Outcome of repeated pulmonary aspiration in frail elderly

Abstract

Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of death among frail elderly patients. Pulmonary aspiration is commonly reported in association with episodes of pneumonia, but the clinical significance and outcome in patients with recurrent pulmonary aspiration remain uncertain. We studied outcomes retrospectively in elderly patients with recurrent aspiration. A total of 38 patients (M25, F13: mean age 81.4yr) who were recognized to have undergone repeated aspiration were enrolled. Of them, 89.5% had suffered cerebrovascular disorder or other neurological disorders as the major underlying disease, and 63.2% showed moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Activities of daily living (ADL) were low and 97.4% were bedridden. At the time of enrollment, 79% had aspiration pneumonia or aspiration bronchitis. The mean number of admissions during the observation period was 2.3, and 60.9% of admissions were due to pneumonia. Of the patients observed, 84.2% died during the observation period; the median survival time was 736 days. Major causes of death were pneumonia, respiratory failure, and asphyxia (65.6%). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was carried out in 16 patients and these patients survived longer than patients who did not undergo PEG, although 75% of the PEG group died of pneumonia. We conclude that: 1) repeated pulmonary aspiration mostly occurs with underlying diseases of cerebrovascular disorders, dementia, and deterioration of ADL, and 2) although the prognosis following repeated pulmonary aspiration was poor, PEG contributed to a longer survival, but did not prevent pneumonia.