Infuence of location of paresis on site of pneumonia in stroke

Abstract

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 infuenced 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 defcit 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 defcit 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 signifcant 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. © Versita Sp. z o.o.