Table 5.
Prediction model for the development of aspiration pneumonia.
Variables | Definitions | Coded value | Score |
Thick-liquid 2-cc aspiration | Aspiration during the 2-cc thick-liquid trial | Absent | 0 |
Present | 5 | ||
Smoking | Current or past smoker | Absent | 0 |
Present | 4 | ||
Underweight | Body mass index under 18.5 kg/m2 | ≥ 18.5 | 0 |
< 18.5 | 3 | ||
PDT[15] | Duration (seconds) from when the bolus head arrives at the point where the lower edge of the mandible crosses the tongue base to when laryngeal elevation starts | ≤ 0.5 | 0 |
> 0.5 | 2 | ||
PAS level 8[14] | Material enters the airway, passes below the vocal folds, and no effort is made to eject | Absent | 0 |
Present | 6 | ||
Total | 20 |