A Systematic Review of the Prevalence and Characteristics of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Critically Ill Patients During the Acute and Postacute Recovery Phase

Due to study design limitations, high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in methods/outcomes, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. However, current data suggest a high prevalence of dysphagia in critically ill adults who persists greater than or equal to 12 months posthospital discharge. Given the high rates of silent aspiration, prospective, longitudinal research is needed to further understand the prevalence and impact of chronic dysphagia on health and quality of life in critically ill adults.