● A positive correlation was found between dysphagia severity, dysphonia severity and age. Therefore, in COVID-19 patients, dysphagia and dysphonia are more prevalent in older patients. Higher age indicates that such disorders are more common.
● A negative correlation was found between swallowing QoL and dysphagia severity, and dysphonia severity. Accordingly, early evaluation is required for timely and efficient intervention to avoid further complications and to improve their QoL.
● Awareness of the prevalence rate and risk factors allows specialists to accurately identify and evaluate patients with swallowing and voice disorders and subject them to early intervention.
Plain Language Summary
COVID-19, a viral disease that has grown alarmingly worldwide, is currently the main global health problem. The COVID-19 disease affects various organs of the body, including the brain and lungs, and leads to hospitalization of patients. As a result of long-term intensive care and respiratory treatment procedures, this disease may lead to neuromuscular weakness and have negative effects on swallowing and voice production ability in this group of patients. Dysphonia and dysphagia may cause pneumonia, dehydration, aspiration, and malnutrition, reducing the patient’s QoL and thus compromising the prognosis. The outcomes of the existing study revealed the prevalence of dysphagia and dysphonia is extremely high among COVID-19 patients and is more common among older patients. Awareness of the prevalence rate and risk factors allows specialists to accurately identify and evaluate patients with swallowing and voice disorders and subject them to early intervention.
Article type:
Original Research Articles |
Subject:
Speech therapy Received: 2023/04/9 | Accepted: 2023/09/5 | Published: 2024/09/1
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