Effect of Drugs on Recovery of Activities of Daily Living among Patients with Acute Stroke

While drugs affecting stroke rehabilitation outcomes have been studied in the context of convalescent hospitals, data on acute stroke patients remain insufficient. This retrospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the impact of medications on functional outcomes during rehabilitation in acute stroke patients. The study included stroke patients who received rehabilitation between April 2017 and March 2018. A total of 144 patients (mean age: 70.6±12.3 years; male/female: 86/58) were analyzed, including 101 with cerebral infarction (mean age: 72.3±12.1 years; male/female: 65/36) and 43 with cerebral haemorrhage (mean age: 66.7±12.1 years; male/female: 21/22). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify associations between drug use and recovery of activities of daily living (ADL). Multiple regression analysis of the overall data identified the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a promoting factor for ADL recovery [partial regression coefficient (PRC): 34.52, p<0.01] and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) as an inhibiting factor (PRC: -36.33, p<0.01). In the cerebral infarction group, only ACE-I use was identified as an inhibiting factor (PRC: -28.85, p<0.01). In the cerebral haemorrhage group, NSAID use was identified as a promoting factor (PRC: 51.27, p=0.01), while the use of diabetes drugs was identified as an inhibiting factor (PRC: -39.82, p=0.046). Our results suggest that certain drugs influence functional recovery after stroke. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.