Vegetative state in two Italian residential facilities: study of prognosis for subjects and related caregivers.
Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology April 30, 2025 Elisabetta Pupillo, Andrea Magnoni, Lorenzo Tinti et al.
Among patients in a vegetative state (VS) treated at two long-term care facilities in Lombardy starting in 2014, non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage was the most common cause (41%), followed by traumatic brain injury (19%) and anoxic brain injury (17%). Cumulative mortality after the event causing VS was 10% at 1 year, 24% at 2 years, 43% at 5 years, 69% at 10 years, and 88% at 15 years, with older age and ischemic stroke increasing risk. Among 24 caregivers, 50% had scores recommending psychological support, 33% strongly recommended support, and 13% urgent need. Female caregivers reported worse mental health than males.