Clinical and prognostic properties of standardized and functional aphasia assessments.
OBJECTIVE
To compare standardized and functional aphasia tests in patients after acute stroke.


METHODS
Data were collected at baseline and at 6 months in 2 prospective single-centre studies: one observational study (study I, n=119) and one randomized trial of moclobemide vs placebo (study II, n=89).


METHODS
Patients with aphasia after acute stroke.


METHODS
Degree of aphasia was examined using the Coefficient (Coeff) in Norsk Grunntest for Afasi (standardized) and the Amsterdam-Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (ANELT) (functional). Statistical comparisons were made using one-way analysis of variance and multivariate regression analyses.


RESULTS
The degree of aphasia measured with Coeff and ANELT correlated closely throughout the study (r2=0.71-0.87, p<0.0001). In study I, 24 patients recovered completely within 6 months. A Coeff >or= 49 and ANELT >or= 3.5 predicted complete recovery equally well. Coeff was sensitive to differentiate between patients with low values on ANELT, whereas ANELT was sensitive to differentiate between patients with high Coeff values.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2 tests show a close and consistent correlation over time and are equally sensitive to improvement. They have a similar capacity to predict complete recovery. A standardized test appears to be more suitable for patients with aphasia in the acute stage, while a functional test is more suitable in the subacute/chronic stage.
Laska
Ann Charlotte
AC
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Internal Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden. ann-charlotte.laska@ds.se
Bartfai
Aniko
A
Hellblom
Anders
A
Murray
Veronica
V
Kahan
Thomas
T
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001037:Aphasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020912:Moclobemide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D020912:Moclobemide