Temporal Trends of Stroke Epidemiology in Southern Sweden: A Population-Based Study on Stroke Incidence and Early Case-Fatality

Abstract

Background: Up-to-date epidemiological stroke studies are important for healthcare planning and evaluating prevention strategies. This population-based study investigates temporal trends in stroke incidence and case-fatality in southern Sweden. Methods: First-ever stroke cases in the local catchment area of Skåne University Hospital in Lund, Sweden, between March, 2015 and February, 2016, were included from several sources, including 2 prospective hospital-based registers, retrospective screening of primary care visits, and autopsy registers. Stroke incidence and 28-day case-fatality rates were compared with data from this area obtained through similar methodology between March, 2001 and February, 2002. Results: Altogether, 456 and 413 first-ever stroke patients were identified during the earlier and later time periods respectively. The age- and sex-standardized stroke incidence rates decreased from 246 (95% CI 224–270) to 165 (95% CI 149–182) per 100,000 people. However, incidence remained unaltered among those <65 years. Early case-fatality decreased from 14 to 11% (p = 0.165). ­Conclusion: First-ever stroke incidence in southern Sweden has decreased with 33% since the beginning of this millenni­um. Incidence rates have decreased among the elderly but remain unchanged among younger age groups. Our findings warrant further studies on trends in risk factor profiles and effects of prevention strategies, and heightened focus on stroke in the young.