In-hospital management of acute ischemic stroke. A retrospective analysis at the Viterbo hospital (Italy), 2008 to 2012

Abstract

Cerebrovascular diseases account for 10-12% of all deaths in Italy, and are the leading cause of disability and the second major cause of dementia. Cerebrovascular events may affect cerebral vascular function resulting in symptoms of variable duration and severity. This retrospective analysis included 1892 patients admitted with a definite or probable diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease who experienced an acute vascular injury. Data were collected from the medical records at the Belcolle Hospital of Viterbo (Italy) from January 2008 to November 2012. A definite diagnosis was not made on admission in 15.4% of patients, and blood pressure measurement was not performed in 6.9% of patients. Almost all patients underwent a brain CT scan and interdisciplinary assessment. Our findings based on the experience of the Belcolle Hospital show several limitations in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with acute cerebrovascular events. These are mainly related to diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes of the emergency department personnel (physicians and nurses), funding for professional training, and implementation of stroke units.