Abstract
Background and Purpose: Outcome in patients hospitalized for acute stroke varies considerably between
populations. Within the framework of the GAIN International trial, a large multicenter trial of a
neuroprotective agent (gavestinel, glycine antagonist), stroke outcome in relation to health care resource
use has been compared in a large number of countries, allowing for differences in case mix.
Methods: This substudy includes 1,422 patients in 19 countries grouped into 10 regions. Data on
prognostic variables on admission to hospital, resource use, and outcome were analyzed by regression
models.
Results: All results were adjusted for differences in prognostic factors on admission (NIH Stroke Scale,
age, comorbidity). There were threefold variations in the average number of days in hospital/institutional
care (from 20 to 60 days). The proportion of patients who met with professional rehabilitation staff also
varied greatly. Three-month case fatality ranged from 11% to 28%, and mean Barthel ADL score at
three months varied between 64 and 73. There was no relationship between health care resource use
and outcome in terms of survival and ADL function at three months. The proportion of patients living at
home at three months did not show any relationship to ADL function across countries.
Conclusions: There are wide variations in health care resource use between countries, unexplained
by differences in case mix. Across countries, there is no obvious relationship between resource use
and clinical outcome after stroke. Differences in health care traditions (treatment pathways) and social
We thank the coinvestigators and research staff at the participating centers for their support. Glaxo Wellcome
sponsored the GAIN International trial, supported the present analyses and reviewed the final draft of the article.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 267-277 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2003 |