Poststroke constipation in the rehabilitation ward: incidence, clinical course and associated factors
Singapore medical journal
;
: 624-629, 2013.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-337845
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Constipation is a common poststroke complication. This study was designed to document the incidence and clinical course of poststroke constipation in a rehabilitation ward, as well as identify the factors independently associated with the condition.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective study involved patients who were admitted to the rehabilitation ward of our institute due to an acute stroke between 1 August 2010 and 31 July 2011. The main outcome measured was the incidence of poststroke constipation, defined as the use of laxative after stroke, fulfilment of the Rome II diagnostic criteria for functional constipation and/or stool impaction. The variables examined were basic demographic data, presence of impairment, degree of disability (evaluated using the Barthel index), walking ability, medications taken and medical complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of the 155 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 123 (79.4%) had poststroke constipation. All 123 patients used oral laxatives; 56 received additional rectal medications and 13 discontinued their use of laxatives at discharge. Patients with poststroke constipation were more likely to have major medical complications (p = 0.04). Those who used rectal medications had a higher risk of major medical complications than those who used only oral laxatives (p < 0.01). Infratentorial lesions were an independent predictor of poststroke constipation (p = 0.003). More severe disability increased the severity of constipation, as indicated by the use of rectal medication.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Poststroke constipation is a common complication during inpatient rehabilitation. Healthcare providers should be aware of the incidence of poststroke constipation. Further studies are required to establish standard guidelines for screening and managing bowel function in patients with stroke.</p>
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Rehabilitation Centers
/
Singapore
/
Severity of Illness Index
/
Epidemiology
/
Incidence
/
Retrospective Studies
/
Cohort Studies
/
Follow-Up Studies
/
Treatment Outcome
/
Sex Distribution
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Etiology study
/
Practice guideline
/
Incidence study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Singapore medical journal
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS