A prospective comparison between bedside swallowing screening test and videofluoroscopic swallowing study in post-stroke dysphagia

Abstract

To reveal test discrepancies between early bedside swallowing screening test (BSST) and standard videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and thereby to achieve an evaluation standard for post-stroke dysphagia which prevent aspiration pneumonia or unnecessary diet restrictions. Consecutive 252 first-ever stroke patients admitted to stroke unit of 1 tertiary university hospital from May 2009 to May 2010. BSST was performed within 3 days after onset and VFSS within 2 weeks after BSST. The findings between BSST and VFSS were compared. BSST and VFSS were performed in 186 patients. Of the 116 patients who passed BSST, aspiration was newly detected in VFSS in 16 patients (14%). Diet recommendation was changed in 95 of the 186 patients (51%) after VFSS, with 28% (n = 52) being changed to a more conservative level compared to the recommendation based on initial BSST. The data support the need for reassessment using VFSS even when BSST is performed in the acute stage of stroke.