Correlation between Recessive Aspiration and Abnormal Swallowing Pattern in Elderly Patients with Cerebral Infarction

Objective To investigate the correlation between recessive aspiration and abnormal swallowing pattern in elderly patients with cerebral infarction. Methods 80 patients with cerebral infarction combined with dysphagia admitted to our hospital from June 2011 to December 2012 were analyzed. All patients were detected by dysphagia swallowing X- ray fluoroscopy( VFSS) within 14 days after admission,recording incidence of dominant aspiration and recessive aspiration; the correlation between abnormal swallowing pattern and recessive aspiration were analyzed. Results The incidence of aspiration was 41. 3%( 33/80),including 20 cases with dominant aspiration,13 cases with recessive aspiration. Recessive aspiration patients were presented poor tongue movement,soft palate movement feeling bad,pharyngeal reflex disappeared,repeatedly swallowing,laryngeal elevation difference; clinical assessment showed decreased ability of independent cough,swallowing reflex diminished or disappeared,oropharyngeal food retention. Regression analysis showed soft palate movement weakened,swallowing startup delay, tongue muscle motility,epiglottis incomplete exhumation,glottal insufficiency,throat structure elevation inadequate were correlated with recessive aspiration. Conclusion There is a certain correlation between abnormal swallowing pattern and recessive aspiration in elderly patients with cerebral infarction,and part of organ swallowing dysfunction can exhibit one or more abnormal swallowing patterns,that can objectively evaluate the hidden aspiration risk,prevent stroke associated pneumonia,shorten hospitalization time and improve prognosis.