Five-year mortality and related prognostic factors after inpatient stroke rehabilitation: A European multi-centre study

Association between the initial physical activity and functional recovery after 1 month of inpatient rehabilitation for subacute stroke: stratified analysis by nutritional status

Objectively measured physical activity volume serves as a predictive factor for functional recovery in patients with stroke. Malnutrition, a frequent complication of stroke, may influence the relationship between physical activity and functional recovery. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity volume and functional recovery in patients with stroke, stratified by their nutritional status. This multicenter prospective observational study included 209 patients with stroke admitted to two Japanese convalescent rehabilitation hospitals. Participants were categorized based on the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) at admission [≥92, high GNRI group ( n  = 133); <92, low GNRI group ( n  = 76)]. Physical activity levels were measured as the duration of total physical activity (TPA), which is the sum of light-intensity physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, using a triaxial accelerometer during the first 7 days after admission. Outcome measures are represented as the relative gain of the motor score on functional independence measure (M-FIM effectiveness) during the first month after admission. The multiple regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, onset to admission intervals, motor paralysis, initial M-FIM, and cognitive FIM, showed that the duration of TPA in the first 7 days was significantly associated with the M-FIM effectiveness over the first month in both low GNRI [ B  = 0.12, 95% confidential intervals (CI) = 0.01; 0.24, P  = 0.049] and high GNRI group ( B  = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01; 0.21, P  = 0.027). This study demonstrates a positive predictive association between early TPA level and functional recovery in stroke patients, irrespective of their nutritional status.

Prediction of long-term functional outcome following different rehabilitation pathways after stroke unit discharge

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether referral for different types of rehabilitation on discharge from Swedish stroke units can predict functional outcomes at 1 and 5 years after a stroke.

DESIGN

A longitudinal and registry-based study.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS

A total of 5,118 participants with index stroke in 2011 were followed-up at 1 and 5 years after the stroke.

METHODS

Ordinal logistic regression models were developed to predict the category of functional outcome: independent, dependent, or dead. The primary predictors were planned rehabilitation in a home setting, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation, with no planned rehabilitation as the reference category.

RESULTS

Planned outpatient rehabilitation predicted independence (compared with death) at 1 year. Planned rehabilitation in the home setting predicted independence (compared with death) at 1 and 5 years. Compared with other planned pathways, participants planned for inpatient rehabilitation had more severe conditions, and planned inpatient rehabilitation did not predict independence.

CONCLUSION

Planning for outpatient or home-based rehabilitation appeared to lead more effectively to participants achieving independence over the course of 1-5 years. This may have been due to the less severe nature of these participants' conditions, compared with those requiring inpatient rehabilitation.

Factors influencing survival outcomes in patients with stroke in Zimbabwe: A 12-month longitudinal study

Background

In this longitudinal study, we aimed to determine factors influencing survival outcomes among patients with stroke over a 12-month period. The investigation sought to uncover influential determinants to enhance the precision of prognostic assessments and inform targeted interventions for individuals affected by strokes.

Methods

Employing a longitudinal study design, participants were observed for 12 months from baseline, censoring survivors at the endpoint. The dataset originated from a comprehensive study involving stroke patients treated at three referral hospitals in Zimbabwe: Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe, and Chitungwiza Central Hospital. The primary outcome variable, the duration of survival until death, was measured in days from the initiation of stroke treatment. Gompertz parametric regression analysis was utilized for data modeling following Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model diagnostics.

Results

In our study, 188 stroke patients were enrolled at baseline. However, 51 patients were excluded from the analysis due to either missing information or loss to follow-up. Among the remaining 137 patients who were tracked over a 12-month period, 42% were censored, and 58% were deceased. Individuals utilizing 'Free Service (older than 65/pensioners/retirees)' hospital bill payment methods showed a decreased risk of death (HR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.80), suggesting a protective effect compared to cash paying patients. Those with a secondary school level education displayed a significantly lower risk of death (HR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.69) compared to those without formal education. Age was a significant factor, with individuals aged 45-65 and those over 65 years showing higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.80, 13.25; HR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.92, 15.95, respectively) relative to those below 45 years of age. Housing status revealed a protective effect for those residing with parents/relatives (adjusted HR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.66), while individuals with a 'Very severe' functional outcome showed an increased hazard (adjusted HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.12, 21.33).

Conclusion

The study findings demonstrate that hospital bill payment methods, housing status, educational attainment, functional outcome, and age significantly affect survival outcomes among stroke patients. This highlights the need to consider socio-demographic and clinical variables in the development of prognostic assessments and targeted interventions for individuals recovering from stroke.

Effect of rehabilitation motivation on improving activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of rehabilitation motivation on activities of daily living improvement in subacute stroke patients starting intensive rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-center cohort study involving patients with a subacute stroke who were admitted to or discharged from a Recovery Rehabilitation Unit between February 2021 and August 2022. Improvement in Activity of Daily Living was evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure. We calculated the corrected motor Functional Independence Measure effectiveness using its motor-related items at admission and discharge. The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 was used to evaluate admission rehabilitation motivation, and the Relative Autonomy index was calculated. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the corrected motor Functional Independence Measure effectiveness and the Relative Autonomy Index.

RESULTS

Eighty-six of the 231 patients (37.2 %) were included in the analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis adjusted for demographic and clinical variables demonstrated that age, comorbidities, and Relative Autonomy Index were significantly associated with corrected motor Functional Independence Measure effectiveness (R2 = 0.423, p ≺ .001).

CONCLUSION

Motivation at intensive rehabilitation initiation in patients with a subacute stroke influences Activities of Daily Living improvement. These results may help develop rehabilitation programs aimed at improving Activities of Daily Living in patients with subacute strokes.

A U-shaped relationship between body mass index and functional recovery in older Japanese stroke survivors undergoing hospital rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

A relationship between body mass index and functional recovery in older survivors of stroke is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of body mass index with post-stroke functional recovery in older Japanese stroke survivors undergoing hospital rehabilitation.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective observational study of 757 older survivors of stroke, from six convalescent rehabilitation hospitals in Japan. The participants were classified into seven categories according to body mass index at admission. The measurements included outcomes of the absolute gain in the motor subscale of the Functional Independence Measure. Poor functional recovery was defined as gain < 17 points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of these body mass index categories on poor functional recovery.

RESULTS

The mean motor gains were highest in the 23.5-25.4 kg/m2 group (28.1 points), and lowest in the < 17.5 kg/m2 group (220.0 points). The results of the multivariate regression analyses (reference; 23.5-25.4 kg/m2 group) showed that the < 17.5 kg/m2 group (odds ratios 4.30; 95 % confidence intervals 2.09-8.87), the 17.5-19.4 kg/m2 group (1.99; 1.03-3.87), the 19.5-21.4 kg/m2 group (1.93; 1.05-3.54), and the ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 group (3.34; 1.33-8.42) were significantly associated with poor functional recovery, but not in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Older survivors of stroke with high-normal weight had the most favorable functional recovery among the seven groups. Meanwhile, both low and extremely high body mass indexes were associated with poor functional recovery.

International beliefs and head positioning practices in patients with spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Prior to the conduct of the Head Position in Stroke Trial (HeadPoST), an international survey (n = 128) revealed equipoise for selection of head position in acute ischemic stroke.

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether equipoise exists for head position in spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients following HeadPoST.

Design

This is an international, web-distributed survey focused on head positioning in hyperacute ICH patients.

Methods

A survey was constructed to examine clinicians' beliefs and practices associated with head positioning of hyperacute ICH patients. Survey items were developed with content experts, piloted, and then refined before distributing through stroke listservs, social media, and purposive snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ² test.

Results

We received 181 responses representing 13 countries on four continents: 38% advanced practice providers, 32% bedside nurses, and 30% physicians; overall, participants had median 7 [interquartile range (IQR) = 3-12] years stroke experience with a median of 100 (IQR = 37.5-200) ICH admissions managed annually. Participants disagreed that HeadPoST provided 'definitive evidence' for head position in ICH and agreed that their 'written admission orders include 30-degree head positioning', with 54% citing hospital policies for this head position in hyperacute ICH. Participants were unsure whether head positioning alone could influence ICH longitudinal outcomes. Use of serial proximal clinical and technology measures during the head positioning intervention were identified by 82% as the most appropriate endpoints for future ICH head positioning trials.

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary providers remain unconvinced by HeadPoST results that head position does not matter in hyperacute ICH. Future trials examining the proximal effects of head positioning on clinical stability in hyperacute ICH are warranted.

Assessment of cognitive impairment after acute cerebral infarction with T1 relaxation time measured by MP2RAGE sequence and cerebral hemodynamic by transcranial Doppler

Objective

This study aimed to investigate early brain microstructural changes discovered using magnetization-prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP2RAGE) sequence and cerebral hemodynamic using TCD for cognitive impairment after acute cerebral infarction.

Methods

We enrolled 43 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 21 healthy people in the study, who were subjected to cognitive assessments, the MP2RAGE sequence, and a cerebral hemodynamic examination. A total of 26 brain regions of interest were investigated. Furthermore, we used cerebral hemodynamics to explain brain microstructural changes, which helped us better understand the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment after acute cerebral infarction and guide treatment.

Results

T1 relaxation times in the left frontal lobe, right frontal lobe, right temporal lobe, left precuneus, left thalamus, right hippocampus, right head of caudate nucleus, and splenium of corpus callosum were substantially different across the three groups, which were significantly correlated with neuropsychological test scores. CI group patients had significantly lower cerebral blood flow velocity than those in the N-CI and Normal groups. The receiver operating curve analysis revealed that most T1 relaxation times had high sensitivity and specificity, especially on the right temporal lobe and right frontal lobe. There was a potential correlation between T1 relaxation times and MMSE scores through TCD parameters.

Conclusion

The MP2RAGE sequence can detect alterations in whole brain microstructure in patients with cognitive impairment after acute cerebral infarction. Brain microstructural changes could influence cognitive function through cerebral hemodynamics. T1 relaxation times on the right temporal lobe and the right frontal lobe are expected to be a prospective biomarker of cognitive impairment after acute cerebral infarction.

The effects of rehabilitation therapy duration on functional recovery of patients with subacute stroke stratified by individual's age: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The duration of rehabilitation therapy is one of the key elements for promoting post-stroke functional recovery. However, whether an individual's age affects the effectiveness of the duration of rehabilitation therapy on post-stroke functional recovery remains unclear.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate whether age has an influence on the relationship between the duration of rehabilitation therapy and post-stroke functional recovery.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Six convalescent inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in Japan.

POPULATION

The population of the study was represented by a total of 1186 participants with subacute stroke.

METHODS

Participants were stratified into four groups according to their age (≤59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years). The data of minutes involved in performing rehabilitation therapy for participants during hospitalization per day (extracted from the medical records of each hospital). The outcome measurement was the absolute change in the functional independence measure (FIM) score during hospitalization.

RESULTS

The mean FIM gains in the ≤59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and the ≥80 years groups were 38.7 (18.8), 32.8 (18.0), 29.7 (16.6), and 25.4 (17.2), respectively. The results of the multivariate regression analyses showed that there was a significant association between the duration of daily rehabilitation therapy and the FIM gain in the 70-79 years and the ≥80 years groups (-70-79 years group: B=1.289, β=0.290, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.718-1.859, P<0.001; the ≥80 years group: B=2.375, β=0.371, 95% CIs: 1.644-3.107, P<0.001), but not in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with subacute stroke in rehabilitation hospitals, a higher duration of daily rehabilitation therapy was associated with better functional recovery in the 70-79 years group and ≥80 years groups. Understanding the responsiveness of patients with stroke to rehabilitation therapy by age group helps to better allocate medical resources and develop more effective approaches.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

An increased duration of daily rehabilitation therapy may be helpful in older adults with stroke selected for intensive rehabilitation for improvement of basic daily functioning.

Effect of life-space mobility on subjective well-being in aged home-based rehabilitation users with different levels of independence in activities of daily living

[Purpose] The relationship between quality of life and life-space mobility in community-dwelling older adults has recently been reported. The present study aimed to elucidate this relationship in home-based rehabilitation users with limited life-space mobility and loss of independence in activities of daily living. [Participants and Methods] The study population comprised 33 home-based rehabilitation users. The participants were expected to have a wide range of the level of independence in activities of daily living; therefore, they were categorized into three groups according to the Barthel Index score: independent (95–100 points), moderately disabled (90–65 points), and severely disabled (60–0 points) groups. We examined the relationships among the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, Life-Space Assessment, and Barthel Index scores and age. [Results] We detected a strong positive correlation between the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and Life-Space Assessment scores in the independent group; however, no significant correlations were observed in the moderately and severely disabled groups. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest a relationship between subjective well-being and life-space mobility in home-based rehabilitation users who are mostly independent in activities of daily living. However, owing to the small sample size and characteristics of the scales used in this study, further studies are warranted to verify these results.

Stroke among highly active antiretroviral therapy-naive people living with the human immunodeficiency virus in China: a retrospective study of the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to clarify the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of stroke among HAART-naive people living with HIV (PLWH) in China.

METHODS

We selected HAART-naive PLWH admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by searching an anonymous electronic case system. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the characteristics and predictors of stroke among all HAART-naive PLWH and evaluate the risk factors of mortality in HAART-naive PLWH with stroke.

RESULTS

Stroke was diagnosed in 105 cases (3.7%) of 2867 HAART-naive PLWH. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age of 30-55 years (OR 1.903, 95% CI 1.005-3.603, p = 0.048), age of ≥ 55 years (OR 4.104, 95% CI 1.928-8.737, p < 0.001), and CD4 count of < 200 cells/µL (OR 2.005, 95% CI 1.008-3.985, p = 0.047) were associated with increased odds of stroke. Diabetes (OR 3.268, 95% CI 1.744-6.125, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.425-3.717, p = 0.001), syphilis (OR 2.003, 95% CI 1.300-3.089, p = 0.002), and complicated AIDS-defining CNS diseases (OR 7.719, 95% CI 4.348-13.703, p < 0.001) were risk factors for stroke. Of the 105 stroke patients, 12 (11.4%) died during hospitalisation, and the risk factors for mortality among patients with stroke were age of > 65 years (AHR: 8.783, 95% CI 1.522-50.668, p = 0.015), complicated severe pneumonia (AHR: 3.940, 95% CI 1.106-14.029, p = 0.034), and AIDS-defining CNS diseases (AHR: 19.766, 95% CI 3.586-108.961, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For HAART-naive people living with HIV (PLWH), stroke occurred in various age groups, and early screening for stroke, timely intervention for risk factors among patients in various age groups, and controlling the CD4 count are extremely important in reducing the burden of stroke.

For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Inpatient Rehabilitation in Traumatic Brain Injury: Analysis of Demographics and Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe differences in traumatic brain injury patient characteristics and outcomes by inpatient rehabilitation facility profit status.

DESIGN

Retrospective database review utilizing the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation® (UDSMR).

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Individual discharges (n = 53,630) from 877 distinct rehabilitation facilities for calendar years 2016 through 2018.

INTERVENTION

NA MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographic data (age, race, primary payer source), admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure® (FIM®), FIM® gain, length of stay efficiency, acute hospital readmission from for-profit and not-for-profit IRFs within 30 days, and community discharges by facility profit status.

RESULTS

Patients at for-profit facilities were significantly older (69.69 vs. 64.12 years), with lower admission FIM® scores (52 vs. 57), shorter lengths of stay (13 vs. 15 days), and higher discharge FIM® scores (88 vs. 86); for-profit facilities had higher rates of community discharges (76.8% vs. 74.6%), but also had higher rates of readmission (10.3% vs. 9.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding that for-profit facilities admit older patients who are reportedly less functional on admission and more functional on discharge, with higher rates of community discharge but higher readmission rates than not-for-profit facilities is an unexpected and potentially anomalous finding. In general, older, less functional patients who stay for shorter periods of time would not necessarily be expected to make greater functional gains. These differences should be further studied, to determine if differences in patient selection, coding/billing, or other unreported factors underlie these differences.

Predictors of death within 6 months of stroke onset: A model with Barthel index, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and serum albumin

AIMS

To develop and internally validate a nomogram to predict the risk of death within 6 months of onset of stroke in Chinese. Identifying risk factors with potentially direct effects on the nomogram will improve the quality of risk assessment and help nurses implement preventive measures based on patient-specific risk factors.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

METHODS

We performed a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression modelling and multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a prediction model of death risk in stroke patients within 6 months of onset. LASSO and time-dependent Cox regression models were further used to analyse the 6-month survival of stroke patients. Data were collected from 21 October 2013-6 May 2019.

RESULTS

The independent predictors of the nomogram were Barthel index (odds ratio (OR) = 0.980, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.961-0.998, p = .03), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.005, 95% CI = 1.000-1.010, p = .04) and serum albumin (OR = 0.854, 95% CI = 0.774-0.931, p < .01). This model showed good discrimination and consistency, and its discrimination evaluation C-statistic was 0.879 in the training set and 0.891 in the internal validation set. The DCA indicated that the nomogram had a higher overall net benefit over most of the threshold probability range. The time-dependent Cox regression model established the impact of the time effect of the age variable on survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identified three predictors of death within 6 months of stroke in Chinese. These predictors can be used as risk assessment indicators to help caregivers performing clinical nursing work, and in clinical practice, it is suggested that nurses should evaluate the self-care ability of stroke patients in detail. The constructed nomogram can help identify patients at high risk of death within 6 months, so that intervention can be performed as early as possible.

Functional outcomes of patients with stroke treated with thrombectomy by aspiration

Purpose: To determine the time of procedure, the value of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction and National Institute Health of Stroke Scale as predictors of the functional results of patients with stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy by aspiration.Methods: Observational, analytical, and retrospective case series analysis of consecutive patients with internal carotid and cerebral media branch occlusions. Clinical outcome was measured with the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after stroke. To analyze the differences between groups, the Chi² test was used for the qualitative variables.Results: The sample size was 58 patients treated with thrombectomy by aspiration. We observed that the thrombectomy time determines the recanalization results; meanwhile, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction is a predictor of modified Rankin Scale at discharge but not after 3 months. National Institute Health of Stroke Scale was determinant for modified Rankin Scale result.Conclusions: Mechanical thrombectomy by aspiration proves to be an effective treatment of acute stroke, improving the patient's vital and functional prognosis. The thrombectomy time is a predictor of the result in relation to the degree of recanalization determined by the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia. Also, the degree of recanalization predicts functional outcome at discharge but not at 3 months.

Changes in the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Domains in Persons With Stroke During the First Year After Discharge From Inpatient Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

To describe functional changes after inpatient stroke rehabilitation using the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC), an assessment measure sensitive to change and with a low risk of ceiling effect.

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation unit of an urban academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Among 433 patients with stroke admitted from 2012-2016, a total of 269 (62%) were included in our database and 89 of 269 patients (33.1%) discharged from inpatient stroke rehabilitation had complete data. Patients with and without complete data were very similar. The group had a mean age of 68.0±14.2 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Score of 8.0±8.0, and rehabilitation length of stay of 14.7±7.4 days, with 84% having an ischemic stroke and 22.5% having a recurrent stroke.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in function across the first year after discharge (DC) were measured in a variety of ways. Continuous mean scores for the basic mobility (BM), daily activity (DA), and applied cognitive domains of the AM-PAC were calculated at and compared between inpatient DC and 6 (6M) and 12 months (12M) post DC. Categorical changes among individuals were classified as "improved," "unchanged," or "declined" between the 3 time points based on the minimal detectable change, (estimated) minimal clinically important difference, and a change ≥1 AM-PAC functional stage (FS).

RESULTS

For the continuous analyses, the Friedman test was significant for all domains (P≤.002), with Wilcoxon signed-rank test significant for all domains from DC to 6M (all P<.001) but with no change in BM and DA between 6M and 12M (P>.60) and a decline in applied cognition (P=.002). Despite group improvements from DC to 6M, for categorical changes at an individual level 10%-20% declined and 50%-70% were unchanged. Despite insignificant group differences from 6M-12M, 15%-25% improved and 20%-30% declined in the BM and DA domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite group gains from DC to 6M and an apparent "plateau" after 6M post stroke, there was substantial heterogeneity at an individual level. Our results underscore the need to consider individual-level outcomes when evaluating progress or outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.

Acute Phase Predictors of 6-Month Functional Outcome in Italian Stroke Patients Eligible for In-Hospital Rehabilitation

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess early poststroke prognostic factors in patients admitted for postacute phase rehabilitation.

Methods

A 1-yr multicenter prospective project was conducted in four Italian regions on 352 patients who were hospitalized after a first stroke and were eligible for postacute rehabilitation. Clinical data were collected in the stroke or acute care units (acute phase), then in rehabilitation units (postacute phase), and, subsequently, after a 6-mo poststroke period (follow-up). Clinical outcome measures were represented using the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin Scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the most important prognostic index.

Results

Modified Rankin Scale score, minor neurologic impairment, and early out-of-bed mobilization (within 2 days after the stroke) proved to be important factors related to a better recovery according to Barthel Index (power of prediction = 37%). Similarly, age, premorbid modified Rankin Scale score, and early out-of-bed mobilization were seen to be significant factors in achieving better overall participation and activity according to the modified Rankin Scale (power of prediction = 48%). Barthel Index at admission and certain co-morbidities were also significant prognostic factors correlated with a better outcome.

Conclusions

According to the Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale, early mobilization is an early predictor of favorable outcome.

To Claim CME Credits

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CME Objectives

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Incorporate prognostic factors of good clinical outcomes after stroke in developing treatment plans for patients admitted to rehabilitation; (2) Identify acute phase indicators associated with favorable 6-mo outcome after stroke; and (3) Recognize the cut-off for early mobilization linked to better outcome in stroke survivors admitted to rehabilitation.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Survival After Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A 4-Year Follow-Up at a Mexican Hospital

BACKGROUND

Overall, 75.2% of deaths from stroke occur in low- and middle-income countries. Mexico is a middle-income country with little information about the prognosis of early and late postischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factors associated with post-stroke survival in the Mexican population.

METHODS

Observational study of consecutive stroke cases involving a first-ever hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, with patients who received care at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, in Mexico City, between 2009 and 2012. Patients were followed for up to 4 years after the index event. Exploratory analysis of survival was carried out with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Factors associated with survival time were determined using Cox models.

RESULTS

A total of 300 out of 544 (55.15%) patients had a hemorrhagic stroke, 135 of 544 (24.82%) patients died during the entire follow-up period, and 56 of 544 (10.29%) died in the first 30 days post-stroke (early mortality). Early mortality after stroke was associated with age ≥ 65 years (Adjusted Hazard Ratio - AHR = 2.07, P = .02) and ≥ 2 in-hospital medical complications (AHR = 46.13, P < .01). Late mortality was associated with age ≥ 65 years (AHR = 3.43, P < .01), ≥2 in-hospital medical complications (AHR = 2.55, P < .01), high comorbidity (AHR = 5.43, P < .01), and recurrence (AHR = 1.90, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke who presented in-hospital medical complications, high comorbidity, and were over 65 years old had higher rates of early and late mortality.

Independent predictors of mortality in subacute and chronic stroke patients: A single center study in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Although the long-term survival and related predictors have been identified in stroke patients, there is little evidence about the mortality rates and its associated factors in stroke patients treated in rehabilitation units.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 5-year mortality rates of patients with stroke and its relationship with the clinical characteristics after inpatient subacute-chronic rehabilitation.

METHODS

The files of 1016 stroke patients (482 male, 534 female) who received inpatient rehabilitation program were examined retrospectively. Patients' characteristics and functional ambulation category were recorded at the end of the rehabilitation program. The survival probability was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the univariate effects of predictors were determined using the log-rank test. The possible factors determined with univariate analyses were checked in the Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 273 patients (32%) died within 5 years after stroke. Age (p< 0.001, RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05-1.08), presence of coronary artery disease (p= 0.003, RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16-2.03) and poor walking ability (p< 0.001, RR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.49-2.86) were independent prognostic factors for increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

About one-third of the rehabilitation patients died within 5 years after stroke. As independent ambulation was a strong predictor for long-term survival, it should be provided via rehabilitation techniques. Future studies are proposed to determine the effects of rehabilitation methods on mortality rates.

Effects of Transferring to the Rehabilitation Ward on Long-Term Mortality Rate of First-Time Stroke Survivors: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term health outcomes of acute stroke survivors transferred to the rehabilitation ward.

DESIGN

Long-term mortality rates of first-time stroke survivors during hospitalization were compared among the following sets of patients: patients transferred to the rehabilitation ward, patients receiving rehabilitation without being transferred to the rehabilitation ward, and patients receiving no rehabilitation.

SETTING

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N = 11,419) with stroke from 2005 to 2008 were initially assessed for eligibility. After propensity score matching, 390 first-time stroke survivors were included.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess differences in 5-year poststroke mortality rates.

RESULTS

Based on adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), the patients receiving rehabilitation without being transferred to the rehabilitation ward (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-3.57) and patients receiving no rehabilitation (adjusted HR, 4.00; 95% CI, 2.55-6.27) had significantly higher mortality risk than the patients transferred to the rehabilitation ward. Mortality rate of the stroke survivors was affected by age ≥65 years (compared with age <45y; adjusted HR, 3.62), being a man (adjusted HR, 1.49), having ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 1.55), stroke severity (Stroke Severity Index [SSI] score≥20, compared with SSI score<10; adjusted HR, 2.68), and comorbidity (Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index [CCI] score≥3, compared with CCI score=0; adjusted HR, 4.23).

CONCLUSIONS

First-time stroke survivors transferred to the rehabilitation ward had a 5-year mortality rate 2.2 times lower than those who received rehabilitation without transfer to the rehabilitation ward and 4 times lower than those who received no rehabilitation.

Functional Gain After Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Background and Purpose—

Prediction of functional outcome after stroke rehabilitation (SR) is a growing field of interest. The association between SR and survival still remains elusive. We sought to investigate the factors associated with functional outcome after SR and whether the magnitude of functional improvement achieved with rehabilitation is associated with long-term mortality risk.

Methods—

The study population consisted of 722 patients admitted for SR within 90 days of stroke onset, with an admission functional independence measure (FIM) score of <80 points. We used univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses to assess the association between baseline variables and FIM gain and univariable and multivariable Cox analyses to assess the association of FIM gain with long-term mortality.

Results—

Age ( P <0.001), marital status ( P =0.003), time from stroke onset to rehabilitation admission ( P <0.001), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at rehabilitation admission ( P <0.001), and aphasia ( P =0.021) were independently associated with FIM gain. The R 2 of the model was 0.275. During a median follow-up of 6.17 years, 36.9% of the patients died. At multivariable Cox analysis, age ( P <0.0001), coronary heart disease ( P =0.018), atrial fibrillation ( P =0.042), total cholesterol ( P =0.015), and total FIM gain ( P <0.0001) were independently associated with mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio for death significantly decreased across tertiles of increasing FIM gain.

Conclusions—

Several factors are independently associated with functional gain after SR. Our findings strongly suggest that the magnitude of functional improvement is a powerful predictor of long-term mortality in patients admitted for SR.

PreSSUB II: The prehospital stroke study at the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel II

RATIONALE

Stroke is a time-critical medical emergency requiring specialized treatment. Prehospital delay contributes significantly to delayed or missed treatment opportunities. In-ambulance telemedicine can bring stroke expertise to the prehospital arena and facilitate this complex diagnostic and therapeutic process.

AIMS

This study evaluates the efficacy, safety, feasibility, reliability and cost-effectiveness of in-ambulance telemedicine for patients with suspicion of acute stroke. We hypothesize that this approach will reduce the delay to in-hospital treatment by streamlining the diagnostic process and that prehospital stroke care will be improved by expert stroke support via telemedicine during the ambulance transportation.

DESIGN

PreSSUB II is an interventional, prospective, randomized, open-blinded, end-point, single-center trial comparing standard emergency care by the Paramedic Intervention Team of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (control) with standard emergency care complemented with in-ambulance teleconsultation service by stroke experts (PreSSUB).

STUDY OUTCOMES

The primary efficacy endpoint is the call-to-brain imaging time. Secondary endpoints for the efficacy analysis include the prevalence of medical events diagnosed and corrected during in-ambulance teleconsultation, the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke receiving recanalization therapy, the assessment of disability, functional status, quality of life and overall well-being. Mortality at 90 days after stroke is the primary safety endpoint. Secondary safety analysis will involve the registration of any adverse event. Other analyses include assessment of feasibility and reliability and a health economic evaluation.

Functional and motor outcome 5 years after stroke is equivalent to outcome at 2 months: follow-up of the collaborative evaluation of rehabilitation in stroke across Europe

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recovery of patients within the first 6 months after stroke is well documented, but there has been little research on long-term recovery. The aim of this study was to analyze functional and motor recovery between admission to rehabilitation centres and 5 years after stroke.

METHODS

This follow-up of the Collaborative Evaluation of Rehabilitation in Stroke Across Europe study, included patients from 4 European rehabilitation centres. Patients were assessed on admission, at 2 and 6 months, and 5 years after stroke, using the Barthel Index, Rivermead Motor Assessment Gross Function, Leg and Trunk function, and Arm function. Linear mixed models were used, corrected for baseline characteristics. To account for the drop-out during follow-up, the analysis is likelihood-based (assumption of missingness at random).

RESULTS

A total of 532 patients were included in this study, of which 238 were followed up at 5 years post stroke. Mean age at stroke onset was 69 (±10 SD) years, 53% were men, 84% had ischemic strokes, and 53% had left-sided motor impairment. Linear mixed model analysis revealed a significant deterioration for all 4 outcomes between 6 months and 5 years (P<0.0001). Scores at 2 months were not statistically significant different from scores at 5 years after stroke. Higher age (P<0.0001) and increasing stroke severity on admission (P<0.0001) negatively affected long-term functional and motor recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year follow-up revealed deterioration in functional and motor outcome, with a return to the level measured at 2 months. Increasing age and increasing stroke severity negatively affected recovery up to 5 years after stroke.

Cost-Effectiveness of Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Within 3 Hours of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose—

Despite the availability of results from multiple newer clinical trials and changing healthcare costs, the cost-effectiveness of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) for treatment of acute ischemic stroke within 0 to 3 hours of symptom onset was last evaluated in 1998 for the United States Using current evidence, we evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of r-tPA administered 0 to 3 hours after acute ischemic stroke onset versus no r-tPA.

Methods—

A disease-based decision model to project lifetime outcomes of patients after acute ischemic stroke by r-tPA treatment status from the US payer perspective was developed. Model inputs were derived from a recent meta-analysis of r-tPA trials, cohort studies, and health state preference studies. Cost data, inflated to 2013 dollars, were based on drug wholesale acquisition cost and the literature. To compare r-tPA to no r-tPA, we calculated incremental total direct costs, incremental quality-adjusted life years, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. We performed 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to evaluate uncertainty in the results.

Results—

r-tPA resulted in a gain of 0.39 quality-adjusted life years (95% confidence range, 0.16–0.66) on average per patient and a lifetime cost-saving of $25 000 (95% confidence range, −$42 500 to −$11 000) compared with no r-tPA. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, r-tPA was dominant compared with no r-tPA in ≈100% of simulations. The model was sensitive to inputs for r-tPA efficacy, healthcare costs for disabled patients, mortality rates for disabled and nondisabled patients, and quality of life estimates.

Conclusions—

Our analysis supports earlier economic evaluations that r-tPA is a cost-effective method to treat stroke. Appropriate use of r-tPA should be prioritized nationally.

Assessment of the effects of rehabilitation after cerebrovascular accident in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension as risk factors

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of rehabilitation, to determine the prevalence of major risk factors in cerebrovascular accident and their consequences, as well as to propose measures and procedures that will affect the better rehabilitation.

Methods:

The survey analyzed: age, sex, duration of rehabilitation, activities in daily life through the Barthel index at admission and at discharge, presence of risk factors HTA and DM. The study included a total of 116 patients, the majority of patients are older than 61 years. We had 49% of male patients and 51% of female patients and they spent 31-40 days at the rehabilitation.

Results:

The most common risk factor is HTA (83%) and diabetes (33%). Most of the patients at admission had a BI from 0 to 4 (32.7%), and at discharge BI in the range 17-20 (36.2%). Statistical analysis shows that there is a statistically significant correlation between the BI at admission, BI at discharge and risk factors of HTA and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

the rehabilitation results in most patients is good results of rehabilitation. The most important risk factors in patients are HTA, DM and directly affect on results of rehabilitation. For the better results we should have energetic fight against risk factors for HTA and DM through primary and secondary prevention and patient education about early detection and treatment of these risk factors.

Risk factor burden predicts long-term mortality after cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown significant association between the number of traditional risk factors and long-term mortality of cerebral infarction in young stroke patients. The aim was to investigate risk factors separately and in sum in relation to long-term mortality after cerebral infarction, irrespective of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Long-term mortality in relation to number of traditional risk factors (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking at the time of the index stroke) and etiology was studied in patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to the Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, between February 2006 and February 2011. Only patients alive 30 days after stroke onset were included. Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up time of 2.4 years, 14% with no risk factors had died, while the corresponding frequencies in patients with 1-3 or more risk factors were 13%, 19%, and 26%, respectively (P < 0.001). The number of risk factors was associated with mortality on Cox regression analysis (HR = 1.3, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Increasing number of traditional risk factors is associated with long-term mortality in patients with cerebral infarction, irrespective of age. Careful long-term follow-up is important, especially among patients with several risk factors.

Long-term prediction of functional outcome after stroke using single items of the Barthel Index at discharge from rehabilitation centre

PURPOSE

To determine the prognostic value of single items of the Barthel Index (BI) at discharge from rehabilitation, in predicting independence in personal activities of daily living (ADL) (BI score ≥ 95/100) at five years after stroke.

METHOD

People with stroke were recruited consecutively from four European rehabilitation centres. BI was assessed on discharge and at five years after stroke. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of BI score ≥ 95/100 at five years after stroke. Thereupon, percentage chance of reaching BI ≥ 95/100 at five years after stroke was calculated.

RESULTS

Data were available for 153 patients. Independence in dressing (odds ratio (OR)=5.22, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.85-14.76, p=0.002) and bathing (OR=8.10, 95% CI=3.40-19.32, p<0.0001) were independent predictors. Independence in both items resulted in 74.1% (57.6-85.8) chance of reaching BI ≥ 95/100 at five years after stroke. Dependence in both items resulted in 6.3% (5.1-7.9) chance. Independence in bathing, but dependence in dressing resulted in 35.4% (30.7-40.4) chance whereas the opposite resulted in 26.1% (20.7-32.3) chance.

CONCLUSION

Simple assessment of dressing and bathing on discharge from rehabilitation enables therapeutic staff to predict prognosis for long-term independence in personal ADL. This method can be used for early identification of persons with stroke who need intensive follow-up. Implications for Rehabilitation (In)dependence for dressing and bathing at discharge from a rehabilitation centre are significant factors in the prediction of (in)dependence in personal ADL at five years after stroke. This predictive tool can be used for targeting inpatient stroke rehabilitation and early identification of those patients who need intensive follow-up.