ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A727 SWALLOWING DISORDERS IN ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE: EFFECTS OF STROKE LOCATION, AGE, TREATMENT AND EARLY REHABILITATION

Abstract Background and aims Dysphagia is a frequent complication of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and is associated with increased morbidity and poorer outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact of stroke localisation, age, acute treatment, comorbidities and early rehabilitation on the severity and course of dysphagia in patients with AIS. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 80 patients with AIS. Swallowing function was assessed using the Gugging Swallowing Screen on day 1 and day 7. The effects of stroke localisation (left vs right hemisphere), age, comorbidities, thrombolytic therapy and early rehabilitation were analysed using correlation analysis and logistic regression. Results On day 1, moderate-to-severe dysphagia was observed in 52.5% of patients with left hemisphere stroke and 40.0% with right hemisphere stroke. By day 7, these proportions decreased to 27.5% and 22.5%, respectively. Older age was associated with more severe dysphagia on both day 1 and day 7. In left hemisphere stroke, age ≥75 years was significantly associated with persistent moderate-to-severe dysphagia on day 7. Stroke severity was negatively correlated with swallowing function and independently increased the odds of moderate-to-severe dysphagia, particularly on day 7. Ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were associated with greater dysphagia severity. Early rehabilitation was especially effective in right hemisphere stroke, while thrombolytic therapy showed benefit mainly in patients younger than 65 years. Conclusions Dysphagia after AIS is influenced by age, stroke severity and cardiovascular comorbidities. Early rehabilitation appears particularly beneficial in right hemisphere stroke, while younger patients may gain additional benefit from thrombolytic treatment. Conflict of interest Małgorzata Wiszniewska: Nothing to disclose. Anna Żdanowicz: Nothing to disclose. Maciej Gawrysiak: Nothing to disclose.