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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.

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).

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).

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.

Since December 2019, COVID-19 spread worldwide. Patients with COVID-19 are at high hazard for dysphagia. This study investigates the incidence of dysphagia in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and identifies predictors of dysphagia in COVID-19 patients.

This prospective study analyzed 100 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of Firoozgar Hospital in Tehran City, Iran. The demographic and clinical features of the eligible patients were collected. Dysphagia and cognition were evaluated according to the Persian version of functional oral intake (FOIS-P) status and the Rancho Los Amigos scale (RLAS). The qualitative variables are described in frequency and percentages and the quantitative variables are illustrated by Mean±SD. Also, univariate and multivariate cox regression was performed to predict possible relations between demographic and clinical variables with dysphagia.

A total of 100 COVID-19 patients (43.3±13.3 years, 55% were men) who were admitted to the ICUs were appraised by speech and language pathologists. Meanwhile, 70% of the subjects had at least one comorbidity, with the most common ones being diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Also, 74% of patients were on invasive mechanical ventilation (60% through endotracheal tube and 40% through tracheostomy). In addition, 57% of patients presented dysphagia. Age (odd ratio (OR)=1.127; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.019%, 1.247%; P=0.02) and level of consciousness (OR=0.393; 95% CI, 0.178%, 0.868%; P=0.021) were predictors of dysphagia. 

Dysphagia was prevalent among COVID-19 patients predicted by age and level of consciousness. Early evaluation of suspected patients is required for timely and efficient interventions to avoid further problematic issues and progress their quality of life.

The world has been suffering from COVID-19 since 2020 and the disease continues up to now. COVID-19 patients are at high risk of dysphagia and dysphonia. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the prevalence of dysphonia and dysphagia and identify correlated factors to develop dysphagia and dysphonia in COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU).

A total of 70 patients with COVID-19 (Mean±SD age of 63.1±18.6; males=39) hospitalized in ICUs were evaluated by an expert on speech and language. The patients were evaluated for swallowing disorder via the Mann assessment of swallowing ability and the Persian version of the functional oral intake scale. The consensus auditoryperceptual evaluation of voice was also used to evaluate voice disorders.

Overall, 58.6% of patients presented dysphagia and 74.3% of patients had dysphonia. Meanwhile, 34.3% of the patients were on mechanical ventilation. A correlation was detected between dysphagia severity and the number of mechanical ventilation days, the length of stay, and age (P<0.05). Dyspnea impacts the prevalence of dysphonia and dysphagia in COVID-19 patients (P<0.05). Vomiting has been effective on only the prevalence of dysphagia (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between dysphagia and dysphonia (P<0.01).

A high prevalence rate of dysphagia and dysphonia exists in patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs. An early evaluation by a speech and language pathologist is essential to identify the suspected patients and provide early intervention to prevent further complications and improve their quality of life.