Predictors of outcome of rehabilitation of elderly stroke patients in a geriatric ward.
OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of outcome after 12 months in elderly stroke patients rehabilitated in a geriatric ward.


METHODS
Prospective with evaluation in the subacute phase and after 12 months.


METHODS
Geriatric ward and outpatient clinic.


METHODS
All stroke patients admitted from the acute unit to a geriatric ward for rehabilitation during a 16-month period (n = 171).


METHODS
Place of living, mortality and social functioning (Frenchay Activities Index) 12 months following stroke.


RESULTS
Age, urinary incontinence and cognitive function were significantly associated with place of living (home versus nursing home) 12 months post stroke in bivariate analyses. However, using multivariate logistic regression analyses, only age (p = 0.005) and urinary incontinence at baseline (p = 0.028) remained independent predictors of place of living. Mortality during the first year was significantly predicted by urinary incontinence and gender (men doing worse), whereas the Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index sumscore was the only significant independent predictor of social activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Urinary incontinence at baseline seems to be a most important predictor of outcome 12 months post stroke in geriatric patients. However, with regard to social activities (Frenchay Activities Index), functional impairment in the initial phase as reflected by the Barthel ADL Index supersedes other predictors.
Thommessen
B
B
Geriatric Department, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway. bente.thommessen@ioks.uio.no
Bautz-Holter
E
E
Laake
K
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology