The post-stroke aftermath of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) is investigated. A total of 104 consecutive patients (80 with AF and 24 without AF) were referred to a rehabilitation centre and enrolled. They underwent a rehabilitative programme. Disability was assessed by using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), at the time of admission, discharge and after 1 year. Death was more frequent over the 1-year interval in AF group. Ten patients died (42%), whereas in the non-AF group death occurred in 15 cases (19%). By using chi-square test, the difference was significant (P < 0.02). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the unique variable affecting the FIM at follow-up was the FIM at discharge (P < 0.0001). AF was not a significant variable in the equation. The result can be attributed to subject attrition in the AF group, as the most severe patients died and survivors could benefit from a better functional status.

A review of geriatric literature demonstrates lower values in the patients in rehabilitation. The difference is due to our accurate selection of patients at admission, where general health conditions are considered. In conclusion the CIRS scale should be used as a method for selecting patients at admission or as a prognostic index for improvement at discharge. CIRS, however, has some inconveniences and amelioration is necessary, such as the inclusion of a double testing (admission-discharge), psychiatric disturbances and a new item for skin alone. CIRS should not be applied if a patient referred for rehabilitation has the worst score in even a single item.

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