Plama Osmolality Status in Acute Stroke Patients and in Healthy Individuals in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the most prevalent neurological emergency and accounts for approximately 50% of all neurological disorders in medical college hospitals. It is the leading cause of adult neurological morbidity and the third leading cause of death globally. Changes in plasma osmolality are associated with increased complications, mortality, morbidity, and disability in stroke patients. Objective: This study aims to investigate the changes in plasma osmolality in different types of acute stroke patients and its impact on stroke outcomes. Method: The study included two groups: Group I comprised 104 acute stroke patients (mean age 58.87±13.70) as cases, and Group II consisted of 104 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (mean age 57.55±12.60) as controls. Each stroke patient underwent cranial computed tomography within the first 24 hours. Blood tests for blood sugar, serum electrolytes, lipid profile, and blood urea were performed. The CT findings and pathological test results were analyzed using SPSS software. Result: Among the 104 stroke patients, 71 (68.27%) had ischemic stroke, and 33 (31.73%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Dyselectrolytaemia was observed in 73 (70.20%) of the stroke patients, while 31 (29.80%) had normal electrolyte levels. Hyperosmolality was present in 58 (55.77%) of the patients, and hypoosmolality was found in 3 (2.88%). Conclusions: Abnormal plasma osmolality is a significant independent risk factor for complications in acute stroke patients, both ischemic and hemorrhagic. Plasma osmolality estimation should be considered a crucial clinical investigation for evaluating acute stroke patients in the early stages.