Muscle weakness predicts pharyngeal dysfunction and symptomatic aspiration in long-term ventilated patients.

Background: Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with muscle weakness, pharyngeal dysfunction, and symptomatic aspiration. The authors hypothesized that muscle strength measurements can be used to predict pharyngeal dysfunction (endoscopic evaluation-primary hypothesis), as well as symptomatic aspiration occurring during a 3-month follow-up period.

Methods: Thirty long-term ventilated patients admitted in two intensive care units at Massachusetts General Hospital were included.