Article

This study was aimed to compare the application of a tree model and
regression approach for developing data-driven models that identified frisk
factors related to functional outcomes among ischaemic stroke patients. METHODS:
Data were derived from 271 hospitalised patients with a first-ever ischaemic
stroke. The Barthel Index (BI) and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) were used to
assess the functional outcomes. The stroke severity at admission and related
information from 2006 to December 2007 were extracted retrospectively from a
chart review. In the regression approach, including age, the National
Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and glucose level were the most
significant predictors affecting both the BI and MRS. After applying the tree
model, different tree structures were found. For the BI score, the NIHSS score
interact with glucose, age and systolic blood pressure to form the tree
structure. By contrast, the NIHSS score mainly interact with patients' age to
form the tree model for MRS. CONCLUSION: Both models have their pros and cons.
The tree model otherwise provides risk interactions, and can effectively
discriminate the risk groups for different functional outcomes. Applying both
models to specific situations will provide a different angle for functional
assessment and intervention in stroke rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS