Mobility Functional Outcomes of Neurofibromatosis Patients: A Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVEThe aim of the study was to describe the mobility outcomes of neurofibromatosis (NF) patients who received acute inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGNThis is a retrospective study of 62 consecutive neurofibromatosis patients of any age who received physical medicine and rehabilitation consultations at a comprehensive cancer center. Postoperative, inpatient rehabilitation admission and discharge functional independence measures (FIM scores) of transfers and gait and length of hospital stay were obtained from 37 patients who were transferred to inpatient rehabilitation (acute rehabilitation) and 25 who had an alternative disposition (consultation only). RESULTSMean age was 34 yrs. Both groups had similar postoperative FIM transfer and gait scores; however, at approximately postoperative day 10, the consultation only group was discharged with median FIM of 5 (supervision level) as compared with the acute rehabilitation group FIM of 4 (P = 0.000). The acute rehabilitation group had improved mobility FIM scores from postoperative to rehabilitation admission and again from rehabilitation admission to discharge (P < 0.0001). At discharge, the acute rehabilitation group ambulated a significantly longer distance (500 f. vs. 300 ft) (P = 0.04). The median length of hospital stay for the acute rehabilitation and consultation only groups was 20 and 10 days, respectively (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONSAcute inpatient rehabilitation leads to improvement in mobility-associated FIM scores for neurofibromatosis patients minimizing caregiver needs at home.