Prevalence of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis and its related factors: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Dysphagia is the most prevalent sign of multiple sclerosis (MS) which can reduce the quality of life and augment mortality in the final stages of MS. We presented a systematic review to estimate the prevalence of dysphagia in general and separately for each evaluation method (subjective and objective), and to analyze the causes of this rampant disease. Methods: Cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies were reviewed and scientific proofs were evaluated consistent with the pre-specified levels of certainty. Results: Twenty-two articles entered the meta-analysis phase; the estimation of the general prevalence of dysphagia in MS-affected patients was 43.33% related to all the 22 studies. Moreover, the estimate of the prevalence via the subjective (16 studies) and objective (6 studies) methods were 37.21% and 58.47%, respectively. Conclusion: This study obtained the prevalence rate of dysphagia in patients affected by MS globally, yet there was infinite statistical society and limited methodological quality. Thus, more extensive studies are required for a better understanding of the global epidemiology regarding dysphagia in MS.