Diagnostic Value of Modified Cough Reflex Test With Staged Water Swallow Test in Post-Stroke Patients Showing Dysphagia

Diagnostic Value of Modified Cough Reflex Test With Staged Water Swallow Test in Post-Stroke Patients Showing Dysphagia

The investigators conducted staged water swallow test (sWST) and modified cough reflex test (mCRT) on stroke patients referred for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) due to dysphagia. The patients were followed for up to four weeks to examine the incidence and timing of aspiration pneumonia, the relationship between these tests and VFSS results, and the diagnostic value of these tests as screening tools. Descriptive statistics will be presented for the incidence and timing of pneumonia, as well as the results of the SWST and MCRT. Regression analysis will be conducted to determine the explanatory power of each aspiration indicator (sWST and mCRT) in predicting aspiration or aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, using the VFSS results and the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia as gold standards, the validity, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), odds ratio (OR), and relative risk (RR) for sWST, mCRT, and their combination will be calculated to evaluate their diagnostic value.

Inclusion Criteria:

• either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by a computed topography or magnetic resonance imaging
• aged 20 years or older
• signs or symptoms of dysphagia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to maintain sitting posture with support
• dyspnea requiring oxygen supplementation
• diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia at enrollment
• diagnosed with co-existing major neuromuscular disorders affecting swallowing
• diagnosed with infectious diseases requiring isolation
• refusal to participate