Risk factors for dysphagia in elderly patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Given the global trend toward population ageing, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has emerged as an increasingly common health concern. As a chronic pulmonary disorder frequently encountered in clinical settings, COPD typically involves multiple organ-system impairments. Among these impairments, dysphagia is a significant complication in elderly patients with COPD. Dysphagia profoundly compromises the patients' quality of life and increases risks such as malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, thereby exacerbating the overall disease burden. Although systematic reviews evaluating dysphagia prevalence in COPD populations, the quantitative synthesis of associated risk factors has been hindered by inadequate reporting in the original studies. At present, no systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically address the risk factors associated with dysphagia among elderly patients with COPD. Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify and systematically analyse these risk factors, ultimately providing reliable evidence to facilitate early identification and improve clinical management strategies.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>The literature will be meticulously searched through a variety of electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biomedical Literature Service System (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wan Fang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). We will conduct a thorough investigation of the literature focusing on risk factors associated with dysphagia in elderly individuals diagnosed with COPD, spanning from the inception of each database up to October 2025. Two investigators will independently review the literature, evaluate the quality of studies and extract data based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to maintain rigour and consistency. The analysis will employ Stata V.14.0 software for the purposes of data merging and assessment of potential biases. OR along with 95% CI will serve as integrated statistical metrics. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using the I² statistic.<h4>Ethics and dissemination</h4>Since this study involves an analysis of previously published literature without direct patient participation, obtaining ethical approval is not required. The outcomes of the current investigation will be disseminated through academic journals following a stringent peer-review process.<h4>Prospero registration number</h4>CRD420251006411.