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Functional outcome after common poststroke complications occurring in the first 90 days
Gitta Rohweder1, Hanne Ellekjær2, Øyvind Salvesen2
1From the Stroke Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, St Olav's Hospital, University Hospital of Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway (G.R., H.E., E.N., B.I.); and Department of Neuroscience (G.R., B.I.) and Unit for Applied Clinical Research (Ø.S.), Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. gitta.rohweder@ntnu.no.
Recurrent stroke and chest infections significantly worsen stroke outcomes. Early prevention and treatment of these complications are crucial for better functional recovery after stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability.
- Medical complications following acute stroke can significantly impact functional recovery.
- Identifying key complications associated with poor outcomes is essential for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between common medical complications and functional outcomes at 90 days post-stroke.
- To identify specific complications that predict worsened functional status after an acute stroke.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observation of unselected acute stroke patients for predefined complications during the first week and up to 90 days.
- Assessment of functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days.
- Statistical analysis using logistic regression to determine the odds of worsened outcomes associated with specific complications.
Main Results:
- Recurrent stroke (OR 7.45) and chest infection (OR 3.28) were strongly associated with worsened functional outcome.
- Other infections (OR 1.59) and falls (OR 1.43) were also linked to poorer outcomes.
- Myocardial infarction, urinary tract infections, and pain did not show a significant association with worsened outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent stroke and chest infections are major predictors of poor functional outcomes post-stroke.
- Prompt identification and management of these complications, alongside other infections and falls, are vital.
- Comprehensive stroke unit care should prioritize the prevention and early treatment of identified high-risk complications to improve patient recovery.
