Abstract TP204: Discharge Statin Practices For Young Stroke Patients In A Stroke Clinical Network

Abstract

Background: Despite the association of statin use and lowered recurrent stroke and mortality, some studies suggest young stroke patients do not receive the same intense targeted treatment medical therapies for secondary stroke prevention as older patients. Our specific objective was to determine if there were differences in statin medication discharge practices provided to young ischemic stroke patients within a Stroke Clinical Network. The Stroke Clinical Network consists of nine stroke centers located in rural, suburban and urban geographical regions. Methods: The GWTG registry was queried (FY 2017-2021) to identify ischemic stroke patients to determine statin discharge practices using the following criteria: sex, race, age groups ≥18-39 and ≥40-49, LDL levels < 100, 101-129 and > 130, diabetes, HTN, and smoking status. Chi squared tests of proportions were used to evaluate significant relationships between subgroups. Results: Among 1,294 young ischemic stroke patients: 53% (682/1294) were Black and 38% (493/1294) White; mean age 40.9 years (SD +/-7.21years). Men, blacks, patients older than 40 and diabetics were more likely to be discharged on a statin. There was a direct correlation between sex, race, age, LDL level and diabetes with statin discharge practices. There was no difference in statin discharge practices between smokers and nonsmokers. Conclusions: Opportunities to improve compliance with obtaining LDL levels upon admission and prescribing statins at discharge exist. Increasing statin administration in the young stroke patient population reflects best practice and will decrease mortality and morbidity.