J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2003 Aug;27(4):480-484.

Influence of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy on Functional Outcomes of the Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients

• Kwon HK
• Lee SR
• Yoon DW
• Kim LN
• Chae SH
• Lee HJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) on functional status and recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremity in stroke patients. METHOD: Retrospective chart review was performed in 561 patients. Among 561 stroke patients, 116 subjects were recruited and classified into two groups: patient group, 43 cases with RSD; control group, 73 cases without RSD. Upper extremity function was assessed based on feeding, dressing and personal hygiene scores of the modified Barthel index at the beginning of rehabilitation treatment and at the time of discharge. Causes of stroke and length of stay were recorded. Median nerve-somatosensory evoked potential studies were performed and assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of RSD was 7.7% and the time to development of RSD was 62.3+/-34.1 days after the onset of stroke. There was no significant difference in functional status between two groups at initial and final evaluation. The upper extremity function had improved in both groups although the length of stay was longer in patient group. SSEP abnormalities were more frequent in the patient group. CONCLUSION: The presence of well-managed RSD affected neither the functional status nor the functional recovery of upper extremity in stroke patients.

Keyword

Stroke; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy; Modified Barthel index; Somatosensory evoked potential

MeSH Terms

Bandages
Evoked Potentials
Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory
Humans
Hygiene
Incidence
Length of Stay
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy*
Reflex*
Rehabilitation
Retrospective Studies
Stroke*
Upper Extremity*