Metani H, Tsubahara A, Hiraoka T, Seki S, Hasegawa T. Risk factors for patients who develop pneumonia either before or after hip fracture surgery. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2015; 6: 43-49.
Objective: The objectives of this study were to examine the risk factors for patients who develop pneumonia either before or after hip fracture surgery and to investigate the utility of dysphagia rehabilitation and oral care.
Methods: The medical histories of 145 patients who were hospitalized for a new hip fracture and underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively investigated, and the rate of and risk factors for pneumonia were evaluated.
Results: The rate of pneumonia with hip fracture was 14.5%. Psychiatric disorders, history of stroke, time between admission and surgery, blood hemoglobin concentration, serum total protein level, and serum albumin level were risk factors associated with pneumonia. In particular, the serum albumin level and psychiatric disorders were independent risk factors.
Conclusion: The majority of pneumonias that develop either after admission or after hip fracture surgery are considered to be aspiration pneumonias, and their frequency was greater than expected. Since patients with malnutrition or psychiatric disorders are more susceptible to pneumonia, ascertaining the patient's activities of daily living prior to injury and conducting thorough oral care are considered essential for preventing aspiration pneumonia.