Swallowing impairment in older persons following burn injury: Validation of incidence and predictive factors for dysphagia.

Background: Early retrospective data identify that dysphagia is common in older persons with burn injury, suggesting a rate of 47 %, and that it is associated with medical, burn, and nutritional outcomes.

Aims: To prospectively (1) explore the incidence, (2) describe associations, and (3) evaluate risk factors for dysphagia in patients ≥ 75 years old hospitalised with burn injury.

Methods: All patients > 75 years old admitted to Concord-Repatriation-General-Hospital with burn injury over 4 years (2019-2023) were assessed for dysphagia on presentation and were continually monitored throughout their admission.

Dysphagia in older persons following severe burns: Burn location is irrelevant to risk of dysphagia and its complications in patients over 75 years.

Background: Management of burns in older persons is complex with evidence indicating advanced age is associated with elevated risk for morbidity and mortality. Dysphagia and its sequelae may further increase this risk.

Aims: (1) Determine the prevalence, and (2) identify risk factors for dysphagia in patients admitted with severe burn injury over 75 years.