OC-063 Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (pes) In Dysphagia Post-acute Stroke: A Double-blind, Randomised Trial

Introduction Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES) is known to activate pharyngeal motor pathways. It has shown promise in acute stroke pilot studies, having improved swallowing function at 2-weeks.1,2 Methods We aimed to recruit 100 hospitalised patients with new-onset dysphagia within 6 weeks of stroke at three Greater Manchester centres. Participants were randomised to either Active or Sham PES. Both interventions were delivered via an intraluminal pharyngeal catheter, left in situ for 10 min, once-daily for 3 days. Active intervention was delivered at optimal parameters (5Hz, at 75% maximum-tolerated intensity). The primary outcome measure was intended to be penetration-aspiration scores on videofluoroscopic assessment at 2-weeks. Owing to logistic difficulties with videofluoroscopy, prior to unblinding and analysis of data, we upgraded the dichotomised Dysphagia Severity Rating (DSR) scale,2 assessed by independent, blinded speech therapists, to be the primary outcome: mild/no dysphagia (scores 0–3) or moderate-severe dysphagia (scores 4–12). We analysed under the intention to treat principle using logistic regression with an odds ratio (OR)/ Hazards ratio (HR) >1 indicating a favourable outcome for the active group. Results We recruited 36 participants: median age 71y; 61% male, 92% moderate-severe dysphagia; 58% with enteral feeding tubes in-situ. At 2-weeks, 11/18 (61%) in the active group had DSR