Long-term Outcomes After Stroke
Author Information
Author(s): Charles D. A. Wolfe, Siobhan L. Crichton, Peter U. Heuschmann, Christopher J. McKevitt, André M. Toschke, Andy P. Grieve, Anthony G. Rudd
Primary Institution: King's College London
Hypothesis
What are the long-term outcomes for stroke survivors up to ten years after their initial stroke?
Conclusion
Between 20% and 30% of stroke survivors experience poor outcomes up to ten years after their stroke.
Supporting Evidence
- 20%–30% of stroke survivors had poor outcomes over 10 years of follow-up.
- The highest rate of disability was observed 7 days after stroke.
- Rates of inactivity and cognitive impairment declined up to 1 year after stroke.
- Anxiety and depression rates fluctuated over time, affecting about a third of the population.
- Age was associated with higher rates of disability, inactivity, and cognitive impairment.
Takeaway
Many people who survive a stroke continue to have problems for a long time, like difficulty moving or thinking. This study shows that these issues can last for many years.
Methodology
Data were collected from the South London Stroke Register, which documented all first-ever strokes from 1995 to 2006, assessing outcomes like disability, cognitive impairment, and mental health over time.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to inclusion of only patients referred to hospitals or rehabilitation settings.
Limitations
The study may be affected by loss to follow-up and does not compare outcomes with non-stroke populations.
Participant Demographics
The study included a diverse population with 72.7% White, 19.1% Black, and 5.5% from other ethnic groups, with a mean age of 70.3 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI for cumulative survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 63.7%, 42.8%, and 24.0%, respectively.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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