Stroke-associated Pneumonia Research Articles

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Stroke and Acute Large Artery Occlusion Treated with Endovascular Thrombectomy

Background and PurposeStroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) often increases high hospital mortality, prolongs length of hospital stay, and has considerable economic impact on healthcare costs. We aimed to explore independent predictors of SAP in acute anterior large artery occlusion patients who treated with endovascular treatment (EVT). MethodsConsecutive patients with acute anterior large artery occlusion stroke who underwent EVT from the Nanjing Stroke Registry from January 2019 to January 2020 were identified retrospectively. Patients were divided into SAP group and Non-SAP group. In the univariate analysis, variables including demographics, clinical factors, labs, and EVT features were compared between the two groups. Then a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine independent predictors of SAP. ResultsOne hundred and twelve patients were enrolled. Patients with SAP, compared to those without SAP, had lower modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score 2b-3 rate (54.8% vs 85.2%; P = 0.001), higher asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rate (48.4% vs 28.4%; P = 0.046), lower modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 rate at 90days rate (9.7% vs 60.5%; P < 0.001), and higher mortality at 90days (38.7% vs 11.1%; P = 0.001). The independent predictors of SAP were dysphagia (Unadjusted Odds ratio[OR] 6.49, 95% Confidence interval[CI] 2.49–16.92; P = 0.02; Adjusted OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.19–10.83; P = 0.02), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (Unadjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.1–1.3; P = 0.001; Adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.25; P = 0.001), and mTICI 2b-3 (Unadjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.54; P = 0.001; Adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.92; P = 0.04). ConclusionDysphagia, higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and failed recanalization were associated with SAP in acute ischemic stroke patients underwent endovascular therapy. Identification and prevention of SAP was necessary and important.

Ex vivo synthesized cytokines as a biomarker of stroke-associated pneumonia

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine a profile of ex vivo released cytokines in patients with stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and to assess the clinical utility of individual cytokines and their combination as a biomarker of SAP. MethodsWe included 279 ischemic stroke patients (median age: 69 years; 41.6% women). We collected blood samples at day 3 after the onset of stroke and stimulated them ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We measured the LPS-induced cytokine concentrations (TNFα, IP-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12p70) as well as a plasma IL-6 level as a marker of systemic inflammation. We assessed the discriminatory ability of cytokines by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). ResultsDuring first 5 days after stroke pneumonia occurred in 7.2% of patients. Patients with SAP had lower ex vivo release of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-12, IP-10 and a higher level of circulating IL-6 than patients without SAP. The multimarker score composed of ex vivo synthesized IL-12, IP-10, and plasma IL-6 had better discriminatory properties than individual cytokines (AUC: 0.90). ConclusionsOur results suggest the potential utility of ex vivo synthesized cytokines as a biomarker of SAP.

Do We Need to Distinguish Thrombolysis and Nonthrombolysis Patients When Applying Stroke-Associated Pneumonia Predicting Scores? An External Validation from a 2-Center Database.

BackgroundDue to the lack of validation for predictive scoring of stroke-associated pneumonia in both thrombolysis- and nonthrombolysis-treated ischemic stroke (IS) patients, this study aimed to evaluate 4 scoring methods in the 2 subgroups.Material/MethodsThe CerebroVascular Database Project database included data from patients with cerebral IS that were admitted in 2 hospitals from February 2016 to January 2018. A total of 138 thrombolysis-treated and 138 nonthrombolysis-treated IS patients were enrolled. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were performed to examine the discrimination of the 4 scores, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit.ResultsThe incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia was 24.8%. The thrombolysis and nonthrombolysis subgroups were not significantly different with regard to sex, present smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease history, atrial fibrillation history, blood pressure, or glucose level on admission. However, significant differences were found in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (P<0.001), Glascow Coma Scale scores (P<0.001), Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification (P<0.001), dysphagia (P<0.001), and white blood cell counts (P=0.039). The AUROC for the Age, Atrial fibrillation, Dysphagia, male Sex, stroke Severity, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; Preventive ANtibacterial THERapy in acute Ischemic Stroke; Acute Ischemic Stroke-Associated Pneumonia Score (AIS-APS); and Independence, Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores in total population were 0.80 (0.74–0.84), 0.75 (0.69–0.80), 0.80 (0.76–0.85), and 0.76 (0.71–0.81). The goodness of fit was 0.22, 0.22, 0.27, and 0.17, respectively. The AUROC of 4 scores between subgroups were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe AIS-APS had the highest AUC and goodness of fit in our population. All 4 scores can be applied regardless of whether thrombolysis has been performed on patients.

Predictive value of monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio for stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Prior studies had reported monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) as a new inflammation marker and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is common after stroke. We investigated the predictive value of MHR for SAP in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 803 AIS patients within 72h after stroke were enrolled from April 2012 to January 2016 in Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital affiliated to the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. MHR measurement within 24h of hospital admission was divided into quartiles: Q1 (< 0.21), Q2 (0.21-0.30), Q3 (0.30-0.45), and Q4 (≥ 0.45). Monocyte count was also divided into categories. Clinical outcomes were post-stroke SAP and 3-month mortality. 121 patients (15.1%) experienced SAP during hospitalization, and 109 patients (13.6%) died from all causes within 3months after AIS. Compared to the lowest quartile, having admission MHR level in the highest quartile was associated with SAP [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-5.42; P trend = 0.003]. Compared with the lowest category of monocyte, the highest category was associated with a 2.60-fold increase in the odds of SAP (aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.28-5.30; P trend = 0.005). However, there was no significant association between MHR (P trend = 0.514) and monocyte count (P trend = 0.684) and all-cause mortality at 3months. We demonstrated that both higher MHR and higher monocyte count at admission predicted SAP in patients with AIS.

Using machine learning to predict stroke‐associated pneumonia in Chinese acute ischaemic stroke patients

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common, severe but preventable complication after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Early identification of patients at high risk of SAP is especially necessary. However, previous prediction models have not been widely used in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to develop a model to predict SAP in Chinese AIS patients using machine learning (ML) methods. Acute ischaemic stroke patients were prospectively collected at the National Advanced Stroke Center of Nanjing First Hospital (China) between September 2016 and November 2019, and the data were randomly subdivided into a training set and a testing set. With the training set, five ML models (logistic regression with regulation, support vector machine, random forest classifier, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and fully connected deep neural network) were developed. These models were assessed by the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic on the testing set. Our models were also compared with pre-stroke Independence (modified Rankin Scale), Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ISAN) and Pneumonia Prediction (PNA) scores. A total of 3160 AIS patients were eventually included in this retrospective study. Among the five ML models, the XGBoost model performed best. The area under the curve of the XGBoost model on the testing set was 0.841 (sensitivity, 81.0%; specificity, 73.3%). It also achieved significantly better performance than ISAN and PNA scores. Our study demonstrated that the XGBoost model with six common variables can predict SAP in Chinese AIS patients more optimally than ISAN and PNA scores.

Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors and Outcomes.

Pneumonia is the most common complication after stroke, but our knowledge on risk factors and predictors of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is limited. We sought to evaluate the predictors and outcomes of SAP among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) hospitalizations. This is a cross-sectional study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from the year 2003 to 2014. We identified adult hospitalizations with AIS using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. The SAP was identified by the presence of a secondary diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Multivariable survey logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the predictors of SAP. Overall, 4,224,924 AIS hospitalizations were identified, of which 149,169 (3.53%) had SAP. The prevalence of SAP decreased from 3.72% in 2003 to 3.17% in 2014 (P<0.0001). Mortality [17.12% vs. 4.77%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.71; P<0.0001] and morbidity (22.53% vs. 3.28%; aOR: 1.86; P<0.0001) were markedly elevated in SAP group compare to non-SAP group. The significant risk factors of pneumonia among AIS hospitalization were nasogastric tube (aOR: 1.21; P=0.0179), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (aOR: 1.65; P<0.0001), invasive mechanical ventilation (aOR: 4.09; P<0.0001), length of stay between 1 to 2 weeks (aOR: 1.99; P<0.0001), >2 weeks (aOR: 3.90; P<0.0001), hemorrhagic conversion (aOR: 1.17; P=0.0002), and epilepsy (aOR: 1.09; P=0.0009). Other concurrent comorbidities which increased the risk of SAP among AIS patients were acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aOR: 1.88; P<0.0001), alcohol abuse (aOR: 1.60; P=0.0006), deficiency anemia (aOR: 1.26; P<0.0001), heart failure (aOR: 1.62; P<0.0001), pulmonary disease (aOR: 1.73; P<0.0001), diabetes (aOR: 1.29; P=0.0288), electrolyte disorders (aOR: 1.50; P<0.0001), paralysis (aOR: 1.22; P<0.0001), pulmonary circulation disorders (aOR: 1.22; P<0.0001), renal failure (aOR: 1.12; P<0.0001), coagulopathy (aOR: 1.13; P=0.0006), and weight loss (aOR: 1.39; P<0.0001). Our data underline the considerable epidemiological and prognostic impact of SAP in patients with AIS leading to higher mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and hospital cost despite advancements in care.

&lt;p&gt;A Comparison of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Gugging Swallowing Screen in Predicting Stroke-Associated Pneumonia&lt;/p&gt;

BackgroundThere have been many scales to predict pneumonia in stroke patients, but they are so complex, making it difficult to apply in practice. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the role of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) in predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). These scales are routinely used in stroke patients. Therefore, their application in predicting SAP risk will be of high value in clinical practice. There has been no previous study evaluating the effectiveness of SAP risk prediction for each of these scales.AimThis study aimed to compare the value of NIHSS and GUSS in SAP prediction and their convenience in clinical practice.MethodsIt was a cohort study. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the scales. Area under the curves (AUC) were calculated, and we compared them.ResultsNIHSS had a medium value of predictor of SAP with AUC 0.764 (95% CI 0.735–0.792), 65.4% Se, 76.5% Sp. GUSS had good value in predicting SAP with AUC 0.858 (95% CI 0.833–0.880), 80.5% Se, 80.1% Sp. Pairwise comparison of ROCs curves demonstrated that the difference between two AUCs was significant (p < 0.01). Performing GUSS required 24.5 ± 6.7 minutes, 2.5 times longer than NIHSS (9.9 ± 2.0 minutes).ConclusionGUSS had a better predictive value of SAP than NIHSS. But NIHSS was more convenient in clinical practice because of its simple instrument and quick performance.

Stroke-associated pneumonia and stroke-induced immunodepression

卒中相关性肺炎（SAP）是急性缺血性卒中的主要并发症，与患者的病死率和医疗费用增加密切相关。发生SAP的病理生理学机制可能与误吸及卒中诱导的免疫抑制有关，后者是在卒中发生后通过复杂的循环性和神经性通路包括下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴、交感/副交感神经系统而诱发。.

Impact of the systematic use of the volume-viscosity swallow test in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: a retrospective study

BackgroundDysphagia is common after stroke. Patients with dysphagia have a higher risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and poor outcomes. Early detection of dysphagia is necessary to identify and manage patients at high risk of aspiration. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the systematic administration of the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study that enrolled patients with acute ischaemic stroke in two consecutive time periods: pre-V-VST, when the 30-mL water-swallowing test (WST) was systematically administered, and V-VST, when all patients underwent the WST and the V-VST test was systematically administered if the patient failed the WST.ResultsTwo hundred and 42 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 68.8 ± 10.88 years, 61.2% were male, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR, 1–6). A total of 147 patients were enrolled during the pre-V-VST period and 95 were enrolled during the V-VST period. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of SAP (21.8% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.024) and the rate of nasogastric tube feeding (25.9% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.040) between the two groups, and no differences were found in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.277) or the total cost of hospitalization (p = 0.846).ConclusionsThe V-VST was a better clinical screening tool, and it can also provide detailed suggestions regarding dietary modifications to prevent aspiration and SAP.

Reduced Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Stroke-associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (764)

Reduced Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Stroke-associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (764)

Impact of a learning health system on acute care and medical complications after intracerebral hemorrhage.

IntroductionPatients with stroke often experience pneumonia during the acute stage after stroke onset. Oral care may be effective in reducing the risk of stroke‐associated pneumonia (SAP). We aimed to determine the changes in oral care, as well as the incidence of SAP, in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, following implementation of a learning health system in our hospital.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 1716 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who were hospitalized at a single stroke center in Japan between January 2012 and December 2018. Data were stratified on the basis of three periods of evolving oral care: period A, during which conventional, empirically driven oral care was provided (n = 725); period B, during which standardized oral care was introduced, with SAP prophylaxis based on known risk factors (n = 469); and period C, during which oral care was risk‐appropriate based on learning health system data (n = 522). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations between each of the three treatment approaches and the risk of SAP.ResultsAmong the included patients, the mean age was 71.3 ± 13.6 years; 52.6% of patients were men. During the course of each period, the frequency of oral care within 24 hours of admission increased (P < .001), as did the adherence rate to oral care ≥3 times per day (P < .001). After adjustment for confounding factors, a change in the risk of SAP was not observed in period B; however, the risk significantly decreased in period C (odds ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.43‐0.87) compared with period A. These associations were maintained for SAP diagnosed using strict clinical criteria or after exclusion of 174 patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment.ConclusionsRisk‐appropriate care informed by the use of learning health system data could improve care and potentially reduce the risk of SAP in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage in the acute stage.

Application of the respiratory \u201ccritical care-sub-critical care-rehabilitation integrated management model\u201d in severe stroke associated pneumonia

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the feasibility of applying the respiratory “critical care-sub-critical care-rehabilitation integrated management model” in severe stroke-associated pneumonia and evaluate its effect.MethodsFrom January to September 2018, 24 patients with severe stroke-associated pneumonia, who were admitted to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, were randomly divided into two groups: integrated management group and control group. According to the admission criteria of the respiratory “critical care-sub-critical care-rehabilitation integrated model” prescribed by the above-mentioned hospital, patients were grouped. The professional respiratory therapy team participated in the whole treatment. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and oxygenation index of these two groups were dynamically observed, and the average hospital stay, 28-day mortality and patient satisfaction were investigated.ResultsPatients in the integrated management group and control group were similar before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the main indicators, the APACHE II score, CPIS score and oxygenation index, were significantly different between the integration group and control group (P < 0.05). The secondary indicators, the average hospitalization days and patient/family member satisfaction scores, were also significantly different between the integration group and control group (P < 0.05). However, the 28-day mortality wasn’t significantly different (P > 0.05).ConclusionsFor patients with severe stroke-associated pneumonia, it was feasible to implement the respiratory “critical care-sub-critical care-rehabilitation integrated management model”, which could significantly improve the treatment effect, shorten average hospitalization days and improve patient/family satisfaction.

A Comparative Study of Two Tube Feeding Methods in Patients with Dysphagia After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Dysphagia is a common symptom seen in stroke patients, it not only affects patients' nutrition supply, but also causes aspiration pneumonia. To solve the problem of nutritional support for patients with dysphagia after stroke, nasogastric tubes are routinely indwelling to provide nutrition in China. However, this feeding method sometimes causes food reflux, aspiration, pneumonia, and often affects the patients’ comfort and self-image acceptance. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether a new feeding method called intermittent oroesophageal (IOE) tube feeding compared with continuous nasogastric tube feeding as a practical and beneficial mean of decreasing the rate of stroke associated pneumonia (SAP), and improving patients’ swallowing function, comfort, psychological status. Design: This was an assessor-blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Ninety-seven hospitalized stroke patients with dysphagia in the rehabilitation department from January to December 2018 were randomized to a control group and an intervention group. Patients in both groups received routine nursing, rehabilitation treatment and swallowing therapy. Patients in the intervention group were given IOE tube feeding, while those in the control group were fed by indwelling nasogastric tube. Outcomes were assessed at admission, discharge or the end of the tube feeding. Results: The incidence of SAP in the intervention group was 16.33% lower than that (31.25%) in the control group; the comfort score (2.08 ± .64), anxiety score (10.98 ± 2.28), depression score (7.39 ± 2.16) were lower than those (3.02 ± .70), (12.10 ± 2.18), (8.42 ± 2.34) in the control group. The improvement rate of swallowing function in the intervention group was 83.67% higher than that (66.67%) in the control group (all P < .05). Conclusions: The IOE tube feeding compared with continuous tube feeding may reduce the incidence of SAP, and improve patients’ swallowing function, comfort, psychological status in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Intensified Oral Hygiene Care in Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: A Pilot Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

In this pilot, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of intensified oral hygiene care (IOHC) on reducing stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) incidence. Patients admitted within 24 hours of stroke onset were recruited and randomized to receive IOHC or routine oral hygiene care. The occurrence of SAP was checked and oral swabs were obtained during the 7-day follow-up. The SAP incidence was lower, though not significantly, in the IOHC group than in the control group. IOHC successfully decreased SAP incidence among patients who were male, had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Debris Index scores, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale and Gugging Swallowing Screen scores. Furthermore, IOHC significantly decreased the prevalence of oral suspected SAP pathogens. These results suggest that IOHC can decrease the incidence of SAP in the most vulnerable patient groups and lower the prevalence of suspected oral SAP pathogens.

Влияние инсульт-ассоциированной пневмонии на исход острого каротидного ишемического инсульта

Aim: to study the stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) effect on the outcome of ischemic stroke (IS) in the internal carotid artery system. Patients and Methods: 87 patients with IS underwent the follow-up study, of which 75 had no inflammatory bronchopulmonary complications (group 1), and 12 had pneumonia manifestation (group 2). The study was performed on days 1, 5, and 9 after IS, and 6 months and 12 months after discharge from the hospital. Neurological deficit severity (NIHSS, Barthel index) and inflammatory markers (peripheral blood leukocyte composition, C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR) were studied. Results: it was found that the presence of SAP was associated with increased mortality during the acute IS period (4 (33.1%) patients died in group 1 and 10 (13.3%) — in group 2, p&lt;0.05), greater severity of neurological deficits (63.3±5.3 and 71.5±4.0 points on the NIHSS scale, respectively, p&lt;0.05) and incapacitation (Barthel index — 63.3±5.3 and 71.5±4.0 points, respectively, p&lt;0.05) at the end of the inpatient treatment period. In group 2, signs of an inflammatory response were detected on day 5, and the values of the white blood cell shift index, ESR and CRP significantly (p&lt;0.05) differed from the initial values. During examination at 6 months and 12 months, there were no significant differences in these indicators between the groups. An association was established between the probability of SAP occurrence and the presence of swallowing disorders (r=0.672; p&lt;0.05), the age of patients (r=0.572; p&lt;0.05) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (r=0.522; p&lt;0.05). The studied laboratory inflammatory markers allow us to timely assume the occurrence of pulmonary pathology. Conclusion: timely diagnosis and prevention of SAP can reduce the risk of fatal outcome, facilitate rehabilitation measures, and improve early IS outcomes. KEYWORDS: ischemic stroke, cardioembolic stroke, atherothrombotic stroke, complications, acute period, inflammatory markers, strokeassociated pneumonia, long-term outcomes. FOR CITATION: Chipova D.T., Santikova L.V., Zhemukhov A.Ch. Impact of stroke-associated pneumonia on the outcome of acute ischemic stroke in internal carotid artery system. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(9):539–543. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-9-539-543.

Risk Factors for Stroke Associated Pneumonia.

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.

Dysphagia and tube feeding after stroke are associated with poorer functional and mortality outcomes.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adult life. Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs in 65-90% of patients, and its identification in the acute phase of stroke can prevent complications. The aim of this study was to verify whether oropharyngeal dysphagia during stroke hospitalization is associated with functional capacity, as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRs), and mortality 90 days after stroke. A prospective cohort study evaluating 201 patients hospitalized in the Stroke Unit was carried out. Dysphagia was evaluated during hospitalization using both a specific protocol to evaluate swallowing biomechanics and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), in which FOIS 1-3 reflects tube feeding, 4-5 reflects oral feeding requiring food consistency changes, and 6-7 reflects oral feeding with no changes in food consistency. An mRs≥3at 90 days after discharge was considered disability. The data were adjusted for the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, sex, age, stroke-associated pneumonia, type of stroke, and presence of thrombolysis. The significance level was set at 5%. Of the 201 patients evaluated, 42.8% (86) who had dysphagia were older, had a higher severity of stroke, and pneumonia rate. A FOIS score of 6-7 was a protective factor against disability (mRs≥3) (OR: 0.17; CI: 0.005-0.56; p=0.004), and tube feeding use at hospital discharge increased the risk of mRs≥3 (OR: 14.97; CI: 2.68-83.65; p=0.002) and mortality (OR: 9.79; CI: 2.21-43.4; p=0.003) within 90 days after stroke. Pneumonia was the leading cause of death, however dysphagia and tube feeding at discharge were associated with death from any cause. Dysphagia or tube feeding use at discharge are markers of poor prognosis after the first stroke. Our data suggest the importance of early evaluation of dysphagia and closely monitoring the tube fed patients following stroke.

Experiences of Dysphagia after Stroke: An Interview Study of Stroke Survivors and Their Informal Caregivers.

(1) Background: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) after stroke are not uncommon and is a consistent risk factor for stroke-associated pneumonia. This interview study explores the perspectives of stroke survivors, who had their swallowing assessed in the first few days of admission to hospital, and their informal caregivers. (2) Methods: A participatory approach was used involving people affected by stroke in the interpretation and analysis of the interview data. Data was thematically analysed and six themes were identified. (3) Results: These themes included how past-future experiences may influence a person’s emotional response to events; understanding what is happening and adjustment; the impact of dysphagia; attitudes to care; communication to patients and procedural issues. (4) Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of effective public health messages to improve people’s responsiveness to the signs of stroke, standardisation of assessment and management procedures, effective communication to patients about the consequences of dysphagia, and the impact of dysphagia on the person who had the stroke and their informal caregiver.

Reduced Vitamin D Levels are Associated with Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background and aimStroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study explored the potential relationship between serum vitamin D levels and SAP.MethodsThis study recruited 863 consecutive AIS patients. In-hospital SAP was defined as a complication that occurred after stroke, during hospitalization, that was confirmed radiographically. Serum vitamin D levels were measured within 24 hrs of admission and the patients were divided into vitamin D sufficient (>50 nmol/L), insufficient (25–50 nmol/L), and deficient (<25 nmol/L) groups.ResultsIn this study, 102 (11.8%) patients were diagnosed with SAP. Compared to the patients without SAP, patients with SAP had significantly lower vitamin D levels (P = 0.023). The incidence of SAP was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency than in those with vitamin D insufficiency or sufficiency (21.2% vs 16.2% & 9.5%, P = 0.006). After adjusting for confounders, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were independently associated with SAP (OR = 3.034, 95% CI = 1.207–7.625, P = 0.018; OR = 1.921, 95% CI = 1.204–3.066, P = 0.006, respectively). In multiple-adjusted spline regression, vitamin D levels showed a linear association with the risk of SAP (P < 0.001 for linearity).ConclusionReduced vitamin D is a potential risk factor of in-hospital SAP, which can help clinicians identify high-risk SAP patients.

卒中相关性肺炎诊治中国专家共识（2019更新版） An Updated Chinese Consensus Statement on Stroke-associated Pneumonia 2019

卒中相关性肺炎诊治中国专家共识（2019更新版） An Updated Chinese Consensus Statement on Stroke-associated Pneumonia 2019