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01-09-2018 | Brief Communication

A new tool to assess responsiveness in disorders of consciousness (DoC): a preliminary study on the Brief Post-Coma Scale (BPCS)

Authors: Rita Formisano, Marta Aloisi, Marco Iosa, Marianna Contrada, Federica Rizza, Davide Sattin, Matilde Leonardi, Mariagrazia D’Ippolito, on the behalf of the Italian National Consortium on Functioning and Disability in Disorders of Consciousness Patients

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 9/2018

Abstract

Introduction

The Brief Post-Coma Scale (BPCS) is an easy diagnostic tool for individuals with disorders of consciousness (DoC), in a reduced version from a previously Post-Coma Scale, that could distinguish patients in the minimally conscious state (MCS) from those in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), formerly defined as vegetative state (VS).

Objective

Aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic validity of the BPCS in comparison with the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), in its Italian validated version, the Disability Rating Scale (DRS), the Level of Cognitive Functioning (LCF), and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

Methods

In an Italian multicenter study on 545 patients with DoC, 36 post-acute rehabilitation wards, 32 long-term care centers, and 2 family associations participated to data collection.

Results

Statistically significant correlations were found between the BPCS and the other clinical scales: R = 0.586 (p < 0.001) with LCF, R = − 0.566 (p < 0.001) with DRS, R = 0.622 (p < 0.001) with CRS-R. The BPCS scores resulted significantly correlated with the time from acute event (R = 0.117, p = 0.006). Patients with GOS score 2 had mean BPCS of 1.84 ± 1.19, whereas those with GOS 3 had significantly higher scores 3.88 ± 1.71 (p < 0.001). Similarly, in patients with vegetative state/UWS (VS/UWS), the mean BPSC score was 1.71 ± 1.09, significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of patients with minimally conscious state (BPCS = 3.83 ± 1.29). Finally, the agreement of the BPCS and clinical diagnosis was of 84.4%, with an odds ratio OR = 3.781 (95% CI = 3.026–4.725, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The BPCS has demonstrated statistically significant correlations with the most commonly used scales in persons with DoC.

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Title: A new tool to assess responsiveness in disorders of consciousness (DoC): a preliminary study on the Brief Post-Coma Scale (BPCS)
Authors: Rita Formisano
Marta Aloisi
Marco Iosa
Marianna Contrada
Federica Rizza
Davide Sattin
Matilde Leonardi
Mariagrazia D’Ippolito
on the behalf of the Italian National Consortium on Functioning and Disability in Disorders of Consciousness Patients
Publication date: 01-09-2018
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3466-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A new tool to assess responsiveness in disorders of consciousness (DoC): a preliminary study on the Brief Post-Coma Scale (BPCS)

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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