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Stroke. 2000;31:1223-1229

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(Stroke. 2000;31:1223.)
© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.


Original Contributions

Medical Complications After Stroke

A Multicenter Study

P. Langhorne, PhD, FRCP; D. J. Stott, MD, FRCP; L. Robertson, RGN; J. MacDonald, FRCP; L. Jones, RGN; C. McAlpine, FRCP; F. Dick, RGN; G. S. Taylor, BSc G. Murray, PhD

From the Academic Section of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Infirmary (P.L., D.J.S., L.R.), Glasgow, Scotland, UK; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Gartnavel General Hospital (J.M., L.J.), Glasgow, Scotland, UK; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Stirling Royal Infirmary (C.M., F.D.), Scotland, UK; and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh (G.S.T., G.M.), Scotland, UK.

Correspondence to Dr Peter Langhorne, Academic Section of Geriatric Medicine, Level 3, Centre Block, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 OSF, United Kingdom. E-mail P.Langhorne{at}clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Background and Purpose—This prospective, multicenter study was performed to determine the frequency of symptomatic complications up to 30 months after stroke using prespecified definitions of complications.

Methods—We recruited 311 consecutive stroke patients admitted to hospital. Research nurses reviewed their progress on a weekly basis until hospital discharge and again at 6, 18, and 30 months after stroke.

Results—Complications during hospital admission were recorded in 265 (85%) of stroke patients. Specific complications were as follows: neurological—recurrent stroke (9% of patients), epileptic seizure (3%); infections—urinary tract infection (24%), chest infection (22%), others (19%); mobility related—falls (25%), falls with serious injury (5%), pressure sores (21%); thromboembolism—deep venous thrombosis (2%), pulmonary embolism (1%); pain—shoulder pain (9%), other pain (34%); and psychological—depression (16%), anxiety (14%), emotionalism (12%), and confusion (56%). During follow-up, infections, falls, "blackouts," pain, and symptoms of depression and anxiety remained common. Complications were observed across all 3 hospital sites, and their frequency was related to patient dependency and duration after stroke.

Conclusions—Our prospective cohort study has confirmed that poststroke complications, particularly infections and falls, are common. However, we have also identified complications relating to pain and cognitive or affective symptoms that are potentially preventable and may previously have been underestimated.


Key Words: complications • stroke outcome • infection • pain




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