Palliative care after stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Palliative Care Medicine
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
• Palliative care needs and prognostic factors for stroke patients are not well-understood.
• This study examines stroke patient demographics and outcomes in a palliative care setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the demographics and comorbidities of stroke patients receiving palliative care.
• To identify factors influencing the prognosis of stroke patients in palliative care.
• To compare outcomes among different stroke types (ischemic, ICH, SAH) within palliative care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 132 stroke patient records from a palliative care center (2016-2017).
• Patients categorized into ischemic stroke, intracerebral hematoma (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
• Comparison of age, length of stay (LOS), Glasgow Coma Scale, comorbidities (PEG, tracheostomy, PU), and discharge status.

Main Results:

• Ischemic stroke patients had a significantly higher mortality rate (p=0.02).
• Higher hypertension rates were observed in ischemic stroke patients compared to SAH (p=0.007).
• Older age (p=0.001), tracheostomy, and ICH diagnosis were associated with longer palliative care LOS. ICH patients had higher pressure ulcer rates (p=0.007).

Conclusions:

• Stroke patients, particularly those with ischemic stroke and older age, face significant mortality risks.
• Palliative care centers manage complex stroke cases requiring specialized attention.
• Further research with larger cohorts is needed to refine prognostic understanding and optimize symptom management for stroke survivors in palliative care.