Prognostic Factors in Patients with Severe Stroke: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors that contribute to improvement in the recovery phase of patients with severe stroke during the acute phase.

Methods: This study targeted patients with a Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score of 55 or below at the time of discharge from an acute phase hospital. Patients were divided into two groups based on a 16-point gain in FIM scores during the recovery phase. Various factors were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis test, chi-squared test for independence, and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Significant differences between the improvement group and the non-improvement group were observed in age; body mass index (BMI) classification; length of hospital stay; and motor, cognitive, and total FIM scores at discharge from the acute phase hospital. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified three independent factors: BMI classification (odds ratio [OR], 0.26), total FIM score (OR, 0.92), and length of hospital stay (OR, 1.07).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that modifiable factors during acute hospitalization play an important role in the subsequent recovery of patients with severe stroke. Even in severe cases, appropriate systemic management and functional training during the acute phase may be essential for recovery.