Effect of comorbid heart failure assessed by plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level on the activities of daily living in patients with hospitalization-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia.

Purpose: We investigated the effects of comorbid heart failure on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with hospitalization-associated disability after aspiration pneumonia (AP).

Methods: This study included 134 patients with hospitalization-associated disability after AP. Patients were classified into heart failure (B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≧100 pg/ml, n = 39) and non-heart failure (BNP < 100 pg/ml, n = 95) groups, and the rehabilitation outcomes of both groups were compared.

Results: Rehabilitation effectiveness was lower in heart failure group than in non-heart failure group (21.1 ± 22.6% vs 36.2 ± 30.8, p < 0.01). The rate of independent walking at discharge in heart failure group (28.2%) was significantly lower than in non-heart failure group (53.7%). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, male, handgrip strength, quadriceps strength, functional oral intake scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, and BNP were significantly associated with rehabilitation effectiveness.

Discussion: Results suggest that comorbid heart failure has a negative impact on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with hospital-associated disability after AP.