The Open Infectious Diseases Journal

2012, 6 : 40-45
Published online 2012 October 2. DOI: 10.2174/1874279301206010040
Publisher ID: TOIDJ-6-40

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Infection in Patients with Acute Stroke

S. P. Johnsen, * , M. L. Svendsen and A. Ingeman
Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Alle 43, DK-200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Alle 43, DK-200 Aarhus N, Denmark.Tel: +45 871 68115; E-mail: , spj@dce.au.dk

ABSTRACT

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and efforts to reduce the impact of the disease are strongly needed. Patients with acute stroke have an increased risk of in-hospital complications, in particular pneumonia and urinary tract infections. These infections are associated with an adverse patient outcome and increased health care costs. Here we review the existing knowledge on the risk and consequences of post-stroke pneumonia and UTI in adult patients and discuss the evidence of possible targets for intervention.

Keywords:

Stroke, infections, incidence.