Association between white matter hyperintensity volume and social functioning limitations among stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE

Existing literature on white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) in stroke patients has rarely focused on post-stroke outcomes related to social functioning limitations, such as transportation, social interaction, food preparation, grocery shopping, and housekeeping. Using prospective data from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) study, we evaluated the association between WMHV and social functioning limitations among 151 ischemic stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WMHV was ascertained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) collected at the time of the stroke event using a validated semiautomated method, and social functioning limitations were assessed using a stroke outcomes questionnaire administered a median of 1.25 years after the date of the MRI scan. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between WMHV and social functioning limitations.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age and sex, a statistically significant association was found between WMHV and limitations in social interaction (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 1.21-7.55). Increased risks were seen for limitations related to food preparation (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 0.99-4.54), transportation (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 0.85-2.27), and housekeeping (OR=1.37; 95% CI: 0.91-2.11); however, the associations did not reach statistical significance. We observed no association between WMHV and limitations in grocery shopping (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 0.61-1.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies are needed to further explore the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship with limitations in social interaction and to replicate our findings using a larger and more diverse study sample.