Why the study?
Does atrial fibrillation affect 1-year mortality and functional outcomes in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation?
Does atrial fibrillation affect 1-year mortality and functional outcomes in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation?
Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher 1-year mortality in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation, though functional outcomes among survivors appear primarily driven by their functional status at discharge rather than the presence of AF.
AF was associated with higher 1-year mortality in stroke rehab patients; leaves open whether AF independently affects functional recovery beyond discharge status.
The post-stroke aftermath of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) is investigated. A total of 104 consecutive patients (80 with AF and 24 without AF) were referred to a rehabilitation centre and enrolled. They underwent a rehabilitative programme. Disability was assessed by using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), at the time of admission, discharge and after 1 year. Death was more frequent over the 1-year interval in AF group. Ten patients died (42%), whereas in the non-AF group death occurred in 15 cases (19%). By using chi-square test, the difference was significant (P < 0.02). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the unique variable affecting the FIM at follow-up was the FIM at discharge (P < 0.0001). AF was not a significant variable in the equation. The result can be attributed to subject attrition in the AF group, as the most severe patients died and survivors could benefit from a better functional status.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cisternino et al. (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: