Article

Although fatigue after stroke is common, little is known about the
effect of fatigue on functional outcomes in stroke patients. We, therefore,
evaluated the influence of fatigue on functional outcomes after stroke. DESIGN: Forty consecutive outpatients were evaluated 32.7 +/- 27.4 mos after the onset of
stroke. Poststroke fatigue was scored using the Fatigue Severity Scale, activity
of daily living function was assessed using the Modified Barthel Index, motor
function was assessed using the Motricity Index, and cognitive function was
evaluated using the Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. The Beck Depression
Inventory was used to assess depression, and patients were interviewed about
sleeping problems. RESULTS: The average Fatigue Severity Scale score was 3.6 +/-
1.5 in stroke patients, with 12 patients (30.0%) having Fatigue Severity Scale
scores >or=4 points. Twenty-two patients (55.0%) had depression, and 12 (30%) had
sleeping problems. Fatigue Severity Scale score was significantly correlated with
Beck Depression Inventory and sleep disturbance (P < 0.05) but was not
significantly correlated with Modified Barthel Index, Motricity Index or
Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. CONCLUSIONS: We found that 30% of stroke
victims had poststroke fatigue. Poststroke fatigue was not closely associated
with motor function, activity of daily living, or cognitive function, but showed
significant correlation with depression and sleeping problems. These findings
emphasize the need for careful clinical screening of both fatigue and depression
in individuals after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS