Citations
To determine the incidence and risk factors for medical complications in Korean patients suffering from stroke and the impact of such complications on post-stroke functional outcomes.
We assessed patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study. All recruited patients had suffered a first acute stroke episode and been admitted to nine university hospitals in Korea between August 2012 and June 2015. We analyzed patient and stroke characteristics, comorbidities, prevalence of post-stroke medical complications, and functional outcomes at time of discharge and 3, 6, and 12 months after stroke onset.
Of 10,625 patients with acute stroke, 2,210 (20.8%) presented with medical complications including bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sleep disturbance, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. In particular, complications occurred more frequently in older patients and in patients with hemorrhagic strokes, more co-morbidities, severe initial motor impairment, or poor swallowing function. In-hospital medical complications were significantly correlated with poor functional outcomes at all time points.
Post-stroke medical complications affect functional recovery. The majority of complications are preventable and treatable; therefore, the functional outcomes of patients with stroke can be improved by providing timely, appropriate care. Special care should be provided to elderly patients with comorbid risk factors.
Citations
to achieve a standard living equal to that of their citizens. Non-government organizations can assist Governments by formulating needs, suggesting suitable solutions and providing services complementary to those provided by Governments. This article looks into the current position of the policies for persons with disabilities in our society and reviews the main tasks of disability policies including social, employment, educational and medical security, and the social integration. Especially, as a physiatrist, the policy tasks of medical security for the disabled persons is emphasized. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 157-163)
Objective: The purpose of this study is to survey the health and functional status of adult cerebral palsy.
Method: This study included 47 patients who have cerebral palsy between the ages of 20 and 45 years. We evaluated the functional status by the interview and questionnaire, the medical status including a detailed medical history, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
Results: 1) In the functional status, the number of non-functional ambulator increased from ten cases (21.3%) to fourteen cases (29.8%) in proportion to the incidence of fracture. 2) In the medical status, thirty-seven cases (78.8%) had more than one musculoskeletal complaint. Twenty-three cases (48.9%) had gastric discomfort, twenty-five cases (53.2%) had dental caries and thirty cases (63.9%) had speech disturbance. 3) Only eleven cases (23.4%) had undergone the comprehensive rehabilitation.
Conclusion: To prevent and minimize the physical disabilities and musculoskeletal complications of adult cerebral palsy, we need more active medical intervention, active research on the methodology and comprehensive rehabilitation.