The use of anticholinergic medication is associated with an increased risk of stroke-associated pneumonia

Abstract

Pneumonia is a frequent medical complication after stroke. A few studies showed that the use of anticholinergic medication is associated with a higher risk of community acquired pneumonia in the elderly. We aimed to determine if there is any association between anticholinergic medication used before stroke and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). We analysed prospectively collected data of 675 patients with acute stroke (mean age 71.4 ± 13.3; 53.1% female). We used the Anticholinergic Drug Scale to assess anticholinergic exposure during a month preceding stroke onset. We diagnosed SAP in 14.7% of patients. The use of anticholinergic medication was associated with an elevated risk of SAP (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.59-4.11, P < 0.01) in univariate analysis. This association remained significant in multivariable analysis adjusted for age, stroke severity, atrial fibrillation, previous myocardial infarction and respiratory tract diseases (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01-4.22, P = 0.04). The use of anticholinergic medication before stroke is associated with an increased risk of SAP.