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Predictors of Swallowing Outcomes in Patients with Combat-Injury Related Dysphagia.

BACKGROUND
Traumatic injuries such as those from combat-related activities can lead to complicated clinical presentations that may include dysphagia.


METHODS
This retrospective observational database study captured dysphagia-related information for 215 US military service members admitted to the first stateside military treatment facility after sustaining combat-related or combat-like traumatic injuries. A multidimensional relational database was developed to document the nature, course, and management for dysphagia in this unique population and to explore variables predictive of swallowing recovery using Bayesian statistical modeling and inferential statistical methods.


RESULTS
Bayesian statistical modeling revealed the importance of maxillofacial fractures and soft tissue loss as primary predictors of poor swallowing outcomes. The presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), though common, did not further complicate dysphagia outcomes. A more detailed examination and rating of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) from a subset of 161 participants supported greater impairment for participants with maxillofacial trauma (MFT) and no apparent relationship between having sustained a TBI and swallow functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
These analyses revealed that MFT is a stronger indicator than TBI of dysphagia severity and slower or incomplete recovery following combat-related injuries.Level of Evidence and Type of StudyThis study provides Level IV evidence as a Therapeutic/Care Management study.