SEGUICTUS study: management and follow-up of patients with stroke in Spain

Abstract

Introduction

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults and the second leading cause of death. The SEGUICTUS project was carried out with the aim of knowing its clinical management in different hospitals in Spain, in order to promote corrective measures to reduce its incidence and derived consequences.

Methods

This cross-sectional multicenter research was carried out through a survey of 40 questions on opinion, attitude and behavior. The survey was answered by 205 neurology specialists from different regions of Spain.

Results

The availability of resources for stroke management was statistically lower in tertiary and regional hospitals. 36.6% of the participants assessed the presence of cognitive impairment in more than half of the patients, and 37.6% used specific questionnaires to assess cognitive impairment in less than 10% of the patients. The best considered therapeutic options for its treatment were acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and citylcholine. Statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of participants who began rehabilitation treatment during admission, being lower in tertiary hospitals.

Conclusions

The shortage of stroke units, protocols and specialised consultations for the care of stroke patients may have an impact on the treatment of potential sequelae of stroke, such as cognitive impairment and motor sequelae. It is necessary to evaluate the deficit points in stroke management and implement the appropriate corrective measures.