Abstract
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 3years 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 36months. The results showed significant improvements in dysphagia up to 12months after stroke in the total and hemorrhagic stroke group, and the decline in swallowing function after 24months in the total stroke and ischemic stroke groups was a novel finding. The hemorrhagic stroke group showed worsening dysphagia after 30months. 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 7days, ASHA-NOMS scale, mRS score at 3months, and early comprehensive rehabilitation were identified as predictors of a decrease in the ASHA-NOMS score after 24months. Additionally, the K-MBI score at 3months 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 24months 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.
Published Version
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