ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of intermittent oro-esophageal tube feeding (IOE) on dysphagia patients with cerebral small vessel disease.Methods:Sixty such patients were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). In addition to the routine basic treatment and swallowing function training, the control group was given nasogastric tube feeding, while the experimental group was provided with IOE. Before and after two weeks of the treatment the swallowing function and nutritional status of both groups were evaluated along with the incidence of pneumonia, ability in the activities of daily living and general quality of life. Results:Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements. Afterward significant improvements were observed in all of the measurements in both groups, but the experimental group had improved significantly more than the control group in terms of each measure.Conclusions:IOE is superior to NG in improving the nutrition and swallowing function of patients with dysphagia and cerebral small vessel disease. It betters their ability in daily life activities and their quality of life.