Post-stroke dysphagia: A review and design considerations for future trials.

Post-stroke dysphagia (a difficulty in swallowing after a stroke) is a common and expensive complication of acute stroke and is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and institutionalization due in part to aspiration, pneumonia, and malnutrition. Although most patients recover swallowing spontaneously, a significant minority still have dysphagia at six months. Although multiple advances have been made in the hyperacute treatment of stroke and secondary prevention, the management of dysphagia post-stroke remains a neglected area of research, and its optimal management, including diagnosis, investigation and treatment, have still to be defined.

Interventions for dysphagia and nutritional support in acute and subacute stroke.

Background: Dysphagia (swallowing problems) are common after stroke and can cause chest infection and malnutrition. Dysphagic, and malnourished, stroke patients have a poorer outcome.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of interventions for the treatment of dysphagia (swallowing therapy), and nutritional and fluid supplementation, in patients with acute and subacute (within six months from onset) stroke.

Does looped nasogastric tube feeding improve nutritional delivery for patients with dysphagia after acute stroke? A randomised controlled trial.

Background: nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding is commonly used after stroke, but its effectiveness is limited by frequent dislodgement.

Objective: the objective of the study was to evaluate looped NGT feeding in acute stroke patients with dysphagia.

Methods: this was a randomised controlled trial of 104 patients with acute stroke fed by NGT in three UK stroke units.

Training in elder abuse: the experience of higher specialist trainees in Geriatric Medicine in the UK.

Little is known about elder abuse training in post-graduate medical education in the United Kingdom. A questionnaire survey was conducted among Specialist Registrars (SpRs) in Geriatric Medicine attending a single training day within five UK Post-graduate Deaneries to assess self-report experience of elder abuse training during their post-graduate medical education. The questionnaire included quantity, quality and self-report confidence in dealing with elder abuse issues.

Is looped nasogastric tube feeding more effective than conventional nasogastric tube feeding for dysphagia in acute stroke?

Background: Dysphagia occurs in up to 50% of patients admitted to hospital with acute strokes with up to 27% remaining by seven days. Up to 8% continue to have swallowing problems six months after their stroke with 1.7% still requiring enteral feeding.