OBJECTIVE: To confirm the relationship between initial trunk performance and functional outcomes according to gait ability, and whether initial trunk performance is of predictive value in terms of functional prognosis in patients with stroke. METHODS: We reviewed 135 patients who suffered from stroke. Trunk performance of the patients was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to gait ability at initial stage of stroke. Correlation analyses were performed to assess relationship between initial TIS and functional outcomes. We also evaluated the relationship between initial TIS and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) subitems. Finally, stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the predictive validity of initial TIS and its subscales with functional outcomes. RESULTS: For both groups, initial TIS was correlated with K-MBI and Functional Ambulation Categories at 4 weeks after stroke; however, the relationship did not remain stable at 6 months in ambulatory patients. All K-MBI subitems, which were associated with trunk movement, as well as others about basic skills was correlated with initial TIS. Finally, when of subscales TIS, dynamic sitting balance (TIS-D) was included in by stepwise multiple regression analyses, high proportion of the explained variance was represented. CONCLUSION: The strong relationship between trunk performance and functional outcomes in patients with stroke emphasizes the importance of trunk rehabilitation. Indeed, an evaluation of a patient's initial TIS after stroke, especially TIS-D, could be helpful in predicting patient's functional prognosis.
Activities of Daily Living ; Gait ; Humans ; Postural Balance ; Prognosis* ; Rehabilitation ; Stroke* ; Walking

Takayasu's arteritis(TA) is a chronic inflammatory and obliterative disease of medium- and large-sized arteries characterized by a strong predilection for the aortic arch and its branches. Renal involvement is usually manifested by renovascular hypertension. Glomerular involvement is rare and largely exists as a mild mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, commonly manifesting microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. The association of glomerular disease with TA is of interest since common immunologic mechanisms are proposed for the pathogenesis of both entities. We report a case of TA associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The patient presented with hypertension(Upper limb; Rt. 200/80mmHg, Lt. 95/60mmHg, Lower limb; Rt. 140/90mmHg, Lt. 110/70mmHg) and nephrotic syndrome(Serum albumin : 2.3g/dL, cholesterol : 454mg/dL, BUN : 18.0mg/dL, creatinine 1.3mg/dL, 24-hour urine protein : 5.17g). Digital substraction angiography showed multiple narrowing and occlusive changes of aortic arch and its branches. Renal biopsy was interpreted as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Therapy was instituted with prednisolone.
Angiography ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Arteries ; Biopsy ; Cholesterol ; Creatinine ; Extremities ; Glomerulonephritis ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental* ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; Lower Extremity ; Prednisolone ; Proteinuria ; Takayasu Arteritis*