Predictive variables of mortality after acute ischaemic stroke in Tanta University Hospital

Abstract

Background Acute ischaemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of mortality and long-term morbidity. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors associated with increased mortality in acute IS. Patients and methods This prospective study was conducted on 251 patients with acute IS admitted to the Department of Neuropsychiatry, Tanta University, over 6 months, and these patients were followed-up for another 6 months. Patients were divided into group I, which included 66 patients who died after acute IS, and group II, which included 185 patients who survived after acute IS. All patients were subjected to full history taking and general and neurological examinations; stroke severity was assessed by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale; type of stroke was determined by Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project Classification and Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classifications, ECG, routine laboratory investigations and brain imaging. Patients were followed-up by Modified Rankin Scale. Results Patients in group I had a higher mean age (81.45±12.390). Diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease were more prevalent in group I (68.2 and 90.9%, respectively). Coma was observed to be more in group I (37.88%). The mean of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale was higher in group I (19.42±3.53 and ≥4, respectively). Total anterior circulation infarct and stroke of the large artery were more prevalent in group I (59 and 63.6%, respectively). Cerebral edema and leukoaraiosis were observed to be more in group I (87.9 and 80.3%, respectively). Conclusion Early mortality after acute IS is usually due to neurological complications. Septic conditions are considered one of the major causes of post-IS death after the first month.