Tongue Brush (Orabrush) for Reducing Aspiration Pneumonia in Stroke Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MARBURG · Jan 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether using a special tongue brush called Orabrush can help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia and improve swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in stroke patients. Aspiration pneumonia can happen when food or liquid goes into the lungs instead of the stomach, which can be a serious concern for people who have had a stroke. The trial is recruiting patients aged 18 and older who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are being treated at the Stroke Unit at the University Hospital Marburg.

Participants in the study will be asked to use the tongue brush, and researchers will monitor how it affects their swallowing and the presence of bacteria on their tongues. They will also look at how long patients stay in the hospital. To join the trial, patients should not have had recent surgery in the mouth or throat, should be able to provide consent, and should not be taking certain medications that affect saliva. This study aims to find out if this tongue brush can make a meaningful difference in the health of stroke patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ischemic stroke and admission on the stroke unit at the University Hospital Marburg
• • minimum age: 18 years
• • patient is able to consent
• • consent has been obtained
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • surgery in the oral-pharyngeal region
• • irradiated patient with a history of tumor in the head and neck region
• • missing compliance
• • intake of medications with saliva-altering side effects, existing desire to have children, or pregnancy