Preadmission use of glucocorticoids and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic stroke

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Essentials The risk of thrombosis among ischemic stroke patients using glucocorticoids is unknown. We examined the risk of thrombosis in 98 487 ischemic stroke patients, by glucocorticoid use. Myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism risk was increased in glucocorticoid users. Hemorrhagic stroke risk was lower and recurrent ischemic stroke the same in glucocorticoid users. SUMMARY: Background Glucocorticoid users have a high mortality rate following stroke, but the underlying clinical pathways are poorly understood. Objectives To examine the risk of cardiovascular events among ischemic stroke patients using glucocorticoids. Methods We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study by using medical registries in Denmark. We identified all patients hospitalized with a first-time ischemic stroke (2004-2013). We categorized glucocorticoid use into current use (last prescription redemption ≤ 90 days before admission), former use, and non-use. With non-users as reference, we studied the risks of recurrent ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism associated with glucocorticoid use. Comorbidity and comedication-adjusted 1-year hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed on the basis of Cox regression analysis. Results We identified 98 487 patients with a first-time (index) ischemic stroke. After the index stroke, the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke was 16.4% among current glucocorticoid users, whereas risks were lower for hemorrhagic stroke (0.46%), myocardial infarction (1.35%), and venous thromboembolism (0.98%). Among current glucocorticoid users, aHRs were increased for myocardial infarction (1.32, 95% CI 0.98-1.76) and venous thromboembolism (1.39, 95% CI 0.99-1.94), whereas the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was reduced (aHR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.93). There was no association with recurrent ischemic stroke (aHR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94-1.09). Conclusions During the first year after ischemic stroke, current glucocorticoid use was associated with moderately increased risks of myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism, and a lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke, whereas the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke was not affected.