Independência funcional, aspectos clínicos e fatores sociodemográficos em pacientes na fase aguda do Acidente Vascular Cerebral: uma análise de associação / Functional independence, clinical aspects, and sociodemographic factors in patients in the acute phase of stroke: an association analysis

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a associação da independência funcional com aspectos clínicos de comprometimento neurológico, a localização e extensão do dano neuronal e os fatores sociodemográficos em pacientes na fase aguda do AVC. Método Estudo analítico de recorte transversal, realizado com 90 pacientes adultos e idosos acometidos por AVC isquêmico, que tiveram admissão no ambiente hospitalar nas primeiras 24 horas após o evento vascular. A coleta dos dados referentes aos aspectos clínicos e fatores sociodemográficos foi realizada pelo prontuário eletrônico e/ou entrevista para descrever o perfil dos pacientes, Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project, Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale e a Medida de Independência Funcional. Resultados O comprometimento neurológico, de acordo com a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, foi associado à funcionalidade nas primeiras 24 horas após o AVC. Além disso, a presença de hipertensão arterial, idade, trabalho inativo, tabagismo e extensão do dano neuronal estiveram associados à dependência funcional, mas não permaneceram no modelo final deste estudo. Conclusão A dependência funcional está associada à hipertensão arterial, idade, trabalho inativo, tabagismo, extensão do dano neuronal e grau de comprometimento neurológico nas primeiras 24 horas após o evento vascular. Além disso, um nível mais elevado de comprometimento neurológico foi independentemente associado a níveis aumentados de dependência funcional.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the association of functional independence with clinical aspects of neurological impairment, the location and extent of neuronal damage and sociodemographic factors in patients in the acute phase of stroke. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study in 90 adult and older patients affected by ischemic stroke, admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of the vascular event. Sociodemographic factors and clinical aspects data were collected from electronic medical records and/or interviews in order to depict the patients'profile, Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project, Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and Functional Independence Measure. Results Neurological impairment, according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, was associated with functioning in the first 24 hours after the stroke. Furthermore, the presence of arterial hypertension, age, inactive work, smoking and extent of neuronal damage were associated with functional dependence, but did not remain in the final model of this study. Conclusion Functional dependence is associated with arterial hypertension, age, inactive work, smoking, extent of neuronal damage, and degree of neurological impairment in the first 24 hours after the vascular event. Furthermore, a higher level of neurological impairment was independently associated with increased levels of functional dependence.

Clinical evolution of dysphagic patients after malignant infarction and decompressive craniectomy: a case series / Evolução clínica de pacientes disfágicos pós-AVCi maligno e craniectomia descompressiva: série de casos

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize clinical-neurological factors and the functional swallowing capacity of patients with malignant infarction submitted to decompressive craniectomy during the hospital stay. This retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2021. The following data regarding up to eight stages were extracted for descriptive analysis: age, location of the lesion, level of awareness according to the Glasgow Coma Scale, neurological impairment according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and the functional swallowing capacity according to the Functional Oral Intake Scale. Data on five patients were collected, with a mean of 0.2 days for the first neurological assessment. Decompressive craniectomy was performed in a mean of 2 days after admission. The speech-language-hearing assessment occurred in a mean of 8.2 days, and the speech-language-hearing discharge took a mean of 35.4 days. The neurological impairment score remained the same as in the first neurological assessment after decompressive craniectomy, with a mean score of 16.6. The functional swallowing capacity was the same in the first assessment after decompressive craniectomy, on FOIS level 1, improving considerably by the discharge, with a mean level of 4.8. It is concluded that clinical-neurological factors can interfere with the functional swallowing capacity, although they did not hinder either speech-language-hearing treatment or their evolution to a full oral diet during the hospital stay.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho é caracterizar fatores clínicos-neurológicos e capacidade funcional de deglutição de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral Isquêmico Maligno submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva durante internação hospitalar. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado de janeiro de 2020 a dezembro de 2021. Os dados foram extraídos em até oito momentos, incluindo idade, local da lesão, nível de consciência de acordo com Glasgow, comprometimento neurológico pelo National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale e capacidade funcional de deglutição pela Escala Funcional de Ingestão por Via Oral. Realizou-se análise descritiva. Foram coletados dados de 5 pacientes sendo a média de tempo para primeira avaliação neurológica de 0,2 dias. A realização da craniectomia descompressiva levou em média 2 dias após admissão. Avaliação fonoaudiológica ocorreu, em média, 8,2 dias e alta fonoaudiológica levou, em média, 35,4 dias. O comprometimento neurológico manteve-se na pontuação da primeira avaliação neurológica pós-craniectomia descompressiva, média de 16,6. A capacidade funcional de deglutição foi a mesma na primeira avaliação pós-craniectomia descompressiva, com nível 1 na FOIS, melhorando consideravelmente, com média de nível 4,8, na alta. Concluiu-se que fatores clínicos-neurológicos podem interferir na capacidade funcional de deglutição, contudo não limitaram a atuação fonoaudiológica e evolução com dieta oral exclusiva na internação hospitalar.

Autopercepção da paralisia facial e condições sociodemográficas clínicas de pacientes pós-AVC agudo: uma análise de associação / Self-perception of facial paralysis and sociodemographic-clinical conditions of postacute stroke patients: association analysis / Autopercepción de pacientes agudos faciales y condiciones sociodemográficas-clínicas posteriores post-accidente cerebrovascular en la fase aguda un análisis de asociación de pacientes

Introdução: A Paralisia Facial é uma das sequelas mais comuns em pacientes pós- Acidente Vascular Cerebral, podendo ocasionar uma série de consequências negativas para autopercepção. Objetivos: Avaliar autopercepção dos pacientes quanto à paralisia facial pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral na fase aguda e verificar se está relacionada às condições sociodemográficas e clínicas. Método: Trata-se de estudo descritivo observacional com 86 pacientes com paralisia facial pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade acima de 18 anos, escala de Glasgow maior que 13 e compreensão preservada. Dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram extraídos do prontuário. A mímica facial foi avaliada com protocolo House & Brackmann (1985) e a autopercepção quanto aos incômodos físicos e psicossociais pelo questionário de auto-avaliação da condição facial. Foram realizadas análises descritiva e de associação com significância estatística de 5%. Resultados: O grau de comprometimento da paralisia facial variou entre moderado a paralisia total. A maioria dos pacientes avaliou a face em repouso como boa, movimento da face como péssima e ruim, sendo os lábios com pior classificação. Os pacientes relataram muito prejuízo nas atividades sociais, muita insatisfação com a face e médio prejuízo da alimentação. A análise de associação revelou que a autopercepção da face em repouso está associada ao sexo e ao comprometimento neurológico. Conclusão: Os pacientes na fase aguda do Acidente Vascular Cerebral possuem autopercepção de que a paralisia facial impacta no movimento dos lábios e atividades psicossociais, sendo pior para as mulheres e naqueles com o nível de comprometimento neurológico moderado e grave.

Introduction: Facial palsy is one of the most common sequelae in post-stroke patients, bringing a series of negative consequences for self-perception. Objective: To evaluate patients' self-perception regarding facial palsy after acute stroke and verify if it is related to sociodemographic and clinical conditions. Method: This is a descriptive observational study with 86 patients with facial paralysis after acute stroke admitted to a public hospital. The inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, Glasgow scale above 13 and preserved understanding. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from the medical records. Facial mimicry was assessed using the House & Brackmann protocol (1985) and self-perception of physical and psychosocial discomfort using the facial condition self-assessment questionnaire. Descriptive and association analyses were performed with statistical significance of 5%. Results: The degree of impairment of facial paralysis varied from moderate to total paralysis. Most patients rated the resting face as good, face movement as very bad and bad, with the lips being the worst rated. The patients reported a lot of damage in social activities, a lot of dissatisfaction with the face and medium impairment on eating. The association analysis revealed that self-perception of the face at rest is associated with sex and neurological impairment. Conclusion: Patients in the acute phase of stroke have a self-perception that facial paralysis impacts on lip movement and psychosocial activities, being worse for women and those with moderate and severe neurological impairment.

Introducción: La parálisis facial es una de las secuelas más comunes en pacientes post-accidente cerebrovascular, que puede causar una serie de consecuencias negativas para la auto-percepción. Objetivos: Evaluar la auto-percepción de los pacientes con respecto a la parálisis facial después del accidente cerebrovascular en la fase aguda y verificar si está relacionada con condiciones sociodemográficas y clínicas. Método: Este es un estudio descriptivo observacional con 86 pacientes con parálisis facial después del accidente cerebrovascular. Los criterios de inclusión tenían una edad superior a los 18 años, glasgow escalaba más de 13 y se conservaba la comprensión. Los datos sociodemográficos y clínicos se extrajeron de los registros médicos. El mimetismo facial fue evaluado usando el protocolo house &brackmann (1985) y la auto-percepción de las molestias físicas y psicosociales explora la autoevaluación de la condición facial. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y asociativos con una significación estadística del 5%. Resultados: El grado de afectación de la parálisis facial osciló entre la parálisis moderada y total. La mayoría de los pacientes calificaron la cara en reposo como buena, el movimiento facial como malo y malo, siendo los labios los peor valorados. Los pacientes reportaron mucho deterioro en las actividades sociales, mucha insatisfacción con el deterioro facial y medio de los alimentos. El análisis de la asociación reveló que la autopercepción de la cara en reposo se asocia con el sexo y el deterioro neurológico. Conclusión: Los pacientes en la fase aguda del accidente cerebrovascular tienen la autopercepción de que la parálisis facial afecta el movimiento de los labios y las actividades psicosociales, siendo peor para las mujeres y aquellos con el nivel de deterioro neurológico moderado y grave.

Pediatric Oral Health Self-reported by Caregivers of NormalHearing and Hearing-Impaired Children

Abstract Objective: To verify and compare the sociodemographic data and caregivers' self-perception of children's oral health condition, hygiene habits and seek for dental services among family units of deaf and normalhearing children. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 parents/caregivers of 16 deaf and 48 normal-hearing children of 3-14 years old, belonging to reference centers in Belo Horizonte, southeastern Brazil. Deaf and hearing children were matched according to their sex and age. Sociodemographic characteristics of the family units and self-report of oral health conditions and care were assessed using a structured questionnaire, including information regarding seeking pediatric dental services. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed (p<0.05). Results: Most individuals in the sample were mothers (84.4%). Low family income (p=0.024) and higher education level of guardians (p=0.018) were associated with families of hearing children. The report of clinical treatment or toothache as the main reason for the children's last dental appointment was associated with families of deaf children (p=0.047). Conclusion: Based on caregivers' reports, hearing-impaired children demonstrated greater vulnerability to present dental pain or clinical treatment as the main reasons for their last access to dental appointments.

Clinical correlates of social cognition after an ischemic stroke: preliminary findings.

The co-occurrence of post-stroke behavioral disorders and cognitive impairment has been extensively investigated. However, studies usually do not include social cognition among the assessed cognitive domains. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential association between facial emotion recognition, a measure of social cognition, and behavioral and cognitive symptoms in the subacute phase of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Patients admitted to a Stroke Unit with ischemic stroke were followed up to 60 days. At this time point, they were evaluated with the following tools: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB); Visual Memory Test of the Brief Cognitive Battery (VMT); Phonemic Verbal Fluency (F-A-S Test); Digit Span; Facial Emotion Recognition Test (FERT) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A control group composed of 21 healthy individuals also underwent the same evaluation. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. They had similar age, sex and schooling years compared to controls. Depression symptoms and episodic memory deficits were significantly more frequent in patients compared to controls. The recognition of sadness expression positively correlated with the levels of anxiety and depression, while and the recognition of fear expression negatively correlated with depression in the stroke group. CONCLUSIONS: After an ischemic stroke, patients exhibit impairment in social cognition skills, specifically facial emotion recognition, in association with behavioral symptoms.

A co-ocorrência de distúrbios comportamentais e comprometimento cognitivo pós-acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é amplamente descrita na literatura. No entanto, os estudos geralmente não incluem a cognição social entre os domínios cognitivos avaliados. OBJETIVO: Investigar a potencial associação entre o reconhecimento da emoção facial, uma medida da cognição social, e os sintomas comportamentais e cognitivos na fase subaguda do AVC isquêmico. MÉTODOS: Pacientes internados em uma Unidade de AVC com AVC isquêmico foram acompanhados até 60 dias, quando foram avaliados com os seguintes instrumentos: Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM); Bateria de Avaliação Frontal (FAB); Teste de Memória Visual da Bateria Cognitiva Breve (VMT); Fluência Verbal Fonêmica (Teste F-A-S); Span de dígitos; Teste de Reconhecimento de Emoção Facial (FERT) e Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS). Um grupo controle constituído por 21 indivíduos saudáveis também foi submetido à mesma avaliação. RESULTADOS: Dezoito pacientes com AVC isquêmico foram incluídos no presente estudo, apresentando idade, sexo e anos de escolaridade semelhantes aos do grupo controle. Os sintomas de depressão e déficits de memória episódica foram significativamente mais frequentes em pacientes com AVC. O reconhecimento da expressão de tristeza correlacionou-se positivamente com os níveis de ansiedade e depressão, ao passo que o reconhecimento da expressão de medo correlacionou-se negativamente com depressão no grupo de AVC. CONCLUSÕES: Após um AVC isquêmico, pacientes podem apresentar alterações de cognição social, especificamente de reconhecimento da emoção facial, em associação com sintomas comportamentais.

Perfil e trajetória profissional dos fonoaudiólogos egressos de um programa de residência multiprofissional / Profile and professional trajectory of speech therapists and multiprofessional residence

RESUMO: Objetivo analisar o perfil e a trajetória de atuação profissional do fonoaudiólogo egresso de um programa de residência multiprofissional em saúde do idoso. Métodos estudo observacional transversal, cuja amostra consistiu em 26 fonoaudiólogos que concluíram o programa de residência entre 2012 e 2019, em um hospital público, e responderam a um questionário online, composto por 32 questões referentes ao perfil do egresso e a trajetória profissional após a residência multiprofissional. Os dados sociodemográficos, o tipo de formação, a experiência profissional e os demais dados foram analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados a maioria dos egressos era mulher, com média de idade de 25,6 anos, ao iniciar a residência, solteiras, sem filhos. Os egressos consideraram a residência relevante para a inserção no mercado de trabalho e o primeiro emprego foi entre 0 e 3 meses após a conclusão, na mesma área de especialização e no setor privado. No período da coleta, a maioria trabalhava com idosos e no setor público. Foi observada melhora da remuneração dos egressos após a realização de formações continuadas. Conclusão os fonoaudiólogos egressos da residência multiprofissional que participaram do estudo foram, em sua maioria, mulheres, obtiveram emprego em curto período após a conclusão e, atualmente, trabalham com idosos e no setor público, indicando que o programa cumpre com os quesitos pressupostos de formação.

ABSTRACT Purpose to analyze the profile and trajectory of professional performance of the speech therapist who graduated from a Multiprofessional Residency Program in Elderly Health. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study, which sample consisted of 26 speech therapists who completed the residency program between 2012 and 2019 in a public hospital and answered an online questionnaire consisting of 32 questions regarding the graduate's profile and trajectory professional after the Multiprofessional Residency. Sociodemographic data, type of education, professional experience and other obtained data underwent through a descriptive analysis. Results Most of the graduates were women with average age, at the beginning of the program, of 25.6 years, single, without children, they considered that the residency was relevant for insertion in the labor market, the first job was between 0 to 3 months after completion, in the same area of expertise and in the private sector. At the time of this study, most of them were working with the elderly and in the public sector. It was observed an improvement in the remuneration of the egresses after carrying out continuing education. Conclusion The egresses speech language pathologist of the Multiprofessional Residency were mostly women, were working with the elderly and in the public sector, indicating that the program complies with the presupposed formation requisits.

O uso da kinesio taping no tratamento da paralisia facial pós-acidente vascular cerebral fase aguda / The use of kinesio taping in the treatment of the acute phase of post-stroke facial paralysis

RESUMO Objetivo comparar os resultados da reabilitação da paralisia facial pós-acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na fase aguda, com e sem o uso da Kinesio Taping. Métodos estudo experimental caso e controle com 46 pacientes com paralisia facial pós-acidente vascular cerebral, distribuídos em dois grupos de forma randomizada, para a reabilitação da mímica facial: o grupo caso realizou terapia miofuncional orofacial e fez uso da Kinesio Taping nos músculos zigomáticos maior e menor e o grupo controle apenas terapia miofuncional orofacial. Para avaliação da paralisia facial, foi utilizada a escala de House e Brackmann e o protocolo de incompetência do movimento para as medições da face. Todos os participantes realizaram 12 dias de intervenção fonoaudiológica para a reabilitação da mímica facial. Para análise, considerou-se a incompetência do movimento por meio das medidas da face e o grau de comprometimento da paralisia facial e foi verificado se a idade poderia ter influenciado os resultados. Foram realizadas análises de associação e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados os dois grupos apresentaram melhora da assimetria facial após intervenção fonoaudiológica, a incompetência do movimento foi menor em todas as medidas da face e a melhora da gravidade da paralisia facial foi semelhante, sem diferença estatística entre os tratamentos. Conclusão tanto a terapia miofuncional orofacial exclusiva, como associada ao uso da Kinesio Taping, são estratégias terapêuticas que promovem melhora da paralisia facial pós-acidente vascular cerebral.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the results of treatment of facial paralysis after ischemic stroke in the acute phase with and without the use of Kinesio Taping. Methods Experimental case-control study with 46 patients with facial paralysis after stroke, randomly assigned to two groups for treatment of facial mimicry: the case group underwent orofacial myofunctional therapy and used Kinesio Taping on the zygomatic major and minor muscles while the control group only received orofacial myofunctional therapy. To assess facial paralysis, the House and Brackmann scale and the movement incompetence protocol were used for facial measurements. All participants underwent 12 days of treatment for facial mimicry. The analysis considered movement incompetence by means of the face measurements and the degree of impairment of facial paralysis, checking whether age might have influenced the results. Association analyses were performed and the significance level adopted was 5%. Results both groups showed an improvement in facial asymmetry after treatment, movement incompetence was lower in all facial measurements, and the improvement in the severity of facial paralysis was similar, with no statistical difference between treatments. Conclusion Both the exclusive orofacial myofunctional therapy and the one combined with Kinesio Taping are therapeutic strategies that promote improvement in post-stroke facial paralysis.

Clinical and molecular correlates of the ASPECTS in the acute phase of stroke.

BACKGROUND: The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) scale was developed for monitoring early ischemic changes on CT, being associated with clinical outcomes. The ASPECTS can also associate with peripheral biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiological response of the brain to the ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between peripheral biomarkers with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) in individuals after ischemic stroke. METHODS: Patients over 18 years old with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. No patient was eligible for thrombolysis. The patients were submitted to non-contrast CT in the first 24 hours of admission, being the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score and clinical and molecular evaluations applied on the same day. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination for clinical evaluation were also applied to all subjects. Plasma levels of BDNF, VCAM-1, VEGF, IL-1ß, sTNFRs and adiponectin were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Worse neurological impairment (NIHSS), cognitive (MEEM) and functional (Rankin) performance was observed in the group with changes in the NCTT. Patients with NCTT changes also exhibited higher levels of IL-1ß and adiponectin. In the linear multivariate regression, an adjusted R coefficient of 0.515 was found, indicating adiponectin and NIHSS as independent predictors of ASPECTS. CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of adiponectin are associated with the ASPECTS scores.

Clinical and molecular correlates of the ASPECTS in the acute phase of stroke / Correlação clínica e molecular com a ASPECTS na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Background: The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) scale was developed for monitoring early ischemic changes on CT, being associated with clinical outcomes. The ASPECTS can also associate with peripheral biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiological response of the brain to the ischemic stroke. Objective: To investigate the association between peripheral biomarkers with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) in individuals after ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients over 18 years old with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. No patient was eligible for thrombolysis. The patients were submitted to non-contrast CT in the first 24 hours of admission, being the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score and clinical and molecular evaluations applied on the same day. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination for clinical evaluation were also applied to all subjects. Plasma levels of BDNF, VCAM-1, VEGF, IL-1β, sTNFRs and adiponectin were determined by ELISA. Results: Worse neurological impairment (NIHSS), cognitive (MEEM) and functional (Rankin) performance was observed in the group with changes in the NCTT. Patients with NCTT changes also exhibited higher levels of IL-1β and adiponectin. In the linear multivariate regression, an adjusted R coefficient of 0.515 was found, indicating adiponectin and NIHSS as independent predictors of ASPECTS. Conclusion: Plasma levels of adiponectin are associated with the ASPECTS scores.

RESUMO Introdução: A Alberta Stroke Early Score (ASPECTS) foi desenvolvida para monitorização de alterações isquêmicas precoces na tomografia computadorizada de crânio, estando associada a desfechos clínicos. A ASPECTS também pode se associar aos biomarcadores periféricos que refletem a resposta fisiopatológica do cérebro ao AVC isquêmico. Objetivo: Investigar à associação entre os parâmetros periféricos com a Alberta Stroke Early Score (ASPECTS) em indivíduos após acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. Métodos: Pacientes acima de 18 anos com AVC isquêmico agudo foram incluídos neste estudo. Nenhum paciente foi elegível para trombólise. Os pacientes foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada sem contraste nas primeiras 24 horas da admissão, a ASPECTS e as avaliações clínicas e moleculares aplicadas no mesmo dia. O National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a escala de Rankin modificada e o Mini Exame do Estado Mental para avaliação clínica também foram aplicados a todos os indivíduos. Os níveis plasmáticos de BDNF, VCAM-1, VEGF, IL-1β, sTNFRs e adiponectina foram determinados por ELISA. Resultados: Pior desempenho neurológico (NIHSS), cognitivo (MEEM) e funcional (Rankin) foram observados no grupo com alterações na ASPECTS. Pacientes com alterações na ASPECTS também exibiram níveis mais altos de IL-1β e adiponectina. Na regressão multivariada linear, foi encontrado um coeficiente R ajustado de 0,515, indicando adiponectina e NIHSS como preditores independentes para a ASPECTS. Conclusão: Os níveis plasmáticos de adiponectina estão associados aos escores da ASPECTS.

Post-stroke patients with and without thrombolysis: analysis of deglutition in the acute phase of the disease. / Pacientes pós-AVC com e sem trombólise: análise da deglutição na fase aguda da doença.

PURPOSE: To verify the frequency and severity of dysphagia after ischemic stroke with or without thrombolysis in the acute phase; and the association among dysphagia, demographic characteristics, neurological and functional impairments and thrombolysis. METHODS: A retrospective study of the medical records of 94 patients who suffered from ischemic stroke during the acute phase of the disease. From these, 52 patients received thrombolytic therapy and 42 patients did not receive such therapy. We collected data on age, sex, comorbidities, therapeutic time window of thrombolytic therapy, level of consciousness, degree of neurological impairment, level of functional dependency and clinical swallowing examination. A descriptive analysis included categorical and continuous variables, and an analysis of the association using the Pearson's Chi-Square Test, in which the value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant association. RESULTS: The frequency of dysphagia in the thrombolytic patients was 67.3%, the odds ratio was 4.6 higher than the non-thrombolysed patients. The severity of dysphagia was not associated with thrombolysis. There was an association between the presence of dysphagia and functional dependence. Demographic characteristics and neurological impairment were not associated with dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic patients were more likely to develop dysphagia than non-thrombolysed patients in the acute phase of stroke, with dysphagia associated to functional dependence.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência e a gravidade de disfagia pós-acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na fase aguda com e sem trombólise e a associação entre a disfagia e as características demográficas, comprometimentos neurológico e funcional e a realização da trombólise. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de análise de prontuário de 94 pacientes pós-acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na fase aguda, destes, 52 pacientes realizaram trombólise e 42 não receberam o tratamento. Os dados coletados foram: idade, sexo, comorbidades, janela terapêutica para realização da trombólise, nível de consciência, grau de comprometimento neurológico, nível de dependência funcional, avaliação clínica da deglutição. Foram realizadas análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e contínuas e análise de associação pelo teste Quiquadrado de Pearson, sendo consideradas como associações estatisticamente significantes as que apresentaram valor de p ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: A frequência de disfagia nos pacientes trombolizados foi de 67,3%. Os pacientes trombolizados apresentaram 4,6 vezes mais chance de apresentarem disfagia do que os pacientes não trombolizados. A gravidade da disfagia não apresentou associação com a realização da trombólise. Houve associação entre a presença de disfagia e a dependência funcional. As características demográficas e o comprometimento neurológico não apresentaram associação com o transtorno da deglutição. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes trombolizados apresentaram maior tendência de desenvolverem disfagia do que os não trombolizados na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral, estando a disfagia associada à dependência funcional.

Pacientes pós-AVC com e sem trombólise: análise da deglutição na fase aguda da doença / Post-stroke patients with and without thrombolysis: analysis of deglutition in the acute phase of the disease

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a frequência e a gravidade de disfagia pós-acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na fase aguda com e sem trombólise e a associação entre a disfagia e as características demográficas, comprometimentos neurológico e funcional e a realização da trombólise. Método Estudo retrospectivo de análise de prontuário de 94 pacientes pós-acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico na fase aguda, destes, 52 pacientes realizaram trombólise e 42 não receberam o tratamento. Os dados coletados foram: idade, sexo, comorbidades, janela terapêutica para realização da trombólise, nível de consciência, grau de comprometimento neurológico, nível de dependência funcional, avaliação clínica da deglutição. Foram realizadas análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas e contínuas e análise de associação pelo teste Quiquadrado de Pearson, sendo consideradas como associações estatisticamente significantes as que apresentaram valor de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados A frequência de disfagia nos pacientes trombolizados foi de 67,3%. Os pacientes trombolizados apresentaram 4,6 vezes mais chance de apresentarem disfagia do que os pacientes não trombolizados. A gravidade da disfagia não apresentou associação com a realização da trombólise. Houve associação entre a presença de disfagia e a dependência funcional. As características demográficas e o comprometimento neurológico não apresentaram associação com o transtorno da deglutição. Conclusão Os pacientes trombolizados apresentaram maior tendência de desenvolverem disfagia do que os não trombolizados na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral, estando a disfagia associada à dependência funcional.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the frequency and severity of dysphagia after ischemic stroke with or without thrombolysis in the acute phase; and the association among dysphagia, demographic characteristics, neurological and functional impairments and thrombolysis. Methods A retrospective study of the medical records of 94 patients who suffered from ischemic stroke during the acute phase of the disease. From these, 52 patients received thrombolytic therapy and 42 patients did not receive such therapy. We collected data on age, sex, comorbidities, therapeutic time window of thrombolytic therapy, level of consciousness, degree of neurological impairment, level of functional dependency and clinical swallowing examination. A descriptive analysis included categorical and continuous variables, and an analysis of the association using the Pearson's Chi-Square Test, in which the value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant association. Results The frequency of dysphagia in the thrombolytic patients was 67.3%, the odds ratio was 4.6 higher than the non-thrombolysed patients. The severity of dysphagia was not associated with thrombolysis. There was an association between the presence of dysphagia and functional dependence. Demographic characteristics and neurological impairment were not associated with dysphagia. Conclusion Thrombolytic patients were more likely to develop dysphagia than non-thrombolysed patients in the acute phase of stroke, with dysphagia associated to functional dependence.

Swallowing progression during the acute phase of cortical and subcortical ischemic stroke and its association with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment.

Objective: To assess swallowing progression and its association with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment during the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study with 50 patients, who were admitted to a Stroke Unit with cerebral ischemia, with a maximum stroke time of 24 h. The following clinical tools were used: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Battery Assessment, and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score for neuroimaging. The Gugging Swallowing Screen and the Functional Oral Intake Scale were used to assess swallowing. The patients were assessed at three different time-points: at hospital admission, after 72 h of hospitalization, and at hospital discharge. Results: The mean age of patients was 65.5 years. The frequency of dysphagic patients was 50.0%, 18.0%, and 12.0% at admission, after 72 h of hospitalization, and at discharge, respectively. Scores on the Frontal Battery Assessment and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were associated with dysphagia progression. Conclusion: Dysphagia is a common complication in the acute phase of stroke, and is associated with the extension of brain damage and cognitive impairment.

Plasma Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor are Associated with Prognosis in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke.

CONTEXT: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival, differentiation, and maturation. PURPOSE: To evaluate the levels of BDNF in the acute phase of stroke and their potential association with neurological impairment. METHODS: Patients in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were evaluated with the following clinical tools: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin scale, Gugging Swallowing Screen and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. Blood samples were collected at 3 different moments of hospital stay. BDNF was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients who were discharged after 10 days had worse clinical outcomes and higher levels of BDNF since admission. There was correlation between BDNF levels and clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: BDNF levels were associated with clinical prognosis in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

Association between executive and food functions in the acute phase after stroke.

Purpose To investigate potential associations among executive, physical and food functions in the acute phase after stroke. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 63 patients admitted to the stroke unit of a public hospital. The exclusion criteria were other neurological and/or psychiatric diagnoses. The tools for evaluation were: Mini-Mental State Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery for cognitive functions; Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score for quantification of brain injury; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for neurological impairment; Modified Rankin Scale for functionality, and the Functional Oral Intake Scale for food function. Results The sample comprised 34 men (54%) and 29 women with a mean age of 63.6 years. The Frontal Assessment Battery was significantly associated with the other scales. In multivariate analysis, executive function was independently associated with the Functional Oral Intake Scale. Conclusion Most patients exhibited executive dysfunction that significantly compromised oral intake.

Association between executive and food functions in the acute phase after stroke / Associações entre função executiva e habilidade de alimentação pós-AVC na fase aguda

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate potential associations among executive, physical and food functions in the acute phase after stroke. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated 63 patients admitted to the stroke unit of a public hospital. The exclusion criteria were other neurological and/or psychiatric diagnoses. The tools for evaluation were: Mini-Mental State Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery for cognitive functions; Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score for quantification of brain injury; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for neurological impairment; Modified Rankin Scale for functionality, and the Functional Oral Intake Scale for food function. Results The sample comprised 34 men (54%) and 29 women with a mean age of 63.6 years. The Frontal Assessment Battery was significantly associated with the other scales. In multivariate analysis, executive function was independently associated with the Functional Oral Intake Scale. Conclusion Most patients exhibited executive dysfunction that significantly compromised oral intake.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar potenciais associações entre funções executiva, física global e de alimentação na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos Trata-se de estudo transversal envolvendo 63 pacientes admitidos em unidade de AVC de um hospital público. Os critérios de exclusão foram outros diagnósticos neurológicos e/ou psiquiátricos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Mini-Exame do Estado Mental e Bateria de Avaliação Frontal para avaliar funções cognitivas; Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score para quantificação da lesão cerebral; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale para comprometimento neurológico; Escala Modificada de Rankin para funcionalidade e Functional Oral Intake Scale para função alimentar. Resultados A amostra compreendeu 34 homens e 29 mulheres, sendo a idade média de 63,6 anos. A Bateria de Avaliação Frontal correlacionou significativamente com as demais escalas. Na análise multivariada, a variável independentemente associada com a função executiva foi a Functional Oral Intake Scale. Conclusão A maioria dos pacientes com AVC apresenta alterações das funções executivas que comprometem significativamente a alimentação oral.

Perfil dos pacientes com diagnóstico de AVC atendidos em um hospital de Minas Gerais credenciado na linha de cuidados / Profile of patients with a diagnosis of stroke attended at a hospital in Minas Gerais accredited in the care line

Introdução: Acidente Vascular Cerebral é um problema de saúde pública em que estudos epidemiológicos evidenciam a importância da prevenção, promoção e tratamento da doença no Brasil. Objetivo: descrever a distribuição de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral nos diferentes setores de internação de um hospital da rede pública credenciado pelo Ministério da Saúde na linha de cuidados. Métodos: Estudo transversal em que foram avaliados pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral admitidos no Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves de Belo Horizonte no período de janeiro a junho de 2015. Dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram extraídos dos prontuários e/ ou por meio de entrevistas, sendo analisadas as informações: sexo; idade; mecanismo fisiopatológico; tempo de ictus; fatores de risco para o AVC; setor de internação; tempo de internação e complicações clínicas. Resultados: Dos 223 pacientes internados, 55% eram sexo masculino e idade média de 64,3 anos. Em relação aos setores hospitalares, 169 foram alocados para a Unidade de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (82% isquêmico), 24 no Centro de Tratamento Intensivo (79% hemorrágico), 23 no Pronto Atendimento (74% Ataque Isquêmico Transitório) e sete na Enfermaria Geral. A média do tempo de ictus foi de 13,2 horas. O tempo médio de internação foi de 12,4 ± 9,8 dias, entretanto a Enfermaria Geral e o Centro de Tratamento Intensivo apresentaram maiores tempos de internação e número de complicações clínicas. Conclusão: A linha de cuidado em Acidente Vascular Cerebral nos hospitais pode reduzir complicações clínicas, mortalidade e tempo de internação, contribuindo para organização de setores de internação e utilização de recursos hospitalares.(AU)

Background: Stroke is a public health problem in which epidemiological studies evidence the importance of the prevention, promotion and treatment of the disease in Brazil. Purpose: To describe the distribution of patients with Stroke in different hospital sectors of a public hospital accredited by the Ministry of Health in care line. Methods: Cross-sectional study which evaluated patients with Stroke admitted to the Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves Belo Horizonte in the period January-June 2015. socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and / or through interviews, and analyzed information: gender; age; Pathophysiological mechanism; Stroke time; Risk factors for stroke; Hospitalization; Length of hospital stay and clinical complications. Results: Of the 223 hospitalized patients, 55% were male and mean age was 64.3 years. In the hospital sectors, 169 were allocated to the Stroke Unit (82% ischemic), 24 in the Intensive Care Center (79% hemorrhagic), 23 in the Emergency Care Unit (74% Transient Ischemic Attack) and 7 in the General Nursing. The mean stroke time was 13.2 hours. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.4 ± 9.8 days, although the General Nursing and Intensive Care had longer hospitalization times and number of clinical complications. Conclusion: The line of care in stroke in hospitals can reduce clinical complications, mortality and length of stay, contributing to the organization of hospitalization sectors and use of hospital resources. (AU)

Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the current study were 1) to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale and 2) to investigate the quality of life of Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis and its determinants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 69 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent neurological evaluation and completed questionnaires regarding quality of life (the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale), anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale showed high internal consistency and good concurrent validity with the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and its subscales. Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis included the current status of myasthenia gravis as assessed by the Myasthenia Gravis Composite, the current prednisone dose and the levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale is a valid instrument. Symptom severity, prednisone dosage and anxiety and depression levels impact the quality of life of patients with myasthenia gravis.

Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the current study were 1) to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale and 2) to investigate the quality of life of Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis and its determinants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 69 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent neurological evaluation and completed questionnaires regarding quality of life (the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale), anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale showed high internal consistency and good concurrent validity with the 36-item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study and its subscales. Determinants of quality of life in Brazilian patients with myasthenia gravis included the current status of myasthenia gravis as assessed by the Myasthenia Gravis Composite, the current prednisone dose and the levels of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale is a valid instrument. Symptom severity, prednisone dosage and anxiety and depression levels impact the quality of life of patients with myasthenia gravis.

Frequency and factors associated with dysphagia in stroke.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of dysphagia in acute stroke and the possible associated clinical and sociodemographic features. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed including 100 stroke patients who were admitted to the Minas Gerais Regional Public Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and the patients underwent clinical evaluation through the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS). RESULTS: The frequency of dysphagia was 50%, and most patients had severe swallowing disorders. Only a previous history of stroke was associated with dysphagia (p=0.02). Other sociodemographic and clinical variables were not associated with dysphagia, suggesting that the location and the pathophysiology of stroke did not influence its occurrence and severity. CONCLUSION: The frequency of dysphagia after stroke is high, being a previous stroke an important risk factor for subsequent stroke.

Evolução da deglutição no pós-AVC agudo: estudo descritivo / Evolution of swallowing in post-acute stroke: a descriptive study

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a evolução da deglutição de pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral. Métodos: trata-se de estudo exploratório descritivo com amostra não probabilística em que foram acompanhados 100 pacientes admitidos com o diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral no Hospital Público Regional de Betim. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação fonoaudiológica estruturada em dois momentos: nas primeiras 48 horas após acidente vascular cerebral e no momento da alta hospitalar. Utilizou-se a escala Gugging Swallowing Screen que é um instrumento padronizado e validado para ser utilizado na beira do leito. Resultados: na avaliação fonoaudiológica inicial, a frequência da disfagia foi de 52%, sendo que 28% dos pacientes foram classificados como disfagia grave com alto risco de aspiração. A média de tempo entre a avaliação inicial da deglutição e a do momento da alta hospitalar foi de 22,1 dias. Na alta, apenas 2,1% dos pacientes ainda apresentavam disfagia grave. Observou-se mudança do perfil de deglutição do paciente de acordo com a gravidade da disfagia e da consistência da dieta oral. Conclusão: a frequência de disfagia após acidente vascular cerebral é alta, mas há progressiva mudança no perfil de deglutição do paciente durante o período de internação.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the evolution of swallowing after acute stroke. Methods: this is a descriptive exploratory study with a non-probabilistic sample where 100 stroke patients were followed in the Regional Public Hospital of Betim. The patients were subjected to a structured speech evaluation in two different times: in the first 48 hours after stroke and at the time of hospital discharge. The Gugging Swallowing Screen scale was used. It is a standardized and valid tool to be used at the bedside. Results: in the initial speech evaluation, the frequency of dysphagia among patients was of 52%, being that 28% of them were diagnosed with severe dysphagia with high risk of aspiration. The average time between the initial swallowing assessment and the assessment at the hospital discharge was 22.1 days. At the hospital discharge, only 2.1% of patients still presented severe dysphagia. A change of the swallowing profile with the severity of dysphagia and texture of the oral feeding was observed. Conclusion: the frequency of post-stroke dysphagia is high, but there are progressive changes in the swallowing profile of the patients during their hospital stay.