Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Stroke after in-Hospital Treatment—Study Protocol of the Prospective Stroke Cohort Augsburg (SCHANA Study)

Abstract

Introduction: In Germany, stroke is the third leading cause of death, with more than 60,000 fatalities out of approximately 260,000 cases (first-ever and recurrent strokes) each year. So far, there are only a few long-term studies investigating determinants of the natural course of the disease, especially in the era of mechanical thrombectomy. Materials and Methods: The prospective single-center stroke cohort Augsburg (SCHANA) study will include about 1000 patients treated for stroke in the University Hospital of Augsburg. Patients aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke are included in the study. Information on demographic characteristics, onset of symptoms, etiologic factors, comorbidities, quality of life, invasive and non-invasive treatment, complications, and laboratory parameters are collected during a personal interview conducted during the patients’ hospital stay and via a medical chart review. About 30 mL of blood is collected from each patient, and after processing and aliquoting, all blood specimens are frozen at −80° C. The study participants will be followed-up via postal questionnaires at three and 12 months after discharge from the hospital. Furthermore, mortality follow-ups will be conducted. Cox-regression analysis will be used to estimate relative risks. Conclusion: The SCHANA study will generate comprehensive data on the long-term course of the disease. In addition to the main outcomes, recurrent events and survival, patient-oriented outcomes such as health-related quality of life and depression are the focus of the study.

Factors Associated With Early and Late Post-stroke Fatigue in Patients With Mild Impairment. Results From the Stroke Cohort Study Augsburg

“…Three and 12 months after the stroke event, the study participants received postal questionnaires for follow-up. Additional information about the SCHANA study can be found in the published study protocol ( 19 ).…”

Associations between pre-stroke physical activity and physical quality of life three months after stroke in patients with mild disability

“…The study started in September 2018 and patients were included until November 2019. Detailed information about the SCHANA study can be found in the publication of the study protocol [ 17 ].…”

“…Sample size was estimated based on the primary objectives of the SCHANA study, namely to investigate the impact of stroke treatment on recurrent events and stroke-related long-term survival [ 17 ]. A cumulative risk of stroke recurrence of 11% within one year was expected.…”

Changes of Health-Related Quality of Life Within the 1st Year After Stroke–Results From a Prospective Stroke Cohort Study

“…Every year, ~1,700 patients with acute strokes are treated at the University Hospital Augsburg. It was estimated that about 60–70% of the patients would take part in the study ( 15 ). Thus, we assumed that about 900–1,000 patients could be recruited within the study period of 1 year.…”

“…Proportions of baseline and follow-up assessment are shown in Figure 1 . Detailed information about methods for recruitment, conduction of patient interviews and obtainment of follow-up data has been published elsewhere ( 15 ).…”