Article

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cognition,
baseline motor function, and co-morbid medical conditions on functional change,
discharge destination, and discharge needs in patients admitted to acute
rehabilitation for Parkinson-related impairments.
This retrospective
chart review study evaluated the records of patients admitted to acute
rehabilitation over a 5-yr period with a primary impairment category of
parkinsonism. Functional status was measured at admission and discharge; 3-mo
follow-up function was also collected in a sample of discharged patients.
RESULTS: : Eighty-nine patients (mean age, 74.26 yrs) were admitted over the 5-yr
time frame. A more complicated Medicare tier diagnosis (tier 2) was associated
with lower total and motor score Functional Independence Measure gains compared
with tier 3 (P = 0.009 and P = 0.016, respectively). Cognitive scores at
admission were not related to need for caregivers upon discharge. Overall
Functional Independence Measure gain (adjusted R = 0.073, P = 0.006) and
Functional Independence Measure gain efficiency (adjusted R = 0.142, P < 0.001)
inversely correlated with age. At the 3-mo follow-up, a random sample (38%) of
patients contacted postdischarge demonstrated continued improvements.
CONCLUSIONS: : Significant improvement may be seen after acute rehabilitation in
patients with Parkinson disease, irrespective of cognitive impairment. More
complicated medical tier diagnoses result in less Functional Independence Measure
gain, and older individuals with Parkinson disease are more likely to show less
functional change. However, functional improvements are still statistically significant.

Langue : ANGLAIS