Clinical prediction of functional outcome after ischemic stroke: the surprising importance of periventricular white matter disease and race.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to build models that address questions of interest to patients and families by predicting short- and long-term mortality and functional outcome after ischemic stroke, while allowing for risk restratification as comorbid events accumulate. METHODS: A cohort of 451 ischemic stroke subjects in 1999 were interviewed during hospitalization, at 3 months, and at approximately 4 years. Medical records from the acute hospitalization were abstracted. All hospitalizations for 3 months poststroke were reviewed to ascertain medical and psychiatric comorbidities, which were categorized for analysis. Multivariable models were derived to predict mortality and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) at 3 months and 4 years. Comorbidities were included as modifiers of the 3-month models, and included in 4-year predictions. RESULTS: Poststroke medical and psychiatric comorbidities significantly increased short-term poststroke mortality and morbidity. Severe periventricular white matter disease (PVWMD) was significantly associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months, independent of other factors, such as diabetes and age; inclusion of this imaging variable eliminated other traditional risk factors often found in stroke outcomes models. Outcome at 3 months was a significant predictor of long-term mortality and functional outcome. Black race was a predictor of 4-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that predictive models for stroke outcome, as well as analysis of clinical trials, should include adjustment for comorbid conditions. The effects of PVWMD on short-term functional outcomes and black race on long-term mortality are findings that require confirmation.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- White People
- Treatment Outcome
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Stroke
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Prospective Studies
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Models, Statistical
- Middle Aged
- Male
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- White People
- Treatment Outcome
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Stroke
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Prospective Studies
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Models, Statistical
- Middle Aged
- Male