Abstract 62: Recovery-based Prediction of Who Is Using a G-tube at 6 Weeks Post-stroke

Background: Decision-making regarding gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement prolongs hospital stay in the inpatient stroke setting. Studies have predicted who receives G-tube placement at discharge, but have not assessed which factors predict who is actually using a G-tube long-term by assessing dysphagia recovery and G-tube needs in follow-up. Methods: Stroke patients from an inpatient stroke service were prospectively recruited if dysphagia was identified on the clinical speech therapy dysphagia test, defined as Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) score < 178. Variables associated with dysphagia were prospectively collected. G-tubes were placed in patients according to standard clinical practice based on speech therapy recommendations and family discussion. Follow-up included a 6 week swallowing quality of life survey (SWAL-QOL, 12 items including if a G-tube is currently being used). Univariate predictors of G-tube use at 6 weeks were assessed allowing calculation of a “G-tube Score” for predict...