Risk Factors For Aspiration Pneumonia Research Articles

Lack of Physician-Dentist Collaboration in Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention.

This opinion paper addresses the challenges and future directions for preventing aspiration pneumonia in Japan's rapidly aging population. It highlights the increasing proportion of elderly individuals and the associated rise in health issues like decreased swallowing function, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. The paper emphasizes the effectiveness of dentist-provided oral care in preventing this condition but notes the lack of collaboration between dentists and physicians in Japan's clinical practice. Key challenges identified include the scarcity of full-time hospital dentists, insufficient communication between physicians and dentists, limited patient understanding and motivation regarding oral care, and a lack of training in geriatric dentistry. The paper advocates for enhanced awareness among healthcare professionals and patients, increased hospital dentists, and improved collaboration mechanisms, particularly in light of recent positive changes in insurance reimbursement policies for elderly oral care.

Is polypharmacy a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in older adults? A case-control study

IntroductionThe incidence of aspiration pneumonia and the number of medicines prescribed increase with older age. Many medicines pose a risk for aspiration pneumonia, especially those that decrease swallowing function. Older adults with polypharmacy often receive a combination of these medicines. This study aimed to clarify whether polypharmacy is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. MethodsOlder adults aged ≥ 65 years receiving oral medicines were included in this case-control study. Patients hospitalized for pneumonia served as the case group, and other age-matched hospitalized patients served as the control group. Patient data were collected retrospectively, and logistic regression analysis was performed using items that showed significant differences in the univariate analysis as explanatory variables. ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed that the number of medicines was not a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia; however, it was associated with the Functional Oral Intake Scale score, male sex, body mass index, and number of comorbidities. ConclusionAlthough polypharmacy is often defined only by the number of medicines, it is not a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. A detailed comparison of prescription medicines between the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups is necessary.

Prospective cross-organ analysis for the causes of fever and increased inflammatory response after endoscopic resection.

Fever and increased inflammatory responses sometimes occur following endoscopic resection (ER). However, the differences in causes according to the organ are scarcely understood, and several modified ER techniques have been proposed. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive prospective study to investigate the cause of fever and increased inflammatory response across multiple organs after ER. We included patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection at our hospital between January 2020 and April 2022. Primary endpoints were fever and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels following ER. The secondary endpoints were risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Blood tests and radiography were performed on the day after ER, and computed tomography was performed if the cause was unknown. Among the 822 patients included, aspiration pneumonia was the most common cause of fever and increased CRP levels after ER of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, 53%; stomach, 48%; and duodenum, 71%). Post-ER coagulation syndrome was most common after colorectal ESD (38%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, lesions located in the esophagus (odds ratio [OR] 3.57; P < 0.001) and an amount of irrigation liquid of ≥1 L (OR 3.71; P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common cause of fever after upper gastrointestinal ER and post-ER coagulation syndrome following colorectal ESD. Lesions in the esophagus and an amount of irrigation liquid of ≥1 L were independent risk factors for aspiration pneumonia.

Aspiration Pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection that results from inhalation of foreign material, often gastric and oropharyngeal contents. It is important to distinguish this from a similar entity, aspiration with chemical pneumonitis, as treatment approaches may differ. An evolving understanding of the human microbiome has shed light on the pathogenesis of aspiration pneumonia, suggesting that dysbiosis, repetitive injury, and inflammatory responses play a role in its development. Risk factors for aspiration events involve a complex interplay of anatomical and physiological dysfunctions in the nervous, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary systems. Current treatment strategies have shifted away from anaerobic organisms as leading pathogens. Prevention of aspiration pneumonia primarily involves addressing oropharyngeal dysphagia, a significant risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, particularly among elderly individuals and those with cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders.

Predictors and impact of aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy: national inpatient sample 2016-2020.

Aspiration pneumonia is a rare but feared complication among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Our study aims to assess the incidence as well as risk factors for aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing EGD. National Inpatient Sample 2016-2020 was used to identify adult patients undergoing EGD. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of aspiration pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia. We adjusted for patient demographics, Elixhauser comorbidities and hospital characteristics. Of the 1.8 million patients undergoing EGD, 1.9% of the patients developed aspiration pneumonia. Patients with aspiration pneumonia were mostly males (59.54%), aged >65 years old (66.19%), White (72.2%), had Medicare insurance (70.5%) and were in the lowest income quartile (28.7%). On multivariate analysis, the age >65 group, White race, congestive heart failure (CHF), neurological disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with higher odds of aspiration pneumonia. This complication was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (9% vs. 0.8%; P < 0.001) and longer length of stay (10.54 days vs. 4.85 days; P < 0.001). Our study found that rates of post-EGD aspiration pneumonia are increasing. We found a significant association between various comorbidities and aspiration pneumonia. Our data suggests that we need to optimize these patients before EGD, as the development of aspiration is associated with worsened outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify these associations.

The effect of rasagiline on swallowing function in Parkinson's disease

Dysphagia, a potentially fatal symptom of Parkinson's disease, is characterized by frequent silent aspiration, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. The transdermal dopamine agonist rotigotine alleviates dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease and is more effective than oral levodopa, suggesting the importance of continuous dopaminergic stimulation during swallowing. Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) inhibitor that facilitates continuous dopaminergic stimulation. We hypothesized that MAOB inhibition by rasagiline would be effective in improving swallowing function in patients with early- and mid-to late-stage Parkinson's disease. To this end, we performed an analytical observational study to determine the effects of rasagiline (1 mg/day) on swallowing function using videofluoroscopic swallowing study. This open-label, evaluator-blinded study enrolled 32 patients with Parkinson's disease, among whom 19 were drug-naïve and 13 were receiving add-on therapy. Our results showed that rasagiline significantly improved all swallowing measures during the oral and pharyngeal phases, including oral transit time and pharyngeal transit time, in all enrolled patients. Similar results were found in drug-naïve and mid-to late-stage patients, with no intergroup differences. In conclusion, drugs capable of continuous dopaminergic stimulation may effectively improve swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease, with similar effects in early- and mid-to late-stage Parkinson's disease. This study has been the first to show that rasagiline significantly improves swallowing function in mid-to late-stage patients receiving add-on therapy.

The risk factors of aspiration pneumonia during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke

The risk factors of aspiration pneumonia during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke

The effects of safinamide on dysphagia in Parkinson's disease.

Dysphagia is a potentially fatal symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is characterized by frequent silent aspiration, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. The transdermal dopamine agonist rotigotine alleviates dysphagia in patients with PD and is more effective than oral levodopa, suggesting the importance of continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) in swallowing. Safinamide is a monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) inhibitor that facilitates CDS. In this retrospective open-label evaluator-blinded research, swallowing functions in nine patients with PD were examined using a video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) before and after treatment with 50 mg of oral safinamide. The VFSS results showed that safinamide significantly improved some swallowing measures during oral and pharyngeal phases, including oral transit time and pharyngeal transit time, without worsening of any measures. Notably, improvements in lip closure, an oral phase component, seemed to be most attributable to improvements in oral phase scores. In conclusion, a medicine for CDS may effectively improve swallowing functions in patients with PD. This is the first study to show that the MAOB inhibitor safinamide partly but significantly improves swallowing function in patients with PD.

Maximum phonation time: an independent predictor of late-onset pneumonia after esophageal cancer surgery.

Dysphagia after esophagectomy is a major risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, thus preoperative assessment of swallowing function is important. The maximum phonation time (MPT) is a simple indicator of phonatory function and also correlates with muscle strength associated with swallowing. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative MPT can predict postoperative aspiration pneumonia. The study included 409 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2017 and 2021. Pneumonia detected by routine computed tomography on postoperative days 5-6 was defined as early-onset pneumonia, and pneumonia that developed later (most often aspiration pneumonia) was defined as late-onset pneumonia. The correlation between late-onset pneumonia and preoperative MPT was investigated. Patients were classified into short MPT (<15seconds for males and <10seconds for females, n = 156) and normal MPT groups (≥15seconds for males and ≥10seconds for females, n = 253). The short MPT group was significantly older, had a lower serum albumin level and vital capacity, and had a significantly higher incidence of late-onset pneumonia (18.6 vs. 6.7%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that short MPT was an independent risk factor for late-onset pneumonia (odds ratio: 2.26, P = 0.026). The incidence of late-onset pneumonia was significantly higher in the short MPT group (15.6 vs. 4.7%, P = 0.004), even after propensity score matching adjusted for clinical characteristics. MPT is a useful predictor for late-onset pneumonia after esophagectomy.

Intervention Effect of Chewing Gum Mastication in Residents and Users of Elderly Facility

A decrease in oral function is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia and suffocation, leading to a reduction in physical function and malnutrition at elderly people.. Therefore, there is a need to develop a simple method to improve oral function in older adults, including those requiring long-term care. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of chewing gum mastication training and habitation on the oral environment, eating habits of residents and users of the elderly facility. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, the intervention and control groups. The intervention group consisted of 28 subjects（80.0［74.0-87.0］years）who chewed gum for 2 minutes three times daily for 2 months and the control group consisted of 26 subjects（88.0［82.5-94.0］years. Oral examination, oral function, physical condition, dietary habits questionnaire, and caregiver’s Vitality Index（VI）were evaluated. As a result, intra-group comparisons before, during, and after the intervention showed significant differences in gum mastication ability（p = 0.004）, appetite related to diet（p = 0.026）, looking forward to eating（p = 0.011）, and VI（p = 0.047）in the gum mastication group. In addition, gum mastication ability（p = 0.018）and appetite（p = 0.003）marked significant differences in changes before and after the intervention for the two groups. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis also revealed the impact of the intervention by gum mastication. It was shown that the simple intervention of chewing gum mastication used here might lead to improved oral function, increased interest of the elderly in diet and food, and increased motivation.

Motor neuron involvement threatens survival in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.

Motor neuron involvement threatens survival in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.

The impact of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease patients treated with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel

BackgroundDysphagia is common in advanced phases of Parkinson disease (PD), and is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. Nonetheless, dysphagia has been poorly investigated in PD patients treated with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG). We aimed to analyze the impact of dysphagia on mortality in LCIG treated patients and its relationship with other PD disability milestones. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 95 consecutive PD patients treated with LCIG. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test were used to compare mortality in patients with dysphagia from others. Cox regression was used to estimate the impact of dysphagia, age, disease duration, and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) on mortality in the entire cohort. Finally, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to estimate the association between dysphagia and age, disease duration, H&Y, hallucinations, and dementia. ResultsA significantly higher mortality rate was observed in patients with dysphagia. In the Cox model, dysphagia was the only feature significantly associated with mortality (95%CI 2.780–20.609; p < 0.001). Univariate analyses showed a significant correlation between dysphagia and dementia (OR: 0.387; p:0.033), hallucinations (OR: 0.283; p:0.009), and H&Y score (OR: 2.680; p < 0.001); in the multivariate analysis, only the H&Y stage was associated with the presence of dysphagia (OR: 2.357; p:0.003). ConclusionDysphagia significantly increased the risk of death in our cohort of LCIG-treated patients, independently from other relevant features such as age, disease duration, dementia, and hallucinations. These findings support the management of this symptom as a priority in the advanced PD stages, even in people treated with LCIG.

Association of orthodontic treatment and aspiration pneumonia

Foreign body aspiration or ingestion is an uncommon potential complication during orthodontic dentistry, and it can produce a medical emergency. Obstruction of the airways can be life-threatening, and delayed recognition and management can result in pulmonary complications such as recurrent pneumonia. Dental treatment has been identified as an important cause of the misplacement of foreign bodies in the airway. Objects used in orthodontic treatment are mainly used due to their manufacturing limitations, such as their shape and size, and because they are made of radiolucent materials, which make them easy to aspirate or ingest and difficult to detect with a radiograph. However, few reports have been published on orthodontic dentistry-related foreign body aspiration and pulmonary complications. Furthermore, micro-aspiration due to poor oral hygiene in patients undergoing orthodontic procedures has been investigated in this review since poor oral hygiene is a well-established risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in the elderly population. The association between the aspiration of orthodontic material and aspiration pneumonia is not well established. Aspiration pneumonia is a secondary symptom of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of dental material aspiration. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can also increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients since poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment leads to plaque retention, which can lead to increased development of hyperplastic gingivitis and periodontal breakdown, established risk factor for aspiration pneumonia.

Development and implementation of an aspiration pneumonia cause investigation algorithm.

The diagnostic criteria of aspiration pneumonia have not been established, and it remains an underdiagnosed entity. Diagnosis and cause investigation is essential in improving the management of aspiration pneumonia. The Japanese Respiratory Society Guidelines for the Management of Pneumonia in Adults (JRS Guidelines) show a list of risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. We developed an algorithm to aid physicians in evaluating these possible underlying factors and guide their management with a focus on aspiration pneumonia. The algorithm was developed based on the JRS Guidelines. The algorithm suggested dysphagia screening, pneumococcal and influenza vaccination, and other preventative measures for pneumonia. The algorithm was implemented in the acute setting of a general hospital among olderpatients admitted with pneumonia. Their outcomes were compared with a historical control group constituting similar patients from the previous year. Forty patients with pneumonia were assessed with the algorithm group, and 44 patients were included in the control group. In the algorithm group, significantly more cases (95.0% vs. 15.9%, p < 0.01) underwent early screening for a swallowing disorder. Two patients in the algorithm group were diagnosed with a new condition causing aspiration pneumonia, as opposed to none in the control group. Drugs with a potential risk for aspiration were identified and discontinued in 27.5% of the patients in the algorithm group and 4.5% in the control group. In conclusion, an aspiration pneumonia cause investigation algorithm translating the JRS guideline approach into practice enhanced the rate of swallow screening and preventative measures for aspiration.

Postoperative Pneumonia and Aspiration Pneumonia Following Elderly Hip Fractures.

The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia after hip fracture surgery. Retrospective cohort study from 2005 to 2021. Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. A total 1,208 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent hip fracture surgery. Postoperative pneumonia was defined as cases with new infiltration on chest x-ray or chest computed tomography (CT) after surgery or confirmed by a pulmonologist's consultation and diagnosis. Aspiration pneumonia was defined as: 1) radiologic findings of hospital-acquired pneumonia on chest radiographs or CT, medical record of aspiration pneumonia confirmed by a pulmonologist's consultation, and history of vomiting or aspiration, or 2) gravity-dependent opacity on chest CT when the history of vomiting or aspiration is ambiguous. Patient demographics, past medical history, pre-injury Koval score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), blood test results, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated. A comparison analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to identify the incidence and risk factors for postoperative pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia. Postoperative pneumonia was diagnosed in 47 patients (3.9%), including 20 with aspiration pneumonia (1.7%). In the multivariate analysis, postoperative delirium (odds ratio [OR], 3.42; P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores ≥ 3 (OR, 2.11; P = 0.021), and CCI (OR, 1.21; P = 0.013) were significant risk factors for postoperative pneumonia. Male sex (OR, 3.01; P = 0.017), postoperative delirium (OR, 3.16; P = 0.014), and preoperative serum albumin levels < 3.5 g/dL (OR, 7.00; P = 0.010) were significant risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. ASA classification ≥ 3, higher CCI, and postoperative delirium were the risk factors for postoperative pneumonia. Male sex, postoperative delirium, and lower preoperative serum albumin level were the risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Thus, physicians should pay attention to patients with the risk factors.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) amylase and pepsin levels as potential biomarkers of aspiration pneumonia

Background and objectiveThere are currently no established markers for aspiration pneumonia. We hypothesized that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) amylase and pepsin might be candidate biomarkers for aspiration pneumonia. MethodsThis cross-sectional study reviewed consenting adults who underwent clinically-indicated bronchoscopy at Aizu Medical Center. BAL samples were obtained using standardized methods. Amylase levels were measured in our clinical laboratory, and pepsin levels were assessed by ELISA. ResultsAspiration pneumonia was clinically diagnosed based on the guidelines of the Japanese Respiratory Society in 48 of the 327 participants. Median BAL salivary amylase and pepsin levels in this group were 702.0 U/L and 12.7 ng/ml respectively, which were significantly higher than in non-aspiration pneumonia patients. BAL amylase ≥204 U/L had 77.1% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity as a diagnostic index, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.859 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.803-0.915). Similarly, BAL pepsin levels of ≥7.45 ng/ml had 87.2% sensitivity and 59.9% specificity for identifying aspiration, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.757 (95% CI, 0.688-0.826). Multivariate regression demonstrated that BAL amylase ≥204 U/L and BAL pepsin ≥7.45 ng/ml were associated with significantly higher odds for aspiration pneumonia (odds ratio (OR) 10.0, 95% CI, 4.51-22.2, and OR 8.81 95% CI, 3.32-23.4, respectively). There were no significant associations between risk factors for aspiration pneumonia and BAL amylase and pepsin levels. ConclusionBAL amylase and pepsin might be useful biomarkers for suggesting aspiration pneumonia, and could be objective markers without relying on known risk factors for aspiration.

In-patient comorbidities in inclusion body myositis: a United States national in-patient sample-based study.

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) above the age of 50 with a distinct clinical phenotype of progressive, painless, asymmetric weakness predominantly involving the long finger flexors and quadriceps. In this study, we compared comorbidities in IBM with other IIMs (i.e., dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM)) from the United States National Inpatient Sample Database. We identified patients with a primary diagnosis of IBM or IIM from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2012 to 2018. We then compared the rate of common inpatient comorbidities between the IBM and IIM. There were 18,819 admissions for patients with either IBM or IIM. IBM patients were older (72.9±10.7 years vs. 59.3±18.4 years for IIM, p<0.001), predominantly men (65.0% vs. 31.2% for IIM, p<0.001), and White Caucasians (82.5% vs. 58.4% for IIM, p<0.001). IBM patients had significantly more frequent events of aspiration pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, falls, and sepsis. The rate of PEG tube placement was also significantly higher. When performing multivariable logistic regression, we found that IBM is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia (OR 3.03), PEG tube placement (OR 2.91), falls (OR 2.05), and sepsis (OR 1.30) but not for significant cardiovascular events. IBM increases a patient's risk for dysphagia, falls, and infection as compared to other IIM patients. Further population-based studies are warranted to better elucidate the impact of these comorbidities in patients with IBM.

Development of the European Portuguese version of the oral health assessment tool: Content validity and reliability study in an elderly population.

Poor oral health is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia (AP), especially in elderly patients at risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). In Portugal, available tools to screen oral problems in nursing homes are scarce. The oral health assessment tool (OHAT) is a screening tool that assesses elderly residents' oral health. This study aims to translate and validate the tool for the European Portuguese (EP) context. The original version was translated into EP throughout a forward-backward translation process. An instruction manual was created. Content of both documents were assessed by a panel of eight experts. The content validity Index was calculated. A reliability study was conducted in three nursing homes by two speech and language therapists in two different moments, separated by 48 h. A sample of 30 institutionalized elderly with a mean age of 77 years was analyzed. The EP version and its instruction manual presented a content validity Index greater than 0.88 in all its items. Total scores showed excellent inter-rater and good intra-rater results. The EP version showed to be a reliable and valid tool for the screening of oral health conditions of institutionalized older adults at risk of OD.

Abstract WMP32: EMR Alert Improves Compliance With Dysphagia Assessment In Stroke Patients

Introduction: Dysphagia in patients after a stroke is very common. There is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia and is associated with worse patient outcomes. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend that a swallow screening be performed on all stroke patients prior to any oral intake. Stroke can present with a variety of symptoms and may not be identified at the time of the patient’s presentation. In analyzing patient data in which the dysphagia screening was not completed, it was identified to occur at the first oral intake of a medication. Our hypothesis is that if the nurse was alerted at the time of medication administration that a dysphagia screening needs to be completed, we could improve our compliance with this quality measure. Method: A new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) process was developed, that based on certain criteria, triggered an alert for the nurse when the first oral medication barcode was scanned. Within the alert there is a link to document the dysphagia screening. After documentation of the screening, the nurse is returned to the medication administration record to continue her administration. The criteria for triggering the alert is twofold. The first trigger is based on the presenting chief complaint on arrival to the emergency department. These would include chief complaints such as stroke symptoms, dizziness, weakness, etc. The second trigger occurs when the physician enters an order for dysphagia screening to be completed by nursing. With each of these triggers, the EMR logic looks to see if a dysphagia screen has already been documented and the alert only is generated if it has not. This process was initiated in the EMR in February 2021 for all 12 hospitals in the University Hospitals health system. Results: At University Hospitals Parma Medical Center dysphagia screening compliance improved from 82% in QTR 3 2020 to 90% in QTR 2 2021. Overall, in the University Hospital health system compliance improved from 85% in QTR 3 2020 to 89% in QTR 2 2021. Conclusion: An EMR alert has assisted the nurse to remember to complete this important dysphagia screening and improved compliance with this quality measure. In addition, nurses have reported an increase in satisfaction with the new workflow.

The Preventive Effect of Dysphagia Screening on Pneumonia in Acute Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Dysphagia is common in acute stroke patients and is a major risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. We investigated whether the early detection of dysphagia in stroke patients through screening could prevent the development of pneumonia and reduce mortality; (2) Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for relevant studies published up to November 2021. We included studies that performed dysphagia screening in acute stroke patients and evaluated whether it could prevent pneumonia and reduce mortality rates. The methodological quality of individual studies was evaluated using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool, and publication bias was evaluated by the funnel plot and Egger’s test; (3) Results: Of the 6593 identified studies, six studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The screening group had a significantly lower incidence of pneumonia than the nonscreening group did (odds ratio (OR), 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42 to 0.84; p = 0.003; I2, 66%). There was no significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.13; p = 0.11; I2, 93%); (4) Conclusions: Early screening for dysphagia in acute stroke patients can prevent the development of pneumonia.