Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and one of the leading causes of disability in adults. About 85% of them will be ischemic, and the other 15%, hemorrhagic stroke. Evidence suggested that COVID-19 patients may experience increased rates of thromboembolism and the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke.

Aim: to determine the functional outcomes in patients with hemorrhagic stroke during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods: a descriptive and retrospective study that included a sample of 92 patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. The functional outcomes were measured with Barthel Index.

Results: The distribution in the moderate and severe degrees has been higher for the year 2019, in the independent and minimal help required degrees it has been higher in the year 2020. No significant correlation was found between age and the categorized Barthel Index, not between the year and the categorized Barthel Index.

Conclusion: No relationship is seen between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and worsening of functionality. The structural changes during the pandemic and the reduction in personnel have not affected the diagnosis and involvement of ischemic stroke. The effort of the staff, to maintain adequate care, has been decisive in the functional results of the patients.