From the Guidelines
Approximately 21-47% of patients with minor stroke require urological follow-up in the acute phase, primarily due to urinary retention, as evidenced by the high incidence of this complication in the first 72 hours after acute stroke 1.
Urological Complications in Minor Stroke
The need for urological follow-up in patients with minor stroke is significant, with urinary retention being a commonly seen complication. According to the American Heart Association's update to the 2009 comprehensive nursing care scientific statement, urinary retention incidence is reported to be between 21%–47% of patients in the first 72 hours after acute stroke 1. This highlights the importance of early assessment and intervention to prevent further complications such as urinary tract infections and skin breakdown.
Assessment and Intervention
Early urological assessment typically involves assessing the bladder for retention, using bladder scanning to obtain post-void residual (PVR) volume, and considering intermittent catheterization if necessary 1. The guidelines suggest that if the PVR is <100 mL consecutively for 3 times, monitoring can be discontinued, but if the PVR is >100 mL, scheduled intermittent catheterization will be necessary, every 4–6 hours 1.
Importance of Early Identification and Management
Prompt identification and management of urological complications are crucial to prevent decreased quality of life and other secondary complications. The high incidence of urinary retention in the acute phase of minor stroke underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and appropriate intervention to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
From the Research
Urological Follow-up in Minor Stroke Patients
- The exact percentage of patients with minor stroke requiring urological follow-up in the acute phase is not directly stated in the provided studies.
- However, a study on urinary retention associated with stroke found that 12 (8.8%) out of 137 patients exhibited urinary retention after a stroke 2.
- Another study on urinary incontinence after stroke mentions that incontinence affects over half of the individuals in the initial post-stroke phase, but does not provide specific data on the percentage of patients requiring urological follow-up 3.
- A qualitative study on TIA and minor stroke found that patients experience a range of residual problems, including psychological, cognitive, and physical impairments, but does not specifically address the percentage of patients requiring urological follow-up 4.
- It is worth noting that the decision to provide urological follow-up may depend on various factors, including the severity of the stroke, the presence of urinary retention or incontinence, and the individual patient's needs and circumstances.