Predictors of functional communication in people with aphasia after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Aphasia, the most common language disorder secondary to stroke, has been associated with increased mortality, longer hospitalization and rehabilitation times, worse performance in daily activities, increased financial burden, and short- and long-term complications. Aphasia can negatively impact functional communication skills, including social networks, social activities, relationships with other people and social support. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with poststroke aphasia in their respective residences to investigate potential predictors of functional communication. METHODS: The prospective cohort included patients with poststroke aphasia aged 18 years or older who resided in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil. Following discharge from the Stroke Unit (SU), the individuals themselves, or their guardians, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. At baseline, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, in addition to the scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) was applied at the patients' homes. Multivariate linear regression was employed using the total score on the ASHA FACS as the outcome of interest. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis of the associated factors identified using the linear regression revealed that only functional capacity (as assessed by the mBI) upon discharge from the SU remained as an independent predictor of functional communication performance (ß = 0.042; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.013-0.071; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The functional capacity to perform daily activities, evaluated upon discharge from a stroke unit, was identified as a potential predictor of functional communication performance, regardless of the time elapsed after the stroke.

ANTECEDENTES: A afasia, distúrbio de linguagem mais comum secundário ao acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), está associada ao aumento da mortalidade, a um maior tempo de internação e reabilitação, ao pior desempenho nas atividades diárias, ao aumento da carga financeira, e às complicações de curto e longo prazos. Pode impactar negativamente as habilidades de comunicação funcional, incluindo atividades sociais, relacionamento com outras pessoas, e o apoio social. OBJETIVO: Avaliar pacientes com afasia pós-AVC em suas respectivas residências para investigar potenciais preditores de comunicação funcional. MéTODOS: A coorte prospectiva incluiu pacientes com afasia pós-AVC com 18 anos de idade ou mais, residentes em Salvador, Brasil. Após a alta da Unidade de AVC (UAVC), os próprios indivíduos, ou seus responsáveis, foram contatados por telefone para agendamento de visita domiciliar no mínimo três meses após a alta. Inicialmente, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, além das pontuações na National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e no Índice de Barthel modificado (IBM). O American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) foi aplicado no domicílio dos pacientes. A regressão linear multivariada foi empregada usando a pontuação total no ASHA FACS como o desfecho de interesse. RESULTADOS: A análise multivariada por meio de regressão linear revelou que apenas a capacidade funcional avaliada na alta da UAVC permaneceu como preditor independente do desempenho da comunicação funcional (ß = 0,042; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 0,013­0,071; p = 0,002). CONCLUSãO: A capacidade funcional para realizar as atividades diárias, avaliada na alta hospitalar, foi identificada como potencial preditor do desempenho da comunicação funcional, independente do tempo desde o AVC.

Predictors of functional communication in people with aphasia after stroke / Preditores de comunicação funcional em pessoas com afasia após acidente vascular cerebral

Abstract Background Aphasia, the most common language disorder secondary to stroke, has been associated with increased mortality, longer hospitalization and rehabilitation times, worse performance in daily activities, increased financial burden, and short- and long-term complications. Aphasia can negatively impact functional communication skills, including social networks, social activities, relationships with other people and social support. Objective To evaluate patients with poststroke aphasia in their respective residences to investigate potential predictors of functional communication. Methods The prospective cohort included patients with poststroke aphasia aged 18 years or older who resided in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil. Following discharge from the Stroke Unit (SU), the individuals themselves, or their guardians, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. At baseline, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, in addition to the scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) was applied at the patients' homes. Multivariate linear regression was employed using the total score on the ASHA FACS as the outcome of interest. Results A multivariate analysis of the associated factors identified using the linear regression revealed that only functional capacity (as assessed by the mBI) upon discharge from the SU remained as an independent predictor of functional communication performance (β = 0.042; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.013-0.071; p = 0.002). Conclusion The functional capacity to perform daily activities, evaluated upon discharge from a stroke unit, was identified as a potential predictor of functional communication performance, regardless of the time elapsed after the stroke.

Resumo Antecedentes A afasia, distúrbio de linguagem mais comum secundário ao acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), está associada ao aumento da mortalidade, a um maior tempo de internação e reabilitação, ao pior desempenho nas atividades diárias, ao aumento da carga financeira, e às complicações de curto e longo prazos. Pode impactar negativamente as habilidades de comunicação funcional, incluindo atividades sociais, relacionamento com outras pessoas, e o apoio social. Objetivo Avaliar pacientes com afasia pós-AVC em suas respectivas residências para investigar potenciais preditores de comunicação funcional. Métodos A coorte prospectiva incluiu pacientes com afasia pós-AVC com 18 anos de idade ou mais, residentes em Salvador, Brasil. Após a alta da Unidade de AVC (UAVC), os próprios indivíduos, ou seus responsáveis, foram contatados por telefone para agendamento de visita domiciliar no mínimo três meses após a alta. Inicialmente, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, além das pontuações na National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e no Índice de Barthel modificado (IBM). O American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) foi aplicado no domicílio dos pacientes. A regressão linear multivariada foi empregada usando a pontuação total no ASHA FACS como o desfecho de interesse. Resultados A análise multivariada por meio de regressão linear revelou que apenas a capacidade funcional avaliada na alta da UAVC permaneceu como preditor independente do desempenho da comunicação funcional (β = 0,042; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 0,013-0,071; p = 0,002). Conclusão A capacidade funcional para realizar as atividades diárias, avaliada na alta hospitalar, foi identificada como potencial preditor do desempenho da comunicação funcional, independente do tempo desde o AVC.

Responsividade de dois instrumentos de avaliação do equilíbrio em pacientes pós-AVE trombolisado na fase aguda / Responsiveness of two instruments for assessing balance in patients after thrombolyzed stroke in the acute phase

A Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e a Escala de Avaliação Postural para Pacientes com Sequelas de AVE (EAPA) são ferramentas de medida úteis e válidas na prática clínica. Objetivo: Comparar a responsividade da EEB e EAPA na avaliação do equilíbrio de indivíduos pós-AVE trombolisado na fase aguda. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal analítico, realizado em uma Unidade de AVC, no qual foram aplicados a EEB e a EAPA nas primeiras 24 horas e no sétimo dia de internamento ou no dia da alta. Para determinação da responsividade adotou-se o Índice de Tamanho de Efeito (TE) e a Média de Resposta Padronizada (MRP), sendo calculados efeito solo e teto de ambas as escalas. Resultados: 44 pacientes, predominantemente do sexo masculino, média de idade 60 (±13) anos e mediana NIHSS 3,5 [1-6]. Ambos os instrumentos de avaliação detectaram melhora do equilíbrio. As escalas apresentaram TE pequeno, sendo o TE da EEB igual a 0,2 e o da EAPA igual a 0,3. A MRP foi moderada para as duas escalas, sendo a MRP da EEB igual a 0,7 e da EAPA igual a 0,6. A EAPA apresentou efeito solo menor do que a EEB nas primeiras 24 horas, enquanto no sétimo dia, a EEB apresentou efeito teto menor. Conclusão: A EAPA pode ser uma melhor opção para avaliação do equilíbrio em pacientes pós-AVE nas primeiras 24 horas, à medida em que a EEB pode ser uma melhor escolha para avaliação a partir do sétimo dia nessa população específica.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Postural Assessment for Stroke Scale (PASS) are useful and valid measurement tools in clinical practice. Objective: To compare the responsiveness of BBS and PASS in assessing the balance of post-stroke thrombolyzed individuals in the acute phase. Methods: This is a longitudinal analytical study, conducted in a Stroke Unit, in which BSS and PASS were applied in the first 24 hours and on the seventh day of hospitalization or on the day of discharge. To determine responsiveness, the Effect Size Index (ES) and the Standardized Response Mean (SRM) were adopted, and the soil and ceiling effect of both scales were also calculated. Results: 44 patients, predominantly male, mean age 60 (±13) years and median NIHSS 3.5 [1-6]. Both assessment instruments detected improved balance. Both scales presented small ES, with the BBS ES being equal to 0.2 and PASS equal to 0.3. The SRM was moderate for both scales, with the SRM of the BBS equal to 0.7 and the PASS equal to 0.6. The PASS had a lower soil effect than BBS in the first 24 hours, and on the seventh day, BBS had a lower ceiling effect. Conclusion: PASS can be a best option for balance assessment in patients post-stroke in the first 24 hours, while BBS may be a better choice for evaluation from the seventh post-stroke in this specific population.

Confiabilidade e validade concorrente da Escala de Mobilidade Hospitalar em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral / Reliability and concurrent validity of the Hospital Mobility Scale in acute stroke patients

A Escala de Mobilidade Hospitalar (EMH) avalia de forma específica a mobilidade de pacientes após AVC no ambiente hospitalar e em estudo prévio foi demonstrada a sua concordância interexaminadores, validade preditiva e a responsividade a mudanças na fase aguda. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade concorrente da EMH e a sua confiabilidade ao ser aplicada através de entrevista. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de validação, desenvolvido com pacientes internados em uma Unidade de AVC na cidade de Salvador-Bahia. Para avaliar a validade concorrente da EMH comparamos o seu escore com a pontuação da Escala de Rankin modificada (ERm) utilizando o teste de Spearman. Ambas escalas foram aplicadas no quinto dia após o AVC pelo mesmo pesquisador, previamente treinado. Para avaliação da confiabilidade da EMH quando aplicada através de entrevista, a escala foi aplicada por dois examinadores em turnos diferentes, no mesmo dia. O primeiro examinador aplicou a escala através da observação do desempenho e o segundo examinador através de entrevista. Utilizamos para esta análise o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). RESULTADOS: A pontuação total da EMH apresentou uma correlação positiva muito forte com a ERm (r=0,90) e também foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre os subitens da EMH e a ERm. Ao comparar a aplicação da EMH através da observação do desempenho e aplicação por entrevista, observamos uma excelente concordância interexaminadores (CCI > 0,90). CONCLUSÃO: A Escala de Mobilidade Hospitalar, projetada especificamente para pacientes após AVC, mostrou um alto grau de validade concorrente e se mostrou confiável quando aplicada através de entrevista.

The Hospital Mobility Scale (HMS) evaluates the mobility of stroke patients in the hospital environment and in a previous study showed its inter-examiner agreement, predictive validity and responsiveness to changes in the acute phase. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concurrent validity of HMS and its reliability when applied by interview. METHODS: This is a validation study, that was developed with patients admitted in a stroke unit, in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. In order to assess the concurrent validity of the HMS, we compared its score with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score by using the spearman test. The same researcher applied both scales on the fifth day after stroke. To assess the reliability of HMS when applied by interview, two examiners applied the scale in different shifts, on the same day. The first evaluation was face-to-face and the second was performed by interview. For this analysis, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The HMS showed a very strong positive correlation with the mRS (r = 0.90) and a significant correlation was also found between the sub-items of the HMS and the mRS. We found excellent inter-examiner agreement between face-to-face and interview assessment (ICC>0.90). CONCLUSION: The hospital mobility scale, that was developed specifically for stroke patients, showed a high degree of concurrent validity and was reliable when applied by interview.

Investigating predictors of community integration in individuals after stroke in a residential setting: A longitutinal study.

AIM: To identify potential predictors of community integration in individuals after stroke using a residential setting-based strategy. METHOD: A prospective cohort of post-stroke individuals was recruited from the Stroke Unit of the Roberto Santos General Hospital (UAVC-HGRS). All included individuals were aged over 18 years, received a diagnosis of ischemic stroke confirmed by neuroimaging and resided in the city of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil). Following discharge from the stroke unit, the individuals themselves, or their responsible parties, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. All subjects were examined in their homes, at which time the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) was also applied. A robust linear regression model was used to assess community reintegration using CIQ score as the outcome variable. RESULTS: A total of 124 individuals effectively fulfilled the eligibility criteria: 51.6% were females, the median (IQR) age was 63(53-69) years, 82.3% were non-white, 53.2% were married, the median (IQR) of years of schooling was 6 (4-12) and family income averaged two minimum monthly wages. Investigated individuals presented a median (IQR) NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 7 (4-12). Multivariate linear regression identified the following independent predictors of community integration: age (ß = -0.095; 95% CI = -0.165 to -0.025; p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (ß = -2.348; 95% CI = -4.125 to -0.571; p = 0.010), smoking habit (ß = -2.951; 95% CI = -5.081 to -0.821; p = 0.007), functional capacity upon hospital discharge (ß = 0.168; 95% CI = 0.093 to 0.242; p = <0.001) and stroke severity (ß = -0.163; CI = -0.318 to -0.009); p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of length of time since stroke, individuals present restrictions that compromise their reintegration into their respective communities. The demographic, clinical and functional factors identified herein as potential predictors should be considered when conducting regular follow-up, as well as in the rehabilitation of individuals after stroke with the purpose to identify the interventions necessary to optimize their reintegration into the community.

A Simple Hospital Mobility Scale for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Predicts Long-term Functional Outcome.

Background. Stroke patients present restriction of mobility in the acute phase, and the use of a simple and specific scale can be useful to guide rehabilitation. Objective. To validate and propose a Hospital Mobility Scale (HMS) for ischemic stroke patients as well as to evaluate the HMS as a prognostic indicator. Methods. This study was performed in 2 phases: in the first, we developed the HMS content, and in the second, we defined its score and evaluated its psychometric properties. We performed a longitudinal prospective study consisting of 2 cohorts (derivation and validation cohorts). The data were collected in a stroke unit, and the following scales were applied during hospitalization: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to quantify stroke severity and the HMS to verify the degree of mobility. The primary outcome was the proportion of unfavorable functional outcomes, defined as a modified Barthel Index of <95. Results. We defined 3 tasks for HMS: sitting, standing, and gait. In the derivation cohort, the HMS presented an accuracy of 84.5% measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI = 78.3-90.7; P < .001), whereas in the validation cohort the accuracy was 87.8% (95% CI = 81.9%-93.7%; P < .001). The HMS presented a large standardized effect size (1.41) and excellent interexaminer agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.962; 95% CI = 0.917-0.983; P < .001). Conclusion. The HMS was able to predict accurately the functional outcome of poststroke patients, presented excellent interexaminer agreement, and was sensitive in detecting changes.

Validation of the Frenchay activity index on stroke victims.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and predictive validity of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) in patients after stroke. METHODS: One hundred sixty-one patients were selected for consecutive application of the FAI and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Spearman's test was used for correlation between different scales. The FAI and NIHSS association was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Additionally, 36 patients underwent FAI rating on the same day by two independent evaluators. RESULTS: A negative correlation between the FAI and the NIHSS scores (p = 0.017 r = -0.22) was found. Adjusting all variables with possible association with the NIHSS, ordinal logistic regression showed that the FAI had a significant association with NIHSS scores (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, p: 0.033). The inter-rater agreement was considered good, k = 0.66 (0.54 to 0.78), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The FAI is a valid and useful method to assess instrumental activities before acute stroke in a Brazilian population.

Validation of the Frenchay activity index on stroke victims / Validação do índice de atividades de Frenchay em indivíduos após AVC

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and predictive validity of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) in patients after stroke. Methods One hundred sixty-one patients were selected for consecutive application of the FAI and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Spearman’s test was used for correlation between different scales. The FAI and NIHSS association was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Additionally, 36 patients underwent FAI rating on the same day by two independent evaluators. Results A negative correlation between the FAI and the NIHSS scores (p = 0.017 r = -0.22) was found. Adjusting all variables with possible association with the NIHSS, ordinal logistic regression showed that the FAI had a significant association with NIHSS scores (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, p: 0.033). The inter-rater agreement was considered good, k = 0.66 (0.54 to 0.78), p < 0.001. Conclusions The FAI is a valid and useful method to assess instrumental activities before acute stroke in a Brazilian population.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a confiabilidade inter-examinador e a validade preditiva do Índice de Atividades de Frenchay (FAI) em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral. Métodos 161 pacientes foram selecionados para aplicação consecutiva da FAI e NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). O teste de Spearman foi utilizado para correlação entre as diferentes escalas. A associação FAI e NIHSS foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística ordinal. Adicionalmente, 36 pacientes foram submetidos à aplicação do FAI por dois avaliadores independentes, no mesmo dia. Resultados Foi encontrada uma correlação negativa entre o FAI e o NIHSS (r = -0,22; p = 0,017). Ajustando todas as variáveis com possível associação com NIHSS, a regressão logística ordinal demonstrou que o FAI tem associação significativa com o NIHSS (OR 0,93, 95% CI 0,87-0,99, p: 0,033). A concordância entre avaliadores foi considerada boa, k = 0,66 (0,54-0,78), p < 0,001. Conclusões FAI é um método válido e útil para avaliar atividades instrumentais antes de AVC agudo em uma população brasileira.

Proposal for a New Predictive Scale for Recurrent Risk of Fall in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Patients with Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine risk factors related to the occurrence of falls in stroke patients and to propose a new predictive scale for falls. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following scales were applied: Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Subjects were followed prospectively for 2 years for the occurrence of recurrent (≥2) falls. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed and univariable associations were tested using log-rank test. Two separate multivariable models were then used: the first used Cox proportional hazards regression and the second used Poisson regression. In each model, significant associations were considered present with a P value less than .05. RESULTS: We evaluated 150 individuals and the final analysis included 131 patients; the average age of the patients was 55.8 ± 13 years, 52% were women, and the median NIHSS score was 2 (interquartile range = 1-5). Falls occurred in 17% of patients, with a median of 23 months of follow-up (interquartile range = 16-26 months). In the multivariable Cox regression model, only TUG quartile, female gender, and posterior circulation territory involvement remained significant predictors of recurrent falls. We used the predictors from the Cox regression model to propose a new recurrent fall risk scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 73%, 95% confidence interval = 62%-83%, P = .001, with 81.3% sensitivity and 41.8% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The new predictive scale for recurrent risk (including TUG, posterior circulation territory involvement, and female gender) is presented as an instrument for monitoring the risk of recurrent falls.

Risk factors associated with falls in adult patients after stroke living in the community: baseline data from a stroke cohort in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with stroke have a high risk of falling, and their fall predictors may differ from those of other populations. PURPOSE: To estimate fall frequency and identify factors related to fall occurrence in a sample of patients with stroke residing in the community. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 150 consecutive stroke patients with independent gait, and the following scales were applied: modified Barthel Index (mBI), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Univariate analysis was performed; variables with possible association (P < .1) were included in a logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify the best cutoff point for TUG. RESULTS: Falls occurred in 37% of patients. In multivariate analysis, right hemisphere injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.621; 95% CI, 1.196-5.740; P = .016), time in TUG (OR, 1.035 for every increase in 1 second; 95% CI, 1.003-1.069; P = .034), and longer time since stroke onset (OR, 1.012 for every month increase; 95% CI, 1.002-1.021; P = .015) remained predictors. When we grouped individuals according to affected cerebral hemisphere, both hemispheres had similar accuracy, but TUG cutoff point was lower in individuals with right- versus left-hemisphere lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with poor TUG performance, longer times since stroke onset, and right-hemisphere injury have particularly high fall rates, and TUG cutoff points for fall prediction vary according to cerebral hemisphere.

Differential aspects of stroke and congestive heart failure in quality of life reduction: a case series with three comparison groups.

BACKGROUND: To assess QOL of patients with stroke in comparison to other groups (caregivers and CHF patients), to identify which items of QOL are more affected on each group and what is the functional profile of patients with stroke. METHODS: Consecutive stroke or congestive heart failure (CHF) patients were evaluated and compared to their caregivers (caregivers). The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scale were applied. RESULTS: We evaluated 67 patients with stroke, 62 with CHF and 67 caregivers. For stroke patients, median NIHSS score was four. EQ-5D score was significantly worse in stroke, as compared to CHF and caregivers (0.52, 0.69 and 0.65, respectively). Mobility and usual activity domains were significantly affected in stroke and CHF patients as compared to caregivers; and self-care was more affected in stroke as compared with the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a mild neurological deficit, there was a significantly worse QOL perception in stroke as compared to CHF patients, mostly in their perception of self-care.

Validation of the EuroQol quality of life questionnaire on stroke victims.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a quality of life scale, EuroQoL, on stroke patients. METHOD: 67 patients were scored simultaneously for EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). Pearson test was used to correlate each scale. Additionally, 31 patients were examined by two independent evaluators on the same day through application of EQ-5D. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate interobserver agreement. RESULTS: EQ-5D showed good correlation with both stroke severity (NIHSS, r= -0.404, P<0.001) and degree of impairment on activities of daily living (mBI, r=0.512, P<0.001). We noticed a good interobserver agreement (k>0.60) in all dimensions evaluated (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that EQ-5D is reproducible and valid on evaluation of quality of life in patients post stroke in Brazil.