Risk Factors for Stroke Associated Pneumonia

Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Dec 20;7(24):4416-4419. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.873. eCollection 2019 Dec 30.

Abstract

Background: Stroke patients are at high risk for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). If patients suffer from pneumonia their prognosis will worsen.

Aim: To identify factors that increases the risk of SAP in stroke patients.

Methods: A group of 508 patients hospitalized within 5 days after the onset of stroke were enrolled prospectively.

Results: The incidence of SAP was 13.4%. Some major risk factors for SAP are: mechanical ventilation (MV) had odds ratio (OR) 16.4 (p <0.01); the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) > 15 OR 9.1 (p <0.01); the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) 0-14 OR 11.7 (p <0.01).

Conclusion: SAP is a frequent complication. We identified some risk factors of SAP, especially stroke severity (NIHSS > 15), swallowing disorder (GUSS < 15) and mechanical ventilation.

Keywords: Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); stroke; stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP).