Objectives: COVID-19 was triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, leading to a pandemic. The risk of developing dysphonia and dysphagia amongst COVID-19 patients is considered to be high.
Methods: In this prospective study, 150 patients affected by COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and the ward of Firoozgar Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were analyzed. Dysphagia and dysphonia were evaluated according to the swallowing impairment score and the consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice (CAPE-V). Also, the quality of life (QoL) was measured using the Persian version of the voice handicap index, the swallowing QoL and the Persian version of the dysphagia handicap index (DHI).
Results: A total of 150 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 59.64±17.87 years and 54.3% male; 75 admitted patients to the ICU and 75 patients admitted to the ward) were evaluated. A total of 115(77%) patients with COVID-19 were experiencing dysphagia, and the prevalence of dysphagia did not vary meaningfully between the two sets. According to the swallowing QoL, the QoL of the two groups was meaningly different (P<0.05). Also, the QoL of patients admitted to the ICU was lower than those admitted to the ward. A total of 91(61%) COVID-19 patients had dysphonia and dysphonia prevalence was significantly varied among the two groups (P<0.05). Investigating the relationship between dysphagia severity, dysphonia severity, and age showed a significantly positive correlation (P<0.01). However, the length of stay had a positive correlation only with the severity of dysphonia (P<0.05). Also, a negative correlation was found between swallowing QoL, dysphagia severity, and dysphonia severity (P<0.01).
Discussion: Dysphagia and dysphonia were prevalent among COVID-19 patients and more common in older patients. Early evaluation is required for timely and efficient intervention to avoid further complications and to progress their QoL.