Investigation of correlation of dysphagia and malnutrition of patients with acute stroke and the countermeasures

Objective To investigate the correlation of dysphagia and malnutrition of patients with acute stroke and to establish intervention countermeasures.Methods The Swallow Water Test was performed by professional rehabilitation nurses in 100 cases of acute stroke patients without food and water within 24 hours after admission and two weeks later to confirm the existence of dysphagia.Rehabilitation exercises of swallow function were performed pertinently.At the same time,we evaluate the state of nutrition of these patients and followed up for two weeks,and to determine the state of malnutrition.Results There was 23.0%(23/100) acute stroke patients didn't pass the initial Swallow Water Test,19 patients (82.5%) with dysphagia could swallow normally before discharge,13% patients needed indwelling nasal-gastric tube.The rate of malnutrition in dysphagia group (34.8%) was higher than patients without dysphagia (11.7%),the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).In addition,the activity ability of daily living was poorer,the disability degree was higher and the average day of hospitalization was longer in dysphagia group in the fourth week.Conclusions To estimate the dysphagia timely in acute stroke patients can make the medical staff think highly of this status to formulate the scientific project of nutrition and provide the scientific rehabilitation exercises to the patients.It can decrease the incidence rate of malnutrition,complications and the disability degree of the acute stroke patients and to promote early rehabilitation. Key words: Acute stroke; Dysphagia; Malnutrition