Subacute stroke: new-onset poststroke bladder and bowel dysfunctions and possible associated factors

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Urology

Background:

• Poststroke bladder and bowel dysfunctions significantly impact patient health and recovery.
• Factors associated with these poststroke dysfunctions are not well understood.
• Estimating prevalence and identifying associated factors are critical for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of new-onset poststroke bladder and bowel dysfunctions.
• To characterize factors associated with these dysfunctions.
• To describe the clinical management approach for these conditions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 first-ever stroke patients.
• An 18-item questionnaire assessed pre- and poststroke bladder/bowel function.
• Logistic regression analyzed associations between patient characteristics and new-onset dysfunctions.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in poststroke bladder and bowel dysfunction prevalence was observed (p < 0.001).
• Higher stroke severity strongly correlated with both bladder (OR=15.00) and bowel (OR=5.87) dysfunctions.
• Total anterior circulation strokes, cardioembolic strokes, and lower discharge functionality were also associated with these dysfunctions.

Conclusions:

• Poststroke bladder and bowel dysfunctions are highly prevalent and often under-recognized.
• Awareness of epidemiology and associated factors aids in identifying high-risk patients.
• Increased clinical awareness is vital for efficient diagnosis, treatment, and enhanced rehabilitation.