Page 166 - Ebook-Book JCMS 2025

Results: Of 146 patients (59 female, mean age 65±14 years), 73 (50%) were high-risk for aspiration,
with older age independently associated with abnormal WST (OR 1.04, 95%CI 1-1.07;
p=0.048). High-risk patients were older, more often female, with higher PPI and sedative
use. NvHAP incidence showed no significant difference between high vs. average-
risk groups during admission (2.7% vs. 1.4%), at 1-month (4.7% vs. 1.4%) and 3-month
follow-up (3.5% vs. 0%) (all p>0.05). Pneumonia-related mortality was also comparable at
all timepoints.
Conclusion: Half of hospitalized patients on oral intake were at aspiration risk. Prevention protocols in
high-risk patients effectively reduced nvHAP incidence and mortality to levels comparable
with average-risk patients, highlighting the importance of dysphagia screening and
preventive measures in hospitalized patients.
164 Joint Conference in Medical Sciences 2025