Functional Status and Its Related Factors Among Stroke Survivors in Rehabilitation Departments of Hospitals in Shenzhen, China

Background: Many stroke survivors have multiple chronic diseases and complications, coupled with various other factors which may affect their functional status. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with poor functional status in hospitalized patients with stroke in Shenzhen, China.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data on 646 patients with stroke were recruited from four urban hospitals using cluster sampling. The Longshi Scale was used to assess the functional status of stroke survivors. Explanatory variables, i.e. factors affecting functional status, included demographic, lifestyle factors, complications, and chronic conditions. The ordinal logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with poor functional status. Results: Stroke survivors with poor functional status accounted for 72.14% and were assessed as the bedridden group based on the Longshi scale, 21.67% of patients with moderate functional limitation were assessed as the domestic group and 6.19% of the patients with mild functional restriction was assessed as the community group. The highest dependence was noted for feeding (73.39%), bowel and bladder management (69.74%), and bedtime entertainment (69.53%) among the bedridden group, and housework (74.29%) among the domestic group. In the adjusted model, patients who were in older age groups (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.55–3.80), female (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08–2.77), duration of stroke more than 12 months (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.28–2.95), with pulmonary infection (OR = 10.91, 95% CI: 5.81–20.50), and with deep venous thrombosis (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.28–7.04) had almost or more than two times the risk of poorer functioning.Conclusions: Our study found that 72.14% of stroke survivors had poor functional status, 21.67% and 6.19% of stroke survivors had moderate functional limitations and mild functional restrictions in rehabilitation settings. The older age bracket (age ≥ 60) and females were more likely to exhibit poor functioning. Pulmonary infection and deep venous thrombosis, both common post-stroke complications, were related to the increased chance of dependence. Therefore, interventions aimed at treating or preventing pulmonary infection and deep vein thrombosis need to contribute to addressing these circumstances and subsequent dysfunction after stroke.

Validation of the Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis in Chinese Patients

Background and ObjectivesThe Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE) is a scale for assessing severity in autoimmune encephalitis. We aimed to validate the CASE score in a Chinese population and evaluate its clinical significance.MethodsPatients diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis were recruited between June 2014 and May 2019 from two hospitals. CASE and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were obtained. Data regarding clinical features, treatment, and available information were gathered from the hospital information system.ResultsOf the 176 patients with autoimmune encephalitis, 11 died and 14 had tumors. Ten patients received second-line treatment. The CASE scores of patients receiving second-line treatment were significantly higher (median CASE: 15) than in those receiving first-line treatment (median CASE: 8) (p<0.001). Twenty-two patients had poor functional status (mRS>2). Areas under the curve of CASE on whether functional status was poor at 1 year were 0.89 (p<0.001). Sixty patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the CASE scores were positively correlated with days in the ICU (r=0.58, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the CASE scores and relapse (p=0.39>0.05). Additionally, the CASE scores were positively associated with the mRS scores (r=0.85 p<0.001).ConclusionsThe CASE score is suitable for the comprehensive assessment of Chinese patients with autoimmune encephalitis, which may help clinicians to select the appropriate intervention and estimate the disease severity and prognosis.

Functional recovery after cesarean delivery: a prospective cohort study in rural Rwanda

Background Women who deliver via cesarean section (c-section) experience short- and long-term complications that may affect their physical health and their ability to function normally. While physical health outcomes are routinely assessed and monitored, postpartum functional outcomes are not well understood from a patient’s perspective or characterized by clinicians. In Rwanda, 11% of rural women deliver via c-section. This study explores the functional recovery of rural Rwandan women after c-section and assesses factors that predict poor functionality at postoperative day (POD) 30. Methods Data were collected prospectively on POD 3, 11, and 30 from women delivering at Kirehe District Hospital between October 2019 and March 2020. Functionality was measured by self-reported overall health, energy level, mobility, self-care ability, and ability to perform usual activities. We computed composite mean scores with a maximum score of 4.0 and scores ≤ 2.0 reflected poor functionality. We assessed functionality with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results Of 617 patients, 54.0%, 25.9%, and 26.8% reported poor functional status at POD3, POD11, and POD30, respectively. At POD30, the most self-reported poor functionality dimensions were poor or very poor overall health (48.1%), and inability to perform usual activities (15.6%). In the adjusted model, women whose surgery lasted 30–45 minutes had higher odds of poor functionality (aOR = 1.85, p = 0.01), as did women who experienced intraoperative complications (aOR = 4.12, p = 0.037). High income patients had incrementally lower significant odds of poor functionality (aOR = 0.62 for every US$100 increase in monthly income, p = 0.04). Conclusion We found a high proportion of poor functionality 30 days post-c-section and while surgery lasting > 30 minutes and experiencing intra-operative complications was associated with poor functionality, a reported higher income status was associated with lower odds of poor functionality. Functional status assessments, monitoring and support should be included in post-partum care for women who delivered via c-section. Effective risk mitigating intervention should be implemented to recover functionality after c-section, particularly among low-income women and those undergoing longer surgical procedures or those with intraoperative complications.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Index and Futile Recanalization in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

Futile recanalization remains a significant challenge for endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The inflammatory response that occurs after cerebral infarct plays a central role in stroke pathobiology that can influence the outcome of a recanalization procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and futile recanalization in patients with AIS. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with ischemic stroke due to proximal arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation, who were treated with EVT and achieved near-complete or complete recanalization. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) were collected from admission blood work to calculate SIRI as ANC × AMC/ALC. The study outcome was futile recanalization, defined as poor functional status [modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3] at 3 months despite complete or near-complete recanalization. A total of 184 patients were included. Futile recanalization was observed in 110 (59.8%) patients. Older patients (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.10, p < 0.001), higher admission National Institutes of Health stroke scale score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, p = 0.013), and higher admission SIRI (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17, p = 0.028) increased the risk of the poor outcome at 3 months despite complete or near-complete recanalization.

Exertional intolerance and dyspnea with preserved lung function: an emerging long COVID phenotype?

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant acute morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is now a growing recognition of the longer-term sequelae of this infection, termed “long COVID”. However, little is known about this condition. Here, we describe a distinct phenotype seen in a subset of patients with long COVID who have reduced exercise tolerance as measured by the 6 min walk test. They are associated with significant exertional dyspnea, reduced health-related quality of life and poor functional status. However, surprisingly, they do not appear to have any major pulmonary function abnormalities or increased burden of neurologic, musculoskeletal or fatigue symptoms.

Abdominotransanal resection of a strangulated rectal carcinosarcoma

This is a case of a 75-year-old man who presented with a 7-month history of a reducible rectal mass. The patient came to the emergency department with a prolapsed necrotic bowel involving a strangulated segment with the rectal mass. He underwent an abdominotransanal resection through a combined abdominal and perineal approach. His postoperative course was unremarkable. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies showed a rectal carcinosarcoma. Because of a state-mandated lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the patient failed to follow-up. He was later seen to have metastatic progression. Owing to the poor functional status of the patient, the shared decision of the multidisciplinary team, the patient and his family was to manage him with palliative intent.

Admission Hydration Status and Ischemic Stroke Outcome—Experience from a National Registry of Hospitalized Stroke Patients

Reduced intravascular volume upon ischemic stroke (IS) admission has been associated with in-hospital complications, disability, and reduced survival. We aimed to evaluate the association of the urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) with disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year. Using a national registry, we identified hospitalized IS patients without renal failure. Disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year were studied by UCR, and associations between UCR levels and each outcome were assessed adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, comorbidities, use of statins, and use of diuretics. In total, 2212 patients were included. Levels (median (25–75%)) for the main study variables were: urea 5.16 (3.66–6.83) mmol/L; creatinine 80 (64–92) µmol/L; and UCR 65 (58–74). Levels of UCR were significantly higher in patients with disability or death at discharge (p < 0.0001), those with complications during hospitalization (p = 0.03), those with infection during hospitalization (p = 0.0003), and those dead at 1 year (p < 0.0001). Analysis by UCR quartile showed that rates of disability or death at discharge, infections, complications overall, and death at 1 year in patients with UCR in the 4th quartile were significantly higher than in others. Risk-factor-adjusted analysis by UCR quartiles demonstrated an inconsistent independent association between UCR and disability or death after ischemic stroke. A high 1-year mortality rate was observed in IS patients with elevated UCR, yet this finding was not statistically significant after controlling for risk factors. Our study shows inconsistent associations between hydration status and poor functional status at discharge, and no association with length of stay, in-hospital complications (infectious and overall), and 1-year mortality.

Mortality and morbidity in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A single-center experience

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common cause of non-ischemic strokes. Considering high mortality and poor functional status following ICH, we investigated factors that can predict short-term outcome and affect recovery of these patients. Methods: In this prospective descriptive study, 100 patients with non-traumatic ICH were included. Clinical and radiographic data were collected and extent of disability was measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge. Results: 32 of 100 cases died at hospital and 6 more expired during 3-month follow-up. Risk factors of in-hospital mortality were warfarin use, surgical intervention, and high ICH score. Functional status of patients significantly improved 3 months after discharge. Factors associated with poor recovery were age older than 70, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at admission, elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP), longer hospitalization, and high ICH score. Conclusion: ICH was associated with high rate of mortality (36%). Warfarin use, surgical intervention, and high ICH score were predictive of mortality during hospitalization and 3-month follow-up. Improvement of functional status began after 1 month and significantly improved 3 months after discharge.

Functional status and its associated factors among community-dwelling older adults in rural Nepal: findings from a cross-sectional study

Background The high burden of chronic conditions, coupled with various physical, mental, and psychosocial changes that accompany the phenomenon of aging, may limit the functional ability of older adults. This study aims to assess the prevalence of poor functional status and investigate factors associated with poor functional status among community-dwelling older adults in rural communities of eastern Nepal. Methods Data on 794 older adults aged ≥ 60 years from a previous community-based cross-sectional study was used. Participants were recruited from rural municipalities of Morang and Sunsari districts of eastern Nepal using multi-stage cluster sampling. Functional status was assessed in terms of participants’ ability to perform activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and self-reported chronic conditions. A binary logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with poor functional status. Results The overall prevalence of poor functional status was 8.3 % (male: 7.0 % and female: 9.6 %), with most dependence noted for using stairs (17.3 %), followed by dressing (21.9 %) on Barthel Index. In the adjusted model, oldest age group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83, 95 %CI: 1.46, 5.50), those unemployed (OR = 2.41, 95 %CI: 1.26, 4.65), having memory/concentration problems (OR = 2.32, 95 %CI: 1.30, 4.13), depressive symptoms (OR = 2.52, 95 %CI: 1.28, 4.95), and hypertension (OR = 1.78, 95 %CI: 1.03, 3.06) had almost or more than two times poor functioning. Conclusions One in 12 older adults had poor functional status as indicated by their dependency on the items of the Barthel Index; those in the oldest age bracket were more likely to exhibit poor functional status. We suggest future studies from other geographies of the country to supplement our study from the rural setting for comprehensive identification of the problem, which could guide the development of prevention strategies and comprehensive interventions for addressing the unmet needs of the older adults for improving functional status.