Risk factors for severe dysphagia in acute cervical spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, consecutive case series.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between dysphagia and acute cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) has been recently reported; however, the cause and mechanism of dysphagia are still not well understood. No definitive factors have yet been established according to multivariate analysis. The objective is to elucidate the incidence and risk factors of dysphagia in patients with acute CSCI.

SETTING: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan.

METHODS: A total of 298 patients with acute CSCI, who were evaluated for neurological impairment within 3 days after injury, were reviewed. CSCI patients with tube dependence due to obvious aspiration after injury were defined as having dysphagia. The factors postulated to increase the risk for dysphagia, including the patient's age, sex, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale at 3 days after injury, level of injury, tracheostomy and operative treatment, were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS: Of 298 patients, 21 were suffering from severe dysphagia after acute CSCI (7.0%). Of these 21 patients, 12 (57%) had CSCI at the C3-C4 level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that old age (>72 years), severe ASIA impairment scale (A or B) and presence of tracheostomy were significant risk factors of dysphagia. Level of injury ⩾C3-C4 was not a significant risk factor after adjustment for several potential confounders.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe dysphagia associated with aspiration was 7%. Old age, severe paralysis and presence of tracheostomy may be the risk factors for dysphagia. The risk for dysphagia should be evaluated to prevent aspiration pneumonia.