South London Stroke Register Research Articles

Temporal Trends in Health-Related Quality of Life after Stroke: Analysis from the South London Stroke Register 1995–2011

Survival after stroke has dramatically increased in the last two decades as the treatment of stroke has improved. However, time-trend analyses of health-related quality of life in stroke patients covering this time period are still not well investigated. The study aims to examine temporal trends in mental and physical health-related quality of life of stroke survivors between the period of 1995 and 2011. First in a lifetime strokes were registered in the South London Stroke Register between 1995 and 2011. Using the Short Form-12 Health Survey, trends in self-reported health-related quality of life at one-year after stroke were assessed over a 17-year period using linear regression, adjusting for socio-demographics, risk factors, and case-mix variables. Analyses stratifying by age, gender, race-ethnicity, and functional impairment were also performed. The overall trends of mental and physical health-related quality of life scores at one-year after stroke remained relatively unchanged over the period 1995-2011. However, mental health-related quality of life scores significantly improved between the period of 1995-2007 [β = 0·94 (95% CI; 0·15 to 1·74), P = 0·02], after which scores deteriorated [β = -2·02 (-3·82 to -0·22), P = 0·03]. Physical health-related quality of life scores remained stable until 2007, after which scores declined [β = -1·63 (-3·25 to -0·01), P = 0·05]. Despite declining health-related quality of life trends within the general population, stroke survivors' overall health-related quality of life remained unchanged, possibly due to lower expectations of health among stroke survivors. However, in recent years there has been a significant unexplained decline in both physical and mental health-related quality of life, suggesting that despite stroke policy aims to improve health-related quality of life, more needs to be done to target this decline.

Advances in Stroke

Since the last advances article on health policy and outcomes,1 selected developments include new knowledge on long-term outcomes after stroke and their policy relevance, associations of neighborhood disadvantage with stroke mortality, growth and effect of regionalized systems of stroke care, and preliminary research relevant to policies on early stroke mortality as a hospital performance measure. The South London Stroke Register of incident strokes across a multiethnic, urban population reported that long-term survival gradually improved in consecutive cohorts of patients with stroke from 1995 to 2010, and higher survival was associated with stroke unit admission (hazard ratio, 0.75; P <0.0001).2 Concurrently, stroke unit admission had increased dramatically from 19% in 1995 to 1997 to 78% by 2007 to 2009. Although evidence of benefit from stroke units has existed for several decades, there have been barriers to widespread adoption that may be addressed through local or national policies. Annual assessments for depressive symptoms in this registry cohort demonstrated that the presence of depressive symptoms after stroke is dynamic, often being of short duration but with a high risk of recurrence over time.3 About one third of patients were depressed at 3 months after stroke, with resolution of symptoms among half of those by 1 year. However, depression was detected …

Natural history, predictors and associated outcomes of anxiety up to 10 years after stroke: the South London Stroke Register

evidence on the long-term natural history, predictors and outcomes of anxiety after stroke is insufficient to inform effective interventions. This study estimates within 10 years of stroke: (i) the incidence, cumulative incidence, prevalence, and time of onset of anxiety. (ii) Predictors of anxiety and its association with depression. (iii) The association between anxiety 3 months after stroke and mortality, stroke recurrence, disability, cognitive impairment and quality of life (QoL) at follow-up. data from the South London Stroke Register (1995-2010). Patients were assessed at the time of the stroke, at 3 months, 1 year and then annually for up to 10 years. Baseline data included socio-demographics and stroke severity. Follow-up data included assessments for anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale), disability, cognition and QoL. Multivariate regression was used to investigate predictors and associated outcomes of anxiety. incidence of anxiety up to 10 years ranged from 17 to 24%. Cumulative incidence: 57%. Prevalence range: 32-38%. Amongst patients with anxiety, 58% were anxious at 3 months. 57-73% of patients with anxiety had co-morbid depression. Predictors of anxiety included age under 65, female gender, inability to work, depression treatment, smoking and stroke severity. Anxiety at 3 months was associated with lower QoL at follow-up. anxiety is a frequent problem affecting stroke survivors in the long term. Clinicians should pay attention to patients at risk of anxiety since it is associated with lower QoL and depression.

The long-term outcomes of depression up to 10 years after stroke; the South London Stroke Register

BackgroundPost-stroke depression is a frequent chronic and recurrent problem that starts shortly after stroke and affects patients in the long term. The health outcomes of depression after stroke are unclear.Aims(1)...

Age and Ethnic Disparities in Incidence of Stroke Over Time

Data on continuous monitoring of stroke risk among different age and ethnic groups are lacking. We aimed to investigate age and ethnic disparities in stroke incidence over time from an inner-city population-based stroke register. Trends in stroke incidence and before-stroke risk factors were investigated with the South London Stroke Register, a population-based register covering a multiethnic population of 357 308 inhabitants. Age-, ethnicity-, and sex-specific incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, assuming a Poisson distribution and their trends over time tested by the Cochran-Armitage test. Four thousand two hundred forty-five patients with first-ever stroke were registered between 1995 and 2010. Total stroke incidence reduced by 39.5% during the 16-year period from 247 to 149.5 per 100 000 population (P<0.0001). Similar declines in stroke incidence were observed in men, women, white groups, and those aged>45 years, but not in those aged 15 to 44 years (12.6-10.1; P=0.2034) and black groups (310.1-267.5; P=0.3633). The mean age at stroke decreased significantly from 71.7 to 69.6 years (P=0.0001). The reduction in prevalence of before-stroke risk factors was mostly seen in white patients aged>55 years, whereas an increase in diabetes mellitus was observed in younger black patients aged 15 to 54 years. Total stroke incidence decreased during the 16-year time period. However, this was not seen in younger age groups and black groups. The advances in risk factor reduction observed in white groups aged>55 years failed to be transferred to younger age groups and black groups.

Long-Term Effects of Secondary Prevention on Cognitive Function in Stroke Patients

Limited long-term follow-up data exist on the impact of appropriate secondary prevention therapies on cognitive function in patients after first-ever stroke. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of secondary prevention of vascular events on cognitive function after stroke. Data were collected between 1995 and 2011 (n=4413) from the community-based South London Stroke Register covering an inner-city multiethnic source population of 271 817 inhabitants. Modified Poisson regression models were constructed to adjust for cognitive function status at 3 months, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, case mix, stroke subtype, vascular risk factors, disability, and stroke recurrence. In patients with ischemic strokes without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), there was a reduced risk of cognitive impairment associated with the use of different prevention treatments: (1) antihypertensives (relative risk, 0.7 [95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.82] for diuretics; relative risk, 0.8 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.98] for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; and relative risk, 0.7 [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.81] for their combination), (2) a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole (relative risk, 0.8 [95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.01]), and (3) statin (relative risk, 0.9 [95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.06]) when clinically indicated. Protective effects against cognitive impairment were also observed in patients on the combination of antihypertensives, antithrombotic agents, and lipid-lowering drugs (relative risk, 0.55 [95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.77]). No significant associations were noted between poststroke cognitive impairment and antihypertensives among hemorrhagic stroke patients. Appropriate vascular risk management was associated with a long-term reduced risk of cognitive impairment. Focus on optimal preventive drug therapy of vascular risk factors and management should be supported.

Differences in Outcome and Predictors Between Ischemic and Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Few population-based studies describing functional outcome between ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the short- and long-term are available. Knowledge of the natural history and factors associated with poor outcome is important in providing prognostic information and resource allocation. Data were collected within the population-based South London Stroke Register between 1995 and 2011. Baseline data were collection of sociodemographic factors, case mix, risk factors before stroke, and acute stroke processes, with outcomes at 7 days, 3 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years after stroke. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with poor outcome (dead and dependency: Barthel index<15). Age and incontinence were associated with poor outcome at 3 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years in ICH, whereas age, incontinence, failed swallow, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus were associated with poor outcome in ischemic stroke. ICH was more likely to have poorer outcomes at 3 months (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-2.8) and 1 year (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7-2.6) but not at 5 years (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.4) or 10 years (odd ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.57-1.22); however, the improvement of functional outcome from day 7 to 3 months was significantly greater for ICH (regression coefficient: 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6; P<0.0001). ICH has poorer outcomes up to 5 years after stroke. The improvement of functional outcome up to 3 months was significantly greater with ICH. Identification of factors associated with poor outcome may be used for clinical predictions.

Trends in Risk Factor Prevalence and Management Before First Stroke

Vascular risk factors are suboptimally managed internationally. This study investigated time trends in risk factors diagnosed before stroke and their treatment, and factors associated with appropriate medication use. A total of 4416 patients with a first stroke were registered in the population-based South London Stroke Register from 1995 to 2011. Previously diagnosed risk factors and usual medications were collected from patients' primary care and hospital records. Trends and associations were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Seventy-two percent of patients were diagnosed previously with 1 or more risk factors; 30% had diagnosed risk factors that were untreated. Hypercholesterolemia increased significantly during the study period; myocardial infarction and transient ischemic attack prevalences decreased. Antiplatelet prescription increased in atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction, and transient ischemic attack (AF, 37%-51%, P<0.001; myocardial infarction, 48%-69%, P<0.001; transient ischemic attack, 49%-61%, P=0.015). Anticoagulant prescription for AF showed a nonsignificant increase (12%-23%; P=0.059). Fewer older patients with AF were prescribed anticoagulants (age, >85 versus <65 years; adjusted relative risk, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.41). Black ethnicity (adjusted relative risk, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.23) and female sex (adjusted relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.15) were associated with increased antihypertensive drug prescription; other medications did not vary by ethnicity or sex. Antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering treatment prescribing have improved significantly over time; however, only a minority with AF received anticoagulants, and this did not improve significantly. Overall, 30% of strokes occurred in patients with previously diagnosed but untreated risk factors.

Impact of Implementing Evidence-Based Acute Stroke Interventions on Survival: The South London Stroke Register

BackgroundStudies examining the impact of organised acute stroke care interventions on survival in subgroups of stroke patients remain limited.AimsThis study examined the effects of a range of evidence-based interventions of acute stroke care on one year survival post-stroke and determined the size of the effect across different socio-demographic and clinical subgroups of patients.MethodsData on 4026 patients with a first-ever stroke recruited to the population-based South London Stroke Register between 1995 and 2010 were used. In uni-variable analyses, one year cumulative survival rates in socio-demographic groups and by care received was determined. Survival functions were compared using Log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox models were used to test for interactions between components of care and age group, sex, ethnic group, social class, stroke subtype and level of consciousness.Results1949 (56.4%) patients were admitted to a stroke unit. Patients managed on a stroke unit, those with deficits receiving specific rehabilitation therapies and those with ischaemic stroke subtype receiving aspirin in the acute phase had better one year survival compared to those who did not receive these interventions. The greatest reduction in the hazards of death among patients treated on a stroke unit were in the youngest patients aged <65 years, (HR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.25–0.62), and those with reduced levels of consciousness, GCS <9, (HR: 0.44; CI: 0.33–0.58).ConclusionsThere was evidence of better one year survival in patients receiving specific acute interventions after stroke with a significantly greater effect in stroke subgroups, suggesting the possibility of re-organising stroke services to ensure that the most appropriate care is made accessible to patients likely to derive the most benefits from such interventions.

The Natural History of Depression up to 15 Years After Stroke

Evidence on the natural history of depression after stroke is still insufficient to inform prognosis and treatment strategies. This study estimates the incidence, cumulative incidence, prevalence, time of onset, duration, and recurrence rate of depression up to 15 years after stroke. Data from patients registered in the South London Stroke Register between 1995 and 2009 were used (N=4022 at registration. Maximum number of participants for these analyses n=1233). Depression was assessed in all patients with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (scores >7=depression) 3 months after stroke, 1 year after stroke, and annually thereafter up to 15 years after stroke. Inverse probability weighting was used to calculate the estimates accounting for missing data. The poststroke incidence of depression ranged from 7% to 21% in the 15 years after a stroke, with cumulative incidence of 55% and prevalence ranging from 29% to 39%. Most episodes of depression started within a year of stroke, with 33% of the cases starting in the 3 months after a stroke, and none from year 10 onward. Fifty percent of the patients with depression at 3 months had recovered 1 year after stroke. The proportion of recurrent episodes of depression after stroke increased gradually from 38% in year 2 to 100% in years 14 and 15. The natural history of depression after stroke is dynamic. Depression affects most of the stroke patients with episodes that have a short duration but a high risk of recurrence in the long term.

Incidence and Associations of Poststroke Epilepsy

To describe the epidemiology and associations of poststroke epilepsy (PSE) because there is limited evidence to inform clinicians and guide future research. Data were collected from the population-based South London Stroke Register of first strokes in a multiethnic inner-city population with a maximum follow-up of 12 years. Self-completed forms and interviews notified study organizers of epilepsy diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox models were used to assess associations with sociodemographic factors, clinical features, stroke subtype, and severity markers. Three thousand three-hundred ten patients with no history of epilepsy presented with first stroke between 1995 and 2007, with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Two-hundred thirteen subjects (6.4%) had development of PSE. PSE incidence at 3 months and 1, 5, and 10 years were estimated at 1.5%, 3.5%, 9.0%, and 12.4%, respectively. Sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were not associations, but markers of cortical location, including dysphasia, visual neglect, and field defect, along with stroke severity indices at presentation, including low Glasgow Coma Scale, incontinence, or poor function on Barthel Index, were associated with PSE on univariate analysis. Young age was independently associated with PSE, affecting 10.7% of patients aged <65 years and 1.6% >85 years (P≤0.001) on 10-year estimates. Independent predictors of PSE also included visual neglect, dysphasia, and stroke subtype, particularly total anterior circulation infarcts. Dysarthria was associated with reduced incidence. PSE is common, with risk continuing to increase outside the acute phase. Young age, cortical location, larger lesions, and hemorrhagic lesions are independent predictors.

Trends in Activities of Daily Living among Stroke Survivors: Analysis from the South London Stroke Register

Background National and international acute stroke care guidelines came into effect during the last decade to improve outcomes after stroke but their impact on activities of daily living (ADL) improvement over time is not known. The aim of the study was to examine post-stroke ADL trends over time in a multiethnic population in England, and to examine these trends in different socio-economic groups. Methods Data from the South London Stroke Register were analysed from 1995 to 2011. At 3 months and 1 year post-stroke, basic and instrumental ADL were measured using Barthel Index (poor outcome- BI score

Stroke : Highlights of Selected Articles

<i>Stroke</i> : Highlights of Selected Articles

Prevalence of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment

Stroke is a common long-term condition with an increasing incidence as the population ages. This study evaluates temporal changes in the prevalence of cognitive impairment after first-ever stroke stratified by sociodemography, vascular risk factors, and stroke subtypes, up to 15 years after stroke. Data were collected between 1995 and 2010 (n=4212) from the community-based South London Stroke Register covering an inner-city multiethnic population of 271 817 inhabitants. Patients were assessed for cognitive function using Abbreviated Mental Test or Mini-Mental State Examination at the onset, 3 months, and annually thereafter. All estimates were age adjusted to the European standard. The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment 3 months after stroke and at annual follow-up remained relatively unchanged at 22% (24% [95% CI, 21.2-27.8] at 3 months; 22% [17.4-26.8] at 5 years to 21% [3.6-63.8] at 14 years). In multivariate analyses, the poststroke prevalence ratio of cognitive impairment increased with older age (2% [1-3] for each year of age), ethnicity (2.2 [1.65-2.89]-fold higher among black group) and socioeconomic status (42% [8-86] increased among manual workers). A significant, progressive trend of cognitive impairment was observed among patients with small vessel occlusion and lacunar infarction (average annual percentage change: 10% [7.9-12.8] and 2% [0.3-2.7], respectively, up to 5 years after stroke). The prevalence of cognitive impairment after stroke remains persistently high over time, with variations being predominantly explained by sociodemographic characteristics. Given population growth and ageing demographics, effective preventive strategies and poststroke surveillance are needed to manage survivors with cognitive impairment.

Delay in Presentation After an Acute Stroke in a Multiethnic Population in South London: The South London Stroke Register

BackgroundDelayed presentation to hospital after an acute stroke is a major explanation given for low thrombolysis rates. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with delays in presentation after an acute stroke and changes after a mass media campaign.Methods and ResultsData were from a population-based study involving 1392 patients with first-ever strokes between 2002 and 2010 in a multiethnic South London population. Associations were determined between prehospital delay (≥3 hours) and variables of interest, including ethnicity, by using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Differences in prehospital delay and thrombolysis rates were determined for the period immediately before and after the FAST mass media campaign (2007/2008 versus 2009/2010).The median (Q1 to Q3) time to presentation was 4.73 (1.55 to 12.70) hours, and 550 (39.5%) presented within 3 hours of symptom onset. In multivariate analysis, patients of black ethnicity had increased odds of delay (odds ratio: 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.38), whereas those with more severe strokes characterized by a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.61) had reduced odds of delay. There was no difference in the proportion of patients who arrived within 3 hours (P=0.30) in the period immediately before and after the FAST campaign (40.7% in 2007/2008 versus 44.9% in 2009/2010). Among patients with ischemic stroke, 119 (11.0%) received thrombolysis between 2002 and 2010, with no difference observed between the pre- and postcampaign periods (16.9% versus 16.4%).ConclusionSignificant delays in seeking care after stroke still occur in this population despite efforts to increase public awareness. Future educational programs must identify and specifically address factors that influence behavior and should target those at higher risk of delay. (J Am Heart Assoc. 2012;1:e001685 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.001685.)

Comparison of 2 Extended Activities of Daily Living Scales With the Barthel Index and Predictors of Their Outcomes

Basic activities of daily living measures are often supplemented by extended activities of daily living. We compared the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) with the Barthel Index (BI) in terms of distribution of scores, concurrent validity, reliability, and their agreement and investigated the predictors of scales outcomes. Two hundred thirty-eight patients from the population-based South London Stroke Register were assessed with the BI, FAI, and NEADL 3 months after a first-ever stroke. The pairwise relationship was studied using correlations, fractional polynomial regression, and Bland and Altman plot; the baseline predictors, for example, sociodemography, case severity: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and 7-day Abbreviated Memory Test, comorbidities, and acute treatments by negative binomial regression. The BI was highly affected by a ceiling effect (33% had the highest score), FAI was only affected by floor effect (19%), but NEADL was symmetrical with only 4% highest and lowest score. Despite high concurrent validity of the scales (r ≥0.80, P<0.001), they agreed poorly only for the highest and the lowest level of activities. The association and agreement of NEADL with BI was higher than that of FAI with BI. Severe stroke patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >13) had 28% lower BI (79% lower FAI and 62% lower NEADL) score than nonsevere patients (P≤0.001). Cognitively intact patients (Abbreviated Memory Test: 8-10) had 2.3 times greater FAI values (65% higher NEADL) compared with impaired patients (P<0.001). The NEADL scale was symmetrical, concurrently valid with no floor and ceiling effects. It corresponded better with BI than FAI did confirming its basic activities of daily living properties, yet it is a more sensitive tool for extended activities of daily living without the floor and ceiling effects. Future functional status could be predicted by the acute stage National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, whereas only extended activities of daily living status could be predicted by the Abbreviated Memory Test score. Predicting future functional status at the acute stage may decrease unnecessary length of stay in acute care settings.

Comparison of Provision of Stroke Care in Younger and Older Patients: Findings from the South London Stroke Register

Background. Evidence-based stroke care should be available to all patients. However, evidence exists of inequalities according to age. This study compared access to care for younger adults to that for over 65s. Methods. Using population-based data from 4229 patients with first-ever stroke between 1995 and 2010, associations between age and 21 care indicators were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Results. Age was not associated with stroke unit admission for ischaemic stroke (P = 0.666). Younger PICH patients were least likely to be admitted to stroke units (P = 0.001), instead treated on neurosurgical or ICU wards. Younger age was also associated with admission to neurosurgery or ICU after SAH (P = 0.006), increased occupational or physiotherapy at 1 year (P = 0.043), and contact with a GP 3 months after stroke (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Younger patients have equal or greater access to evidence-based care. However, there is a need to ensure that services meet the needs of this group.

Study Details Lingering Effects of Stroke

THE AUTHORS OF A NEW STUDY ON long-term disability in stroke survivors hope their findings will help medical, rehabilitation, public health, and insurance leaders to better design and finance programs to assist these patients. In an article appearing online in PLoS Medicine, researchers from England and Germany found between 20% and 30% of stroke survivors have a poor range of outcomes up to 10 years after a stroke. The finding is based on data from the prospective, populationbased South London Stroke Register documenting all first strokes from January 1, 1995, in a multiethnic innercity population (Wolfe CDA et al. PLoS Med. 2011;8[5]:e1001033). Most individuals survive a stroke, so understanding the long-term ramifications of that survivorship is important, said Charles D. A. Wolfe, MD, lead author and a professor at King’s College in London, England. “The focus has been on prevention of all manner of cardiovascular disease or the sexy front-line research involving thrombolytic therapy at stroke onset, and that is why these issues of long-term survival have not been addressed,” Wolfe said. “But if you do not map out what the problems are, you do not know what the needs are, and if you do not know what the needs are, you do not know what to pay for.” Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. The American Stroke Association estimates that each year, about 795 000 individuals in the United States experience a new or recurrent stroke and that more than 137 000 of them die of that stroke. Median survival times after a first stroke are 13.1 years for men and 7.8 years for women at 55 to 64 years of age, and 6.2 years for men and 7.7 years for women at 65 to 74 years of age. Between 50% and 70% of stroke survivors regain functional independence but 15% to 30% are permanently disabled, and 20% require institutional care at 3 months after onset.

Estimates of Outcomes Up to Ten Years after Stroke: Analysis from the Prospective South London Stroke Register

Although stroke is acknowledged as a long-term condition, population estimates of outcomes longer term are lacking. Such estimates would be useful for planning health services and developing research that might ultimately improve outcomes. This burden of disease study provides population-based estimates of outcomes with a focus on disability, cognition, and psychological outcomes up to 10 y after initial stroke event in a multi-ethnic European population. Data were collected from the population-based South London Stroke Register, a prospective population-based register documenting all first in a lifetime strokes since 1 January 1995 in a multi-ethnic inner city population. The outcomes assessed are reported as estimates of need and included disability (Barthel Index <15), inactivity (Frenchay Activities Index <15), cognitive impairment (Abbreviated Mental Test < 8 or Mini-Mental State Exam <24), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale >10), and mental and physical domain scores of the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item short form (SF-12) health survey. Estimates were stratified by age, gender, and ethnicity, and age-adjusted using the standard European population. Plots of outcome estimates over time were constructed to examine temporal trends and sociodemographic differences. Between 1995 and 2006, 3,373 first-ever strokes were registered: 20%-30% of survivors had a poor outcome over 10 y of follow-up. The highest rate of disability was observed 7 d after stroke and remained at around 110 per 1,000 stroke survivors from 3 mo to 10 y. Rates of inactivity and cognitive impairment both declined up to 1 y (280/1,000 and 180/1,000 survivors, respectively); thereafter rates of inactivity remained stable till year eight, then increased, whereas rates of cognitive impairment fluctuated till year eight, then increased. Anxiety and depression showed some fluctuation over time, with a rate of 350 and 310 per 1,000 stroke survivors, respectively. SF-12 scores showed little variation from 3 mo to 10 y after stroke. Inactivity was higher in males at all time points, and in white compared to black stroke survivors, although black survivors reported better outcomes in the SF-12 physical domain. No other major differences were observed by gender or ethnicity. Increased age was associated with higher rates of disability, inactivity, and cognitive impairment. Between 20% and 30% of stroke survivors have a poor range of outcomes up to 10 y after stroke. Such epidemiological data demonstrate the sociodemographic groups that are most affected longer term and should be used to develop longer term management strategies that reduce the significant poor outcomes of this group, for whom effective interventions are currently elusive. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Natural History, Predictors, and Associations of Depression 5 Years After Stroke

The longer-term natural history of depression after stroke is poorly understood. We estimate frequency, predictors, and associations of depression up to 5 years after stroke in a population-based study. Data from 3689 patients registered in the South London Stroke Register 1995 to 2006 were used. Baseline data included age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and stroke severity. At 3 months and at 1, 3, and 5 years, survivors were assessed for depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression; depression subscale score >7 indicates depression), cognition, disability, activity, accommodation, employment, and social networks. Associations with depression were investigated with logistic regression. Data are reported with OR and 95% CI. Depression frequencies were 33% (30%-36%), 28% (25%-30%), 32% (30%-35%), and 31% (27%-34%) at 3 months and at 1, 3, and 5 years after stroke, respectively. Forty-eight percent of patients were not depressed at any time point; 49% to 55% of depressed patients at 1 assessment remained depressed at follow-up; and 15% to 20% of patients at each assessment were new cases. Predictors of depression included stroke severity, inability to work, and impaired cognition. Associations with depression at follow-up included impaired cognition, lack of family support, institutionalization, inability to work, functional dependence, and low activity level. Frequency of depression up to 5 years after stroke is 30%; however, it is a dynamic situation with recovery and new cases diagnosed over time. These findings support the need for regular assessment of depression and its associated factors and for the development of effective interventions to reduce depression after stroke.