title: Predictors of favorable outcome in elderly stroke patients two years after discharge from geriatric rehabilitation.
abstract: This study was done to determine the independent predictors of long-term survival and long-term functional outcome in geriatric stroke patients with a high level of co-morbidity. We prospectively recruited 302 consecutive patients transferred from local hospitals of acute care to inpatient geriatric rehabilitation with a median of 23 days after stroke. The cohort with a mean age of 75.1 (range 60-90) years was followed up for 2 years after discharge from rehabilitation. The 24 month survival rate was 71.2%. Urinary continence (p = 0.000), younger age (p = 0.000), and absence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (p = 0.039) were predictors of survival. Independence in activities of daily living (Barthel Index (BI) > or = 85) 24 months after discharge was 43.2% and predicted by an admission BI > or = 50 (p = 0.000), urinary continence (p = 0.007), and absence of CAD (p = 0.018). Good functional outcome by the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS < or = 3) 24 months after discharge was 38.4%. It was predicted by absence of CAD (p = 0.001), first-ever stroke (p = 0.014), admission BI > or = 50 (p = 0.024), urinary continence (p = 0.025), mild motor paresis (p = 0.032), and good sitting balance (p = 0.039). Our study of a relatively aged and co-morbid stroke cohort confirmed most of the well-known predictors of outcome. A new result is that CAD also seems to be an important determinant of long-term outcome.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Geriatrie Albertinen-Haus Sellhopsweg 18-22 22459 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meins
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Meier-Baumgartner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Neetz
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: von Renteln-Kruse
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D020521:Stroke / Q000401:mortality; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016019:Survival Analysis