Early and long-term outcomes of ischemic stroke in patients with stroke-associated pneumonia

Abstract

Aim. Assessment of the influence of infectious complications of acute carotid ischemic stroke (IS) on long-term outcomes of the disease.
 Material and methods. 98 patients with IS, 46 developed infectious complications (group 1), 52 did not have them (group 2). In dynamics, the severity of neurological deficit (NIHSS scale, Bartel index) and the state of cognitive functions (MMSE, MoCA scales) were assessed.
 Results. Patients of the 1st group turned out to be significantly older, they initially had a more pronounced neurological deficit, and swallowing disorders were more often observed. Within 6 months after IS, patients of the 1st group had more severe focal neurological and cognitive impairments. After 12 months, the differences between the groups leveled off. There were no differences in the course of IS in patients with infectious lesions of the lower respiratory or urinary tract.
 Conclusion. Infectious complications of acute IS are associated with more severe cognitive and neurological impairments for 6 months. 12 months after undergoing carotid IS, the severity of focal neurological deficit, the level of independence from outside help in everyday life, and the state of cognitive functions do not differ significantly in patients with and without infectious complications.