Aspiration Pneumonia

Abstract
The clinical records of 47 patients with documented aspiration were reviewed. The overall mortality was 62%. If only one lobe was involved roentgenographically, mortality was 41%. If two or more lobes on one or both sides were involved, mortality was in the range of 90%. Acutely ill, comatose patients with gastrointestinal or neurologic disease and an indwelling nasogastric tube were at particular risk. All hospital patients, however, appear to be vulnerable. Antibiotics, steroids, and ventilatory assistance were utilized in various combinations, but none seemed to effectively change the outcome following aspiration.

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