Related Experiment Videos
Fever and infection early after ischemic stroke
A J Grau1, F Buggle, P Schnitzler
1Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. armin_grau@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 3, 1999
Summary
Fever (elevated body temperature) is common after ischemic stroke, often caused by infections like pneumonia. This early fever is linked to more severe stroke deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Elevated body temperature post-ischemic stroke correlates with poor outcomes.
- Understanding fever's prevalence and causes early after stroke is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of fever (>/=38.0°C) within 48 hours of ischemic stroke.
- To identify the causes of early post-stroke fever.
- To assess the relationship between early fever, stroke severity, and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 119 consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted within 24 hours were studied.
- Infection screening before stroke and daily clinical exams post-stroke were performed.
- Radiological and microbiological tests were used for fever evaluation.
Main Results:
- Fever occurred in 30 (25.2%) patients within 48 hours.
- Common causes included aspiration pneumonia (12), respiratory infections (7), and UTIs (4).
- Fever was associated with more severe admission deficits (OR 9.6; 95% CI 3.1-29), independent of other factors.
Conclusions:
- Fever is a frequent early complication of ischemic stroke, often infection-related.
- Infections, particularly pneumonia, are the primary cause of early post-stroke fever.
- Early fever is a significant indicator of stroke severity.