Risk factors for lung infection in stroke patients: a meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND: The aims of this meta-analysis were to evaluate the risk factors associated with lung infections in stroke patients and to provide evidence for prevention decisions. METHODS: We searched the Embase, PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science databases to collect studies from January 2000 to July 2015. RESULTS: The meta-analysis identified 23 risk factors for lung infections in stroke patients, and the top 5, ranked by order according to odds ratio values (95% confidence interval), were as follows: multiple vertebrobasilar stroke, 22.99 (4.04, 130.83); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >15 points, 14.63 (8.54, 25.08); mechanical ventilation, 10.20 (7.15, 14.57); nasogastric tube use, 9.87 (6.21, 15.70); and dysphagia, 7.50 (2.60, 21.65). CONCLUSION: Preventive measures should be taken against these risk factors to reduce the incidence of lung infection.