Association Between the fibrinogen Level and Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Purpose: Prior research has indicated a relationship between fibrinogen and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), yet the nature of this relationship has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study is designed to elucidate the prognostic value of fibrinogen levels in forecasting the occurrence of stroke-associated pneumonia among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, we included 1092 patients who experienced acute ischemic strokes and were admitted to our facility within 72 hours of the onset of their symptoms. Based on the stroke-associated pneumonia diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into two groups: stroke-associated pneumonia and non-stroke-associated pneumonia. The correlation between serum fibrinogen concentration and stroke-associated pneumonia was examined using univariate analysis. Curve fitting and multivariable logistic regression model were utilized for statistical evaluation. Results: Out of the ischemic stroke patients included in the study, stroke-associated pneumonia was identified in 112 (10.26%) patients. A direct correlation was observed between fibrinogen levels and the incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia. An increase in fibrinogen levels corresponded with a heightened incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant positive association between fibrinogen levels and stroke-associated pneumonia incidence (OR=1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.18, 1.99)). Conclusion: A linear relationship between serum fibrinogen levels and the incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia in ischemic stroke patients is shown. The serum fibrinogen levels is positively and linearly correlated to stroke-associated pneumonia risk.