Correlation between Respiratory Dysfunction and Dysphagia in Individuals with Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Yuki Matsumoto, Tetsuo Hayashi, Yuichi Fujiwara, Kensuke Kubota, Muneaki Masuda, Osamu Kawano, Takeshi Maeda
Abstract
Introduction: Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most frequent and fatal life-threatening complications among individuals with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). However, the mechanism of dysphagia among individuals with CSCI is not well understood. Morbidity and mortality associated with CSCI may result from the interplay between respiratory dysfunction and dysphagia. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of respiratory dysfunction on the swallowing function of individuals with acute traumatic CSCI. Methods: %), and percent vital capacity (%VC). We recorded these parameters at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 following injury and analyzed pertinent changes over time and significant correlations. Results: , and %VC were significantly correlated with the severity of dysphagia during each period. Conclusions: Restrictive ventilatory impairment, poor cough force, and dysphagia are closely related, and the evaluation of respiratory function plays an important role in evaluating dysphagia.