Sensitivity and specificity of clinical/bedside examination signs for detecting aspiration in adults subsequent to stroke

While detecting the presence of aspiration is only one aspect of a noninstr umented examination of swallowing function, it is an important component du e to its potential health status consequences. The purpose of this investig ation was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of clinical/bedsid e examination signs for predicting aspiration on videofluoroscopic examinat ion of swallowing. Sixty consecutive, acute stroke patients were investigat ed with clinical/bedside and videofluoroscopic exams. Clinical signs consis ted of history, oral motor/speech praxis, voice, and trial swallow ratings. Results confirm that more work needs to be done if data collected from non instrumented examinations are to be strongly predictive of aspiration on VF SE. However, comparisons of the current results with previous investigation s provides a promising framework for future research. Educational objective s: (1) To understand the use of sensitivity and specificity in detecting di sease; (2) To understand the current evidence regarding clinical signs of a spiration. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.