Successful treatment of intubation-induced severe neurogenic post-extubation dysphagia using pharyngeal electrical stimulation in a COVID-19 survivor: a case report

Abstract Background A significant portion of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at high risk developing intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired swallowing dysfunction (neurogenic dysphagia) as a consequence requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) is simple and safe treatment for neurogenic dysphagia. It has been shown that PES can restore in orally intubated or tracheotomized ICU dysphagia following severe stroke. We report the case patient post-extubation (PED) due to intubation general muscle weakness related COVID-19, which was successfully treated using PES. Case presentation 71-year-old Caucasian female confirmed acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection developed ICU. To avoid aerosol-generating procedures, her function evaluated non-instrumentally recommended by recently published international guidelines response COVID-19 pandemic. Her markedly impaired therapy recommended. led rapid improvement PED, bedside assessments Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS), diet screening Functional Oral Intake (FOIS). The improved swallowing, reflected these measures, allowed this transfer from non-intensive medical department 5 days after completing treatment. Conclusions contributed restoration ICU-acquired dysfunction. Early clinical assessment intervention crucial optimize their full recovery. may contribute earlier discharge Earlier reduced rates re-intubation help alleviate some pressure on bed capacity, critical times health emergency such ongoing