Quantifying fluid intake in dysphagic stroke patients: a preliminary comparison of oral and nonoral strategies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether dysphagic stroke patients receiving oral (thickened-fluid dysphagia) diets or nonoral (enteral feedings supplemented with intravenous fluids) diets met their estimated fluid requirements.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Thirteen dysphagic patients with new strokes were studied for 21 days postadmission to hospital.


METHODS
Seven patients (group 1) were started on nonoral feeding and later progressed to oral diets and 6 patients (group 2) received oral dysphagia diets only.


METHODS
Fluid intake.


RESULTS
Fluid intake of patients in group 1 significantly declined over the 21 days (mean +/- standard deviation, 3158 +/- 523mL/d vs 984 +/- 486mL/d; p < .0001), representing 134% +/- 26% and 43% +/- 20% of their fluid requirements, respectively. Mean fluid intake of patients in group 2 was 755 +/- 162mL/d, representing 33% +/- 5% of requirements. This volume was significantly lower than the fluid intake of patients who received nonoral feeding (p < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Dysphagic stroke patients who received thickened-fluid dysphagia diets failed to meet their fluid requirements whereas patients on enteral feeding and intravenous fluid regimens received ample fluid.
Finestone
H M
HM
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa, Sisters of Charity Health Sciences Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. hfinesto@scohs.on.ca
Foley
N C
NC
Woodbury
M G
MG
Greene-Finestone
L
L
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003681:Dehydration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D004326:Drinking; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*