Recommendations and practices for dysphagia attention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ana Paola  Escalante-Ornelas; Ángela Susana  Herrera-Bandín; Úrsula  Gutiérrez-Canencia; Joanny Paola  Alatriste-Cequera; Liliana  Martínez-Sánchez; Eduardo  Pérez-Alba; Mario Fernando  Yáñez-Cabrera; Marco Abiel  Hernández-Camacho

Ana Paola Escalante-Ornelas Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General Regional No. 2 El Marqués, Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
Ángela Susana Herrera-Bandín Hospital Zambrano Hellion Tec-Salud, Instituto de Rehabilitación, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
Úrsula Gutiérrez-Canencia Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia y Protección de Derechos del Estado de Coahuila de Zaragoza, Centro de Rehabilitación y Educación Especial de Saltillo, Saltillo, Coahuila, México.
Joanny Paola Alatriste-Cequera Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Estatal Veracruz, Centro de Rehabilitación e Inclusión Social de Veracruz, Xalapa, Veracruz México.
Liliana Martínez-Sánchez Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General Regional No. 1 Carlos Mac Gregor Sánchez Navarro, Ciudad de México, México.
Eduardo Pérez-Alba Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.
Mario Fernando Yáñez-Cabrera Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de noviembre, Ciudad de México, México.
Marco Abiel Hernández-Camacho Secretaría de Salud, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango, Estado de México, México

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, dysphagia, recommendations

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) leading to COVID-19 is highly contagious and its management may require hospitalization and ventilatory support. Healthcare providers are exposed to contagion during the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Practices should be modified in relation to available resources and staff safety.

Methods: Recommendations issued by PAHO and from associations aimed at the study and treatment of dysphagia were collected, and the present work was designed to provide guidance on outpatient, hospital management, and follow-up of patients with COVID-19.

Relevance: Options are provided for diagnostic and treatment modalities, as well as for inpatient care, intensive care and possible post-hospital complications. These guidelines will serve healthcare providers to properly and safely manage dysphagia during a healthcare crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: We recommend considering each case multidisciplinary and on the basis of the patient’s individual circumstances and the availability of resources. Innovation, introducing telemedicine and other techniques are needed to resolve current difficulties and to produce new scientific evidence as well.