Stroke Associated Infection

Published in the Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 809 patients with acute stroke and evaluated the effect of infection during the hospitalization period.

Stroke associated infections occurred in 21% of patients, the most common being pneumonia.

Infection was associated with poorer functional outcomes and mortality out to 3 months.

The take home message

Appropriate use of antibiotics, early mobilization, and meticulous attention to infection prevention are key.