This is a randomized controlled trial involving patients with ischemic stroke and dysphagia. The aim of this study is to explore the recovery speed and therapeutic effect of oro-esophageal feeding compared with nasogastric feeding on swallowing function. This study mainly addresses the following two research questions: 1. Whether oro-esophageal feeding improves swallowing function more rapidly and effectively than nasogastric tube feeding. 2. Whether oro-esophageal feeding is non-inferior to nasogastric tube feeding in terms of safety.
This is a randomized controlled trial involving patients with ischemic stroke and dysphagia. The aim of this study is to explore the recovery speed and therapeutic effect of oro-esophageal feeding compared with nasogastric feeding on swallowing function. This study mainly addresses the following two research questions: 1. Whether oro-esophageal feeding improves swallowing function more rapidly and effectively than nasogastric tube feeding. 2. Whether oro-esophageal feeding is non-inferior to nasogastric tube feeding in terms of safety. The intervention period will last for two weeks, with an additional four-week follow-up observation period. This is a multicenter study to be conducted across multiple hospitals.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
422
Medical staff inserts the tube slowly and smoothly into the upper esophagus, verifying the correct insertion depth by referencing the calibration marks on the tube wall. The distance from the incisors to the tube's tip should range from 22 to 25 cm. Following insertion, the distal end of the tube is submerged in a container of water, and the absence of continuous bubbling confirms successful intubation. Feeding is subsequently administered three times daily at a rate of 50 mL per minute, with a volume of 400 to 600 mL per feeding. The intervention period lasts for a total of two weeks.
The feeding was conducted once every 3-4 hours, with 200-300ml each time. The total feeding volume was determined based on daily requirements. The feeding content was formulated by the nutritionists based on the patient condition and relevant guidelines to reach the energy demand as 20-35 kcal/kg/day and daily protein demand of patients through the determination of 24-h urinary urea for both two groups.The intervention period lasts for a total of two weeks.
Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale
The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale consists of 7 levels, from 1 to 7, based on imaging data. A higher level indicates better swallowing function.
Time frame: Day 0 and day15
Time to improvement of one level and of the baseline Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale
The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale consists of 7 levels, from 1 to 7, based on imaging data. The investigators will record the time required for participants to achieve a one-grade improvement from the baseline Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale.
Time frame: up to 2 weeks
Time to oral intake
The time to recovery is the first day, during the two weeks of the intervention period, on which a participant meets level 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 on the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale. The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale consists of 7 levels, from 1 to 7, based on imaging data. A higher level indicates better swallowing function.
Time frame: up to 2 weeks
Penetration-Aspiration Scale
The Penetration-Aspiration Scale is for assessing airway protection. It has 8 grades, grouped into 3 categories: no penetration/aspiration, penetration, aspiration. Lower grades = better function: Grade 1 is optimal (no airway entry); Grade 8 is most severe (food enters airway below vocal cords with no clearing effort).
Time frame: Day 0 and day15
Murray Secretion Scale
The Murray Secretion Scale is used to evaluate the accumulation of secretions, in which grade 0 meant no obvious accumulation, and grade 3 meant secretions in the laryngeal vestibule. The Murray Secretion Scale has 4 grades. The higher grade indicates more severe accumulation of secretions.
Time frame: Day 0 and day15
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All patients will receive rehabilitation care according to the standard of care for the trial site hospital. All these interventions are performed in accordance with the Chinese Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation and the Chinese Guidelines for Dysphagia Rehabilitation. The intervention period lasts for a total of two weeks.
Yale Pharyngeal Residual Severity Rating Scale
The Yale Pharyngeal Residual Severity Rating Scale is used to evaluate pharyngeal residue after swallowing. The score could range between 1 and 5, with higher scores indicating worse situations.
Time frame: Day 0 and day15
Aspiration
Aspiration is based on self-reporting, caregiver monitoring, or the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia, defined as the coughing and discomfort caused by food or water entering the airway for various reasons. The numbers of aspiration will be recorded.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks