Matthew Meyer

Acute management of acquired brain injury part II: An evidence-based review of pharmacological interventions

Primary objective: To review the literature on non-pharmacological interventions used in acute settings to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and minimize cerebral damage in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Main outcomes: A literature search of multiple databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO) and hand-searched articles covering the years 1980–2008 was performed. Peer reviewed articles were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scoring system for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Downs and Black tool for RCTs and non-randomized trials. Levels of evidence were assigned and recommendations made. Results: Five non-invasive interventions for acute ABI management were assessed: adjusting head posture, body rotation (continuous rotational therapy and prone positioning), hyperventilation, hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen. Two invasive interventions were also reviewed: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and decompressive craniectomy (DC). Conclusions: There is a paucity of information regarding non-pharmacological acute management of patients with ABI. Strong levels of evidence were found for only four of the seven interventions (decompressive craniectomy, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen) and only for specific components of their use. Further research into all interventions is warranted.

A systematic review of studies reporting multivariable models to predict functional outcomes after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation

Abstract Purpose: This systematic review summarizes the utility of variables available at acute discharge after stroke for predicting functional independence at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: A systematic review of four electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) was conducted to identify studies reporting multivariable models predicting post-rehabilitation Barthel Index (BI) or Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) scores. In studies meeting inclusion criteria, the frequency with which candidate predictors were found statistically significant was calculated and summarized. Results: A total of 3260 articles were screened, of which 27 were included and 63 multivariable models of discharge BI or FIM® were reported. In all, 126 candidate predictors of BI or FIM® were explored. Variables found to be significant most frequently included admission functional level (BI or FIM®), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), dysphasia, impulsivity, neglect, previous stroke, and age. Conclusions: Only a selected group of variables have repeatedly proven to be significant predictors of functional ability after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. Implications for Rehabilitation This review identifies, and summarizes, studies that have used a multivariable model to predict Barthel Index (BI) or Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. Clinicians making decisions about admission to inpatient rehabilitation should consider age and a measure of stroke severity, functional status and progress to date. Variables that have been demonstrated to be useful most commonly included age, admission functional level (BI or FIM), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, dysphasia, impulsivity, neglect, and previous stroke.

Acute management of acquired brain injury Part III: an evidence-based review of interventions used to promote arousal from coma.

Primary objective: To review the literature regarding techniques used to promote arousal from coma following an acquired brain injury. Main outcomes: A literature search of multiple databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and hand searched articles covering the years 1980–2008 was performed. Peer reviewed articles were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scoring system for randomized controlled trials and the Downs and Black tool for RCTs and non-randomized trials. Levels of evidence were assigned and recommendations were made. Results: Research into coma arousal has generally focused on the stimulation of neural pathways responsible for arousal. These pathways have been targeted using pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques. This review reports the evidence surrounding agents targeting dopamine pathways (amantadine, bromocriptine and levodopa), sensory stimulation, music therapy and median nerve electrical stimulation. Each of these interventions has shown some degree of benefit in improving consciousness, but further research is necessary. Conclusions: Despite numerous studies, strong evidence was only found for one intervention (Amantadine use in children) and this was based on a single study. However, each of the interventions showed promise in some aspect of arousal and warrant further study. More methodologically rigorous study is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Length of stay benchmarks for inpatient rehabilitation after stroke.

Purpose: In Canada, no standardized benchmarks for length of stay (LOS) have been established for post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. This paper describes the development of a severity specific median length of stay benchmarking strategy, assessment of its impact after one year of implementation in a Canadian rehabilitation hospital, and establishment of updated benchmarks that may be useful for comparison with other facilities across Canada. Method: Patient data were retrospectively assessed for all patients admitted to a single post-acute stroke rehabilitation unit in Ontario, Canada between April 2005 and March 2008. Rehabilitation Patient Groups (RPGs) were used to establish stratified median length of stay benchmarks for each group that were incorporated into team rounds beginning in October 2009. Benchmark impact was assessed using mean LOS, FIM® gain, and discharge destination for each RPG group, collected prospectively for one year, compared against similar information from the previous calendar year. Benchmarks were then adjusted accordingly for future use. Results: Between October 2009 and September 2010, a significant reduction in average LOS was noted compared to the previous year (35.3 vs. 41.2 days; p < 0.05). Reductions in LOS were noted in each RPG group including statistically significant reductions in 4 of the 7 groups. As intended, reductions in LOS were achieved with no significant reduction in mean FIM® gain or proportion of patients discharged home compared to the previous year. Adjusted benchmarks for LOS ranged from 13 to 48 days depending on the RPG group. Conclusions: After a single year of implementation, severity specific benchmarks helped the rehabilitation team reduce LOS while maintaining the same levels of functional gain and achieving the same rate of discharge to the community. Implications for Rehabilitation Efficient post-stroke rehabilitation can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial burden placed on the healthcare system. Yet, unnecessarily long lengths of stay in rehabilitation are not in the best interest of the patient and act to increase the cost of care. This study illustrates how a length of stay benchmarking system can help to promote efficiency in post-stroke rehabilitation and reduce the cost of care without negatively impacting patient recovery.

Stroke: More than a 'brain attack'

Stroke is a life-altering event that potentially affects stroke survivors, their families, healthcare resources, and society in general. Stroke has often been described as ‘brain attack’, denoting emergency emphasis on the vascular pathology. Consequently, many national and provincial stroke strategies have emphasized vascular care through primary prevention strategies and thrombolysis. Despite being important initiatives, this has resulted in a stroke system that emphasizes the frontloading of stroke care, focusing on the vascular pathology. The advent of thrombolysis therapy has benefited a small proportion of patients while a vast majority are still affected by stroke-related impairments. Management of the vascular elements of stroke is important; however, the impact of rehabilitation on stroke recovery has been relatively undervalued. Stroke care is in need of a revolution toward a more comprehensive and balanced approach. It is anticipated that the major focus of stroke care will include promoting recovery, in line with the growing evidence on stroke rehabilitation interventions. A paradigm shift is necessary to ensure that comprehensive and balanced stroke care which incorporates rehabilitation is taken into account, leading to a stroke care system where patient needs are managed both as a ‘brain attack’ and an ‘injured brain’.

Organized stroke rehabilitation in Canada: redefining our objectives.

Abstract Introduction: Evidence suggests that patients who receive care in organized stroke units experience better outcomes compared to patients who receive care in general rehabilitation units. As such, the Canadian Stroke Strategy has consistently included provision of “organized” stroke rehabilitation in their best practice recommendations for stroke care. However, recent research in Ontario suggests that development of organized stroke rehabilitation units has not led to the better patient outcomes that had been expected. Methods: In this article, we review the evidence in favour of organized stroke rehabilitation units, assess the state of organized rehabilitation in Canada (as exemplified by care in Ontario), and discuss potential solutions for better application of best evidence and guideline recommendations for organized stroke care in Canada. Results: The most up-to-date evidence in Canada suggests that best practice recommendations around organized stroke care are currently not adhered to well. However, further exploration suggests that some of the recommendations themselves may not be attainable as currently defined. Conclusions: It appears that organized stroke care is not available to many Canadians, and better application of recommendations is necessary. Still, re-evaluation of current recommendations may also be necessary to ensure that they fit with the reality of providing care in Canada.

Assessing the impact of thrombolysis on progress through inpatient rehabilitation after stroke: a multivariable approach

Background Acute administration of tissue plasminogen activator has been shown to improve immediate and long-term patient recovery after ischaemic stroke. Yet, despite widespread clinical application, many patients who receive acute tissue plasminogen activator still require inpatient rehabilitation. Aims and Hypothesis This study aimed to examine the effect of tissue plasminogen activator administration on recovery among patients requiring inpatient rehabilitation after stroke in Ontario, Canada. It was hypothesized that after covariate adjustment, administration of tissue plasminogen activator would be associated with accelerated progress through inpatient rehabilitation. Methods Acute and rehabilitation data were retrieved from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network and the National Rehabilitation Reporting System for all ischaemic stroke patients admitted to an acute facility and a rehabilitation unit between July 1, 2003 and March 31,2008. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received tissue plasminogen activator and those who were medically eligible but did not receive tissue plasminogen activator. Three rehabilitation progress indicators were compared between groups: Functional Independence Measure gain, active length of stay, and discharge destination. Indicators were modelled using multivariable generalized linear models or logistic regression as appropriate. Results Patients who received tissue plasminogen activator experienced shorter active lengths of stay (log estimate ± standard error: −0.04 ± 0.01 days), and were slightly more likely to be discharged home compared to controls (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.004–1.82). No differences were noted on Functional Independence Measure gain during rehabilitation. Conclusion Results suggest that tissue plasminogen activator may contribute to accelerated progress through inpatient rehabilitation; however, there is no evidence to suggest that it contributes to greater functional improvement as measured by the Functional Independence Measure.

Stroke Rehabilitation in Ontario: An Opportunity for Health Care Transformation

In this article, Ontarios stroke rehabilitation system is used to exemplify the challenges faced by rehabilitation and healthcare systems across Canada who are attempting to provide quality care to patients in the face of increasing demands. Currently, Ontarios rehabilitation system struggles in its efforts to provide accessible and comprehensive care to patients recovering from stroke. We begin our exploration by identifying both the primary stakeholders and the underlying factors that have contributed to the current challenges. The framework put forward in the Canadian Medical Associations recommendations for transformation is then used to suggest a vision for a more patient-focused system incorporating three key principles: a broader perspective, a patient-first approach, and greater unity. The use of health information technology, proper incentives, and greater accountability are discussed as mechanisms to improve the quality and efficiency of care.

The stroke impact scale: performance as a quality of life measure in a community-based stroke rehabilitation setting.

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Methods: Data was derived from a study assessing a community-based stroke rehabilitation program. Patients were administered the SIS and Euroqol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) on admission to the study, and at six month and 12 month follow-up. The psychometric performance of each domain of the SIS was assessed at each time point. Results: A total of 164 patients completed outcome measures at baseline, 108 patients at six months and 37 patients at 12 months. Correlation of the SIS domains with the EQ-5D-5L suggested that the dimensions of health contributing to a patient’s perception of health-related quality of life changes over time. Conclusion: The SIS performed well in a sample of patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation in the community. Our findings suggest that the multidimensionality of the SIS may allow health professionals to track patient progress and tailor rehabilitation interventions to target the dimensions of health that are most important to a patient’s overall health and perceived quality of life over time. Implications for Rehabilitation There is an increased need for valid and reliable measures to evaluate the outcomes of patients recovering from stroke in the community. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) measures multiple domains of health and is well-suited for use in patients recovering from stroke in the community. There is a high level of internal consistency in the eight SIS domains with no evidence of floor effects; ceiling effects were noted for several domains. Correlation of the SIS with the Euroqol-5D suggested that the dimensions of health contributing to a patient’s perception of health related quality of life changes over time.

A Synthesis of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Team-Coordinated and Delivered Early Supported Discharge After Stroke.

This review aimed to summarize data from peer-reviewed studies of team-coordinated and delivered early supported discharge (ESD) for postacute, poststroke rehabilitation. A systematic review was performed in Medline, Embase, and CINAHL for appropriate studies. Information on program details and patient cohorts was synthesized. All programs sought patients with mild-to-moderate functional impairment and minimal cognitive impairment (often based on Barthel Index and Mini-Mental State Examination scores, respectively). All also included at least one subjective admission criterion related to rehabilitation suitability or the suitability of the home environment. Based on the identified studies, ESD programs can assume that 15% of patients screened for ESD will be eligible and care should be provided for 4 to 5 weeks postdischarge. Although the benefits of team-coordinated and delivered ESD poststroke have been well-documented, this review may be helpful for clinicians, administrators, and policy makers looking to establish or refine an ESD program for stroke.