New-onset constipation at acute stage after first stroke: incidence, risk factors, and impact on the stroke outcome.
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of constipation after stroke varies from 30% to 60%. The incidence of new-onset constipation during the early stage of stroke remains uncertain. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of new-onset constipation, its risk factors, and its impact on stroke outcome in patients with their first stroke at acute stage.


METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study of 154 patients admitted with their first stroke. New-onset constipation during the first 4 weeks of stroke was recorded, using the Rome II criteria for constipation. Demographics, characteristics of the stroke, laboratory parameters, and use of medications were evaluated as risk factors for constipation. Death, recurrent stroke, and handicap at 12 weeks were regarded as poor outcome. The impact of constipation on poor outcome was also studied.


RESULTS
The cumulative incidence of new-onset constipation was 55.2% at 4 weeks poststroke. The occurrence of constipation was associated with dependence (P<0.01) and use of bedpan for defecation (P<0.05). Among patients with moderate stroke severity (NIHSS 4 to 11) at baseline, constipation at 4 weeks was associated with a poor outcome at 12 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
New-onset constipation is a common complication of acute stroke. Its occurrence is associated with dependence and use of bedpan for defecation. Its development may predict a poor outcome at 12 weeks in patients with moderately severe stroke.
Su
Yongjing
Y
Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Zhang
Xiaoyan
X
Zeng
Jinsheng
J
Pei
Zhong
Z
Cheung
Raymond Tak Fai
RT
Zhou
Qiuping Pearl
QP
Ling
Li
L
Yu
Jian
J
Tan
Jianling
J
Zhang
Zhenlu
Z
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000401:mortality*