ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A381 FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT PATTERNS FOLLOWING RECURRENT ISCHAEMIC STROKE IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF NON-CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Survivors of ischaemic stroke (IS) can have reduced physical function; however, there is limited information regarding effects of recurrent IS following a non-cardioembolic IS (NCIS) on functional impairment. Methods Patients with a recurrent IS following an index NCIS were identified using IS diagnostic codes and medical records from the administrative system of Southern Denmark hospitals (January 2018–December 2023). Information regarding patients’ functional level and home arrangements before discharge following the index NCIS and recurrent IS, using the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living, the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and assessment of the ability to stand/walk, was abstracted from medical records. Results Overall, 213 patients were identified (mean age 69.3 years, 62.4% male). Following a recurrent IS (Figure), more patients had a moderate/severe NIHSS rating at admission (24% vs 20%), fewer were discharged home (75% vs 83%) and more required help at home (29% vs 18%) compared with the index NCIS. Before discharge, more patients with a recurrent IS had indicators of reduced functioning compared with the index NCIS: a higher percentage had Barthel scores ≤60 (23% vs 9%), mRS scores ≥3 (49% vs 31%), were unable to stand unaided by another person (23% vs 9%), needed a walking aid (35% vs 27%) or were a wheelchair user or remained in bed (18% vs 5%; Figure). Conclusions Our results indicate that functional decline is greater after a recurrent IS than after the index NCIS. These findings underscore the need for more efficient secondary preventive measures in patients with NCIS. Conflict of interest Funding for this study was provided by Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany. S.H., C.S., C.O., B.H and S.M. have nothing to disclose; L.A.G.R. is an employee of Centro Español Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica, which has received research grants from Bayer; K.J. is an employee of Bayer A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark, and may own shares or share options in the company; M.S. received research and consulting funding from Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Janssen Global Services LLC, Alexion, Anthos and Novartis; D.G. received speaking honoraria from Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb outside the submitted work and participated in this and another research project, funded by Bayer, with funds paid to the institution where he is employed. Table 1 - belongs to Conclusions