Authors: Kwan, Joseph; Jenkinson, Damian; Vassallo, Mike; Englyst, Nicola; Perry, V Hugh

Source: Aging Health, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 85-94(10)

Publisher: Future Medicine

Abstract:

After an acute stroke, systemic infection can complicate the recovery process and lead to a worse clinical outcome, including a higher risk of mortality. Post-stroke infection (PSI) is responsible for the majority of the mortality occurring between 1 week and 1 month after stroke, peaking towards the end of the second week. The effects of PSI on longer-term outcome and other aspects of recovery, such as cognition, mood and quality of life, are largely unknown. The cerebrovascular event itself may result in a systemic immunosuppressed state, hence lowering the threshold for subsequent systemic bacterial infections. Although there have been advances in the basic understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PSI, clinical studies have not provided any clear guidelines on the best methods of managing or preventing PSI. This article provides a review of the current knowledge of the phenomenon of PSI and the possible future developments in the understanding and treatment of PSI.

Keywords: brain; complications; hospital; immunology; infection; stroke

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/1745509X.4.1.85

Affiliations: 1: 1Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW, UK., Email: joseph.kwan@rbch.nhs.uk

Publication date: 2008-02-01

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• Aging Health leading coverage of current and emerging topics relating to the safe and effective management of therapy in the elderly, all subject to rigorous peer review. The journal focuses on the most important advances and highlights their relevance in the clinical setting. The journal has been designed to deliver essential concise information in an easily assimilable format - vital for the increasingly time-constrained professional.
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