Abstract
IntroductionStroke is a leading cause of hospitalisation. Ageing and differences in management and specialisation between health centres could explain the variability in hospitalisation and prognosis between areas. We analyse the number of hospitalisations due to stroke and TIA (Spain), 1998-2003, and the differences between regions. MethodsThe Spanish Ministry of Health, through its MBDS (Minimum Basic Data Set Office), provided data for stroke and TIA hospitalisation. Diagnoses were extracted according to ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases) –codes 430-439– and to GRD (Group Related Diagnoses) –codes 14-17, 532, 810–. We included: a) autonomous community identification; b) average stay; c) age, sex, type of discharge (mortality); d) number of diagnoses, weight/cost for GRD. ResultsThere was ateady temporal incidence of hospitalisation for stroke (GRD14, 160/100,000) and TIA (GRD15, 55/100,000). Weight and costs increased between 2000 and 2003, and reached 3,400 euro (GRD14) and 2,400 euro (GRD15). Average stay decreased from 12 to 10.1 days (stroke) and 8.6 to 7.3 days (TIA). Mortality also decreased from 12.7% to 9.2% for stroke (GRD14). The average number of diagnoses was similar for stroke and TIA: both increased from 4 to 5 over the 6 years. There were wide variations between autonomous communities in hospitalisations for stroke and TIA: from 250/100,000 to less than 120/100,000. There was a correlation between the ageing of the populations and these differences. There were also wide variations (up to 40%) in average stay and mortality between communities. ConclusionsHospitalisation rate for stroke and TIA is very high and sustained; despite increasing complexity, average stay and mortality improved, which points to better management. Variability among regions is highlighted. Further prospective studies are required.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
