ABSTRACT
Purpose
To verify and characterize the function of swallowing in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients with a complaint of dysphagia.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 17 AIDS patients treated in a school hospital between 2011 and 2012, who underwent a bedside evaluation and treatment of swallowing. The data were related to the results of the bedside evaluation that followed specific protocols, both at baseline and discharge. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) patients who completed the swallowing intervention during the admission (GCSI); and 2) patients who did not complete the swallowing intervention during the admission (GNCSI).
Results
The groups did not differ in age and gender. For the classification of swallowing: 1) both groups had significantly better scores at discharge compared to those at baseline (GNCSI: p=0.024; GCSI: p=0.011); 2) the scores did not differ between groups at baseline (p=0.349); 3) at discharge, the scores were different between groups (p=0.002), with better results in the GCSI group. The analysis of the clinical signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia or penetration/aspiration indicated that in both groups, there was a statistically significant difference between baseline and discharge only in the presence of multiple swallows (a decrease in the number of swallows after intervention).
Conclusion
Swallowing ability improved after intervention. Additionally, clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of oropharyngeal dysphagia or penetration/aspiration resolved. The GCSI group showed better results than GNCSI after intervention.
Deglutition; Deglutition disorders; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Evaluation
