Clinical utility of chosen factors in predicting post-stroke depression: a one year follow-up

The aim of the study was to identify possible interrelation between the presence of post-stroke depression (PSD) and chosen clinical and demographic parameters.

Initially 116 patients (61.4 ± 12.6 years, women N = 42) hospitalized in Neurology Department, Medical University of Gdańsk (April 2003 - December 2005) due to first ischemic stroke, were included in the study. We analysed demographic data, the lesion's side and location according to neuroimaging and global neurological deficit estimated on the first day after the stroke and at discharge using NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and Barthel Index of Activity of Daily Living. Psychiatric evaluation was done:6 (42 ± 3 days) and 12 weeks (84 ± 7 days), as well as 6 (±14 days) and 12 months (±14 days) after stroke based on ICD-10 and functional assessment scale (Rankin Scale).

Depression was diagnosed in 29 patients (27.6%). No correlation was found between PSD and sex or age. On the first day and at discharge patients without PSD were functioning slightly better but the difference was not statistically significant. We found association between the presence of PSD and the results of Rankin scale with the exception of degree of improvement during whole observation. In the group of patients with PSD left hemisphere strokes were slightly more common, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The location of lesions in frontal lobes and basal ganglia was associated with presence of depression.

We found the association between the presence of PSD and location of lesions (frontal lobes or basal ganglia), as well as with the degree of functional improvement during 12 months after stroke.