Activities of Daily Living of Patients with Malignant Brain Tumors Assessed By Using Functional Independence Measurement Scoring System

Hiroshi Kanno Jo Sasame

doi:10.4172/2376-0281.1000171

Abstract

Patients with malignant brain tumors have varied degree of neurological impairments because of factors influencing activities of daily living (ADL). Those factors are related to characteristics of patients, tumor natures, and received treatment. However, factors influencing ADL of patients with malignant brain tumors are not fully elucidated. The functional independence measurement (FIM) is an ADL scoring system to determine impairment in different domains objectively. Here, we assessed ADL of 27 patients with malignant brain tumors at admission, discharge, 1 year and 2 years later using FIM scoring system, and identified factors influencing their ADL. In results, patient age and tumor pathology were identified as factors influencing ADL, while tumor site and operation type were not related to FIM scores. In conclusion, patient age and tumor pathology are identified as factors influencing ADL of patients with malignant brain tumors. Taking into account of those factors, neuro-rehabilitation program for patients with malignant brain tumors should be scheduled.

Highlights

Malignant brain tumor affects approximate 14 per 100,000 populations annually [1], and the overall incidence of malignant brain tumor is increasing [2]
This result indicated that patient age is a Functional independence measurement (FIM)-related influencing factor in malignant brain tumor patients
FIM system, used as a tool for assessment of rehabilitation program, is relatively simple to perform in routine clinical practice

Summary

Introduction

Malignant brain tumor affects approximate 14 per 100,000 populations annually [1], and the overall incidence of malignant brain tumor is increasing [2]. Patients with malignant brain tumors have varied degrees of functional and cognitive impairment either because of their tumors or the treatment that they receive. The impairments have been previously scored as mild, moderate or severe Those scorings are relatively subjective, and are not always able to capture the accurate degree of improvement with intervention. If treatment for effective tumor control results in neurotoxicity with cognitive impairments and worse health-related QOL, longer survival may be less meaningful for patients. The purpose of neuro-rehabilitation for patients with malignant brain tumors improve activities of the daily living (ADL) and maintain remaining functions to prevent disuse. We assess ADL of 27 patients with malignant brain tumors at admission, discharge, 1 year and 2 years later using FIM scoring system and identify factors influencing their ADL

Methods

Results

Conclusion