抄録
We take measures to prevent the recurrence of aspiration pneumonia at Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital. However, as the effectiveness of these measures varies among patients, we examined factors that might contribute to aspiration pneumonia recurrence.
Patients with recurring aspiration pneumonia were more frequently prescribed agents that might reduce aspiration function (41.7%) compared to patients that were not prescribed these agents (5.2%; p=0.02) and their serum albumin levels were significantly lower (2.7±0.6 g/dL vs. 3.1±0.5 g/dL; p<0.01). Additionally, for those with serum albumin levels <2.5 g/dL, the frequency of prescribing such agents was significantly higher (50.0%) than those with serum albumin levels >2.5 g/dL (10.5%; p=0.03).
Based on these results, in order to prevent the recurrence of aspiration pneumonia, we recommend the cessation of agents that might reduce aspiration function or their replacement. Improvement of hypoalbuminemia is also necessary.
