Dysphagia in the burn patient: Experience in a National Burn Reference Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Major burn patients are exposed to different invasive procedures for wound management or medical stabilization. Dysphagia is a frequent adverse effect of burns in the presence of invasive airway procedures and facial wounds. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of dysphagia, to determine the degree of severity, and to report clinical characteristics that could contribute to the appearance of dysphagia in patients admitted to a National Burn Reference Centre. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a burn reference centre over a 6-month period. All patients admitted to the burn service of a National Reference Centre were included. A clinical bedside swallowing assessment was performed in patients referred to a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The presence or absence of dysphagia was evaluated, and the degree of severity was measured according to the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS). Results: Fifty-four part