Large disparities in 28-day case fatality by stroke subtype: data from a French stroke registry between 2008 and 2017.

Abstract

Background and purposeThe objectives of the present analysis were to assess 28‐day stroke case fatality according to the stroke aetiology and to identify associated factors.MethodsAll stroke events in adults aged ≥35 years between 2008 and 2017 were collected in a population‐based stroke registry in northern France.ResultsOut of a total of 2933 strokes, there were 479 (16%) haemorrhagic strokes and 2454 (84%) ischaemic strokes; the 28‐day case fatality rates were 48% and 15%, respectively. Three‐quarters of the 28‐day case fatalities occurred within 6 days of the event for haemorrhagic strokes and within 16.5 days for ischaemic strokes. After an ischaemic stroke, the case fatality rate was higher for women (18%) than for men (12%, p < 0.0001); however, this difference disappeared after adjustment for age. Cardioembolic strokes (34%) and strokes of undetermined cause (33%) were the most common ischaemic subtypes, with case fatality rates of 16% and 18%, respectively. Large artery atherosclerosis (11%) and lacunar strokes (10%) were less common, and both types had a case fatality rate of 3%. Age at the time of the event and stroke severity were both significantly associated with case fatality. For some types of stroke, a history of cardiovascular events and residence in a nursing home were associated with a poor prognosis. Medical care in a neurology ward was inversely associated with case fatality, for all stroke subtypes.ConclusionsIn northern France, post‐stroke case fatality remains high, especially for haemorrhagic stroke. Being treated in a neurology ward improved survival by around 80%.