Signs of dysphagia and associated outcomes regarding mortality, length of hospital stay and readmissions in acute geriatric patients: Observational prospective study

Background and aims: Dysphagia is a prevalent disorder in acute geriatric patients. This observational prospective study aimed at investigating adverse clinical outcomes linked to signs of dysphagia, including mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, among patients aged ≥ 65 years at a Danish acute medical unit (AMU). Methods: Signs of dysphagia were assessed using bedside screening tools including the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), a 30 mL Water Swallowing Test (WST) and the Gugging Swallowing Screen tool (GUSS), as described in the preceding cross-sectional study. Data for the follow-up was twice retrieved from electronic medical charts 30 days and 90 days after the patients’ primary admission to the hospital. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests of independence and proportional hazards modelling. Results: 444 patients were recruited, 334 of whom completed the dysphagia screening with 144 (43.1 %) showing signs of dysphagia. Patients with signs of dysphagia, compared to those without, experienced higher mortality after 30 days (12.5 % vs. 1.6 %, p < 0.001) and 90 days (21.5 % vs. 5.8 %, p < 0.001), longer LOS (median [Q1; Q3]: 4 [2; 8] vs. 3 [1; 6] days, p = 0.004), more total hospital days (THD) during both the 30-day and 90-day follow-up (for 90d: median [Q1; Q3]: 6 [2.25; 12] vs. 4 [2; 9] days, p = 0.007), but no significant difference in frequency of readmissions. Multivariate proportional hazards modelling revealed signs of dysphagia, low performance status and high comorbidity to be independent risk factors for mortality. High comorbidity and low hemoglobin, but not signs of dysphagia, were revealed as independent risk factors for readmission. Conclusion: Dysphagia is a notable risk factor linked to increased mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) for acute geriatric patients in general, not just those suffering from stroke, head and neck cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of systematic dysphagia screening within this population.