Ten to twelve years after specialized neurorehabilitation of young patients with severe disorders of consciousness: a follow-up study.
Eilander, H.J., Wijnen, V.J., Schouten, E.J., & Lavrijsen, J.C.
2 September 2016Abstract
Objective
To investigate the long-term outcomes of young patients with disorders of consciousness who have undergone intensive neurorehabilitation.
Methods
A cross-sectional cohort study, in which survival, level of consciousness, functional independence, mobility, communication and living situation were determined on the basis of a structured questionnaire. The cohort consisted of 44 children and young adults, originally in a prolonged vegetative state/unresponsive vigilance syndrome (VS/UWS, n = 33) or a minimally conscious state (MCS, n = 11) who had received a specialized neurorehabilitation program 10-12 years prior.
Results
The response rate was 72% (34/44). Eleven patients had died, 10 of whom had VS/UWS or MCS when discharged from the program. Of the remaining 23 patients, 19 were conscious. Twelve lived independently, six of whom needed some domestic support. One
The patient in question lived permanently in a long-term care facility. All other patients lived independently or with their parents. None of the VS/UWS or MCS patients showed any functional recovery.
Conclusion
There are two main scenarios for the long-term outcome. Two-thirds of participating patients who were conscious at discharge from the program were able to live independently, while nearly two-thirds of participating patients who had VS/UWS or MCS at discharge were able to live independently.
then died
Keywords
Vegetative state, unresponsive vigilance syndrome, minimally conscious state, neurorehabilitation, long-term follow-up, outcome, living situation