The long‑term prognosis of patients with delirium in the acute phase of stroke : PRospective Observational POLIsh Study (PROPOLIS)

Background and purpose Delirium is a very common neurobehavioral complication after stroke, but its influence on long-term outcome is not well characterized. The objective of the study was to determine the prognostic significance of delirium for functional status, nursing home admission, and mortality in a large cohort of patients with delirium in the acute phase of stroke assessed 3 and 12 months after stroke. Methods All stroke survivors included in PROPOLIS were followed up (n = 682). Outcome data included: discharge destination, recurrence of stroke, cardiovascular complications, functional activity and mobility, nursing home admission, and mortality. Results Patients with delirium were discharged to another hospital or nursing home significantly more often than those presenting without delirium. The 3- and 12-month post-stroke mortality rates were higher in delirious patients (OR 6.41 CI 3.76–10.92; p