Comparação de desfechos clínicos e correlação entre funcionalidade e tempo de ventilação mecânica de pacientes em uti / Comparison of clinical outcomes and correlation between functionality and time of mechanical ventilation in icu patients / Comparación de los resultados clínicos y correlación entre la funcionalidad y el tiempo de ventilación mecánica de los pacientes en uti

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os desfechos clínicos dos pacientes em suporte ventilatório invasivo por período curto e prolongado e correlacionar funcionalidade e tempo de ventilação mecânica (VM). Estudo documental retrospectivo, realizado na UTI neurocirúrgica de um hospital escola. Dos prontuários clínicos foram coletados: idade, sexo, hipótese diagnóstica de internação, tempo de internação e de VM em dias, o desfecho sucesso ou falha da extubação e o nível de funcionalidade. Os prontuários foram divididos em grupo um (GI): pacientes em VM por até três dias e grupo dois (GII): pacientes em VM por mais de três dias. Foram analisados 210 prontuários, 73% dos pacientes permaneceram menos de três dias em VM. A idade média de GI foi 51,8±15,5 anos e GII 48,7±16,3 anos (p=0,20), prevalência do sexo masculino em GI (59%) e GII (68%). O acidente vascular cerebral foi o diagnóstico mais prevalente no GI (18%) e o tumor cerebral no GII (21%) e hipertensão arterial, a comorbidade mais prevalente em GI (28%) e GII (25%). O GII permaneceu maior tempo (p<0,0001) em VM e internação na UTI que o GI e percentual de sucesso no desmame/extubação menor (p=0,01) que o GI. Não houve correlação significativa entre funcionalidade e tempo de VM em GI e GII (p>0,05). Os pacientes em suporte ventilatório invasivo por período prolongado evoluíram com maior permanência em VM, maior tempo de internação na UTI e menor taxa de sucesso no desmame/extubação. O tempo de permanência em suporte ventilatório invasivo não interferiu na funcionalidade desses pacientes.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients on short- and long-term invasive ventilatory support and to correlate functionality and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Retrospective documental study, carried out in the neurosurgical ICU of a teaching hospital. The following were collected from the clinical records: age, gender, diagnostic hypothesis of hospitalization, length of hospital stay and MV in days, the outcome of success or failure of extubation and the level of functionality. The medical records were divided into group one (GI): patients on MV for up to three days and group two (GII): patients on MV for more than three days. A total of 210 medical records were analyzed, 73% of the patients remained on MV for less than three days. The mean age of GI was 51.8±15.5 years and GII 48.7±16.3 years (p=0.20), male prevalence in GI (59%) and GII (68%). Stroke was the most prevalent diagnosis in GI (18%) and brain tumor in GII (21%) and hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity in GI (28%) and GII (25%). GII remained longer (p<0.0001) in MV and ICU admission than GI and the percentage of success in weaning/extubation was lower (p=0.01) than GI. There was no significant correlation between functionality and time on MV in GI and GII (p>0.05). Patients on invasive ventilatory support for a long period evolved with longer MV stays, longer ICU stays and lower weaning/extubation success rates. The length of stay on invasive ventilatory support did not interfere with the functionality of these patients.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con soporte ventilatorio invasivo a corto y largo plazo y correlacionar la funcionalidad y el tiempo de ventilación mecánica (VM). Se trata de un estudio documental retrospectivo, realizado en la UCI neuroquirúrgica de un hospital universitario. Se recogieron los siguientes datos de las historias clínicas: edad, sexo, hipótesis diagnóstica, duración de la estancia y tiempo de VM en días, el resultado éxito o fracaso de la extubación y el nivel de funcionalidad. Las historias clínicas se dividieron en el grupo uno (GI): pacientes bajo VM hasta tres días y el grupo dos (GII): pacientes bajo VM durante más de tres días. Se analizaron 210 historias clínicas, el 73% de los pacientes permanecieron menos de tres días con VM. La edad media de GI fue de 51,8±15,5 años y la de GII de 48,7±16,3 años (p=0,20), con prevalencia masculina en GI (59%) y GII (68%). El ictus fue el diagnóstico más prevalente en GI (18%) y el tumor cerebral en GII (21%) y la hipertensión, la comorbilidad más prevalente en GI (28%) y GII (25%). El GII permaneció más tiempo (p<0,0001) en la VM y la estancia en la UCI que el GI y el porcentaje de éxito en el destete/extubación fue menor (p=0,01) que el GI. No hubo correlación significativa entre la funcionalidad y el tiempo de VM en GI y GII (p>0,05). Los pacientes con soporte ventilatorio invasivo a largo plazo evolucionaron con una mayor estancia en la VM, una mayor estancia en la UCI y una menor tasa de éxito de destete/extubación. La duración de la estancia con soporte ventilatorio invasivo no interfirió en la funcionalidad de estos pacientes.

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.

The association between sleep disturbances and tooth loss among post-stroke patients / Prevalência de edentulismo e distúrbios de sono após acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Background: Loss of teeth has been associated with neurological and sleep disorders. It is considered to be a predictor of stroke and leads to modifications of airway patency and predisposition to obstructive sleep apnea. Objective: To investigate sleep quality, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive sleepiness among post-stroke patients with tooth loss attending the Neurovascular Clinic of the Federal University of São Paulo. Methods: The prevalence rates of different types of stroke were assessed among 130 patients with different degrees of tooth loss, along with the presence of sleep disturbances, risk of obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. Results: The prevalence of ischemic stroke was 94.6%, with either no significant disability or slight disability. Our sample had poor sleep quality, and a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, but without excessive daytime sleepiness. Half of our sample had lost between 9 and 31 teeth, and more than 25% had edentulism. The majority used full removable dental prostheses, and more than half of these individuals slept without removing the prosthesis. Conclusions: We found high prevalence of poor sleep quality and high risk of obstructive sleep apnea among post-stroke patients with tooth loss. This indicates the need for further studies on treating and preventing sleep disturbances in stroke patients with tooth loss.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A perda de dentes tem sido associada a distúrbios neurológicos e do sono. É considerada um preditor de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), com modificações na permeabilidade das vias aéreas e predisposição à apneia obstrutiva do sono. Objetivo: Investigar a qualidade do sono, o risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono e a sonolência excessiva em pacientes pós-AVC com perda dentária, atendidos na Clínica Neurovascular da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Métodos: O estudo avaliou a prevalência de diferentes tipos de AVC em 130 pacientes com diferentes graus de perda dentária e a presença de distúrbios do sono, risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono e sonolência excessiva. Resultados: A prevalência de AVC isquêmico foi de 94,6%, sem deficiência significativa ou deficiência leve. Nossa amostra tinha má qualidade de sono e alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono, sem sonolência diurna excessiva. Metade de nossa amostra perdeu entre nove e 31 dentes, e mais de 25% tiveram edentulismo. A maioria usava próteses dentárias totalmente removíveis e, desses pacientes, mais da metade dormia com elas. Conclusões: Encontramos alta prevalência de má qualidade do sono e alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono em pacientes pós-AVC com perda dentária. Isso indica a necessidade de mais estudos sobre o tratamento e a prevenção de distúrbios do sono em pacientes com AVC e perda dentária.

Formal language assessment in low-educated persons with aphasia: can the lesion effect be distinguished from the education effect? / Avaliação da linguagem em pacientes afásicos com baixa escolaridade: o impacto da lesão neurológica pode ser discriminado da baixa escolaridade?

ABSTRACT Background: Language tests are important in the assessment and follow up of people with aphasia (PWA). However, language assessment in the low literacy population is still a challenge. Objective: To investigate whether a formal evaluation of aphasia is able to distinguish the neurological effect from the effect of low educational level in people with post-stroke aphasia. Methods: The sample consisted of a group of 30 aphasic subjects (AG) and a control group (CG) of 36 individuals, both with an educational level of 1-4 years. The Brazilian Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment battery was applied to all subjects. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in 19 out of the 20 tasks analyzed. Conclusions: These results suggest that formal evaluation procedures are able to detect language disorders resulting from stroke, even in subjects with low educational level.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Os testes de linguagem são importantes para a avaliação e o acompanhamento de pacientes afásicos. Apesar disso, a avaliação de linguagem em indivíduos com baixa escolaridade ainda é um desafio. Objetivo: Investigar se a avaliação formal da afasia é capaz de diferenciar o efeito da lesão neurológica versus o efeito da baixa escolaridade em pacientes afásicos, acometidos por acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos: A amostra foi composta de um grupo de 30 sujeitos afásicos (AG) e um grupo controle (CG) de 36 indivíduos, todos com um a quatro anos de escolaridade. A Bateria Montreal-Toulouse de Avaliação da Linguagem foi administrada a todos os participantes. Resultados: Das 20 tarefas analisadas, 19 apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que procedimentos formais de avaliação são capazes de identificar as alterações linguísticas ocasionadas por um AVC, também em pacientes com baixa escolaridade.

Scanning of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as an etiological risk factor in patients with acute ischemic stroke: prospective study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Prevention of recurrence of stroke depends on recognition of the underlying mechanism of ischemia. OBJECTIVE: To screen patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in terms of atrial fibrillation (AF) with repeated Holter electrocardiography recordings. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study conducted at Konya Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, without atrial fibrillation on electrocardiography (ECG), were evaluated. Their age, gender, histories of previous ischemic attack, occurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and other risks were assessed during the first week after acute ischemic stroke and one month thereafter. ECG recordings were obtained from 130 patients through 24-hour ambulatory Holter. Patients without PAF attack during the first Holter were re-evaluated. RESULTS: PAF was detected through the first Holter in 33 (25.4%) out of 130 acute ischemic stroke patients. A second Holter was planned for 97 patients: 53 (54.6%) of them could not attend due to COVID-19 pandemic; while 44 (45.3%) patients had the second Holter and, among these, 4 (9.1%) had PAF. The only parameter associated with PAF was older age. Four (10.8%) of the 37 patients with PAF had also symptomatic carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting the presence of PAF by screening patients with no AF in the ECG through Holter ECG examinations is valuable in terms of changing the course of the treatment. It should be kept in mind that the possibility of accompanying PAF cannot be ruled out in the presence of other factors that pose a risk of stroke.

An overview of dysphagia rehabilitation for stroke patients / Uma revisão das terapias de reabilitação para disfagia em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Background: Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty in the swallowing pattern at any stage of this neuromuscular process. It is a frequent symptom after stroke. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the most commonly used phonoaudiological interventions as therapy for the treatment of swallowing disorders in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Methods: We performed a review of studies indexed in MEDLINE-PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane, and Clinical trials.gov focusing on speech-language interventions for adult dysphagic patients after stroke between January 2008 and January 2021. Results: Thirty-six articles of clinical trials were selected. Eleven different types of therapies have been studied. Studies on the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for the rehabilitation of adult patients with dysphagia after stroke are still scarce. Most techniques are combined with conventional therapy, so the effectiveness of the other techniques alone cannot be assessed. Conclusions: Therapeutic interventions should be selected in accordance with the possibilities and limitations of the patients, and especially with the findings of the clinical evaluation and with its objective.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A disfagia é caracterizada como uma dificuldade no padrão de deglutição em qualquer fase desse processo neuromuscular. É um sintoma frequente após o Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as intervenções fonoaudiológicas mais utilizadas como terapia para o tratamento dos distúrbios da deglutição em pacientes com disfagia pós AVC. Métodos: Realizamos uma revisão dos estudos indexados no MEDLINE-PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane e Clinical trials.gov com foco nas intervenções fonoaudiológicas em pacientes adultos e disfágicos após AVC entre janeiro de 2008 e janeiro de 2021. Resultados: Foram selecionados trinta e seis artigos de ensaios clínicos e estudados onze tipos de terapia. Os estudos sobre a eficácia de intervenções terapêuticas para a reabilitação destes pacientes adultos ainda são restritos. A maioria das técnicas é aplicada em combinação com a terapia convencional, tornando inconclusiva a medição da eficácia de outras técnicas isoladamente. Conclusões: As intervenções terapêuticas devem ser escolhidas de acordo com as possibilidades e limitações dos pacientes e, principalmente, com os achados da avaliação clínica e seu objetivo.

A long-term ischemic stroke risk score model in patients aged 60 years and older with obstructive sleep apnea: a multicenter prospective cohort study / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the independent risk factors of long-term ischemic stroke and establish a nomogram for predicting the long-term risks in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).@*METHODS@#This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted from January, 2015 to October, 2017 among consecutive elderly patients (≥60 years) with newly diagnosed OSA without a history of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and loss of important clinical indicators. The follow-up outcome was the occurrence of ischemic stroke. The baseline demographic and clinical data, sleep parameters, laboratory and ultrasound results were collected from all the patients, who were randomized into the modeling group (n=856) and validation group (n=258) at a 3∶1 ratio. LASSO regression was used for variable reduction and dimension screening, and the risk score prediction model of ischemic stroke was established based on Cox proportional hazard regression.@*RESULTS@#In the total of 1141 patients enrolled in this study, 58 (5.08%) patients experienced ischemic stroke during the median follow-up of 42 months (range 41-54 months). The cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was 5.14% in the model group and 4.91% in the verification group (P < 0.05). Age (HR=3.44, 95% CI: 2.38- 7.77), fasting blood glucose (FPG) (HR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.22-3.72), internal diameter of the ascending aorta (HR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.0- 4.47), left atrial anteroposterior diameter (HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.75-2.25) and minimum oxygen saturation (LSpO2) (HR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.20-1.93) were identified as independent risk factors for ischemic stroke (P < 0.05 or 0.01). A long-term ischemic stroke risk score model was constructed based the regression coefficient ratios of these 5 risk variables. Before and after the application of the Bootstrap method, the AUC of the cohort risk score model was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78- 0.90) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78- 0.89) in the model group and was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73-0.93) and 0.82 (95%CI: 0.72-0.90) in the verification group, respectively, suggesting a good prediction efficiency and high robustness of the model. At the best clinical cutoff point, the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (P=0.021).@*CONCLUSION@#This model can help to identify high-risk OSA patients for early interventions of the risks of ischemic stroke associated with OSA.

Effects of whole body vibration combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spasticity and balance gait parameters in hemiplegic patients with stroke / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Stroke patients may have various sensory-motor disorders, such as spasticity, muscle weakness or sensory damage. Spasticity affects 20% to 40% of stroke patients. Patients with spasticity may have problems such as pain, motor function damage, and the decreased range of motion, which leads to decline of activity and quality of daily life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a technique that can improve post-stroke spasticity. Whole body vibration (WBV), as a passive neuromuscular muscle stimulation technique, can improve the posture control, muscle strength, and muscle work of different people. At present, there are still few studies using WBV combined with ESWT for the treatment of hemiplegic patients with stroke. This study aims to explore the effects of WBV combined with ESWT on spasticity of the affected lower limb and gait function in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2020 to March 2021, 50 hemiplegic patients with stroke were treated in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the First Hospital of Changsha and they were assigned into a control group and a combined group, 25 cases per group. Both groups carried out conventional treatment, while the control group undertook the ESWT and fake WBV based on conventional treatment, and the combined group undertook ESWT after WBV and conventional treatment. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Lower Extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and parameters of three-dimensional gait analysis including kinematic parameters (peak value of hip flexion and knee flexion) and spatiotemporal parameters (velocity, cadence and stride length) were assessed before and after 4-week treatment between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores in 2 groups were lower than before (both P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.001); BBS and FMA-LE scores were higher than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the combined group was higher than the control group (both P<0.001); in the control group, the walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the peak value of flexion hip and peak value of flexion knee (both P<0.05); the peak value of hip flexion, peak value of knee flexion, step speed, step frequency, and stride length in the combined group were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and were higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#WBV combined with ESWT can improve the spasticity and motor function of the affected lower extremity, balance, and gait in hemiplegic patients with stroke.

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Induced by Air Pollution / 中国医学科学院学报

Air pollution has severe detrimental effects on public health.A substantial number of studies have demonstrated that air pollution exposure is a risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and a cause of non-communicable diseases.Both long-term and short-term exposure to air pollution are associated with respiratory diseases,stroke,coronary artery disease,and diabetes.Aiming to better understand the association,we reviewed the latest studies about the association of air pollution with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,especially stroke,coronary heart disease,arrhythmia,hypertension,and heart failure,and summarized the underlying mechanisms of the health damage caused by long-term and short-term exposure to air pollution.

Effect of acupuncture for dysphagia after stroke based on fiberoptic endoscopic swallowing function evaluation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with regular treatment and swallowing function training on pharyngeal motor, sensory function and penetration-aspiration function in patients with dysphagia after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, 30 patients in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional treatment and swallowing function training; in addition, the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Lianquan (CV 23), Fengfu (GV 16), Yifeng (TE 17). All the treatments were given once a day, 5 days a week, for totally 4 weeks. In the two groups, the pharyngeal motor and sensory function, penetration-aspiration scores were evaluated by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and the Kubota water swallowing test scores were assessed before and after treatment, and the clinical effects were compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the pharyngeal motor and sensory function in the two groups were all higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were better than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the penetration-aspiration scores and Kubota water swallowing test scores in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was better than 73.3% (22/30) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with regular treatment and swallowing training could improve the pharyngeal motor and sensory function, and penetration-aspiration scores in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction treated with the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training: a multi-central randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the efficacy on relieving pain and improving the range of motion of shoulder joint in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction in treatment of the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao (Chinese herbal warm dressing technique) and rehabilitation training (eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation) as compared with the combined treatment of Tengliao and rehabilitation training (Tengliao + rehabilitation) and the simple rehabilitation training (rehabilitation).@*METHODS@#A total of 356 patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction were randomized into an eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group A, 122 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group B, 120 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a rehabilitation group (group C, 114 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the group C, the basic treatment was combined with routine rehabilitation training. In the group B, on the base of the treatment as the group C, Tengliao was exerted. A medical bag composed of over 20 Chinese herbal materials was heated and dressed at the affected area, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. In the group A, besides the treatment as the group B, eye acupuncture was applied to heart region, kidney region, upper jiao region and lower jiao region, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. The treatment lasted 28 days in all of three groups. Separately, before treatment, in 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment, as well as in 14 days after treatment of follow-up, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the score of guides to evaluation of permanent impairment (GEPI) and the score of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were observed in each group.@*RESULTS@#The scores of VAS, GEPI and NIHSS were all improved with the treatment lasting in the three groups (P<0.000 1). In 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment and in follow-up as well, VAS scores in the group A were all lower than the group C (P<0.05). After 14 days of treatment, GEPI score showed increasing trend, while NIHSS score showed decreasing trend in the group A compared with the group B. Before treatment, GEPI score was lower and NIHSS score was higher in the group A compared with the group C (P<0.05). It was suggested that the illness was slightly serious in the group A. After propensity score matching, in 14, 21 and 28 days as well as in follow-up, GEPI scores in the group A were higher than the group C respectively (P<0.05). Regarding NIHSS score at each time point, the difference had no statistical significance between the group A and the group C (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training obtains a better efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction as compared with rehabilitation training.

WANG Ju-yi's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome typeⅠ / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy differences between WANG Ju-yi 's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training and Bobath rehabilitation training alone for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) typeⅠ.@*METHODS@#A total of 106 patients with post-stroke SHS typeⅠwere randomly divided into an observation group (53 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and a control group (53 cases, 3 cases dropped off ). The patients in the both groups were treated with medications for basic diseases and conventional acupuncture at Waiguan (TE 5), Shousanli (LI 10) and Jianyu (LI 15) on the affected side. In addition, the patients in the control group were treated with Bobath rehabilitation training, 20 minutes each time; on the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with WANG Ju-yi's meridian diagnosis method to adjust the abnormal parts in meridians of the hand taiyin and hand yangming on the affected side, 20 minutes each time. Both groups were treated once a day, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The scores of visual analogue scale (VAS), upper-limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BI) were recorded before and after treatment as well as 6 weeks after treatment (follow-up), and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores were reduced and the scores of upper-limb FMA and BI were increased in the two groups after treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.05). The VAS score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of upper-limb FMA and BI in the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 82.4% (42/51), which was higher than 62.0% (31/50) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#WANG Ju-yi 's meridian diagnosis method combined with Bobath rehabilitation training could effectively treat post-stroke SHS typeⅠ, reduce pain symptoms and improve joint motor dysfunction, and improve the quality of life. Its curative effect is better than Bobath rehabilitation training alone.

Functional improvement after inpatient rehabilitation in community hospitals following acute hospital care

INTRODUCTION@#There are limited studies exploring functional improvement in relation to characteristics of patients who, following acute hospital care, receive inpatient rehabilitation in community hospitals. We evaluated the association of acute hospital admission-related factors with functional improvement on community hospital discharge.@*METHODS@#We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients who were transferred to community hospitals within 14-day post-discharge from acute hospital between 2016 and 2018. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) on a 100-point ordinal scale was used to assess functional status on admission to and discharge from the community hospital. We categorised MBI into 6 bands: 0-24, 25-49, 50-74, 75-90, 91-99 and 100. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine factors associated with categorical improvement in functional status, defined as an increase in at least one MBI band between admission and discharge.@*RESULTS@#A total of 5,641 patients (median age 77 years, interquartile range 69-84; 44.2% men) were included for analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, factors associated with functional improvement were younger age, a higher MBI on admission, and musculoskeletal diagnosis for the acute hospital admission episode. In contrast, a history of dementia or stroke; lower estimated glomerular filtration rate; abnormal serum albumin or anaemia measured during the acute hospital episode; and diagnoses of stroke, cardiac disease, malignancy, falls or pneumonia; and other chronic respiratory diseases were associated with lower odds of functional improvement.@*CONCLUSION@#Clinicians may want to take into account the presence of these high-risk factors in their patients when planning rehabilitation programmes, in order to maximise the likelihood of functional improvement.

Lateral needling at Lianquan (CV 23) for post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of lateral needling at Lianquan (CV 23) for post-stroke dysphagia, and explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional basic treatment. The observation group was treated with lateral needling at CV 23, without needle retaining, once a day. The control group was treated with swallowing rehabilitation training, once a day. Both groups were treated for 5 days a week, with 2 days interval, 1 week as one course and 4 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the Kubota water swallowing test grade and standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score were compared in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was used to measure the hyoid bone movement displacement and pharyngeal delivery time in the observation group.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the Kubota water swallowing test grade after treatment was improved in the two groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.05); the SSA scores after treatment were decreased in the two groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the hyoid bone movement displacement was increased and pharyngeal delivery time was shortened after treatment in the observation group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Lateral needling at CV 23 could improve dysphagia symptoms in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, its mechanism may be related to the increasing of hyoid bone movement displacement and shortening of pharyngeal delivery time.

Afasia global. Documentación de 3 años tratamiento desde la fase aguda a crónica / Global aphasia. Documentation of 3 years of treatment from acute to chronic phase

Aphasia as a sequel to stroke is present between 14-28% worldwide and in 20% in the Chilean population. The most serious form is called global aphasia, with a severe alteration of the comprehensive and expressive language, with a poor communicative prognosis and quality of life for the patient and families. The objective of this case is to describe the evolution of a person with global aphasia from the acute phase to 3 years of speech therapy treatment, who achieved a successful evolution of their language, communication and quality of life. This paper presented anamnestic data of the case, initial and systematic evaluation of linguistic functions and impact on quality of life, and the results that document its progress in 3 years. Also, this case is described dynamic person-centered treatment and methodology to start in the acute phase with severe compromise (aphasic cocient 6/100 Cutoff 93.8) and after 3 years improve to mild-moderate aphasia (76/100 points). Progress in vitality, communication, physical and psychosocial aspects and the mean quality of life score are described quantitatively. (AU)

Funcionalidade, estresse e qualidade de vida de sobreviventes de acidente vascular encefálico / Funcionalidad, estrés y calidad de vida de sobrevivientes de accidente vascular encefálico / Functionality, stress and quality of life of stroke survivors

Resumo Objetivo Correlacionar a capacidade funcional e o estresse percebido com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de sobreviventes de acidente vascular encefálico. Métodos Estudo analítico transversal, realizado com 160 sobreviventes de acidente vascular encefálico cadastrados em Unidades de Saúde da Família. Os dados foram coletados mediante a utilização de um instrumento semiestruturado para obtenção dos dados sociodemográficos e de saúde, o Índice de Barthel, a Escala de Estresse Percebido e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida Específica para acidente vascular encefálico. As correlações entre os escores dos instrumentos foram verificadas pelo Teste de Correlação de Spearman. Resultados Os participantes apresentaram dependência funcional e estresse percebido moderados. Evidenciou-se baixa qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, com maior comprometimento nos domínios papéis sociais e papéis familiares. Verificou-se correlação estatística significativa entre a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde com a capacidade funcional (r=705; p<0,001) e o estresse percebido (r=-436; p<0,001). Conclusão A capacidade funcional e o estresse percebido relacionaram-se de forma significativa à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pessoas acometidas por acidente vascular encefálico, demonstrando que a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde se eleva à medida que a funcionalidade aumenta e o estresse diminui.

Resumen Objetivo Correlacionar la capacidad funcional y el estrés verificado con la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud de sobrevivientes de accidente vascular encefálico. Métodos Estudio analítico transversal, realizado con 160 sobrevivientes de accidente vascular encefálico registrados en Unidades de Salud de la Familia. Los datos fueron recopilados por medio de la utilización de un instrumento semiestructurado para la obtención de los datos sociodemográficos y de salud, el Índice de Barthel, la Escala de Estrés Percibido y la Escala de Calidad de Vida Específica para accidente vascular encefálico. Las correlaciones entre las puntuaciones de los instrumentos fueron verificadas por medio de la Prueba de Correlación de Spearman. Resultados Los participantes presentaron una dependencia funcional y estrés percibidos moderados. Se evidenció una baja calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, con un mayor comprometimiento en los dominios roles sociales y roles familiares. Se observó una correlación estadística significativa entre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, con la capacidad funcional (r=705; p<0,001) y el estrés percibido (r=-436; p<0,001). Conclusión La capacidad funcional y el estrés percibido se relacionaron de forma significativa con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de personas acometidas por accidente vascular encefálico, demostrando que la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se eleva a medida que la funcionalidad aumenta y el estrés disminuye.

Abstract Objective To correlate functional capacity and perceived stress with the health-related quality of life of stroke survivors. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study, conducted with 160 stroke survivors registered in Family Health Units. Data were collected using a semi-structured instrument to obtain sociodemographic and health data, the Barthel Index, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Correlations between instrument scores were verified by Spearman's correlation test. Results Participants showed moderate functional dependence and perceived stress. Low health-related quality of life was evidenced, with greater impairment in the social roles and family roles domains. There was a statistically significant correlation between health-related quality of life and functional capacity (r=705; p<0.001) and perceived stress (r=-436; p<0.001). Conclusion Functional capacity and perceived stress were significantly related to the health-related quality of life of people affected by stroke, demonstrating that health-related quality of life increases as functionality increases and stress decreases.

Pituitary Apoplexy, Meningitis and Cerebral Infarction - A Perplexing Trifecta

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical diagnosis comprising a sudden onset of headache, neurological deficits, endocrine disturbances, altered consciousness, visual loss, or ophthalmoplegia. However, clinically, the presentation of PA is extremely variable and occasionally fatal. While meningitis and cerebral infarcts are themselves serious diseases, they are rarely seen as manifestations of PA and are exceedingly rare when present together. We present the case of a 20-year-old male with a rapid progression of symptoms of meningitis, PA and stroke. The present article seeks to emphasize a rare manifestation of PA with an attempt to understand the intricacies of its evaluation and management.

Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) and Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: not so Different after all?

Abstract Background: Stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high recurrence and mortality rates. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) is associated with fewer vascular risk factors, less disability, and a high recurrence rate. Objective: To compare risk factors, functional outcomes and the occurrence of primary endpoint (a composite of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction) between AF stroke and ESUS patients. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted including all consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas (Clinical Hospital) of the Federal University of Paraná from October 2012 to January 2017 (n=554). There were 61 patients with stroke due to AF and 43 due to ESUS. Both groups were compared for demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of each variable on the primary endpoint in a 12-month follow-up. Statistical significance was considered for p-values < 0.05. Results: ESUS patients, as compared to AF patients, were younger and more likely to be smokers. ESUS patients presented a mean CHADS2VASc score of 4, while the AF group presented a score of 5 (p <0.001). The primary endpoint was observed in 9 (20.9%) ESUS and 11 (18.0%) AF patients over a 12-month period (p=0.802). Higher glucose levels upon hospital admission (p=0.020) and a higher modified Rankin Scale upon hospital discharge (p=0.020) were predictors of the primary endpoint occurrence. Conclusion: AF and ESUS stroke patients presented very similar independence rates upon hospital discharge and outcomes after 12 months, despite some baseline differences, including stroke recurrence, vascular death, and myocardial infarction.

Aphasia assessment: impact of material on naming performance / Avaliação da afasia: impacto do material no desempenho da nomeação

ABSTRACT Background: Naming and lexical retrieval difficulties are common symptoms of aphasia. Naming abilities are usually evaluated by means of real objects or pictures or line drawings that are printed. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ability to name objects among individuals with aphasia is influenced by the dimensions of the visual stimuli and to understand whether the order of presentation of the stimuli, number of years of education and length of time post-onset are involved in the success of naming. Methods: The naming abilities of healthy controls and patients with acute or chronic aphasia due to stroke were assessed through presentation of two sets of 24 stimuli consisting of real objects and color photographs of the same objects presented on a screen. The results obtained under these two conditions were compared by means of within-subject paired ANOVA, controlling for presentation order. Results: 40 patients (62.4 ± 17.3 years old; 70% females; mean education level of 8.5 ± 5.3 years; and 60% evaluated within the first eight days after stroke) and 50 controls that were age, gender and education-matched were included. Object naming was significantly better than naming color photographs among the patients (p = 0.001), but no differences were observed among the controls. Age, education, length of time post-onset and presentation sequence did not have any impact on naming performance. Conclusion: These results suggest that use of digital color photographs for naming objects in assessment of aphasia may be associated with lower naming performance, compared with use of real objects. This needs to be taken into account when different forms of stimuli are presented in sequential aphasia evaluations.

RESUMO Antecedentes: As dificuldades de nomeação e de evocação lexical são sintomas comuns de afasia. A nomeação é geralmente avaliada por objetos reais, imagens ou desenhos de contorno, impressos. Objetivo: Este estudo visa investigar se a capacidade de nomear objetos em pessoas com afasia é influenciada pelas dimensões dos estímulos visuais e compreender se a ordem de apresentação dos estímulos, os anos de escolaridade e o tempo de evolução estão envolvidos no sucesso da nomeação. Métodos: A nomeação de pessoas saudáveis e pessoas com afasia, em fase aguda ou crónica, por AVC foi avaliada com dois conjuntos de 24 estímulos, objetos reais e fotografias a cores, dos mesmos objetos, apresentadas num ecrã. Os resultados obtidos nas duas condições foram comparados por uma ANOVA para amostras emparelhadas, controlando para a ordem de apresentação. Resultados: Foram incluídos 40 sujeitos com afasia (62,4±17,3 anos de idade, 70% mulheres, com uma escolaridade média de 8,5±5,3 anos, 60% avaliados nos primeiros 8 dias após o acidente vascular cerebral) e um grupo de controlo de 50 pessoas saudáveis, emparelhadas para a idade, sexo e escolaridade. A nomeação de objetos foi significativamente melhor do que a nomeação de fotografias a cores (p=.001), mas isso não se verificou nos controles. A idade, a escolaridade, o tempo de evolução e a sequência de apresentação não tiveram impacto na nomeação dos dois tipos de estímulos. Conclusão: Estes resultados sugerem que a utilização de fotografias digitais a cores para avaliar a nomeação de objetos na afasia pode ser associada a um pior desempenho quando comparada com objetos reais. Isto deve ser tido em conta quando são apresentadas diferentes formas de estímulos nas reavaliações.

Effectiveness of physical exercise on the recovery of limb function in stroke patients / Eficácia do exercício físico na recuperação da função dos membros em pacientes com avc / Efectividad del ejercicio físico en la recuperación de la función de las extremidades en pacientes con acv

ABSTRACT Introduction Patients with cerebrovascular accident and hemiplegia need to perform physical exercise and aerobic training, but physical dysfunction restricts the performance of these activities. Objective The article aims to develop physical strength sports for stroke patients with hemiplegia to explore the efficacy of sports to regain limb function in these patients. Methods We randomly selected 30 patients with stroke sequelae and divided them into control and exercise groups. While undergoing rehab, the exercise group performed a certain amount of aerobic exercise. During this period, we compared the relevant physiological indicators of the patients, and, at the same time, we used the Fugle-Meyer motor function scoring method to assess limb function. Results The two groups of patients are significantly different regarding the recovery of physical function and the capacity for daily life. Physiological indicators of patients are also different. Conclusion Low-intensity aerobic exercise can help stroke and hemiplegia patients regain their basic ability to live and exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies: investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução É muito importante que pacientes com acidente vascular encefálico e hemiplegia realizem exercícios físicos e treinamento aeróbio, mas a disfunção física restringe a realização dessas atividades. Objetivo o artigo tem como objetivo desenvolver esportes de força física para pacientes com AVC com hemiplegia para explorar a eficácia dos esportes para recuperar a função dos membros nesses pacientes. Métodos Selecionamos aleatoriamente 30 pacientes com sequela de AVC e os dividimos em grupos controle e exercício. Durante a reabilitação, o grupo de exercícios realmente executou uma certa quantidade de exercícios aeróbicos. Durante esse período, comparamos os indicadores fisiológicos relevantes dos pacientes e, ao mesmo tempo, usamos o método de pontuação da função motora de Fugle-Meyer para avaliar a função dos membros. Resultados Os dois grupos de pacientes são significativamente diferentes em termos de recuperação da função física e capacidade para a vida diária. Os indicadores fisiológicos dos pacientes também são diferentes. Conclusão O exercício aeróbico de baixa intensidade pode ajudar os pacientes com derrame e hemiplegia a recuperar sua capacidade básica de viver e se exercitar. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos: investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Es muy importante para los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular y hemiplejía realizar ejercicio físico y entrenamiento aeróbico, pero la disfunción física restringe la realización estas actividades.Objeto: El artículo tiene como objetivo desarrollar deportes de fuerza física para pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular con hemiplejía para explorar la eficacia de los deportes para recuperar la función de las extremidades de estos pacientes. Métodos Seleccionamos aleatoriamente a 30 pacientes con secuelas por accidente cerebrovascular y los dividimos en grupos de control y de ejercicio. Mientras se sometía a rehabilitación, el grupo de ejercicio llegó a realizar una cierta cantidad de ejercicio aeróbico. Durante este período, comparamos los indicadores fisiológicos relevantes de los pacientes y, al mismo tiempo, utilizamos el método de puntuación de la función motora de Fugle-Meyer para evaluar la función de las extremidades. Resultados Los dos grupos de pacientes son significativamente diferentes en cuanto a la recuperación de la función física y la capacidad para la vida diaria. Los indicadores fisiológicos de los pacientes también son diferentes. Conclusión El ejercicio aeróbico de baja intensidad puede ayudar a los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular y hemiplejía a recuperar su capacidad básica de vida y ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.