Study of Risk Factors and Their Effect on Outcome in Stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a life-threatening neurological disorder. Incidence in India is 50 to 300 per lakh and is high in western countries. Recently, increase in the number of stroke patients is due to sedentary lifestyle, but mortality and morbidity is decreased with early diagnosis and treatment of the causative factor. Prediction of various conditions causing stroke and its impact on prognosis and course of the disease is important. It will help to recognise the patients who are at risk and provides proper intervention for better prognosis and outcome. METHODS This is an observational study carried out in subjects with acute stroke admitted in Basaveshwara Hospital and followed till discharge for a period of two years. 60 cases were selected, and all details were recorded. All cases of acute stroke diagnosed by clinical features and computed tomography wherever necessary were included in the study. Patients with TIA, neurological deficit & history of trauma were excluded. RESULTS Of the total of 60 patients, 40 were males and 20 were females. Among 40 male patients, 18 patients (45 %) died, 6 (15 %) recovered completely, 6 (15 %) recovered partially, 10 (25 %) did not improve. Among 20 female patients, 6 (30 %) expired, 3 (15 %) recovered completely, 5 (25 %) recovered partially, 6 (30 %) did not improve. CONCLUSIONS Older patients had a higher mortality rate from stroke than younger patients. Complete recovery was better in younger patients than in older patients. Mortality rate was higher in patients with risk factors and recovery rate was better in patients without risk factors. Mortality was higher in patients who were unconscious on admission.