| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2003 | Volume
: 51
| Issue : 1 | Page : 49--51 |
Morbidity predictors in ischemic stroke
JN Panicker1, M Thomas2, K Pavithran2, D Nair2, PS Sarma2
1 Department of Hematology, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695011., India
2 Department of Neurology, Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala–695011, India
Correspondence Address:
J N Panicker
Tatsat TC 14 / 1024 – 1, Rosscote Lane, Thiruvananthapuram-695010
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
PMID: 12865515 
Background: Although ischemic CVA is one of the leading causes for death and disability, parameters for predicting long-term outcome in such patients have not been clearly delineated, especially in the Indian context. Methods: A prospective hospital-based study of 105 patients of ischemic stroke, focal neurological deficits and functional score was assessed and the C-reactive protein level (CRP) was measured. A follow-up was done at 5 days and at 6 months and outcome variable was the functional status at 6 months using Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living. Accordingly, patients were grouped into 3 – Barthel Index < 41: Severely disabled, Barthel Index 41-60: Moderately disabled and Barthel Index > 60: Mildly disabled. Results: At admission, if upper limb power was less than Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4, or aphasia was present or CRP assay was positive, then at 6 months, these patients most likely belonged to the severely disabled group. If upper limb or lower limb power was greater than MRC grade 3 or there was no aphasia or conjugate gaze deviation or CRP assay was negative, these patients most likely belonged to the mildly disabled group at 6 months. Follow-up rate was 86%. Conclusion: Patients can be stratified according to the predicted prognosis. The treatment and rehabilitation can be properly planned and strictly adhered to in patients predicted to have worse prognosis.
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