Prevalence of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia and Associated Factors Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Dysphagia.

Abstract

Stroke-associated pneumonia is a common complication in acute ischemic stroke patients, particularly those with dysphagia. Although some studies have addressed stroke-associated pneumonia, research remains limited on this issue among acute ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia, especially in Vietnam. This study used data from a prior cross-sectional study conducted at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 681 acute ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia were included in the study. The outcome variable was the occurrence of stroke-associated pneumonia within seven days of post-stroke. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations with stroke-associated pneumonia. The prevalence of stroke-associated pneumonia among acute ischemic stroke patients with dysphagia was 10.3%. Stroke-associated pneumonia was significantly associated with age > 70 years (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7, P = 0.02), combined or other stroke locations (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.03-6.3, P = 0.04), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score > 14 (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-5.6, P < 0.01), tube feeding (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7-8.9, P < 0.01), and hospital stays longer than 14 days (AOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6-8.5, P < 0.01). We found that stroke-associated pneumonia accounts for a significant proportion of stroke patients with dysphagia. The status of stroke-associated pneumonia is associated with older age, specific stroke locations, higher stroke severity, tube feeding, and prolonged hospitalization. We suggest prioritizing respiratory care and physiotherapy, particularly for elderly patients, individuals with severe strokes, those undergoing tube feeding, and those experiencing prolonged hospitalization.