Chest infection within 30 days of acute stroke, associated factors, survival and the benefits of stroke unit care: Analysis using linked data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry

Abstract

Introduction: Chest infections following acute stroke contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate factors associated with chest infections that occur within 30 days of stroke, the impact on 90-day survival, and the role of stroke unit care. Methods: Patient-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2010–13; 23 Queensland hospitals), were linked with Queensland hospital admission, emergency department (ED), and national death registry data. Acute chest infections were determined using ICD-10 codes from the stroke admission, hospital readmissions, ED contacts, and cause of death data. Patients aged ≥18 years without a prior stroke or chronic respirat..