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Complications in stroke patients: a study carried out at the Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Changi General Hospital
V S Doshi1, J H Say, S H-Y Young
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Changi General Hospital (CGH), 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889. Vina_Doshi@cgh.com.sg
Insights
Post-stroke complications are frequent, with constipation and urinary issues being most common. Some patients required care transfer back to their physician, highlighting the need for proactive management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Acute stroke necessitates inpatient rehabilitation.
- Complications during rehabilitation can impact patient outcomes.
- Identifying and managing these complications is crucial for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the types and frequencies of complications following acute stroke in rehabilitation.
- To identify complications necessitating patient care transfer back to the primary physician.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 140 inpatient case notes from January to June 2001.
- Defined and calculated frequencies of pre-determined post-stroke complications.
- Analyzed demographic factors associated with specific complications.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 54.3%.
- Most frequent complications included constipation (22.9%), acute retention of urine (ARU, 20.9%), and urinary tract infections (UTI, 14.3%).
- Females had higher rates of UTI, ARU, and depression; patients 65+ showed a trend towards multiple complications.
Conclusions:
- Complications are common after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.
- A proactive approach to early identification and treatment of complications is essential.
- Effective management can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to look at the type and frequencies of complications after an acute stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. We also looked at the type of complications which required the transfer of patient care back to the primary referring physician.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective review of case notes of patients transferred to the rehabilitation team was conducted. The study period was a six-month period from the beginning of January 2001 to the end of June 2001. A list of complications was made. Each pre-determined complication was then defined. The frequency of each complication was then calculated.
Results:
A total of 140 case notes were reviewed. The overall complication rate was 54.3%. The more common complications, in order, from highest to lowest frequencies, were: constipation (complicating 22.9% of strokes); acute retention of urine (ARU, 20.9%); urinary tract infections (UTI, 14.3%); depression (9.3%); and limb pain (8.6%). Females were more likely to have UTI (p=0.038), ARU (p=0.002) and depression (p=0.018). Patients 65 years and above were more likely to suffer multiple complications although the results did not reach statistical significance (p=0.055). The care for eight patients (5.7% of patients with complications) had to be transferred back to the primary referring team or physician.
Conclusions:
Complications post stroke are common. Some patients required transfer of care back to the primary referring physician. A pro-active approach is ideal in all post stroke patients, in order to identify and treat any complications early, thereby, improving outcome and reducing costs.
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