Factors Affecting Complications and Mortality of Stroke Patients in Stroke Care Unit

Objective: Stroke remains the second greatest cause of mortality worldwide, causing more than 5 million deaths annually. Hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), male sex, and an age >60 years have been associated with a higher incidence of stroke. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 896 patients of the stroke care unit (SCU) of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran were retrieved and studied to examine the correlation between clinical features and complications. Results: Patients who presented with dysarthria, loss of consciousness, and vertigo had a significantly higher risk of mortality. A history of HTN, DM, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, or carotid stenosis also meaningfully contributed to higher rates of mortality. The main complications associated with higher risks of mortality included aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, sepsis, bedsores, myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal bleeding, hydrocephaly, and brain herniation. Conclusion: Age and several other factors played a significant role in increasing the in-hospital mortality of patients admitted to the SCU. However, no significant correlation was observed between mortality and sex, previous cerebrovascular accident, or the length of in-hospital stay.