ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any effect of endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) on the functional outcomes of post-stroke patients in the subacute phase.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted of 52 patients who had received an FEES assessment (the FEES group) and 51 who had not (the control group). Both groups received swallowing rehabilitation and intake training based on the results of the FEES assessment and those of a modified volume-viscosity swallowing test. The primary outcome indicator was the incidence of pneumonia. Secondary outcome indicators were the rate of removal of the nasal feeding tube, the length of indwelling of the nasal feeding tube, functional oral intake assessment scale (FOIS) scores, eating technique at discharge, and the length of hospital stay.Results:Compared with the control group, the incidence of pneumonia in the FEES group was significantly lower (7.7% vs. 39.2%). The removal rate of the nasal feeding tube was significantly greater (75.0% vs. 41.0%). The FEES group showed a significant improvement in its average FOIS score. And the proportion of patients who could try partial oral eating or complete oral eating at discharge was significantly higher in the FEES group. Regression analysis indicated that the risk of pneumonia in the FEES group was positively related to the time from onset to the first FEES examination.Conclusion:Early FEES examination after a stroke could reduce the incidence of pneumonia, increase chances of removing the nasal feeding tube and improve the swallowing function and outcome of stroke survivors.