Publication details
Influence of location of paresis on site of pneumonia in stroke
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Central European Journal of Medicine |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://springerlink3.metapress.com/content/qw67568n4713n324/resource-secured/?target=fulltext.pdf&sid=lxz0yurxz1vmyvedil51vcs2&sh=www.springerlink.com |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/13n324/ |
| Field | Neurology, neurosurgery, neurosciences |
| Keywords | Complications of stroke; Infection; Intensive care; Pneumonia; Stroke |
| Description | Introduction: Stroke can cause unilateral paresis of the diaphragm. It is, however, unknown if diaphragm paresis can lead to post-stroke pneumonias. We aimed to evaluate whether the location of post-stroke paresis influenced the location of pneumonia. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients admitted to stroke unit in 2006- 2009 with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage who had hemiparesis or hemiplegia, and who were diagnosed with unilateral pneumonia based on chest radiogram. Results: Of 1394 patients with a diagnosis of stroke, 64 (5%) patients met the study criteria. Of 35 patients with motor deficit on the left side, 18 (51%) developed pneumonia on the left and 17 (49%) on the right side (p=0.90). Of 29 patients with motor deficit on the right side, 17 (59%) developed pneumonia on the right and 12 (41 %) on the left side (p=0.51). Thus, of all 64 patients, 35 (55%) had pneumonia on the same side as the paresis and 29 (45%) on the contralateral side (p=0.60). Conclusions: There was no significant occurrence of pneumonia on the side of paresis. Therefore, the side of paresis is not likely to be a helpful clinical marker of diaphragm paresis. |