Long-term functional outcomes of stroke patients

Abstract

Predictors of functional outcomes of stroke patients are important for providing efficient post-stroke care according to the degree of impairment. The authors attempted to use the data that are routinely recorded in acute stroke care to determine long-term functional outcomes of stroke patients. This analytic study examined the long-term functional outcomes of stroke patients admitted to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital with acute stroke between January 1 and December 31, 2015. We recorded patients’ characteristic data and functional level on admission using Barthel index (BI) score. Long-term functional outcomes were evaluated with BI score at least 6 months after stroke onset by telephone interview and medical records. The predictors of long-term functional outcomes were determined with stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the 907 patients, 191 (21%) died during acute stroke admission, 117 (13%) died after and 210 (23%) were lost to follow-up and could not be contacted. There were 5 variables significantly correlated with good functional outcomes after multiple logistic regression analysis. Subjects aged 55 or under, male, admission BI score 30–100, muscle power grade 0–1 and with consciousness problems had adjusted odds ratios of 12.56, 3.78, 3.33, 0.28 and 0.24, respectively. Four variables correlated with poor functional outcomes were impaired consciousness, age over 65, more than 3 comorbidities, and admission BI score of 0–30 had adjusted odds ratios of 4.83, 4.08, 2.39, and 1.89 respectively. Long-term functional outcomes of stroke patients were associated with age, consciousness, gender, muscle power, admission BI score and number of comorbidities.