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Published on: April 21, 2017
Stroke in Swedish children II: long-term outcome
1Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Paediatric Clinic, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. sten.christerson@telia.com
Insights
Childhood stroke significantly impacts survivors, with 85% experiencing long-term functional deficits affecting daily life and school performance. This also impacts family well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood stroke is a critical health issue with potential for long-term consequences.
- Understanding the long-term functional outcomes is crucial for effective management and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term functional outcomes in a population-based cohort of Swedish children following a stroke.
- To evaluate the impact of childhood stroke on neurological function, school performance, daily activities, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year follow-up study (2000-2006) of children (28 days to 18 years) with arterial ischemic stroke, cerebral sinus venous stroke, or nontraumatic hemorrhagic stroke.
- Long-term outcome assessment (1.6-8.6 years post-stroke) included clinical investigation, school performance evaluation, daily activities, participation, and validated quality of life questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Of 51 children, 4 (8%) died; 85% of survivors had acquired impairments.
- Neurological impairment was observed in 65%, with 59% experiencing deficits affecting school activity and participation.
- Parents reported negative effects on their child's health, daily life, participation, and overall family life.
Conclusions:
- Childhood stroke leads to significant long-term functional deficits in the majority of survivors (85%).
- These deficits impact the child's everyday life, academic performance, and overall family functioning.
- The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, long-term support for children affected by stroke and their families.
Aim:
To evaluate the long-term outcome of childhood stroke in a population-based cohort of Swedish children.
Methods:
We followed up children with stroke over 7 years from 2000 to 2006 in a health care region covering one-fifth of the Swedish population. Children aged between 28 days and 18 years, who had arterial ischaemic stroke, cerebral sinus venous stroke or nontraumatic haemorrhagic stroke, were included. The long-term outcome study 1.6-8.6 years later included a clinical investigation, evaluation of school performance, everyday activities and participation and health-related quality of life questionnaires (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Child Health Questionnaire and Short-Form General Health Survey).
Results:
Of 51 children, 4 (8%) had died and 85% of the long-term survivors had some acquired impairment: 65% of the children had neurological impairment, and 59% had deficits affecting school activity and participation. The parents experienced the negative effect of the stroke on their child's general health, daily life activities and participation and also on their own family life.
Conclusion:
Childhood stroke results in serious long-term functional deficits in 85% of survivors affecting their everyday life, the child's performances and the life of the family as a whole.
Related Concept Videos
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
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