Research
Differential aspects of stroke and congestive heart failure in quality of life reduction: a case series with three comparison groups
1 Stroke Clinic of the Federal University of Bahia, Ambulatório Magalhães Neto, Rua Padre Feijó 240 Canela, Bahia, Brazil
2 Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health Avenida Dom João VI, 274 - Brotas, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2011, 9:65 doi:10.1186/1477-7525-9-65
Published: 10 August 2011Abstract
Background
To assess QOL of patients with stroke in comparison to other groups (caregivers and CHF patients), to identify which items of QOL are more affected on each group and what is the functional profile of patients with stroke.
Methods
Consecutive stroke or congestive heart failure (CHF) patients were evaluated and compared to their caregivers (caregivers). The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scale were applied.
Results
We evaluated 67 patients with stroke, 62 with CHF and 67 caregivers. For stroke patients, median NIHSS score was four. EQ-5D score was significantly worse in stroke, as compared to CHF and caregivers (0.52, 0.69 and 0.65, respectively). Mobility and usual activity domains were significantly affected in stroke and CHF patients as compared to caregivers; and self-care was more affected in stroke as compared with the other two groups.
Conclusions
Despite a mild neurological deficit, there was a significantly worse QOL perception in stroke as compared to CHF patients, mostly in their perception of self-care.
