ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Evaluation of outcome after
stroke is largely based on assessment of gross function 3 months after
stroke onset using
scales such as mRS. Cognitive or social functions, level of
symptom burden or emotional
health are not usually assessed, nor are data available on long-term functional outcomes years after
stroke.
METHODS:
Analysis of 1141
patients with AIS treated with IVT from two major German
university hospitals between 2017 and 2020.
Patient characteristics and short-term outcome were analysed from
patient records. Long-term outcome of 228
patients with prior written
informed consent was assessed via
telephone survey using mRS and PROMs (EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS) 2.5 years after
stroke.
RESULTS:
Predictors of excellent to good long-term outcome were younger age, event to door
time ≤ 2 h, NIHSS ≤ 6 on admission and NIHSS ≤ 6 after IVT.
Stroke recurrence was a negative predictor. Predictors of excellent
quality of life at 2.5 years included age < 73 years, lower NIHSS after IVT, absence of
hypertension.
Quality of life was rated in all dimensions with a medium score of 1 and a medium EQ-VAS of 70, representing the good
general health status of this
stroke population.
CONCLUSION:
Main predictors of an excellent to good long-term outcome and excellent QoL 2.5 years after
stroke are younger age, lower NIHSS, and event to door
time ≤ 2 h.
Research on long-term outcome after
disease and
treatment is of utmost importance, as it has the
ability to reveal the
patient true functional outcome and
quality of life and to provide information on the status of independence and
self-esteem.