Interventions to Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia in Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Santos, J. M. L. G., Ribeiro, Ó., et al. (2021).
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 64(2), 464-480.
This systematic review investigates interventions aimed to prevent aspiration pneumonia in older adults who are at risk for aspiration. This review is an update to the Loeb et al. (2003).
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal); Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro (Portugal)
<p>This is an update of:</p>
<ul>
<li>Loeb, M. B., Becker, M., et al. (2003). Interventions to Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. <em>Journal of the American Geriatrics Society</em>, <em>51</em>(7), 1018-1022.</li>
</ul>
2002- July 2019
Randomized controlled trials
13
<p>Of the 13 studies included, only one study examined the use of dietary modification (i.e., thickened liquid) and use of the chin-down posture to prevent aspiration. The remaining studies examined pharmacological, alternative treatments (e.g., enteral nutrition flow management, herbal treatments) or combined pharmacological and behavioral interventions.</p>
<p>Although there were no significant differences in survival in the study that compared thickened liquids (nectar-thick or honey-thick liquids) to compensatory treatment (i.e., use of the chin-down posture), there was a higher incidence of fever, dehydration, and urinary tract infection in the thickened liquid groups. Overall, this review suggests that there are few clinical trials supporting the use of alteration in diet consistency to reduce aspiration pneumonia and methodological limitations reduce confidence in their findings. Therefore, further research is warranted.</p>
