Efficacy of a New Post-Mouthwash Intervention (Wiping Plus Oral Nutritional Supplements) for Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia in Elderly People: A Multicenter, Randomized, Comparative Trial

Takashi Higashiguchi, Hiroshi Ohara, Yayoi Kamakura, Takeshi Kikutani, Masafumi Kuzuya, Hiromi Enoki, Hiromi Sanada, Masami Matsuzaki, Michio Maruyama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Aims: Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of death among the elderly (≥90-year-old) in nursing homes. Studies suggest that its incidence could be reduced by oral care interventions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new oral care intervention: wiping plus oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in 252 patients (age 88.0 ± 6.5 years) in 75 nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and other care facilities. Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 74) and a control group (n = 107), whose members received conventional oral care. Body mass index, activities of daily living (Barthel index), and complete blood count and biochemistry parameters were measured at 2, 4, 6, and 8 months. Results: The cumulative incidence of pneumonia at 8 months tended to be lower in the intervention than in the control group (7.8 vs. 17.7%, p = 0.056) and was significantly lower for men in the intervention group (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Our new intervention "wiping plus providing ONS" method appears to help prevent aspiration pneumonia, thereby reducing mortality risk. In this study, we disseminate information on how this method is used in Japan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)253-260
Number of pages8
JournalAnnals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Volume71
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-01-2018

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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