O027 - DYSPHAGIA IN ICU SURVIVORS AFTER PROLONGED MECHANICAL VENTILATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

O027

DYSPHAGIA IN ICU SURVIVORS AFTER PROLONGED MECHANICAL VENTILATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Y.-J. Jung^1,*, S.-K. Hong², J.-E. Park³, S. Cha⁴, J.-K. Baek², H.-J. Lee², Y. Chang²

¹Department of Nursing , ²Division of Acute Care Sugery, Department of Surgery, ³Rehabilitation Medicine Team, ⁴Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, Republic Of

Rationale: Dysphagia is a common but underrecognized complication in ICU survivors, contributing to adverse outcomes such as aspiration and prolonged recovery. This study aims to assess the prevalence of dysphagia among ICU survivors and to identify contributing factors to inform the development of targeted screening and intervention strategies.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. A total of 38 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours in the intensive care unit (ICU) and were subsequently transferred to a step-down ICU were included. Swallowing function was assessed within 3 days after ICU transfer using either videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), performed by rehabilitation physician.

Results: Among 38 ICU survivors, dysphagia was identified in 35 patients (92.1%), with severity classified as mild (18.4%), moderate (18.4%), and severe (55.3%). Pharyngeal phase involvement was observed in 89.5% of cases. The mean age was 64.7 ± 18.1 years. Median ICU stay was 22.0 days (IQR 11.3–33.8), and median duration of mechanical ventilation was 20.0 days (IQR 7.5–34.0). Swallowing function was assessed within a median of 2 days (range 0–6) after ICU discharge using FEES in 31 patients (81.6%) and VFSS in 7 (18.4%). Swallowing rehabilitation was provided in 92.1% of patients, with a median duration of 7.8 days (IQR 3–11). At 2-week follow-up, 77.1% had resumed oral intake, while 14.3% remained dependent on enteral nutrition.

Conclusion: Dysphagia was common in ICU survivors after prolonged mechanical ventilation. Early assessment (FEES/VFSS) and timely rehabilitation were feasible even in patients with high oxygen demand or delirium. Most patients improved within two weeks, supporting early intervention to enhance recovery and nutrition

Disclosure of Interest: None declared