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Pneumonia associated with aspiration following stroke
R W Teasell1, M McRae, Y Marchuk
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Stroke patients who aspirate liquids have a significantly higher risk of developing pneumonia. Videofluoroscopic modified barium swallow (VMBS) can identify patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Pneumonia is a significant concern in stroke recovery.
- Aspiration is a known risk factor for pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between aspiration and pneumonia in stroke patients.
- To evaluate the utility of Videofluoroscopic modified barium swallow (VMBS) in identifying at-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 441 stroke patients over 8 years.
- Videofluoroscopic modified barium swallow (VMBS) performed on suspected aspirators.
- Pneumonia incidence recorded for all patients.
Main Results:
- 19.0% of stroke patients demonstrated aspiration of thin liquids on VMBS.
- 2.7% of all patients developed hospital-acquired pneumonia.
- Proven aspirators had an 11.9% incidence of pneumonia, a 20-fold increase compared to presumed non-aspirators.
Conclusions:
- Aspiration is a key risk factor for pneumonia in stroke patients.
- VMBS is valuable for identifying stroke patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia.
- Early identification and intervention can potentially reduce pneumonia incidence.