Evolution of Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphasia in Hospital Environment

Introduction: Neurogenic etiology oropharyngeal dysphagia may lead to clinical malnutrition, laryngotracheal damage, and result in aspirative bronchopneumonia. This condition is present in the evaluations routine of the phonoaudiologist who works in hospitals with post CVA (cerebral vascular accident) patients. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the evolution of neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia patients after CVA, during interment period until hospital discharge, and to analyze the dysphagia degree before treatment; diagnostic tools; phonoaudiologic routines; state o the patients upon discharge. Method: Thirty-nine (39) patients were studied from December 2003 through June 2004 complaining of deglutition disorder, that indicates dysphagia. A standardized protocol was prepared for collection of clinical data. Conclusion: The results allowed to conclude that there was moderate degree dysphagia, followed of light and severe degrees; in the instrumental diagnosis there was a prevalence of laryngeal aspiration, followed of a change in the oropharyngeal phase, laryngeal penetration, change in the deglutition oral phase; in the phonoaudiological procedures, the food manipulation presented excellent results followed of postural and protective maneuvers; upon hospital discharge there was a prevalence of individuals who had a good level clinical state and were eating orally with some postural and/or food consistency modifications without the use of probe, followed by those who presented a regular level beginning the oral diet with the use of probe, but able to be discharged between 30 to 60 days after the hospital period.