Presence, Severity and Trajectory of Swallowing and Voice
Outcomes Post-Extubation
Median time between extubation and initial SLT evaluation was 4 days
(IQR 2-11 days). Ninety percent (n=90) of patients presented with
dysphagia (FOIS Level 1-6) at initial SLT assessment with 36% unable to
take any nutrition orally (FOIS Level 1) (Table 3). Median FOIS score at
initial SLT assessment was 2.5 (SD 2.139; range 1-7) (n=100). IDDSI
fluid and food consistency findings are detailed in Table 3. A
significant negative correlation was observed between oral intake status
at initial SLT assessment as rated by the FOIS and ICULOS (r=-.227;
p=0.028) and also between oral intake status and hospital LOS,
indicating that the lower the FOIS score, the longer the LOS (r=-.363;
p=0.000).
Two-thirds (66%; n=99) of participants presented with post-extubation
dysphonia (GRBAS 1/+) with 14% in severe (rating 3) category (Table 3).
A weak positive association was detected between GRBAS rating and LOS
(r=.235; p=022), indicating that the higher the GRBAS score (poor vocal
quality), the longer the hospital LOS. Voice quality was not associated
with ICULOS (r=.084; p=0.428).
Oral intake status (median FOIS score) altered significantly from
initial SLT assessment (FOIS score 2.5) to time of SLT discharge (median
FOIS score 7) (z=-7.322; p=0.000). A significant change was also
observed in IDDSI fluid (z=-6.023; p=0.000) and food (z=-7.52; p=0.000)
consistencies within the participant group from initial assessment to
discharge (Table 3).