Long-term outcome after reperfusion-treated stroke
Oscar Mühr, Hanna C. Persson, Katharina S. Sunnerhagen
Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , SE-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden. E-mail: oscar.myhr@gmail.com
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2208
Lay Abstract
What is the long-term situation for patients treated with thrombolysis or thrombectomy for their stroke?
New methods to restore circulation in the brain after an infarct caused by a clot has been developed. To dissolve the clot (thrombolysis) or retract it (thrombectomy) has shown to reduce the consequences of stroke severity acutely and to save lives. However, the long-term effects have not been explored. 75 patients with a first occurrence of stroke had received this treatment during 2009 and 2010. At 5 years, there were still 54 persons alive, of whom 31 answered a questionnaire 5 years and 16 agreed to a clinical examination (at 6 years). There were compared with stroke patients who were admitted to the same hospital during the same period with similar stroke severity but who did not received treatment that dissolved the clot. Those that had received treatment reported better strength and hand function than the control group. Most were independent in ADL but still almost 4 of 10 had cognitive problems. The long-term outcome is good but the remaining cognitive problems need to be addressed.
Supplementary content