Epidemiology of stroke in France

Abstract

Background: It has been nearly 10 years since the first national stroke plan in France.Aims: To examine the epidemiology of strokes, how they are managed and patient outcomes.Methods: Adults hospitalized for stroke in 2022 were identified in the national database. Stroke prevalence at 1 January 2023 was defined as the number of people alive at that date with a history of hospitalization for stroke or a chronic long-term disease status due to stroke (2012–2022). Patients were monitored up for up to 1 year after hospitalization for a stroke.Results: In 2022, 122,422 adults were hospitalized due to stroke, and there were an estimated 1,086,795 cases. Important geographical and socioeconomic disparities were observed. Admission to a stroke intensive care unit was found in 46.8% of patients, with significant variations by department of residence, age and gender. Only 7.2% of ischaemic strokes resulted in mechanical thrombectomy. Among survivors at 6 months, admission to a rehabilitation unit was found for 34.3% for patients with ischaemic strokes and 41.7% of those with haemorrhagic strokes, while 28.8% and 18.8%, respectively, had a consultation with a neurologist, and 19.5% and 10.9% were seen by a cardiologist within 6 months. Mortality rates after 1 year were 20.8% and 37.9% among patients hospitalized due to ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes, respectively.Conclusion: The considerable numbers and rates of stroke – and disparities by age, sex and area – highlight the need for more effective stroke prevention, regular information campaigns on the symptoms of stroke and improved availability and accessibility of stroke units.