Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a stroke rehabilitation unit: a feasibility study.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be diagnosed in approximately 60% of stroke survivors in the postacute period and has been found to be associated with increased mortality and a worse functional outcome at 3 and 12 mo after discharge. In this study, 38 patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke underwent sleep studies by using the AutoSet Portable II Plus device; obstructive sleep apnea was found in 18 of the patients, and five consecutively diagnosed patients were treated on the ward with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. The research has shown that it is feasible to routinely implement a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to sleep apnea on the rehabilitation ward, which is hoped to have a positive influence on mortality, functional outcome, and secondary prevention.
Disler
Peter
P
Victorian Rehabilitation Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Cedar Court Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Hansford
Alison
A
Skelton
Julie
J
Wright
Pamela
P
Kerr
Judy
J
O'Reilly
Jan
J
Hepworth
Judy
J
Middleton
Sally
S
Sullivan
Colin
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003948:Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome