Subacute stroke: <i>new-onset poststroke</i> bladder and bowel dysfunctions and possible associated factors.

Abstract

Bladder and bowel <i>poststroke</i> dysfunctions negatively impact patients' health. Stroke-related characteristics associated to these dysfunctions are poorly known. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of <i>new-onset poststroke</i> bladder and bowel dysfunctions, characterize their associated factors, and describe the dysfunctions' clinical approach. Cross-sectional study including 157 patients admitted to a single hospital's stroke unit with a first-ever stroke, during 3 months. An 18-item questionnaire was applied to assess dysfunctions <i>pre</i> and <i>poststroke</i>. The McNemar test was used to compare <i>pre</i> and <i>poststroke</i> prevalence. A logistic regression was used to estimate associations (OR, 95% CI) between individual characteristics and <i>new-onset</i> dysfunctions. We had 113 (72%) respondents. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunctions <i>poststroke</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Higher stroke severity was significantly associated with both <i>new-onset poststroke</i> bladder and bowel dysfunctions (OR = 15.00, 95% CI [4.92,45.76] and OR = 5.87,95%CI [2.14,16.12], respectively). Total anterior circulation strokes, cardioembolic strokes, and lower functionality at discharge were also significantly associated with both dysfunctions. Thirteen patients (11.5%) reported that health professionals addressed these dysfunctions. <i>Poststroke</i> bladder and bowel dysfunctions are highly prevalent. Being aware of their epidemiology helps draw attention to patients at higher risk of developing these dysfunctions, enhancing the rehabilitation process.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPoststroke bladder and bowel dysfunctions are highly prevalent and under-recognised consequences of stroke.Being aware of their epidemiology and associated factors may help identify patients at higher risk of developing these dysfunctions.It is necessary to raise clinical awareness to ensure a more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approach, enhancing patients' rehabilitation process, quality of life and lowering collateral societal burden.