Some risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke caused by middle cerebral artery damage

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Recurrent ischemic stroke due to damage to the middle cerebral artery causes deterioration of neurological function and increases the rate of disability, death, and treatment costs many times compared to the first ischemic stroke. Assessing risk factors plays an extremely important role in preventing recurrent ischemic stroke. We have discuss some risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke caused by middle cerebral artery damage. Research subjects and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 77 patients with recurrent ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery damage at the Neurology Center - Bach Mai Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022. Summary of review: There were 22 female patients and 55 male patients with an average age of 65 ± 11 years old, predominantly in the age group of 61 - 70 years old (making up 44.2% of the total). The majority of patients experienced their first recurrence (64.9%). The timeframe between the most recent ischemic stroke and the recurrent event ranged from 12 months to 5 years, with the highest occurrence rate at 33.8%. Hypertension has the highest rate among risk factors (88.3%); Hyperlipidemia follows as the second leading risk factor (49.4%). Patients with recurrent ischemic stroke caused by middle cerebral artery damage showed limited effectiveness in recurrence prevention treatment: 68.8% did not adhere to antiplatelet medication or had recently stopped taking them. 81.8% did not consistently receive statin treatment as prescribed. There is a significant difference in clinical recovery levels based on the mRS among patients with and without hypertension (p=0.023); with and without hyperlipidemia (p=0.044); among patients receiving regular and irregular antithrombotic therapy (p < 0.005); among patients receiving regular and irregular statin therapy (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our research indicates that recurrent ischemic stroke resulting from middle cerebral artery damage presents a higher number of risk factors, and the efficacy of recurrence prevention treatment is suboptimal.