Title : A retrospective exploration of in-hospital rehabilitation findings in post-stroke patients: functional measures and complications
Abstract:
Background: Stroke is a disabling disease due to its functional impairments and complications. In this study, we aimed to examine the clinical profiles, practical outcomes, and complications during rehabilitation of patients hospitalized with stroke.
Methods: In this single center, retrospective study, 49 patients who experienced stroke (post-stroke time range, 1–72 months; mean age 56 ± 13.17 years; sex, 40 men and 9 women; stroke etiology, 61.2% ischemic; hemiplegic side, 57.1% left; median length of hospital stay, 102.69 ± 86.17 days) were assessed between January 03, 2020 and January 03, 2022. Comparisons and correlations between Brunnstrom motor staging, Functional Ambulation Scale, and Barthel Index of activities of daily living scores as well as complications recorded at hospital admission, stay and discharge were statistically analyzed.
Results: A statistically significant improvement in Brunnstrom motor staging, Functional Ambulation Scale, and Barthel Index scores was observed at discharge compared to those at hospital admission (p<0.001). The most common complications during inpatient rehabilitation were urinary tract infections, pneumonia, decubitus, and conjunctivitis (75.51%, 38.78%, 18.37%, and 10.2%, respectively). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the improved Functional Ambulation Scale and Barthel Index scores and decreased risk of complications (Spearman’s rho r = -0.419 and r = -0.565 for pneumonia; r = -0.362 and r = -0.305 for decubitus; r = -0.299 and r = -0.380 for conjunctivitis, respectively).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that improvement in functional measures is essential during rehabilitation to decrease the risk of complications in patients post stroke. We believe that management, monitoring, and follow-up of post-stroke patients are high-priority issues to consider.
