Objectives: To evaluate markers of infection and identify risk factors for the development of pneumonia following acute ischaemic stroke in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 106) who were hospitalized after acute ischaemic stroke with (n = 32) or without (n = 74) pneumonia at admission were included in the study. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), white blood cell (WBC) count, mean body temperature and severity of stroke on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale were measured at the time of admission. The degree of disability according to the modified Rankin Scale was assessed after 30 days.
Results: Raised levels of IL-6 and CRP, older age, more severe stroke, longer duration of hospitalization and dysphagia were significantly associated with the development of pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia had significantly worse outcomes compared with nonpneumonia patients after 1 month. Raised WBC count and mean body temperature were not significant predictors of pneumonia.
Conclusions: Markers of infection, more severe ischaemic stroke, dysphagia and older age may help in predicting the occurrence of pneumonia at stroke onset.