[Reduction in frequency of pneumonia after stroke, following programmed swallowing evaluation].
Aspiration pneumonia is a frequent complication of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). It occurs mainly in those with post-CVA swallowing disorders, which can be diagnosed by bedside swallowing evaluation. Evaluation is based on observation of components of the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing a drink of 50 ml of clear liquid. Changing the consistency of the diet and the mode of swallowing, following its evaluation, can reduce significantly the frequency of post-CVA aspiration pneumonia. In 180 patients admitted for stroke rehabilitation, aspiration pneumonia occurred in 10% and swallowing disorders were found in 28%. Planned swallowing evaluation followed by the above regimen was associated with a gradual reduction of pneumonia from 16% in the first group of 60 patients to 3% in the second group of 60; and of patients with dysphagia, from 27% in the first group to none in the second.
Gottlieb
D
D
Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, Beth Rivka Geriatric Medical Center, Petah Tikva.
Brill
S
S
Khvoles
S
S
Kipnis
S
S
Manevitch
D
D
D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000517:prevention & control*