Post-Stroke Infection Rates and Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Willeke F Westendorp, Paul J Nederkoorn, Jan-Dirk Vermeij, Marcel G Dijkgraaf, Diederik van de Beek
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the pooled post-stroke infection rate and its effect on patient outcomes?
Conclusion
Infection complicated acute stroke in 30% of patients, with pneumonia and urinary tract infection rates at 10%, and pneumonia was associated with increased mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall pooled infection rate was 30%.
- Pneumonia and urinary tract infection rates were both 10%.
- Pneumonia was significantly associated with death (odds ratio 3.62).
- Infection rates were higher in ICU studies.
- Older age and female sex were risk factors for urinary tract infection.
Takeaway
After a stroke, many patients get infections, which can make them sicker. This study found that 30 out of 100 stroke patients get infections, and pneumonia can be very dangerous.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and randomized clinical trials on post-stroke infection rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to varying definitions of infection and incomplete data on patient characteristics.
Limitations
Results are limited by publication bias, heterogeneity in infection definitions, and lack of data on certain risk factors.
Participant Demographics
Involved 137817 patients from 87 studies, with some studies focusing on ICU patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 24-36%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website