Swallowing dysfunction, or dysphagia, is the inability to effectively transfer food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The effect of PED on patient outcomes remains relatively unexplored. We aim to 1) determine the accuracy of commonly used non-invasive bedside techniques to diagnose PED, and 2) determine the association between the development of PED and a composite outcome measure of pneumonia, re-intubation, or death.
Inclusion criteria
- Admission to University of Colorado Hospital
- Mechanical ventilation support through an endotracheal tube for greater than 24 hours
Exclusion criteria (partial)
- Age less than 18 years
- Contraindication to enteral nutrition administration
- Diagnosis of an acute or pre-existing central nervous system disorder (excluding a seizure disorder)
- Pre-existing dysphasia
- Previous surgery of the hand, neck, or esophagus
- Previous cancer of the head or neck
- Pregnancy
Please contact study coordinator for other exclusion criteria.