Predictors of pneumonia in acute stroke in patients in an emergency unit

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with the development of pneumonia in patients with acute stroke. To determine the independent predictors of pneumonia. Method: Retrospective study from July to December 2011. We reviewed all medical charts with diagnosis of stroke. Results: 159 patients (18-90 years) were admitted. Prevalence of pneumonia was 32%. Pneumonia was more frequent in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 4.36; 95%CI: 1.9-10.01, p < 0.001), higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.047) and, lower Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) (p < 0.0001). Patients with pneumonia had longer hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified NIHSS as an independent predictor of pneumonia (95%CI: 1.049-1.246, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Pneumonia was associated with severity and type of stroke and length of hospital stay. The severity of the deficit as evaluated by the NIHSS was shown to be the only independent risk factor for pneumonia in acute stroke patients.