Assessment of the Progression of Poststroke Depression in Ischemic Stroke Patients Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression (PSD) affects one-third of stroke patients and is linked with higher stroke morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. Current guidelines do not direct when to screen for PSD, and predictors of PSD are not well understood. We sought to understand progression of PSD symptoms early after ischemic stroke, identify predictors of PSD, and describe the use of antidepressants in PSD. METHODS: We collected demographic, clinical, and PSD (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) data from ischemic stroke patients hospitalized at our Comprehensive Stroke Center and followed up in our clinic. PHQ-9 was obtained during hospitalization and again in clinic within 180 days of discharge. We performed univariate analysis and logistic regression to detect variables associated with PSD. RESULTS: Among 201 patients, PSD symptoms (PHQ-9 > 4) were identified in 30% of patients during hospitalization and 46% during follow-up (54% of which had no symptoms during hospitalization). At follow-up, 36% were worse by PHQ-9 category. In univariate analysis, follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) greater than or equal to 2 (P = .03) and antidepressant prescription (P < .001) were associated with worsening PHQ-9 category. In logistic regression analysis, follow-up mRS greater than or equal to 2 (P = .02), posterior circulation stroke (P = .03), and antidepressant prescription (P < .01) were associated with worsening PHQ-9 category. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of ischemic stroke patients develop PSD symptoms and more than one-third worsen between hospitalization and follow-up. Poststroke disability (mRS ≥ 2) and posterior circulation stroke were associated with worsening PSD. Worsening PSD symptoms prompted treatment change in 29% of patients. Screening for PSD during hospitalization should be repeated during early follow-up.

A Retrospective Study to Identify Novel Factors Associated with Post-stroke Anxiety.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-stroke anxiety (PSA) is common and disabling. PSA should be considered as an important outcome in stroke. However, there is a lack of understanding of factors that may be linked to PSA. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of PSA and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with PSA in a cohort of racially and ethnically diverse stroke patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients seen in a stroke outpatient clinic from August 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Patients were eligible if a Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) instrument was available. GAD-7 scores greater than or equal to 10 indicated the presence of moderate to severe PSA. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with PSA. RESULTS: Records from 289 stroke patients with a GAD-7 instrument were analyzed. PSA was common (21%; GAD-7 ≥ 10). Fifty-seven percent of females had a GAD-7 greater than or equal to 10 compared to 41% of females who had a GAD-7 less than 10 (P = .03). Multivariable analysis found that self-reported nonmarried status (odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-7.44), excessive fatigue (odds ratio, 4.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-10.63), and depression (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.33) were independently associated with PSA. CONCLUSIONS: PSA may occur more frequently in those who report non-married, excessive fatigue, or depression. Trials of PSA interventions should consider the potential impact of social support, depression, and comorbid conditions contributing to post-stroke fatigue, including sleep apnea.

Does care in a specialised stroke prevention clinic improve poststroke blood pressure control: a protocol for a randomised comparative effectiveness study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major risk factor for recurrent stroke, and blood pressure (BP) reduction is associated with decreased risk of stroke recurrence. However, many stroke survivors have poorly controlled BP after their initial stroke. The Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention (STEP) Clinic was established to provide a comprehensive approach to stroke risk factor reduction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised comparative effectiveness study was designed to assess the impact of care in the STEP clinic versus usual care on poststroke BP reduction. Eligible hospitalised patients with ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke or transient ischaemic attack are scheduled for a clinic screening visit within 4 weeks of discharge if they meet baseline inclusion criteria. At the clinic visit, patients who have uncontrolled BP, defined as automated office BP ≥135/85 mm Hg are randomised (1:1) to either the STEP clinic or usual care for management. STEP clinic patients receive instructions to self-monitor, a BP monitor, sleep apnoea screening, dietary counselling, review of BP monitoring records and adjustment of medications. Patients are followed by a neurologist and a stroke-trained nurse practitioner. Usual care participants are seen by a neurologist and recommendations for secondary prevention are sent to primary care providers. The primary outcome is the difference in mean daytime ambulatory systolic BP at 6 months, assessed using linear regression analysis. Secondary outcomes include 24 hours ambulatory BP, medication adherence and medication self-efficacy, and composite cardiovascular events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center and the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Uninsured and Spanish-speaking patients are included in the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02591394; Pre-results.

Rehab MATRIX: Content Validity of a Nursing-Led Patient Assignment Algorithm.

PURPOSE: The provision of conscientious nursing care is at the forefront of health quality. Unfortunately, a lack of standardization in the assignment of patients to nurses can lead to care inequities. Rehab MATRIX is a nursing-led tool that equitably assigns patients using select acuity variables. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this initial study, we asked focus groups of 19 registered nurses and 8 patient care assistants to identify medical interventions that increase the effort of nursing care at a 24-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). This IRF is affiliated with a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a level I trauma center, and a The Joint Commission (TJC) Comprehensive Stroke Center. FINDINGS: Thirteen acuity variables were included in the Rehab MATRIX patient assignment grid. High-acuity patients with greater than 6 variables were color-coded "red," medium-acuity patients with 3 to 5 variables were color-coded "yellow," and low-acuity patients with less than 3 variables were color-coded "green." Each registered nurse and patient care assistant were assigned an equitable number of red-, yellow-, and green-coded patients per shift. New admissions were Rehab MATRIX color-coded during nursing report and assigned objectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing staff at a wide-ranging IRF created Rehab MATRIX, an equitable patient assignment tool, representative of nursing effort needed to provide quality care. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nursing-led patient assignment tools increase autonomy and provide the opportunity for all nursing staff to influence healthcare practice. These factors may lead to increased nursing satisfaction and decreased burnout.