To evaluate the aspiration risk of patients with stroke in our center. To describe association between aspiration and other clinical variables. To determine the usefulness of the ACDC (Acute stroke dysphagia screen) scale in patients with stroke.

In-hospital medical complications in ischemic stroke have an impact on its evolution. The most common associated non-neurological complications are fever, pain, infections, and swallowing disorders, among others. Stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) is frequent and it is independently associated with an increase in mortality, length of stay, worse functional outcomes, and an increase in hospital costs. Dysphagia and aspiration are significant risk factors for SAP observed in up to 78% of patients with stroke. We did not find published reports in our country.

A descriptive, prospective study was designed from September 2017 to May 2018. A data collection form was made to include all patients with ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke and its non-neurological clinical complications.

We analyzed 66 patients, 53% women, with an average age of 73+/-15, and 86.36% had ischemic stroke. A 56.06% presented the positive ACDC test, of which 18.92% had aspiration pneumonia (p <0.0152). No patient with negative ACDC test presented SAP. Patients with SAP presented significant neurological worsening. In 40% of the cases (n: 27) clinical complications were found: infection, acute confusional syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, eschar or adverse drug effects. Those who presented oral hygiene (n: 42), only 2 patients had SAP.

Presence of SAP showed significant consequences in patients with stroke.

The ACDC test proved to be an excellent screening tool.