Efficacy of speech therapy in post-intubation patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the efficacy of speech therapy in early return oral intake patients with post-orotracheal intubation dysphagia. Methods It was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial for two years intensive care units hospital. Study inclusion criteria were orotracheal intubation>48hours, age≥18 old, clinical stability, and Exclusion tracheotomy, score 4 7 Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), neurological disorders. Patients into treatment or control group (ten days follow-up). The treated (TG) received guidance, therapeutic techniques, airway protection maneuvers, orofacial myofunctional vocal exercises, diet introduction; (CG) SHAM treatment. Primary outcomes progression, dysphagia severity, tube feeding permanence. Results In initial period study, 240 assessed 40 (16.6%) had Of this, 32 met criteria, 17 (53%) therapy. Tube permanence shorter TG (median 3 days) compared CG 10 (p=0.004). size effect intervention on statistically significant between groups (Cohen's d=1.21). showed progress FOIS scores (p=0.005). also progression severity levels Dysphagia protocol (from moderate mild dysphagia) (p<0.001). Conclusion Speech favors an post-intubation Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-9829jk.