Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation for Post-stroke Dysphagia: A Meta-analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) on post-stroke dysphagia. Methods:Randomized controlled trial (RCT) about pharyngeal electrical stimulation for dysphagia after stroke were searched in Coehrane Library, Embase, EBSCO, PubMed, Web of Science, CBM, VIP, CNKI and Wanfang Data until June, 2020. The literature quality was evaluated, and the data were analyzed with RevMan 5.3. Results:Five RCTs were returned, including 325 patients. PES was more effective in improvement of Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale scores (SMD = -0.27, 95%CI -0.53 to -0.01, P = 0.04) and decannulation rate (RR = 4.69, 95%CI 2.02 to 10.87, P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in Functional Oral Intake Scale scores (SMD = 0.24, 95%CI -0.32 to 0.79, P = 0.40), Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores (MD = -0.18, 95%CI -0.74 to 0.39, P = 0.54) and length of stay (SMD = -0.16, 95%CI -0.42 to 0.11, P = 0.25) between PES and control. Conclusion:Pharyngeal electrical stimulation can improve the swallowing function and enhance decannulation rate for post-stroke dysphagia, while it is uncertain for functional oral intake, risk of aspiration and length of stay.