RÉSUMÉ
Background: Ischemic stroke is a top contributor to mortality amongst non-infectious diseases. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor. This study aims to assess LDL levels and ejection fraction in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Government Thoothukudi Medical College from November, 2022 to April, 2023. 35 patients admitted in the neuromedicine ward and diagnosed as acute ischemic stroke were included in the study after informed consent and ethical clearance. Patients with acute neurological deficit and evidence of infarct on diffusion-weighted MRI were included. Patients with no evidence of infarct on DWI, those already on lipid lowering therapy, patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease or transient ischemic attacks were excluded. Blood for lipid profile taken after 8 hours of overnight fasting. Echocardiography done for all patients. Results: Of the 35 patients, 26 (74.28%) were men, mean age was 62.4. 57.14% ischemic stroke patients had their LDL levels elevated, 28.57% had decreased HDL, 28.57% had total cholesterol levels elevated, and in 14.28% triglycerides was elevated. This study also observed the cardiac status of the patients which showed 29% patients had decreased ejection fraction. Conclusions: This study concluded that most patients had elevated LDL levels which is an independent risk factor of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. LDL levels were also associated with decreased ejection fraction in a significant number of patients. Thereby it can be concluded that elevated LDL cholesterol levels can add to the cardiac risk, potentially contributing to stroke morbidity and mortality.
RÉSUMÉ
Background: Stroke patients have high rate of mortality and morbidity and survivors suffer from physical, cognitive and emotional issues. Quality of life of stroke survivors depends on severity of disability. These disability or morbidities not only affect stroke survivors but also has impact on physical and psychological wellbeing of caregivers providing support for daily routine. Aim of this study is to analyse the dependency using Barthel Index in stroke patients and care giver strain (CSI) among caregivers. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Study duration of 5 months. 150 Patients admitted for stroke meeting the inclusion criteria were included for the study. Caregiver was interviewed after Informed consent and briefing of purpose of study. Berthel index and modified care giver strain index questionnaire was filled by interviewer with caregiver. Findings were described in simple descriptive manner. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 150 patients male 64% female 36%. Care giver strain score of <7 (40%), 8-14 (42%), >14 (18%). Sleep deprivation 68%, physical strain 85%, family adjustment problems 32%, work adjustment problems 67%, financial strain 76%, emotional adjustment problems 33%, personal plans problems 44%, upsetting behavior problems 44%. Only 17% termed it as inconvenient, 24% completely overwhelmed, 29% confining. Barthel index of >80 able to live independently (13%), 61-80 minimally dependent (32%), 41-60 partially dependent (26%), 21-40 very dependent (13%), <20 total dependency (16%). Conclusions: In stroke care caregiver strain is high when patient is dependent for routine activities. This includes physical as well as psychological strain. There is need to develop strategic home based or community based programs to reduce caregiver stress and improve their quality of life.