PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN SURVIVAL OF 1,484 STROKE CASES OBSERVED FOR 30 TO 48 MONTHS .2. CLINICAL VARIABLES AND LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS

Using the life table method, 962 cases of infarction, 279 cases of hemorrhage and 243 cases of undeterminded type of stroke, occurring in Manitoba [Canada] between Jan. 1, 1970, and June 30, 1971, were analyzed for factors affecting survival. Survival until Dec. 31, 1973, was found to be adversely affected by the presence of coma or unconsciousness and the absence of localizing signs and symptoms. The prognosis was poor if the heart was enlarged on the X-ray film or the ECG was abnormal. The presence of individual clinical entities such as hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation or diabetes did not affect the survival significantly. These findings will help in predicting the prognosis and in planning for management of stroke cases.