Using a tongue brush to reduce pneumonia in stroke patients
Tongue Brush (Orabrush) for Reducing Aspiration Pneumonia in Stroke Patients
This study is testing if using a tongue brush can help stroke patients avoid pneumonia and improve their swallowing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 383 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Marburg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Marburg, Hessen) |
| Trial ID | NCT06765018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether the use of a tongue brush (Orabrush) can decrease the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and improve dysphagia in patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke. Conducted at the University Hospital Marburg, the study will recruit patients from the Stroke Unit between November 2024 and October 2026. Key parameters include measuring aspiration rates, assessing bacterial tongue colonization, and evaluating the Tongue Coating Index. Data will be collected upon admission and after 3-5 days of intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are admitted to the stroke unit.
Not a fit: Patients with prior surgery in the oral-pharyngeal region or those with conditions affecting saliva production may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients, improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of oral hygiene interventions in stroke patients is explored, this specific approach with the Orabrush is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Marburg, Hessen
- University Hospital Marburg — Marburg, Hessen, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Leona Möller, MD
- Email: leona.moeller@med.uni-marburg.de
- Phone: +4964215865348
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.